Norah Maguire hasn't had enough.

She's one of those people who defies description, and she's perfectly fine with being a bit of an enigma. Frustrated by the limitations of her working-class, Connecticut existence and ready to make a change, Norah takes her UConn diploma in hand-1965 will be her year.

With dreams of a more fulfilling life, she packs up her belongings and heads to Los Angeles, determined to make her dreams of being a writer a reality. Her first win is a job at a small-circulation newspaper, where she finds more than just a paycheck. Under the careful direction of Gregory, her mentor and soon-to-be lover, her list of accomplishments grows. But there is another who has taken an interest in young Norah, a mysterious man who may or may not have diabolical plans for her.

To escape the stresses of her life, Norah leans on her new circle of friends-including Toni, another young writer, and Adam, her high-school sweetheart-for support. As the 1970s begin, Norah's path to success and worldwide recognition seems unstoppable. Against the backdrop of the unforgettable, real-life events that shocked the nation and world, these people experience it all on a smaller, more human scale-including the rise and fall of lives driven by ambition, courage, passion, sacrifice, and, ultimately, evil.

At the end of the day, will Norah accept-or fight-the inevitable realization that success often comes with a price too high to pay?