Stormbound with Brigid of Esbjerg: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this exclusive interview, we meet Brigid of Esbjerg, a formidable figure whose choices ripple across kingdoms. From stormy crossings to fractured loyalties, Brigid reflects on survival, sacrifice, and the price of ambition in The Briton and the Dane: Legacy.

Interviewer: Brigid, thank you for joining us. Can you share a glimpse of your life in Esbjerg before the tides of war pulled you into England’s conflict?

Brigid: Esbjerg was cold, but familiar. I knew the rhythms of the sea, the weight of silence, the politics whispered behind closed doors. Before the war, I lived in the shadow of princes, men who saw me as a moment, not a legacy. That changed when I realized I had something worth fighting for.

Interviewer: You’ve crossed paths with powerful men, some noble, some dangerous. How did those relationships shape your journey?

Brigid: Power is seductive. It blinds you to consequence. I’ve loved, I’ve lost, and I’ve learned that proximity to a crown doesn’t guarantee safety. What shaped me wasn’t the men, it was surviving them.

Interviewer: You joined a secret faction during the events of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright. What compelled you to take that risk?

Brigid: Desperation. Hope. A mother’s instinct. I believed I could change the course of history, not for glory, but for protection. I didn’t realize how deep the treachery ran until it was too late.

Interviewer: Your sea crossing was treacherous. What do you remember most about that journey?

Brigid: The storm felt like a reckoning. The waves tore at our vessel, and for a moment, I thought we’d vanish into the deep. But survival has a way of sharpening resolve. I didn’t land unscathed, but I landed changed.

Interviewer: You’ve walked a fine line between Saxon and Danish loyalties. How did you navigate that tension?

Brigid: Carefully. I learned to speak in half-truths, to listen more than I spoke. The Saxons saw me as a threat, the Danes as a traitor. I had to become something else, someone who could move between worlds without belonging to either.

Interviewer: You spent time in sanctuary. How did that experience affect your outlook?

Brigid: It was quiet. Too quiet. But in that silence, I found clarity. I began to question everything, my choices, my allegiances, my faith. Sometimes it takes confinement to see the path forward.

Interviewer: You’ve been accused of duplicity, yet you’ve also risked your life to protect others. How do you reconcile those truths?

Brigid: I don’t. I carry them both. I’ve made mistakes, grave ones, but I’ve also acted out of love, out of fear, and out of necessity. Redemption isn’t clean. It’s messy, painful, and often misunderstood.

Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest misconception about women in wartime?

Brigid: That we’re pawns. We’re not. We’re players, strategists, survivors. We bleed, we fight, we endure. And sometimes, we change the outcome without ever lifting a sword.

Interviewer: Brigid, thank you for your candor. Before we close, is there anything you’d like our readers to understand about your legacy?

Brigid: My story isn’t about scandal or seduction. It’s about survival. About a woman who refused to be erased. And when the final reckoning comes, I’ll be remembered not for who I loved, but for what I dared.

Purchase Links

 Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdlegacy

 Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mek0jY

  

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 http://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 Alpine Fortress by Rowena Kinread

 

In the shadow of the Bavarian Alps, a forgotten map leads to an unsolved mystery buried for decades. When Ivanna discovers the sketch among her late grandfather’s belongings, she stumbles upon a secret that connects her family’s harrowing past to the Nazi regime's stolen treasures.

What begins as a curious family discovery quickly escalates into a perilous adventure, drawing the attention of law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and dangerous criminals.

The Alpine Fortress is a thrilling tale of survival, betrayal, and redemption. From the chilling depths of Nazi conspiracies to the breathtaking heights of the Alps, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat as the past and present collide in an unforgettable race against time.

Will Ivanna uncover the truth—or will the secrets of the fortress remain buried forever?

Triggers: Trigger warnings: violence, murder, stalking, rape, trauma

Praise:

“The Alpine Fortress” by Rowena Kinread is a captivating crime thriller that immerses readers in a suspenseful narrative set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps.

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

 Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link:

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

Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history, after researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on April 29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland, and is published by Pegasus Publishers.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Social Media Links:

 Website: https://www.rowena-kinread.com

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rowena.strittmatter

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rowena-kinread

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21379391.Rowena_Kinread

 

 

 

 

Blood on the Tide with David, Burh Commandant of Chichester: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this exclusive interview, we step into the war-torn world of David, Burh Commandant of Chichester, a pivotal figure in The Briton and the Dane trilogy. From covert missions to commanding burhs and battling on the high seas, David shares his reflections on loyalty, warfare, and the cost of peace.

