Cindy Busby has worn a lot of hats over the years—equestrian elite, royal romantic lead, big city bookworm—but in When Hope Calls, she’s donning something entirely new: a power suit, 1920s-style.

The Heartland and Hallmark alum has officially joined the heartwarming historical drama as Nora Anderson, a trailblazing lawyer arriving in Brookfield with purpose, poise, and a past that’s about to unfold. Streaming now on Pureflix and Great American Family, When Hope Calls marks a fresh era for the fan-favorite actress—and it’s one we’re completely here for.

“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a period piece and tell stories of a different era,” Busby says. “Nora is a lawyer during a time when women were just starting to gain presence in the workplace, so needless to say, she is a trailblazer.”

And a complicated one at that. While Nora walks into town with a strong sense of duty, Busby hints that her character’s walls come down quickly in surprising ways—especially when a certain Mountie enters the picture.

“She’s incredibly strong and resilient, but I was surprised how quickly she’s flustered around Mountie Michael Fletcher,” she laughs.

Nora’s journey this season isn’t just about career moves or potential romance—it’s deeply rooted in themes of faith, family, and second chances. For Busby, that’s what makes When Hope Calls resonate so powerfully.

“Family is my anchor and faith is my compass,” she shares. “Nora grew up in a divided home, and when she decides to visit Brookfield, she finds connection and purpose within the community. That revitalizes her sense of faith in ways she didn’t expect.”

It’s a sentiment that speaks to the heart of the series and underscores why audiences—both longtime fans and newcomers—are tuning in.

“Nora’s story reminds us that it’s never too late to take a leap of faith,” Busby says. “The community, the characters, the love—it all feels so timely, especially now.”

A Career Built on Heart

While Nora Anderson may be her latest role, Cindy Busby’s resume reads like a greatest hits playlist of comfort TV. She became a household name as Ashley Stanton on Heartland, one of Canada’s most successful series ever, now streaming in over 80 countries and thriving on Netflix.

Since then, she’s fronted more than 20 lead roles—including the Hallmark smash Unleashing Mr. Darcy, which drew over three million viewers on premiere night and broke social media records. From filming Royal Hearts in Romania alongside James Brolin to starring opposite Ashanti in Honey Girls, Busby has proven she can shine in any genre, on any set.

“Every project comes with its own set of blessings and challenges,” she reflects. “As I’ve grown as a person, so has my work.”

And audiences have grown with her. Whether popping up in cult favorites like Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, or Psych, or stealing scenes in Hallmark’s first-ever original series Cedar Cove, Busby has mastered the art of making every role—no matter how small or sweeping—feel personal.

“I love to dig deep into the emotional journey of my characters,” she says. “Why are they here? What drives them? Those are the same questions I ask myself in real life.”

Set Vibes and Final Takes

Filming When Hope Calls wasn’t just another credit on Busby’s IMDb. According to the actress, it was one of the most fulfilling experiences of her career.

“The cast and crew were so talented, funny, and grounded. There was so much laughter shared every day,” she says.

And reuniting with her frequent co-star Christopher Russell didn’t hurt either.

“We’ve done four movies together, so getting to work on a series was a dream,” she adds. “One of my favorite moments was the final scene of the finale— which also happened to be the last scene we shot together for the season. The emotions were real, and it turned out beautifully.”

The Bottom Line?

Cindy Busby isn’t just a reliable go-to for a good love story or a comforting Hallmark binge. She’s an actress evolving in real-time—taking bigger swings, deeper roles, and reminding viewers that even in the softest stories, strength shines through.

With When Hope Calls, she’s not just entering a new chapter—she’s writing one.

Photography Credit: Manfred Baumann