Today that revolution has gone astray, a popular democracy movement boldly challenges authority, and young Iranians are more interested in moving to America than in chanting "Death to America." Afshin Molavi, born in Iran and fluent in Persian, traveled widely across his homeland, exploring the legacy of the Iranian revolution and probing the soul of Iran, a land with nearly three millennia of often-glorious history. Like a master Persian carpet maker, Molavi weaves together threads of rich historical insight, political analysis, cultural observation, and the daily realities of life in the Islamic republic to produce a colorful, intricate, and mesmerizing narrative. Originally published in hardcover under the title Persian Pilgrimages, this paperback edition is revised, with a new introduction and epilogue.

    This was a special teaching describing the secret wisdom about the nature of the universe and of the soul as well as a path to make the journey, through varied phases of spiritual evolution, from mortal to immortal and from earth to heaven and beyond. The goal is to regain one's divine stature and transcendental place. In its earliest form, originated in Ancient Egypt, it was related to theurgical religious system developed in the priests and priestesses of the Ancient Egyptian city of Anu and the Tree was seen as the source of life. This book explains that teaching, which has been available to all, but missed by those who did not possess the keys to unlock its mystic formula. In this volume the Creation teaching of Anu, the TREE OF LIFE metaphysical teachings, disciplines and techniques, from the hieroglyphic texts, for activating the Tree, are given.

    Their headstrong fifteen-year-old daughter, İrem, resents the attention her brother, Ismail, receives from their parents. For her, there was no such festive observance–only the wrapping of her head in a dark scarf and strict rules that keep her hidden away from boys and her friends. But even before the night of the celebration, İrem has started to change, to the dismay of her Kurdish father. What Sinan doesn’t know is that much of her transformation is due to her secret relationship with their neighbor, Dylan, the seventeen-year-old American son of expatriate teachers.İrem sees Dylan as the gateway to a new life, one that will free her from the confines of conservative Islam. Yet the young man’s presence and Sinan’s growing awareness of their relationship affirms Sinan’s wish to move his family to the safety of his old village, a place where his children would be sheltered from the cosmopolitan temptations of Istanbul, and where, as the civil war in the south wanes, he hopes to raise his children in the Kurdish tradition.But when a massive earthquake hits in the middle of the night, the Basioglu family is faced with greater challenges. Losing everything, they are forced to forage for themselves, living as refugees in their own country. And their survival becomes dependent on their American neighbors, to whom they are unnervingly indebted. As love develops between İrem and Dylan, Sinan makes a series of increasingly dangerous decisions that push him toward a betrayal that will change everyone’s lives forever.The deep bonds among father, son, and daughter; the tension between honoring tradition and embracing personal freedom; the conflict between cultures and faiths; the regrets of age and the passions of youth–these are the timeless themes Alan Drew weaves into a brilliant fiction debut.

    But when Meir’s talents as a novice banker catch the attention of a German prince, Meir is suddenly afforded entrée into the European world of finance and nobility, and the Rothschilds’ lives are changed forever. As proud as Gutle is of her husband’s success, she is also cautious—very much aware of the fact that her husband’s rise is tied to his patrons’ willingness to “see past” his Jewishness. As their family grows, and a dream of fortune comes true, so does their belief that money will ultimately bring the power needed to establish Jewish civil rights.Told through Gutle’s intimate journals, revealed across decades—from the French Revolution through personal tragedies and triumphs—The First Mrs. Rothschild paints a rich and intimate tapestry of family drama, world-changing history, and one woman’s steadfast strength.

    Maisie Dobbs Bundle #3: The Mapping of Love and Death and A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear

    He was arrested, interrogated and imprisoned by the communists, and watched illiterate Taliban soldiers burn piles of his books in the street. He even resorted to hiding most of his stock—almost ten thousand books—in attics all over Kabul.But while Khan is passionate in his love of books and his hatred of censorship, he also has strict views on family life and the role of women. As an outsider, Åsne Seierstad found herself in a unique position, able to move freely between the private, restricted sphere of the women—including Khan’s two wives—and the freer, more public lives of the men.It is an experience that Seierstad finds both fascinating and frustrating. As she steps back from the page and allows the Khans to speak for themselves, we learn of proposals and marriages, hope and fear, crime and punishment. The result is a genuinely gripping and moving portrait of a family, and a clear-eyed assessment of a country struggling to free itself from history.' to 'This mesmerizing portrait of a proud man who, through three decades and successive repressive regimes, heroically braved persecution to bring books to the people of Kabul has elicited extraordinary praise throughout the world and become a phenomenal international bestseller. The Bookseller of Kabul is startling in its intimacy and its details—a revelation of the plight of Afghan women and a window into the surprising realities of daily life in today’s Afghanistan.'

