Marauding Moors and Victorious Vikings

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.

Author, Mary Ann Bernal

Today the spotlight is on The Briton and the Dane: Concordia, the fourth book in the series; a stand alone novel.  Concordia is a character from The Briton and the Dane: Trilogy, but in Concordia we fast forward about 16 years and we read her story.



Excerpt from The Briton and the Dane: Concordia by Mary Ann Bernal -


    Concordia wrapped her cloak tightly around her as wind gusts chilled the night air.  She smiled slightly when Thayer placed a velvet pouch in her hand, yet she was hesitant to accept the gift.

    “Open it,” Thayer whispered in her ear.

    Concordia gasped when she saw the gold bead necklace, but she could not curtain her excitement when she held the striking jewels against her chest.  The gold beads were interspersed with turquoise and blue glass of various designs, and each bead was elegantly embellished by exquisitely engraved decorations.

    “I have never seen such intricate work,” Concordia said excitedly as Thayer clasped the necklace around her neck.  “There are no words...but I cannot accept such a costly gift.”

    “You must, lest you offend my mother.”

    “I do not understand...how am I known?”

    “I had written my mother of our friendship...she sent this token so you may always remember the bond we share...it belonged to her mother...she insisted.”

    “Tell her I am most pleased,” Concordia murmured as she held the beads gently between her fingers while averting his gaze.  “Tell her I shall never forget her kindness.”

    “Come, the hour grows late...you must be in your chambers before you are missed.”

    Concordia followed Thayer down the stairs as the clouds once again covered the full moon.  She walked silently beside the man who had captured her heart, etching his features into memory, to remember in the days ahead, when she grieved for a love that might have been.

    Thayer stopped abruptly when they reached the king’s private quarters, grasped Concordia by the shoulders and kissed her gently upon her lips
.
    “Forgive my impertinence,” Thayer said softly.  “I cannot leave without telling you...if only...you must go before words are spoken that cannot be taken back...go!”
    “I do not understand,” Concordia tearfully replied.  “Can you not see...”
    “Hush,” Thayer interrupted as he placed his finger over her lips.  “I know.”

    “Will I ever see you again?” Concordia asked, her voice choked with emotion.

    “If Allah wills it,” Thayer replied kindly before he disappeared into the night.



What readers are saying about Concordia (Amazon):

~    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.

~    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.

~   The ending was the most amazing part for me. I wasn't sure how everything was going to come together and the ending completely blew me away.

Book Trailer for The Briton and the Dane: Concordia

US Amazon link - http://www.amazon.com/Briton-Dane-Concordia-ebook/dp/B00AVQDKIC

UK Amazon link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Briton-Dane-Concordia-ebook/dp/B00AVQDKIC

To find out about Mary Ann Bernal and her series The Briton and the Dane visit her webiste - http://www.maryannbernal.com/

A Taste of Reality Bites

Reality Bites

"Death.  Domestic abuse. Ritual exploitation. The passing of a loved one. Child battery. Horrifying food addiction. Brutal bullying.  Friendship gone bad.  Drugs.  Family collapse. Loss. Despair".

12 tales of despair that travel an uncertain path to hope written by 12 talented, independent writers.

A few times I cried and on several occassions I felt the rawness of the protagonist's plight. An excellent anthology and splendid coffee-time read.

Great way to sample some new writers! Recommended adult read.

US Amazon Link - http://www.amazon.com/Reality-Bites-ebook/dp/B00CA95CES

UK Amazon Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reality-Bites-ebook/dp/B00CA95CES

Awesome Arabica and Sandy Shores

Vicke McKeehan is a lover of the great outdoors, chocolate and coffee. Her passion for writing has seen the successful publication of 8 novels, including the Skye Cree series, The Evil Trilogy, and the Pelican Pointe series.

Author, Vickie McKeehan

Today Promise Cove, the first of the Pelican Pointe novels, is in the spotlight.