Interviewer: David, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and how you came to serve under Lord Richard?

David: It’s an honor to speak with you. I was raised in a household steeped in duty and discipline. My father, Lord Richard, served King Alfred with unwavering loyalty, and my elder brother Stephen was already a seasoned warrior by the time I came of age. I learned early that service to the realm was not a choice, it was a calling.

Interviewer: In the first book, you infiltrated King Guthrum’s camp after the peace treaty. What was that experience like?

David: Dangerous. The peace was fragile, and trust was scarce. I lived among men who would’ve slit my throat had they known who I was. But I had to understand their movements, their morale. Every night was a gamble. I returned to Wareham with valuable intelligence, but also with a deeper understanding of the enemy.

Interviewer: You later commanded the burh of Chichester. What did that responsibility mean to you?

David: It meant everything. To be entrusted with a burh was to be given the lives of its people. I had to earn their trust, defend their homes, and prepare them for war. It wasn’t just about tactics, it was about leadership, about standing firm when others faltered.

Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy, you face a sea invasion. How did you prepare for battle on the water?

David: Fighting on land is one thing. Fighting on a ship, where the deck shifts beneath your feet and the wind steals your breath, is another. We trained relentlessly. Balance, timing, coordination; it all had to be recalibrated. The sea is unforgiving, and so were our foes.

Interviewer: You’ve built alliances with Danes over the years. How did those relationships shape your perspective?

David: War teaches you to see beyond banners. I met men among the Danes who valued honor as much as any Saxon. Friendship forged in fire is stronger than blood. Those bonds reminded me that peace is possible, but only if we fight for it.

Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest misconception about warfare during your time?

David: That it’s glorious. It’s not. It’s cold, brutal, and often senseless. Glory fades. What remains are the scars, On the land, on the soul. True warriors fight not for fame, but for those who cannot defend themselves.

Interviewer: What drives you to keep fighting, even when peace seems out of reach?

David: Duty. Legacy. The hope that my sons will inherit a world less fractured than mine. I fight so they won’t have to. And if our Lord demands sacrifice, let it be mine, not theirs.

Interviewer: David, thank you for sharing your story. Before we close, is there anything you’d like readers to know about the battles ahead?

David: Only this, when the tide rises and the storm breaks, remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to stand when others fall. The final reckoning is near. And I will not yield.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdlegacy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mek0jY

 

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 http://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: Annie’s Secret by Marcia Clayton

 

1887, North Devon, England

When Lady Eleanor Fellwood gave birth to a badly deformed baby, she insisted that the child be adopted as far away as possible. However, that proved difficult to accomplish, and so, in return for payment, Sabina Carter, an impoverished widow living locally, agreed to raise the little boy as a foundling. The child’s father, Lord Charles Fellwood of Hartford Manor, warned Sabina that the matter must be treated in the strictest confidence or her family would be evicted from their home. As far as Lady Eleanor was concerned, the child was being cared for miles away.

All was well for several years until fate took a hand and, against his parents’ wishes, Robert Fellwood, the heir to the Hartford Estate, married Sabina’s daughter, Annie. Robert arranged for his mother-in-law, Sabina, and her family to reside in the Lodge House, situated at the end of the Manor House driveway. A house that Lady Eleanor passed regularly, and it was not long before she spotted Danny’s dark curls among the Carter redheads. As she looked into the child’s eyes and noted his disabilities, she recognised her son.

Now, at seven years old, Danny has had numerous operations to correct his disabilities and is a happy, healthy child. However, his presence is a source of constant anguish for his birth mother as, day after day, she watches him play in the garden. Her husband, Charles, and son, Robert, are aghast when she announces that she wants him back! An impossible situation for all concerned, and a rift develops between Robert and Annie as he struggles to find a solution to suit everyone.

Over the years, Lady Eleanor has steadfastly refused to acknowledge her daughter-in-law, for she disapproves of Annie’s lower-class origins. When a freak accident forces the two women to spend time together, they inevitably find themselves drawn into conversation, and before long, the years of pent-up resentment and family secrets surface as home truths are aired.

Will the two women be rescued from their precarious situation unscathed? And, if so, will the family survive the scandal that is about to be unleashed?

