The Justice

by Angela Elwell Hunt

*Starred Review*

Hunt's The Justice is about the first woman vice-president, Daryn Austin, who becomes president when the sitting president dies. President Austin concentrates on domestic affairs and on being reelected. She shows herself to be a steady hand in a crisis, and her popularity rises. Then she brings in an old lover to be White House counsel, Cuban American Paul Santana, known for fighting against the return to Cuba of Elian Gonzalez. Rapidly, the two become lovers again. Paul is torn, however, over his disloyalty to his wife and daughter, and the president overplays her hand when she appoints him to the Supreme Court in an attempt to influence their agenda on women's issues. . . . . Hunt's evocation of a woman in power ("You have to play nice with girls, but if you're sharp and think ahead, you can beat them") is always suspenseful, seldom predictable, and frequently insightful.

John Mort, Booklist.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Suspense

Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2002

About the author

Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.

Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.

Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.

Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.

Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.

In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.

Reviews

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could reiterate what I said in my last review of one of Hunt's books, "The Canopy," but I will refrain. This book disappointed severely. Only occasionally did Hunt's protagonist become remotely approachable. I simply could not connect with her. That distance severely damages the experience. The plot itself drew near the absurd. I do not recommend this book.
This book did not survive the purge from my personal collection.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with political intrigue, romance, and eventually redeemed lives, Angela Hunt has once again written a great page turning novel.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of political stories, but I do love Angela Hunt. I felt the parts describing the political aspects of President Austin's day-to-day were a bit slow and dry, but I enjoyed the subtleties of characterization and relationships.
Daryn Austin is America's first woman to become VP, and then first woman President, when her predecesor dies unexpectedly. One of her first acts is to appoint her college boyfriend, Paul Santana, as her legal counsel. They secretly rekindle their romance (despite his wife and daughter), and the President manipulates him into a promotion, the better to keep him by her side. The Prez and Paul Santana mostly align in political opinion, but in one area (which is too much of a spoiler to mention, I think, as it plays a major role in the plot), Daryn is staunchly for, but her boyfriend, while publicly for it, is privately against, because of, what she chalks up to as "his Catholic guilt." President Austin is an athiest, but she's in love with a married man who is a backslidden Christian. Their relationship, and the truth of Daryn's political ambition and ruthlessness, begins to change when Paul begins to turn back towards his faith (and away from his girlfriend). The question is, how will this change Daryn Austin?
This also has a great subplot involving a very creepy fascist/white supremacist/mysogenist/religious fanatic/stalker, as well as a theme of how politics can change a person, and bring out their truer, not so lovely colors, like selfishness, and using others for political gain.
This was also my first audio book since I was a kid. I did not not much enjoy the narration by Kathy Poelker, who, I'm sure, is also the GPS lady. I kept expecting her to stop in mid-sentence and say, "Recalculating route." Her narration is equally robotic and emotionless for the most part. When she does express the characters' emotions, it's a bit melodramatic, like a bad soap opera. She even mispronounces "tousled" as "tauzeld"! I chose not to factor this into my rating, as it's not the author's fault. I really enjoyed this story, but I think I'd rather read the print book instead, and avoid any future audio books narrated by Poelker.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh. At first, I rooted for Daryn, despite our very different political views. I mean, I’m a woman, what woman hasn’t imagined seeing a sister in the White House? But then I absolutely couldn’t stand her. (If you’ve read it, you probably know which particular event I’m referring to.) Love listens when opposition is raised. Love doesn’t force relations. Love doesn’t think of themself. Daryn did not love him. And she sacrificed her future for what she thought was love when her “love” didn’t pan out like she thought it would.

All that being said, an intricately woven story by the illustrious AH. Unfortunately, she lost a star because of the stupidity of Daryn. I don’t think her character was “redeemed” like many antiheroes, and Daryn is definitely an antihero.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daryn Austin, the first female President of the United States, nominates her old friend and former lover, Paul Santana, to a seat on the Supreme Court. She thinks she has a puppet justice on the Court who will vote her way on all of the cases that come before him.

But things go horribly wrong when Paul writes an opinion that Daryn doesn't like. In a fit of pique, she tells one of her advisers to "do something" about Paul Santana. Before she even knows what's happening, Paul Santana is dead, apparently a suicide, and Daryn's Presidency starts crumbling around her ...

