When Calls the Heart: Trials of the Heart

The Hallmark Channel's adaptation of Janette Oke's When Calls the Heart—from her Canadian West novel series—continues with this TV-movie combining the first two episodes of the 2015 second season. The story revolves around a trial against a mining company after an accident leaves several Coal Valley women widows. Although the ladies express surprise when they learn that a woman, Samantha Madison (Laura Mennell), will be representing their interests, they quickly realize that she is more than capable. The judge presents a bigger threat due to his fraternization with both the plaintiff and the defense attorney. In matters of the heart, shopkeeper Abigail Stanton's (Lori Loughlin) relationship with investigator Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) cools following a discovery, but the courtship between teacher Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) and constable Jack Thornton (Daniel Lissing) continues unabated. When Elizabeth's mother falls ill, Jack accompanies her to the city of Hamilton, where he meets her wealthy family. Jack also reunites with his ne'er-do-well brother, Tom (Max Lloyd-Jones), the trial comes to an end, and a mysterious gentleman makes an announcement: henceforth, the old town will have a new name and a new industry. A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)