The Tide of Destiny by Nigel Howard Patten

The Tide of Destiny is a stunning novel set in 1799 through 1808 during the Napoleonic era. The story takes place in Southern Switzerland and on the Ligurian coast. Damien André Berra, son of a Swiss farmer, is exiled to northern Italy in the wake of Napoleon’s crossing over the Saint Bernard Pass in 1799. Inspired by a number of amorous adventures, Damien becomes a renowned linguist and short story writer in both French and Italian. His experiences during this turning point in European history is set amid the political events and the women he meets. The five young women lovers who inspire him to write are Biquette, Esmeralda, Juliette, La Contessa, and Annunziata.