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  • Ribbon of Dreams by Randy O’Brien, now available from Histria Books

    Ribbon of Dreams by Randy O’Brien, now available from Histria Books

     

    Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Ribbon of Dreams by Randy O’Brien. This novel is published by Histria Fiction, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.

    Set in the charged, sultry South of the 1970s, Ribbon of Dreams is a coming-of-age story for anyone who has ever felt like the outsider in their own life. Caught between a strict

    stepfather, a fractured family, and a country on fire with protest, Skid is that sensitive kid who

    sees too much and belongs nowhere.

    This is a novel of first love and bad decisions, of boys taught to be tough who are secretly

    breaking, of found mentors and broken idols. It leans into the tropes we crave: the misfit hero searching for his voice, the small town that keeps its ugliest secrets, the “good son” who refuses

    to stay quiet, the road trip that changes everything.

    Ribbon of Dreams will speak to readers who love character driven fiction, emotionally raw

    family drama, and the messy, beautiful moment when youth collides with the real world.

    Randy O’Brien is the author of the critically acclaimed historical novels Gettysburg by Morning and The Farm. He is a retired award-winning radio journalist and long-time book reviewer for AudioFile magazine. An avid audiobook reader, O’Brien enjoys thrillers, biographies, and histories while hiking.

    Ribbon of Dreams by Randy O’Brien, 300 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-677-5, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution.

  • Ageas Federal Life Insurance Introduces Large Cap Quality Fund for Long-Term Investors

    Ageas Federal Life Insurance Launches Large Cap Quality Fund to Help Customers Invest in India’s Financially Strong Companies

    Mumbai, Mar 11: Ageas Federal Life Insurance has announced the launch of its Large Cap Quality Fund, an open-ended index fund designed for customers seeking long-term wealth creation by investing in financially strong and well-established companies in India.

    The newly launched fund is aimed at providing investors with access to a portfolio of large, stable companies that have demonstrated consistent financial performance. By focusing on businesses with strong fundamentals and disciplined financial management, the fund seeks to offer customers an opportunity to grow their wealth while remaining aligned with their long-term financial goals.

    The fund follows a structured investment strategy by tracking the BSE Large Cap 100 Quality 30 Index, which selects companies based on key financial indicators such as return on equity, disciplined balance sheets, and overall financial strength. This approach enables investors to participate in the growth of companies known for stability and long-term performance.

    Through this fund, investors gain exposure to a diversified basket of leading companies across multiple sectors. Such diversification helps reduce the risks associated with dependence on a single company or industry while allowing investors to benefit from India’s long-term economic growth potential.

    Most of the fund’s investments will be allocated to equity shares of companies included in the index, while a small portion may be held in cash or short-term instruments to manage liquidity efficiently. By maintaining a disciplined index-tracking approach and focusing on quality businesses, the fund aims to deliver a resilient investment portfolio over the long term.

    Commenting on the launch, Jude Gomes, Managing Director and CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said:

    “India continues to offer strong long-term growth opportunities, and investors today are increasingly looking for stable and disciplined ways to participate in that journey. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we remain committed to helping customers build financial security through simple and transparent investment solutions that align with their long-term aspirations.”

    With its focus on high-quality companies, diversification across sectors, and a disciplined index-based strategy, the Large Cap Quality Fund provides investors with a straightforward avenue to invest in some of India’s most fundamentally strong businesses while working toward long-term financial goals.

  • The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, now available from Histria Books

    The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, now available from Histria Books

    Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague. This compelling novel is published by Histria Fiction, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding original works of fiction.

    In The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia, a forgotten confessional surfaces from beneath a Roman basilica and refuses to stay buried. This is a story for lovers of secret histories, dark academia and morally complex heroines. 

    At its heart are two souls divided by five centuries yet bound by the same questions. What if the woman history branded a poisoner and seductress had written her own defense? What if her words could upend everything we think we know about power, faith and female ambition?  

    Moving between glittering Renaissance courts and the shadows of modern Rome, the novel explores the allure and danger of sacred objects, the seduction of corruption and the cost of choosing conscience over survival. For readers of dual timeline epics, ecclesiastical thrillers and feminist retellings, The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia invites you into a world where every relic hides a story and every story threatens the official truth.

