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.

It startles the life out of her to come home and find a man in her bedroom! But even more so when Varnie Sutton discovers that the man is CEO Leon Beaumont, her brother's boss! Leon is using Varnie's country house to avoid the media, but when Varnie discovers that her brother's job is at risk if she doesn't let him stay–they're stuck with each other! Especially when it's splashed across the front pages of every newspaper that the couple have just become engaged…

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS HAD GRANT EXPECTED THIS. His late wife, Ally, speaking on a memory videotape she'd left behind, was actually suggesting he start dating. "Date?" Grant thought aloud. "Who would I date? Who wants a widower who lives on a principal's salary and has three daughters?" Clearly anticipating his reaction, Ally said into the camera, "I know you're going to sit around for weeks saying you wouldn't know who to ask if you wanted to go on a date. I've thought this out, too." She leaned forward in the chair. "Jenna," she said softly. "I want you to date my best friend, Jenna. And, Grant, I think you'll fall in love with her."

Josh and Bella have been friends for years, but suddenly Bella is starting to see "her Josh" in a very different light. She's falling in love! It's confusing enough but, worse, Josh has just asked her to be his pretend fiancée… Josh needs a stand-in fiancée to clinch a business deal. Bella finally agrees to play the part but, after they spend a week on an exotic island pretending to be head over heels in love, the tension becomes almost unbearable! Especially when Josh starts to wonder if his best friend is pretending at all…

Audra Conlan has always been flirtatious, flamboyant and wild, until fate gives her a second chance she vows not to waste. This time she'll repent her mistakes, face her estranged family–and evade men like photographer Seth Ridley, whose sexy smile and welcoming ways tempt her to fall for him, hard and fast. But when her past threatens her new life, will Audra dare to forgive the woman she once was–and embrace the woman she was meant to be…a woman worth loving?

Gabriel Stearne might be a brilliant businessman–but there's nothing on his illustrious resume about children! So the unexpected delivery to the office of a baby leaves him only one place to turn–his personal assistant, Tess Gordon…. Gabriel and Tess have been hiding their fiery attraction for each other behind strictly professional behavior. Now Tess has to stay in Gabriel's apartment to help him care for little Harry. And between late-night feeds and early wake-up calls, anything could happen!

SHE HAD EVERYTHING A GIRL COULD WANT–EXCEPT A HUSBAND! So career-girl Elise Montgomery turned to The Husband Finder, a trendy guidebook, to locate one. Only, according to the manual, her choice–sexy farmer Zane Keaton–was definitely Mr. Wrong! Yet, after a few of Zane's knee-weakening kisses, Elise wondered if he might be marriage material after all…. AVOID FEMALES WHO MISTAKE MARRIAGE FOR MERGER AND ACQUISITION! That had been Zane's motto…until he met Rise. Although sweet, sassy and seductive, Elise was too ambitious to be Zane's ideal wife, or was she? And what would it take to get Elise to say yes to a lifetime of domestic bliss?

HE WAS A HEARTHROB…AND Amelia Gallagher delighted in taunting ' Larry Mackenzie—the gorgeous partner at the law firm where she worked. He was every woman's fantasy—except for one minor detail. He was utterly opposed to commitment. So why I was he carting around a seven-month-old baby? A NEW DAD! Named guardian of a client's daughter, Mac vowed he'd find little Katie the kind of family he never had. Until then, he'd need some help mastering the art of baby talk. Enter strikingly beautiful Amelia, who usually drove Mac crazy with her teasing. But when a snowstorm trapped them in his house, something else started driving him crazy—the idea that his home was the L perfect size for a family of three….

Can this blind date lead to an appointment at the altar…? Serena–loves everything in life, except for blind dates! She's turned her back on her unconventional upbringing, and her deepest wish is to marry Mr. Right…. Jake–is a highly successful and focused businessman. He's worked hard to escape his roots, and now lives by one rule: never get married! A romantic candlelit restaurant, a dozen red roses, champagne on ice…the scene is set for the perfect blind date!

Lily Andersen only wanted to be the best nanny possible to the adorable Brewster triplets, but Chas Brewster was difficult to ignore. He was handsome, fascinating, and the way he loved the babies called to her most basic instincts. But he was also off-limits! No matter how Lily longed to grow closer to Chas, it was not a good idea to get involved with the boss. Yet as the light-night cuddles led to grown-up kisses, Lily had a hard time remembering her place wasn't in Chas's arms….

A MILLIONAIRE… Patrick Farr is perfectly happy with his bachelor life, wining and dining beautiful young women. If only he could make them understand that he will never marry for love…. A MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE… Louisa Dennison is the perfect PA. She's also a single mom, bringing up two very demanding kids! So when Patrick proposes, her answer is definitely no! Or is it? A MARRIAGE FOR REAL? Patrick's offer could answer Lou's prayers–financial security for life. But will their attempts to avoid love lead them to exactly that…?

