Spanning seven decades and crossing many oceans, Zoyas journey begins at the turn of the 20th century, just as the Russian Revolution strikes her homeland. Her royal upbringing comes to an abrupt end when her parents are killed, and she is forced to flee with her grandmother, penniless and alone. Life is difficult for Zoya for many years, until she meets and falls in love with Clayton Andrews, a handsome American soldier. Despite her grandmothers objections, they marry and move to New York. Blessed with two children, Zoyas future couldnt look brighter, until the stock market crash of 29 leads to the death of her one true love. Facing misfortune and poverty once again, Zoya finds the courage to rebuild her life. Constantly overcoming the challenges life throws her way, Zoya eventually finds true happiness. And, in a final gesture to her past, she returns to Russia, the one place she would always think of as home.