MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 16
May 20, 2019
RED HEADED BOOK LOVER review of Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin by Mary Ann Bernal
Scribbler Tales Presents: Escape from Berlin, Mary Ann BernalMay 20, 2019 by Aimee AnnAnthology, Literature & Fiction
Escape from Berlin is an excellent book written by the exceptional and talented author Mary Ann Bernal and wow what another stellar story courtesy of Bernal! Escape from Berlin is a book I was keen to read as I have read and loved two books by Bernal before so I was excited to get lost in another collection of short stories! Escape from Berlin is one of the most well written and well-developed books I have ever come across, and I truly mean this as Escape from Berlin is exceptional and should not be missed!Escape from Berlin is a sensational book that will introduce the reader to five different stories titled: Escape from Berlin, Betrayal, Deadly Secrets, The Ritual and Murder in the First. I loved each of the five stories as I believe they read beautifully and the character and story development were to the highest standards, however! I do have two personal favorites which are Escape from Berlin and Deadly Secrets. Escape from Berlin is the main story in this fantastic book, and it follows a man called Mark Dresdner’s who has his cover blown, which forces him to leave Germany. However, he has fallen in love with a woman, and so matters get complicated quickly, especially when the border is blocked! The other story Deadly Secrets is just as sensational and will follow Lysandra, a woman looking for a fresh start in America but soon her past will come back to haunt her, and this book lovers is the short premises of two of the five amazing stories featured in the incredible Escape from Berlin!The story of Escape from Berlin is a thrilling one thanks to the enthralling moments as well as the unpredictable nature of the stories that will have the readers turning the pages with haste from beginning to end. I love books that involve a journey, and the reader has just this in Escape from Berlin as the reader is taken on an extraordinary journey from start to finish with each story featured. What I loved most about Escape from Berlin is that the reader is taken on an adventure in each story that is continuously evolving and changing which in turn kept me hooked from beginning to end.Escape from Berlin is a remarkable, fascinating, and addictive read that managed to entertain me for many hours on end thanks to the unique premise of the stories as well as the excellent literature courtesy of Bernal. Escape from Berlin has fast become one of my favorite reads of 2019, and this is because the stories featured are sensational! Very rarely do I discover a book that captivates me as fast as Escape from Berlin has so the fact that I am so taken with this book shows you, readers, that this book indeed is incredible and not to be missed!Mary Ann Bernal is an incredibly talented author who clearly knows how to write unique but engaging stories. It was evident to me from the start that Bernal is a passionate writer who surely loves entertaining readers with her literature and putting a smile on readers’ faces. I loved this about the author, but what I loved the most about Bernal’s writing is her remarkable descriptions because they genuinely amazed me.Overall Escape from Berlin is a marvelous, stellar and supreme book that will entertain, delight readers from start to finish and so I, of course, have to award this book five stars! Be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers; you won’t regret it!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading.Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
***
Escape from Berlin
Mark Dresdner’s cover is blown, forcing him to flee East Germany, yet he refuses to leave the woman he loves. Finding the border crossing blocked, and the enemy closing in, will he evade capture or be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice?Featuring
Betrayal
Aelia gives herself completely to the man she loves, revealing a life-threatening secret, trusting her husband unconditionally, but is he deserving of her trust?Deadly Secrets
Lysandra seeks a new life in America, hoping to forget her past, but an accidental meeting with a man who knows her true identity endangers her happiness. Murder in the First
As judge, jury, and executioner, Bethel decides the fate of the man responsible for her plight, but things go terribly wrong and the predator becomes the prey.The Ritual
Devona’s initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows’ Eve sends the terrified young woman fleeing for her life amidst a raging storm. Escaping the sacrificial altar, will she survive the tempest?