Excerpt from Promise Cove by Vickie McKeehan:

    On the drive back to Pelican Pointe, Nick glanced in the rear view mirror at the sleeping baby. “We wore her out. Maybe we shouldn’t have stayed for the fireworks.”

    “But the fireworks were the best part. And the carousel. Did you see the look on her face when we sat her up on the horse for the first time? Shoot. I should have remembered to bring the camera.”

    “I should have used my iPhone. I wasn’t thinking. She was a little scared on the carousel at first. That look on her face was priceless.”

    “It was. That’s why I should have had the camera, so I could capture that moment. The look on her little face said it all. What if you only get that look once, Nick? We missed it.”

    “Nah. We’ll bring her back.”

    We will? She wondered if he meant it, but refused to dwell on that tonight. “That bear you won is bigger than she is.” Jordan laughed and realized she’d just spent hours with Nick and hadn’t thought of Scott once after leaving the restaurant. She sighed. “It was a wonderful evening, Nick. I haven’t had such fun in—gosh, so long I don’t remember. Thank you.”

    He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “My pleasure. I’m glad you had a good time.”

    “Oh, I did. The best.”

    When they got back they put Hutton to bed as a team. When they got the sleeping baby tucked in, they stood there a moment and watched her sleep. Nick leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on Jordan’s forehead. Just the slight brush to her skin had every nerve in his body tingling.

    Looking up in his eyes, she whispered, “I’m so glad you’re here, Nick.”

    “Are you?” He put his hands on her waist, drew her into him. With his body he backed her out of the baby’s room, out into the dark hallway, bent his head, found her mouth.

What readers are saying about Pelican Point (Amazon):

~    Great from start to finish, the author does a great job with developing the characters and letting you into their world.

~    I could not put the story down until I read the whole thing..... absolutely beautiful story that made me cry and laugh.

~    What a well-written, exceptionally crafted book! It is both everything you know and love about a romance, and a few novel twists--together, they combine to make a refreshing love story.

Eagles - Hotel California

US Amazon Link - http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Pelican-Pointe-Novel-ebook/dp/B006IGCAGC/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i
UK Amazon Link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Promise-Pelican-Pointe-Novel-ebook/dp/B006IGCAGC/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i



To quote Vickie McKeehan "French Fries Rule!"

To find out more about Vickie McKeehan visit - http://www.amazon.com/Vickie-McKeehan/e/B006JSYSH8/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

The Ritual by Mark Barry - a note by Ngaire

The Ritual is an exceptional book; a splendid, long read full of brilliantly detailed passages. The plot is cleverly planned with twists and suspense that will leave you stunned!  There are a few horror scenes; one of which left me with nightmares! Reading The Ritual is like watching the chess match of the century, and should be on the best seller list. Need I say more ...!

US Amazon link - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0086QDF0M/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

UK Amazon link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0086QDF0M/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

To find out more about Mark Barry please visit - http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Barry/e/B008479RWI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Devilish Dreams and Saintly Shenanigans!

C.L. Foster is a writer with big dreams and lots of avenues she wants to travel.
Originally from Florida, she has lived all over the world, but has settled down in Pennsylvania.... for now!
She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found!
She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be
rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them
any day of the week.

 Author, C.L. Foster

Bluffing the Devil is C.L. Foster's debut novel full of suspense, paranormal and romance

due for release

May 10th!

Excerpt from Bluffing the Devil by C.L. Foster :

    He slithered his way across the casino floor and instantly his predacious gaze locked onto me. In a spontaneous act of avoidance, I burrowed into the crowd a bit deeper and tunneled my way through the unsuspecting human-shields and headed toward the mock-safety of the elevators. Not that I am afraid of him, far from it, I just cannot stand cocky bastards that think they are God's gift to the game. Especially when it's obvious that the only reason he chats me up so often is he is trying to learn my strategy and make a place for himself as poker royalty. Not on my watch, chump. But wait, I am not prey in this situation! I am never going to be someone's doormat or stepping stone ever again! Resolve hit me suddenly and I pivoted on my heel quickly, nearly slamming into his eye-level chest. Man, he was fast! And tall, geez. When did he get so tall? How had I never noticed that before? Ahh yes, always sitting at a poker table and only having to deal with his consuming gazes. This was a new level of freak-out.