WHEN FATE STEPS IN… Joe Delacamp was speechless. Louisa Clancy was the last person he'd expected to see when he walked into the sweet-smelling Perry Square bake shop. She was just as beautiful as he'd remembered, but it wasn't until the E.R. doc caught a glimpse of her green-eyed little boy that he realized that Louisa's whereabouts weren't the only thing she'd been keeping secret for the last eight years. Now he needed to figure out a way to win the trust of the little boy he never knew he had—along with the heart of the woman he'd never stopped loving….

Reclusive widower Max Fleming needs a new secretary. Plain-Jane Jilly Prescott seems perfect. And she's hardly likely to fall for him when she's still pining for her old boyfriend. Max has even offered to help Jilly get her man! The plan seems simple: with a new haircut, a new wardrobe and sexy tycoon Max on her arm to escort her to the hottest parties, Jilly's bound to attract the attention of her old flame. But "dating" Jilly is giving Max all sorts of ideas. None of which involve handing Jilly over to another man!

Phoebe is facing her worst nightmare: an invitation to her ex-fiancé's wedding! About to put on a brave face and pretend her life is just perfect, she's rescued by her best friend's brilliant idea: Phoebe can hire their gorgeous new flatmate, Gib, to pose as her doting new fiancé! It sounds like an ideal face-saving plan–until Phoebe and Gib meet. Gib, on a mission to prove he can be "just good friends" with a woman, finds his willpower tested by Phoebe. And Phoebe is having trouble remembering they're only pretending to be in love! It's all set to be a wedding to remember…

A successful businesswoman and single mom, Aimee has everything she wants in life–especially her little boy. But Toby is sick, and Aimee now needs the one person she thought she'd never see again–Toby's father, Jed. When Jed left Aimee five years ago he thought he was doing the right thing. But he hadn't realized Aimee was pregnant–or how much it would hurt when he walked away. Now that Jed has found his family he's determined to make up for lost time. He wants to prove to Aimee that he can be the father Toby needs and the husband she deserves.

When Lorna Farrell finds herself caught up in a pretend engagement with handsome oil tycoon Mitch Ellery, she knows she's playing with fire. Mitch is the key to Lorna being reunited with her real family. He's also the only man she's ever loved–and the one man she can't have! Mitch must never guess Lorna's true feelings, but pretending to be in love leads to complications. If Lorna walks away, she loses everything. But as the attraction between them intensifies, should she take a risk and confess her secrets?

ALL HE WANTED FOR CHRISTMAS… was to get away from the hustle and bustle of another lonely holiday season. But when Tucker Maddock stopped at what he thought was a quaint country inn, he found himself at a reunion of the big, boisterous Marsh family–who instantly welcomed their "long-lost cousin" with open arms…. It was tempting to pretend, just for a little while, that this close, loving family was his own. But there was one small problem–a woman named Ruth Marsh. She was suspicious of him from the start–and so beautiful, he definitely didn't want her to think they were related! And suddenly Tucker could think of something he'd really like to unwrap come Christmas morning….

Brian Kemp didn't put much faith in happy endings, but when his orphaned niece's puppy got sick, the hard-nosed cop turned to the one woman capable of performing miracles…. Back in the day, Jessica Moran had been plain, plump and unpopular–and very much in love with golden-boy Brian. Now she was all grown up, hauntingly beautiful and doing just fine…. Until her high school heartthrob showed up on her doorstep with his sad-eyed niece and injured pup in tow. But Jessica knew better than to give her heart to the man who'd made her stop believing in happily-ever-after long ago…. Didn't she? He'd asked her to heal the pooch, but maybe she would heal his brooding heart, as well!

She didn't believe in love or marriage–for herself at least. For others, wedding consultant Kelsey Armstrong Waters planned the most perfect weddings–and hoped for the best. But her much-married parents made her vow never to step down the aisle. Until she met Will Addison. He'd come to beg Kelsey's help in planning his flighty sister's wedding, and against her instincts she'd agreed. He was handsome, sexy, a romantic who believed in love–and a man who stirred dreams she'd thought long gone. Now Kelsey was even forgetting the most basic rule: Remember–you're not the bride! Or would she be?

She'd run from her fairy-tale wedding and with the help of a stranger she was now holed up in a remote location, trying to catch her breath. But Carly Albright knew it was only a matter of time before her past caught up with her…. ^Mysterious women with secrets were tempting, but Devon Brannigan planned on resisting the urge to get closer to Carly. He'd done his good deed in rescuing her and had offered his protection. There were plenty of things in his past that gave him no pright to get closer to Carly. No reason to care for her. And still, how could he 'resist her?