Escape from Berlin is an excellent book written by the exceptional and talented author Mary Ann Bernal and wow what another stellar story courtesy of Bernal! Escape from Berlin is a book I was keen to read as I have read and loved two books by Bernal before so I was excited to get lost in another collection of short stories! Escape from Berlin is one of the most well written and well-developed books I have ever come across, and I truly mean this as Escape from Berlin is exceptional and should not be missed!Escape from Berlin is a sensational book that will introduce the reader to five different stories titled: Escape from Berlin, Betrayal, Deadly Secrets, The Ritual and Murder in the First. I loved each of the five stories as I believe they read beautifully and the character and story development were to the highest standards, however! I do have two personal favorites which are Escape from Berlin and Deadly Secrets. Escape from Berlin is the main story in this fantastic book, and it follows a man called Mark Dresdner’s who has his cover blown, which forces him to leave Germany. However, he has fallen in love with a woman, and so matters get complicated quickly, especially when the border is blocked! The other story Deadly Secrets is just as sensational and will follow Lysandra, a woman looking for a fresh start in America but soon her past will come back to haunt her, and this book lovers is the short premises of two of the five amazing stories featured in the incredible Escape from Berlin!The story of Escape from Berlin is a thrilling one thanks to the enthralling moments as well as the unpredictable nature of the stories that will have the readers turning the pages with haste from beginning to end. I love books that involve a journey, and the reader has just this in Escape from Berlin as the reader is taken on an extraordinary journey from start to finish with each story featured. What I loved most about Escape from Berlin is that the reader is taken on an adventure in each story that is continuously evolving and changing which in turn kept me hooked from beginning to end.Escape from Berlin is a remarkable, fascinating, and addictive read that managed to entertain me for many hours on end thanks to the unique premise of the stories as well as the excellent literature courtesy of Bernal. Escape from Berlin has fast become one of my favorite reads of 2019, and this is because the stories featured are sensational! Very rarely do I discover a book that captivates me as fast as Escape from Berlin has so the fact that I am so taken with this book shows you, readers, that this book indeed is incredible and not to be missed!Mary Ann Bernal is an incredibly talented author who clearly knows how to write unique but engaging stories. It was evident to me from the start that Bernal is a passionate writer who surely loves entertaining readers with her literature and putting a smile on readers’ faces. I loved this about the author, but what I loved the most about Bernal’s writing is her remarkable descriptions because they genuinely amazed me.Overall Escape from Berlin is a marvelous, stellar and supreme book that will entertain, delight readers from start to finish and so I, of course, have to award this book five stars! Be sure to have a read of the preview below book lovers; you won’t regret it!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading.Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
***
Escape from Berlin
Mark Dresdner’s cover is blown, forcing him to flee East Germany, yet he refuses to leave the woman he loves. Finding the border crossing blocked, and the enemy closing in, will he evade capture or be forced to make the ultimate sacrifice?Featuring
Betrayal
Aelia gives herself completely to the man she loves, revealing a life-threatening secret, trusting her husband unconditionally, but is he deserving of her trust?Deadly Secrets
Lysandra seeks a new life in America, hoping to forget her past, but an accidental meeting with a man who knows her true identity endangers her happiness. Murder in the First
As judge, jury, and executioner, Bethel decides the fate of the man responsible for her plight, but things go terribly wrong and the predator becomes the prey.The Ritual
Devona’s initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows’ Eve sends the terrified young woman fleeing for her life amidst a raging storm. Escaping the sacrificial altar, will she survive the tempest?
April 12, 2019
Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Book Review – The Briton and the Dane (The Briton ...
Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: Book Review – The Briton and the Dane (The Briton ...: The Briton and the Dane (The Briton and the Dane #1) By Mary Ann Bernal King Alfred the Great has thwarted the Viking th...
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.
“Do you not see the men and women who seek the protection and safety of these walls? Do you not see their fear? Does this not prove that the Norsemen are raiding again?”
It was only a matter of time before the Norseman once again began to raid the rich and fertile land of Britannia. However, such things, were of no concern to Gwyneth of Wareham as she listened to the sea crash upon the shore. However, that fateful night, which hinted not at the events that were to unfold, would change the course of her life forever.
When Gwyneth saw a shadowy figure stumbling towards the surf, she felt compelled to follow him — instantly dismissing any danger she might have found herself in. When this mystery man collapses in front of her, Gwyneth feels compelled to help. It was only then that Gwyneth saw the arrow sticking out of his shoulder.
Who was this stranger? What had he done? What did he intend to do? As Gwyneth nursed the warrior back to health, there was only one thing that she knew for sure — she could fall in love with a man like this.
Alas, this was a man’s world, and Gwyneth was her father’s daughter. She must marry where he tells her, even if her heart does belong to someone else.
Erik of Esbjerg had not expected to fall for his would-be rescuer, but he did, and now he has to fight if he wants to keep her. It is that, or watch her marry a man that is not him.
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.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Pick up your copy of The Briton and the Dane
Amazon UK • Amazon US
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.
“Do you not see the men and women who seek the protection and safety of these walls? Do you not see their fear? Does this not prove that the Norsemen are raiding again?”
It was only a matter of time before the Norseman once again began to raid the rich and fertile land of Britannia. However, such things, were of no concern to Gwyneth of Wareham as she listened to the sea crash upon the shore. However, that fateful night, which hinted not at the events that were to unfold, would change the course of her life forever.
When Gwyneth saw a shadowy figure stumbling towards the surf, she felt compelled to follow him — instantly dismissing any danger she might have found herself in. When this mystery man collapses in front of her, Gwyneth feels compelled to help. It was only then that Gwyneth saw the arrow sticking out of his shoulder.
Who was this stranger? What had he done? What did he intend to do? As Gwyneth nursed the warrior back to health, there was only one thing that she knew for sure — she could fall in love with a man like this.
Alas, this was a man’s world, and Gwyneth was her father’s daughter. She must marry where he tells her, even if her heart does belong to someone else.
