Yara of Marbella: Resilience and the Road to Freedom — A Virtual Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal

 

She is a servant-turned-survivor, a woman who walked the line between silence and defiance, and a soul who discovered freedom in the face of fear. Now, Yara of Marbella speaks for herself in a format as enduring as her courage.

This AI-generated virtual character interview brings Yara to life with striking realism. Her words reveal the weight of captivity, her choices show the power of friendship, and her reflections remind us that even in the darkest of places, hope can endure. It’s not just an interview—it’s a testament to resilience, faith, and the quiet strength that can change a destiny.

Watch the full interview here: 

This is part of our ongoing series exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane: Concordia through immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to the saga, and Yara’s appearance reminds us that freedom often begins as a whisper, long before it becomes a reality.

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http://mybook.to/tbatdconcordia

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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

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-ann-bernal

X (Twitter): https://x.com/BritonandDane

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

 

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

Epic Conflict and Unbreakable Alliances: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia – An Audiobook by Mary Ann Bernal, Narrated by Sebastian Lockwood

 

The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

By Mary Ann Bernal

Narrated by: Sebastian Lockwood

Series: The Briton and the Dane, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-01-16

Language: English

 A Captive’s Cunning. A Thrilling Chase. A Hidden Truth.

 In a time of prosperity in Ninth Century Britain, a noblewoman bound to a warrior seeks the thrill of the unknown. Captivated by the allure of distant lands, she persuades her husband to set sail for Rome. Pirates abruptly end their voyage, and she finds herself a captive. Amidst the splendor of a Saracen court, a chance for escape emerges. Caught in a labyrinth of deceit and desire, she must use her cunning to outwit her captors and reclaim her freedom from the exotic lands of Muslim Hispania.

Listen to a sample HERE

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Audible US

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iTunes

 

Digital and Print Universal Link

 

https://books2read.com/u/bOkrJJ

The Briton and the Dane: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal - Hardcover edition now available

Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw. Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia’s shores to study at the King’s Court School at Winchester.

Enter Concordia, a beautiful noblewoman whose family is favored by the king. Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor. She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred’s court and ignites her yearning passions.

Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome, but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man. As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain’s bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.

While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor. Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.

Bernal paints a dazzling portrait of what life was like in 9th Century Hispania. There is an elegant sweep of historical brilliance, giving this book an almost sensual grounding of time and place. Bernal has certainly woven the history into this incredibly enthralling tale. I was particularly interested in Bernal’s depiction of the Emirate of Cordova (Emirate of Córdoba). This was a time of power struggles and dynasties, but it was also the beginning of a political decline of the emirate. I think Bernal has captured the essence of this era very well through her fictional portrayal. The tension between the Muslim community and the Christian one is evident throughout this story, and indeed history tells us that there was much unrest, particularly at the Christian border. 

Although this is book #4 in the series, Concordia stands very firmly on her own two feet. So, if you are looking for your next fix of historical fiction, then why not check out The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) by Mary Ann Bernal.

I Highly Recommend.
Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

Global Purchase Link

The Briton and the Dane: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal

Travel back in time to late Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain where Alfred the Great rules with a benevolent hand while the Danish King rules peacefully within the boundaries of the Danelaw. Trade flourishes, and scholars from throughout the civilized world flock to Britannia’s shores to study at the King’s Court School at Winchester.

Enter Concordia, a beautiful noblewoman whose family is favored by the king. Vain, willful, and admired, but ambitious and cunning, Concordia is not willing to accept her fate. She is betrothed to the valiant warrior, Brantson, but sees herself as far too young to lay in the bedchamber of an older suitor. She wants to see the wonders of the world, embracing everything in it; preferably, but dangerously, at the side of Thayer, the exotic Saracen who charms King Alfred’s court and ignites her yearning passions.

Concordia manipulates her besotted husband into taking her to Rome, but her ship is captured by bloodthirsty pirates, and the seafarers protecting her are ruthlessly slain to a man. As she awaits her fate in the Moorish captain’s bed, by sheer chance, she discovers that salvation is at hand in the gilded court of a Saracen nobleman.

While awaiting rescue, Concordia finds herself at the center of intrigue, plots, blackmail, betrayal and the vain desires of two egotistical brothers, each willing to die for her favor. Using only feminine cunning, Concordia must defend her honor while plotting her escape as she awaits deliverance, somewhere inside steamy, unconquered Muslim Hispania.

Purchase

Amazon Global Link

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iTunes/Apple Books

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