Book Spotlight: Showboat Soubrette by Brodie Curtis

 

FROM STAR SHOWBOAT SINGER
TO PIRATE PREY ON THE WICKED RIVER!

Showboat singer Stella Parrot’s star rises in the Antebellum South with every sold-out performance along the lower Mississippi River. When a river pirate viciously assaults her, new friends Toby Freeman and John Dee Franklin foil the attack. However, the pirate’s family is bent on revenge.

Stella, Toby, and John Dee escape their riverboat with able assistance from young cub pilot Sam Clemens, only to be pursued by the notorious Burton Gang. As the trio runs for their lives, mortal perils await at every turn: a fierce storm, high-stakes gambling confrontations, deadly combat, and a cotton boat up in flames. Stella, a Cherokee Indian, and Toby, a free Black man, and their friend White man John Dee endure relentless racial prejudices and injustices in the gritty underbelly of the Wicked River while fleeing to New Orleans—where the Burtons will be waiting!

SHOWBOAT SOUBRETTE’s fast-paced lower river adventure chase features romantic showboat scenes and is unsparing in its exploration of the bigoted and sometimes lawless riverboat era.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/boPV81

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited. 

 

Raised in the Midwest, Brodie Curtis was educated as a lawyer and left the corporate world to embrace life in Colorado with his wife and two sons.

Curtis is the author of THE FOUR BELLS, a novel of The Great War, which is the product of extensive historical research, including long walks through the fields of Flanders, where much of the book's action is set. His second novel, ANGELS AND BANDITS, takes his protagonists into The Battle of Britain. Curtis’ third novel is set on a Mississippi Riverboat prior to the Civil War.

A lover of history, particularly American history and the World Wars, Curtis reviews historical fiction for the Historical Novels Review and more than 100 of his published reviews and short takes on historical novels can be found on his website: brodiecurtis.com. 

Author Links:

Website: www.brodiecurtis.com

Twitter / X: https://x.com/BrodieCurtis4

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

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brodie-curtis

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brodie-Curtis/author/B07QSCF8Z1

Goodreads: Showboat Soubrette by Brodie Curtis | Goodreads

 

Fragments of the Past – an exclusive character interview with Dr. Gwyneth Franger

 In this special feature, we meet Dr. Gwyneth Franger, a professor of archaeology at the University of London. Known for her meticulous research and summers spent on excavations, Gwyneth’s life takes an unexpected turn when a medieval portrait captures her attention. Believed to depict the last descendant of a noble house from the reign of Alfred the Great, the image draws her into a mystery that transcends centuries. What begins as academic curiosity soon becomes something far more personal and perilous.

Interviewer: Dr. Franger, thank you for joining us. Could you begin by sharing a little about your academic background and what first drew you to archaeology?

Dr. Gwyneth Franger: Thank you for inviting me. My fascination with the past began when I was very young. While other children were content with fairy tales, I was captivated by museum exhibits and the stories behind ancient artifacts. That curiosity eventually led me to pursue archaeology at university, and later a doctorate. Teaching at the University of London allows me to pass on that passion, but it’s the fieldwork that truly fuels me. There’s something profoundly moving about uncovering an object that hasn’t been touched for centuries.

Interviewer: You spend your summers on digs. What is it about fieldwork that excites you most?

Gwyneth: Fieldwork is unpredictable. You can spend weeks carefully excavating layers of soil, finding nothing but fragments, and then suddenly uncover something that changes your understanding of an entire period. It’s humbling. Each discovery is a reminder that history is not abstract, it’s tangible, layered beneath our feet, waiting to be revealed.

Interviewer: Your research often brings you to Wareham, a town with deep historical resonance. What drew you there in particular?

Gwyneth: Wareham is extraordinary. Its fortifications and its role in shifting dynasties make it a place where the past feels unusually close. I was especially intrigued by a portrait I encountered there. It was said to depict the last descendant of a noble house dating back to Alfred the Great. The image was haunting, almost defiant, and I found myself compelled to learn more. That portrait became the spark for questions I couldn’t set aside.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, your story involves a storm and an extraordinary journey. How do you reconcile your scientific training with experiences that seem beyond explanation?

Gwyneth: As an academic, I’m trained to seek evidence, to test and verify. But there are moments when reason falters, when events unfold that resist tidy categorization. Some might call it fate, others divine intervention. I’ve learned that not everything can be measured or catalogued. Sometimes the past reaches out in ways we cannot fully explain.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as someone caught between two worlds. How does that tension shape your choices?

Gwyneth: It’s a constant balancing act. Knowledge can be both a gift and a burden. When you see the threads of history, should you tug at them, or let them be? Every decision carries weight, not just for oneself, but for those whose lives are entwined with yours. That tension never truly leaves you.

Interviewer: Many readers are fascinated by the idea of time travel. What do you think is its greatest allure?

Gwyneth: Time travel is the ultimate act of empathy. To step into another era is to see the world through different eyes, to feel the hopes and fears of people long gone. It reminds us that history is not just a sequence of dates, it’s lived experience, full of uncertainty, passion, and consequence.

