MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 363
October 14, 2013
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia - featured on The Virtual Bookcase
http://thevirtualbookcase.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/the-briton-and-the-dane-concordia-by-mary-ann-bernal/
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia Posted by Glynis Smy in Books and tagged with action, adventure, Historical fiction, romance 14/10/2013
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.Amazon Reviews:5.0 out of 5 stars This book has everything a person could want in Historical Fiction, January 15, 2013 By
Quietclayer “Mary”
(Florissant, MO USA) – See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)This review is from:
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition)
It’s not my way to reiterate the story line in a review. I prefer to give my opinion of the writer’s ability to paint pictures with words and engage the reader.Mary Ann Bernal paints lavishly vivid pictures of the romantic and exotic locales in this excellent book. The characters are fully detailed, physically, mentally and emotionally. The reader is fully engaged from the first page. Drawn into a world of romance, intrigue, duplicity and adventure, I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction or even just an excellent story. This book is right up there with Pillars of the Earth, if you liked that book, you will like this one. Don’t miss it.
5.0 out of 5 stars History brought to life, January 30, 2013 By Tribalchick – See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition) This is the first of Mary Ann Bernal’s novels I’ve read but it won’t be the last! I enjoy historical fiction but don’t want to be bombarded with facts at the expense of a good story so, I’m delighted to say, the author did not disappoint.Concordia, a wilful, spoilt young girl, brought up close to the court of King Alfred during the late 9th century, has her heart stolen by an exotic, foreign dignatory before he returns to his homeland. Her infatuation and naievity take her on a journey, by boat, to Europe and beyond. The scenes are beautifully set to stage battles, voyages and royal courts and the reader sees through Concordia’s eyes the violent, often uncivilised times she lives in, as well as the honour, gallantry and bravery of many of the characters. Part of me wanted to see Concordia’s journey from naievity and innocence to maturity and wisdom but that would have been a different story!
This book receives my 5* rating as I loved the story telling, would recommend to others and read again. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Purchase Links:Amazon UShttp://www.amazon.com/Briton-Dane-Mary-Ann-Bernal/dp/148188994XAmazon UKhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994XBarnes & Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-briton-and-the-dane-mary-ann-bernal/1114188424?ean=9781481889940Author Bio:
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.Contact Info:Webpage: http://www.maryannbernal.comfacebook.com/TheBritonandtheDane
http://twitter.com/#!/BritonandDane
http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal/videos
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia Posted by Glynis Smy in Books and tagged with action, adventure, Historical fiction, romance 14/10/2013
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.Amazon Reviews:5.0 out of 5 stars This book has everything a person could want in Historical Fiction, January 15, 2013 By
Quietclayer “Mary”
(Florissant, MO USA) – See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)This review is from:
The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition)
It’s not my way to reiterate the story line in a review. I prefer to give my opinion of the writer’s ability to paint pictures with words and engage the reader.Mary Ann Bernal paints lavishly vivid pictures of the romantic and exotic locales in this excellent book. The characters are fully detailed, physically, mentally and emotionally. The reader is fully engaged from the first page. Drawn into a world of romance, intrigue, duplicity and adventure, I couldn’t put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Fiction or even just an excellent story. This book is right up there with Pillars of the Earth, if you liked that book, you will like this one. Don’t miss it.5.0 out of 5 stars History brought to life, January 30, 2013 By Tribalchick – See all my reviewsThis review is from: The Briton and the Dane: Concordia (Kindle Edition) This is the first of Mary Ann Bernal’s novels I’ve read but it won’t be the last! I enjoy historical fiction but don’t want to be bombarded with facts at the expense of a good story so, I’m delighted to say, the author did not disappoint.Concordia, a wilful, spoilt young girl, brought up close to the court of King Alfred during the late 9th century, has her heart stolen by an exotic, foreign dignatory before he returns to his homeland. Her infatuation and naievity take her on a journey, by boat, to Europe and beyond. The scenes are beautifully set to stage battles, voyages and royal courts and the reader sees through Concordia’s eyes the violent, often uncivilised times she lives in, as well as the honour, gallantry and bravery of many of the characters. Part of me wanted to see Concordia’s journey from naievity and innocence to maturity and wisdom but that would have been a different story!
