Helga of East Anglia: A Poignant Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane

 

She is a daughter of two worlds, torn between blood and belonging. Now, Helga of East Anglia speaks for herself in a format as heartfelt as her journey.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Helga to life with striking realism. Her voice carries the weight of divided loyalties, her choices reveal the cost of love across enemy lines, and her words remind us that even in war, the heart still seeks peace. It’s not just an interview—it’s a meditation on identity, loyalty, and the fragile hope of reconciliation.

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 Helga’s appearance reminds us that even in times of conflict, compassion can bridge the deepest divides.

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

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 (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

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

Krista, Voice of the Rebellion: A Defiant Virtual Character Interview from Planetary Wars: Rise of an Empire

 She’s the spark that ignites a revolution. Now, Krista—Voice of the Rebellion—steps into the spotlight in a format as bold and unyielding as her mission.

This AI-generated virtual character interview captures Krista’s fire with stunning realism. Her voice is defiant, her gaze unwavering, and her words cut through propaganda like a blade. It’s not just an interview—it’s a rallying cry.

Watch the full interview here: 

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of Planetary Wars: Rise of an Empire through immersive storytelling. Each character reveals another layer of resistance, and Krista’s appearance reminds us that rebellion begins with a voice—and ends with a choice.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

https://mybook.to/PlanetaryWars

Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/490xN8

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

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 (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

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

 

Traian Aelius Propacius Confronts the Past: A Gripping Virtual Character Interview from Forgiving Nero

 

He’s a soldier, a survivor, and a man haunted by choices. Now, Traian Aelius Propacius steps forward in a format as raw and unflinching as his truth.

This AI-generated virtual character interview captures Traian’s stoic intensity with startling realism. His voice carries the weight of Rome’s decline, his eyes reflect the cost of loyalty, and his words reveal the fragile line between justice and vengeance. It’s not just an interview—it’s a confession.

 Watch the full interview here:

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of Forgiving Nero through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to the drama, and Traian’s appearance reminds us that redemption is never simple—and never free.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

https://mybook.to/ForgivingNero

Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/3GOMvQ

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

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 (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

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

 

A Guiding Light in Tumultuous Times with Brother Martel: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this special feature, we step into the world of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright to meet Brother Martel, a devoted man of faith whose path intertwines with kingdoms in conflict. Known for his wisdom and quiet strength, Brother Martel shares his reflections on duty, learning, and the balance between peace and defense.

Interviewer: Brother Martel, thank you for joining us. Could you begin by telling us about your background and the life you lead at your abbey?

Brother Martel: It is my honor. My days at the abbey are devoted to prayer, study, and the instruction of those who seek knowledge. The rhythm of the hours, the chanting of psalms, and the copying of sacred texts form the foundation of my life. It is a place of order and reflection, where the soul may find peace.

Interviewer: You were asked to provide guidance to a young woman of noble birth. What was your approach in helping her focus her mind during such turbulent times?

Brother Martel: Discipline of the mind is as vital as discipline of the body. I encouraged her to immerse herself in study, to see the beauty of words and the strength of contemplation. In this way, her spirit could be steadied, even when the world beyond the cloister walls was unsettled.

Interviewer: Your reputation suggests you are not only a man of prayer but also one who can wield a sword when necessary. How do you reconcile these two callings?

Brother Martel: The sword is a last resort, never a first. My true weapon is the Word, my true shield is faith. Yet, in a world where violence too often intrudes upon sanctity, one must sometimes defend the innocent. I do not glory in such acts, but I accept them as part of my duty.

Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest misconception about men of the cloth during these times?

Brother Martel: Many think we are removed from the world, blind to its struggles. In truth, we are deeply aware. Our prayers are not idle words; they are intercessions for peace, for justice, for mercy. We are not untouched by suffering. We carry it with us in silence.

Interviewer: Your time in England has been marked by upheaval. What lessons have you drawn from witnessing these struggles firsthand?

Brother Martel: That kingdoms rise and fall, but the soul endures. Power is fleeting, yet virtue remains. I have seen courage in unexpected places, and I have learned that even in the shadow of war, there is light to be found in acts of kindness and fidelity.

Interviewer: You are soon to return to your abbey at Saint Gall. What do you hope to carry back with you from this journey?

Brother Martel: I will carry with me the memory of resilience, of those who stood firm when all seemed lost. I will also carry the reminder that faith must not be confined to cloisters alone. It must walk among the people, guiding them through both peace and peril.