Erik of Esbjerg had not expected to fall for his would-be rescuer, but he did, and now he has to fight if he wants to keep her. It is that, or watch her marry a man that is not him.
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.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Pick up your copy of The Briton and the Dane
Amazon UK • Amazon US
April 9, 2019
Red Headed Book Lover review of Scribbler Tales Volumes One-Five by Mary Ann Bernal
Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five, Mary Ann BernalAnthology, Literature & Fiction, Novella & Short Story
Volume One
Desperate Measures; Forbidden Lore; Forever Lost; The Hourglass; Sail with MeVolume Two
Broken Promises; Deception; Endgame; Malice; The PortraitVolume Three
Hidden Lies; Nightmare; Payback; The Night Stalker; Turning PointVolume Four
Abducted; Cunning; Enamored; Reckless; SafeguardVolume Five
Bloodlust; Illusion; Manhunt; Pandemic; RevengeAnthologies are soon becoming my favorite type of reads, why? They are the perfect books to pick up and get lost in if ever you are having a busy day. I adore anthologies but only if they are written flawlessly with each story being supremely well developed with a wealth of information. Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is just this; a perfect anthology book that has flawlessly written stories written throughout it that will compel, intrigue and excite you from beginning to end! Mary Ann Bernal, the talented author of Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five, is an incredible writer whose work needs to be recognized and read by all readers so, please book lovers, if you adore anthologies and books with brilliant stories then you will love this! If you are not entirely convinced just yet then read the rest of my review to learn more about this exceptional book!Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is, of course, an anthology (a collection of short stories) and so the readers get to experience many different stories and witness many different lives and circumstances. Each story in this excellent collection is unique and different from the other one. They never once sound similar, and that is a hard quality to achieve with an anthology, so already I have to applaud Bernal for her talent to write original, creative stories!Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is a composition of five volumes of stories, and they will all compel you to read and get lost in fully. Of course, I am not able to write about each story as they are short and will spoil the book but what I will write is that each story is utterly brilliant and the majority of them feature excellent and unique themes. My particular favorites in volume one were called Desperate Measures, Forbidden Lore, and Sail with Me. Sail with Me was my personal favorite thanks to the military theme at the heart of the story as the protagonist Aaron looks back on his time as a military brat. However, Forbidden Lore for me was thrilling thanks to the theme of witches, and Desperate Measures fulfilled my need for science fiction with its story based around cloning experiment! These are just three of the many stories featured in these five volumes, and I guarantee that every reader will find a story they love!Mary Ann Bernal is an incredibly talented author; there is no doubt about this as she has proved this in her different short stories. I adored how she managed to set the scene up for the story quickly and make me able to invest in the characters in the matter of a few pages. Her stories may be short, and her anthology, in general, is short as it is only roughly 170 pages, but each tale is well-developed with an excellent plot, rich characterization and compelling components that will make you fall madly in love with Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five!As I love Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five so much, I have no choice but to award Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five a dazzling five stars! It is a unique, chilling, thrilling, exceptional book that will have you turning the pages with haste. The stunning literature courtesy of Mary Ann Bernal will excite as well as enthrall you from the first page with her well-formed stories. So please book lovers, read this excellent book, you will not be disappointed!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
Volume One
Desperate Measures; Forbidden Lore; Forever Lost; The Hourglass; Sail with MeVolume Two
Broken Promises; Deception; Endgame; Malice; The PortraitVolume Three
Hidden Lies; Nightmare; Payback; The Night Stalker; Turning PointVolume Four
Abducted; Cunning; Enamored; Reckless; SafeguardVolume Five
Bloodlust; Illusion; Manhunt; Pandemic; RevengeAnthologies are soon becoming my favorite type of reads, why? They are the perfect books to pick up and get lost in if ever you are having a busy day. I adore anthologies but only if they are written flawlessly with each story being supremely well developed with a wealth of information. Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is just this; a perfect anthology book that has flawlessly written stories written throughout it that will compel, intrigue and excite you from beginning to end! Mary Ann Bernal, the talented author of Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five, is an incredible writer whose work needs to be recognized and read by all readers so, please book lovers, if you adore anthologies and books with brilliant stories then you will love this! If you are not entirely convinced just yet then read the rest of my review to learn more about this exceptional book!Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is, of course, an anthology (a collection of short stories) and so the readers get to experience many different stories and witness many different lives and circumstances. Each story in this excellent collection is unique and different from the other one. They never once sound similar, and that is a hard quality to achieve with an anthology, so already I have to applaud Bernal for her talent to write original, creative stories!Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five is a composition of five volumes of stories, and they will all compel you to read and get lost in fully. Of course, I am not able to write about each story as they are short and will spoil the book but what I will write is that each story is utterly brilliant and the majority of them feature excellent and unique themes. My particular favorites in volume one were called Desperate Measures, Forbidden Lore, and Sail with Me. Sail with Me was my personal favorite thanks to the military theme at the heart of the story as the protagonist Aaron looks back on his time as a military brat. However, Forbidden Lore for me was thrilling thanks to the theme of witches, and Desperate Measures fulfilled my need for science fiction with its story based around cloning experiment! These are just three of the many stories featured in these five volumes, and I guarantee that every reader will find a story they love!Mary Ann Bernal is an incredibly talented author; there is no doubt about this as she has proved this in her different short stories. I adored how she managed to set the scene up for the story quickly and make me able to invest in the characters in the matter of a few pages. Her stories may be short, and her anthology, in general, is short as it is only roughly 170 pages, but each tale is well-developed with an excellent plot, rich characterization and compelling components that will make you fall madly in love with Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five!As I love Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five so much, I have no choice but to award Scribbler Tales Volumes One – Five a dazzling five stars! It is a unique, chilling, thrilling, exceptional book that will have you turning the pages with haste. The stunning literature courtesy of Mary Ann Bernal will excite as well as enthrall you from the first page with her well-formed stories. So please book lovers, read this excellent book, you will not be disappointed!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
March 4, 2019
RED HEADED BOOK LOVER review of Planetary Wars: Rise of an Empire
Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire, Mary Ann BernalMarch 4, 2019 by Aimee AnnFantasy, Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Space Opera
Anastasia Dennison finds out too late that her husband is the feared dictator responsible for the planetary wars plaguing the galaxy. Entrenched in Terrenean society, and enjoying the spoils of war, she turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed against helpless civilians. A crisis of conscience shatters her resolve to deny the truth, but which path to follow?Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a novel I was desperate to read ever since discovering it and caught my attention right away thanks to its description which alludes to a ruthless dictator and his lover who is struggling with what to do. Now and then a reader will come across that one book that blows them away, it is a somewhat generic term, but that is what Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire did to me… it blew me away and ever since completing it I have been thinking of its intricate and detailed story and how I need to re-read it! That is when you know book lovers that you have come across an incredible book when you are thinking of it when you have a million things to do. That is why I am already going to recommend Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire to you lovely readers, and yes, it may be early on in my review, but Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a novel not to be missed!Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire for me was thrilling, captivating and addictive right from the start and I felt this from beginning to end. Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire was captivating to me from the start thanks to the unique premise of the story and the bewitching literature courtesy of the author, Mary Ann Bernal who from the start hooked me with her unique story that was unlike anything I have read before.Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a remarkable novel that will introduce the reader to the protagonist of the book, Anastasia Dennison. Anastasia has fallen madly in love with Jayden Henry Shaw, so much so that she married him; however, she has recently discovered a shocking secret – that he is a ruthless dictator who ‘rules the galaxy with an iron fist.’ Anastasia’s husband has caused an immense amount of pain and suffering within the galaxy, and he has no plans on slowing down, and Anastasia is unsure what to do. Will she continue to back her husband’s desire for complete domination or will she stop this evil before it is too late? Read the breathtaking Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire to find out!The premise of Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is exceptional, original and unlike anything I have read before. I loved the many themes and elements explored throughout the book, and all themes are explored by Mary Ann Bernal wonderfully, and she does this by lacing these interesting themes throughout the text flawlessly and weaving them with the story. The result of this makes Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire a highly addictive and fascinating read that is never once lackluster or predictable. Mary Ann Bernal really has accomplished the near impossible, Mary Ann Bernal has managed to write an entertaining, bewitching and flawless story that will perfectly unfold in readers minds like a movie and now that I think about it, why is this book not a movie already!Mary Ann Bernal is a phenomenal writer who knows how to grasp her reader’s attention from the first page. Mary Ann Bernal instead of writing long, drawn-out builds up which are commonly found in science fiction novels, decides to ditch this approach and thrust her reader into the heart of the story straight away so that the reader is instantly captivated and immersed. I personally love this approach, what is the point of having a long build-up with little excitement? This is only necessary if the author in question can’t develop the characters in the story quickly, but with Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire, the reader will not encounter this issue because Mary Ann Bernal instantly develops her characters and makes the reader invest in not only them but also their journey.Overall Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a thrilling, compelling and thought-provoking novel that will easily entertain readers for many days and nights and so I, of course, have to award this stellar gem of a book five stars! If you are a reader who loves science fiction then I implore you to read Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire; it is a fast-paced, action adventure that should not be missed so have a read of the preview below and get reading!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts on Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