    Dr. Johnny Teague is a historian, author, and patented inventor. With four published books to his name, his works have gained notable recognition. His book Preaching Your Way Out of a Mess was awarded Preaching Magazine’s 2019 Book of the Year. The Lost Diary of Anne Frank earned a place on the Association for Jewish Studies Honor Roll of 2021 and is available in hardcover, softcover, eBook, and Audible formats. His other notable works include The Lost Diary of George Washington, The Revolutionary War Years (Editors’ Pick in The Manhattan and finalist for the Goethe Book Award) and The Lost Diary of Mary Magdalene, which received a 5-star rating from Readers’ Favorite.

    The Lost Diary of Lucrezia Borgia by Johnny Teague, 150 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-600-3, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

     

  • Skyhawk Appoints Aaron Deves as Chief Commercial Officer to Lead Commercialization of SKY-0515 for Huntington’s Disease

    Industry veteran brings more than 30 years of experience launching therapies for neurological diseases, including Huntington’s disease, and will prepare Skyhawk for the launch of SKY-0515 as early as 2027.

    BOSTON, Mar 11 — Skyhawk Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel small molecule therapies to modulate critical RNA targets for a series of challenging neurological diseases, announces the appointment of Aaron Deves as Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Deves brings more than 30 years of experience commercializing therapies for neurological disorders, including for chorea associated with Huntington’s disease (HD) with AUSTEDO®. SKY-0515 is Skyhawk’s lead program and is being developed as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Huntington’s disease.

     
    Aaron Deves, Skyhawk Chief Commercial Officer
    Aaron Deves, Skyhawk Chief Commercial Officer

    “Skyhawk may receive accelerated approval for SKY-0515 in Australia within the next twelve months, and in other major markets during 2027,” said Bill Haney, CEO of Skyhawk Therapeutics. “Aaron’s 30 years of experience successfully building commercial teams and launching innovative drugs for challenging neurological conditions helps prepare Skyhawk to bring a much-needed disease-modifying treatment to patients with Huntington’s disease as quickly as possible – pending additional clinical results and regulatory approvals.”

    “I am incredibly excited to join Skyhawk,” said Aaron Deves, Chief Commercial Officer of Skyhawk Therapeutics. “Skyhawk’s Huntington’s disease program can be the cornerstone of a powerful commercial neuro business.  And the company’s rich pre-clinical pipeline of RNA targeting drug programs addresses the most impressive set of challenging neurological conditions I’ve seen in my career – and does so with small molecules that are often the most patient friendly modality. I’m thrilled to join the company to prepare for the launch of SKY-0515 and to help ensure the broadest number of patients can access this important therapy.“

     

  • Renault Group Launches futuREady, Opening a New Strategic Era

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Mar 11: Renault Group has unveiled futuREady, its new strategic plan aimed at strengthening global growth, accelerating electrification, and positioning the company as the reference European carmaker on the global stage.

    Renault Group Launches futuREady, Opening a New Strategic Era

     Building on the success of the Renaulution Plan, the new strategy transforms Renault’s recent turnaround into a long-term system designed to deliver sustainable and global performance. The futuREady plan places strong emphasis on products, customer experience, technological innovation, and operational excellence, while reinforcing the Group’s commitment to employees, suppliers, dealer networks, and partners.

    At the center of the strategy is a strong product offensive. Renault Group plans to launch 36 new models by 2030, accelerating electrification and expanding its global portfolio. Over the medium term, the company aims to achieve an operating margin of 5% to 7% of revenue and average annual automotive free cash flow of €1.5 billion or more.

    CEO Perspective

    “futuREady, our new strategic plan, is a crucial step in the future of Renault Group. In an increasingly competitive environment, we can build on strong fundamentals—our brands, our products, and our financial results,” said François Provost, CEO of Renault Group.

    “Since my appointment last July, our global teams have worked together to design a plan that places the Group on the path toward robust and sustainable performance. Through futuREady, we reaffirm our long-term commitment to innovation, performance, and delivering value for our customers worldwide.”

    From Success Story to Success System

    The Renaulution plan, introduced in 2021, successfully repositioned Renault Group among Europe’s leading automotive manufacturers by focusing on value creation, clear brand positioning, and a strong product renewal program that included 32 new model launches within five years.

    With futuREady, the company now aims to build on this success and create a sustainable long-term growth model based on four strategic pillars:

    • Growth Ready

    • Tech Ready

    • Excellence Ready

    • Trust Ready

    The Group will continue to strengthen its core position in Europe while expanding aggressively in key international markets such as India, South America, and South Korea.

