Brushstrokes of the Past: An Exclusive Character Interview with Francois “Frankie” Travers

 The scent of linseed oil lingered in the air as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting crimson and gold across centuries-old manuscripts. In the Paris suburbs, nestled between a gallery and a studio, Francois Travers, known to most as Frankie, paints history not just on canvas, but through the stories he preserves. As AnaRose Preston’s latest mission leads her into the shadowed legacy of the Knights Templar, she turns to Frankie for answers buried in time. Today, he joins us to discuss relics, ruins, and the ghosts that refuse to be forgotten.

Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for joining us. For those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?

Frankie Travers: I’m a painter by trade, but my passion is history, specifically Templar history. My gallery showcases my art, but my office is where the real treasures live: maps, scrolls, relics, and theories that most historians won’t touch. I’m not officially affiliated with any academic institution, which gives me the freedom to dig deeper, ask questions others won’t, and occasionally help people like AnaRose when the past refuses to stay buried.

Interviewer: AnaRose sought you out for your expertise in Templar lore. What drew you into this world?

Frankie Travers: I grew up fascinated by the symbolism; the red cross, the secrecy, the idea of a brotherhood guarding something sacred. But it wasn’t until I inherited a collection from my grandfather, a historian himself, that I realized how much had been lost or hidden. The Holy Nail, embedded in a dagger, is one of those legends that keep resurfacing. When AnaRose came to me with questions about Lord Balian’s ring, I knew we were chasing something real.

Interviewer: You’ve visited several commanderies with AnaRose. What was it like exploring the ruins at Avalleur?

Frankie Travers: Haunting, in every sense. The architecture still whispers of purpose; stone corridors built for silence, not spectacle. When we found the ruins, it felt like stepping into a forgotten chapter. There’s a weight to places like that, as if the stones remember. And when you’re standing there, knowing what might be hidden beneath your feet. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Interviewer: One of the commanderies you visited, Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, has a reputation for being haunted. Did you experience anything unusual?

Frankie Travers: That place is different. Locals warned us about the sleeping quarters, sharing stories of cries in the night and a figure in white robes bearing the Templar cross. We didn’t see him, but the atmosphere was heavy. Ghost Hunters International tried to film an episode there, but the footage was lost, and the results were inconclusive. I don’t know if it’s truly haunted, but I do know that history leaves echoes. And some echoes don’t fade.

Interviewer: The Ordo Christi plays a major role in this mission. What can you tell us about them?

Frankie Travers: They’re not exactly villains. Their goal is preservation; to protect sacred relics from misuse. But their methods, let’s just say, they don’t always ask nicely. They believe the Holy Nail must remain hidden, untouched. Legend has it, the Holy Nail was concealed within a Templar dagger, a weapon forged not for war, but for secrecy. AnaRose and I don’t disagree with the need for caution, but we do disagree on who gets to decide what’s safe and what’s sacred.

Interviewer: You’re an artist as well as a historian. How does your painting influence your research?

Frankie Travers: Art teaches you to see patterns in light, in shadow, and in silence. That skill translates beautifully to historical research. Sometimes a fresco reveals more than a scroll. Sometimes, a forgotten symbol in a painting can lead to a clue that no one else has noticed. My studio is where I reflect, but my gallery is where I connect the dots.

Interviewer: Without giving too much away, what’s next for you?

Frankie Travers: I’ve got a few canvases waiting, and a few theories I’m still chasing. AnaRose has a way of turning quiet days into quests, so I’m sure I’ll be pulled into something soon. And if the past has taught me anything, it’s that relics don’t stay hidden forever. They call to those who listen.

Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for sharing your insights. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about your work or your time with AnaRose?

Frankie Travers: Just this; history isn’t a straight line. It’s a labyrinth. And if you’re lucky enough to walk it with someone like AnaRose, you’ll find that every twist, every shadow, every mystery is worth the journey.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

https://mybook.to/AnaRose

 Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/bp2Gzg

 

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.

Connect with Mary Ann:

Website: http://www.maryannbernal.com/

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal

 Linked-In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

 YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

 BookBub  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

 X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

 Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal

 BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Book Spotlight: The Blackest Time by Ken Tentarelli

 

Set in the 1300s during the devastating black plague, The Blackest Time is a powerful tale of compassion, love, and the human spirit’s ability to endure immense adversity.

