As Lark Rise and Candleford prepare for Christmas, a beguiling stranger arrives.

James Dowland arrives in town, taking the woes of the Lark Rise tenants under his wing as he aims to put Candleford on the map with the opening of his new hotel.

Battling with her emotions for new arrival James Dowland, Dorcas Lane sets out to defeat the dashing property developer in the parish council elections.

As the death of Miss Ellison's father unites the communities, the bereaved daughter is confronted by a past she would rather forget and the affections of Thomas Brown.

Time rests heavy on the residents of Lark Rise and Candleford, as baby Annie Timmins stirs up emotions of days gone by and loves yet to be found.

Everyone rallies around to support Laura in her new role in the post office, but Minnie fears her past is catching up with her when anonymous letters arrive.

Lark Rise and Candleford are filled with fun and anticipation with the inauguration of a clock, paid for by James Dowland. But sadness looms for the Timmins family.

The hot summer brings a surprise visitor to Candleford, Dorcas begins seeing James Dowland, and Emma's father, Old Edmund, arrives in Lark Rise for his birthday.

A feud between Lark Rise and the neighbouring village of Fordlow has been simmering for three generations, but it takes young love to bring the two communities together.

Patterson's wife is struck with illness, and gives him permission to seek a new wife.

A storm reveals a secret romance, but also makes the address on a letter indecipherable. And Dorcas reveals another secret: a child, kept hidden even from his own father.

James Dowland is confined to his hospital bed when his son arrives in Candleford. Dorcas welcomes the boy into the post office, which soon causes conflict.