Ep 8. Heart of a Writer

When Calls the Heart season 7 episode 8, titled "Heart of a Writer," takes viewers on an emotional journey as Elizabeth deals with her grief over Jack's death and tries to find a way to move forward with her life. Meanwhile, Lucas struggles with his own feelings for Elizabeth and worries that he may never be able to compete with the memory of her late husband.

As the episode opens, Elizabeth is struggling to come up with a story for the children's writing contest. She seeks advice from Rosemary, who reminds her that writing is a way to work through her emotions and find a path forward. Inspired by Rosemary's words, Elizabeth begins to write a story about a young girl who has lost everything but finds the strength to carry on.

Meanwhile, Lucas is struggling with his feelings for Elizabeth. He knows that she is still grieving and that he may never be able to replace Jack in her heart. He confides in Nathan, who urges him to be patient and give Elizabeth the time she needs to heal.

As Elizabeth continues to work on her story, she meets a young writer named Cody, who is entering the contest himself. She is impressed by his talent and takes him under her wing, offering him advice and guidance as he works on his own story.

Elsewhere in Hope Valley, Rosemary and Lee are excited about the prospect of starting a family. They begin making plans for a nursery and discussing possible names for their future child.

As the writing contest draws to a close, Elizabeth and Cody present their stories to the judges. Elizabeth's story, titled "The Strength to Carry On," is a moving tribute to Jack and the resilience of the human spirit. Cody's story, titled "The Secret of Hope Valley," is a magical tale about a group of children who discover a hidden treasure in the woods.

After the judges announce the winner, Elizabeth is surprised to learn that Cody's story has been chosen as the winner. She congratulates him on his victory and tells him that she is proud of him. As she watches him walk away, a tear rolls down her cheek, reminding her once again of the pain and loss she has endured.

As the episode comes to a close, Lucas makes a decision about his future in Hope Valley. He realizes that he can't keep waiting for Elizabeth to be ready for a relationship and decides to take a step back, giving her the space she needs to heal. Elizabeth, in turn, realizes that she needs to continue to find ways to move forward with her life, even as she continues to grieve for Jack.

Overall, "Heart of a Writer" is a touching and emotional episode that explores the themes of grief, resilience, and staying true to oneself. With strong performances from the entire cast and a powerful script that tugs at the heartstrings, it is a must-watch for fans of When Calls the Heart.