She’s loyal, fearless, and never backs
down from a fight. Now, Josephine “Jo” Hughes steps into the spotlight in a
format as bold as she is.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Jo to life with stunning realism. Her voice carries
conviction, her gaze never wavers, and her words reveal the grit behind the
mission. It’s not just an interview—it’s a declaration.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of The AnaRose Chronicles through immersive
storytelling. Each character adds depth to the saga, and Jo’s appearance
reminds us what it means to stand your ground when everything’s on the line.
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.
The scent of ancient parchment mingled
with the tang of desert wind as Jo Hughes stepped into a world few ever glimpse;
a world of relics, ruins, and secrets buried beneath centuries of silence. From
the shadowed commanderies of France to the sun-scorched sands of Cairo, Jo’s
journey alongside AnaRose Preston has been anything but ordinary. Today, she
joins us to reflect on her transformation, the thrill of discovery, and the
truths that history doesn’t always share.
Interviewer: Jo, thank you for joining us. You’ve
come a long way since your first assignment with AnaRose. How did it all begin?
Jo
Hughes: I was a grad student in archaeology, working as
AnaRose’s personal assistant, the kind of job where you expect to manage
schedules, answer emails, and maybe help organize a few lectures. Then she
invited me to join her on a field mission in France. I thought I’d be
cataloging artifacts and sipping espresso in quiet libraries. Instead, I found
myself navigating underground speakeasies, decoding Templar lore, and dodging
black marketeers. It was a crash course in the real world of relic hunting, and
I loved every minute of it.
Interviewer: That first quest took you to some
remarkable places. What stands out most from your time in France?
Jo Hughes: The Underground was
unforgettable; a speakeasy hidden beneath a polished restaurant, velvet booths
above, secrets below. It felt like stepping into a noir film with a passport to
the past. But it was the ruins and commanderies
that really left an impression. Avalleur felt like stepping into a forgotten
heartbeat. And Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon! That place gave me chills. Locals
spoke of cries in the night and a figure in white robes. Frankie and I didn’t
see anything, but the air was heavy. You don’t forget places like that.
Interviewer: You and Frankie Travers seemed to hit
it off. What’s your dynamic like?
Jo Hughes: Frankie’s brilliant and a bit
eccentric in the best way. We were both new to AnaRose’s world, so we leaned on
each other. He’s got this quiet reverence for history, and I admire that. We’ve
shared some wild experiences, and he’s become one of my closest allies in the
field.
Interviewer: In Pharaoh’s Gold, your role
expanded dramatically. Without giving too much away, how did that mission
challenge you?
Jo Hughes: Cairo was intense. AnaRose was there
to speak on stolen antiquities, and I tagged along thinking it’d be a learning
opportunity. It was just not the kind I expected. I ended up in situations I
never imagined, and let’s just say I got a firsthand look at how dangerous
relic hunting can be. But AnaRose was there when it counted. She always is.
Interviewer: You’ve faced some serious danger. What
keeps you coming back?
Jo Hughes: The adrenaline, the mystery, the
history; it’s addictive. I never thought I’d enjoy the rush, but there’s
something about chasing truth through forgotten corridors and ancient puzzles
that makes you feel alive. AnaRose warned me it wouldn’t be easy, but she also
showed me how meaningful it can be.
Interviewer: By Medusa’s Curse, you’re no
longer the rookie. How has your relationship with AnaRose evolved?
Jo Hughes: We’ve grown close, but we’ve
also had our moments. I found out she could dive and fly a helicopter, skills
she hadn’t mentioned, even after saying she’d be upfront with me. I get why she
held back, but it still stung. I thought we were in this together, no secrets.
But I understand now; she carries a lot, and sometimes she shields people to
protect them. Still, I’ve earned her respect, and that means everything.
Interviewer: What’s next for you?
Jo Hughes: I’m still pursuing my PhD, but
fieldwork has changed me. I’m not just studying history, I’m living it.
Wherever AnaRose goes next, I’ll be ready. And if she ever needs backup, she
knows I’m more than just an assistant. I’m part of the team.
Interviewer: Jo, thank you for sharing your
journey. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about
your time with AnaRose?
Jo Hughes: Just this. History isn’t always found
in books. Sometimes it’s buried in sand, etched in stone, or whispered through
ruins. And if you’re lucky enough to chase it with someone like AnaRose
Preston, you’ll discover more than relics. You’ll discover who you really are.
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.