Interviewer: Your work often places you in situations of intrigue and danger. How do you find the courage to face them?

Gwyneth: Courage is rarely about fearlessness. It’s about moving forward despite fear. I remind myself that the past and the future depend on choices made in the present moment. That thought steadies me when the path ahead is uncertain.

Interviewer: Finally, what do you hope readers take away from your journey?

Gwyneth: That the past is never truly gone. It lingers in our traditions, our landscapes, even in the stones beneath our feet. And while destiny may seem fixed, there is always room for choice, for love, and for the possibility of change.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdtimeline

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/b5o8p6

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

 

 

Echoes of Freedom: A Character Interview with Yara of Marbella

In this special character interview, we step into the world of The Briton and the Dane: Concordia to meet Yara of Marbella, a woman whose journey from captivity to freedom unfolds against the backdrop of 9th‑century Hispania. Through her voice, we catch a glimpse of a world of duty, faith, and resilience.

Interviewer: Yara, thank you for joining us. To begin, can you tell us a little about your early life in Málaga and how you came into service?

Yara: My earliest memories are of Málaga’s splendor, its markets alive with voices, its gardens heavy with fragrance, its towers gleaming in the sun. Yet for me, that beauty was always seen from the shadows. I was raised within a household where duty was expected of me from the moment I could walk. Though I was never free to choose my path, I learned quickly that silence could be a shield, and observation a kind of power. Even then, I carried within me a quiet strength, waiting for its moment.

Interviewer: When you were asked to care for a foreign woman brought into the household, she was both a prisoner and a stranger. What were your first impressions of her, and how did your friendship take root?

Yara: At first, I saw fear in her, the same fear I had once carried. But beneath it was a spark, a determination that could not be extinguished. She asked questions, she sought understanding, and she treated me not as a servant but as a companion. In caring for her, I found myself speaking truths I had long hidden. Our friendship was born of shared longing, hers for freedom, mine for belonging.

Interviewer: Living under strict laws meant that practicing Christianity could be punishable by death. How did you reconcile your own beliefs with the dangers she faced?

Yara: Faith in such a place is like a flame in the wind, too bright, and it is snuffed out. I learned to keep mine hidden, to let it flicker quietly in the corners of my heart. Her courage in speaking of her God both frightened and inspired me. I warned her of the dangers, yet I could not silence her. In truth, she reminded me that belief, whether whispered or shouted, is what keeps the soul alive.

Interviewer: You often walked the beaches together, speaking of escape. What did those moments mean to you personally, and how did they shape your hopes for the future?

Yara: The sea was freedom made visible. Each wave carried the promise of a world beyond chains. As we walked, we dreamed aloud, of tunnels, of hidden paths, of lives not yet lived. For her, it was a plan. For me, it was a revelation: that I, too, could imagine a life beyond servitude. Those walks gave me courage to believe in a destiny of my own making.

Interviewer: You witnessed both kindness and cruelty in the household. How did those experiences shape your understanding of power and loyalty?

Yara: Power is a shifting tide. I saw men who ruled with fear, and others who commanded with respect. Cruelty taught me caution, but it also sharpened my instincts. Loyalty, I learned, is not owed to those who hold your chains, but to those who honor your humanity. That is why I stood by her, not because I was ordered to, but because she treated me as an equal.

Interviewer: In time, you were granted freedom. How did it feel to finally step beyond the life you had always known and claim your own destiny?

Yara: Freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying. For so long, my choices were made for me. To suddenly stand at the threshold of my own life was like learning to breathe again. I carried scars, yes, but also strength. Freedom was not the end of my story, it was the beginning.

Interviewer: Looking back, what do you hope readers take away from your journey?

Yara: That even in the darkest of prisons, hope can take root. That friendship can defy walls, and courage can outlast fear. My life was shaped by chains, but it was defined by the strength to break them. If readers remember anything, let it be this: no one is truly powerless who dares to dream of freedom.

Interviewer: Yara, thank you for sharing your story with us today. Before we wrap up, is there anything you would like to say to our readers?

Yara: Never underestimate the strength that lies hidden in silence. Even in the darkest of places, hope can endure, and freedom can be imagined long before it is won. If my journey teaches anything, let it be that courage often begins as a whisper, but it can change the course of a life.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdconcordia

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/bOkrJJ

 

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

 

 

Defiance and Destiny with Gwyneth of Wareham: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

 In this exclusive character interview, we sit down with Gwyneth of Wareham, the indomitable heroine of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. From misty coastlines to royal courts, Gwyneth’s journey is one of courage, conviction, and quiet rebellion. She shares her thoughts on duty, defiance, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your life in Wareham before the events of the trilogy began?

Gwyneth of Wareham: Life in Wareham was structured, predictable, even. As the daughter of Lord Richard, I was expected to behave with decorum, to marry well, and to serve my station. But I always felt the pull of something more, something beyond the walls of our keep and the expectations placed upon me.

