The town of Hope Valley adjusts to the changing times while still maintaining the small-town bonds that connect them. After taking time off to care for her new baby, Elizabeth returns to teaching but soon realizes she needs more support than she could have imagined. Abigail prepares for the arrival of the telephone to Hope Valley. Bill and Gowen enter a bidding war for the town saloon. Rosemary senses a spark between Faith and Carson.

After a foolish comment, Carson must admit that he cares more about Faith. The charming new saloon owner, Lucas Bouchard, causes a stir. Elizabeth teaches self-confidence, and Abigail takes a risk on the stock market with Gowen.

Bill convinces an estranged friend to help catch criminals, Abigail & Lucas face off about the saloon's disruption to town, and Faith & Carson consider revealing their relationship.

A new Mountie arrives earlier than expected. Bill and Nathan jump right to work when Lee's payroll is stolen. At the school, friends turn against each when a mock debate goes awry; Carson and Faith try to keep their romance a secret.

Elizabeth confronts Nathan about his parenting style. Bill is offered a judgeship, but is unsure if he wants to take it. Rosemary hosts a girls-only night. Faith and Carson's romance blooms. Jesse finds surface oil, but can't afford to drill.

Gowen strikes oil, which splits Hope Valley into the haves and have-nots. Bill must settle a dispute among the landowners. Nathan urges Bill to re-examine the judgeship offer. Rosemary must come clean to Lee about a deep, emotional anxiety she feels.

Trying to stay on Elizabeth's good side, Lucas sets up a library for the town. Abigail is reunited with an old flame. Allie tricks Harper, Robert and Opal into believing the town has a haunted house. Bill conducts his first trial as a judge.

Lucas' past comes back to haunt him and others in Hope Valley; Lee and Gowen compete for workers; meanwhile, an old friend arrives with a new orphan. Stars Erin Krakow, Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner.

At the Founders' Day Festival, Elizabeth makes a move that might affect her future. An orphan struggles to accept his new life. Bill finds startling information about Gowen.