 

 Buy Links:

 The Hartford Manor Series Links:

 Prequel - Betsey http://mybook.to/Betsey

Book 1 -The Mazzard Tree http://mybook.to/TheMazzardTree

Book 2 - The Angel Maker  http://mybook.to/TheAngelMaker

Book 3 - The Rabbit’s Foot http://mybook.to/TheRabbitsFoot

Book 4 - Millie’s Escape https://mybook.to/MilliesEscape

Book 5 - A Woman Scorned  https://mybook.to/AWomanScorned

Book 6 - Annie’s Secret https://mybook.to/AnniesSecret

 

All books in The Hartford Manor Series are available to read on #KindleUnlimited, and print copies can be ordered from any bookshop.

 

Marcia Clayton writes historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance and mystery in a heartwarming family saga that spans the Regency period through Victorian times.

As a child, Marcia often had to amuse herself as her siblings were several years older than her, and her arrival was something of a shock to her middle-aged parents. Her favourite pastimes were writing stories and reading, and she adored the Enid Blyton books, particularly The Famous Five and The Adventure Series. These books established her love of literature, which has remained with her to this day.

A farmer’s daughter, Marcia, was born in North Devon and is proud to be a Devon Maid. Over the years, she has been employed in various occupations, primarily to work around raising her three sons, Stuart, Paul, and David. She has worked in banking and nursing and, for many years, was the School Transport Manager for the local authority. Now retired, Marcia spends a lot of her time writing historical fiction but also enjoys gardening, researching her family history, and walking in the lovely Devon countryside with Bryan, her husband of fifty-three years.

Marcia has written seven books in the historical family saga, The Hartford Manor Series. You can also read her free short story, Amelia, a spin-off tale from the first book, The Mazzard Tree. Amelia, a little orphan girl of 4, is abandoned in Victorian London with her brothers, Joseph and Matthew. To find out what happens to her, download the story here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/amelia-free-download/ 

In addition to writing books, Marcia writes blogs about a variety of subjects and a monthly newsletter, which she shares with her readers. If you would like to join Marcia’s mailing list, please subscribe to her website, The Devon Maid Book Corner: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

Author Links:

Website:                                 https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

Twitter / X:                             https://twitter.com/MarciaC89111861

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

Instagram:                               https://www.instagram.com/marciaclayton97/         

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

Book Bub:                               https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marcia-clayton 

Amazon Author Page:            http://viewauthor.at/MarciaClayton

Goodreads:                 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20429025.Marcia_Clayton

 

 

Book Spotlight: Red Snow in Winter by Max Eastern

 

Haunted by the memory of a secret love affair in Nazi-occupied Prague, American intelligence officer Julius Orlinsky is caught in a deadly web of espionage when a routine assignment in Washington, D.C., disintegrates into murder, attempted murder, and blackmail.

Determined to uncover the truth, Orlinsky's quest takes him from the halls of the Pentagon to a prisoner-of-war camp in Maryland, and, finally, to the city of Budapest under siege. It's a shadow world where a lifetime of loyalty can be undone by one secret revealed. Orlinsky soon learns the personal stakes couldn't be higher. His investigation threatens to expose a betrayal by the woman he believed was the love of his life.

But Orlinsky has no choice. Charged with an assignment critical to ensuring America’s safety, he must confront the ghosts of his past as he navigates a terrain of double agents, war-hardened German and Russian soldiers, and fanatics who will stop at nothing to silence him. 

Praise for Red Snow in Winter:

"Red Snow in Winter is a gripping, ingenious cat-and-mouse political thriller. A young U.S. Army Intelligence officer finds himself caught up in a deadly espionage battle involving Americans, Nazis, and Russians that he can only survive by finding out who to trust--and also by finally uncovering the truth about long-buried secrets from his own shadowy intelligence past. Smart writing, a high stakes plot, and fascinating historical background. Author Max Eastern really delivers the goods in this must-read page-turner of a novel."

— R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mystery series

"I found a great new-to-me author in Max Eastern. I love how he brought his characters to life and made the situations in this novel seem as though they were happening in front of me."

— Terrie Farley Moran, national bestselling co-author of the Jessica Fletcher Murder She Wrote mystery series

"Red Snow is a well-paced thriller capturing the paranoia and moral complexity of WWII’s twilight hours. This is spy fiction that respects its readers' intelligence, offering a nuanced exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and a little romance."

--Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the Lie

"A masterclass in espionage and moral ambiguity, it's an atmospheric ride of a thriller with plot twists worthy of Hitchcock."

--Mally Becker, author of The Turncoat's Widow

"This is a fast-moving, page-turning espionage thriller set just after the war. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be kept up at night!"

