The powerful and moving story of three royal mothers whose quest for power led to the downfall of their daughters. Queen Isabella of Castile, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and Queen Victoria of England were respected and admired rulers whose legacies continue to be felt today. Their daughters—Catherine of Aragon, Queen of England; Queen Marie Antoinette of France; and Vicky, the Empress Frederick of Germany—are equally legendary for the tragedies that befell them, their roles in history surpassed by their triumphant mothers. In Triumph's Wake is the first book to bring together the poignant stories of these mothers and daughters in a single narrative. Isabella of Castile forged a united Spain and presided over the discovery of the New World, Maria Theresa defeated her male rivals to claim the Imperial Crown, and Victoria presided over the British Empire. But, because of their ambition and political machinations, each mother pushed her daughter toward a marital alliance that resulted in disaster. Catherine of Aragon was cruelly abandoned by Henry VIII who cast her aside in search of a male heir and tore England away from the Pope. Marie Antoinette lost her head on the guillotine when France exploded into Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Vicky died grief-stricken, horrified at her inability to prevent her son, Kaiser Wilhelm, from setting Germany on a belligerent trajectory that eventually led to war. Exhaustively researched and utterly compelling, In Triumph's Wake is the story of three unusually strong women and the devastating consequences their decisions had on the lives of their equally extraordinary daughters.

Life in idyllic 1960s McAlisterville, Pennsylvania seems so promising to young Nelson Lauver. But undiagnosed dyslexia soon turns hope and optimism into struggle and shame as he falls far behind in school and is branded lazy. Confused, angry, and determined not to be the dumb kid, he chooses instead to become the bad kid- ending up a loner at odds with the world and with himself. Nelson resigns himself to being hopelessly different and joins the ranks of millions of Americans who try to hide their inability to read and write. At age 29, a chance encounter leads to a diagnosis of dyslexia and a profound rebirth. Ironically, the boy who was afraid to have anyone hear him try to read launches a new career as a writer, broadcaster and speaker. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of Americans suffer from a learning disability. 14 percent of American adults are considered functionally illiterate. More than personalizing these sobering statistics, this uplifting memoir goes beyond one man's account of rising above a learning disability. Most Unlikely to Succeed is an inspirational story that will speak eloquently and profoundly to anyone who has ever struggled to be heard, to be understood, or to make his or her way in the world.

"Academic Triumphs: The Journey To Excellence" is a compelling narrative that delves into the world of scholastic endeavors, tracing the path to academic success. This tome sheds light on the tenacity, resilience, and dedication required to achieve excellence in the realm of education. Through a tapestry of personal anecdotes, expert insights, and evidence-based strategies, readers are guided on a transformative journey of intellectual growth and discovery. The book masterfully intertwines tales of challenges faced and overcome with tools and techniques proven to enhance academic outcomes. From cultivating a growth mindset to mastering time-management skills, each chapter serves as a stepping stone towards scholastic achievement. "Academic Triumphs: The Journey To Excellence" is not just a guide; it's an inspiration, encouraging learners of all ages to pursue their passions, remain curious, and relentlessly chase after their academic dreams.

After twenty-six years working on offshore oil rigs for Big Coast Drilling, forty-six-year-old Karla Slidell is coming home to Brinkfield, Texas, for good. As a lanky girl with a peculiar braid, she blazed a trail as a roustabout in 1980. On her final flight home, however, her helicopter crashes; now she's missing in the Gulf of Mexico. As her excited family awaits her return, they instead get word she might not be coming back. They hope Karla can cheat death once again, as she has done since her birth. Among those waiting are Joe, her house-husband and biggest fan since the seventh grade. Then there's Dangling Dooley, the Vietnam War chopper pilot who is Karla's constant source of exasperation. There's Karla's lifelong friend, Darlene, with whom she experienced every kind of escapade life has to offer. Finally, Karla's insanely religious dad, Orvin, and her vacant, mousy mom, Joy, add to the mix. These people, who form the fabric of Karla's life, hold out hope that she can be found alive and returned home to fulfill a dream that would positively impact so many lives.

Applying the lessons of presidential history, this anthology of case studies—written by leading political scientists, historians, and subject matter experts—delves into the many facets of the presidency and promotes a greater understanding of the presidency for policymakers, academics, students, and general readers alike. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history." One hundred and fifty years later, this statement remains true: the lessons of history are increasingly important at a time of political deadlock and growing skepticism of leadership among the American public. An established classic in its field, Triumphs and Tragedies of the Modern Presidency underscores the importance of looking back to set an intelligent course for the future and promotes a better understanding of the U.S. presidency. This updated and revised second edition offers rare insights on presidential leadership since 2001 and adds considerable new information related to inter-term transitions. The case studies in this single-volume work cover an unparalleled scope of "modern presidential history" and related topics, beginning with the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt and continuing to the presidency of Barack Obama. Examples of the events and subject matter of the case studies include the interstate transport system, the building of the social safety net, the civil rights movement, the space program, environmental protection, education reform, the IT revolution, energy policy, the budget, economic policy, foreign policy, national security, defense policy, and presidential scandals. Each case study highlights a historical lesson and is authored by a different political scientist, historian, or subject matter expert, offering readers a multidisciplinary examination of the presidency.

A Richard and Judy Book Club pick, set in Paris and Italy, The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton is a beautiful and uplifting exploration of love, loss and hope ‘The real truth and triumph of this gem of a story is simple: it is one of the best and most gripping descriptions of heartbreak that either of us have ever read’ Richard and Judy’s review Grace Atherton, a talented cellist, is in love with David. Together in their apartment in Paris, Grace and David are happy until an unexpected event changes everything. Nadia is seventeen and furious. She knows that love will only let her down: if she is going to succeed it will be on her own terms. At eighty-six Maurice Williams has discovered a lot about love in his long life, and even more about people. And yet he keeps secrets. When Grace’s life falls apart in the most shocking of ways Maurice and Nadia come to her rescue, helping her to find happiness and hope through the healing power of friendship. Praise for The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton 'Glorious on so many levels' A J Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird 'Lose yourself among beautiful symphonies, the romantic cities of Europe and quirky characters ... a triumph' Woman's Weekly 'A powerful and passionate novel, awash with heartbreak but still an uplifting tale of friendship and rebirth. Five stars' Daily Express 'Full of hope and charm' Libby Page, author of The Lido 'A hymn to friendship, to getting back up and finding happiness where none seemed possible' Katie Fforde Pre-order Anstey Harris' wonderful new book Where We Belong now - ISBN 97811473837