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

Brother Martel: Only this: that strength is not measured by the sword alone. True strength lies in steadfastness of spirit, in compassion, and in the courage to uphold what is just, even when the world trembles.

 

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

 

 

Book Spotlight: Annie’s Day by Apple Gidley

 

War took everything. Love never had a chance. Until now.

As an Australian Army nurse, Annie endures the brutalities of World War II in Singapore and New Guinea. Later, seeking a change, she accepts a job with a British diplomatic family in Berlin, only to find herself caught up in the upheaval of the Blockade. Through it all, and despite the support of friends, the death of a man she barely knew leaves a wound that refuses to heal, threatening her to a life without love.

Years later, Annie is still haunted by what she’d lost—and what might have been. Her days are quiet, but her memories are loud. When a dying man’s fear forces her to confront her own doubts, she forms an unexpected friendship that rekindles something she thought she’d lost: hope.

Annie’s Day is a powerful story of love, war, and the quiet courage to start again—even when it seems far too late.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mZJq05

 Vine Leaves Press Paperback Buy Link: https://shorturl.at/cUXbU

  

Anglo-Australian Apple Gidley's nomadic life has helped imbue her writing with rich, diverse cultures and experiences. Annie’s Day is her seventh book.

Gidley currently lives in Cambridgeshire, England, with her husband and rescue cat, Bella, aka assistant editor.

Author Links:

 Website: https://www.applegidley.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebock/apple.gidley

Instagram: https://www.instagram/apple.gidley

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/applegidleyauthor.bksy.social

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00J7WPI3Q

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/httpwwwgoodreadscomapplegidley

 

 

Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin by Mary Ann Bernal – A Cinematic Descent into Espionage and Reckoning

East Berlin trembles. A man on the run clings to love as borders close and betrayal tightens its grip.

 Watch the Trailer

 Five stories. One pulse-pounding journey through danger, deception, and survival.

 Behind the Wall: Where Loyalty Fractures and Shadows Rise.

Before the escape, there was love. Before the reckoning, trust. Escape from Berlin leads this haunting collection with Mark Dresdner’s desperate flight from East Germany, a man torn between duty and devotion, hunted by enemies and haunted by the woman he refuses to leave behind.

 But the danger doesn’t end at the border.

From twisted rituals and shattered marriages to deadly secrets and vigilante justice, Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin plunges readers into five intense narratives where survival demands sacrifice and truth is a dangerous weapon.

 This quiet moment, where the past collides with the present, captures the soul of Scribbler Tales. It’s a journey through betrayal, fallout, and the fragile hope that something better lies beyond the storm.

A Note from the Author

I wrote Escape from Berlin to explore the human cost of loyalty and the choices we make when everything is at stake. Each story in this collection reveals a different kind of escape, whether from tyranny, betrayal, or fate itself. This trailer invites you to step into those moments and ask: what would you risk to be free?

 About the Book

 A perilous escape. A shattered trust. A reckoning in the shadows.

Mark Dresdner’s cover is blown. The border is blocked. The woman he loves is in danger. Escape from Berlin opens this suspenseful anthology with Cold War tension and emotional grit.

But the danger doesn’t stop there.

 In Betrayal, Aelia’s devotion is tested when her husband’s secrets threaten everything.

 Deadly Secrets follows Lysandra into a new life, only for her past to resurface with deadly consequences.

 Murder in the First delivers vigilante justice with a twist, as Bethel’s plan spirals into chaos.

 The Ritual traps Devona in a pagan rite that demands blood, and escape may come too late.

 Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin is a gripping anthology for fans of espionage thrillers, psychological suspense, and stories where survival is never guaranteed.

 Ready to Read?

 Step into the shadows. Choose your escape.

 Buy the Book

 Amazon Link:

http://mybook.to/STPEscapefromBerlin

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/3kgZeG

 Learn more at

https://maryannbernal.com

 

 

Between Two Worlds with Helga of East Anglia — An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this special interview, we meet Helga of East Anglia, a Norsewoman whose life is entwined with loyalty to her people and unexpected ties that cross cultural divides in The Briton and the Dane. Helga shares her struggles, her strength, and her hopes in a world torn by war and divided by faith.

Interviewer: Helga, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be part of this conflict?

Helga: I was born on English soil, though my blood is Norse. From my earliest days, I lived between two worlds, never fully belonging to one or the other. By the time I was grown, the Norse were already settled in East Anglia under treaty with King Alfred. Even in uneasy peace, the struggle shaped every choice I made.

