An entertaining and erudite history that offers a fresh look at America's first founding father, the creation of his legend, and what it means for our nation and ourselves George Washington's death on December 14, 1799, dealt a dreadful blow to public morale. For three decades, Americans had depended on his leadership to guide them through every trial. At the cusp of a new century, the fledgling nation, caught in another war (this time with its former ally France), desperately needed to believe that Washington was and would continue to be there for them.Thus began the extraordinary immortalization of this towering historical figure. In Inventing George Washington, historian Edward G. Lengel shows how the late president and war hero continued to serve his nation on two distinct levels. The public Washington evolved into an eternal symbol as Father of His Country, while the private man remained at the periphery of the national vision always just out of reach for successive generations yearning to know him as never before. Both images, public and private, were vital to perceptions Americans had of their nation and themselves. Yet over time, as Lengel shows, the contrasting and simultaneous urges to deify Washington and to understand him as a man have produced tensions that have played out in every generation. As some exalted him, others sought to bring him down to earth, creating a series of competing mythologies that depicted Washington as every sort of human being imaginable. Inventing George Washington explores these representations, shedding new light on this national emblem, our nation itself, and who we are.

A bold new theory about the Sun Earth relationship, its role in history, and its potentially disastrous future.We are in the midst of one of the most massive, powerful, and relentless solar storms in history, reports science journalist and solar expert Lawrence Joseph, and a single, random blast from the Sun could well destroy our way of life at any time. Tracing the Sun's behavior and its influence on Earth from the most recent Ice Age to the present and connecting groundbreaking research in solar physics to biology, politics, and culture, Joseph alerts us to the tremendous vulnerability of our infrastructure and delivers the tools and strategies we need to outsmart the Sun and protect Earth's satellites and other vital systems from the coming solar apocalypse. Solar Cataclysm implores us to rethink our understanding of human history and redefine our relationship with the 4.57-billion-year-old thermonuclear behemoth in order to defend our future.The connection between human history and solar activity has gone largely untold until now. Carefully examining the 4.57-billion-year story of our relationship with the Sun, science reporter and bestselling author Lawrence Joseph demonstrates how nearly every aspect of earthly existence and human behavior has always been and continues to be susceptible to changes in the Sun the basis for his "Moody Sun Hypothesis." As we come to realize that the Sun is far more turbulent and explosive than imagined, we must also come to terms with the fact that our future is more vulnerable to the Sun than ever suspected.From the Sun's role in global climate change to its constant threat of catastrophic solar blasts, and from stories of solar activity causing rifts in religion in the Middle Ages to the way sunspots are messing with our moods and minds today, Solar Cataclysm examines the myriad ways the ever-changing Sun disrupts our personal lives, determines the course of history, and shapes our destiny.But this isn't a tale of doom. Our fates, collectively and individually, aren't tethered to the Sun's ups and downs. With captivating storytelling and witty prose, Joseph shows us how to draw on the tools and expertise including the very latest solar science research and technology advances, as well as human ingenuity and survival instincts to respond effectively to the Sun's threats and to shield ourselves and our atmosphere, satellite system, power grids, and nuclear power infrastructure from the Sun's impending assault.How did the Sun King, Louis XIV, ban sunspots for virtually all of his seventy-two-year reignWhat makes Stanford and Purdue University scientists so sure that the Sun is sending out secret, vitally important messages todaySmart and engaging, Solar Cataclysm guides us to a new, dynamic, life-affirming level of interconnectedness among self, planet, and sustaining star.

THE WILD WEST AWAITS… Any other socialite would view being packed off to a remote Oregon ranch as a punishment. But Gracelyn Riley knows that this is her opportunity to become a real reporter. If she can make her name through an interview with the elusive hero known as Stryker, then she’ll never have to depend upon anyone ever again. Rancher Trevor Cruz can’t believe his secret identity is being endangered by an overly chatty city girl. But if there’s one thing he knows, it’s that Gracie’s pretty little snooping nose is bound to get her in trouble. So he’ll use her determination to find “Stryker” to keep an eye on her…and stick close by her side.

