The death of her loving father shatters 16-year-old Crystal's happy life on a remote ranch. Abused by her bitter mother, she's first raped, then blamed for the tragic shooting of her younger brother and finally banished from the family home.

Alone and penniless, she flees to San Francisco and takes a job as a waitress in a night club. Her unique singing talents are soon noticed, however, and before long she's carving out a sparkling recording career. By chance, Crystal meets up with her one true childhood love, Spencer Hill, who's now engaged to a powerful society beauty. Though infatuated with each other, they realise they must go their separate ways - both eventually reaching the pinnacle of their careers.

But fame and fortune can never eclipse true love. So, when fate finally brings them together again, will more than a decade of triumphs and tragedies once more stand in the way of happiness and love?