    "Is there something I can help you with, Rey?" I said as I craned my neck to see the tower of man before me, "Or were you on a mad dash to bilk someone of their life savings or rob some unsuspecting college girl of her panties and possible virtue tonight?"

    "You wound me, truffle." He drawled with his gorgeous Latin accented "r".

    Seriously? What is up with everyone and their nicknames for me lately?

    "I decided at the last moment to switch to this hotel so I could be away from the action over at Caesar's and as I was registering I couldn’t miss your glorious essence calling to me from the crowd."

    As if I was "calling" to him? Pssh. As if!

    "And I just had to come speak to you and make sure you are doing well. Are you busy? You seemed in a hurry."

    Rey could fool most people into thinking he was innocent or sweet or whatever façade he wanted to wear today but I know poker players and I know men and he was not fooling me one bit. He always stayed at Caesar's, which was one of the most important reasons I never did. Had he followed me? There would be no point in that. I have to stop being so paranoid.

    "I was in a hurry yes, I.. uh.. have a date." It was sort of the truth. I was planning on going to my room for a nap before the tournament and was also praying that I would have a few moments with my Dream Guy, that always settled my nerves and gave me a little something extra to smile about.

    A flash of something crossed Rey's face. Amazingly, I couldn't decipher if it was anger, confusion, or some other emotion. Even though I have been training to read people's faces, actions, words, and other characteristics for years now, he somehow managed to show an emotion I hadn't seen before. Weird. Well-played, sir. Game on.

To view the splendid book trailer for Bluffing the Devil click on the link ... https://plus.google.com/u/0/114878364855189677879/posts/P3TW2AN51zM#114878364855189677879/posts/P3TW2AN51zM

To find out more about author, C.L. Foster please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCLFoster
https://twitter.com/CLFoster1
http://www.amazon.com/C.L.-Foster/e/B00A5GV1OS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_3
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1920252.C_L_Foster

Bluffing the Devil is due for release 10th May ... a book worth reading!

FREE - Great Danes and Tiny Shovels

FREE this weekend - 26th April to 28th April!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Adventures of Cecilia Spark - the Brimstone Forest.

Today the spotlight is on Cecilia Spark ... not me, Ngaire Elder (I will now slink into the background).
A bit about Cecilia - she is ten years old and  loves hanging-out in her snuggery. Amongst her top things to do are midnight feasts, bug hunting, camping, toasting marshmallows on the camp fire and treasure hunts with her dog, Flurry.
Cecilia dislikes tidying her bedroom and dressing up in fancy frocks.

Cecilia made her first appearance in the Brimstone Forest, book 1 in the series, The Adventures of Cecilia Spark.

Cecilia Spark and Soldier the Mouse

Excerpt from The Brimstone Forest:

Cecilia shivered; Brimstone Forest felt creepy. Rooks cawed from the tree tops, beetles scuttled through the leaves and twigs on the forest floor and hundreds of eyes peered at her through the thicket.

    She had been running for a while and felt exhausted, so she stopped for a rest. She was resting quietly, while Soldier sniffed out a nearby hole, when the two of them became aware of a new noise in the forest. The sound was neither loud nor disturbing, but tuneful and pleasant to the ear.

    

    “Do you hear that music?” whispered Soldier.

    “Yes, and it’s coming from over there,” Cecilia replied, pointing towards an opening in the forest.  “Let’s go and find out where it’s coming from.”

     They followed the musical trail that took them deeper into the forest to a clearing, where they spotted a cave which beamed with light, like a volcano’s fiery fountain.

     As they got closer to the cave the music stopped and the light went dim. Cecilia felt a shiver run down her back and Soldier hid in Cecilia’s pocket.

