SECRETS AT THE ALTAR… When Gideon Albury lifts his new bride's veil he can't believe his eyes—this dark-haired dab of a girl isn't the blonde beauty he's been courting! Stunned, Gideon resolves to seek an annulment at the earliest opportunity, but to do so he must first make sure Dominique Rainault's virtue stays intact…. Blackmailed into marrying Gideon by her despicable cousin, Dominique is just as keen to keep her distance from her unsettling husband. But despite their good intentions the marital bed beckons—and a stolen kiss could prove to be their undoing!

An unprecedented, sympathetic, and wide-ranging exploration of the mysterious world of Islamic women--the people behind the veils--is presented by female writers and Christian workers.

Aeris Delaya is a woman living, literally, in a man's world. The words mother, daughter and sister are considered obscenities in Alyria, where women are forced to wear concealing cloaks called follyblankets to keep them from the sight of men. Aeris isn't the only girlchild being raised as male, but when she catches the attention of Prince Regent Daelyn Avigdor, the game she's been playing her entire life suddenly becomes that much more dangerous. Brought to the White Palace to serve as the Prince Regent's fetchencarry, Aeris finds herself caught in a world of luxury and intrigue -- companion to a prince yet constantly afraid of being discovered as female. When rumblings of revolt against those who insist on keeping women subjugated begin to rock Alyria, Aeris’s loyalty to her prince is tested. Soon enough, the entire country is at war -- and Aeris learns she’s not the only one with secrets.

Having a passionate affair on a desert island was not something Millie Lang ever thought she'd do…. Since tragedy struck her life, Millie has cocooned herself in her work, leaving no time to think or feel. Chase Bryant has his own reasons for escaping it all. As long as they both know this paradise is just for one week with no messy emotions, all should be fine. But neither of these two damaged souls is ready for the Pandora's box of emotions that their intense passion unleashes….

Lydia Laube set off in search of adventure to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. Soon she found herself embroiled in a society that did not allow women to drive, vote, or speak to a man alone. As soon as she stepped off the airplane, Lydia's passport was confiscated and quickly she felt like a prisoner, trapped in a country with no means of escape. Wearing head-to-toe coverings in stifling heat, and battling against unfathomable bureaucracy, Lydia maintained her sanity throughout her year of service. This is the gripping account of one woman's resolve to survive in the hostile environment of a Saudi Arabian hospital.

In 1920s Los Angeles, Letitia Hawking inhabits the veil between life and death. Using her scrying bowl to experience the final moments of the deceased, Letitia brings what little closure she can to her clients, allowing them to move on with their lives. Grief-stricken war widows and mourning families find peace when they visit Letitia. She knows no such peace. For Letitia, it's penance.For Alasdair Driscoll, Letitia's abilities offer the chance to save his beloved niece, Finola, from her nightmares and-as he fears-her growing insanity. But when Letitia sees a shadowy figure attached to the Driscoll family, old fears of her unspeakable past in England surface. She refuses to help him, despite his money and insistence. Instead, Letitia finds herself facing a father whose young daughter has been kidnapped-the third girl to have gone missing in as many months. Evading a determined Mr. Driscoll, a man used to getting his way, proves difficult. And as the darkness creeps in, Letitia makes the connection between the missing girls and Finola: the shadows haunting her visions. Letitia thought she could find refuge in a new, burgeoning city, far from her past. But she'll discover that unless she helps Mr. Driscoll rid his niece of her nightmares, the shadows will haunt Letitia-risking not only her newfound sanctuary but also her very sanity.

Muslim women of all ages, economic status, educational backgrounds, sexual orientations, and from different parts of historically Muslim countries suffer the kinds of atrocities that violate common understandings of human rights and are normally denounced as criminal or pathological, yet these actions are sustained because they uphold some religious doctrine or some custom blessed by local traditions. Ironically, while instances of abuse meted out to women and even female children are routine, scholarship about Muslim women in the post 9/11 era has rarely focused attention on them, preferring to speak of women’s agency and resistance. Too few scholars are willing to tell the complicated, and at times harrowing, stories of Muslim women's lives. Women and Islam: Myths, Apologies, and the Limits of Feminist Critique radically rethinks the celebratory discourse constructed around Muslim women’s resistance. It shows instead the limits of such resistance and the restricted agency given women within Islamic societies. The book does not center on a single historical period. Rather, it is organized as a response to five questions that have been central to upholding the 'resistance discourse': What is the impact of the myth of al-Andalus on a feminist critique? What is the feminist utility of Edward Said’s theory of Orientalism? Is Islam compatible with a feminist agenda? To what extent can Islamic institutions, such as the veil, be liberating for women? Will the current Arab uprisings yield significant change for Muslim women? Through examination of these core questions, Bouachrine calls for a shift in the paradigm of discourse about feminism in the Muslim world.

Christmas Under the Veil of Mystery Ultimate Collection for the Murder Mystery Holiday juxtaposes the joy and tranquility often associated with the holiday season against the dark, compelling allure of the murder mystery genre. Through an exquisite selection of tales by some of the most venerated authors in mystery and detective fiction, this anthology explores the multifaceted ways in which the festive season can serve as a backdrop for stories of intrigue, suspense, and revelation. The diversity of literary styles, from the keen psychological insights of Edgar Allan Poe to the intricate plotting of Agatha Christie, provides a rich tapestry of narratives that underscore the complexity and enduring appeal of the genre. These compelling stories not only entertain but also illuminate the shadows that lie beneath the surface of our festive traditions. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from various backgrounds and time periods, collectively contribute a wealth of perspectives to the anthology. Their works reflect significant historical, cultural, and literary movements, from the burgeoning detective fiction craze of the late 19th century to the golden age of the whodunit. This convergence of singular talents, including pioneers like Arthur Conan Doyle and innovators such as Anna Katharine Green, creates a mosaic of storytelling that enriches the reader's understanding of the theme, while offering insights into the evolution of the mystery genre itself. Christmas Under the Veil of Mystery invites readers to explore a fascinating composite of mystery and merriment. This anthology serves as a unique educational tool, offering readers not just entertainment but a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind some of the most influential works in mystery fiction. It is an essential collection for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the breadth of narratives that can be spun from the intersection of the festive and the forensic, and a testament to the enduring fascination with the mysteries that lurk just beneath the surface of our celebrations.

"Behind the Veil in Persia and Turkish Arabia: An Account of an Englishwoman's Eight Years' Residence Amongst the Women of the East" by M. E. Hume-Griffith and A. Hume-Griffith is the detailed account of two doctors' mission to Persia and Turkey. Written as a travelogue, the book shows an appreciation for this exotic and fascinating culture while also framing the differences with the European customs of the book's audience.

The author examines the role of women in Oman culture