This book receives my 5* rating as I loved the story telling, would recommend to others and read again. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Purchase Links:Amazon UShttp://www.amazon.com/Briton-Dane-Mary-Ann-Bernal/dp/148188994XAmazon UKhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Briton-Dane-Mary-Bernal/dp/148188994XBarnes & Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-briton-and-the-dane-mary-ann-bernal/1114188424?ean=9781481889940Author Bio:
Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.Mary Ann is also a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter writing campaigns and other support programs since Operation Desert Storm. She has appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has also been a featured author on Triangle Variety Radio, The Phil Naessens Show, and The Writers Showcase, and has been interviewed extensively by American and European bloggers.Mary Ann is a New York “expat,” and currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska.Contact Info:Webpage: http://www.maryannbernal.comfacebook.com/TheBritonandtheDanehttp://twitter.com/#!/BritonandDane
http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/maryannbernal/videos
The Phil Naessens Show 10-14-2013 NBA Southeast Division Preview and 2013 MLB Playoffs
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/10/14/the-phil-naessens-show-10-14-2013-nba-southeast-division-preview-and-2013-mlb-playoffs/
Segment 1: Sonics Rising Managing Editor Kevin Nesgoda joins Phil for a pre-season preview and discussion of the NBA Southeast Division plus much more
Segment 2: Blogging Mets Mark Berman joins Phil to discuss the NLCS series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers and the ALCS series between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers plus much more
Nominations for Podcast of the Year open until October 15, 2013 and are accepted here. The URL for the show is here.
Segment 1: Sonics Rising Managing Editor Kevin Nesgoda joins Phil for a pre-season preview and discussion of the NBA Southeast Division plus much more
Segment 2: Blogging Mets Mark Berman joins Phil to discuss the NLCS series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers and the ALCS series between the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers plus much more
Nominations for Podcast of the Year open until October 15, 2013 and are accepted here. The URL for the show is here.
History Trivia - Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror defeats King Harold Godwinson of England
October 14
222 Pope Callixtus I was killed by a mob in Rome's Trastevere (west bank of the Tiber River) after a 5-year reign in which he had stabilized the Saturday fast three times per year, with no food, oil, or wine to be consumed on those days. Callixtus was succeeded by Cardinal Urban I.
530 Boniface became sole pope. The brief schism that had resulted from both Boniface II and Dioscorus being consecrated as pope ended with Dioscorus' death.
996 Hugh Capet, the French king and founder of the Capetian line, died in Paris at age 56.
1066 Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings – In England on Senlac Hill, seven miles from Hastings, the Norman forces of William the Conqueror defeated the English army and killed King Harold II of England.
1322 Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated King Edward II of England at Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scotland's independence.
1586 Mary, Queen of Scots, went on trial for conspiracy against Elizabeth I of England.
222 Pope Callixtus I was killed by a mob in Rome's Trastevere (west bank of the Tiber River) after a 5-year reign in which he had stabilized the Saturday fast three times per year, with no food, oil, or wine to be consumed on those days. Callixtus was succeeded by Cardinal Urban I.
530 Boniface became sole pope. The brief schism that had resulted from both Boniface II and Dioscorus being consecrated as pope ended with Dioscorus' death.
996 Hugh Capet, the French king and founder of the Capetian line, died in Paris at age 56.
1066 Norman Conquest: Battle of Hastings – In England on Senlac Hill, seven miles from Hastings, the Norman forces of William the Conqueror defeated the English army and killed King Harold II of England.
1322 Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated King Edward II of England at Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scotland's independence.
1586 Mary, Queen of Scots, went on trial for conspiracy against Elizabeth I of England.
October 13, 2013
Open House Editing - affordable rates
http://www.openhouseediting.com/index.html
You've put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (and maybe a few Xanax), into writing your masterpiece. You've edited it, and edited it again, and edited it some more. Perhaps some of your friends have read it and told you how much they love it. Maybe one or two of them have even pointed out a misspelled word or place where you should have put that dreaded comma and didn't. So, now you think you're ready to go straight to publishing.
Wait a minute there my friend. You are skipping a major step in the writing process: editing. I know you've already edited your manuscript or other writing until you just about can't stand reading through it one more time, but you still need someone with a fresh set of eyes, someone who knows and understands all of the rules and regulations that govern the world of the written word, to take a look just to make sure it is as close to perfect as it can be. For a first-time writer, I'm sure this is not an expense you may have added into your shoestring budget. Even if you're an old pro and have published many works, you still may not believe this is an important step. In fact, it is one of the most important steps in the process of publishing any written work.