Anastasia Dennison finds out too late that her husband is the feared dictator responsible for the planetary wars plaguing the galaxy. Entrenched in Terrenean society, and enjoying the spoils of war, she turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed against helpless civilians. A crisis of conscience shatters her resolve to deny the truth, but which path to follow?Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a novel I was desperate to read ever since discovering it and caught my attention right away thanks to its description which alludes to a ruthless dictator and his lover who is struggling with what to do. Now and then a reader will come across that one book that blows them away, it is a somewhat generic term, but that is what Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire did to me… it blew me away and ever since completing it I have been thinking of its intricate and detailed story and how I need to re-read it! That is when you know book lovers that you have come across an incredible book when you are thinking of it when you have a million things to do. That is why I am already going to recommend Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire to you lovely readers, and yes, it may be early on in my review, but Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a novel not to be missed!Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire for me was thrilling, captivating and addictive right from the start and I felt this from beginning to end. Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire was captivating to me from the start thanks to the unique premise of the story and the bewitching literature courtesy of the author, Mary Ann Bernal who from the start hooked me with her unique story that was unlike anything I have read before.Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a remarkable novel that will introduce the reader to the protagonist of the book, Anastasia Dennison. Anastasia has fallen madly in love with Jayden Henry Shaw, so much so that she married him; however, she has recently discovered a shocking secret – that he is a ruthless dictator who ‘rules the galaxy with an iron fist.’ Anastasia’s husband has caused an immense amount of pain and suffering within the galaxy, and he has no plans on slowing down, and Anastasia is unsure what to do. Will she continue to back her husband’s desire for complete domination or will she stop this evil before it is too late? Read the breathtaking Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire to find out!The premise of Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is exceptional, original and unlike anything I have read before. I loved the many themes and elements explored throughout the book, and all themes are explored by Mary Ann Bernal wonderfully, and she does this by lacing these interesting themes throughout the text flawlessly and weaving them with the story. The result of this makes Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire a highly addictive and fascinating read that is never once lackluster or predictable. Mary Ann Bernal really has accomplished the near impossible, Mary Ann Bernal has managed to write an entertaining, bewitching and flawless story that will perfectly unfold in readers minds like a movie and now that I think about it, why is this book not a movie already!Mary Ann Bernal is a phenomenal writer who knows how to grasp her reader’s attention from the first page. Mary Ann Bernal instead of writing long, drawn-out builds up which are commonly found in science fiction novels, decides to ditch this approach and thrust her reader into the heart of the story straight away so that the reader is instantly captivated and immersed. I personally love this approach, what is the point of having a long build-up with little excitement? This is only necessary if the author in question can’t develop the characters in the story quickly, but with Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire, the reader will not encounter this issue because Mary Ann Bernal instantly develops her characters and makes the reader invest in not only them but also their journey.Overall Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire is a thrilling, compelling and thought-provoking novel that will easily entertain readers for many days and nights and so I, of course, have to award this stellar gem of a book five stars! If you are a reader who loves science fiction then I implore you to read Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire; it is a fast-paced, action adventure that should not be missed so have a read of the preview below and get reading!Thank you so much for reading book lovers! I appreciate it so much, I love discussing wonderful books with all of you so please comment below and let me know your thoughts on Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire. Do you see yourself reading this book? Do you love the genre? Please let me know your brilliant thoughts below and I will be sure to comment back. Thank you so much again for reading!Aimee Ann Red Headed Book Lover
March 2, 2019
10th Annual Smashwords Read an Ebook Sale - Sunday March 3, 2019 through Saturday March 9, 2019
Planetary Wars: Rise of an Empire
Author Mary Ann Bernal is participating in the 10th Annual Smashwords Read an Ebook Sale (March 3-9, 2019). 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.
January 26, 2019
Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: #BookReview — The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (...
Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots: #BookReview — The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (...: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) By Mary Ann Bernal Travel back in time to late...
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia(The Briton and the Dane #4)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 noble woman 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.
Someone should have told Concordia that when wishes come true they can leave a very bitter taste.
It had been very easy to fall in love with the young and handsome man from Hispania, but alas, their romance was never meant to be. It was nothing but an inexperienced girl’s foolish dream.
Several years have passed, and Concordia has not seen or heard anything more of Thayer, but not for one moment has she stopped loving him. Since that night, Concordia has worn the necklace Thayer gave her. He was still the first thing she thought about in the morning and the last thing at night. She wished ardently to speak with him, to see him, just one more time.
Concordia marries a man whom she regards as a very dear friend. She should be content. Nevertheless, her heart still belongs to Thayer. Desperate to please his young wife, Brantson takes her on a voyage — their destination, Rome. However, they never make it, for their boat is boarded by Saracen pirates. What was to be an adventure of a lifetime, soon turns into a harrowing nightmare.
If Concordia is to survive, then she must use her wits and her body, but there is no telling if even that will be enough. If only Thayer were here to save her. He would assure her safety and if nothing else, return her to her homeland.
From the comfort of King Alfred’s Great Hall to the terror of captivity in a foreign land, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) by Mary Ann Bernal is the unforgettable story of one woman’s quest to find true love and in doing so find herself as well.
Set firmly in the 9th Century, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia, drew me in from the opening sentence and held me enchanted until the very end. Bernal’s narrative was not only utterly irresistible but incredibly vivid in the telling. This is a story that threatened to mesmerise. It was so compelling that I read it in one sitting. There was no way I could put this book down once I had started.
