As World War II in Europe staggered to a conclusion on May 8, 1945, a beautiful young German woman began her journey into a new life in another world. Erika Schmidt Heisler was the daughter of rich, influential German industrialists who had been members of the Nazi elite. She was married to Kurt, an officer in the Waffen SS. By the end of war, Erika's parents and young son had been killed in an Allied bombing raid, and her husband languished in an American POW camp. Alone and demoralized, Erika was recruited by members of the American army to help secure the services of German rocket scientists. Erika soon finds herself thrust into the perilous world of espionage and is forced to deal with life threatening situations. She struggles to adapt to her new life. Adding to her concerns, Erika finds herself attracted to a charismatic American captain. Danger, intrigue, and love follow Erika from Germany to the United States, where her husband joins the CIA. Erika is troubled by her husband's obsession to destroy Communism, and a rebellious daughter engaged in the Civil Rights Movement. Eventually, Erika's journey of discovery exposes her to the political turmoil following World War II, challenges her views on morality, and forces her to discover the meaning of true love.