Across Centuries: Where History Is a Gate, and Destiny Is a Choice.
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A dark secret. A fierce battle. A shrouded destiny.
In the quiet halls of a modern museum, historian Gwyneth
Franger uncovers a medieval portrait that defies explanation. Her research
leads to a forgotten fortress and a gateway to the past. Swept into a world on
the edge of upheaval, she finds herself in the arms of a man history says must
die.
The throne is vulnerable. Loyalties shift like sand. And
Gwyneth holds knowledge that could unravel everything.
Trapped in a time not her own, she must navigate ancient
tunnels, fierce battles, and a fate already written in blood. But destiny is
not fixed. And some secrets echo louder than time itself.
A Note from the Author
I wrote The Briton and the Dane: Timeline to explore
the fragile line between knowledge and power; what happens when someone knows
too much about the future, and must choose whether to act or stay silent.
Gwyneth’s journey is one of restraint, courage, and transformation. The
temptation to change history is real. But strength lies in understanding the
weight of consequence, and in honoring the past even when it breaks the heart.
This story is a discovery of identity, legacy, and the
quiet heroism it takes to walk through time without leaving footprints.
About the Book
When a medieval portrait draws historian Gwyneth Franger
into a forgotten fortress, her research uncovers more than a mystery; it
becomes a gateway. Catapulted into the final days before the Norman invasion,
she finds herself in the arms of a man history says must die.
Trapped in the eleventh century, she navigates shifting
allegiances, ancient tunnels, and a fate that’s already been written. But
destiny is not fixed. And some secrets can echo across bloodlines.
She knows the truth. She holds the key. But every word she
speaks could destroy the future.
Ready to Read?
Pick up The Briton and the Dane: Timeline and travel
to a moment that refuses to be forgotten.
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
She is a professor, an archaeologist,
and a woman whose pursuit of knowledge leads her across centuries. Now, Dr.
Gwyneth Franger speaks for herself in a format as compelling as the mysteries
she uncovers.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Dr. Franger to life with striking realism. Her words reveal
the passion of a scholar, her choices show the courage to face the
inexplicable, and her reflections remind us that history is not just studied—it
is lived. It’s not just an interview—it’s a journey into the fragments of the
past and the choices that shape the future.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of The Briton and the Dane: Timeline through
immersive storytelling. Each character adds depth to the saga, and Dr.
Franger’s appearance reminds us that the past is never truly gone—it lingers in
stone, in memory, and in the choices we dare to make.
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.
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
Commentator (C): Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Dr. Franger.
Gwyneth (G): Please call me Gwyneth, and I appreciate this opportunity for my fans to know the “real me”.
C: Let’s start with where do you live?
G: London, but the year is 2066. It is an exciting city, rich in history, but also progressive, blending the old with the new. One challenge, however, is the recruitment of talented men and women to study the past, not only in the classroom but on archeological sites. There is nothing more exciting than discovering ancient artifacts buried in rubble after spending hours, days or even years, removing centuries of dirt and debris.
C: You appear passionate about history. Did you always feel that way?
G: Since I was old enough to hold a shovel. I would spend hours in the park, “excavating” possible sites. It didn’t bother me that I never discovered a relic, I was learning my craft. One day I struck an object; you can imagine my excitement when I unearthed pieces of Roman pottery. Of course, I didn’t learn until much later that my parents were behind my first find.
C: What is your favorite archeological site?
G: Excavating the ruins of the Wareham citadel. Thankfully, the fortress had been reinforced with stone, since the wooden structures suffered the effects of not only time but of natural disasters, such as fire. The Keep, which is the tower, still stands as it once did during the reign of Alfred the Great. The view is breathtaking, and I never tire of summer evenings watching the waves crashing gently upon the rocks below.
C: Has your belief in God helped or hindered your investigations?
G: I definitely believe in Divine Intervention. There is no other way to explain how I was transported, unscathed, back in time to the eleventh century. My life definitely changed from the experience, and without this Divine Intervention, I would not have returned to my timeline, and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
C: What was it like living in the eleventh century?
G: It was quite a challenge, and I was very concerned about doing something that would change the course of history. I had seen the old Star Trek shows and was very aware of the dangers of interfering. I found having to take a submissive female role disconcerting, but I threw myself into the role of my character. What helped was having studied drama one summer at Stratford-upon-Avon with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
C: Who provided for you during that time?
G: Lord Erik of Wareham, my husband. Again, this is where Divine Intervention comes into play. The night I arrived in Wareham, Erik was waiting for me in the chapel; yes, we were married that evening. He had been expecting me, which I found unnerving. However, he didn’t know at that point that I was from the future. I need to interject that I have had an obsession with him since I stumbled upon a rare painting at a Renaissance Fair. The portrait is still on the wall in my office.
C: Fascinating. When did you take Erik into your confidence? And were other people privy to your true identity?
G: It was disturbing, initially. However, Erik’s belief and trust in God was strong; everything he could not understand was attributed to Divine Intervention. Remember, religion played an important role in everyday life. While Erik accepted I was from the future, he never pressed me for information about how events turned out. There were a select few who were taken into our confidence, but as far as everyone else was concerned, I was Lord Erik’s wife who was not from these parts.
C: Would you change anything if you were able to revisit the eleventh century?
G: The thought is tempting; how different would the world be if William the Conqueror had been defeated at the Battle of Hastings? Oh, my gosh, we could discuss what ifs for hours on end and still be unhappy with the results. I am grateful for having the opportunity to live during a time that people can only read about in history books, and I count my blessings every day that I have been so blessed.
C: Thank you, Gwyneth, for your candor. We look forward to reading about your adventures in The Briton and the Dane: Timeline.
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