In the mid sixteenth century, Henry VIII sits on the throne, and Bianca Goddard tends to the sick and suffering in London's slums, where disease can take a life as quickly as murder. . . For years, alchemist Ferris Stannum has devoted himself to developing the Elixir of Life, the reputed serum of immortality. Having tested his remedy successfully on an animal, Stannum intends to send his alchemy journal to a colleague in Cairo for confirmation. Instead he is strangled in his bed and his journal is stolen. As the daughter of an alchemist herself, Bianca is well acquainted with the mystical healing arts. As her husband, John, falls ill with the sweating sickness, she dares to hope Stannum's journal could contain the secret to his recovery. But first she must solve the alchemist's murder. As she ventures into a world of treachery and deceit, Stannum's death proves to be only the first in a series of murders--and Bianca's quest becomes a matter of life and death, not only for her husband, but for herself. . .

A realistic evocation of 16th century London s underside. The various strands of the plot are so skillfully plaited together. Fiona Buckley"In the year 1543 of King Henry VIII s turbulent reign, the daughter of a notorious alchemist finds herself suspected of cold-blooded murder "Bianca Goddard employs her knowledge of herbs and medicinal plants to concoct remedies for the disease-riddled poor in London s squalid Southwark slum. But when her friend Jolyn comes to her complaining of severe stomach pains, Bianca s prescription seems to kill her on the spot. Recovering from her shock, Bianca suspects Jolyn may have been poisoned ""before" "coming to her but the local constable is not so easily convinced.To clear her name and keep her neck free of the gallows, Bianca must apply her knowledge of the healing arts to deduce exactly how her friend was murdered and by whom before she herself falls victim to a similar fate Unique characters, a twisty plot and a bold, bright heroine add up to a great debut for Mary Lawrence s "The Alchemist s Daughter." Mystery and Tudor fans alike will raise a glass to this new series. Karen Harper, author of ""The Poyson Garden"""

Twenty-five years ago, author Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi began a quest to know God. What she discovered was the spiritual essence and principle of God. In "Understanding the Spiritual," she unveils her inspiring revelations and offers spiritual guidance to overcoming challenges and living an abundant life.

"Understanding the Spiritual" is a lit pathway toward closeness with God. It defines the spiritual world as simply that which lies outside physical reality. This is the world of God, who manifests the physical world through his creative aspect. But God is not alone in the spiritual world; humans are also spiritual beings, capable of reaching higher spiritual states by becoming more aligned with God's will.

Invigorating new interpretations of scripture empower individuals to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. For example, readers learn that the Bible is not the Word of God; rather, God's creative aspect is the true Word. And Christ is a manifestation of God's Word, gracing us with the strength to endure the consequences of our sins in the knowledge that we are in the process of spiritual evolution.

Through thorough discussion, deeply personal testimony, and helpful techniques, this book will appeal to Christians and non-Christians, alike-inspiring anyone seeking new spiritual enlightenment.