[Tiffany De Armond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that the author didn't glorify and expound on adultery and showed that there are consequences for bad decisions--some things can't be fixed. Most authors today are explicit in their descriptions of illicit sexual acts (which engenders excitement and anticipation) and generally do not demonstrate the negative consequences of such decisions.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and Turns

I really enjoyed this read. The author pulled me in with her artful descriptions of the power and prestige of Washington DC and her fictional characterization of the first female president of the USA. In a stunning turn of events, the lessons of love, forgiveness, and grace bring the book to an awesome conclusion.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I certainly could not predict how this story would turn out. It was good in that everything didn't wrap up neatly. But I felt there was something missing... depth of character, I guess. Not sure I will read this author again.

[Penny Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book kept me guessing, arguing, pleading and praying. Washington in recent months has had its share of political upheaval, but Hunt wrote this in 2002! Only the Lord could/can have the heart of the king in His hands.

[Sherri Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't sound like a book I would enjoy but Ms. Hunt explained the legal system along with the intriguing storyline. This book was quite suspenseful and very entertaining. I highly recommend it.

[Claudette Kilby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way it ended. Grace and forgiveness

[Shanen Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel and often think back on it. A book I will reread and enjoy again. Highly recommend this book.

[Amberinhonduras · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is decent but the story is pretty far fetched and things seem to happen pretty abruptly. Engaging enough to keep going but nothing I would rush out to read.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but was ready for it to conclude by the end.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intriguing. Most instances seemed plausible. Interesting take on politics. Too dark to keep reading all at once. Had to keep other lighter books going at the same time.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Justice by Angela Hunt is a contemporary Christian novel set around the presidency of the United States, as Daryn becomes the first female president.
The novel deals with many themes and issues but the main one is how absolute power corrupts absolutely. There is nothing wrong with being in a powerful position if one is motivated and led by truth and goodness. However when one craves power for its own sake and views each victory as propelling oneself further up the ladder of success, then there is a problem. To seek power above all else produces ruthless and cruel people who will do anything to remain in that position of power. "She had loved her ambition most of all." Power and position without being tempered by goodness can produce disastrous results.
The Justice reveals how a female president can produce passionate feelings within people. Within the novel there are white supremacists who will stop at nothing to restore white male domination.
The novel opens the readers eyes to the power struggles within the White House, as well as the issues that are faced daily. There is always concern to be seen to be looking good on the surface but underneath it is a different picture. "In the revealing light of day they talked like angels, under the cover of darkness they lived like the devil."
The reader is reminded that God does not look at our outward appearances as much as He looks into our hearts. Hearts that are pure and know God are far lovelier than a beautiful woman. God's goodness will ooze from every pore and His love shines out of one's eyes.
The novel deals with the theme of forgiveness. There are a great many 'wrongs' committed within the novel which may seem impossible to forgive in our own strength. Knowing God makes forgiveness possible.
There is no such thing as being too far from the love of God. Whatever sins one has committed, if one truly repents then God will forgive. "The One who died for you knows you better than you know yourself. And He loves you... He stands ready to forgive you." God longs to welcome His children home.
The theme of loneliness is present throughout the novel. Sometimes we can be alone in a crowded room. At other times, if we know God, even though if we live alone, we are not lonely because He will never leave us.
I enjoy all Angela Hunt's novels and I really enjoyed The Justice. Political intrigues and power struggles were contained within its pages. However for a Christian novel I was surprised at the inclusion of the topics of pre marital sex and adultery (no explicit details) and abortion for convenience, although none were portrayed in a positive light. It was however a compulsive read and the goodness of God shone through.

[Lisa Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent read by Hunt!

I love reading a work of fiction when it teaches me something! In this story, the writer provides a good education on the political machine of Washington D.C. and the process of becoming a Supreme Court justice. She also shares a few juicy tidbits about the CIA and the president’s secret service detail. I always appreciate that she is meticulous in detail!

