Forced by their jet-setting parents to spend the weekend at the opulent Weekend Retreat-the most beautiful and expensive child retreat in the country-Maya, Zack, and Bryan believe they are in for another boring weekend spent amid the other offspring of the socially elite. But their lives are changed forever when they come away not remembering anything that happened the whole time they were there. When news arrives that their parents have been killed, the children are given into full custody of Weekend Retreat and Maya becomes a prisoner for almost ten years. She has to work long hours with very little to eat, and the horror that she witnesses and duties that she has to perform are unthinkable. Finally, at eighteen, she is able to leave with nothing but the clothes on her back. But where are her brothers? She finally locates Zack and they embark on a risky covert operation to investigate Weekend Retreat and discover what is behind the gruesome surgeries and mysterious disappearances. Will someone recognize them? Will they come out alive, and discover what happened to their older brother? Or will Zack and Maya be forever trapped at the dark and dangerous Weekend Retreat. Join author Brenda Hyslip for a moving story of greed, hope, faith, fear, and incredible courage.

A wealthy family's vacation at their lush winery estate becomes a weekend to kill for in this deliciously twisted novel of suspense “Absolutely captivating! A riveting and immersive puzzle for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware.” —Hank Phillippi Ryan WINNER OF THE AGATHA AWARD Every year, the illustrious Van Ness siblings, heirs to a copper fortune, gather at their secluded winery estate for a joint birthday celebration. It's a tradition they've followed nearly all their lives, and now they are back with their significant others for a much-needed weekend of rest and relaxation, away from the public spotlight. With lavish comforts, gorgeous scenery, and indulgent drinking, the trip should be the perfect escape. But it soon becomes clear that even a remote idyllic getaway can’t keep out the problems simmering in each of their lives. As old tensions are reignited, the three couples are pushed to the edge. Will their secrets destroy them, or will they destroy each other first? And who’s been watching them from beyond the vineyard gates? When a torrential rainstorm hits, plunging them into darkness, the answers prove all too deadly… “Clever… [A] satisfying mash-up of Succession and Agatha Christie.” —Publishers Weekly

A Harvard graduate, Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and devout Catholic tells you everything you need to know about keeping your faith at a modern university. Drawing on her recent experience, Aurora Griffin shares forty practical tips relating to academics, community, prayer, and service that helped her stay Catholic in college. She reminds us that keeping the faith is a conscious decision, reinforced by commitment to daily practices. Aurora's story illustrates that when you decide your faith matters to you, no one can take it away, even in the most secular environments and under strong peer pressure. Throughout the book, she shows how being a Catholic in college did not prevent her from having a full "college experience," but actually enabled her to make the most of her time at Harvard. She encourages students who are about to begin this formative journey, or those now in college, that the most valuable parts of college life -- lasting friendships, intellectual growth, and cherished memories -- are experienced in a more meaningful way when lived in and through the Catholic faith.

From childhood abuse to spousal abuse to partnering with the Holy Spirit, this is a testimony of faith, hope, and love.

Models and Methods for Youth and Young Adult Ministry is a rare book on young adult and youth ministry in that it weaves sound theology and solid pastoral practice. It invites pastoral practitioners, scholars in the field, and university-ministry students to envision various models and methods for doing youth and young adult ministry in a collaborative and ecumenical way. Through rich, concrete examples and strategies, the reader will grasp the significance of each model and the various methods to integrate and implement these robust approaches. The result is this book will empower readers toward a more meaningful understanding of youth and young adult ministry, which will in turn engage the young church of Christ.

An inspiring book filled with prayers and stories that help us stand strong against despair—and build a trusting relationship with God. Written to help readers look at the positive side of life, It Matters helps us refocus on what matters, get rid of negative baggage and negative emotions, and in turn, experience the freedom of forgiveness. Amy Lynne shares her own experiences with all their ups and downs—and guides us in developing a trusting relationship with God through stories, Positive Word Confessions, and a prayer with every chapter. Emphasizing the importance of wearing spiritual armor every day, It Matters can be used both individually or as a group Bible study to understand spiritual warfare and realize God’s faithfulness in the journey of overcoming past hurts.

Building Strong Music Programs uniquely focuses on music programs in the public school community, providing strategies and tools for developing a vibrant music program and building community support. Covering relationships with colleagues, parents, staff, administrators, and the community at large, Charlene Ryan also provides tactics for developing courses, performances, and publicity to enhance your program. Build a repertoire of tried-and-true strategies covering curriculum, classroom management, special needs, concerts, assessment, budget, and more that are based on years of teaching at all levels. While program building is an essential, time-consuming part of every music teacher's job, students are rarely prepared for it. The questions for discussion and student assignments make this an excellent choice for preservice teacher training courses. Ryan covers issues important to student teachers, new teachers, teachers changing schools, and teachers looking to rejuvenate their existing programs. From student trips to music software to district ensembles to advocacy to entry-level instrumental courses, Ryan covers it all in this comprehensive handbook.

"Just mention the word "sibling," and everyone has a story to share. It might be a happy story or a miserable one, but they want to tell it. And according to the US Census Bureau (2021), with at least 78.3% of Americans having at least one sibling, that's a lot of stories"--

The acclaimed author of The Book of the Dun Cow moves from his role as master storyteller to that of counselor and husband in this extraordinary look at the makings of a happy, successful marriage.