    Caught between warring factions - English Catholics opposed to the Lutheran reformation, and Henry VIII's growing impatience with the Pope's refusal to sanction his marriage to Anne Boleyn - Kate embarks on a daring adventure that will lead her into a dangerous marriage and a web of intrigue that pits her against powerful enemies. From the king's lavish banquet halls to secret dungeons and the inner sanctums of Thomas More, Brenda Rickman Vantrease's glorious new novel illuminates the public pageantry and the private passions of men and women of conscience in treacherous times.

    Beginning with King Arthur, Professor Madden peels back layers of exaggeration and fiction to lay bare the historical basis for the mythological king. Madden then examines myths of the medieval church, sexual myths of the Middle Ages, and myths about Robin Hood and the Shroud of Turin, all the time imparting an understanding of just what medieval people thought about their planet. Contents: King Arthur: man vs. myth -- Medieval and modern mysteries of the Holy Grail -- A female Pope? The myth and legends of Pope Joan -- Burn them all: witches and inquisitors in the Middle Ages -- Medieval sexual myths: chastity belts and the Lord's "right of first night" -- Splitting arrows: the history and myth of Robin Hood -- Sailing off the edge of the world: the myth of the flat Earth -- Is the Shroud of Turin a Medieval forgery?

    Her father, the chief of her tribe, has denied the divorce she is entitled to by Lakota law and she lives in misery until with the help of a friend, is able to contact Jack Samuels, the handsome deputy she fell in love with years ago. Jack Samuels, heartbroken when Sparrow’s tribe left for good, has never forgotten his Lakota maiden. When he receives a mysterious letter from Nebraska, he quickly realizes that Sparrow is reaching out for help. He jumps at the chance to be with Sparrow again and is soon on his way to rescue her. Getting Sparrow back home to Dawson is the easy part. While danger lurks everywhere, the biggest threat comes in the form of secrets and lies. Can their love survive or is the handsome deputy and the Lakota maiden’s love to be forever denied? Westward Christmas Sasha McCall and Dr. Ben Walker shared an instant connection when she visited Dawson, Montana before. Sasha moves to Dawson and a powerful romance develops. The Christmas season approaches but events test their love turning things dark. Can they find joy and light again? Westward Visions Reckless Wolf on the Hill is a Lakota brave who lives near Dawson, Montana. He’s a fun-loving, fierce warrior who is in search of a bride. However, there are no women in their tribe who catches his eye, especially because most of them are related to him. Courting a woman from Dawson is out of the question because no woman he knows there would ever live in an Indian village. After voicing his frustrations to his friend Abby Bradbury, she convinces him to search for a bride with a tribe she was friends with in Wabasha, Minnesota. Reckless is always willing to do the unexpected or come up with creative ways to solve problems and decides to give it a chance. Whispering Brook is a Lakota maiden who’s romantic future looks bleak due to a familial tragedy. Considered bad luck by most of the tribe now, none of the younger braves wish to court Brook. When Abby first contacts her family about this Montana brave who is looking for a bride, Brook is filled with dread at the thought of marrying someone she has never met. Her parents accept this Reckless’ proposal, however, because he offers a very good bride price. Though it is unusual, her parents agree to let Brook exchange letters with Reckless if it will ease their beloved daughter’s mind about the man. By the time her family makes the trip to Dawson, Brook is smitten with Reckless and even more so upon meeting him. He’s handsome, charismatic, and lives up to his name. Reckless finds Brook beautiful, sweet, and spirited; just what he’s been looking for in a woman. Their romance blossoms and they are soon married. The young couple is happier than they ever expected until a devastating tragedy befalls the tribe and creates tension and heartache for all—including them. Reckless and Brook face an uncertain future when pride and anger threatens to divide them for good. Can they get past these obstacles to ensure their visions of a life together?

    Using original sources in Arabic, Greek, Latin, and Turkish, preeminent historian Raymond Ibrahim describes each battle in vivid detail and explains the effect the outcome had on larger historical currents of the age and how the military lessons of the battle reflect the cultural faultlines between Islam and the West.The majority of these landmark battles are now forgotten or considered inconsequential. Yet today, as the West faces a resurgence of this enduring Islamic jihad, Sword and Scimitar provides the needed historical context to understand the current relationship between the West and the Islamic world, and why the Islamic State is merely the latest chapter of an old history.

    Follow the Steed family on their incredible journey from New York to the Salt Lake Valley.