--Deborah Swift, author of The Shadow Network

"Max Eastern attacks his story with dry aplomb and a stripped-down journalistic surety, yet it’s got more switchbacks than San Francisco’s Lombard Street, and every curve is taken with his foot on the gas."

-- Timothy Miller, author of The Strange Case of the Pharaoh's Heart

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3J1BXv

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

The stories his father told him about his time as an intelligence officer in World War II inspired Max Eastern to write Red Snow in Winter. He has written about history for several magazines and online publications, with subjects ranging from Ulysses Grant and Benedict Arnold to Attila the Hun.

His modern noir novel The Gods Who Walk Among Us won the Kindle Scout competition and was published by Kindle Press in 2017.

A lawyer specializing in publishing, he resides in New York State. To learn more, go to maxeastern.wordpress.com.

  Author Links:

 Website: https://maxeastern.wordpress.com/

Twitter / X: https://www.x.com/MaxeasternNYC

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

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Max-Eastern/author/B06X42CGNS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16476511.Max_Eastern

 

 

 

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal – A Cinematic Legacy Begins

 The Norse threat looms. Saxon England trembles. A young woman stands at the crossroads of war, love, and treachery.

 Watch the Trailer

 Step into the storm, where shadowed alliances and whispered secrets shape destiny.

   

Beneath the Crown: Where Honor Fractures and Love Defies War.

Before the conquest, there was longing. Before the betrayal, trust. The Briton and the Dane opens this epic saga with a tale of forbidden connection and political intrigue. A young woman, caught between kingdoms and loyalties, clings to the memory of a prince,her enemy, her salvation, and the only one who truly saw her.

This quiet moment, where love dares to bloom in the shadow of war, captures the soul of The Briton and the Dane. It’s a story of defiance. Of how loyalty can be a weapon, and betrayal a path to truth.

A Note from the Author

I wrote The Briton and the Dane to explore the fragile threads of trust and the cost of survival in a world torn by conquest. It was my first published novel, and the beginning of a journey that continues to this day. This trailer invites you to witness the choices that shaped a legacy, and the woman who dared to choose her own fate.

About the Book

A lurking shadow. A whispered secret. A veiled betrayal.

As Norse invaders threaten Saxon England, a young woman is captured and thrust into a web of ambition and deceit. Allies vanish. Truths twist. And the memory of a prince, her enemy and her only solace, haunts her every step.

In a world where loyalty can cost a life and silence is survival, she must decide: surrender to fate, or fight for her own voice.

The Briton and the Dane is a sweeping historical drama that explores love, honor, and the perilous cost of defiance in a time of war.

Ready to Read?

 Step into Saxon England. Witness the beginning.

 Buy the Book

 Amazon Link:

http://mybook.to/TBATD

 Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

 Learn more at

https://maryannbernal.com

 

 

Strength in Stillness with Jora: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this special feature, we meet Jora, a young woman of Danish descent whose life has been shaped by loss, resilience, and the clash of cultures. Wise beyond her years, Jora offers her reflections on faith, loyalty, and the pursuit of peace in a time of upheaval.

Interviewer: Jora, thank you for joining us. Could you begin by telling us about your early life and how it shaped the person you are today?

Jora: My childhood ended too soon. When my parents fell in battle, I was left to find my place in a world that often-showed little mercy. Yet grief taught me endurance, and hardship taught me to listen. Those lessons shaped me into someone who values patience and quiet strength.

Interviewer: You grew up surrounded by both pagan traditions and Christian teachings. How did you come to understand these two different paths?

Jora: At first, I felt torn between them. But over time, I realized both seek to explain the mysteries of life and death. The old ways honor the ancestors and the earth, while the new faith speaks of forgiveness and hope. I do not see them as enemies, but as voices in the same great conversation.

Interviewer: You are known for calming tempers when anger flares. How do you manage to bring peace in such moments?

Jora: Anger feeds on anger. I have learned to meet it with stillness. Sometimes a steady gaze or a quiet word can cool a storm more quickly than a shout. It is not always easy, but I believe true strength lies in restraint, not in rage.

Interviewer: At times, you have been asked to observe and share what you see. How do you reconcile such a role with your own sense of loyalty?

Jora: Loyalty is not blind. To me, it means standing with what is just, even when it is difficult. When I choose to speak, it is not to betray, but to protect. My heart seeks peace, and I will not remain silent if silence leads to ruin.

Interviewer: You once accompanied a noblewoman to an abbey, where she was guided in study. What did that experience mean to you?