    Four Cornerstones of the futuREady Strategy

    Growth Ready: Product Offensive and Customer Experience

    Renault Group will complete its second major product cycle with 36 new model launches, including:

    • 22 models in Europe, of which 16 will be fully electric

    • 14 new models in international markets

    Renault Brand

    The Renault brand will accelerate growth through:

    • 12 new product launches in Europe

    • Expansion of electrification across its lineup

    • Continued hybrid technology development beyond 2030

    • 14 international product launches

    By 2030, Renault aims to achieve:

    • Over 2 million vehicles sold annually, with half outside Europe

    • 100% electrified sales in Europe and 50% electrified globally

    Dacia Brand

    The Dacia brand will continue focusing on competitive pricing and strong customer value. Its strategy includes:

    • Expanding electrification to two-thirds of sales by 2030

    • Growing its presence in the C-segment

    • Expanding its electric vehicle lineup from one model today to four by 2030

    Alpine Brand

    The performance-focused Alpine brand will drive growth by:

    • Launching the next-generation Alpine A110 built on the Alpine Performance Platform

    • Expanding with models such as Alpine A290 and Alpine A390

    • Introducing exclusive limited-edition vehicles like the A110 R Ultime

    The Group also aims to achieve 80% customer loyalty over a ten-year cycle by 2030, placing its brands among the top three globally in customer satisfaction.

    Tech Ready: Technology as a Competitive Advantage

    Technology will play a central role in the strategy, focusing on electrification, software-defined vehicles, digital technologies, and advanced platforms.

    A key innovation will be the RGEV Medium 2.0 Electric Platform, designed for future C- and D-segment electric vehicles. The platform will support:

    • Up to 750 km WLTP range for EV models

    • Up to 1,400 km with a range extender

    • 800-volt architecture enabling ultra-fast charging in about 10 minutes

    The platform will also feature a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture with over-the-air software updates for 90% of vehicle functions. This system is being developed in partnership with Google and will use an Android-based car operating system.

    In the future, the platform will evolve toward AI-defined vehicles, enabling advanced control of infotainment, driver assistance systems, and vehicle dynamics.

    Excellence Ready: Operational Performance and Efficiency

    To remain competitive globally, Renault Group will prioritize operational efficiency through:

    • Two-year vehicle development cycles

    • AI-driven manufacturing processes

    • Digital twin technology via an industrial metaverse

    The company plans to deploy 350 next-generation humanoid robots in factories and reduce production costs through:

    • 30% fewer parts per vehicle

    • 20% reduction in production costs

    • 25% reduction in energy consumption

    Additionally, AI-powered quality control systems will monitor more than 1,000 checkpoints during manufacturing, aiming to reduce incidents by 50% and cut customer complaints by threefold within five years.

    Trust Ready: Strengthening Stakeholder Partnerships

    The fourth pillar focuses on long-term relationships with employees, suppliers, dealers, and strategic partners.

    Renault Group employs nearly 100,000 people worldwide, with leadership development and skills investment forming a key part of the strategy.

    The company also maintains strong partnerships with global automotive players including:

    • Nissan

    • Mitsubishi Motors

    • Volvo Group

    • Geely

    • Ford Motor Company

    By 2030, Renault Group aims to produce more than 300,000 vehicles annually for partner manufacturers across three continents.

  • The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, now available from Histria Books

    The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, now available from Histria Books

     

    Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen. This book is published by Histria YA, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for teens and young adults.

    In Edwardian England, where gaslight meets gutter magic, a boy thief with a haunted past is recruited into the empire’s most secret war. The Midnight Boy, the standalone prequel to Percy St. John and the Chronicle of Secrets blends dark academia, supernatural thriller, and Victorian spy caper into a fast-paced series opener for fans of Garth Nix, Philip Pullman and Samantha Shannon.

    At its heart are classic tropes with a twist: the brutal orphanage that hides a conspiracy, a snarky

    guardian cat that may be more than it seems, found family in a locksmith’s workshop, and a reluctant prodigy drawn into cloak and dagger missions. Expect cursed schools, demonic infestations in the city’s underbelly, and a charismatic villain who refuses to stay dead.

    Perfect for readers seeking a high concept, cross over supernatural fantasy, The Midnight Boy offers espionage, occult mystery and coming of age peril in the shadows of a crumbling empire.