Gino, the central character, is a young man who leaves his family’s farm to find work in a pharmacy in Florence. His experiences show us how people coped in the most horrific time in history.

Shortly after Gino arrived in the city, two years of incessant rain destroyed crops in the countryside, leading to famine and despair in the city. Gino offers hope and help to the suffering— he secures shelter for a woman forced to leave her flooded farm, rescues a young girl orphaned by the plague, and aids others who have lost everything.

The rains had barely ended when the plague hit the city, exposing the true character of its people. While some blamed others for the devastation, the story focuses on the compassionate acts of neighbors helping each other overcome fear and suffering. Doctors bravely risk infection to care for their patients. A woman healer, wrongly accused of witchcraft and driven from the city, finds a new beginning in a village where her skills were appreciated.

Despite the hardships, love blossoms between Gino and a young woman he met at the apothecary. Together they survive, finding strength in each other and hope in a world teetering on the edge.

The Blackest Time is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in overcoming unimaginable tragedy.

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/bPO08J

 

 

Ken Tentarelli is a frequent visitor to Italy. In travels from the Alps to the southern coast of Sicily, he developed a love for its history and its people.

He has studied Italian culture and language in Rome and Perugia, background he used in his award-winning series of historical thrillers set in the Italian Renaissance. He has taught courses in Italian history spanning time from the Etruscans to the Renaissance, and he's a strong advocate of libraries and has served as a trustee of his local library and officer of the library foundation.

When not traveling, Ken and his wife live in beautiful New Hampshire.

Author Links:

Website:   https://KenTentarelli.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ken.tentarelli.3/

Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/kententarelliauthor/

Book Bub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ken-tentarelli

Amazon Author Page: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ken-Tentarelli/author/B07PDYZ34Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18920645.Ken_Tentarelli

 

The AnaRose Chronicles by Mary Ann Bernal – A Cinematic Collection of Faith, Fire, and Forgotten Curses

 From sacred daggers to cursed pendants, AnaRose Preston races through ruins and secrets to stop mythic power from falling into the wrong hands. The past isn’t just calling, it’s threatening to rise.

Watch the Trailer

 Experience the adventures that redefined historical suspense.

 

 Behind the Collection: One Heroine, Three Relics, Endless Danger

 Before the dagger, there was a vow. 

Before the ushabti, a sacrifice. 

Before the pendant, a curse.

AnaRose Preston doesn’t seek danger, but when history calls, she answers. This cinematic box set brings together three unforgettable adventures: 

AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest – A sacred dagger. A silent brotherhood. A vow buried in stone. 

AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold– A doomsday cult. A stolen relic. A race through Egypt’s ruins. 

AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse – A cursed pendant. A nationalist plot. A chase across Greece’s ancient shrines.

Each story stands alone. Together, they reveal a legacy of courage, intellect, and sacrifice.

This moment, where myth meets menace, captures the soul of The AnaRose Chronicles. It’s not just a collection. It’s a cinematic journey through the shadows of history.

 A Note from the Author

I created The AnaRose Chronicles to bring together three of AnaRose’s most perilous adventures in one immersive experience. These stories explore the tension between myth and truth, and the courage it takes to protect what matters most. I’m thrilled to share this trilogy with you.

About the Collection

Featuring AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold, and AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse, this box set follows renowned antiquities expert AnaRose Preston as she confronts secret sects, ancient curses, and cults willing to kill for mythic power.

From unraveling the mystery of a Templar knight’s sacred dagger to confronting a doomsday cult in modern Egypt, and battling for a cursed pendant across the ruins of Greece, AnaRose must outsmart enemies who would rewrite history for their own dark ends.

History lives in the shadows. She’s the last line of defense.

 Ready to Read?

Relive the adventures. Protect the past. Face the legend.

Buy the Collection

 Amazon Global Link:

 https://mybook.to/AnaRoseChronicles

 Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

Learn more at https://maryannbernal.com

 

Book Spotlight: iThen Came the Summer Snow by Trisha T Pritikin

 

In 1958, Edith Higgenbothum, a housewife in Richland, Washington, downwind of the massive Hanford nuclear weapons production site, discovers that the milk her young son Herbie drinks contains radioactive iodine from Hanford's secret fallout releases. Radioactive iodine can damage the thyroid, especially in children.

When Herbie is diagnosed with aggressive thyroid cancer, Edith allies with mothers of children with thyroid cancer and leukemia in communities blanketed by fallout from Nevada Test Site A-bomb tests on a true atomic age hero's journey to save the children.