If you're putting your name on it, shouldn't it be the absolute best it can be? Don't you want it to be something you can be really proud of? That's where an editor comes into play. Depending upon the type of editing you're looking for, editors can check for misspelled words, grammatical errors, if your writing flows smoothly, and for continuity, among many other things. You make the magic happen when you write, and an editor adds the fairy dust to make it all sparkly and pretty.Why Choose Open House Editing?It's very simple. Choose Open House Editing because you want someone who will be on time. You want someone who will stick to the agreed upon budget. You want someone who is honest and won't share any of your information with anyone. You want someone who is available to you via email and responds within 24 hours or less to your messages. Perhaps most importantly, you want someone who will keep your voice in your writing. http://www.openhouseediting.com/contact-form.html
You've put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears (and maybe a few Xanax), into writing your masterpiece. You've edited it, and edited it again, and edited it some more. Perhaps some of your friends have read it and told you how much they love it. Maybe one or two of them have even pointed out a misspelled word or place where you should have put that dreaded comma and didn't. So, now you think you're ready to go straight to publishing.
Wait a minute there my friend. You are skipping a major step in the writing process: editing. I know you've already edited your manuscript or other writing until you just about can't stand reading through it one more time, but you still need someone with a fresh set of eyes, someone who knows and understands all of the rules and regulations that govern the world of the written word, to take a look just to make sure it is as close to perfect as it can be. For a first-time writer, I'm sure this is not an expense you may have added into your shoestring budget. Even if you're an old pro and have published many works, you still may not believe this is an important step. In fact, it is one of the most important steps in the process of publishing any written work.
If you're putting your name on it, shouldn't it be the absolute best it can be? Don't you want it to be something you can be really proud of? That's where an editor comes into play. Depending upon the type of editing you're looking for, editors can check for misspelled words, grammatical errors, if your writing flows smoothly, and for continuity, among many other things. You make the magic happen when you write, and an editor adds the fairy dust to make it all sparkly and pretty.Why Choose Open House Editing?It's very simple. Choose Open House Editing because you want someone who will be on time. You want someone who will stick to the agreed upon budget. You want someone who is honest and won't share any of your information with anyone. You want someone who is available to you via email and responds within 24 hours or less to your messages. Perhaps most importantly, you want someone who will keep your voice in your writing. http://www.openhouseediting.com/contact-form.html
Suz Korb: FREE Story!
Suz Korb: FREE Story!: The Girl With Three Heads is free today on my blog! Read the entire first story in the Deities Collection below, or if you'd like t...
History Trivia - Emperor Claudius poisoned
October 13
54 Emperor Claudius died from poison given him by his physician Xenophon and his empress Agrippina, and Nero became emperor of Rome.
409 Vandals (East Germanic tribe) and Alans (group of Sarmatian tribes) crossed the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania (Iberian Peninsula, modern day Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar).
1307, on Friday the 13th, Hundreds of Knights Templar in France were simultaneously arrested by agents of Phillip the Fair, and were later tortured into a confession of heresy.
1399 Henry IV of England was crowned.
54 Emperor Claudius died from poison given him by his physician Xenophon and his empress Agrippina, and Nero became emperor of Rome.
409 Vandals (East Germanic tribe) and Alans (group of Sarmatian tribes) crossed the Pyrenees and appear in Hispania (Iberian Peninsula, modern day Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar).
1307, on Friday the 13th, Hundreds of Knights Templar in France were simultaneously arrested by agents of Phillip the Fair, and were later tortured into a confession of heresy.
1399 Henry IV of England was crowned.
October 12, 2013
History Trivia - England's King John loses the crown jewels in The Wash
On October 12
632 Edwin of Deira, King of Northumbria and Bretwalda died.
1216 King John of England lost the crown jewels in The Wash, possibly near Fosdyke or near Sutton Bridge.
1428 the Siege of Orleans began which lasted until Joan of Arc persuaded King Charles VII of France to send an army to relieve the city in April.