THE CAPTAIN OF HER HEART Dashing and valiantly wounded, Captain John Gallows could have stepped straight out of a navy recruitment poster. Leanne Sample can’t help being impressed—although the lovely Red Cross volunteer tries to hide it. She knows better than to get attached to the daring captain who is only home to heal and help rally support for the war’s final push. As soon as he’s well enough, he’ll rush back to Europe, back to war—and far away from South Carolina and Leanne. But when an epidemic strikes the university campus, John comes to realize what it truly means to be a hero—Leanne’s hero.

SANCTUARY IN WYOMING? To escape a dreaded arranged marriage, Penny Castlerock will face anything—even life on her grandfather’s farm. But it isn’t the rustic lifestyle that’s got the Philadelphia socialite tied in knots. It’s the handsome homesteader and his eight adopted children next door….

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling—or dangerous. Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her “straynge band of mysfits” have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper. Jasper lies in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade–the dangerous device Jasper stole from him for the life of the girl Jasper loves. One false move from Jasper, and the strange clockwork collar around Mei’s neck tightens. And tightens. To help those she’s come to care for so deeply, Finley Jayne must infiltrate a criminal gang, and more than ever rely on powerful English duke Griffin King to balance her dark magic with her good side. At war with himself over his secret attraction to Finley, Griffin will risk his life and reputation to save her. Only problem is, Finley might like the dark side a little too much… "Kady Cross never disappoints." —Sherrilyn Kenyon, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Sex, lies and Valentines! Alexandra Pemberton had promised her newspaper a Valentine exclusive: the story of Leo Hamilton's whirlwind engagement to Fiona Bliss. By fair means or foul - and more likely foul! - Fiona had succeeded where many had failed, and got the world's most determined bachelor at least halfway to the altar! Alex was impressed! She was also - she had to admit - jealous as hell! Eight years ago Leo had almost seduced Alex - almost. It had never been enough. And dogging Leo's all-too-attractive heels, Alex realized that she wanted Leo as an exclusive, all right - exclusively hers! Mary Lyons writes sharp, sophisticated and sexy stories that will leave you chuckling and breathless for more!

What had she let herself in for? Christy King just knew that when she and Drew Michaels met again sparks would fly. So why had she accepted his challenge? Being isolated with this infuriating man might be some women's idea of paradise, but certainly not hers. Had she made a terrible mistake? And then the memories of their night of passion returned to haunt her… .

An Offer She Couldn't Refuse? When powerful Brent Akerman announced his intention to close down his chain of fashion accessory shops, somebody had to ask him to reconsider. Crystal was elected. Brent was open to suggestions and he didn't pull any punches - he liked Crystal, respected her talents and wanted to hire her for other projects. It was also clear that he wouldn't mind mixing business with pleasure. Crystal's feelings ran deep for the sexy man she no longer considered a stranger, but dare she use their mutual attraction as a negotiating tool?

She needed money… for her mother's operation. He wanted a son and heir… .and he was prepared to pay for it. A contract for seduction: Cameron Hunter's offer was extraordinary, but his terms were simple: he would possess Nadine, body and soul… and the resulting baby would be his. Yet, for Nadine, this could never be a straightforward business arrangement. Cameron was the only man she'd ever loved - and he was now the father of her child. She just couldn't walk away! Once again, Elizabeth Power "tugs on all our emotions." - Romantic Times

Nothing but Trouble Lucy Preston had been a headache for Mark Waterford since she was a teenager - a rebel whose only cause was to make her infuriatingly autocratic stepbrother's life as miserable as possible. She'd grown up somewhat in the past years; she'd found a niche at Waterford Consortium and had mercifully avoided any confrontations. Until Mark decided to make her his assistant. Mark was considered to be every woman's dream man, and Lucy hoped that one of them would quickly get him off her back. And then she realized that Mark's attention wasn't nearly as unwelcome as it once had been!

Wedlocked "I hate you Greg Prescott… I just hate you." Five years ago, Greg had deceived Abbie, and now fate had delivered even crueler blows. Abbie's sister and brother-in-law had been tragically killed, and Abbie found herself in America, as the joint guardian of her beloved twin nieces… a guardianship she shared with Greg. He wouldn't hear of her taking the little girls back to England. But if she wanted to stay with them she was faced with a cruel alternative - a loveless marriage to Greg, who made it quite plain that he expected to share her bed… .

