Elizabeth's sister Julie visits Hope Valley in her quest to become a teacher; Lee is made acting Sheriff when Abigail and Bill leave town to testify in Gowen's trial; Carson has problems with a traveling tonic salesmen.

Elizabeth mentors Julie, who finds teaching more difficult than she imagined; Abigail has to find a way to convince the railroad to build its depot in Hope Valley.

Jack returns and begins planning his future with Elizabeth; Elizabeth teaches her students the difference between facts and speculation; the town is put on edge when Lee cannot withdraw funds to pay his employees.

Abigail tries to figure out how to keep the town's bank afloat; Elizabeth struggles to understand what troubles one of her young students; Rosemary goes overboard planning Jack and Elizabeth's wedding.

Jack and Elizabeth's plan to get married is put in serious jeopardy; Bill has difficulty transporting a prisoner.

Jack and Elizabeth's relationship is put to the test; Pastor Frank and Abigail make a decision about their future; Bill helps a young girl solve a mystery.

Elizabeth assigns her students to follow business leaders in Hope Valley for a day. Abigail and the town host two possible investors for the failing bank. Bill's life is disrupted when AJ Foster arrives and turns herself in.

Bill is put in serious jeopardy while transporting AJ to face trial. Abigail tries to save the town from an investor who will hurt Hope Valley. Carson is faced with a life-and-passing medical decision. Elizabeth tries to reunite a mother and her son.

The widow of Lee s former silent partner arrives and gives Gowen a chance to run a company again, Elizabeth tutors an unexpected new student and the residents of Hope Valley conspire to pull off a surprise.

In the 3 weeks since the arrival of devastating news, Hope Valley has come together in love and support in a time of sadness.