    E. A. Allen is a cattle farmer, historian, and retired CIA intelligence officer who writes mystery and adventure fiction for both adults and young readers. He is the author of the Montclaire Mysteries for adult readers, and the Percy St.-John Adventures for teens and young adults, inspired by the classic traditions of Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Agatha Christie. Allen holds a Ph.D. in Modern European History from Tulane University, has studied in France at the University of Montpellier and the Sorbonne, and previously served as Senior Analyst for European Security Affairs at the CIA and Deputy National Intelligence Officer for Europe on the National Intelligence Council. He lives with his wife on a farm in the mountains of northwest Arkansas.

    The Midnight Boy: A Percy St. John Novel by E. A. Allen, 200 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-590-7, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. For information on publishing with Histria Books, please visit HistriaBooks.com or contact us at info@histriabooks.com.

     

  • ¿Cómo te sientes? by Amy Conroy, now available from Histria Books

    ¿Cómo te sientes? by Amy Conroy, now available from Histria Books

     

    Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of ¿Cómo te sientes?: A Beginner Reader book in Spanish to teach children social-emotional literacy by Amy Conroy. This story is published by Histria Kids, an imprint of Histria Books dedicated to outstanding works for children that both educate and entertain.

    Meet ¿Cómo te sientes?, a joyful gateway to Spanish for the youngest learners and the grownups who guide them. This is not just another vocabulary book; it is a gentle introduction to big feelings in a little-kid format, perfect for storytime snuggles and circle time alike.  

    Built around high-frequency, socio-emotional language, ¿Cómo te sientes? supports key early literacy goals while opening the door to bilingualism. Repetition, rhyme and clear first-person expressions invite children to speak up, try out new words and immediately use them in real life.  

    For educators and librarians, it fits seamlessly alongside SEL and world language curricula. For families, it feels like a cozy picture book that just happens to be in Spanish. With vibrant, contemporary art and a focus on diverse, modern families, ¿Cómo te sientes? delivers what today’s market seeks: a warm, accessible, classroom-ready resource that builds empathy, confidence and a love of language.

    Amy Rush Conroy is an anthropologist, educator, and mother of three bilingual children in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder of Habla Blah Blah, a company dedicated to engaging young children in second-language learning through song and experiences since 2006, inspiring thousands of children to learn Spanish, French, or English. Habla Blah Blah was named “Best Children’s Songwriter” (2016) and awarded “Best Children’s Song” (2017) by the Indie Music Channel. Amy is also a Spanish elementary teacher and a pioneer in the Global Parenting movement.

    ¿Cómo te sientes?: A Beginner Reader book in Spanish to teach children social-emotional literacy by Amy Conroy, 20 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-684-3, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. This title is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

     
     

  • Sightview Unveils Fresh Patient Engagement Tools at Vision Expo 2026

    Digital payment and patient communications offerings alleviate friction throughout the patient journey

    Durham, NC — Mar 11 — Sightview, the only electronic health record and practice management partner focused solely on eyecare, will showcase two recently updated tools for its eyecare-specific EHR/PM offering at Vision Expo 2026 (March 11-14, 2026). Advancements include the addition of new digital payment options to more easily and proactively collect patient payments, and an updated communications package to automate outreach, curb patient leakage, and improve experiences.

    “Patients increasingly expect a digitally-driven experience with eyecare, specifically in optometry, where they want a retail experience alongside their clinical care,” said Tycene Fritcher, CEO of Sightview. “From tapping their phone to pay for their lenses, to automated text reminders, eyecare providers have an opportunity to modernize processes to improve patient loyalty and experiences, while streamlining backend processes, as well.”

    The Sightview Pay solution, powered by Global Payments, enables providers to collect payments before an appointment or at time-of-service via digital options like estimated payments, text-to-pay and card-on-file. These expanded payment options allow eyecare providers to capture patient payments faster, speeding cashflow while likewise reducing paper-based bills and patient frustration.

    Likewise, Sightview Patient Engagement allows providers to personalize and automate outreach to improve appointment volume and patient engagement. Pre-made templates like annual reminders, lens sales, and automated post-service or post-delivery check-ins allow practices to capture patients’ interest while ensuring a positive experience. The system’s automation features mean these new touchpoints won’t add extra work to already burdened staff.

    Sightview will demo these enhanced offerings in booth #4021 at the show, alongside its integrated EHR/PM platform, purpose-built for eyecare.

