Bob DeArmond's thrilling novel connects the lives of three strangers. An adventurer, a paladin, and a halfling priest are entwined in political betrayal and murder when they are framed by an evil duke who thrives on power. Now they are left to discover the truth and uncover the identity of the real murderer.

This book offers a different perspective than that found in mainstream US and Texas history because it acquaints readers with pre-1836 people, places, and events. The title Friendly Betrayal aims to capture the Spanish Mexican Texans disappointment when they (1) first welcomed US immigrants to Mexico (Texas) as fellow Mexicans and (2) how (after 1836) the growing Anglo Saxon majority treated our ancestors as foreigners in their own homeland. Part I contains a fictionalized storyline that delves into the initial blending of Native American and Spanish European cultures that produced todays mestizo people. Due to their genetic cultural (not political) ties to Mexico, this group (generally called Mexican Americans in the United States) continues to strongly maintain, defend, and preserve their unique identity, history, and heritage on this side of the border. Part II contains supporting background information.

From 1792 to 1795, George Vancouver sailed the Pacific as the captain of his own expedition — and as an agent of imperial ambition. To map a place is to control it, and Britain had its eyes on America's Pacific coast. And map it Vancouver did. His voyage was one of history’s greatest feats of maritime daring, discovery, and diplomacy, and his marine survey of Hawaii and the Pacific coast was at its time the most comprehensive ever undertaken. But just two years after returning to Britain, the 40-year-old Vancouver, hounded by critics, shamed by public humiliation at the fists of an aristocratic sailor he had flogged, and blacklisted because of a perceived failure to follow the Admiralty’s directives, died in poverty, nearly forgotten. In this riveting and perceptive biography, historian Stephen Bown delves into the events that destroyed Vancouver’s reputation and restores his position as one of the greatest explorers of the Age of Discovery.

"This volume deals with the subject of betrayal, and is appropriate as a self-help aid for clients. It also contains useful suggestions for therapists dealing with those who have experienced betrayal of trust."--Lucy R. Ferguson, Ph.D., member, AFTNC Faculty Member and Dean Emerita, CSPP, Alliant University.

A New York Times Bestseller Less a mystery unsolved than a secret well kept... Using new technology, recently discovered documents and sophisticated investigative techniques, an international team—led by an obsessed retired FBI agent—has finally solved the mystery that has haunted generations since World War II: Who betrayed Anne Frank and her family? And why? Over thirty million people have read The Diary of a Young Girl, the journal teen-aged Anne Frank kept while living in an attic with her family and four other people in Amsterdam during World War II, until the Nazis arrested them and sent them to a concentration camp. But despite the many works—journalism, books, plays and novels—devoted to Anne’s story, none has ever conclusively explained how these eight people managed to live in hiding undetected for over two years—and who or what finally brought the Nazis to their door. With painstaking care, retired FBI agent Vincent Pankoke and a team of indefatigable investigators pored over tens of thousands of pages of documents—some never before seen—and interviewed scores of descendants of people familiar with the Franks. Utilizing methods developed by the FBI, the Cold Case Team painstakingly pieced together the months leading to the infamous arrest—and came to a shocking conclusion. The Betrayal of Anne Frank: A Cold Case Investigation is the riveting story of their mission. Rosemary Sullivan introduces us to the investigators, explains the behavior of both the captives and their captors and profiles a group of suspects. All the while, she vividly brings to life wartime Amsterdam: a place where no matter how wealthy, educated, or careful you were, you never knew whom you could trust.

Since the garden of Eden, a choice between true and false wisdom has confronted human beings, and the need for discernment is consistent throughout Scripture. This volume engages with the canny decisions of the Hebrew midwives, the moral chaos of the judges' era, dilemmas in the monarchy, and prophetic responses to the turmoil of the threat of empires, along with themes from Psalms, Job, and Proverbs. Wise preaching and teaching are enriched by insights from Tanzania, Myanmar, and Central Asia, and wisdom in daily life is found in biblical practices and is centered on Christ. Colleagues and students honor Lindsay Wilson, whose wisdom interests extend across the canon. This work is valuable for students and teachers of Old Testament and for anyone seeking to become wise.

Beauty from Ashes: A Journey of Strength and Growth" delves into the capacity of the human spirit to rise above challenges and emerge even stronger and more beautiful. Through anecdotes' honest reflections and profound insights, this book takes an exploration of how we can transform life trials into triumphs. From stories of conquering depression embracing vulnerability and finding healing through forgiveness to the resilience that stems from life’s tests, these narratives vividly illustrate how the human spirit can shine brightly even in the midst of darkness. Readers will embark on a voyage that navigates through disappointment, failure, and heartbreak while uncovering their resilience and inner strength. With courage as our guide and a dedication to self-discovery, this book encourages readers to craft their new ending where beauty emerges from life's challenges. "Beauty from Adversity" stands as a testament to the nature of humanity. It offers inspiration and guidance for those searching for strength, purpose, and genuine beauty in their journey of resilience and growth. Within the pages of this book, you will discover the motivation to confront your truths, overcome any feelings of shame or guilt, and ultimately transform your life story into a source of strength.