The scent of linseed oil lingered in
the air as sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting crimson and
gold across centuries-old manuscripts. In the Paris suburbs, nestled
between a gallery and a studio, Francois Travers,
known to most as Frankie, paints history not just on canvas, but through the
stories he preserves. As AnaRose Preston’s latest mission leads her into the
shadowed legacy of the Knights Templar, she turns to Frankie for answers buried
in time. Today, he joins us to discuss relics, ruins, and the ghosts that
refuse to be forgotten.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for joining us. For
those unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you do?
Frankie Travers: I’m a painter by trade, but my passion
is history, specifically Templar history. My gallery showcases my art, but my
office is where the real treasures live: maps, scrolls, relics, and theories
that most historians won’t touch. I’m not officially affiliated with any
academic institution, which gives me the freedom to dig deeper, ask questions
others won’t, and occasionally help people like AnaRose when the past refuses
to stay buried.
Interviewer: AnaRose sought you out for your
expertise in Templar lore. What drew you into this world?
Frankie Travers: I grew up fascinated by the symbolism;
the red cross, the secrecy, the idea of a brotherhood guarding something
sacred. But it wasn’t until I inherited a collection from my grandfather, a
historian himself, that I realized how much had been lost or hidden. The Holy
Nail, embedded in a dagger, is one of those legends that keep resurfacing. When
AnaRose came to me with questions about Lord Balian’s ring, I knew we were
chasing something real.
Interviewer: You’ve visited several commanderies
with AnaRose. What was it like exploring the ruins at Avalleur?
Frankie Travers: Haunting, in every sense. The
architecture still whispers of purpose; stone corridors built for silence, not
spectacle. When we found the ruins, it felt like stepping into a forgotten
chapter. There’s a weight to places like that, as if the stones remember. And
when you’re standing there, knowing what might be hidden beneath your feet. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.
Interviewer: One of the commanderies you visited,
Sainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon, has a reputation for being haunted. Did you
experience anything unusual?
Frankie Travers: That place is different. Locals
warned us about the sleeping quarters, sharing stories of cries in the night and a figure
in white robes bearing the Templar cross. We didn’t see him, but the atmosphere
was heavy. Ghost Hunters International tried to film an episode there, but the
footage was lost, and the results were inconclusive. I don’t know if it’s truly
haunted, but I do know that history leaves echoes. And some echoes don’t fade.
Interviewer: The Ordo Christi plays a major role in
this mission. What can you tell us about them?
Frankie
Travers: They’re not exactly villains. Their goal is
preservation; to protect sacred relics from misuse. But their methods, let’s
just say, they don’t always ask nicely. They believe the Holy Nail must remain
hidden, untouched. Legend has it, the Holy Nail was concealed within a Templar
dagger, a weapon forged not for war, but for secrecy. AnaRose and I don’t
disagree with the need for caution, but we do disagree on who gets to decide
what’s safe and what’s sacred.
Interviewer: You’re an artist as well as a
historian. How does your painting influence your research?
Frankie Travers: Art teaches you to see patterns in
light, in shadow, and in silence. That skill translates beautifully to
historical research. Sometimes a fresco reveals more than a scroll. Sometimes, a forgotten symbol in a painting can lead to a clue that no one else has noticed. My studio
is where I reflect, but my gallery is where I connect the dots.
Interviewer: Without giving too much away, what’s
next for you?
Frankie Travers: I’ve got a few canvases waiting, and a
few theories I’m still chasing. AnaRose has a way of turning quiet days into
quests, so I’m sure I’ll be pulled into something soon. And if the past has
taught me anything, it’s that relics don’t stay hidden forever. They call to
those who listen.
Interviewer: Frankie, thank you for sharing your
insights. Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like readers to know about
your work or your time with AnaRose?
Frankie Travers: Just this; history isn’t a straight
line. It’s a labyrinth. And if you’re lucky enough to walk it with someone like
AnaRose, you’ll find that every twist, every shadow, every mystery is worth the
journey.
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.
From sacred daggers to cursed pendants, AnaRose Preston
races through ruins and secrets to stop mythic power from falling into the
wrong hands. The past isn’t just calling, it’s threatening to rise.
Watch the Trailer
Experience the adventures that redefined historical
suspense.
Behind the Collection: One Heroine, Three Relics, Endless
Danger
Before the dagger, there was a vow.
Before the ushabti, a sacrifice.
Before the pendant, a curse.
AnaRose Preston doesn’t seek danger, but when history calls,
she answers. This cinematic box set brings together three unforgettable
adventures:
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest – A sacred dagger. A silent
brotherhood. A vow buried in stone.
AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold– A doomsday cult. A stolen relic.
A race through Egypt’s ruins.
AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse – A cursed pendant. A
nationalist plot. A chase across Greece’s ancient shrines.
Each story stands alone. Together, they reveal a legacy of
courage, intellect, and sacrifice.
This moment, where myth meets menace, captures the soul of
The AnaRose Chronicles. It’s not just a collection. It’s a cinematic journey
through the shadows of history.
A Note from the Author
I created The AnaRose Chronicles to bring together three of
AnaRose’s most perilous adventures in one immersive experience. These stories
explore the tension between myth and truth, and the courage it takes to protect
what matters most. I’m thrilled to share this trilogy with you.
About the Collection
Featuring AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and
Pharaoh’s Gold, and AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse, this box set follows renowned
antiquities expert AnaRose Preston as she confronts secret sects, ancient
curses, and cults willing to kill for mythic power.
From unraveling the mystery of a Templar knight’s sacred
dagger to confronting a doomsday cult in modern Egypt, and battling for a
cursed pendant across the ruins of Greece, AnaRose must outsmart enemies who
would rewrite history for their own dark ends.
History lives in the shadows. She’s the last line of
defense.
Ready to Read?
Relive the adventures. Protect the past. Face the legend.
Ireland 1652: In the
desperate, final days of the English invasion of Ireland . . .
A fey young woman, Áine Callaghan, is the sole survivor of an attack by
English marauders. When Irish soldier Niall O'Coneill discovers his own kin
slaughtered in the same massacre, he vows to hunt down the men responsible. He
takes Áine under his protection and together they reach the safety of an
encampment held by the Irish forces in Tipperary.
Hardly a safe haven, the camp is rife with
danger and intrigue. Áine is a stranger with the old stories stirring on her
tongue and rumours follow her everywhere. The English cut off support to the
brigade, and a traitor undermines the Irish cause, turning Niall from hunter to
hunted.
When someone from Áine's past arrives, her
secrets boil to the surface—and she must slay her demons once and for all.
As the web of violence and treachery grows,
Áine and Niall find solace in each other's arms—but can their love survive
long-buried secrets and the darkness of vengeance?
Fun
Facts (Stuff
you may or may not already know!)
I published my first written piece
in high school. The drama department decided to produce a play using material
written by the student body. I poured out my sixteen-year-old angst onto the
pages of yellow foolscap, and by the time I reached the bottom of the tissue
box, my opus was complete. After submitting it, I forgot about the whole thing
(as well as my unrequited crush) until opening night. Imagine my surprise when
I discovered that they had turned my tragedy into a comedy sketch! I've never
laughed so hard.
When I was in university, I worked
three summers for CN Rail. Odd and sundry duties, as assigned, were digging
trenches for fibre optic cable (it was a long time ago), painting silver boxes
at the crossroads, and installing railway switches. I still ride by one of those
switches (still working fine, thank you!).
Hardhat and work boots by Cryssa Bazos
I have become a cat owner for the
first time and have come to the conclusion that I've been a cat person all this
time. They are endlessly fascinating. Meet my writing assistant Sofia. She
enjoys pens, paper and walking over keyboards. One time, with a few paw strokes
over the keyboard, she came up with an impressive mathematical formula.
Sofia by Cryssa Bazos
Sofia's mathematical
genius by Cryssa Bazos
My first "art" was
painting and drawing. In fact, I didn't do too bad and even sold a few pieces.
There was one time I went into the city to buy supplies and on my way back to
the transit station found a man sleeping on a bench. Out came my freshly
purchased supplies. As I sketched the man, I attracted the interest of a
passerby who offered to buy it from me on the spot. That paid for my supplies
that day.
I have a complete collection of
Lord of the Rings action figurines in the original packaging. It started when
my oldest son (when he was about seven) received Boromir + Uruk Hai action
figures for Christmas. I'm not entirely sure that he actually played with them because I monopolized them. The detailing was unbelievable! I started haunting
toy stores to find more, and over a couple of years, I found them all. My kids
never understood why I wouldn’t unwrap them. An author friend suggested I was
pulling a Gollum with them. She wasn't too far off.
LOTR montage, picture by Cryssa
Bazos
Cryssa Bazos
Cryssa Bazosis
an award-winning historical fiction author and a seventeenth-century enthusiast.
Her debut novel, Traitor's Knot is
the Medalist winner of the 2017 New Apple Award for Historical Fiction, a
finalist for the 2018 EPIC eBook Awards for Historical Romance. Her second
novel, Severed Knot,
is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and a finalist for the 2019 Chaucer Award. A
forthcoming third book in the standalone series, Rebel's Knot, was
published in November 2021.
