Mary Ann Bernal

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

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

http://mybook.to/tbatdbirthright

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

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

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/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Between Two Worlds with Helga of East Anglia — An Exclusive Character Interview

In this special interview, we meet Helga of East Anglia, a Norsewoman whose life is entwined with loyalty to her people and unexpected ties that cross cultural divides in The Briton and the Dane. Helga shares her struggles, her strength, and her hopes in a world torn by war and divided by faith.

Interviewer: Helga, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your background and how you came to be part of this conflict?

Helga: I was born on English soil, though my blood is Norse. From my earliest days, I lived between two worlds, never fully belonging to one or the other. By the time I was grown, the Norse were already settled in East Anglia under treaty with King Alfred. Even in uneasy peace, the struggle shaped every choice I made.

Interviewer: Many see the Norse only as raiders. What do you believe is most misunderstood about your people?
Helga: We are more than the clash of steel and the burning of villages. We are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We seek honor, yes, but also a place to belong. Too often, only the bloodshed is remembered, and not the bonds of kinship that guide us.

Interviewer: Your story is closely tied to others beyond your own people. How has that shaped your choices?
Helga: It has not been easy. To care for someone outside the shield wall is to live with constant fear—fear of discovery, fear of betrayal. Yet the heart does not ask permission before it binds itself.

Interviewer: What has been the greatest challenge you’ve faced in these turbulent times?
Helga: To walk a path where every choice risks betrayal of someone I love. My loyalty is tested daily—by blood, by oath, by the quiet voice of my own heart.

Interviewer: You’ve witnessed both Saxon and Norse ways of life. What do you believe each side fails to see in the other?
Helga: The Saxons see us as heathens, blind to the depth of our traditions. The Norse see the Saxons as weak, blind to the strength of their faith. Both sides forget that beneath the banners and the gods, we are all people who bleed, grieve, and hope the same.

Interviewer: How do you find strength when the world around you is so divided?
Helga: In the small moments—the laughter of children, the warmth of a fire, the memory of a promise. These are the things that remind me why we endure.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be?
Helga: That love can bridge even the deepest divides. If those who come after me can live in a world where Saxon and Norse walk side by side, then my struggles will not have been in vain.

Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
Helga: Only this: even in times of war, the heart still seeks peace. May those who come after us remember that truth.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatd

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.

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/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

https://books2read.com/u/bMJGwa

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/maryannbernal.bsky.social

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Wulfgar of Wessex, Messenger of the King — An Exclusive Character Interview

In this special interview, we step into the world of Wulfgar of Wessex, King Alfred’s trusted messenger in The Briton and the Dane. Known for his tireless journeys across the land, Wulfgar carries not only messages but also the weight of England’s survival on his shoulders. Today, he shares his experiences of loyalty, danger, and the quiet hopes that sustain him.

Interviewer: Wulfgar, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to serve King Alfred?

Wulfgar: It is my honor. I was trained from youth to ride hard and carry word swiftly between lords and burhs. My service to King Alfred began when I proved myself reliable in times of peril. Since then, I have been entrusted with messages that could turn the tide of war.

Interviewer: As Alfred’s messenger, you often carry news that can change the course of battles. How do you handle that responsibility?
Wulfgar: With vigilance and prayer. A single delay or misstep could cost lives. I ride knowing that the fate of men may rest in my hands, and I strive never to falter.

Interviewer: You’ve crossed paths with many lords, warriors, and even enemies. What do you believe is most misunderstood about the Saxon cause?
Wulfgar: Many think we fight only for land. But it is more than soil we defend. It is our faith, our families, and the hope of a future free from fear. That is what drives us to endure.

Interviewer: Your duties keep you constantly on the move. How has that shaped your personal life?
Wulfgar: The road is a lonely companion. Yet even in solitude, I have learned patience and endurance. A man who serves must often set aside his own desires for the greater good.

Interviewer: What dangers have you faced most often in your journeys?
Wulfgar: Ambush and betrayal. A messenger is a tempting target, for silencing me can silence a king’s command. I rely on speed, caution, and the goodwill of those who shelter me along the way.

Interviewer: You’ve witnessed both triumph and tragedy in your service. What moment has left the deepest mark on you?
Wulfgar: I recall carrying word of a victory hard-won, only to arrive at a village already burned by the Danes. The joy of triumph turned to ash in my mouth. It taught me that even the swiftest rider cannot outrun sorrow.

Interviewer: In such turbulent times, what gives you strength to continue?
Wulfgar: Faith in God, loyalty to my king, and the memory of those who have fallen. Each ride is a promise to them—that their sacrifice was not in vain.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what do you hope your legacy will be?
Wulfgar: That I was faithful to my king, to my people, and to the trust placed in me. If I am remembered at all, let it be as a man who carried his duty with honor.

Interviewer: Before we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers?
Wulfgar: Only this: even in times of war, loyalty and service endure. May those who come after us remember the strength found in faith and duty.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatd

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.

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/

Amazon author page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ann-Bernal/e/B003D2DPZ4

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

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