Pages

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Jora: A Reflective Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: Birthright


 She is a survivor, a peacemaker, and a young woman who carries wisdom far beyond her years. Now, Jora speaks for herself in a format as serene as her spirit.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Jora to life with quiet intensity. Her words reveal the endurance born of loss, her choices show the courage to seek peace in a divided world, and her reflections remind us that true strength often lies in stillness. It’s not just an interview—it’s a meditation on patience, resilience, and the hope of coexistence.

Watch the full interview here:


This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to Alfred’s England, and Jora’s appearance reminds us that even in times of conflict, one may choose peace over rage, and wisdom over despair.


Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link:

Universal Link:


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

 


Monday, February 2, 2026

Book Spotlight: The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo


Praise:

“The Relic Keeper” ultimately stands as a radiant celebration of hope, kindness, and the beauty that emerges when wounded souls dare to reach towards the light. It is a story to savour, reflect upon, and carry with you — an unforgettable addition to Eljarbo’s heartfelt repertoire of novels that bring history to life.

Yarde Book Promotion

****

Italy, 1620.

Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo.

Angelo knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. When he loses his master, his livelihood is shaken. Tozzo’s plunder is hidden in a safe place, but what will happen if someone comes after Angelo to get their hands on the stolen relics? More than that, he feels threatened by words he’s heard too many times; that he’ll always remain unforgiven and doomed.

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about the hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them.

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy—an artistic and audacious tale that crosses paths with art collector Vincenzo Giustiniani and the powerful Medici family.

 


Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link:

 https://books2read.com/u/bWgl7W

 Read with #KindleUnlimited

 


HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

 After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history. Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

 Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

 Social Media Links:

 Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

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

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

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heidi-eljarbo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16984270.Heidi_Eljarbo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Heidi-Eljarbo/author/B073D852VG