In the Shadow of Destiny

In 1812, a new conscript marched to Moscow in Napoleon Bonaparte's Le Grande Armee. Bonaparte's decision to delay retreat caused hundreds of thousands of his men to succumb to the sub-freezing temperatures. Joseph Ehlinger survived, but the ghosts of Russia shadowed him all his life. After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo the direction of history was changed as was the course of Joseph's life.
With two sons and a wife to care for, Joseph looked west to the promises of a free America. He landed in New Orleans in 1832, worked at his trade as a carpenter then went to Texas. After arriving there he was once again called into the army--the Texas Army.
He fought under General Sam Houston at the battle of San Jacinto and Texas Independence was won. With Texas a Republic, the wild and raw land presented other dangers for Joseph. Would his warrior strength help him survive these strange and perilous times once again?
The novel, In the Shadow of Destiny is a fascinating look at the times and life of the author's three times great grandfather. It is a gripping tale of true events and family legend with a surprise ending that is sure to catch the reader off guard.


Cold and snow in Russia. Wind and heat in Texas. The words seeped off the pages, putting me beside Joseph trying to survive in both extremes. And again, it seemed as if I was there fighting under Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and later with General Sam Houston, two very different leaders on different continents. Joseph was able to stay true to himself regardless of the circumstances. --- Dr. Sue Schafer

A beautiful book, blending history with an epic tale of grit and love. The depth of the story makes for a page turning novel. --The Rev. Dr. E. Carolyn Wills