The year is 1805. Napoleon Bonaparte is rampaging Europe for domination and control of the eastern regions of Germany and Prussia.

Annaelise Theiss is the daughter of a German winemaker, Count Karl Theiss, and of a former Parisian aristocrat, Louisa Guerlain. The young heroine, Annaelise is torn between her mother's allegiance to the new French Regime and her father's influential thinking towards the New Enlightenment from German philosophers and the American Founding Fathers. Espionage and spying againt the emperor are everywhere.

As a young ingenue, Annaelise witnesses conflicting messages. She experiences the height of the former glory of the French artistocracy while visiting a distanct cousin in Bavaria with her family. Coming of age, her heart becomes clouded in deception and mystery. Her journey further takes her to the simplicity of the winery and brewery lifestyle of Alsace-Lorraine and to The Pfalz in Germany. It is there that she connects with her German heritage and lifestyle.

The plot thickens when she falls in love with a courageous French officer, Captain Hans Roster. Mystery, betrayal, and romance alter Annaelise's life with twists and turns along every direction.

Equestrian scenes are very prevalent in weaving the listeners back in time with transportation that was dependent on horses and carriages. Destinations were taverns and inns that provided stopping points between cities, oftentimes serving as secret meeting places. From ballrooms to battle scenes, this spellbound story will keep you engaged with each chapter.

This novel is based on actual fact and history. A sequel is planned.