Jora: It opened my eyes to the power of learning. Within those walls, I saw how knowledge can steady the restless heart. It deepened my belief that education is a gift that should belong to all, not only to a chosen few.

Interviewer: Living between two cultures, what do you believe is the greatest challenge and the greatest hope for coexistence?

Jora: The greatest challenge is fear, fear of losing one’s ways, one’s gods, one’s place. But the greatest hope is understanding. When people see that strength can be shared, that peace brings more than endless war, then coexistence becomes possible.

Interviewer: Jora, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Before we conclude, is there one message you would like readers to take from your story?

Jora: Yes, that even in the midst of conflict, one may choose peace. Even when born into sorrow, one may choose wisdom. Our choices, not our chains, define who we are.

 

Purchase Links

 Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdbirthright

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mKwOOZ

 

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 http://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

 

 

Wulfgar of Wessex: A Resolute Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane

 He’s a rider, a messenger, and a man who carries England’s fate in his saddlebag. Now, Wulfgar of Wessex speaks for himself in a format as steadfast as his duty.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Wulfgar to life with vivid realism. His words echo the weight of loyalty, his journeys reveal the peril of service, and his reflections remind us that even the swiftest rider cannot outrun sorrow. It’s not just an interview—it’s a glimpse into the endurance of faith and honor in a time of war.

Watch the full interview here: 

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to Alfred’s England, and Wulfgar’s appearance reminds us that even the humblest servant can shape the destiny of a kingdom.

 Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

http://mybook.to/tbatd

Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

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: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

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Book Spotlight: The Diva’s Daughter by Heather Walrath

 

Munich & Vienna, 1932.

Aspiring opera singer Angelika Eder thought she had it all — a cultured life in Vienna, along with the guidance of her glamorous mother, a world-famous soprano. But when tragedy strikes and her mother dies amidst a swirling family scandal, eighteen-year-old Angelika finds herself uprooted to Munich, where civil unrest is rife and leaders of the increasingly powerful Nazi Party seek to use her voice as propaganda.

When a figure from her mother’s past offers Angelika the chance to study and sing at an elite Viennese university, she decides to fight for her dream while evading the vile Nazis she despises. But the Nazis aren’t relenting in their demand that Angelika support their party and sing for Hitler himself. Can Angelika find her voice and stand against evil, even if it means risking not only her dreams of fame, but also the safety of herself and everyone she loves?

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://heatherwalrath.com/books

 

  

Heather Walrath is an author crafting new stories while celebrating the release of her debut historical novel, The Diva’s Daughter. Whether they are standing against evil in fractious 1930s Europe or solving a sticky bootlegging mystery in Prohibition-era America, Heather’s relatable heroines make the past accessible and engaging for modern readers.

She holds a master’s degree in publishing and a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

 Author Links:

 Website: www.heatherwalrath.com

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

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherwalrathwrites

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-walrath  

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Heather-Walrath/author/B0FH83GNY1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59302442.Heather_Walrath

 

 

 

Book Spotlight: Paoletta – an Eye for an Eye by J.R. Powell

 

Exiled to a Caribbean island, Paoletta Cadoville and her family cling to the hope of one day returning to their Parisian home. But in a single, devastating moment, that dream is shattered. Alone and horrifically scarred, Paoletta embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind her family’s tragic fate, only to become entangled in a web of political intrigue, secret societies, and dangerous alliances.

In a Paris overshadowed by the guillotine, Paoletta must decide how much of her humanity she’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of vengeance. Will she achieve justice for her family or lose herself to the darkness that threatens to consume her?

Paoletta – An Eye for an Eye is a gripping historical thriller set during the French Revolution and a stark reminder that in times of upheaval, innocence is the first to fall, and revenge demands a price paid in blood.

 Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4XvgEe

Originally from the UK, J.R. Powell lives in Germany, where he works as a translator and editor.

His debut novel was published in 2024, marking the first instalment of a new historical thriller series. Paoletta – an Eye for an Eye follows Paoletta Cadoville, a young woman driven by vengeance after the murder of her family during the French Revolution.

Drawing inspiration from his time living in Paris, Powell immersed himself in the city’s rich and brutal history to craft a story that brings a lesser-explored period to life with the momentum and intensity of a gritty, modern thriller.

Author Links:

 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/J.R.Powell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_j.r.powell/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@author_j.r.powell

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/author-jrpowell.bsky.social

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/j-r-powell-d4a62b78-1483-4a63-8c91-eb1852102c55

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.R.-Powell/author/B0DNG27M7X

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/53348452.J_R_Powell