    She was about to turn back when she saw a Thingamabob walking towards her from the cave. Cecilia could not make her feet move; they were rooted to the ground.

    The Thingamabob looked terrifying. It had spikes sticking out of its head, its body wobbled like jelly and it made a clicking sound with its claws.

    The Thingamabob was getting closer and closer and closer, and Cecilia wished she could have

hidden in Soldier’s pocket!



What readers are saying about The Adventures of Cecilia Spark - the Brimstone Forest (Amazon):

~    A great story for Young Readers of any age.

~    This story comes alive with the brilliant illustrations that help bring the vivid characters to life.

~    This book is full of creativity and imagination, aspects which are sure to delight young readers.





The Brimstone Forest Book Trailer

Target audience - 5-8 years old. Great book for reading aloud.
Fully illustrated by Peter Maddocks.

Download it FREE today and enjoy Cecilia Spark's adventure in the Brimstone Forest!

US Amazon Link http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006TI8N9W 

UK Amazon Link http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006TI8N9W 

History Buff and Scribbler, Mary Ann Bernal

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.

Mary Ann Bernal

Excerpt from The Briton and the Dane: Birthright

    The opulent night sky was ablaze with sparkling stars, the familiar constellations easily identified by their various shapes and sizes. The North Star was fixed in the heavens, its light steady, a beacon to follow as one headed home.
    The falling star’s path was seen for miles as the brilliant white streak of light moved across the evening sky. There were those who believed the gods were angry and feared the worst, but those who followed the new religion did not believe in superstition and omens, and they often searched for the uncommon metal left at the bottom of the crater after the star had collided with the earth. A sword forged from the heavenly remnants proved to be a formidable weapon, and plated armor and shields made from the rare material were thought to be impenetrable.
    A slight chill and rising mist created an eerie atmosphere around the Keep sitting atop the hill as a dense fog crept slowly over the valley below the magnificent fortress. Most of the inhabitants traded the wooden benches in the great hall for the comfort of their fur-covered beds while dying embers cast a warm glow for the young couples that still lingered beneath the cloudless sky.
    Aurelius walked throughout the valley once the sun set. He conferred with his men who guarded the secret entrance that kept the sanctuary safe from the heathen who still plundered and pillaged the land. But he willingly traded the camaraderie he shared with his brothers in arms for the love bestowed upon a husband by his wife.
    Aurelius crossed the courtyard, heading for the Keep.  He gazed upon the open sea as moonbeams bounced along the rippling waves while looking across the starlit heavens in search of the North Star.

***

    Arista added more wood to the dying fire before covering her children with a warm blanket. She grabbed a cloak to keep the night chill from penetrating her bones  and left the room quietly to join her husband.
    “Are the children sleeping?” Aurelius questioned.
    Arista nodded as Aurelius tenderly kissed her scarred face and held her tightly in his arms. She no longer hid behind a veil, nor did she shy away from her husband’s touch.
    Arista was apprehensive when she rested her head against his shoulder, and trembled when she saw the falling star disappear into the darkness of the surrounding mountains.
    “Perhaps this night your star will return your memory.  Would you want me still once you remember?”
    “How could I not want you?  I owe you my life.”
    “One day the star will take you from me and our children.  It beckons you to return to your world.”
    Aurelius held her tightly while silently watching the flaming celestial bodies race across the horizon.

What readers are saying about The Briton and the Dane: Birthright (Amazon)

~ Bithright, a book that was difficult to put down.

~ All in all, this author writes very well and provides an enchanting read. I recommend it to all history and romance buffs.

~ I think that Birthright is my favorite (so far) of the series. I liked book one a lot, but I loved this one.

Book Trailer for The Briton and the Dane: Birthright

Amazon Purchase Links:

US Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/The-Briton-Dane-Birthright-Edition/dp/1482795426

UK Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Briton-Dane-Birthright-Edition/dp/1482795426

To find our more about author, Mary Ann Bernal, visit her blog - http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com.es/