An unexpected newcomer to Hope Valley puts the future of Abigail's new family in jeopardy; Bill and Jack close in on discovering the sawmill's saboteur.
To raise money for new school supplies, Elizabeth and the kids throw a carnival; Abigail finalizes a deal to bring the railroad to Hope Valley and new families flock to the town with the promise of work.
An intriguing peddler comes to Hope Valley selling the townspeople his wears and teaching them valuable lessons about joy and giving. And the townspeople realize that the displaced settlers in the area will not have Christmas.
Elizabeth struggles with growing pains at the school; an old friend comes to visit Jack; Abigail's tenure as mayor is threatened; Rosemary plays matchmaker.
Tension between Elizabeth and her new students continues. Meanwhile Lee and Rosemary fight about Rosemary learning to drive, and Abigail struggles to hold the cafe together while the railroad's commissary thrives.
Elizabeth takes Opal in while her parents are away; a newcomer to Hope Valley has some insight into Carson Shepherd's mysterious past; an unlikely turn of events puts Cody in harm's way.
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.
