According to The Cinemaholic, Hope McCrae was first introduced to "Virgin River" viewers in Season 1. The character was revealed to be the mayor of the small California town and the one who hired Mel Monroe to help out at Doc Mullins' clinic.

Hope is known for meddling in other people's lives and even read a private letter to Jack Sheridan from his ex-girlfriend Charmaine Roberts, which revealed that she was pregnant with his child. Over the course of the series, Hope's relationship with Jack has been explored, and it seems that they have a good friendship and a mother-and-son-like bond, per Showbiz CheatSheet.

In addition, Hope is also very close to Vernon, aka "Doc." During Season 1, it's revealed that the pair were previously married and have been separated for quite some time. They finally talk divorce and realize that they still have a lot of love for each other. 

Their love story continued on in Season 2 when it was revealed that Doc may be going blind (via Bustle). However, during "Virgin River" Season 3, Hope and Doc were put to the test by distance and tragedy.