Fast-talking New Yorker and brand new doctor Zoe Hart has it all figured out—after graduating top of her class from medical school, she'll follow in her father's footsteps and become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. But when her dreams fall apart, Zoe decides to accept an offer from a stranger, Dr. Harley Wilkes, to work with him at his small practice in Bluebell, Alabama. Zoe arrives in this small Gulf Coast town only to find that Harley has passed away and left his half of the medical practice to her in his will.

Now that Zoe knows the true feelings of both George and Wade, she must choose between the two men. Zoe seeks the advice of former Bluebell resident Ruby Jeffries. The two become fast friends, but no one in Bluebell is excited to see Ruby return, especially Lavon who has history with her. Meanwhile, Lemon decides to move on from George and start over fresh by finding a job and her own apartment.

Zoe returns to Bluebell with her boyfriend. Everyone hates her because she sent them an email saying she was leaving forever. Zoe has to get Brick to sign a reference for her to a doctor in New York. Zoe also misses everyone. AnnaBeth is still with Levon. Levon's cousin, Lilly, is in town and is getting on everyone's nerves. Meanwhile, no one has talked to George since he left for his tour. Brick and his fiancée broke up and Lemon is sleeping with an unknown man. Tansy moved on with the attorney of Filmore and George is upset. Will Zoe stay in bluebell forever?

When we last visited the charming but wacky town populated by Zoe Hart and her colorful circle of friends, the titular doctor had decided she was finally going to fight for Wade, who'd opted to stay in Bluebell and continue to run the Rammer Jammer after all. Meanwhile, George and Lavon had both decided they weren't quite over the tasty offerings of one Lemon Breeland, and Annabeth had dumped Barry Watson's Davis because he owned way too many shoes (and because she was totally still in love with Lavon).