Interviewer: Many see the Norse only as raiders. What do you believe is most misunderstood about your people?
Helga: We are more than the clash of steel and the burning of villages. We are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We seek honor, yes, but also a place to belong. Too often, only the bloodshed is remembered, and not the bonds of kinship that guide us.

Interviewer: Your story is closely tied to others beyond your own people. How has that shaped your choices?
Helga: It has not been easy. To care for someone outside the shield wall is to live with constant fear—fear of discovery, fear of betrayal. Yet the heart does not ask permission before it binds itself.

Interviewer: What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced in these turbulent times?
Helga: To walk a path where every choice risks betrayal of someone I love. My loyalty is tested daily—by blood, by oath, by the quiet voice of my own heart.

Interviewer: You’ve witnessed both Saxon and Norse ways of life. What do you believe each side fails to see in the other?
Helga: The Saxons see us as heathens, blind to the depth of our traditions. The Norse see the Saxons as weak, blind to the strength of their faith. Both sides forget that beneath the banners and the gods, we are all people who bleed, grieve, and hope the same.

Interviewer: How do you find strength when the world around you is so divided?
Helga: In the small moments—the laughter of children, the warmth of a fire, the memory of a promise. These are the things that remind me why we endure.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be?
Helga: That love can bridge even the deepest divides. If those who come after me can live in a world where Saxon and Norse walk side by side, then my struggles will not have been in vain.

Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
Helga: Only this: even in times of war, the heart still seeks peace. May those who come after us remember that truth.

 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

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: A Most Unlikely Man: A Tale of Resistance by J.P. Rieger

 

Isadore Levinsky is a survivor. No stranger to concentration camps, he’s been freighted by boxcar to yet one more, possibly his last, before death by rifle or neglect. He’s survived this far because he’s done what any person would do under the circumstances: everything possible, irrespective of the consequences for others. At the nearly deserted Natzweiler-Struthof camp, Levinsky matches wits with fellow prisoner Otto Beck, a self-proclaimed pacifist, gentile and admitted liar. Beck has decreed that all food and water will be shared equally. He’s rallied the men and challenged his Nazi overseers, willingly taking their beatings and abuse. But is Beck a charismatic con man or a liberator? Previously convicted for treachery, Beck is architect of an escape plan specifically designed to assist his Nazi captors. Can Levinsky and the men survive Beck and find their way to freedom?

A Most Unlikely Man: A Tale of Resistance is a story that resonates with our own times. Uplifting and inspiring, the story draws us into a dark past we must never forget, while shining a ray of hope for our future.

 

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/boJd5L

  

 

J. Paul (J.P.) Rieger is a mostly retired Maryland attorney and author of five books, The Case Files of Roderick Misely, Consultant, a mystery featuring a wannabe lawyer anti-hero published in April, 2013, Clonk!, a police farce set in Baltimore and published in May, 2023 by Apprentice House Press (Loyola University, Maryland), The Big Comb Over, a slipstream comedy of manners published in April, 2024, Sunscreen Shower, a Clonk! sequel, published by Flock Publishing in October 2024, and A Most Unlikely Man: A Tale of Resistance, published by Blue Cedar Press in September 2025.

 J. Paul and his spouse live in Towson, Maryland. His website is www.jpaulrieger.net.

 Author Links:

 Website: www.jpaulrieger.net

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

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-p-rieger

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.-P.-Rieger/author/B00JIO5W4S

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239777922-a-most-unlikely-man

 

 

 

Book Spotlight: The Traitor’s Son by Wendy Johnson

 

Caught between a king and a kingmaker, young Richard Plantagenet knows he’ll have to choose...

1461: Richard Duke of York, King by Right, has been branded a traitor and slain by his Lancastrian foes. For his eight-year-old son—Richard Plantagenet—England has become a dangerous place.

As the boy grapples with grief and uncertainty, his elder brother, Edward, defeats the enemy and claims the throne. Dazzled by his glorious sibling, young Richard soon discovers that imperfections lurk beneath his brother's majestic façade. Enter Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick—cousin, tutor, luminary—whose life has given him everything but that which he truly craves: a son. A filial bond forms between man and boy as they fill the void in each other’s lives. Yet, when treachery tears their world asunder, Richard faces an agonizing dilemma: pledge allegiance to Edward—his blood brother and anointed king—or to Warwick, the father figure who has shaped his life and affections.

Painfully trapped between duty and devotion, Richard faces a grim reality: whatever he decides will mean a fight to the death.

