Book excerpt: As the only son of a wealthy mill owner in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England, Jonathan Lucas is destined to become a millwright and a mill owner in northeast England like his father John Lucas. He lives a protected life behind the walls of his father's reputation and business success. The challenges of coming of age in the 1760's are soon approached by the young Jonathan as he enters an apprenticeship with his Uncle William Lucas. He travels to Manchester, which is far away from his mother and father's loving care. He encounters many adventures as he learns and loves his way toward adulthood and hopefully, a successful career of his own. Jonathan must choose between two beautiful girls that enter his life in a most memorable way. One is the epitome of beauty, grace and refinement. She is the lady that most women aspired to become in eighteenth century Great Britain. The other is a fiery, auburn-headed beauty that stirs passions deep within the men who meet her. Her family's background gives his parents pause concerning this most desirable woman. The decision is not an easy one, but one that has to be made, ... sooner or later. The American Revolution profoundly affects the fortunes of Jonathan's family, as well as all businessmen in Britain, America and most of the trading nations of the world. It prematurely ends the apprenticeship that he was serving with his father's brother William. It also brings a threat from an old friend of the family that is most unexpected and unwelcomed. Returning to Whitehaven, Jonathan takes a wife and starts a family of his own. Tragedy strikes and changes the course of his life. Thrust into a new role as a father and head of his own household, Jonathan continues to be confronted with difficulties, in both his business and personal life. He is offered an opportunity that would not only change his future, but change the world. Life, love, and destiny are put to the test as Jonathan comes face to face with what could be catastrophe or incredible fame and fortune. This story is the first in a series of books that will follow this important genius and his descendants as they move from Merry Old England to The Low Country of Antebellum South Carolina, to become "The Rice Kings. Follow Jonathan as the abrupt changes of his world throw everything he knows into turmoil. Check out the website: davidhenrylucasbooks.com