Mary Ann Bernal

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

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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

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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/

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

https://books2read.com/u/baGOOQ

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

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Historical Epic Unveiled: The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal. Narrated by Sebastian Lockwood.

Author: Mary Ann Bernal

Narrator: Sebastian Lockwood

Series: The Briton and the Dane, Book 1

Length:11 hrs and 30 mins

Release Date: August 21, 2014

Language: English

A lurking shadow. A whispered secret. A veiled betrayal.

In a realm shadowed by the looming threat of Norse conquest, a young woman finds herself the linchpin in a perilous game of dominion. Her capture, far from being a mere twist of fate, casts her into the depths of a world rife with cunning and treachery. Amidst the echoes of a hundred scheming voices, truth becomes a chameleon, shifting its hues with each whispered plot. As the specter of the Norse menace draws ever nearer, she must navigate through a sea of deceit where allies are indistinguishable from foes. In this maelstrom of betrayal, her heart aches for the love of a prince from the ranks of her kingdom’s adversaries—a love that stands as her sole beacon amidst the encroaching darkness of war.

Listen to a sample on SoundCloud HERE

Purchase Links

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Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Celebrating Christmas in the Ninth Century during the time of Alfred the Great by Mary Ann Bernal

The court of Alfred the Great was Christian, deferring to the Pope in Rome for religious guidance. King Alfred rigorously enforced the Church’s mandates from fasting during Lent to Almsgiving throughout the year, and not just at Christmastime.

There was merrymaking and feasting, but it was also a solemn occasion; prayer and attending Mass was foremost since the holiday celebrates the birth of Christ.

During the twelve days of Christmas, the Christian community prayed at daily Mass, attended vigils, and participated in almsgiving, donating to the poor and the religious communities.

One must not forget the food. Meats included beef, pork, turkey, and boar. Available vegetables were carrots, onions, parsnips, and cabbage. Bread warmed on the hearth, and everything was washed down with wine, mead, and ale. Yes, there was always room for dessert with a variety of tasty pies or fruit, such as apples, plums, and cherries. And, like today, a great chef was worth their weight in gold.

Minstrels would play festive tunes, and guests would dance; gift-giving was also practiced.

Over the centuries, customs have come and gone, but the main reason for the celebration remains, celebrating the birth of Christ.

The Briton and the Dane series transports the reader to ninth-century Anglo-Saxon England, a tumultuous period in history when the feared Vikings ravaged all of Christendom. Click HERE to learn more.

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal

Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration. Her literary aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the Scribbler Tales series and a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire. Her recent work includes Crusader’s Path, a redemption story set against the backdrop of the First Crusade, and Forgiving Nero, a novel of Ancient Rome.

Since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has been a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter-writing campaigns and other support programs. She appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has been a featured author on various reader blogs and promotional sites.

Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Connect with Mary Ann

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Saturday, February 26, 2022

Audiobook Spotlight: The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal, narrated by Sebastian Lockwood

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King Alfred the Great has thwarted the Viking threat against his kingdom of Wessex. Signing a treaty with the formidable Danish King Guthrum, he succeeds in pushing the heathen army back to the rolling fens of East Anglia.

An uneasy peace holds sway: The King establishes a standing army under Lord Richard, who takes command of the citadel at Wareham.

Richard and his army are accompanied by his daughter, Gwyneth, an impetuous and reckless young woman – at once striking, intellectually gifted, but dangerously vain and imprudent.

While Richard broods on the Viking threat, Gwyneth falls in love with an enemy prince - only to discover that she has been betrothed to a Saxon warrior twice her age.

Refusing to countenance her grim fate, she flees the fortress, but is soon kidnapped by a Viking warrior and taken to the camp of King Guthrum while Saxon search parties scour the land.

In captivity, a hostage to fortune, and the focus of political intrigue, Gwyneth is submerged in a world of expediency, betrayal, and black treachery. Slowly, she realizes the truth is suspect, nothing is what it appears and her reality cannot be trusted.

And all the time, against this background, she desires nothing more than to be reunited with her dashing Danish prince.

Listen to Chapter One HERE

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Book Trailer

Thursday, July 29, 2021

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal - hardcover edition now available

…With a sweeping elegance, I soon found myself utterly enchanted with The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal. Gwyneth was a character that I immediately loved. She is young, feisty, and something of a free spirit. She cannot be tamed. Her wilfulness, often bordering on defiance made her a fascinating protagonist and one I enjoyed reading about, although I did feel sorry for the monks, whose patience Gwyneth put to the test on more than one occasion! Gwyneth’s story was also a lovely reminder of the joyful experience of first love.

