Friday, May 8, 2026

Prison of the Serpent: A Snippet from AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold by Mary Ann Bernal

 

Snippet

Jo awakened in a small room filled with Ancient Egyptian furnishings. She had hazy memories of how she got there in the first place. Jo recalled declining Khepri’s offer to ride back to Cairo. While waiting to board the bus, she felt a sting in her neck and felt lightheaded. Out of nowhere, Khepri appeared, held her upright, and brought her to his Jeep. He strapped her into the passenger seat, where she rested her head. With blurry vision, she saw his tattoo before blacking out.

Looking for an exit, Jo ran toward a solitary door. When it wouldn’t open, she hit it with the palm of her hand and shouted, “Let me out of here.”

Exhausted after several minutes of incessant pounding, Jo sat on a chair and tried to calm down. She had to think. Hysterics would hamper her survival until AnaRose rescued her. Jo suppressed the urge to scream when she realized she wore a white gown, gold bracelets, and a serpent pendant hanging from a layered gold necklace covering her chest. Her hair and skin smelled of perfume, causing Jo to gag at its intensity.

Wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicted scenes of horror and violence with images of Apophis devouring the sun, the sky turning red, and people slaughtered by his minions. Jo felt a surge of fear and panic, unsure if AnaRose would find her in time.

Resolved temporarily to her fate, Jo searched the room, looking for her clothes and phone. Obviously, they’re gone! Do you think they’re stupid? These guys are killers and leave no trace of their victims.

Overwhelmed, tears welled in Jo’s eyes. She felt claustrophobic, terrorized of being buried alive in a sarcophagus, and freaking out when they shut the lid.

Stop it, or you’ll die of fright. Have faith in AnaRose’s abilities. It will be okay.

Resigned for the moment of accepting the situation at hand, Jo closed her eyes, her thoughts chaotic as she counted down the hours to her rescue or death.

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Where to Buy

AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold
https://books2read.com/u/380DQ6

Connect with the Author

https://maryannbernal.com

Discover More Stories

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas.
https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY



Thursday, May 7, 2026

Book Spotlight: Beyond the Dark Oceans by Alison Huntingford

 


A family united, a family divided…

In 1906, the Huntingford family leaves England for a hopeful new life in Canada, but for eldest son Georgy, the promise of opportunity quickly becomes a test of endurance, responsibility, and fate. As he comes of age amid the hardships of immigrant life, the outbreak of the First World War pulls him back across the ocean and into a world forever changed by loss and sacrifice.

When Georgy’s brother disappears in the chaos of war, grief and uncertainty fracture the family he is fighting to hold together. Reunited with his cousin Nellie, Georgy finds solace in a love as powerful as it is forbidden—one that offers hope in the darkest of times while threatening to tear his family apart.

Based on true events, Beyond the Dark Oceans is a moving story of love, loyalty, and resilience, exploring how ordinary lives are shaped—and divided—by extraordinary moments in history.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3LPxV5

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

Alison Huntingford is a writer with a deep passion for family history and storytelling. With a background rooted in the rich traditions of the Huntingford family, Alison seeks to honour the stories passed down through generations. She is the author of a successful series of works that explore historical and personal narratives. She is an only child of two only children and so has always felt a distinct lack of family. This has inspired her work.

After an upheaval in her personal life, Alison achieved a degree in humanities with literature through the Open University which helped to give her a new start. A teaching career followed which then led naturally to writing. She is now retired from full-time work, but busier than ever.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their pets, listening to music, going to the cinema, and gardening on her allotment. She also runs the South Hams Authors Network, a local writers collective based in South Devon.

Author Links:

Website: https://alisonhuntingford.com

Twitter / X: https://x.com/ahuntingford9

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ahuntingford9/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ahuntingford9/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ahuntingford9

Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/alisonhuntingford/alison-huntingford/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alison-huntingford

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alison-Huntingford/author/B09D8JDJ49

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19175307.Alison_Huntingford




 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: That Catskill Summer by Bart A. Charlow


He wrote the book he lived. Now she wants to rewrite the ending.

For fans of the 1960s Catskills era of Dirty Dancing, this is a very different kind of love story.

Author Aaron Ben-Ami’s steamy novel, based on a failed youthful love affair in the "Summer of Love" Borscht Belt, is a sensation. Love was easy to come by in the resort culture of the early sexual revolution, but not so easy to keep. Now, as his story is being made into a movie starring Isobel “Izzy” Sandler, the past and present are about to collide.

Ironically, it was a chance meeting with Izzy that inspired Aaron to write the book in the first place—she was his muse. But as they grow close during filming, Izzy discovers the raw truth behind the fiction. She is the granddaughter of Elyse, the real woman who modeled for the novel’s lead—and Aaron's greatest "what if".

Set against the richly textured backdrop of a disappearing American era, That Catskill Summer is a story of what we miss in the moment and what stays with us long after. It is a journey through the humor, the heat, and the heartbreak of youth, told through the reflective eyes of someone who survived it.

Perfect for readers of emotionally rich, time-layered fiction who value reflection over resolution – and those who believe that a single summer can define a lifetime.

 

Buy Links:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bx2ZE6

 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/that-catskill-summer-bart-charlow/1149767644?ean=9798256302627 

 Amazon US Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/That-Catskill-Summer-Lived-Love/dp/B0GV3P1RBL/

 

 

Bart A. Charlow is an author, consultant, and retired therapist whose writing explores the intricate intersections of memory, legacy, and the human heart. With over 45 years as a visual artist and photographer, Bart brings a painterly eye to his prose, capturing the atmospheric beauty and lingering shadows of the people and places that shape us.

Born into the carnival life of a Borscht Belt Catskills hotel family, he has never let the ordinary constrain him.