Concordia is an unlikely heroine. She is spoilt and conceited. However, there is an endearing innocence about her, and for anyone whose first love was unrequited, there is a recognition of her daydreams and her heartache. She pines terribly for Thayer. As a character, Concordia certainly does her fair share of growing up as the novel progresses. Her relationship with Chad, the Saracen pirate, gave this story an unexpected twist. Of all the men in Concordia’s life, Chad, although not the most honest, is more than a match for our fiery young heroine’s free spirit.
The antagonist of this tale is an unlikely one. Thayer speaks with a double-tongue. He is not what he seems and Concordia learns a harsh but terrible lesson which is to not take anyone at face-value. Her love for him is pure, but his love for her is about control and dominance. He is the serpent who promises much but delivers nothing but heartache.
Bernal paints a dazzling portrait of what life was like in 9th Century Hispania. There is an elegant sweep of historical brilliance, giving this book an almost sensual grounding of time and place. Bernal has certainly woven the history into this incredibly enthralling tale. I was particularly interested in Bernal’s depiction of the Emirate of Cordova (Emirate of Córdoba). This was a time of power struggles and dynasties, but it was also the beginning of a political decline of the emirate. I think Bernal has captured the essence of this era very well through her fictional portrayal. The tension between the Muslim community and the Christian one is evident throughout this story, and indeed history tells us that there was much unrest, particularly at the Christian border.
Although this is book #4 in the series, Concordia stands very firmly on her own two feet. So, if you are looking for your next fix of historical fiction, then why not check out The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) by Mary Ann Bernal.
I Highly Recommend.
Mary Anne Yarde.The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Amazon UK • Amazon US
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia(The Briton and the Dane #4)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 noble woman 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.
Someone should have told Concordia that when wishes come true they can leave a very bitter taste.
It had been very easy to fall in love with the young and handsome man from Hispania, but alas, their romance was never meant to be. It was nothing but an inexperienced girl’s foolish dream.
Several years have passed, and Concordia has not seen or heard anything more of Thayer, but not for one moment has she stopped loving him. Since that night, Concordia has worn the necklace Thayer gave her. He was still the first thing she thought about in the morning and the last thing at night. She wished ardently to speak with him, to see him, just one more time.
Concordia marries a man whom she regards as a very dear friend. She should be content. Nevertheless, her heart still belongs to Thayer. Desperate to please his young wife, Brantson takes her on a voyage — their destination, Rome. However, they never make it, for their boat is boarded by Saracen pirates. What was to be an adventure of a lifetime, soon turns into a harrowing nightmare.
If Concordia is to survive, then she must use her wits and her body, but there is no telling if even that will be enough. If only Thayer were here to save her. He would assure her safety and if nothing else, return her to her homeland.
From the comfort of King Alfred’s Great Hall to the terror of captivity in a foreign land, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) by Mary Ann Bernal is the unforgettable story of one woman’s quest to find true love and in doing so find herself as well.
Set firmly in the 9th Century, The Briton and the Dane: Concordia, drew me in from the opening sentence and held me enchanted until the very end. Bernal’s narrative was not only utterly irresistible but incredibly vivid in the telling. This is a story that threatened to mesmerise. It was so compelling that I read it in one sitting. There was no way I could put this book down once I had started.
Concordia is an unlikely heroine. She is spoilt and conceited. However, there is an endearing innocence about her, and for anyone whose first love was unrequited, there is a recognition of her daydreams and her heartache. She pines terribly for Thayer. As a character, Concordia certainly does her fair share of growing up as the novel progresses. Her relationship with Chad, the Saracen pirate, gave this story an unexpected twist. Of all the men in Concordia’s life, Chad, although not the most honest, is more than a match for our fiery young heroine’s free spirit.
The antagonist of this tale is an unlikely one. Thayer speaks with a double-tongue. He is not what he seems and Concordia learns a harsh but terrible lesson which is to not take anyone at face-value. Her love for him is pure, but his love for her is about control and dominance. He is the serpent who promises much but delivers nothing but heartache.
Bernal paints a dazzling portrait of what life was like in 9th Century Hispania. There is an elegant sweep of historical brilliance, giving this book an almost sensual grounding of time and place. Bernal has certainly woven the history into this incredibly enthralling tale. I was particularly interested in Bernal’s depiction of the Emirate of Cordova (Emirate of Córdoba). This was a time of power struggles and dynasties, but it was also the beginning of a political decline of the emirate. I think Bernal has captured the essence of this era very well through her fictional portrayal. The tension between the Muslim community and the Christian one is evident throughout this story, and indeed history tells us that there was much unrest, particularly at the Christian border.
Although this is book #4 in the series, Concordia stands very firmly on her own two feet. So, if you are looking for your next fix of historical fiction, then why not check out The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (The Briton and the Dane #4) by Mary Ann Bernal.
I Highly Recommend.
