The Arab Spring heralded a profound shift in the Middle East, bringing to power Islamist movements which had previously been operating in the shadows. The Muslim Brotherhood stormed to victory in Egypt and emerged as a key player in Libya's nascent political arena. Meanwhile, An-Nahda found itself catapulted into power as the head of Tunisia's coalition government. For a while, it looked as though the region was entering the dawn of a new Islamist age. But navigating their respective countries through difficult and painful transitions ultimately proved too challenging for these forces, and, just as suddenly, the Brotherhood was dramatically overthrown in Egypt and left severely weakened in Libya. In Tunisia, An-Nahda managed to pull itself through the crisis, but its failure to articulate and deliver the hopes and aspirations of a large section of Tunisian society damaged its credibility. In this authoritative account, Alison Pargeter expertly charts the Islamists' ascent and subsequent fall from power. Based on extensive research and interviews with high ranking members of the Brotherhood and An-Nahda, Pargeter offers a comparative analysis of the movement in North Africa since the Arab Spring, and outlines the consequences of the Brotherhood's decline on both the region and the wider Islamist political project.

Lydia wasn't looking for love. Having just finalized a difficult divorce, she attended her best friend's destination wedding with a simple plan: to reconnect with old friends and take a much needed break from the stresses of single parenthood. But life had more in store for her. In AUTUMN GETAWAY, Book One of the Seasons of Love series, Lydia connected with charming, sensitive Sam over that weekend, and took a chance on someone new. Then, in WINTER HOPES, Sam and Lydia explored the excitement of blossoming romance. Even though their long distance relationship wasn't easy, in each other they found renewed hope, both overcoming past losses to learn to trust and love again. Now, in SPRING SHADOWS, Book Three of the series, author Jennifer Gracen brings Lydia and Sam one step closer to lasting happiness. But it isn't all romance and roses. The realities of a long distance relationship held between Chicago and New York start to take a toll. Add in the complications posed by Sam's overprotective brother, Lydia's difficult ex-husband, and an unexpected tragedy, and it all threatens to tear them apart before they've even begun to truly be together. Lydia and Sam must face their pasts and come to terms with old fears and insecurities. They need to focus on the things that really matter: true love, forgiveness, compassion, and fearless commitment-another leap of faith. Full of the sweetness and heartfelt emotion you've come to expect from the Seasons of Love, SPRING SHADOWS shows us the power of purposeful communication, understanding, and unrelenting self-awareness, proving that true, lasting love is possible when nurtured by healing and hope.

It was first in my thoughts for these writings to be viewed by my children and grand children. But I was compelled to set my memories, experiences, thoughts, hopes, and dreams for all youth of today's fast world. If you were raised in rural back woods, do not forget the beauty of the landscape and all living things that mother nature has blessed upon you. If you were raised in or near the city, make yourself a promise to visit rural America. Climb our mountains, explore our fields and streams, smell the vegetation, study our wildlife and you will become complete. When you think you are at the end of your rope, look to yourself for strength and guidance. You may be the wisest counselor you know.