Searchers in Winter: A Novel of Napoleons Empire

Owen Patakis second novel emerges from the rubble of the French Revolution into the legendary conquests of Napoleon. Readers will love the richly drawn characters and evocative settings in this story that pits the values of humanity against those lusting after power and greed. -Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire\r\n\r\nThe year is 1806, and a new French Empire is rising from the shadow of the Reign of Terror. The citizens who shouted Death to Kings now chant Vive lEmpereur! for Napoleon, who is seeking to consolidate his power. While the peace and prosperity he promised is decadently enjoyed in Paris, fear spreads across Europe, and a new coalition has united against him.\r\n \r\n In Poland, Andre Valieres efforts to serve out his conscription and return home to his family are complicated when he finds himself lured into a plot to seize a hidden fortune. Containing enough riches to bestow glory and wealth upon whoever delivers it to Napoleon, this elusive cache soon draws other, more powerful forces, wishing to claim it.\r\n \r\n In Normandy, Sophie Valiere strives to manage the family estate in Andres absence, but her efforts are imperiled by an influx of refugees and their growing friction with the local farmers. Amidst the infighting that threatens to unleash chaos on the entire province, she is visited by an intriguing Count returning from exile. It isnt long before this mysterious nobleman has his sights on a new prize.\r\n \r\n In Paris, retired republican lawyer and former revolutionary, Jean-luc St. Clair, finds himself returning to politics. As his fortunes grow so does his list of enemies, and the opulent streets prove just as dangerous as Napoleons battlefields.\r\n \r\n Inspired by the mysterious origins of the famed Rothschilds fortune, the bloody battles of the Napoleonic wars, the notorious gangs of nineteenth century Naples, and the real-life mistress who charmed Napoleon into granting Poland a nation-state, Searchers in Winter sets a cast of unforgettable characters-against epic historical events-into thrilling motion from the opening pages.\r\n \r\n Armchair time travelers whove wondered what its like to be embedded in Napoleons Grande Armee will devour Owen Patakis Searchers in Winter. -Juliet Grey: Author of the Marie Antoinette trilogy\r\n \r\n From the very first page of Searchers in Winter, you know youre in the hands of a master storyteller. Owen Pataki brings Napoleons era to such vivid life you will think you spent time with the people themselves. An utterly absorbing and completely fantastic read! -Michelle Moran, international bestselling author of Madame Tussaud\r\n \r\n Patakis keen attention to historical detail and devotion to his subject matter bring readers directly into the heart and grit of the Napoleonic wars. Searchers in Winter boldly plants two feet in the past and never flinches. -Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Bakers Daughter