When Hope Calls

Photojournalist Paul Franklin is wrapping his stay in Brookfield. By now, he blends in as the town prepares for Christmas Eve. Lillian, the orphans, and Gabriel are running out of options to restore the troubled boy�s hope for better times. Just when all seems lost, a secret Santa appears to fulfill all holiday wishes, and Abigail has a profound conversation with a dear friend from the past. Meanwhile, Paul�s lens is recording every miraculous moment.

Brookfield hosts a Christmas festival as one of three contenders in Harper�s Bazaar�s search for America�s #1 Country Christmas Town. The entire town is preoccupied with creating the essence of Christmas for the photojournalist�s lens, though, behind the scenes, residents are not living the spirit of the season. In the midst of the fuss, a stagecoach appears, and out steps Abigail Stanton and her son, Cody, who have brought a troubled boy to Lillian�s orphanage.

Gabriel fears for Lillian�s safety when suspects in the bank fraud case arrive to Brookfield. The suspects concoct a ruthless plot to cover their tracks. Grace prepares to accompany Helen across the Atlantic. Unaware of Grace�s journey, Chuck heads out of town on a cattle drive.

A reporter comes to town to cover the 10th anniversary of Tess�s husband�s passing. Grace and Chuck�s relationship hits a rough patch. Gabriel continues his investigation into the bank fraud. Eleanor and Joe try to make Maggie feel more at home in Brookfield.

Grace is thinking of moving to New York, while Chuck urges her to stay. Lillian locates Helen�s grandfather. Gabriel�s investigation into the suspected bank fraud raises questions about how Ronnie funded his hotel. Tess tries to protect Ronnie. Maggie helps a visitor who has come to Brookfield.

Lillian plans a surprise party for Grace�s birthday. Grace puts a wrench in the surprise plans by taking on more work. Chuck and Tess take one of the orphans under their wings. Gabriel pursues a witness to the robbery. Sam forgives Lillian for accusing him of a crime.

Lillian has doubts about Sam. Gabriel helps Constable Nathan Grant, hunt down the fugitive. Chuck stays at the orphanage as a protective measure. Tess holds out hope that Chuck will eventually decide to run the family ranch. Maggie makes an interesting discovery at the infirmary.

A government worker arrives to inspect the orphanage. When building damages coincide with the inspector�s visit, Lillian offers Sam, a struggling prospector, room and board in exchange for handyman services. Gabriel sizes up Sam while Chuck receives a cold shoulder from Grace. Ronnie needs Tess�s help.

While at Mountie Headquarters, Gabriel meets face to face with the bank robber who tried to kill him. Grace and Chuck spend more time together, but Tess orchestrates a scenario meant to drive them apart. Meanwhile, Maggie tries to help Joe with an old shoulder injury.

Lillian tries to mend fences with Tess, but Tess still blames Lillian�s father for her husband�s death. Grace takes a second job. Gabriel hunts the fugitive suspected of setting the fire. Chuck stands up for Grace at her new job. Maggie settles into her job at the infirmary.

Rosemary and Lee Coulter from Hope Valley are in town to help rebuild after the fire, while Gabriel investigates the cause. Complications arise between Chuck and Grace. After losing his store, Joe considers moving. Nurse Maggie Parsons arrives in town, and Tess continues to feud with a neighbor.

Reunited sisters Lillian and Grace encounter resistance against their just-opened Orphanage from the townspeople. Having recently returned to town, Constable Gabriel reacquaints himself with neighbors. Tess�s son Chuck helps Grace and admires her tenacity. When disaster strikes, the town must unite despite danger.