Praise for Then Came the Summer Snow:

“In Trisha Pritikin’s crisp and sweeping novel, the Cold War comes home to live with a family in Richland, Washington. Not the Cold War of ideologies, but the one that included 2,000+ nuclear tests, and the production of hundreds of tons of plutonium; that contaminated our homes, food and communities; that actually took family members.”

~ Robert “Bo” Jacobs, Emeritus Professor of History at the Hiroshima Peace Institute and Hiroshima City University, author of Nuclear Bodies: The Global Hibakusha (Yale 2022).

“Then Came the Summer Snow is like an unexpected gift in its surprise and freshness.  Absurdity informs its realism, its poignancy, and its humor. A troubling, hilarious, weird, and wonderful novel.”

~ Mark Spencer, author of An Untimely Frost

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bOOqKE

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

Trisha is an internationally known advocate for fallout-exposed populations downwind of nuclear weapons production and testing sites. She is an attorney and former occupational therapist.

Trisha was born and raised in Richland, the government-owned atomic town closest to the Hanford nuclear weapons production facility in southeastern Washington State. Hanford manufactured the plutonium used in the Trinity Test, the world’s first test of an atomic bomb, detonated July 16,1945 at Alamogordo, NM, and for Fat Man, the plutonium bomb that decimated Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.  Beginning in late 1944, and for more than forty years thereafter, Hanford operators secretly released millions of curies of radioactive byproducts into the air and to the waters of the Columbia River, exposing civilians downwind and downriver. Hanford’s airborne radiation spread across eastern Washington, northern Oregon, Idaho, Western Montana, and entered British Columbia.

Trisha suffers from significant thyroid damage, hypoparathyroidism, and other disabling health issues caused by exposure to Hanford’s fallout in utero and during childhood. Infants and children are especially susceptible to the damaging effects of radiation exposure.

Trisha’s first book, The Hanford Plaintiffs: Voices from the Fight for Atomic Justice,  published in 2020 by the University Press of Kansas, has won multiple awards, including San Francisco Book Festival, 1^st place (history); Nautilus Silver award (journalism and investigative reporting); American Book Fest Book Awards Finalist (US History); Eric Hoffer Awards, Shortlist Grand Prize Finalist; and Chanticleer International Book Awards, 1^st Place, (longform journalism). The Hanford Plaintiffs was released in Japanese in 2023 by Akashi Shoten Publishing House, Tokyo. 

Author Links:

Website: www.trishapritikin.com

Twitter / X: https://x.com/TrishaPritikin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trishapritikinfightingback/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/triesq/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Trisha-T.-Pritikin/author/B086WVVNTY

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19583157.Trisha_T_Pritikin

Atomic Heritage Foundation Interview: https://ahf.nuclearmuseum.org/ahf/profile/trisha-pritikin/

 

 

Into the Depths with Miles Bordel: An Exclusive Character Interview

 Moonlight rippled across the Aegean as currents whispered through the ruins of a temple long claimed by the sea. In the shifting shadows, relic hunter Miles Bordel fought for breath and survival, fending off mercenaries among toppled columns and statues whose stone eyes seemed to watch. Somewhere in the darkness, the Medusa pendant waited, its empty ruby sockets promising either fortune or a fate carved in myth. Fresh from this perilous mission with Dr. AnaRose Preston, Miles sits down with us to share the truth behind the legend, the man who would wield it, and the cost of chasing history into the deep.

 

Interviewer: Miles, thank you for joining us. For readers new to your work, how would you describe what you do? 

Miles Bordel: I track down relics that history has misplaced, or that someone’s willing to pay handsomely for. I’m not in the business of returning treasures to dusty museum cases unless AnaRose is involved. When we work together (and we have many times), I have to play by her rules, which means developing a conscience, at least for the duration of the job. 

Interviewer: Your latest mission began with a call from the Aegean Sea. What set this hunt in motion? 

Miles: I’d just delivered an ancient drinking cup said to have belonged to Alexander the Great to a collector in Thessaloniki. The cup bore the image of Medusa, and I suspected it was more than decorative. While I was there, I overheard him speaking in ancient Macedonian to his associate, bragging that this was proof Alexander had used Medusa in battle, and that they’d soon claim the pendant and its ruby eyes to “rule the world.” The only reason I understood a word of it was because I’d studied the language years ago. I hadn’t yet realized how deep this organization’s ambitions ran. That would come later, after I met with AnaRose. At the time, I just booked passage from Thessaloniki to Athens, figuring I’d get to the pendant first, and maybe make a tidy profit before anyone else knew it was in play. 

