It’s 1913 and times are changing, but not fast enough for naïve, nineteen-year-old Anna as she dares to seek adventurous independence. Inspired by her globe-trotting uncle and his gift of a blue pendant from India, Anna begins her exciting new life as a clerk at the prestigious Sackville Hotel, Bexhill-on-Sea.

Reality hits hard and she is thwarted by the love of two beaus, challenged by charm and trickery, bullied by perverted Mr. Pickles, and revered by the fearsome and wealthy Lady Thornton. The Great War brings sadness, but Anna’s dream pivots on the edge of success. But an ocean adventure to Canada is less than fulfilling. The life she yearns for is once again at her fingertips until it is ripped away and she is forced to succumb to a life she hates. Disheartened, Anna runs back to her roots. Death and disappointment prompt her to search for a lost love buried deep within Chicago's secrets. Time is running out. Can a tired and despondent Anna find the strength to finally follow her dreams?