A Sword Over the Nile: A Brief History of the Copts Under Islamic Rule

“With Egypt’s Copts targeted as part of a bloody and systematic campaign of genocide against the ancient churches of the Middle East, Adel Guindy has produced a timely and authoritative account of their story. It deserves to be widely read.”

• — Professor Lord Alton, Professor of Citizenship at Liverpool John Moores University

A View of the Meadow

David Sellers can’t stop thinking about the beautiful California Napa Sonoma Mendocino Coastline, even though he’s never been there before. He’s grateful for the opportunity to go, thanks to a suggestion and a pair of tickets from his boss’s secretary. It’s a welcome distraction from the dangerous situation he’s currently embroiled in back home. He had planned to return soon, but that all changed when he met Charlotte Von Shillingsfurst.

Meanwhile, Jasper Symthe and Otto Weinberger are puzzling over a relic or artifact found on the Von Shillingsfurst estate. Jasper, an architect tasked with remodeling the estate, and Otto, a university professor of archaeology and theology, are both intrigued. Jasper has no idea what the object is, and Otto is hesitant to investigate further.

As it turns out, Charlotte, an heiress who has never been in danger before, suddenly finds herself under attack. Someone or something is determined to protect her, and the quiet town she’s lived in her whole life is not what it seems. 26 years ago, the town welcomed a wealthy royal couple and their child, Charlotte. But now, things have taken a dangerous turn.

Actualitas: Philosophy-Art for the 21st Century

Philosophy offers more than a momentary diversion; it provides valuable insights for gaining personal control and making important decisions. Imagine a lone leaf drifting in an autumn breeze, coasting on an updraft before floating to the ground, eventually broken down by the elements and recirculated into the soil. Embracing personal responsibility without scapegoats exemplifies the essence of carpe diem – seize the day.

Throughout history, philosophy has grappled with the concept of fear, though modern times have seen this domain largely conceded to pseudosciences, often offering solutions through natural and synthetic drugs.

Aristotle had much to say about fear: ‘…the things we fear are fearful and such things are, broadly speaking, evils: e.g. disgrace, poverty, sickness, friendlessness, death… Probably one ought not to fear poverty or disease, nor in general anything that is not… one’s own fault…’

Adventures of the TSEA Ship the Admiral Byrd

Victor Haas served with distinction during the Andevan Wars as Captain of the Sydney. The Sydney was a Deep-Space Class, Heavy Cruiser in the fleet of the Terran Space Exploration Administration, or TSEA. Captain Haas takes command of a very different ship – the Admiral Byrd. The Admiral Byrd, affectionately known as the ‘Byrd,’ is a Scout-Class science vessel. The Byrd has been tasked with a mission that is very different to those Captain Haas usually undertakes. Although Captain Haas brings certain of his Sydney crew with him, the crew on board the Byrd, and the ship itself, requires that the Captain embrace a very different command style than he usually employs. He has been told, however, that if this mission is a success, his captaincy of the Sydney will be revisited. The Byrd is known throughout the fleet for having problems. Will Engineer Siksika be able to fix those problems and allow the ship to finish its mission? In these pages is an adventure that takes you not only to different planets but to other places of interest in space where you will meet very different creatures and societies.

African Financial Ecosystem

Historically and contextually, various integration models were experimented with by colonial powers, but these systems largely collapsed post-independence. For instance, the French attempted to maintain cohesion but prioritized their own interests, leading to fragmentation.

Efforts in East and West Africa similarly faltered, as each nation pursued its own agenda without a unified political will. South Africa made a notable attempt, but integration never materialized; it would have required a different approach, such as the adoption of a SADC currency.

The recent endeavors of AES countries and Zimbabwe’s new currency inject fresh dynamics into this ecosystem. Concurrently, the rise of new technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for financial integration.

Public organizations and pan-African institutions play crucial roles in navigating this journey, where the political dimension holds significant sway. Additionally, international dynamics, exemplified by initiatives like those of the BRICs, further influence the landscape.

Taken together, these elements paint an intriguing picture, fostering discussions on the African ecosystem and brainstorming plausible solutions. The ultimate aim is to achieve, within a reasonable timeframe, a monetary union and a common African currency.