Interviewer: The underwater scenes sound intense. Can you walk us through the dive and the fight with Alekos Chloros’s men? 

Miles Bordel: The ruins were stunning, with columns draped in coral and statues half-buried in sand, all freshly revealed after an earthquake shifted the seabed. A lot of Medusa-themed artifacts had surfaced at the Alonissos Underwater Museum, so AnaRose and I went looking for the pendant. We were navigating a collapsed temple when the water seemed to breathe, a slow, deep shift that made the silt swirl around us. That’s when Alekos’s divers appeared. Armed, fast, and clearly trained, but they didn’t press the attack. We fought them off and made it back to our boat, but they never followed. At the time, I figured they were just trying to scare us off. They didn’t know yet who we were, or how far we were willing to go. 

Interviewer: Alekos Chloros has been likened to a modern-day Alexander the Great, with a god complex. What makes him so dangerous? 

Miles: He’s not chasing wealth; he’s chasing immortality through legacy. Chloros believes he’s destined to restore Greece’s ancient glory, and he’ll twist myth into a weapon to do it. That kind of conviction, backed by money and an army of mercenaries, is deadly. I’ve dealt with greedy men before, but true believers are far worse. 

Interviewer: You and AnaRose have worked together before. How would you describe your partnership? 

Miles: She’s brilliant, relentless, and has an instinct for seeing patterns others miss. We don’t always agree; she’s all about preservation, while I’m all about acquisition. However, when the stakes are this high, trust is everything. She keeps me honest, or at least, honest enough. 

Interviewer: The Medusa pendant is said to petrify with a gaze. Do you believe in the curse? 

Miles: I’ve learned that legends often grow from a seed of truth. Whether it’s supernatural or just the fear it inspires, the pendant has power. In the wrong hands, that’s as dangerous as any curse carved in stone. And if you’re smart, you don’t stare too long, wondering which it is. 

Interviewer: What’s next for you now that the dust has settled? 

Miles: Taking time off would be nice, but history doesn’t rest, and neither do the shadows it leaves behind. There’s always another relic, another danger, another story waiting to be written. And if AnaRose calls, I’ll answer without hesitation. 

Interviewer: Miles, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about your work or any upcoming adventures? 

Miles Bordel: It’s been a pleasure. Although I’m not usually in the habit of giving away my secrets. I will say this: working with AnaRose Preston is never dull. She’s sharp, fearless, and has a way of turning even the simplest job into something worthy of the history books. We’ve faced danger on land, at sea, and now under it, and I’ve no doubt there are more high-stakes missions in our future. Just don’t expect me to admit I’m looking forward to them. 

 Purchase Links

 Amazon Global Link

https://mybook.to/AnaRoseMedusasCurse

 Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/m20XR1

 

 

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, the 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.

Connect with Mary Ann:

Website: http://www.maryannbernal.com/

Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/

Blog: https://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/

Amazon author page  https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ann-bernal-a9a05b33/

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal

BookBub  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal

BlueSky:  https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Book Spotlight: The Man in the Stone Cottage: a novel of the Brontë sisters by Stephanie Cowell. Audiobook by Brilliance Audio

 

“A haunting and atmospheric historical novel.” – Library Journal

In 1846 Yorkshire, the Brontë sisters— Charlotte, Anne, and Emily— navigate precarious lives marked by heartbreak and struggle.

Charlotte faces rejection from the man she loves, while their blind father and troubled brother add to their burdens. Despite their immense talent, no one will publish their poetry or novels.

Amidst this turmoil, Emily encounters a charming shepherd during her solitary walks on the moors, yet he remains unseen by anyone else.

After Emily’ s untimely death, Charlotte— now a successful author with Jane Eyre— stumbles upon hidden letters and a mysterious map. As she stands on the brink of her own marriage, Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth about her sister’ s secret relationship.

The Man in the Stone Cottage is a poignant exploration of sisterly bonds and the complexities of perception, asking whether what feels real to one person can truly be real to another.

