Running from the harshness of life in her native Rural Siberia, Anya Petroya catches the early morning train that begins her journey through Mongolia and China to search for her mother's sister in Hong Kong.

Innocent in the ways of the world beyond her small village, Anya, disguised as a 19-year-old agricultural worker, meets Robert Lawrence, an American journalist. Robert quickly sees through Anya's ruse and, together, they embark upon a journey that will change both their lives.

Robert is arrested for kidnapping by the relentless Zerkov Antonovich, who is curious about Anya's activities, and Anya is befriended by a Chinese journalist friend of Robert's and his wife; the two women become confidantes as Anya learns more about the world beyond Siberia.

Finally, Robert is released and, as Anya nurses him back to health from the vicious beatings he's endured, their love begins to blossom...

It is then

Anya's true journey begins: one that takes her through China, into Hong Kong, and onto America. Will Anya grow out of her naiveté to face the challenges ahead, and can Anya and Robert's love survive what fate has in store for them?