Defiance and Destiny with Gwyneth of Wareham: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

 In this exclusive character interview, we sit down with Gwyneth of Wareham, the indomitable heroine of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. From misty coastlines to royal courts, Gwyneth’s journey is one of courage, conviction, and quiet rebellion. She shares her thoughts on duty, defiance, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your life in Wareham before the events of the trilogy began?

Gwyneth of Wareham: Life in Wareham was structured, predictable, even. As the daughter of Lord Richard, I was expected to behave with decorum, to marry well, and to serve my station. But I always felt the pull of something more, something beyond the walls of our keep and the expectations placed upon me.

Interviewer: Your story begins with a dramatic moment on the coastline. What compelled you to help a wounded stranger?

Gwyneth: I saw a man stumbling across the beach, bloodied and alone. Instinct overrode caution. I couldn’t leave him to die. That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about saving a life, it was about choosing my own path, even if it defied my father’s wishes.

Interviewer: You’ve been described as rebellious. How do you view that label?

Gwyneth: Rebellious? Perhaps. But I see it as resolute. I question what doesn’t feel just. I speak when silence is expected. In a world where women are told to obey, I chose to act. That’s not rebellion, it’s survival.

Interviewer: You were trained in swordsmanship and archery, skills not typically taught to noblewomen. What drew you to combat?

Gwyneth: David believed in me. He saw that I could learn, that I had the discipline and fire. I didn’t train to prove anything, I trained because I wanted to protect those I love. And because I knew one day, I’d need to fight for my own future.

Interviewer: You’ve faced kings, warriors, and political intrigue. What has been your greatest challenge?

Gwyneth: Navigating court politics is more perilous than any battlefield. One misstep, one word too bold, and you risk exile, or worse. But the greatest challenge has always been staying true to myself while protecting those around me.

Interviewer: You spent time at the Abbey of Wimborne, far from the battlefield and court. How did that experience shape you?

Gwyneth: The abbey was quiet, but not peaceful. Reverend Mother Prioress ruled with firm devotion, and silence was both shield and shackle. I met Cecilia there, a novitiate as restless as I was. Our friendship became a lifeline. That time taught me patience, reflection, and the power of quiet resistance. Even cloistered behind stone walls, we found ways to shape our fate.

Interviewer: Without revealing too much, what can readers expect from your journey across the trilogy?

Gwyneth: Expect fire. Expect sacrifice. Expect a woman who refuses to be defined by her station. My story is not just mine, it’s the story of every woman who’s ever dared to dream beyond the walls built around her.

Interviewer: If you could speak to young women reading your story today, what would you say?

Gwyneth: Do not wait for permission to be brave. The world may try to tame you, but your spirit is your own. Claim it. Wield it. And never forget you were born to shape history.

Interviewer: Lady Gwyneth, thank you for your candor and courage. Your story continues to inspire.

Gwyneth: Thank you. May your readers find strength in the shadows and light in the storm.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv

 

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal

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

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal

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

 

Book Spotlight: Poinsettia Girl by Jennifer Wizbowski

 

Venice, 1710

 

Poinsettia Girl is based on the story of Agata de la Pieta, an orphan musician of the Ospedale de la Pieta.

 

Ten-year-old Agata's world is shaken at the sudden death of her mother. Left only with her egregious father, a working musician in Venice, her ailing grandmother sends her to the well-known orphanage, hidden from everything she's ever known.

 

Agata auditions for the conservatory style music school where music is both salvation and spectacle. Hidden behind ornate metal grates, adorned with poinsettias in their hair, the singers are veiled in mystery, their ethereal music drawing noble audiences, including gilded young men who see them as treasures-not only for their sound but as coveted marriage prizes.

 

Just as she reaches the height of her musical journey, a marriage proposal from someone outside the audience tempts her with the promise of a new life-a return to the old neighborhood she's longed for and a home she barely remembers.

 

Torn between the music that has defined her and the hope of belonging to a family, Agata must confront the most profound question of her life: is her purpose rooted in the music that shaped her, or in the love that might free her?

 

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mKQP8v

 

Jennifer Wizbowski spent her childhood days lost among the spines of her favorite books. Inspired by the daffodil fields of Wordsworth and the babbling brooks of Shakespeare, she earned her bachelor’s in English literature, a minor in music, and a secondary teaching credential, then wrote freelance for local business journals, taught in classrooms, and authored a Teen and Tween column for a parent magazine—all while raising her family.

As those years ended, she knew it was the right time to pursue her lifelong aspiration of bringing her own books to life. She now devotes herself to illuminating everyday women’s stories often lost in the shadows of history, revealing how they became heroines of their own time and place.

  Author Links:

 Website: https://www.gossamermedia.com/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/JenniferWiz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.wizbowski/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwizbowskiwrites/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jenniferwiz.bsky.social

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniwiz/agata-and-the-green-door/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-wizbowski

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Wizbowski/author/B0FT5J8RM2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59496761.Jennifer_Wizbowski

 

 

 

Book Spotlight: Bright One by Lisajoy Sachs

 

When desperate choices mean the difference between life and death.

Inspired by true events, Bright One tells the story of Jetti Finkelthal, Lisajoy Sachs’ great-grandmother. In Czernowitz, Romania, this young Jewish mother is forced to face impossible choices as the world begins to collapse around her. As antisemitism tightens its grip and war edges ever closer, Jetti holds fast to her daughter, Berta, with the fragile belief that love and courage might still carve a way through the darkness.

Heartened by her grandmother Berta's letters, photographs, and family oral histories, Sachs revives a story both intimate and universal—stitched with the fabric of daily life, the pull of memory, and the quiet heroism of women who refused to yield to despair. Told with vivid, sensory detail, the novel unfolds as if you are walking beside the characters, witnessing what they see and sharing in what they feel.

Through Jetti’s resilience and sacrifices, Bright One reveals the enduring strength of family ties and the shadow of trauma that lingers across generations. It is a story of survival, of loss, and of the unbreakable connection between mother and child.

For readers captivated by historical fiction that lingers long after the final page, Bright One offers a profoundly human portrait of love tested by history’s darkest hours.

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/bzz8y2

 

Lisajoy Sachs is a dedicated writer and advocate for the preservation of history and culture through storytelling. Born and raised on Long Island and in the Catskills Mountain region of New York, Lisajoy's early years were shaped by the picturesque landscapes of mountains and the sea. Growing up, she embraced her family’s deep connection to community and tradition.

Her professional journey is as dynamic as her personal interests. With a diverse career spanning Fine Arts, Interior Design, Metal Smithing, Lapidary, and the craft beer and hospitality industries, she has cultivated a deep and varied understanding of her many fields of interest.

Ms. Sachs holds several prestigious degrees and certifications, including a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from the City University of New York, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Alfred University, and an Accredited Jewelry Professional (AJP) certification from the Gemological Institute of America. She is also a graduate of the Hop and Brew School at Yakima Chief Hops and holds a CiceroneCertified Beer Server© credential, underscoring her expertise and passion for the craft beer industry.

As a writer, Lisajoy’s work spans a variety of themes, from beer culture and community engagement to her most prized projects in historical fiction. Her writing reflects a profound appreciation for history, particularly focusing on how personal stories intertwine with larger cultural narratives. She has published multiple articles celebrating the craft beer industry’s ability to foster diversity and unity and continues to explore new ways to inspire her readers through her storytelling.

A deep passion for history, coupled with a fascination with family ancestry and vivid storytelling, is reflected in Lisajoy’s creative projects. Her fiction often delves into richly detailed settings and explores characters navigating the complexities of their times. Whether writing about the harrowing journey of her family in pre-WWII Europe or capturing the resilience of individuals in the face of change, Lisajoy brings depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance to her narratives.

Outside of her professional life, Lisajoy is an avid cyclist and skier, often traveling in her camper van with her partner and standard poodle Hops exploring new adventures. She has recently relocated to the Catskills Mountains, a decision influenced by her desire to embrace a balanced, family and community-focused lifestyle.

Lisajoy’s dedication to her craft, her community, and her passions makes her a multifaceted creative force. Through her writing and professional endeavors, she continues to bridge the gap between history, culture, and the shared human experience.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.authorlisajoysachs.com/

Twitter / X:  https://x.com/Saxdsign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saxdsign/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisajoysachsauthor/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@lisajoysachsauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorlisajoysachs

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisajoy-Sachs/author/B0FS81NQWW

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59495325.Lisajoy_Sachs

 

 

The Briton and the Dane: Birthright by Mary Ann Bernal – A Cinematic Legacy Deepens

 

The kingdom trembles. A usurper rises. The fate of England hangs in the balance.

Watch the Trailer

 War drums echo across the plains, where ambition ignites, and alliances fracture.

 

 Beneath the Banner: Where Vengeance Rallies and Hope Wavers.

Before the siege, there was betrayal. Before the uprising, a birthright was denied. The Briton and the Dane Birthright continues the epic saga with a Norseman wronged, his fury stoked by injustice, his warriors forged in exile. As England’s fragile peace splinters, one ruler must navigate treacherous alliances and prepare for war on the silent plains of Thetford.

 In the stillness before the storm, where ambition clashes with honor, the soul of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright is revealed. It’s a story of legacy, of how vengeance can shape nations, and loyalty must be earned in blood.

A Note from the Author

I wrote The Briton and the Dane: Birthright to explore the cost of ambition and the fragile nature of peace. In a world where power is never secure, and betrayal lurks in every shadow, this chapter of the saga asks: What does it truly mean to rule?

 About the Book

 A usurper’s rise. A fierce struggle. A vicious siege.

 England’s hard-won peace is shattered when a Norse warrior, denied his rightful place, rallies a legion of forsaken fighters. His ambition threatens to engulf the kingdom in flames. From Kent to Northumbria, rulers brace for war, alliances fray, and fate sharpens its blade.

 The Briton and the Dane: Birthright is a sweeping historical epic of vengeance, loyalty, and the perilous cost of power.

 Ready to Read?

 Stand firm as kingdoms falter. Witness the vindication.

 Buy the Book

 Amazon Link:

http://mybook.to/TBATDBirthright

 Universal Link

 https://books2read.com/u/mKwOOZ

 Learn more at

https://maryannbernal.com

 

 

Honor and Heart with Erik of Esbjerg: A Character Interview from The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy

In this exclusive character interview, we speak with Danish Prince Erik of Esbjerg, whose journey from reckless raider to loyal warrior spans the breadth of The Briton and the Dane: The Complete Trilogy. Erik reflects on loyalty, legacy, and the woman who changed the course of his life.

Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what led you to the shores of Wareham?

Erik of Esbjerg: Truthfully? Boredom and bravado. My companions and I left Esbjerg on a whim, chasing the thrill of a coastal raid. We expected little resistance, just a quick strike and return. But the townspeople fought back, and I paid the price. That arrow in my shoulder changed more than my plans, it changed my fate.

Interviewer: That’s when you met Lady Gwyneth. What was your first impression of her?

Erik: She was unlike anyone I’d ever known. Fierce, compassionate, and utterly unafraid. I was wounded, vulnerable, and she chose to help me. That act of kindness and courage, stayed with me. Even after I returned to my men, I couldn’t forget her.

Interviewer: You later chose to remain in England as a hostage. What motivated that decision?

Erik: My men deserved to go home. I was their leader, and it was my responsibility to ensure their safety. Becoming a hostage was the price of peace. King Alfred honored the agreement, and his queen welcomed me into their home. It was unexpected. But it taught me that honor can exist even among enemies.

Interviewer: You eventually fought alongside King Alfred. How did it feel to take up arms for a foreign king?

Erik: Strange at first. My loyalty was tested, but I believed in the cause. Guthrum’s illegitimate heir threatened more than a throne, he threatened stability. I fought not just for Alfred, but for Gwyneth, for the life we were building. Sometimes, the sword must serve peace.

Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy, you face your own brother in battle. How did you reconcile that conflict?

Erik: That was the hardest moment of my life. Sven was blood, but he chose ambition over honor. I didn’t want to fight him, but I had to. For England. For Gwyneth. For our children. War doesn’t care about family ties. It demands sacrifice.

Interviewer: You were baptized as part of your alliance with Alfred. What did that moment mean to you?

Erik: It was complicated. I didn’t speak against it, but I wrestled with it privately. Faith is personal, and politics often intrude. I accepted the baptism as a gesture of peace, not a surrender of self. My gods may have changed, but my soul remained mine.

Interviewer: You’ve lived through betrayal, war, and love. What do you believe defines a warrior?

Erik: Not the blade. Not the victories. A true warrior is defined by loyalty, by the battles he chooses not to fight, and the people he chooses to protect. Strength without purpose is just noise.

Interviewer: Prince Erik, thank you for sharing your story. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Erik: Love is the fiercest weapon of all. It tempers rage, sharpens resolve, and gives every battle meaning. I found mine on a cliff above the sea. May your readers find theirs, wherever the tide takes them.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/thecompletetrilogy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mq1LRv

 

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal

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

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal

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

Stormbound with Brigid of Esbjerg: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this exclusive interview, we meet Brigid of Esbjerg, a formidable figure whose choices ripple across kingdoms. From stormy crossings to fractured loyalties, Brigid reflects on survival, sacrifice, and the price of ambition in The Briton and the Dane: Legacy.

Interviewer: Brigid, thank you for joining us. Can you share a glimpse of your life in Esbjerg before the tides of war pulled you into England’s conflict?

Brigid: Esbjerg was cold, but familiar. I knew the rhythms of the sea, the weight of silence, the politics whispered behind closed doors. Before the war, I lived in the shadow of princes, men who saw me as a moment, not a legacy. That changed when I realized I had something worth fighting for.

Interviewer: You’ve crossed paths with powerful men, some noble, some dangerous. How did those relationships shape your journey?

Brigid: Power is seductive. It blinds you to consequence. I’ve loved, I’ve lost, and I’ve learned that proximity to a crown doesn’t guarantee safety. What shaped me wasn’t the men, it was surviving them.

Interviewer: You joined a secret faction during the events of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright. What compelled you to take that risk?

Brigid: Desperation. Hope. A mother’s instinct. I believed I could change the course of history, not for glory, but for protection. I didn’t realize how deep the treachery ran until it was too late.

Interviewer: Your sea crossing was treacherous. What do you remember most about that journey?

Brigid: The storm felt like a reckoning. The waves tore at our vessel, and for a moment, I thought we’d vanish into the deep. But survival has a way of sharpening resolve. I didn’t land unscathed, but I landed changed.

Interviewer: You’ve walked a fine line between Saxon and Danish loyalties. How did you navigate that tension?

Brigid: Carefully. I learned to speak in half-truths, to listen more than I spoke. The Saxons saw me as a threat, the Danes as a traitor. I had to become something else, someone who could move between worlds without belonging to either.

Interviewer: You spent time in sanctuary. How did that experience affect your outlook?

Brigid: It was quiet. Too quiet. But in that silence, I found clarity. I began to question everything, my choices, my allegiances, my faith. Sometimes it takes confinement to see the path forward.

Interviewer: You’ve been accused of duplicity, yet you’ve also risked your life to protect others. How do you reconcile those truths?

Brigid: I don’t. I carry them both. I’ve made mistakes, grave ones, but I’ve also acted out of love, out of fear, and out of necessity. Redemption isn’t clean. It’s messy, painful, and often misunderstood.

Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest misconception about women in wartime?

Brigid: That we’re pawns. We’re not. We’re players, strategists, survivors. We bleed, we fight, we endure. And sometimes, we change the outcome without ever lifting a sword.

Interviewer: Brigid, thank you for your candor. Before we close, is there anything you’d like our readers to understand about your legacy?

Brigid: My story isn’t about scandal or seduction. It’s about survival. About a woman who refused to be erased. And when the final reckoning comes, I’ll be remembered not for who I loved, but for what I dared.

Purchase Links

 Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdlegacy

 Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mek0jY

  

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannbernal

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

X: https://x.com/BritonandDane

Threads:  https://www.threads.com/@maryannbernal

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

 

 

 

Blood on the Tide with David, Burh Commandant of Chichester: An Exclusive Character Interview

 In this exclusive interview, we step into the war-torn world of David, Burh Commandant of Chichester, a pivotal figure in The Briton and the Dane trilogy. From covert missions to commanding burhs and battling on the high seas, David shares his reflections on loyalty, warfare, and the cost of peace.

Interviewer: David, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your upbringing and how you came to serve under Lord Richard?

David: It’s an honor to speak with you. I was raised in a household steeped in duty and discipline. My father, Lord Richard, served King Alfred with unwavering loyalty, and my elder brother Stephen was already a seasoned warrior by the time I came of age. I learned early that service to the realm was not a choice, it was a calling.

Interviewer: In the first book, you infiltrated King Guthrum’s camp after the peace treaty. What was that experience like?

David: Dangerous. The peace was fragile, and trust was scarce. I lived among men who would’ve slit my throat had they known who I was. But I had to understand their movements, their morale. Every night was a gamble. I returned to Wareham with valuable intelligence, but also with a deeper understanding of the enemy.

Interviewer: You later commanded the burh of Chichester. What did that responsibility mean to you?

David: It meant everything. To be entrusted with a burh was to be given the lives of its people. I had to earn their trust, defend their homes, and prepare them for war. It wasn’t just about tactics, it was about leadership, about standing firm when others faltered.

Interviewer: In The Briton and the Dane: Legacy, you face a sea invasion. How did you prepare for battle on the water?

David: Fighting on land is one thing. Fighting on a ship, where the deck shifts beneath your feet and the wind steals your breath, is another. We trained relentlessly. Balance, timing, coordination; it all had to be recalibrated. The sea is unforgiving, and so were our foes.

Interviewer: You’ve built alliances with Danes over the years. How did those relationships shape your perspective?

David: War teaches you to see beyond banners. I met men among the Danes who valued honor as much as any Saxon. Friendship forged in fire is stronger than blood. Those bonds reminded me that peace is possible, but only if we fight for it.

Interviewer: What do you believe is the greatest misconception about warfare during your time?

David: That it’s glorious. It’s not. It’s cold, brutal, and often senseless. Glory fades. What remains are the scars, On the land, on the soul. True warriors fight not for fame, but for those who cannot defend themselves.

Interviewer: What drives you to keep fighting, even when peace seems out of reach?

David: Duty. Legacy. The hope that my sons will inherit a world less fractured than mine. I fight so they won’t have to. And if our Lord demands sacrifice, let it be mine, not theirs.

Interviewer: David, thank you for sharing your story. Before we close, is there anything you’d like readers to know about the battles ahead?

David: Only this, when the tide rises and the storm breaks, remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the will to stand when others fall. The final reckoning is near. And I will not yield.

Purchase Links

Amazon Global Link

http://mybook.to/tbatdlegacy

Universal Link

https://books2read.com/u/mek0jY

 

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/maryannbernal

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Book Spotlight: Annie’s Secret by Marcia Clayton

 

1887, North Devon, England

When Lady Eleanor Fellwood gave birth to a badly deformed baby, she insisted that the child be adopted as far away as possible. However, that proved difficult to accomplish, and so, in return for payment, Sabina Carter, an impoverished widow living locally, agreed to raise the little boy as a foundling. The child’s father, Lord Charles Fellwood of Hartford Manor, warned Sabina that the matter must be treated in the strictest confidence or her family would be evicted from their home. As far as Lady Eleanor was concerned, the child was being cared for miles away.

All was well for several years until fate took a hand and, against his parents’ wishes, Robert Fellwood, the heir to the Hartford Estate, married Sabina’s daughter, Annie. Robert arranged for his mother-in-law, Sabina, and her family to reside in the Lodge House, situated at the end of the Manor House driveway. A house that Lady Eleanor passed regularly, and it was not long before she spotted Danny’s dark curls among the Carter redheads. As she looked into the child’s eyes and noted his disabilities, she recognised her son.

Now, at seven years old, Danny has had numerous operations to correct his disabilities and is a happy, healthy child. However, his presence is a source of constant anguish for his birth mother as, day after day, she watches him play in the garden. Her husband, Charles, and son, Robert, are aghast when she announces that she wants him back! An impossible situation for all concerned, and a rift develops between Robert and Annie as he struggles to find a solution to suit everyone.

Over the years, Lady Eleanor has steadfastly refused to acknowledge her daughter-in-law, for she disapproves of Annie’s lower-class origins. When a freak accident forces the two women to spend time together, they inevitably find themselves drawn into conversation, and before long, the years of pent-up resentment and family secrets surface as home truths are aired.

Will the two women be rescued from their precarious situation unscathed? And, if so, will the family survive the scandal that is about to be unleashed?

 

 Buy Links:

 The Hartford Manor Series Links:

 Prequel - Betsey http://mybook.to/Betsey

Book 1 -The Mazzard Tree http://mybook.to/TheMazzardTree

Book 2 - The Angel Maker  http://mybook.to/TheAngelMaker

Book 3 - The Rabbit’s Foot http://mybook.to/TheRabbitsFoot

Book 4 - Millie’s Escape https://mybook.to/MilliesEscape

Book 5 - A Woman Scorned  https://mybook.to/AWomanScorned

Book 6 - Annie’s Secret https://mybook.to/AnniesSecret

 

All books in The Hartford Manor Series are available to read on #KindleUnlimited, and print copies can be ordered from any bookshop.

 

Marcia Clayton writes historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance and mystery in a heartwarming family saga that spans the Regency period through Victorian times.

As a child, Marcia often had to amuse herself as her siblings were several years older than her, and her arrival was something of a shock to her middle-aged parents. Her favourite pastimes were writing stories and reading, and she adored the Enid Blyton books, particularly The Famous Five and The Adventure Series. These books established her love of literature, which has remained with her to this day.

A farmer’s daughter, Marcia, was born in North Devon and is proud to be a Devon Maid. Over the years, she has been employed in various occupations, primarily to work around raising her three sons, Stuart, Paul, and David. She has worked in banking and nursing and, for many years, was the School Transport Manager for the local authority. Now retired, Marcia spends a lot of her time writing historical fiction but also enjoys gardening, researching her family history, and walking in the lovely Devon countryside with Bryan, her husband of fifty-three years.

Marcia has written seven books in the historical family saga, The Hartford Manor Series. You can also read her free short story, Amelia, a spin-off tale from the first book, The Mazzard Tree. Amelia, a little orphan girl of 4, is abandoned in Victorian London with her brothers, Joseph and Matthew. To find out what happens to her, download the story here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/amelia-free-download/ 

In addition to writing books, Marcia writes blogs about a variety of subjects and a monthly newsletter, which she shares with her readers. If you would like to join Marcia’s mailing list, please subscribe to her website, The Devon Maid Book Corner: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

Author Links:

Website:                                 https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

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Book Bub:                               https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marcia-clayton 

Amazon Author Page:            http://viewauthor.at/MarciaClayton

Goodreads:                 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20429025.Marcia_Clayton

 

 

Book Spotlight: Red Snow in Winter by Max Eastern

 

Haunted by the memory of a secret love affair in Nazi-occupied Prague, American intelligence officer Julius Orlinsky is caught in a deadly web of espionage when a routine assignment in Washington, D.C., disintegrates into murder, attempted murder, and blackmail.

Determined to uncover the truth, Orlinsky's quest takes him from the halls of the Pentagon to a prisoner-of-war camp in Maryland, and, finally, to the city of Budapest under siege. It's a shadow world where a lifetime of loyalty can be undone by one secret revealed. Orlinsky soon learns the personal stakes couldn't be higher. His investigation threatens to expose a betrayal by the woman he believed was the love of his life.

But Orlinsky has no choice. Charged with an assignment critical to ensuring America’s safety, he must confront the ghosts of his past as he navigates a terrain of double agents, war-hardened German and Russian soldiers, and fanatics who will stop at nothing to silence him. 

Praise for Red Snow in Winter:

"Red Snow in Winter is a gripping, ingenious cat-and-mouse political thriller. A young U.S. Army Intelligence officer finds himself caught up in a deadly espionage battle involving Americans, Nazis, and Russians that he can only survive by finding out who to trust--and also by finally uncovering the truth about long-buried secrets from his own shadowy intelligence past. Smart writing, a high stakes plot, and fascinating historical background. Author Max Eastern really delivers the goods in this must-read page-turner of a novel."

— R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mystery series

"I found a great new-to-me author in Max Eastern. I love how he brought his characters to life and made the situations in this novel seem as though they were happening in front of me."

— Terrie Farley Moran, national bestselling co-author of the Jessica Fletcher Murder She Wrote mystery series

"Red Snow is a well-paced thriller capturing the paranoia and moral complexity of WWII’s twilight hours. This is spy fiction that respects its readers' intelligence, offering a nuanced exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and a little romance."

--Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the Lie

"A masterclass in espionage and moral ambiguity, it's an atmospheric ride of a thriller with plot twists worthy of Hitchcock."

--Mally Becker, author of The Turncoat's Widow

"This is a fast-moving, page-turning espionage thriller set just after the war. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be kept up at night!"

--Deborah Swift, author of The Shadow Network

"Max Eastern attacks his story with dry aplomb and a stripped-down journalistic surety, yet it’s got more switchbacks than San Francisco’s Lombard Street, and every curve is taken with his foot on the gas."

-- Timothy Miller, author of The Strange Case of the Pharaoh's Heart

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3J1BXv

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

The stories his father told him about his time as an intelligence officer in World War II inspired Max Eastern to write Red Snow in Winter. He has written about history for several magazines and online publications, with subjects ranging from Ulysses Grant and Benedict Arnold to Attila the Hun.

His modern noir novel The Gods Who Walk Among Us won the Kindle Scout competition and was published by Kindle Press in 2017.

A lawyer specializing in publishing, he resides in New York State. To learn more, go to maxeastern.wordpress.com.

  Author Links:

 Website: https://maxeastern.wordpress.com/

Twitter / X: https://www.x.com/MaxeasternNYC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NYCauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxeastern/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Max-Eastern/author/B06X42CGNS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16476511.Max_Eastern