Praise for The Man in the Stone Cottage:

“A mesmerizing and heartrending novel of sisterhood, love, and loss in Victorian England.” - Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Queens of London

“Stephanie Cowell has written a masterpiece.” - Anne Easter Smith, author of This Son of York

“With The Man in the Stone Cottage, Stephanie Cowell asks what is real and what is imagined and then masterfully guides her readers on a journey of deciding for themselves.” - Cathy Marie Buchanan, author of The Painted Girls

“The Brontës come alive in this beautiful, poignant, elegant and so very readable tale. Just exquisite.” - NYT bestseller, M.J. Rose

“Cowell’s ability to take readers to time and place is truly wonderful and absorbing.” - Stephanie H. (Netgalley)

“Such a lovely, lovely book!” - Books by Dorothea (Netgalley)

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mqLV2d

Stephanie Cowell has been an opera singer, balladeer, founder of Strawberry Opera and other arts venues including a Renaissance festival in NYC.

She is the author of seven novels including Marrying Mozart, Claude & Camille: a novel of Monet, The Boy in the Rain and The Man in the Stone Cottage. Her work has been translated into several languages and adapted into an opera. Stephanie is the recipient of an American Book Award. 

Author Links:

Website: https://stephaniecowell.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.cowell.14

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowell.stephanie/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/stephaniecowell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/197596.Stephanie_Cowell

 

 

Book Spotlight: COBBLESTONES by S.R. Perricone

 

The turbulent history of Post-Reconstruction New Orleans collides with the plight of Sicilian immigrants seeking refuge in America.

 

Antonio, a young man fleeing Sicily after avenging his father's murder, embarks on a harrowing journey to New Orleans with the help of Jesuit priests expelled from his homeland. However, the promise of a fresh start quickly sours as Antonio becomes entangled in a volatile clash of cultures, corruption, and crime.

 

In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants in New Orleans faced hostility, exploitation, and a brutal system of indentured servitude. Antonio becomes a witness to history as a bitter feud over the docks spirals into violence, culminating in the assassination of Irish police chief David C. Hennessy. The ensuing trial of nine Italians and the shocking lynching of eleven innocent men ignited international outrage, threatening to sever ties between the United States and Italy.

 

Caught in the crossfire of prejudice and power struggles, Antonio fights to survive while grappling with his own past and future. His journey weaves a gripping tale of resilience, betrayal, and the enduring hope for justice. Cobblestones: A New Orleans Tragedy is a poignant reminder of the human cost of intolerance and the courage it takes to rebuild a life from ashes.

 

"A phenomenal epic account of a forgotten slice of New Orleans history for fans of Scorsese / Coppola-type cinematic dramas such as Midnight Vendetta and The Godfather!"
~ HFC Reviews

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/mdOKMd

 

 

Sal Perricone, a graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans with a BA (1975) and JD (1979), has dedicated his career to law enforcement, legal practice, and public service. Beginning as a sergeant with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department, he progressed to detective with the New Orleans Police Department before practicing law privately in New Orleans. In 1985, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Supervisory Special Agent, specializing in financial crime investigations and organized crime.

 

In 1991, Sal Perricone transitioned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where he served as Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force and Senior Litigation Counsel until retiring in 2012. Over his illustrious career, he prosecuted significant cases involving La Cosa Nostra, public corruption, and white-collar crime. He earned numerous accolades, including multiple Director’s Awards and the Attorney General’s Award for his role in establishing the Katrina Fraud Task Force.

 

An adjunct professor at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans, Sal Perricone has trained law enforcement professionals across the nation. Post-retirement, he has authored two novels with positive Catholic themes, Blue Steel Crucifix and The Shadows of Nazareth. A Brother Martin alumnus, he continues to inspire with his dedication to justice and ethics.

Author Links:

 Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/sal.r.perricone/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/srperricone

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.-R.-Perricone/author/B00RKH1OP6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/57777507.S_R_Perricone

 

 

AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary Ann Bernal – A Cinematic Descent into Myth and Madness

 

The sea hides secrets. The mountains echo warnings. Beneath the gaze of legend, danger awakens.

 Watch the Trailer

 Face the myth. Chase the truth.

 

Behind the Curse: Echoes from the Deep

Before the pendant, there was a call for help. Before the ruby eyes, a legend whispered in stone. Before the chase, a curse long forgotten.

 AnaRose Preston didn’t seek this relic, but when Miles Bordel calls, she answers. What begins as a rescue spirals into a race against time, where myth and nationalism collide. The cult believes in Medusa’s power. And they’ll kill to wield it.

