Erin Krakow plays Elizabeth Thornton on “When Calls the Heart,” the Hallmark Channel’s most successful and beloved drama set in the rugged Northwest Territory of Canada. Her character has the perfect intuition, and knows how to make each of her students in Hope Valley discover the wonder of learning. In real life, Erin Krakow makes sure that her “When Calls the Heart” castmates never feel forgotten, whether the production is shooting or not. The actress had the perfect words to make a birthday begin in the perfect way for co-star Paul Greene.

Faithful fans of “When Calls the Heart” can hardly wait for summer to fly by and hasten the return of winter’s chill, because January marks the start of Season 6, and a whole new adventure for Elizabeth as a mother.

In the meantime, there's a bevy of Hallmark bridal movies to help fans bide their time, starring many “When Calls the Heart” regulars. No great show just happens, and the warm weather hiatus gives favorite stars and producers time to create more memorable episodes. It's clear that everyone involved stays in touch.

The best of wishes

Erin Krakow opened with her usual warmth as she wished “love, silliness, and positivity” to Paul Greene in her June 2 Twitter message, echoing that he “constantly” gives those attributes to the world. In turn, the actor responded that her message, friendship, and kindness meant the world to him.

Paul Greene’s character of Dr.

Carson Shepherd likely will play an even larger part in Elizabeth Thornton's life as she gives birth to the child conceived in love from her newlywed husband, Jack (Daniel Lissing), who was tragically killed trying to spare two of his trainees while an instructor on assignment. Every new mother is consumed by worries and questions, and Carson Shepherd will be just one of the people of Hope Valley who will comfort, guide, and encourage the mother and child.

Fans have been assured that Elizabeth will find love again, but by necessity, that circumstance will come in its own time.

Paul Greene got a dream wish of his own when he was offered the part of either Carson Shepherd or Shane Cantrell when he was about to join “When Calls the Heart.” He could identify with the brokenness felt by Carson Shepherd, and the actor brought a heart-wrenching authenticity to his role as the doctor who had sworn off practicing medicine after losing his wife during surgery for a brain tumor, under his own hand.

No amount of his love or skill could save her, and he fled his former life and vocation.

Carson Shepherd started his new life by working as a hand in the café owned by Abigail Stanton (Lori Loughlin) in Season 4. She and the community had faith in the physician, and little by little, helping one child and one resident at a time, he came to be the cherished town doctor. He faced his ultimate test in last April's Season 5 episode, "Weather the Storm,” when he was forced to save his sister-in-law from the very same type of condition that took his wife.

This time, the outcome was successful, and a newfound confidence was born. Hopefully no more tragedies will befall the lives of Elizabeth or Dr. Shepherd for a long time to come.

Erin Krakow's birthday wish bodes brighter days. One of the things that drew Greene to the drama was the real connection fans had to not just the TV characters, but to Janette Oke, the author of the book series upon which the show is based. The actor was very surprised to learn that the author knew his grandmother and grandfather.

Marching again

During the touch-and-go surgery that saved his sister-in-law, it was Lee and Rosemary, portrayed by Canadian cast members Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton, who waited feverishly outside Dr. Shepherd's office. The two favorite co-stars are starring together again in their own nuptial adventure, “The Perfect Bride: Wedding Bells.”

The movie premieres this coming weekend (June 9) and is a sequel to their very popular “The Perfect Bride,” which debuted last year.

Pascale Hutton has had her fingers busy on Twitter, too, posting some playful outtakes and teasers. Those who remember Lee and Rosemary’s exchange of vows and rings should enjoy this walk down the aisle.

As “When Calls the Heart” always conveys through its core message, life is often a struggle, but the lessons of those struggles build strength and character, and a faith that lasts. Birthdays and weddings are always blessings to celebrate.
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