FROM HERE TO PATERNITY Dominic's child was also Sophie's son… Sophie and Dominic shared one night of love… the result was Ryan. Sophie was determined to bring the baby up by herself. After all, Dominic had made it perfectly clear that Sophie was the person responsible for ruining his life. But, if that was the case, why did he pursue her and propose marriage to her? On the point of accepting, Sophie was devastated by the arrival of Dominic's fiancee. Who would Dominic choose now? FROM HERE TO PATERNITY - men who find their way to fatherhood by fair means, by foul, or even by default!

NANNY WANTED By a lively, lonely four-year-old… and his handsome, eligible guardian… Pierce Wagner was getting used to changes in his once orderly life, now that he was responsible for his cousin's little boy. Apart from having a four-year-old running riot through his luxury home, he was also having to take orders from Tommy's beautiful but headstrong new nanny! Nicole's natural flair with Tommy soon bowled Pierce over, and not only was he now playing father, he was also considering another new role - as Nicole's husband. Would he still want to marry Nicole when he discovered that she had failed to tell him one important detail about herself - something that would explain her immediate bond with Tommy… ?

The baby deception Soon after rebel Joe Donnelly's sizzling night with debutante Imogen Palmer, she had fled. But ten years later, she was back - just as exquisite as ever. And Joe wanted answers. For he had stumbled upon the secret behind her hasty departure - she'd been pregnant with his child… . In search for the truth, Joe was about to uncover an astonishing story that would culminate in a heart-rending reunion with the daughter he never knew he had, and her beautiful mother, Imogen - a woman he should never have allowed to get away… .

SIR GUY HAD THE FACE OF AN ARCHANGEL~ Yet his vow of silence and monkish cowl hid thoughts that would make the devil blush! For the innocent beauty of Celeste de Montcalm was a temptation that he could scarcely resist. But was his urge to protect her from the evil lord to whom she was promised an honorable one, or just an excuse to claim the lady as his own?

The Town Preacher And The Town Madam… Haunted by his sordid past as the notorious gunslinger Nevada, Reverend Wade Weston had declared war against sin in the small town of Hanging Tree, Texas. But he hadn't counted on the arrival of the exotic Jade Jewel, whose visions of building a pleasure palace threatened the peace of the community, and whose person aroused in him passions that threatened to claim his immortal soul. Diamond, Pearl, Jade and Ruby, The Jewels of Texas . Four sisters as wild and vibrant as the untamed land they fought to protect.

Andrew Haywood Was In Trouble He knew he'd promised to watch out for Cally DuBois. But he'd never expected to be mooning over a wildflower of a woman who'd just as soon shoot him as look at him! Sheriff Haywood just kept looking out for her, no matter what kind of weapon she waved at him. And Cally was beginning to think the stubborn man was blinded by that fever she saw in his eyes every time he looked at her. A fever that she seemed to be catching!

Winona Abbot hadn't a clue as to who was stealing jewelry from all her rich friends. But at the rate she was going, she'd never find the thief, not with the continued distraction of the enigmatic Garrett Blackhawk, a man whose only goal appeared to be to steal her heart! Baron Garrett Blackhawk had known few women with the spark and daring of Winona Abbot. And her attempts to ignore the heat that flared between them only strengthened his desire to uncover her secrets and make the icy beauty his own.

Of All the Rotten Luck! Kelsey Rodgers was already in trouble up to her elbows. The last thing she needed was a U.S. Marshal staying at her hotel. Especially one as sharp, sexy and dangerous as Clay Chandler was turning out to be! Clay just knew that Kelsey was going to get him into hot water. The little whirlwind had more secrets than sense and more sass than was legal. And darned if she hadn't gone and swept him off his feet like a greenhorn kid!

In Wildwood Valley, Trouble Wore a Badge enticingly pinned to Sheriff Ben Kearney's broad, muscular wall of a chest - and Jessamyn Whittaker was determined to find a way around it. But how could she, when just looking at the man put her at a loss for words? The day Jess Whittaker stepped off the stage, Ben Kearney knew he was in for a hell of a ride. The woman had not only inherited her father's nosiness, but boasted her own special talent for trouble - and a real knack for dragging him into the thick of it!