     

  • Paphos by Nick Burnette, now available from Histria Books

    Paphos by Nick Burnette, now available from Histria Books

     

    Mar 11: Histria Books is pleased to announce the release of Paphos by Nick Burnette. This book is published by Histria SciFi & Fantasy, an imprint of Histria Books encompassing outstanding, innovative works in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.

    Paphos is a heart-wrenching science fiction novel of first-contact mystery and claustrophobic survival horror set on a world that does not want to give up its secrets.

    When a small research team touches down on a pristine alien planet, they expect data, samples and maybe a publication or two. Instead, they awaken something ancient, hungry and far more intelligent than they are. Trapped light years from help, cut off from Earth, they become test subjects in a planetary laboratory that rewrites the rules of life itself.

    Paphos is a story of a single father, a brilliant young girl and the terrifying price of curiosity. Fans of Annihilation, The Last of Us and classic “science team in over their heads” tales will find familiar tropes twisted into something unsettling and new, as humanity’s drive to explore collides with an ecosystem that has its own plans for us.

    Nick Burnette is an American author specializing in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Raised in a secret society of 80’s movies, he honed a unique blend of adventure, suspense, and imagination—along with a few deadly skills best left in the dojo. When he’s not crafting high-stakes stories of first contact, cyberpunk detectives, and kung fu, he can be found plotting his next twist, exploring the cosmos with a telescope, or debating the finer points of old television series with his wife.

    Paphos by Nick Burnette, 250 pp., ISBN 978-1-59211-683-6, is available at HistriaBooks.com and from all major book retailers. The book is also available as an eBook. Titles published under the imprints of Histria Books are distributed in the United States and Canada by Simon & Schuster and in the rest of the world through Unified Book Distribution. 

     

     

     

  • ZOFF Foods raises USD 2 million in Pre-Series B round from JM Financial Private Equity

    Mar 11: Raipur-based spice brand ZOFF Foods today announced that it has raised $2 million in a Pre-Series B funding round led by existing investor JM Financial Private Equity through JM Financial India Growth Fund III, along with Aman Gupta, Co-Founder of boAt. This marks the second round of investment in the company, reinforcing their continued confidence in the brand’s growth and market potential.

    The fresh capital will be used to strengthen offline distribution, marketing, and sales, and accelerate expansion and omnichannel growth across India. The company will also use the funds to scale its presence across quick commerce platforms and expand its General Trade network to drive deeper market penetration. ZOFF Foods, operated by Asquare Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., has built a differentiated position in India’s highly competitive spices market through its focus on purity, hygiene-led processing, in-house manufacturing, and premium packaging.

    Vinit Rai, Managing Director, JM Financial Private Equity, said,

    “ZOFF Foods stands out as a compelling investment opportunity in the Indian spice category. The founders have not just built a business but created a brand that resonates with consumers, which needs vision, consistency, and a deep understanding of the market. Our partnership is about accelerating their national expansion and helping ZOFF Foods become a leading FMCG brand that delivers sustainable value for years to come across households.”

    “I have seen ZOFF Foods evolve from a promising challenger into a brand with strong consumer trust. What truly sets them apart is their unwavering focus on quality, innovation, and disciplined execution. My continued association reflects my strong belief in the founders’ vision and in ZOFF Foods’ ability to build a leading, future-ready brand in India’s dynamic FMCG landscape,” said Aman Gupta, Co-Founder, boAt.

    Akash Agrawalla, Co-Founder, ZOFF Foods, said,

    “This funding marks a key milestone in our journey as we transition into a rapidly scaling brand. As the spices category shifts towards organised, quality-led players, we believe we are well-positioned to lead this transformation. The fresh capital will help us accelerate our offline expansion, strengthen our distribution, and continue driving innovation. With a significant share of our business coming from quick commerce and general trade, our focus remains on getting even closer to consumers across markets.”

    “Over the years, we have focused on innovation and earning consumer trust in a largely unorganised category. With JM Financial’s association, we are well-positioned to accelerate our next phase of expansion, bringing a proudly homegrown brand to every household in India.”Ashish Agrawal, Co-Founder, ZOFF Foods.

    With this round, ZOFF Foods aims to deepen its presence across general trade, modern retail, and e-commerce platforms while expanding its product portfolio across blended spices, whole spices, and allied food categories.