Mary Anne Yarde.The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Amazon UK • Amazon US
January 3, 2019
Scribbler Tales - a collection of short stories - five volumes available in one edition
Scribbler Tales
Contemporary Short Stories GenresCrime, Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Occult, Romance, Spies & Espionage, Thriller & Suspense
Scribbler TalesVolumes One - Five
All five volumes in one edition
Mary Ann Bernal
Scribbler Tales Volume One
Desperate Measures: What happens when Audrey learns of Paul’s duplicity? Cloning experiments have gone awry.
Forbidden Lore: Arianna and Ethan are locked inside a haunted cemetery. Will they survive the night?
Forever Lost: Rina and Adrian are star-crossed lovers. Will love prevail?
Sail with Me: Aaron reflects upon his childhood. Confessions of a military brat.
The Hourglass: A covenant with the Devil. How far will Flair go to keep Brice alive?
Scribbler Tales Volume Two
Broken Promises: Madeline’s love for Nathan clouds her judgment as the Wall Street titan denies any wrongdoing.
Deception: Vigilante vengeance. The criminal justice system fails when the guilty walk free. Endgame: It was a dream government job until Sandy learns the truth. Covert operations shrouded in secrecy.
Malice: Proving innocence. Andrew’s life falls apart when he is falsely accused of rape. The Portrait: Demonic possession. All Geoffrey wants is a family, but Holliday and Olivia have other plans. Scribbler Tales Volume Three
Hidden Lies: When classified schematics are stolen, evidence points to an inside job. Industrial secrets compromised.
Nightmare: Phantom Legacy. Melanie wants to sell her ancestral home, but the specter of her dreams has other plans
Payback: A psychopathic killer is on the loose. Detective Newport must stop an assassintargeting prosecuting attorneys.
The Night Stalker: Deadly Obsession. Pamela must prove her suspicions before the police can protect her
Turning Point: Personal vendetta. Is a decorated firefighter an arsonist? A Fire Marshall wrestles with the truth.
Scribbler Tales Volume Four
Abducted: Threatened with death. When Katrina Cooper is kidnapped, can the money be raised in time?
Cunning: Lethal folklore. Charlotte stumbles upon the truth behind Transylvanian vampires.
Enamored: Pursuing love. Aging Lady Margaret is besotted with a much younger man.
Reckless: Eluding capture. Peter’s latest victim survives, informing the authorities.
Safeguard: Self-defense or Murder? Sarah awakens covered in blood.
Scribbler Tales Volume Five
Bloodlust: Lilly considers a Satanic covenant on All Hallows’ Eve as she seeks immortality.
Illusion: Felicity stumbles upon tomb robbers in the Valley of the Queens. Dream vacation has gone awry.
Manhunt: Perilous flight. Tami and Mick plan one final heist, but will it lead to their downfall?
Pandemic: Facing extinction. Dr. Lancaster must find a cure for a mutated virus strain.
Revenge: Criminal behavior. Can Angela rid herself of her abusive husband?
Purchase Links Amazon US Amazon UK Smashwords Barnes and Noble iTunes Audible
Author Web Page Whispering Legends Press
author.to/MaryAnnBernal
December 31, 2018
Happy New Year 2019
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve (also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries), the last day of the year, is on 31 December which is the seventh day of Christmastide. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the new year. Some Christians attend a watchnight service. The celebrations generally go on past midnight into New Year's Day, 1 January.Samoa, Tonga and Kiritimati (Christmas Island), part of Kiribati, are the first places to welcome the New Year while American Samoa and Baker Island in the United States of America are among the last.Wikipedia
December 25, 2018
2nd Annual Smashwords End of Year Sale - December 25, 2018 through January 1, 2019
Author Mary Ann Bernal is participating in the 2nd Annual Smashwords End of Year Sale (December 25, 2018 - January 1, 2019). 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.
December 23, 2018
Christmas celebrations: the old versus the new
History Extra
Professor Arthur Purdue takes a look at our fascination with 'Christmas past' and how the celebration has evolved since Victorian times.