Interviewer: Your story begins with a dramatic moment on the coastline. What compelled you to help a wounded stranger?

Gwyneth: I saw a man stumbling across the beach, bloodied and alone. Instinct overrode caution. I couldn’t leave him to die. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about saving a life, it was about choosing my own path, even if it defied my father’s wishes.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as rebellious. How do you view that label?

Gwyneth: Rebellious? Perhaps. But I see it as resolute. I question what doesn’t feel just. I speak when silence is expected. In a world where women are told to obey, I chose to act. That’s not rebellion, it’s survival.

Interviewer: You were trained in swordsmanship and archery, skills not typically taught to noblewomen. What drew you to combat?

Gwyneth: David believed in me. He saw that I could learn, that I had the discipline and fire. I didn’t train to prove anything, I trained because I wanted to protect those I love. And because I knew one day, I’d need to fight for my own future.

Interviewer: You’ve faced kings, warriors, and political intrigue. What has been your greatest challenge?

Gwyneth: Navigating court politics is more perilous than any battlefield. One misstep, one word too bold, and you risk exile, or worse. But the greatest challenge has always been staying true to myself while protecting those around me.

Interviewer: You spent time at the Abbey of Wimborne, far from the battlefield and court. How did that experience shape you?

Gwyneth: The abbey was quiet, but not peaceful. Reverend Mother Prioress ruled with firm devotion, and silence was both shield and shackle. I met Cecilia there, a novitiate as restless as I was. Our friendship became a lifeline. That time taught me patience, reflection, and the power of quiet resistance. Even cloistered behind stone walls, we found ways to shape our fate.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, what can readers expect from your journey across the trilogy?

Gwyneth: Expect fire. Expect sacrifice. Expect a woman who refuses to be defined by her station. My story is not just mine, it’s the story of every woman who’s ever dared to dream beyond the walls built around her.

Interviewer: If you could speak to young women reading your story today, what would you say?

Gwyneth: Do not wait for permission to be brave. The world may try to tame you, but your spirit is your own. Claim it. Wield it. And never forget you were born to shape history.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for your candor and courage. Your story continues to inspire.

Gwyneth: Thank you. May your readers find strength in the shadows and light in the storm.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv

 

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

 

Honor and Heart with Erik of Esbjerg: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

In this exclusive character interview, we speak with Danish Prince Erik of Esbjerg, whose journey from reckless raider to loyal warrior spans the breadth of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. Erik reflects on loyalty, legacy, and the woman who changed the course of his life.

Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what led you to the shores of Wareham?

Erik of Esbjerg: Truthfully? Boredom and bravado. My companions and I left Esbjerg on a whim, chasing the thrill of a coastal raid. We expected little resistance, just a quick strike and return. But the townspeople fought back, and I paid the price. That arrow in my shoulder changed more than my plans, it changed my fate.

Interviewer: That’s when you met Lady Gwyneth. What was your first impression of her?

Erik: She was unlike anyone I’d ever known. Fierce, compassionate, and utterly unafraid. I was wounded, vulnerable, and she chose to help me. That act of kindness and courage, stayed with me. Even after I returned to my men, I couldn’t forget her.

Interviewer: You later chose to remain in England as a hostage. What motivated that decision?

Erik: My men deserved to go home. I was their leader, and it was my responsibility to ensure their safety. Becoming a hostage was the price of peace. King Alfred honored the agreement, and his queen welcomed me into their home. It was unexpected. But it taught me that honor can exist even among enemies.

Interviewer: You eventually fought alongside King Alfred. How did it feel to take up arms for a foreign king?

Erik: Strange at first. My loyalty was tested, but I believed in the cause. Guthrum’s illegitimate heir threatened more than a throne, he threatened stability. I fought not just for Alfred, but for Gwyneth, for the life we were building. Sometimes, the sword must serve peace.

Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy, you face your own brother in battle. How did you reconcile that conflict?

Erik: That was the hardest moment of my life. Sven was blood, but he chose ambition over honor. I didn’t want to fight him, but I had to. For England. For Gwyneth. For our children. War doesn’t care about family ties. It demands sacrifice.

Interviewer: You were baptized as part of your alliance with Alfred. What did that moment mean to you?

Erik: It was complicated. I didn’t speak against it, but I wrestled with it privately. Faith is personal, and politics often intrude. I accepted the baptism as a gesture of peace, not a surrender of self. My gods may have changed, but my soul remained mine.

Interviewer: You’ve lived through betrayal, war, and love. What do you believe defines a warrior?

Erik: Not the blade. Not the victories. A true warrior is defined by loyalty, by the battles he chooses not to fight, and the people he chooses to protect. Strength without purpose is just noise.

Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for sharing your story. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Erik: Love is the fiercest weapon of all. It tempers rage, sharpens resolve, and gives every battle meaning. I found mine on a cliff above the sea. May your readers find theirs, wherever the tide takes them.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv

 

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

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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