    Thirteen books in all! The books of the first series, Brides & Twins have been on the Amazon best sellers lists in Western & Frontier, Religious and Inspirational, and Western Romance categories. It is my most loved series! The second two series of this Mail-Order Bride Romance Compilation have never been published and are exclusive to this box set. The stories are on fire with love, compassion, and faith! Brides & Twins Series Mesquite, Texas, mid-late 1800’s Join the honest, hard-working ranchers and strong, courageous brides of Mesquite, Texas as each couple blazes their path to love. Starting out with Molly O’hara, a Southern Belle from the war-torn South who falls in love with a tortured war hero. Then along comes four sisters, one by one from Pittsburg, all falling in love with the handsome ranchers of the Kennesaw and Turner Ranches. A Soldier’s Love, Book 1 Taming the Rancher, Book 2 The Wrong Bride, Book 3 A Surprise Love, Book 4 The Last Sister’s Love, Book 5 Brides of Miller Ranch Series (Exclusive to this compilation!) Wyoming Territory, 1840’s This is a beautifully written series where less than perfect brides and cowboys find perfect true love. Sparks fly around every corner at Miller Ranch in unexpected ways and all with God’s blessing. The Love He Didn’t Want, Book 1 Love Beyond Words, Book 2 Love in Plain Sight, Book 3 Brides of Prairie Bluff Series (Exclusive to this compilation!) Prairie Bluff, Alabama, 1860’s The mail-order brides of Prairie Bluff have all dealt with fall-out from the Civil War in some way or another. Some brides want to escape the narrow minds of their fathers while others have been left with nothing and have no other options but to find a husband elsewhere. The men of this series are outlaws gone good, doctors, and ranchers. A Bride’s Treasure, Book 1 Love Sees no Scars, Book 2 The Humbled Southern Belle, Book 3 A Bride’s Freedom, Book 4 A Past Uncovered, Book 5 AUTHOR’S NOTE: These PG rated stories range in length from15,000 – 30,000 words each. Fans of the Brides & Twins Series tell me they hated to see the series end. If you’ve never read my books, this would be a great place to start! They truly are all heartwarming, inspirational stories. Guaranteed to keep you up reading late into the night!

    Despite frequent news coverage, we remain poorly informed about the true beliefs at the heart of Islam. How many of us would be able to explain who the Prophet Muhammad was or what the Quran actually teaches?In this profound yet highly accessible book, practising Muslim Mamoon Yusaf provides a vital introduction to the essential teachings of Islam. In each short chapter he focuses on a core teaching from the Quran, such as loving kindness, resilience, gratitude or forgiveness, and shares his unique insight into how these teachings can lead to spiritual evolution in anyone, regardless of their beliefs, religion or background.Mamoon also considers the role of women in Islam, as well as the true nature and meaning of the words jihad and Shariah. Finally, touching upon current events, he demonstrates how acts of violence committed in the name of Islam are inherently un‑Islamic, and boldly concludes not only that Islam is not the cause of terrorism – Islam contains the cure for it.

    The Islamic Revolution is just around the corner, as is a massive solar eclipse. In this epic novel set in the small Iranian city of Naishapur, a retired judge and his wife, Bibi, grow apples, plums, peaches, and sour cherries, as well as manage several generations of family members. The days here are marked by long, elaborate lunches on the terrace and arguments about the corrupt monarchy in Iran and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism. And yet life in the orchard continues. An uncle develops into a powerful cleric. A young nephew goes to university, hoping to lead the fight for a new Iran and marry his childhood sweetheart. Another nephew surrenders to opium, while his widowed father dreams of a life in the West. Told through a host of vivid, unforgettable characters that range from servants to elderly friends of the family, To Keep the Sun Alive is the kind of rich, compelling story that not only informs the past, but raises questions about political and religious extremism today.

    In ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror, American journalist Michael Weiss and Syrian analyst Hassan Hassan explain how these violent extremists evolved from a nearly defeated Iraqi insurgent group into a jihadi army of international volunteers who behead Western hostages in slickly produced videos and have conquered territory equal to the size of Great Britain. Beginning with the early days of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the founder of ISIS’s first incarnation as “al-Qaeda in Iraq,” Weiss and Hassan explain who the key players are—from their elusive leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to the former Saddam Baathists in their ranks—where they come from, how the movement has attracted both local and global support, and where their financing comes from. Political and military maneuvering by the United States, Iraq, Iran, and Syria have all fueled ISIS’s astonishing and explosive expansion. Drawing on original interviews with former US military officials and current ISIS fighters, the authors also reveal the internecine struggles within the movement itself, as well as ISIS’s bloody hatred of Shiite Muslims, which is generating another sectarian war in the region. Just like the one the US thought it had stopped in 2011 in Iraq. Past is prologue and America’s legacy in the Middle East is sowing a new generation of terror.