The Briton and the Dane has a large cast of characters. There is not one but three romance stories within the cover of this book. Gwyneth’s brothers, the lovable David and the serious Stephen all have rather complicated love interests — David in particular! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these supporting characters, and they helped to give the story depth. I especially enjoyed Stephen and Elizabeth’s story.

Bernal has a very engaging narrative and style, which held my attention throughout the course of this book. The political intrigue and the threat of war between King Guthrum and King Alfred (later to be known as The Great) gave this novel a sense of urgency. Peace was fragile, and war was on the horizon, add to that the complicated romance plot of our young intrepid protagonists, made The Briton and the Dane unputdownable.

I have read three books in The Briton and the Dane saga, and I have enjoyed them all. Bernal is a natural storyteller and writes fabulous escapism fiction. — Mary Anne Yarde The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Award

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Monday, April 27, 2020

The Briton and the Dane: Timeline by Mary Ann Bernal

Dr. Gwyneth Franger is a renowned expert in early medieval England who is set upon learning the truth about the death of Lord Erik, the last descendant of the powerful House of Wareham. Her quest becomes an obsession, a condition that began with the discovery of a portrait of the tall and valiant warrior with which she forms an extraordinary and inexplicable bond.

Digesting troves of mildewed scrolls and source documentation only enhances her belief that Lord Erik was brutally assassinated by a cabal of traitors in the pay of William the Bastard, shortly before the onslaught of the Norman Invasion.

On an archeological dig in Southern England, her team unearths an Anglo-Saxon fortress, a vast citadel built during the reign of Alfred the Great, which she believes was Lord Erik’s stronghold. In the midst of her excitement, she is awakened one night from her slumbers by a disconcerting anomaly emerging from the site.

Dr. Franger finds herself transported back to the Dark Ages and at the side of the noble Lord Erik who commands an army of elite Saxon warriors, a swift and mobile force able to deploy quickly throughout the kingdom to ward off invaders.

Witnessing the unrest firsthand, Gwyneth senses that her instincts had been right all along, and she is determined to learn the identities of the treacherous blackguards hiding in the shadows, villains who may well be posing as Lord Erik’s friends and counselors.

Will Gwyneth stop the assassins? Is she strong enough to walk away and watch her beloved Erik die? Or will she intervene, change the course of history and wipe out an entire timeline to save the man she loves with all her heart?

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Wednesday, April 22, 2020

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.

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Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy by Mary Ann Bernal

The Briton and the Dane novels bring to life the tumultuous ninth century when the formidable Vikings terrorized the civilized world. The epic adventure runs the gamut of deception, treachery, intrigue, and betrayal during a time of war and conquest in Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Purchase

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Audible

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Friday, March 20, 2020

Smashwords Launches Authors Give Back sale March 20-April 20, 2020

Author Mary Ann Bernal is participating in the Authors Give Back Smashwords Sale (March 20 - April 20, 2020). All her novels and short story collections are available at either a reduced price or are free. Why not stop by her profile page and have a look? Click here to find all of Mary Ann Bernal's works.

The Briton and the Dane Legacy

Alfred. Sven. Erik. Gwyneth. Amidst the ferrous reverberation of a battle royale - one or all must die, and the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, one final time.

Sunday, March 1, 2020

The 11th annual Smashwords Read an Ebook Week Sale - Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 7, 2020

Author Mary Ann Bernal is participating in the 11th Annual Smashwords Read an Ebook Week Sale (March 1 - March 7, 2020). All her novels and short story collections are available at either a reduced price or are free. Why not stop by her profile page and have a look? Click here to find all of Mary Ann Bernal's works.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal

An uneasy peace holds sway: The King establishes a standing army under Lord Richard, who takes command of the citadel at Wareham.

Richard and his army are accompanied by his daughter, Gwyneth, an impetuous and reckless young woman – at once striking, intellectually gifted, but dangerously vain and imprudent.

While Richard broods on the Viking threat, Gwyneth falls in love with an enemy prince - only to discover that she has been betrothed to a Saxon warrior twice her age.

Refusing to countenance her grim fate, she flees the fortress, but is soon kidnapped by a Viking warrior and taken to the camp of King Guthrum while Saxon search parties scour the land.

And all the time, against this background, she desires nothing more than to be reunited with her dashing Danish prince.

Purchase