Afterglow

I met Ava when we were teenagers. She was hanging from a cliff, and I rescued her. We were young, naïve, and fused instantly. She was mine from that moment on. We secretly snuck around every day for a whole summer. Then she was gone, never seeing her again for twenty years. I never moved on, no matter how much I convinced myself that I had. Years later we collided, literally, and looking into her eyes unleashed the old memories. I lost her once, I sure as hell wasn’t going to lose her again.A fresh start? Yes, please!When fate brought us full-circle, memories flooded as our eyes locked once more. I had lost her before, refused to lose her again.Seeking a fresh start, I never expected my past to collide with me - But in returning to Vilamor, I found Nick waiting too. We were carefree youths then, with bright futures and innocent love. As adults we couldn’t avoid each other, and I soon yearned to reconnect. Accepting his sudden proposal felt too real, too soon, the façade overwhelming me.Can a long-dormant love truly blossom once more?An emotional second-chance romance portraying grief, personal growth, and the transformative power of rekindled connections – ultimately leading to a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Age of Ascent

The depravity is vanquished, the Biodome restored to its former glory. The existential virus is once again the moral authority of the new order. Sacrifices have been made that set the stage to alter the course of human history. But evil forces are rallying, banding together to unleash the dark side of humanity once again.

So long as the rot remains, there is always another way.

Everett Steele wakes from the coma, seemingly intact. Only she, and the notorious Dr. Draeger, know where she’s been. And what is looming. Undeterred, the evil patriarchy infiltrates the new order once again, this time striking at the heart of the Biodome. Everett discovers another agent with EV immunity, Pedro Ramon, and together, they end his reign of terror. But fear is a powerful manipulator. Draeger maintains control of the Biodome with nothing more than threats of retribution. The only thing standing in the way of total domination is Everett Steele, Jacob Domanso, and now, Pedro Ramon. And they aren’t backing down.

All in a Lifetime

It has taken over 40 years to piece together the story of Anya, Willi, and the Icon, like trying to put together a priceless Faberge egg shattered intentionally without a clue as to how it once looked. Anna (Anya) and Wilhelm (Willi) lived in a small German village when we met half a century ago. Their remarkable life stories are the heart of this novel. Real life has many detours and contradictions, each piece of their stories led to another story. An Icon hung on the wall of the entry to their home and it was there that fact met fiction. Weaving related stories into this novel, preserving the memory of each individual and the times in which they lived, required some manipulation of facts. It is the story of a much-travelled Icon and a treasure (not an ARC “Traveling Treasure”) including the lives it touched. And it is a story of love found late in life.

Always My Forever

In her captivating second novel, Always My Forever, acclaimed author Lorie O’Brien masterfully tells the poignant story of Kristin and Britt, childhood sweethearts whose love was once unbreakable. However, as they embarked on separate paths after their post-college breakup, their hearts were left shattered and their souls yearning for what they had lost. Two long and arduous years passed, filled with countless questions and restless nights.

Fate, with its mysterious ways, intervenes when a chance encounter unexpectedly reunites them. As they cautiously re-enter each other’s lives, they must confront the lingering shadows of their past and the unresolved emotions that still tie them together. Will their newfound connection be enough to reignite the flames of their once-unbreakable bond, or are they destined to remain forever apart?

Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

Amber Tambourine is a sad, lonely little girl who has moved far away from her friends. Then one day, she and her doggies, Bandit and Roxy, encounter a polka dot rainbow. Suddenly, they find themselves in the Land of Laugh-a-Lot, where people are happy – ALL THE TIME! They laugh, they play...then they laugh some more. In no time at all, Amber makes many new friends and is happy once more. But this poses a dilemma: Amber knows she must return home, but if she leaves, will she ever be able to find her way back?

Amelia Teaches Manners

Join Amelia, an adventurous baby elephant, on her extraordinary quest to teach manners to the world! Journey with her through land, river, sand, and sea as she encounters all sorts of creatures, eager to learn politeness from their tiny tutor.Along her travels, Amelia makes wonderful new friends but longs for her beloved family back home. Determined to follow the rainbow’s path, she sets off for the African bush, but a perilous detour leaves her adrift at sea. Will Amelia’s newfound friends come to her rescue?

American Dysfunction: The Adventures of Scott

Scott Miller is a former professional wrestler who can’t seem to catch a break. After yet another layoff from the Union, Scott is at a loss for what to do next. Then, out of the blue, he gets a call from his old promoter at Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, asking him to put on the face paint for one last title shot.

Just as Scott begins to taste the glory he’s always chased, his dreams are shattered when he discovers his promoter’s deep gambling debt to a dangerous biker gang. Realizing the peril they’re all in, Scott rallies his fellow wrestlers to save their friend. Desperate and determined, they’ll stop at nothing to pay off the debt – even if it means robbing a bank.