An air of discord settles over Hope Valley when Jack's spirited mother, Charlotte, pays an unexpected visit... and stays with Elizabeth. While Charlotte "helpfully" critiques Elizabeth's skills as a housekeeper, pie-maker and teacher, Rosemary has become a bit of a taskmaster herself for those helping with her imminent wedding to Lee. Meanwhile Gowen comes under suspicion for "irregularities" in the bank's bookkeeping, and as he and Nora prepare to leave town, Bill and Jack must contend with a violent storm, rising flood waters and the collapse of the Silverton mine!