Christmas is, notoriously, a time for nostalgia, and for many ‘Christmas present’ is considered never to be quite the same as ‘Christmas past’. This is partly due to our getting older, but is also because there are layers of tradition in our celebrations, some of them pre-Christian, which draw us inevitably to the ‘Old Christmas’. As Charles Dickens wrote: “How many old recollections and sympathies does Christmas time awaken?”Christmas is still essentially that which was remodelled in the 19th century to suit the tastes and ideals of the time. Victorian festivities were centred on the home, the family and the indulgence of children and if, in many homes, the hearth or fireside has disappeared and computer games have replaced the railway set as presents, this is still the Christmas we attempt to recapture and regard as traditional.The trappings of this festival reflect Victorian innovations: the cards, the tree, the crackers, the family meal with a turkey and, of course, Father Christmas or Santa Claus. Yet an older Christmas hovers behind it and its image is fixed on numerous cards and illustrations depicting a world of stagecoaches, ruddy-faced landlords, thatched cottages, manor houses and hospitable squires. The Victorians built into their new Christmas nostalgia for an ideal Christmas located forever in the 18th-century countryside.Those very architects of the Victorian Christmas, Charles Dickens and Washington Irving looked back to an idealised Christmas of their recent past. To Dickens, Christmas epitomised not only conviviality and humanity, but an affection for the past. In Pickwick Papers he describes a merry old Christmas, a “good humoured Christmas” in which, after blind-man’s buff, “there was a great game at snap-dragon, and when fingers enough were burned with that, and all the raisons were gone, they sat down by the huge fire of blazing logs to substantial supper, and a mighty bowl of wassail”.Dickens may well have helped create a new Christmas but at the heart of his vision was an idealised old Christmas; one he hoped to revive. This Christmas was a merry, lengthy and mainly adult affair with some relaxation of the normal rules of propriety.Whether the occasion was generally observed has been doubted by some, as there is evidence that Christmas was in decline during the late 18th century. The puritans of the Commonwealth, who considered it a Popish survival, attempted to abolish the festival, but the Restoration saw it reinstated amidst popular acclaim. However, forms of celebration based on the open-handed hospitality of the aristocrat or squire in the big house and the often drunken and bawdy customs of the country people, were coming to seem quaint and old-fashioned to many.Such celebrations had little appeal for the well-to-do in towns and, in the countryside, the gentry no longer automatically kept open house for their dependents, while up-and-coming farmers, distanced themselves from their workers and the mumming and licence of the ‘world-turned-upside-down’ that was the ‘Old Christmas’. Only in more backward areas was Christmas celebrated in the old style and The Times reflected in 1790 on the time of festivity having “lost much of its original mirth and hospitality”.It was the very decay of Christmas traditions and a consciousness of their passing that appealed to romantics and antiquarians. The American writer, Washington Irving, visiting England in the early 19th century, saw the ‘Old Christmas’ as resembling “those picturesque morsels of Gothic architecture which we see crumbling in various parts of the country, partly dilapidated by the waste of ages, and partly lost in the additions and alterations of later days”. His account of the ‘Old Christmas’ presided over by the antiquarian Squire Bracebridge at Bracebridge Hall was an imaginative reconstruction of old customs and traditions, rather than a description of a contemporary Christmas.It wasn’t, however, solely the antique and antic customs of the decaying ‘Old Christmas’ that appealed to Dickens and Irving, but the underlying social harmony that they perceived in it. The ‘New Christmas’ that Dickens helped to create was essentially a private and family affair, even if Victorian families were large, and one that centred on children. The ‘Old Christmas’, whose passing he regretted, had been more of a community festival; an expression in the idle period of the agricultural year of charity in its older sense of fellowship.Much has been made of the contrast between Christmas at Dingley Dell in Pickwick Papers, a gregarious and merry festival lasting twelve days, and A Christmas Carol where the emphasis is upon Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, as well as the notion of the family, represented by the Cratchits. This difference can be exaggerated for, if Dickens was Victorian enough to put home and hearth at the centre of things, his main aim was to stress fellowship, empathy between different sections of society, the responsibility of employers and good cheer. Mr Fessiwig’s Ball, held by the employer for all who worked for him, looks back to the festivities in the manor or farm house in which villagers or retainers, as well as family, participated and forward to the office party. Social harmony was the vision he saw Christmas representing and, if the half-imaginary 18th-century Christmas he drew on was a rosy image of pre-industrial society, it was ever-present in his works.The third ghost to visit Scrooge is the Ghost of Christmas Present who in fact bears a strong resemblance to some of the more jovial depictions of the spirit of the ‘Old Christmas’ – “a jolly Giant, glorious to see” who, “in a green robe, or mantle bordered with white fur”, is surrounded by a display of plenty in the shape of turkeys, geese and ‘seething bowls of punch’. This spirit, a prototype Father Christmas and a kindly if rather pagan figure, continued to hover over the Christmas that Dickens helped refashion.The Dickensian Christmas is, therefore, a bridge between the old and the new Christmas, the Anglo-American Christmas, which we inherit. The latter is, no doubt, better suited to an urban and mobile society; it is centred upon the family and children and is essentially private and home-based amidst eerily empty streets. It is also rather tamed for, if we eat and drink enough, it lacks the boisterousness and wider conviviality of the older, more adult, Christmas.Yet, that ‘Old Christmas’ is annually invoked today, as it was in the 19th century, by Christmas cards and festive illustrations in which jovial squires forever entertain friends by roaring fires while stout coachmen swathed in greatcoats, urge horses down snow covered lanes as they bring anticipatory guests and homesick relations to their welcoming destinations in a dream of merry England.Professor Arthur Purdue is visiting senior lecturer in history at the Open University and co-author with JM Golby of The Making of the Modern Christmas, Batsford (1986).
