Jo awakened in a small room filled with
Ancient Egyptian furnishings. She had hazy memories of how she got there in the
first place. Jo recalled declining Khepri’s offer to ride back to Cairo. While
waiting to board the bus, she felt a sting in her neck and felt lightheaded.
Out of nowhere, Khepri appeared, held her upright, and brought her to his Jeep.
He strapped her into the passenger seat, where she rested her head. With blurry
vision, she saw his tattoo before blacking out.
Looking for an exit, Jo ran toward a
solitary door. When it wouldn’t open, she hit it with the palm of her hand and
shouted, “Let me out of here.”
Exhausted after several minutes of
incessant pounding, Jo sat on a chair and tried to calm down. She had to think.
Hysterics would hamper her survival until AnaRose rescued her. Jo suppressed
the urge to scream when she realized she wore a white gown, gold bracelets, and
a serpent pendant hanging from a layered gold necklace covering her chest. Her
hair and skin smelled of perfume, causing Jo to gag at its intensity.
Wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicted
scenes of horror and violence with images of Apophis devouring the sun, the sky
turning red, and people slaughtered by his minions. Jo felt a surge of fear and
panic, unsure if AnaRose would find her in time.
Resolved temporarily to her fate, Jo
searched the room, looking for her clothes and phone. Obviously, they’re gone!
Do you think they’re stupid? These guys are killers and leave no trace of their
victims.
Overwhelmed, tears welled in Jo’s eyes.
She felt claustrophobic, terrorized of being buried alive in a sarcophagus, and
freaking out when they shut the lid.
Stop it, or you’ll die of fright. Have
faith in AnaRose’s abilities. It will be okay.
Resigned for the moment of accepting
the situation at hand, Jo closed her eyes, her thoughts chaotic as she counted
down the hours to her rescue or death.
Watch the Cinematic
Trailer
Where to Buy
AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold
https://books2read.com/u/380DQ6
Connect with the
Author
https://maryannbernal.com
Discover More Stories
If you enjoy discovering new stories,
you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning
adventure novellas.
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.
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.
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and
Pharaoh’s Gold, AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse
Join AnaRose Preston on a thrilling odyssey through the
hidden corridors of history. In her relentless quest, she unearths mysteries
that defy the known world. Each discovery is a dance with destiny, a battle
against shadowy foes vying for power. AnaRose’s journey is a beacon of
defiance, lighting the way for those brave enough to follow. Her saga is not
just about the relics she seeks but the timeless tales they tell and the
indomitable spirit needed to protect such legends from those who misuse them.
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest: Museum curator and expert
in antiquities AnaRose Preston embarks on a perilous journey to uncover a
long-lost Christian relic hidden within the hilt of a legendary dagger.
Traversing the breathtaking landscapes of modern-day France, she must unravel
an ancient enigma while evading the relentless pursuit of a shadowy secret
society. With her life on the line, AnaRose fights to secure the sacred
artifact before it falls into darkness.
AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold: AnaRose races against time to
intercept a priceless Egyptian artifact before it vanishes into the black
market’s shadows. The Cult of Apophis, relentlessly pursuing, vows to reclaim
the relic that cradles its deity’s soul. With the balance between modern chaos
and ancient evil at stake, AnaRose confronts the cult’s ruthless tactics
head-on, determined to thwart its plan to unleash hell on earth.
AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse: In her latest adventure, AnaRose
faces the chilling legend of Medusa. As she delves into the myth’s origins, she
discovers a pendant that holds the key to unimaginable power. Battling against
time and dark forces, AnaRose must prevent the curse from being released upon
the world.
Don’t miss out on these thrilling adventures! Get your copy
of The AnaRose Chronicles today and dive into a world of mystery, danger, and
excitement.
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and
Pharaoh’s Gold, AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse
Join AnaRose Preston on a thrilling odyssey through the
hidden corridors of history. In her relentless quest, she unearths mysteries
that defy the known world. Each discovery is a dance with destiny, a battle
against shadowy foes vying for power. AnaRose’s journey is a beacon of
defiance, lighting the way for those brave enough to follow. Her saga is not
just about the relics she seeks but the timeless tales they tell and the
indomitable spirit needed to protect such legends from those who misuse them.
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest: Museum curator and expert
in antiquities AnaRose Preston embarks on a perilous journey to uncover a
long-lost Christian relic hidden within the hilt of a legendary dagger.
Traversing the breathtaking landscapes of modern-day France, she must unravel
an ancient enigma while evading the relentless pursuit of a shadowy secret
society. With her life on the line, AnaRose fights to secure the sacred
artifact before it falls into darkness.
AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold: AnaRose races against time to
intercept a priceless Egyptian artifact before it vanishes into the black
market’s shadows. The Cult of Apophis, relentlessly pursuing, vows to reclaim
the relic that cradles its deity’s soul. With the balance between modern chaos
and ancient evil at stake, AnaRose confronts the cult’s ruthless tactics
head-on, determined to thwart its plan to unleash hell on earth.
AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse: In her latest adventure, AnaRose
faces the chilling legend of Medusa. As she delves into the myth’s origins, she
discovers a pendant that holds the key to unimaginable power. Battling against
time and dark forces, AnaRose must prevent the curse from being released upon
the world.
Don’t miss out on these thrilling adventures! Order your copy
of The AnaRose Chronicles today and dive into a world of mystery, danger, and
excitement.