1459 Battle at Ludford Bridge: Richard of York defeated.
1537 King Edward VI was born; he was the only son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour (third wife); he became King at the age of 9 and died in his early teens.
632 Edwin of Deira, King of Northumbria and Bretwalda died.
1216 King John of England lost the crown jewels in The Wash, possibly near Fosdyke or near Sutton Bridge.
1428 the Siege of Orleans began which lasted until Joan of Arc persuaded King Charles VII of France to send an army to relieve the city in April.
1459 Battle at Ludford Bridge: Richard of York defeated.
1537 King Edward VI was born; he was the only son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour (third wife); he became King at the age of 9 and died in his early teens.
October 11, 2013
TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!! - SECOND BOOK IN THE HOME WRECKER CHRONICLES by Brenda Perlin IS NOW RELEASED
Brenda Perlin TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!! :-)
PLEASE JOIN IN THE FESTIVITIES FRIDAY OCTOBER 11 AT 1:00 PM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME, 2:00 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME, 3:00 PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME AND 4:00 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME
MY SECOND BOOK IN THE HOME WRECKER CHRONICLES IS NOW RELEASED.
"Bo and Brooklyn’s relationship is tested while Bo’s soon-to-be-ex wife continues to hold on for dear life. Will Bo’s ongoing divorce battle ever come to an end or will she be able to break them up?"
https://www.facebook.com/events/207641289413064/“Brooklyn Rosen had high moral principles and was raised properly. Married for over fifteen years, those standards went out the window along with her fidelity when she met Bo. After becoming a self-proclaimed “Home Wrecker” Brooklyn left behind her marital home, along with the damage caused by her emotional wrecking ball. But the whispered remarks followed.
In “Home Wrecker: The Brooklyn Chronicles” we learn what shaped Brooklyn, the trials of an unhappy marriage and a deep abiding love that would not be denied. We meet a troubled, spiteful wife, who does not want to become an “ex”.
Will Brooklyn and Bo survive, or will all be lost to a bitter woman?” http://www.amazon.com/Home-Wrecker-II-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00FPW0JFE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381495565&sr=8-3&keywords=Home+Wrecker+by+Brenda+Perlin
The Phil Naessens Show 10-11-2013 Los Angeles Dodgers/St. Louis Cardinals NLCS Preview and NBA Hoops
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/the-phil-naessens-show-10-11-2013-los-angeles-dodgersst-louis-cardinals-nlcs-preview-and-nba-hoops/
Segment 1: Memphis Flyer Reporter Kevin Lipe joins Phil to discuss his new job as daily reporter for the Memphis Flyer and the Memphis Grizzlies pre-season games against the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks plus much more….
Segment 2: True Blue LA Managing Editor Eric Stephen joins Phil to preview the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Segment 3: Welcome to Loud City Managing Editor J.A. Sherman joins Phil to discuss the recent legal woes of OKC Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and Lamar Odom plus much more
Segment 1: Memphis Flyer Reporter Kevin Lipe joins Phil to discuss his new job as daily reporter for the Memphis Flyer and the Memphis Grizzlies pre-season games against the Chicago Bulls and the Dallas Mavericks plus much more….
Segment 2: True Blue LA Managing Editor Eric Stephen joins Phil to preview the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.
Segment 3: Welcome to Loud City Managing Editor J.A. Sherman joins Phil to discuss the recent legal woes of OKC Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and Lamar Odom plus much more
History Trivia - Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose raised to the surface after 437 years at the bottom of the Solent.
October 11
1303 Pope Boniface VIII died. He instituted the first Jubilee (special year of remission of sins and universal pardon).
1521 Pope Leo X granted Henry VIII the title Defender of the Faith for a tract defending Catholicism. 1542 Thomas Wyatt died. The English lyrical poet is credited with introducing the sonnet into English. 1551 John Dudley, Earl of Warwick was made the Duke of Northumberland. 
1537 Lady Jane Grey, Britain's nine day queen, was born, the exact date is not known.
1982 Henry VIII's flagship Mary Rose was raised to the surface after 437 years at the bottom of the Solent. After a long and successful career, the Mary Rose sank on July 19, 1545 off Portsmouth, during an engagement with a French fleet which had attacked the English coast. The reason for the sinking is still a mystery, although many theories exist. Human error and indiscipline amongst the crew are possible explanations. Almost all of the men on board drowned.
