Allegiance to Alsace

By: Marta Anne Tice

Narrated by: Naomi Rose-Mock

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.

©2022 Marta A. Tice (P)2022 Marta A. Tice

Wonderful history of the Napoleonic era.

The detail of elegant life in the time of Napoleon and the struggles of a society to become enlightened were well treated in the book. I enjoyed the descriptions of glamour, and especially the descriptions of horses and fine wines.

An Historical Love Story

This story is an historical tale taking place at the turn of the 19th Century in France during Napoleon's ruling. It keeps your interest because of the author's details and description of a particular family while under Napoleon's attempts to take over Europe. There is romance. The detailed descriptions of the people, the horses and the places in the story are well done. She provides a thorough visual portrayal of each individual's physical features as well as revealing their character. It is for one who enjoys a romance novel with historical content. Marta shows the importance of the horse and rider connection, especially during a time in history when horses provided all transportation. I enjoyed listening to the book not only because it was a good story but because it was well read.

What a lovely book

First of all, the narrator was PERFECT for the book. So often they dont match, but when they do it makes the book come to life. I found myself stopping this book to google this or that. I really enjoy historical fiction, and I ride so this book was a perfect match. A sequel perhaps?

Vivid window into an interesting time of history

If you love beautiful descriptions of the past and a fan of horses this book is for you. It’s interesting to experience what it much have been like living under Napoleon with an enlightened mind. This book presents the complexity of the day in a balanced way with lovely characters and fun plot twists. You will feel like you are there and enjoy this read!