This moment, where superstition becomes strategy, captures the soul of AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse. It’s not just a story of pursuit. It’s a story of fear, legacy, and the danger of belief.

 A Note from the Author

I wrote AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse to explore how myth can be weaponized, and how courage is tested when the past refuses to stay buried. This trailer brings that tension to life, and I’m honored to share it with you.

 About the Book

 A Legendary Pendant. A Forgotten Curse. A Race Against Time.

When relic hunter Miles Bordel calls AnaRose Preston for help, she knows trouble isn’t far behind. This time, it’s personal and deadly. A nationalist cult bent on restoring ancient Greece to its former glory is hunting the Medusa pendant, said to petrify anyone who meets its cursed gaze.

AnaRose and Miles find the pendant, but it’s stolen before they can secure it. Now the cult is after its missing ruby eyes, hidden somewhere along the Aegean coast. From sunken ruins to mountaintop shrines, AnaRose must follow the clues, dodge assassins, and stop a plan that could turn ancient superstition into modern terror.

The danger is real. The curse may be, too.

She answered a call for help. Now she’s fighting to ensure the past stays buried.

Ready to Read?

Face the legend. Stop the curse. Keep the truth hidden.

Buy the Book

Amazon Global Link:

https://mybook.to/AnaRoseMedusasCurse

Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/m20XR1

Learn more at https://maryannbernal.com

 

 

Book Spotlight: Tailored Truths by Nancy Jardine

 

An engrossing Victorian Scotland Saga (Silver Sampler Series Book 2)

Is self-supporting success enough for Margaret Law or will her future also include an adoring husband and children? She might secretly yearn for that though how can she avoid a repeat of relationship deceptions that disenchanted her so much during her teenage years?

Employment as a lady’s maid, and then as a private tutor in Liverpool in the 1860s bring thrilling opportunities Margaret could never have envisaged. Though when those posts end, her educational aspirations must be shelved again. Reliance on her sewing skills is paramount for survival when she returns to Dundee.

Meeting Sandy Watson means love, marriage and starting a family - though not necessarily in that order – are a striking development though it entails a move north to Peterhead. Yet, how can Margaret shed her fear of commitment and her independence and take the plunge?

Jessie, her sister-at-heart, is settled in Glasgow. Frequent letters are a life-line between them but when it all goes horribly wrong, the contents of Margaret’s correspondence don’t necessarily mirror her awful day-to-day realities.

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/TTsss 

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

 

Nancy Jardine writes historical adventure fiction, historical saga, time travel historical adventure and contemporary mysteries. Research, grandchildren, gardening fill up her day in the castle country of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, when not writing or promoting her writing. Interacting with readers is a joy at Book and Craft Fairs where she signs/sells paperback versions of her novels. She enjoys giving author presentations on her books and on Ancient Roman Scotland.

Memberships include: Historical Novel Society; Scottish Association of Writers, Federation of Writers Scotland, Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She’s self-published with Ocelot Press.

 Author Links:

 Website: https://www.nancyjardine.com/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/nansjar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyJardinewrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nansjar2023/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@nansjar2023

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/nansjar23.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/nanjar/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy-jardine

Amazon Author Page: viewauthor.at/findmybookshere

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5139590.Nancy_Jardine

 

Beacon Page Launch: Ngaire Victoria Elder’s Glow Hub Is Here!

I’m delighted to help celebrate the launch of my friend Ngaire Victoria Elder’s Beacon page—a radiant space where she shares her favorite wellness rituals, beauty picks, and soulful reflections. Below is her personal message to you. Enjoy the glow!

 Welcome to Your Glow Hub!

Introducing My Beacon Page: Where Beauty Meets Wellness

I’m beyond excited to officially launch my Beacon page—a curated space where beauty, wellness, and soulful inspiration come together.

Here, you’ll find my monthly Glow From Within reflections and Words That Nourish—gentle reminders, rituals, and reads that support your inner glow. 

Alongside that, I’ve gathered my favourite Farmasi and Nutriplus products to help you feel radiant from the inside out. Whether you're exploring skincare, wellness boosters, or simply seeking a moment of calm, this page was created with you in mind.

Why Beacon?

I wanted a space that’s simple, beautiful, and easy to navigate—where you can explore, shop, and connect with me directly. Whether you’re new to Farmasi or already part of the glow gang, this page is your personal gateway to products and practices that support your beauty, wellness, and lifestyle goals.

