When Calls the Heart Spin-Off Returns for Season Two — With a Huge Soapy Casting Twist!

After a long, scandalous road, a former daytime star is heading back to acting.

Fans of Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart spinoff, When Hope Calls will be happy to know that the series will be coming back on our screens for season two — not on Hallmark but rather on the GAC Family channel. But that’s not all… Our sister site Deadline has learned exclusively that Lori Loughlin (Edge of Night, Jody) is returning to acting to reprise her popular WCTH role of Abigail Stanton for the two-part season premiere of When Hope Calls on Saturday, December 18, titled “When Hope Calls: A Country Christmas.”

Fans last saw Loughlin in the Hallmark role during season six of its hit series prior to being released from the network, due to her part in the college admissions scandal.

lori loughlin as when calls the heart's abigail

The series, based on the Canadian West books by Janette Oke, premiered on August 30, 2019, and followed two sisters, Lillian and Grace, who opened an orphanage in the western town of Brookfield in 1916. Caught between ambitions of a thriving town and traditions of cattle ranchers, both strive to find romance and happiness while overcoming the challenges of taking care of the orphaned children.

More: A secret is revealed Sunday on Chesapeake Shores

Season one’s last episode aired on October 25, 2019, and left off when Lillian and Grace faced a difficult decision in regards to an orphan. Gabriel worked hard to take care of a problem before anyone got hurt, especially Lillian, and asked Sam for help. Plus, Chuck went with Lucie on a cattle drive for his mother, unaware that Grace planned to accompany Helen to England to be reunited with her grandfather.

Are you excited that GAC Family is bringing the series back? How about Loughlin’s part in it? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section. Plus, don’t forget that When Calls the Heart will return to the Hallmark Channel in 2022.

If you’re a fan of Hallmark’s summer series, Chesapeake Shores, you’ll enjoy our gallery below filled with teaser photos from this year’s all-new season.

Chesapeake Shores season five David Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Robert Buckley Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Raylene Harewood Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Trace The Bridge bar Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Abby at The Bridge bar Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Kevin ponders Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Connor and Bree laugh at the bar Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Jess and Mick Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Jess with David's parents Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Connor's law firm Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Mick gives Trace advice hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Bree and Luke at the donations box hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Abby and Trace on the docks hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five Abby and Ick at their company hallmark

megan shows mick painting season five Chesapeake shores hallmark

Mick and Abby meet with Evan season five Chesapeake shores hallmark

evan rock climbing season five Chesapeake shores hallmark

kevin and bree talk park bench season five Chesapeake shores hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five mick and thomas hike hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five jess and david hunting hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five snally hunting creature hallmark

Chesapeake Shores season five connor and abby find evidence hallmark

Chesapeake shores season five sarah hugs jess hallmark

Chesapeake shores season five kevin, david, connor triathlon hallmark

Chesapeake shores season five bree, jess, abby triathlon hallmark

Chesapeake shores season five jess and david sit at inn hallmark

Chesapeake shores abby karate suit hallmark

Chesapeake shores luke and bree at dinner wedding hallmark

Chesapeake shores connor, david, mick and kevin at wedding hallmark

Chesapeake shores mick and guests at david and jess' wedding hallmark

Chesapeake Shores evan stays at abby's Hallmark

chesapeake shores evan on couch, Obrien's eat hallmark

Chesapeake Shores evan hurts back Hallmark

Chesapeake Shores sarah and kevin hospital Hallmark

Chesapeake shores nell talks to mick hallmark

Chesapeake shores evan's driver hallmark

Chesapeake shores evan takes abby to a resort hallmark

Chesapeake shores evan takes abby on a trip hallmark

chesapeake shores megan's big art show hallmark

chesapeake shores nell and arthur dance hallmark

chesapeake shores connor is stressed over work hallmark

chesapeake shores evan is deep in thought hallmark

Megan job Cali Chesapeake Shores Finale Hallmark

Connor, bree, luke parole case Chesapeake Shores Finale Hallmark

Margaret and Connor Chesapeake Shores Finale Hallmark

abby and evan lunch Chesapeake Shores Finale Hallmark

chesapeake shores when or where hallmark

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When Calls the Heart Spin-Off Returns for Season Two — With a Huge Soapy Casting Twist!

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<p>Carlo Marks returns as David. It’s time for him and Jess to plan their wedding!</p>

<p>Robert Buckley makes his debut in season five. Oh, and did we mention, he’s a billionaire?</p>

<p>Raylene Harewood makes her debut in season five. She works with Connor at the new law firm. </p>

<p>In the season five premiere on Sunday, August 15, Abby imagines Trace standing behind the bar at The Bridge. Abby — and their season four cliffhanger kiss — is on her mind.</p>

<p>Abby’s at The Bridge with her family. Her future with Trace, and thoughts of their past, consume her.</p>

<p>Abby’s brother Kevin seems to be pondering his future as well. He and wife Sarah are planning new beginnings of their own.</p>

<p>The other O’Brien siblings, Connor and Bree, reconnect. Bree’s back home after working on her play in London.</p>

<p>Sister Jess spends some time with their father Mick. She is about to welcome some visitors to town.</p>

