New Release Books by Mary Cunningham

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent and amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father's widow and books a sixtieth birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer--or that Ruby might be the main suspect. Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can't quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother. While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn't the only one in jeopardy.

This is an accessible two-part introduction to key periods of Christian history. Faith in the Byzantine World For many people the Byzantine world is an intriguing mystery. Here, Mary Cunningham presents readers with an ideal guide to this most fascinating of empires. Covering the period between 330 and 1453, the author begins by providing an outline of the history of the Byzantine Church, and then looks at key aspects of its outward expression, including the solitary ideal; holy places and holy people; service to the community; the nature of belief; and art, architecture and icons. Faith in the Medieval World The medieval period constituted a turbulent stage in religious history. Gillian R. Evans begins her immersive account by providing an overview of the development of Christianity in the West in the Middle Ages, before looking at key aspects of medieval faith: the Bible and belief; popular piety and devotion; the Crusades and the idea of 'holy war'; politics and the Church; rebellion against authority; and the road to Reformation. This analysis is a must for all those keen to understand one of the most enthralling periods of history.

The papers in this volume derive from the 28th Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies, held for the Society for the promotion of Byzantine Studies at the Univesity of Birmingham in March 1994. Virtually from the time of their first foundation, the monastic communities of Mt Athos assumed a central position in the world of Orthodox Christianity. The spiritual, and political and economic influence of the Holy Mountain soon transcended the boundaries of the Byzantine empire within which it lay, to take on a supra-national importance and become one of the pillars of Orthodoxy after the fall of the empire. For the historian, the significance of Mt Athos is enhanced by the fact that its archives contain the most substanial body of Byzantine documentation to have survived the Middle Ages, and its libraries, treasuries and buildings have preserved much that has elsewhere been lost. These archives are now largely edited, and investigation of the art and archaeology is yielding substantial evidence. The papers in this volume, by an international set of scholars, embody the fruits of this research. Starting from Athos itself, they embrace the whole phenomenon of Byzantine monasticism, dealing with questions of asceticism, authority, community, economy, enlightenment, fortification, hesychasm, liturgy, manuscripts, music, patronage, scandal, spirituality, and women (to take an alphabetical sample). Together these papers provide a coherent and immediate view of scholarship in the field.

Environmental Science: A Global Concern is a comprehensive presentation of environmental science for non-science majors which emphasizes critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and global awareness. This book is intended for use in a one or two-semester course in environmental science, human ecology, or environmental studies at the college or advanced placement high school level. As practicing scientists and educators, the Cunningham author team brings decades of experience in the classroom, in the practice of science, and in civic engagement. This experience helps give students a clear sense of what environmental science is and why it matters in this exciting, new 13th edition. Environmental Science: A Global Concern provides readers with an up-to-date, introductory global view of essential themes in environmental science. The authors balance evidence of serious environmental challenges with ideas about what we can do to overcome them. An entire chapter focuses on ecological restoration; one of the most important aspects of ecology today. Case studies in most chapters show examples of real progress, and “What Can You Do?” lists give students ideas for contributing to solutions

On a foggy night in the city of Seattle, Washington, a vehicle crashes and burns killing Megan McGuire, a successful business owner, famous aviatrix, community leader and recent award winner. How did it happen? Why did she die? Who would benefit from her death? Was it an accident or murder? Challenged by the media, city officials and a high profile case, Detective Spencer Dawson of the Seattle Police Department is determined to find the truth. To do so, he assembles a task force of law enforcement professionals, which includes his partner of eight years, Peter Cheung, two forensic scientists from CSIU, two of Seattle PD´s leading interrogators, two patrol officers from Special Ops, and a deputy prosecuting attorney assigned by the DA´s office. When evidence indicates McGuire was murdered, the investigation soon reveals a web of deceit, betrayal, and revenge. With love and support from Kari Townsend and his dad, the detective and his task force gradually piece together the complex puzzle, but not before Dawson is forced to probe deeply into his own past as well as that of the victim´s. Suspenseful, with a shocking ending, DEADLY REVENGE, brings to the readers a cast of characters drawn from the headlines, the turmoil of a city driven by the media, and a man willing to risk his career and his life to protect and serve.

A family's vacation at an isolated mountain cabin turns into a desperate attempt to escape a raging flood.

"Environmental science focuses on understanding challenges that affect our lives, and on finding solutions to those challenges. Your decision to study environmental science is an important step. This field can help you find answers to some of the most important problems facing us today. Environmental science is an integrative field. It draws on diverse knowledge bases and skills to address issues: For example, preserving healthy ecosystems depends on strategies such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy systems, reducing pollution, improving social and environmental justice, improving sustainable farming systems, and reducing resource consumption"--