 

What You’ll Find:

• Glow From Within: My monthly wellness letter, where I share reflections, rituals, and reminders to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. 

• Words That Nourish: A monthly spotlight on what I’m reading—books that inspire, uplift, or simply offer a moment of calm. 

• From My Kitchen to Yours: Simple, nourishing recipes made with love and intention. 

• Farmasi Favourites: From luxurious perfumes and high-performance makeup to gentle skincare essentials, discover the clean, affordable beauty products that I personally love and recommend. 

• Nutriplus Wellness: Think energy-boosting L-Carnitine, immune-supporting supplements, and feel-good formulas that help you thrive from the inside out. 

• Promotions & Delivery Perks: Keep an eye out for exclusive offers—including free delivery available on select promotions.

 

Stay Connected

If you’d love a little glow in your inbox each month, please take a moment to subscribe to my mailing list. You’ll be the first to hear about new launches, exclusive offers, wellness tips, and personal updates I only share with my inner circle.

Let’s Celebrate!

To kick things off, I’ve curated some of my top picks and seasonal must-haves. Dive in, explore, and feel free to message me if you need help choosing the perfect product or want to learn more about joining the business.

Visit my Beacon Page:  https://beacons.ai/ngairezwellnesscircle

This isn’t just a launch—it’s a celebration of confidence, care, and community. I’m so glad you’re here.

From my heart to yours,

Ngaire x

Book Spotlight: The Price of Loyalty by Malve von Hassell

 

In a time of kingdoms and crusades, one man's heart is the battlefield.

Cerdic, a Saxon knight, serves Count Stephen-Henry of Blois with unwavering loyalty-yet his soul remains divided. Haunted by memories of England, the land of his childhood, and bound by duty to King William, the conqueror who once showed him mercy, Cerdic walks a dangerous line between past and present, longing and loyalty.

At the center of his turmoil stands Adela-daughter of a king, wife of a count, and the first to offer him friendship in a foreign land. But when a political marriage binds him to the spirited and determined Giselle, Cerdic's world turns again. Giselle, fiercely in love with her stoic husband, follows him across sea and sand to the holy land, hoping to win the heart that still lingers elsewhere.

As the clash of empires looms and a crusade threatens to tear everything apart, Cerdic must confront the deepest truth of all-where does his loyalty lie, and whom does his heart truly belong to?

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bpo2vg

Malve von Hassell is a freelance writer, researcher, and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the New School for Social Research. Working as an independent scholar, she published The Struggle for Eden: Community Gardens in New York City (Bergin & Garvey 2002) and Homesteading in New York City 1978-1993: The Divided Heart of Loisaida (Bergin & Garvey 1996). She has also edited her grandfather Ulrich von Hassell's memoirs written in prison in 1944, Der Kreis schließt sich - Aufzeichnungen aus der Haft 1944 (Propylaen Verlag 1994).

Malve has taught at Queens College, Baruch College, Pace University, and Suffolk County Community College, while continuing her work as a translator and writer. She has published two children’s picture books, Tooth Fairy (Amazon KDP 2012 / 2020), and Turtle Crossing (Amazon KDP 2023), and her translation and annotation of a German children’s classic by Tamara Ramsay, Rennefarre: Dott’s Wonderful Travels and Adventures (Two Harbors Press, 2012).

The Falconer’s Apprentice (namelos, 2015 / KDP 2024) was her first historical fiction novel for young adults. She has published Alina: A Song for the Telling (BHC Press, 2020), set in Jerusalem in the time of the crusades, and The Amber Crane (Odyssey Books, 2021), set in Germany in 1645 and 1945, as well as a biographical work about a woman coming of age in Nazi Germany, Tapestry of My Mother’s Life: Stories, Fragments, and Silences (Next Chapter Publishing, 2021), also available in German, Bildteppich Eines Lebens: Erzählungen Meiner Mutter, Fragmente Und Schweigen (Next Chapter Publishing, 2022).

Her latest publication is the historical fiction novel, The Price of Loyalty: Serving Adela of Blois (Historium Press, 2025).

Author Links:

Website: https://www.malvevonhassell.com/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/MvonHassell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malvevonhassellauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mvonhassell/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/malvevonhassell.bsky.social

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/malve-von-hassell

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Malve-von-Hassell/author/B0CTGLDQ7P/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/471746.Malve_von_Hassell