His first book, A Catskill Carnival: My Borscht Belt Life Lived, Lost and Loved, is a memoir of his early years in a unique setting, coming to terms with it and cherishing its life lessons. Pickle Barrel Tales: More Borscht Belt BS is the companion book of over 50 wry vignettes from several “mountain rats”.

 A true son of the Catskills, Bart’s deep connection to the "Borscht Belt" Dirty Dancing era serves as the foundation for his storytelling. His novels delve into the complex emotional landscapes of mature characters, often focusing on the ways the past refuses to stay buried and how new love must contend with old ghosts. His latest series is “Lived-In LoveTM”, dedicated to telling realistic relationship stories with deep emotional connections, not the usual tropes.

 Whether through a camera lens, a paintbrush, or the written word, Bart is dedicated to capturing the "circus of memories" that defines the mature experience.

 He writes a regular column, “Bart on Art”, for The San Mateo Daily Journal.

 Bart has been a favored speaker on TV, radio and in print media for decades and is recognized for his service in the United States Congressional Record.

Among honors he holds is the Jefferson Award for his community leadership and service.

He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, grown children and grandchildren.

 Author Links:

 Website: www.bartcharlow.com/writing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579380382162

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/BART-CHARLOW/author/B0CMZJVBDR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46634582.Bart_A_Charlow



 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

 

 


 

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Book Spotlight: Rescued by the Rakish Lord by Sarah Mallory

 


A forced proximity, high society romance set in the late Georgian era

A man of such dubious reputation…

that he was called Devil Blackbourne!

When Lord Deveril Blackbourne meets Selina Wynter, he is intrigued. For she has all the accomplishments of a lady, but the fiery temper and spirit of a tavern maid! Then she is abducted by a dastardly suitor, and Deveril—for all his roguish reputation— can’t stand idly by…

Lord Deveril is Selina’s least likely rescuer, but when they’re stranded together in a snowstorm and her reputation is at risk, he surprises her with a gallant proposal! Deveril’s no honourable suitor, yet his actions say otherwise…

Just who is the real Devil Blackbourne? Selina’s determined to find out!

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3RE7wx

 


Sarah Mallory is an award-winning author who has published more than 40 historical romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon. She loves history, especially the Georgian and Regency. She won the prestigious RoNA Rose Award from the Romantic Novelists Association in 2012 and 2013 and nominated in 2022. She also won the RNA’s Romantic Historical Novel Award in 2024 for The Night She Met the Duke.

Sarah also writes romantic historical adventures as Melinda Hammond. She was born in the West Country but lived for many years on the Yorkshire Pennines, taking inspiration from the wild and rugged moors. Then in 2018 she fell in love with Scotland and ran away to live on the rugged North West Coast, which is proving even more inspiring!

 Author Links:

 Websites: www.sarahmallory.com / www.melindahammond.com

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

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/melinda.hammond.77

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/sarahmallory21/

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Sarah-Mallory/author/B0034OAJ3W

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1415302.Sarah_Mallory

 

 

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Book Spotlight: Lady of Lincoln by Rachel Elwiss Joyce


A true story. A forgotten heroine. In a time when women were told to stay silent, could she become the saviour her people need?

12th-century England. Nicola de la Haye wants to do her duty. But though she’s taught a female cannot lead alone, the young noblewoman bristles at the marriage her father has arranged to secure her inheritance. And when an unexpected death leaves her unguided, the impetuous girl shuns the king’s blessing and weds a handsome-but-landless knight.

Harshly fined by Henry II for her unsanctioned union, Nicola struggles to salvage her estates while dealing with devastating betrayals from her husband… and his choice to join rebels in a brewing civil war. Yet after averting a tragedy and gaining the castle garrison’s respect, she still must face the might of powerful men determined to crush her under their will.

Can she survive love, threats, and violent ambition to prove she’s worthy of authority?

In this carefully researched and vividly human series debut, Rachel Elwiss Joyce showcases the complex themes of honour, responsibility, and freedom in the story of a remarkable heroine who men tried to erase from history. And as readers dive into a world defined by violence and turmoil, they’ll be stunned by this courageous young woman’s journey toward greatness.

Lady of Lincoln is the gritty first book in the Nicola de la Haye Series historical fiction saga. If you like richly textured female heroes, courtly drama, and fast-paced intrigue, then you’ll adore Rachel Elwiss Joyce’s gripping true-life tale.

 


 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4980nW

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 Narrated by Sarah Kempton

 


After a rewarding career in the sciences, Rachel returned to her first love—history and the art of storytelling. Fascinated by the women history neglected, or tried to forget, she creates meticulously researched, emotionally resonant fiction that brings her characters’ stories vividly to life.

Her fascination with the past began early. At six years old, she was already inventing tales about medieval women in castles, inspired by her treasured Ladybird books and other picture-rich stories that transported her to another time. By the time she discovered Katherine by Anya Seton as a teenager, she knew the joy and escape that only great historical fiction can bring.

Rachel’s two grown-up children still tease her (fondly) about childhoods spent being “dragged” around castles, archaeological sites, and historical re-enactments. For Rachel, history and imagination have always gone hand in hand.

There was, however, a long gap between the stories of her childhood and her decision to write her own novel. The spark came when she discovered the remarkable true story of Nicola de la Haye—the first female sheriff of England, who defended Lincoln Castle against a French invasion and became known as “the woman who saved England.” Rachel knew she had found her heroine and a story she was destined to tell.

Rachel lives in the UK, where she continues to explore the lives of women who shaped history but were left out of its pages.

 Author Links:

 Website: https://www.rachelelwissjoyce.com/

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

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

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

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-elwiss-joyce

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Rachel-Elwiss-Joyce/author/B0G25Q32PV

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61878154.Rachel_Elwiss_Joyce

 


If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY