Mary Ann Bernal

In this special feature, we meet Jora, a young woman of Danish descent whose life has been shaped by loss, resilience, and the clash of cultures. Wise beyond her years, Jora offers her reflections on faith, loyalty, and the pursuit of peace in a time of upheaval.

Interviewer: Jora, thank you for joining us. Could you begin by telling us about your early life and how it shaped the person you are today?

Jora: My childhood ended too soon. When my parents fell in battle, I was left to find my place in a world that often-showed little mercy. Yet grief taught me endurance, and hardship taught me to listen. Those lessons shaped me into someone who values patience and quiet strength.

Interviewer: You grew up surrounded by both pagan traditions and Christian teachings. How did you come to understand these two different paths?

Jora: At first, I felt torn between them. But over time, I realized both seek to explain the mysteries of life and death. The old ways honor the ancestors and the earth, while the new faith speaks of forgiveness and hope. I do not see them as enemies, but as voices in the same great conversation.

Interviewer: You are known for calming tempers when anger flares. How do you manage to bring peace in such moments?

Jora: Anger feeds on anger. I have learned to meet it with stillness. Sometimes a steady gaze or a quiet word can cool a storm more quickly than a shout. It is not always easy, but I believe true strength lies in restraint, not in rage.

Interviewer: At times, you have been asked to observe and share what you see. How do you reconcile such a role with your own sense of loyalty?

Jora: Loyalty is not blind. To me, it means standing with what is just, even when it is difficult. When I choose to speak, it is not to betray, but to protect. My heart seeks peace, and I will not remain silent if silence leads to ruin.

Interviewer: You once accompanied a noblewoman to an abbey, where she was guided in study. What did that experience mean to you?

Jora: It opened my eyes to the power of learning. Within those walls, I saw how knowledge can steady the restless heart. It deepened my belief that education is a gift that should belong to all, not only to a chosen few.

Interviewer: Living between two cultures, what do you believe is the greatest challenge and the greatest hope for coexistence?

Jora: The greatest challenge is fear, fear of losing one’s ways, one’s gods, one’s place. But the greatest hope is understanding. When people see that strength can be shared, that peace brings more than endless war, then coexistence becomes possible.

Interviewer: Jora, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Before we conclude, is there one message you would like readers to take from your story?

Jora: Yes, that even in the midst of conflict, one may choose peace. Even when born into sorrow, one may choose wisdom. Our choices, not our chains, define who we are.

Purchase Links
Amazon Global Link
http://mybook.to/tbatdbirthright
Universal Link
https://books2read.com/u/mKwOOZ

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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