<p>Jess brings her fiance David’s parents to the docks. They’ll soon present Jess with a legal document that will having her feeling on edge.</p>

<p>Connor is working at a new law firm. However, a possible new client will turn out to be a conflict of interest where his family is concerned.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, August 22, episode, Mick and Trace take some time out to connect at The Bridge. Mick is giving him advice, as he often does. </p>

<p>Bree meets up with someone from her past while making a donation. Luke is her brother Kevin’s friend from high school. </p>

<p>Abby and Trace are at the docks. Considering Trace is leaving town, this could be one of the last close moments we see between them — even though it’s another one of Abby’s reflections on the past.</p>

<p>Abby and Mick have partnered up at O’Brien Construction. They have a business problem on their hands and are losing clients.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, August 29, episode, Megan shows Mick a painting, which he buys for her for eight dollars. Considering how valuable it really is, she plans to locate its artist.</p>

<p>Mick and Abby meet the local billionaire at the job site. Given the lawsuit looming over O’Brien Construction, they do their best to make sure Evan doesn’t back out of the hotel project.</p>

<p>Evan’s goofy ways seems to get under Abby’s skin. Here he appears to be spending the afternoon doing some rock climbing.</p>

<p>Siblings Bree and Kevin catch up over coffee. Between Kevin worrying about his chief at the station and Bree dealing with faces from the past, Luke’s return to shore is likely brought up. </p>

<p>In the Sunday, September 5 episode, Mick and his brother Thomas reconnect — and what better way to do it? The brothers set off to hike the Appalachian Trail to recreate a childhood memory. </p>

<p>Back at the Shores, Jess and David lead a group into the woods for the annual Snally Hunting Weekend. Everyone is on the lookout for the infamous Snallygaster.</p>

<p>This looks like an owl to us, but could it be the mystically creature at the center of the hunt? Only time will tell.</p>

<p>Abby and Connor are at opposite ends of the battle regarding the Dilpher case. But blood runs thicker than business, and the siblings find evidence that could help exonerate their father.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, September 12, episode, Sarah receives some very unexpected news. Good thing Jess is there to wrap her sister-in-law in a hug for comfort.</p>

<p>It’s time for Chesapeake Shores Day — and we have some winners! Kevin, David and Connor smile after winning medals in the triathlon.</p>

<p>It looks as though it’s a double celebration for the O’Briens. Jess, Abby and Bree take home medals too!</p>

<p>There’s nothing better than relaxing with a glass of wine. That’s exactly what David and Jess are doing at their inn.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, September 19, episode, Abby takes time out for herself at karate class. Her workouts have proven to help release some of the tension caused by Evan and the hotel project.</p>

<p>It’s time for Jess and David’s wedding day. Bree has picked a plus-one but did a guest list fiasco prevent her from bringing Luke? </p>

<p>Part of the wedding party has arrived. Connor, groom-to-be David, Mick and Kevin look handsome as ever in their suits.</p>

<p>And talk about a proud papa… just look at Mick as he waits for the ceremony to begin. Everyone else looks happy to be celebrating the big day with Jess and David too.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, September 26, episode, Abby and Evan do some work at the O’Brien residence. Little did she know that he would end up hurting his back.</p>

<p>Since the occurrence happened at the O’Brien’s, Evan is invited to stay until he feels better. It’s safe to say the couch will be occupied for a few days.</p>

<p>Everyone carries on as usual. Nell, Abby and the girls share a meal while Evan gets caught up on work from their couch.</p>

<p>Sarah lands in the hospital. While waiting for further tests, the news they received at the firehouse could very well affect their plans to start a family.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, October 3, episode, Nell and Mick share a close moment. The loving mom just might have more advice for her son.</p>

<p>Evan’s driver arrives at the O’Brien house. For what? To whisk Abby away on an adventure.</p>

<p>This beautiful place awaits Evan and Abby’s arrival. Could it be one of many of the billionaire’s properties or something more? </p>

<p>While seated amid tea and sandwiches, Evan has something to tell Abby. Will she be receptive to his declaration? </p>

<p>In the Sunday, October 10, episode, Megan struggles with an inner battle, as news of Mick’s whereabouts is unknown. However, she must pull it together for the art show.</p>

<p>Arthur and Nell attend the art show together. In fact, the two old friends take some time out for a dance.</p>

<p>Connor is completely exhausted and stressed over starting his own business. He knows he needs help in the form of an assistant.</p>

<p>Evan has a lot on his mind, mostly Abby, and makes a grand gesture. Too bad his generosity ends up backfiring.</p>

<p>In the Sunday, October 17 season finale, Megan is supposed to be planning a trip around the world with Mick. However, an opportunity could take her to California, which will likely put a damper on their plans — and their future.</p>

<p>Connor works to help Luke fight his parole hearing. If he fails, Luke could be headed back to prison.</p>

<p>Margaret is worried about Connor’s stress levels and his health. She plans to help him relax with a little surprise — one that he will be sure to love. </p>

<p>Evan finally gets up the nerve to ask Abby out on a date. Will she say yes or are her feelings stronger for Jay? </p>

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