AnaRose and Medusa's Curse by Mary Ann Bernal - Independent Press Award 2026 Distinguished Favorite Novella

 A Legendary Pendant. A Forgotten Curse. A Race Against Time.

When relic hunter Miles Bordel calls AnaRose Preston for help, she knows trouble isn’t far behind. This time, it’s personal — and deadly. A nationalist cult bent on restoring ancient Greece to its former glory is hunting the Medusa pendant, said to petrify anyone who meets its cursed gaze.

AnaRose and Miles find the pendant, but it’s stolen before they can secure it. Now the cult is after its missing ruby eyes, hidden somewhere along the Aegean coast. From sunken ruins to mountaintop shrines, AnaRose must follow the clues, dodge assassins, and stop a plan that could turn ancient superstition into modern terror.

The danger is real. The curse may be, too.

She answered a call for help. Now she’s fighting to ensure the past stays buried. Grab your copy of AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse and chase a secret some still fear to face.

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The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers, and illustrators, recognized AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary Ann Bernal as a Distinguished Favorite in the Novella category.

The competition is judged by experts from across the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers, and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are chosen based on overall excellence.

For more information, please visit independentpressaward.com. To see this year's list of IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites, visit:

• 2026 WINNERS: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-winners
• 2026 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITES: https://www.independentpressaward.com/2026-favorites

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AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold by Mary Ann Bernal: Winner of the 2025 Independent Press Award in the category of Novella

 

We are thrilled to announce that AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold by Mary Ann Bernal has won the prestigious Independent Press Award 2025 in the category of Novella!

 In AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold, Mary Ann Bernal takes readers on an unforgettable journey through time and mystery. AnaRose, a young archaeologist, stumbles upon an ancient artifact that holds the key to a long-lost treasure. As she unravels the secrets of Pharaoh's Gold, she faces danger, intrigue, and a race against time. Will AnaRose unlock the treasure's secrets before it's too late?

 Live the adventure and discover why this story has captured the hearts of readers and critics alike.

 

Purchase Links:

https://books2read.com/u/bw91eY

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

 Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

 A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

Kindly visit:

https://maryannbernal.com

https://whisperinglegendspress.com