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts[return]The first women vice president Darryn Austin finds herself suddendly thrust in history as the first women president when the president dies of aneurysm. Darryn is determined to succeed despite her critics, and she decides to ask her old college sweetheart Paul to come to Washington so that she will have one person she is sure will be her friend and ally. She even manages to get Paul appointed to the supreme court when a spot becomes vacant, and is delighted that now her positions will be supported in the Judical branch. But when Paul has a sudden change of heart following his conversion to Christianity Darryn is forced to make some tough and potentially disaterous choices.[return][return][return][return][return][return][return]Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]The narrative shifts from Darryn to Paul and sometimes to the supporting characters. Hunt paints an intriguing and realistic polictical picture, playing out her "what if's" with enough skill and believablilitly to hook the reader. Suspense is immediate with the drama of a women becoming president and trying to overcome enormous obstacles, and then the relationship tensions between Darryn and Paul take over. The faith aspect gets worked in gradually, as Paul's wife and then Paul are influenced by a fellow Supreme court justice and his family. (His wife's tranformation & struggle seemed even more real than Paul's). [return][return][return][return][return][return][return]How Good is it?[return]Enjoyed the Polictical intrigue and exploration of issues within a great story.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read. Did I mention I love Angela Hunt’s books? She usually talks about cutting edge situations. This book is no exception. She takes the possibility of a woman becoming President. Of course the president has to die for that to happen because she is the VP. But it happens. She opens you up to the possibility of a WOMAN in the white house and what that would look like. It is VERY interesting all the aspects to the position and what is expected of her. What she can do and what she can't. This is also an action packed book. I kept reading to see how this all turned out when she tries to run for re-election in her own right. It is suspenseful in parts too. You will love it.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawyer receives phone call from old flame from Law school who just became president after her predecessor's heart attack.

She is single, they had lived together, she had become pregnant but lost the baby years before.

He is now married with a college age daughter.

President wants him to come to D.C. to be his legal advisor because she knows she can trust him.

They rekindle the flame.

She then appoints him to a vacancy which she created on the Supreme Court. He is vetted and approved.

He begins to see her for what she has become, thinks on his own for the first time seeing things another way and becomes a Christian. He does not act as she wants and the explosion starts....

Better at the end than at the beginning!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected woman POTUS must adjust and also gather advisors and colleagues she can trust. The most significant is a man she once loved who has always kept to the most honest agenda. That's just the beginning, and the tale moves forward like a train gathering steam and racing forward. Plot twists keep you reading onward when you think you ought to go to bed for the night. All this without dishonor or erotica. Excellent read!
Kathy Poelker is the right fit for this book and provides an excellent voice performance, once again! Blessed with a reader's voice quality, she brings the characters to life beyond the author's efforts.
A gift from a friend.

[Larisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a page turner closer to the middle of the book. Hunt does a good job realistically developing the characters of Paul Santana and Madame President Austin.... who blame God for all the wrong in their lives and the world. Hunt hints at the truth that our Merciful and just God is a gentleman who allows us free will and HE is a Loving God who is eagerly waiting for us to come to the end of ourselves and surrender to HIM & enjoy TRUE freedom, that comes from an intimate kinship with our Heavenly Fathet

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Although Angela Hunt is a Christian Fiction Author, she included not only some highly inspirational characters, but also dark politics, murder, scandal, adultry in the Presidential Office. This is an amazingly good read. Also, it's one of her earlier (2002) books I just stumbled upon.

[Stacy Voss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Angela Hunt, but it won't be the last!

There are many times I have a hard time reading Christian fiction because all too often it seems like the characters' lives become "peachy" from the moment of their conversion. I love the real-life struggles presented here, even while writing it from an angle of faith. Excellent read!

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know AEH is one of my favorite writers and this is one of my fav. of her books. And as the years pass the political climate portrayed in this books looks more and more real. Oh, where are we headed?

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this book at all. It's like she was too caught up in the details of the story to actually write a story. The amazing display of forgiveness at the end was this book's only redeeming quality.

[Dana's Fire · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of her best

I have read several of Angela Hunts books. This one was a bit different. It was the Afterword that brought it all together. This will leave you thinking. About political corruption and grace.

[Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

book was ok, a page turner just wish someone did not have to die for someone to be turned to christ.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

the writing is terrible, I never finished it because it was so predictable and boring.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book rather intersting, considering events happening in our political world this year; especially since it was written in 2002. Ended a little different than I expected.