The shocking true crime story of one of the most bizarre mass murders ever recorded—and the girl who escaped with her life.In the fall of 2010, in the all-American town of Apple Valley, Ohio, four people disappeared without a trace: Stephanie Sprang; her friend, Tina Maynard; and Tina’s two children, thirteen-year-old Sarah and eleven-year-old Kody. Investigators began scouring the area, yet despite an extensive search, no signs of the missing people were discovere...

The New York Times–bestselling author of Shattered Innocence reveals the story of a two-time widow leading a double life in this true crime exposé.Miriam Giles ran away to Colorado to escape her violent past. But this seductively charismatic widow had a dark side that could never stay buried. After finding the “sugar daddy” she was looking for in Alan Helmick, her new marriage seemed happy. Then, two years later, Alan met a gruesome fate.R...

This book explores the profound and lasting influence of Plotinus and his Neoplatonism on Western philosophy, theology, mysticism, and spirituality. From the core tenets of his metaphysical system, which centers on the idea of the One as the source of all being and the soul's ascent toward union with the divine, the work traces the development and dissemination of Plotinus' ideas through successive intellectual traditions. Beginning with an in-depth analysis of Plotinus' own philosophy, th...

The search for happiness has been a central theme in human thought for millennia, and few philosophies have approached this quest with as much clarity and pragmatism as that of Epicurus (341–270 BCE). Born on the island of Samos and later establishing his philosophical school, "The Garden," in Athens, Epicurus crafted a system of thought that sought to free humanity from fear, suffering, and unnecessary desires. His teachings, often misunderstood and misrepresented throughout history, revo...

The Byzantine Empire, often described as the continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, spanned over a millennium, from the reign of Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Despite its eventual demise, the Byzantine Empire played a pivotal role in preserving and transforming the intellectual traditions of antiquity, particularly those of Greece and Rome, while also shaping the course of medieval Christian thought. The intellectual history of Byzantium is t...

Follows the journey of a young protagonist who discovers they are destined to be the savior of Dino Isle, a mystical land inhabited by dinosaurs. As the chosen one, they must embark on a perilous quest to unlock their true potential and gather a team of guardians to protect the island from dark forces threatening its existence.Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including fierce battles with ancient creatures and uncovering the secrets of thei...

There are many books on the subject of guitar playing, but none like this book. I have focused on how to mentally and physically practice. Practicing is generally just approached by saying, "practice makes perfect", suggesting the more you practice the better you get, which is not true if you practice the wrong way. Time alone will not make a good player and most people will simply give up when they do not make significant improvement. Learning to play and understand the instrument is diff...

Experience the true crime story of a married father and ex-cop with a dark side in this “fast-paced, unforgettable real-life thriller” (Sue Russell).Family On The RunA handsome, married young father and former deputy sheriff, Gabriel Morris looked like the picture of respectability. When his mother and her boyfriend were found brutally murdered in their pleasant Oregon seaside home, authorities were shocked to find a trail leading to him. S...

Adrenaline surges upon Steve's arrival before dawn in Puerto Rico, regardless of absence of sleep. High surf, salsa dancing under the stars, random encounters in San Juan's post-midnight streets, tantalizing/teasing recollections of what he may or may not have done. Vacations are an opportunity to be swept into personality-altering adventures, shove habitual inhibitions aside, become someone else.

This work delves deeply into the Trinitarian theology of St. Augustine, exploring its foundations, development, and enduring influence. Augustine's De Trinitate serves as a cornerstone of Western Christian thought, offering profound insights into the unity and relational distinctions of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Grounded in Scripture and enriched by Neoplatonic philosophy, Augustine articulates a vision of the Trinity that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually transf...

The art of memory, a practice dating back to classical antiquity, has been revered and developed as both a cognitive skill and a pathway to wisdom. Originating in the mnemonic techniques of ancient Greece, such as the method of loci (memory palace), the art of memory was adapted and deepened by Roman orators, Christian theologians, and medieval monastic scholars who viewed memory as essential to rhetoric, intellectual organization, and spiritual growth. Figures like Simonides, Cicero, Augu...

This book, Greek Mythology and the Olympian Gods, explores the intricate world of Greek mythology, focusing on the lives, roles, and enduring legacy of the Olympian deities. Each chapter delves into the distinctive personalities, relationships, and symbolic functions of the gods, from Zeus' authority over the cosmos to Athena's wisdom, Aphrodite's allure, and Hephaestus' craftsmanship. The text captures the dual nature of these deities, who embody both divine virtues and human fla...