This book provides a real sense of what it was like to live at the time when the Soviet Union collapsed. The reader will step in and participate in the lives of the characters, realizing the devastating impact Perestroika had on the people of Russia. Dont be born beautiful, but be born fortunate, the Russian people say, believing that fate exists. On graduation day, a provincial teacher gives her daughter a pair of priceless antique earringsthe only remaining evidence of the familys former nobilityinsisting they must be kept for a black day. As if a spell has been cast, Lenas life begins falling apart: her fianc is killed in Afghanistan, she loses her baby, and, after a brutal assault, is forced into prostitution. Victor is a military officer who has gone through the bloody meat grinder of Afghanistan. Returning home, he doesnt recognize the country he left a few years ago: he has no place to live, no possibility of employment, and no money in the bank. His only recourse in civilian life is to become a hired killer for his former commander. This novel takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. Just when Lena and Victor seem to find happiness in their lives, fate intervenes through the forces of war, poverty, and death. The reader will finish the book greatly enriched with a deeper understanding of Soviet history, culture, and that mysterious Russian soul.

Find out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe! The world’s date book since 1957, Chase's is the definitive, authoritative, day-by-day resource of what the world is celebrating. From national days to celebrity birthdays, from historical milestones to astronomical phenomena, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the must-have reference used by experts and professionals—a one-stop shop with 12,500 entries for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past. Completely updated for 2023, Chase's also features extensive appendices as well as a companion website that puts the power of Chase's at the user's fingertips. 2023 is packed with special events and observances, including National days and public holidays of every nation on Earth Scores of new special days, weeks and months Famous birthdays of new world leaders, lauded authors and breakout celebrities Info on milestone anniversaries, such as the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's First Folio, the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the 125th anniversary of the Curies' discovery of radium, the 100th birth anniversary of Hank Williams, the 75th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, the 50th anniversary of Skylab Information on such special sporting events as the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany And much more! All from the reference book that Publishers Weekly calls "one of the most impressive reference volumes in the world."

One day God placed on my heart that He wanted me to share my lifes journey to encourage others. What started out as one email to a few friends is now captured here in a compilation that is sure to have you thinking about and evaluating your purpose and place in Gods Kingdom. Danette Michelle Reid Using real life experiences and Scripture, Danette offers you a glimpse into the life of an ordinary woman. She shares her challenges, experiences, and victories to encourage, motivate, and uplift you! Her thought-provoking messages are emotionally charged and will have you laughing, crying, smiling, and giving God glory all at the same time! Regardless of where you are on your journey, she prays that something you read will not only add a special blessing to your life but will also encourage you to share the Good News about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with others. Until next time, enjoy the journey!

An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American. Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal. When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother, Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress—a Chanel. Lily, however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie’s beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli’s designs as well, and much of Paris follows in her footsteps. Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel’s personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris.

Have you ever told yourself you would never do something or be a certain kind of person? Have you always had in the back of your mind exactly how your life was going to turn out? To Be or Not to Be entails a journey in which it takes one person over ten years before they finally figure out their true path is not of their own but Gods will. This author will take you through various events (both good and bad) that in the end will fall together for Gods own purpose. We are still struggling in places, but now we know God has a reason for everything.

Sixteen-year-old Bridget Bulgari brings readers on a journey of obsession over her new next-door neighbor Veronica Delacroix. Bridget witnesses all the misery Veronica endures after she moves to a new town, is left by her parents, and gains a love interest. Bridget watches as Veronica begins to show signs of unhealthy behavior yet, she fears alerting the authorities because she has been stalking Veronica for months. Bridget develops a need to protect Veronica from her boyfriend and even from herself but doesn’t know how. After standing by for too long, Bridget finds Veronica’s lifeless body cold in the woods. Bridget believes Veronica’s boyfriend murdered her, but the police say it was suicide. After the loss of her fixation, Bridget needs to tell the story of Veronica. She does this by making a blog that voices the reality behind everything leading to Veronica's death. Only Bridget knows what really happened to Veronica, and now readers can too. A.D. Graves is a native New Yorker, Debut Author, and lover of thrillers.

In this moving fictional treatment of a Muslim woman's life, a personal and family crisis impells the heroine to reexamine traditional cultural attitudes toward women. Cast out and divorced by her husband, she finds herself in a strange new world. Both obstacles and support systems change as she actively participates in the struggle for Moroccan independence from France. This feminist novel is a literary statement in a modern realist style. Many novels by women of the Middle East that have been translated reflect Western views, values, and education. By contrast, Year of the Elephant is uniquely Moroccan and emerges from North African Islamic culture itself. Its subtle juxtaposition of past and present, of immediate thought and triggered memory, reflects the heroine's interior conflict between tradition and modern demands. The title refers to a famous battle described in the Koran.

Find out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe! The world’s date book since 1957, Chase's is the definitive, authoritative, day-by-day resource of what the world is celebrating and commemorating. From national days to celebrity birthdays, from historical anniversaries to astronomical phenomena, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the must-have reference used by experts and professionals—a one-stop shop with 12,500 entries for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past. Completely updated for 2021, Chase's also features extensive appendices as well as a companion website that puts the power of Chase's at the user's fingertips. 2021 is packed with special events and observances, including National days and public holidays of every nation on Earth The 400th anniversary of the Plymouth pilgrim Thanksgiving The 200th independence anniversary from Spain of its Central and South American colonies. The 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre Scores of new special days, weeks and months Birthdays of new world leaders, office holders, and breakout stars And much more! All from the reference book that Publishers Weekly calls "one of the most impressive reference volumes in the world."