In "The Traitor’s Son", Wendy Johnson weaves a tapestry of loyalty, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of England's turbulent history. Through the eyes of a young Richard III, readers are transported into a world where every choice is fraught with peril, and the bonds of kinship are tested to their limits. 

Perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel, Annie Garthwaite and Sharon K. Penman.

Praise for The Traitor’s Son:

“Exquisitely written. An evocative and thoughtful retelling of the early life of Richard III.”

~ Philippa Langley, MBE

“Sometimes the perfect use of the written word takes my breath away. Not very often but this book is it. A wonderful story written so beautifully that I shall not forget it for a long time. Everything to my mind is perfect. The language, the story, the pacing. Just wonderful.”

~ Kindle Customer, 5* Amazon Review

“Wonderfully woven story of a young Richard III. Woven with a sure knowledge of the history and a realistic telling of a story about a young boy finding his way through tragedy and triumph, uncertainty and a legacy he cannot escape.

Brilliant debut which promises more and more.”

~ Cris, 5* Amazon Review

“I loved this novel, it was beautifully written, extremely atmospheric, the characters’ personalities came through perfectly, can’t wait for the next instalment.”

~ Linda Hayward, 5* Amazon Review

“Really enjoyed this book. Holds the reader enthralled from the first paragraph to the last. The next volume can't be released soon enough.”

~ J.M. Henderson, 5* Amazon Review

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link:    https://books2read.com/u/mdJqL5

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

 

Wendy Johnson has a lifelong passion for medieval history, its people, and for bringing their incredible stories to life. Her specific areas of interest are the fifteenth century, the Wars of the Roses, and Richard III in particular. She enjoys narratives that immerse the reader in the past and tries faithfully to recreate the later Middle Ages within her own writing. She has contributed to a number of historical anthologies and was a runner-up in the Woman and Home Short Story Competition 2008.

Wendy is also a founder member of Philippa Langley’s Looking for Richard Project, which located the king’s lost grave in 2012. She co-authored Finding Richard III: the Official Account of Research by the Retrieval and Reburial Project in 2014, and in 2019 received the Richard III Society’s Robert Hamblin Award. 

THE TRAITOR’S SON, volume one in a Richard III trilogy, is Wendy’s debut novel and she is currently working on the sequel.

 Author Links:

 Author’s Page on Publisher’s Website: https://madeglobal.com/authors/wendy-johnson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wendy-Johnson-Author-61558759768505/

Book Bub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/wendy-johnson-cf3f97f7-3a8e-46d9-8394-c5a08caa594d

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B0D14SQJP3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208871994-the-traitor-s-son

 

 

 

 

Book Spotlight: Seeds of the Pomegranate by Suzanne Uttaro Samuels

 

A gritty story of a woman learning to survive in 20th-century Gangland, New York

 

In early 20th-century Sicily, noblewoman Mimi Inglese, a talented painter, dreams of escaping the rigid expectations of her class by gaining admission to the Palermo Art Academy. But when she contracts tuberculosis, her ambitions are shattered. With the Sicilian nobility in decline, she and her family leave for New York City in search of a fresh start.

 

Instead of opportunity, Mimi is pulled into the dark underbelly of city life and her father’s money laundering scheme. When he is sent to prison, desperation forces her to put her artistic talent to a new use—counterfeiting $5 bills to keep her family from starvation and, perhaps, to one day reclaim her dream of painting. But as Gangland violence escalates and tragedy strikes, Mimi must summon the courage to flee before she is trapped forever in a life she never wanted.

From Sicily’s sun-bleached shores to the crowded streets of immigrant New York, Seeds of the Pomegranate is a story of courage, art, and the women who refused to disappear.

 

Buy Link:

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

 

Suzanne Uttaro Samuels writes about women who defy expectations and the secrets that shape families across generations.

Her debut novel, Seeds of the Pomegranate (Sibylline Press, 2025), follows a young Sicilian noblewoman whose search for freedom and art leads her into the hidden world of counterfeiters in early twentieth-century New York.

A former law professor turned novelist, Suzanne now lives in a lakeside cottage in the Adirondack Mountains with her husband, dog, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring old family stories, local history, and the way memory lingers in the places we call home.

Author Links:

Website: www.suzannesamuels.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.samuels.12

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzanne.samuels/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@suzanne.samuels

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/olduser124646644/seeds/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/suzanne-uttaro-samuels

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suzannesamuelswriter

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Suzanne-Uttaro-Samuels/author/B0FF3RY4D7

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60004417.Suzanne_Uttaro_Samuels