Mary Ann Bernal

In this exclusive character interview, we sit down with Gwyneth of Wareham, the indomitable heroine of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. From misty coastlines to royal courts, Gwyneth’s journey is one of courage, conviction, and quiet rebellion. She shares her thoughts on duty, defiance, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your life in Wareham before the events of the trilogy began?

Gwyneth of Wareham: Life in Wareham was structured, predictable, even. As the daughter of Lord Richard, I was expected to behave with decorum, to marry well, and to serve my station. But I always felt the pull of something more, something beyond the walls of our keep and the expectations placed upon me.

Interviewer: Your story begins with a dramatic moment on the coastline. What compelled you to help a wounded stranger?

Gwyneth: I saw a man stumbling across the beach, bloodied and alone. Instinct overrode caution. I couldn’t leave him to die. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about saving a life, it was about choosing my own path, even if it defied my father’s wishes.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as rebellious. How do you view that label?

Gwyneth: Rebellious? Perhaps. But I see it as resolute. I question what doesn’t feel just. I speak when silence is expected. In a world where women are told to obey, I chose to act. That’s not rebellion, it’s survival.

Interviewer: You were trained in swordsmanship and archery, skills not typically taught to noblewomen. What drew you to combat?

Gwyneth: David believed in me. He saw that I could learn, that I had the discipline and fire. I didn’t train to prove anything, I trained because I wanted to protect those I love. And because I knew one day, I’d need to fight for my own future.

Interviewer: You’ve faced kings, warriors, and political intrigue. What has been your greatest challenge?

Gwyneth: Navigating court politics is more perilous than any battlefield. One misstep, one word too bold, and you risk exile, or worse. But the greatest challenge has always been staying true to myself while protecting those around me.

Interviewer: You spent time at the Abbey of Wimborne, far from the battlefield and court. How did that experience shape you?

Gwyneth: The abbey was quiet, but not peaceful. Reverend Mother Prioress ruled with firm devotion, and silence was both shield and shackle. I met Cecilia there, a novitiate as restless as I was. Our friendship became a lifeline. That time taught me patience, reflection, and the power of quiet resistance. Even cloistered behind stone walls, we found ways to shape our fate.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, what can readers expect from your journey across the trilogy?

Gwyneth: Expect fire. Expect sacrifice. Expect a woman who refuses to be defined by her station. My story is not just mine, it’s the story of every woman who’s ever dared to dream beyond the walls built around her.

Interviewer: If you could speak to young women reading your story today, what would you say?

Gwyneth: Do not wait for permission to be brave. The world may try to tame you, but your spirit is your own. Claim it. Wield it. And never forget you were born to shape history.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for your candor and courage. Your story continues to inspire.

Gwyneth: Thank you. May your readers find strength in the shadows and light in the storm.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv

Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.

Her recent publications include Crusader’s Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards. Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.

A dedicated supporter of the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.

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