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By Design #9
Campaign Trial
Governor Candace Reid is embarking on an adventure few ever have the courage to take. She's launched her campaign to become the first lesbian to receive the Democratic nomination for president.
It's only the beginning and already Candace faces criticism from multiple corners. A wealthy businessman has thrown his hat in the ring from the other side of the aisle and has joined forces with her long-time rival, Lawson Klein.
Candace's former senate colleague, Senator George Keyes is gearing up to fight her for the nomination, and his approach has surprised everyone on her team.
Meanwhile, Candace is forced to navigate the landmines being the Governor of New York present. There's still a serial killer on the loose, a budget that needs to be passed, and a host of other issues that demand her attention. It all pales by comparison to the role she plays as wife, mother, and grandmother.
Follow Candace and Jameson as they face serial killers, precocious five-year-olds, competing priorities, hectic schedules, and colorful family members. A healthy dose of laughter, a few tears, tons of questions, and a handful of fortune cookies can predict only one thing—life is never dull with the Fletcher-Reid Clan. Campaign Trail is the ninth episode in the popular BY DESIGN series.
It's only the beginning and already Candace faces criticism from multiple corners. A wealthy businessman has thrown his hat in the ring from the other side of the aisle and has joined forces with her long-time rival, Lawson Klein.
Candace's former senate colleague, Senator George Keyes is gearing up to fight her for the nomination, and his approach has surprised everyone on her team.
Meanwhile, Candace is forced to navigate the landmines being the Governor of New York present. There's still a serial killer on the loose, a budget that needs to be passed, and a host of other issues that demand her attention. It all pales by comparison to the role she plays as wife, mother, and grandmother.
Follow Candace and Jameson as they face serial killers, precocious five-year-olds, competing priorities, hectic schedules, and colorful family members. A healthy dose of laughter, a few tears, tons of questions, and a handful of fortune cookies can predict only one thing—life is never dull with the Fletcher-Reid Clan. Campaign Trail is the ninth episode in the popular BY DESIGN series.
372 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2017
137 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 4, 2022
Love this series
I seriously can't help but love these series. They portray love and family so well. But the humour keeps me laughing long after the book has finished. How can you not love Candace and JD? Not forgetting their family. It's like a soap opera. You find yourself laughing, crying and cheering them on.
If you want a light hearted read that will make you smile give Armstrong a go. There is nothing more engaging than an easy read in my opinion. It takes away the issues of the world for a few minutes and allows you to appreciate that some people in the world are good. It's not all bad.
Enjoy! I did. I'm off to search for the next one.
I seriously can't help but love these series. They portray love and family so well. But the humour keeps me laughing long after the book has finished. How can you not love Candace and JD? Not forgetting their family. It's like a soap opera. You find yourself laughing, crying and cheering them on.
If you want a light hearted read that will make you smile give Armstrong a go. There is nothing more engaging than an easy read in my opinion. It takes away the issues of the world for a few minutes and allows you to appreciate that some people in the world are good. It's not all bad.
Enjoy! I did. I'm off to search for the next one.
October 18, 2017
There was a lot of talking. Pages and pages of talking. Circular talking, around the issue, to others than the person they should be talking to. And repetitively being told they should talk. And them saying they know, and literally trembling in fear to talk to the other.
Oh, and a bunch of angst, and feelings of guilt, and stuff. Pearl had a good response to all this nonsense (there needs to be more Pearl).
Course even the good parts gets repeated, because that's the way these stories go. Again Pearl's the voice of reason -
And words of wisdom, randomly tossed out, by those who need to use it themselves in their own lives, but apparently don't, they pass it on instead:
And sometimes they tell it to themselves. But do they listen to themselves? Do they?
What were the earthshaking things both need to tell others? And were they the only ones with 'secrets' they needed to unload? No they were not the only ones with secrets. And don't worry, if you miss the issue the first time, it'll be repeated several more times, 8?, throughout the book. Like how JD has holes in her from having missed seeing the kids grow up - how she hadn't been there; also, that people should not read into that emotion, because she really doesn't actually want to have a baby, she just doesn't like how she missed out on Candy's kids growing up. Or how Shell got used to the concept that she'd be the one to carry the baby in her partnership with Mel; but now Mel's going to be the one; and how she wants to not upset Mel; but never thought she'd want to carry a baby herself, but now she kind of wants to feel the baby moving inside of herself (don't worry, later she gets sad because she got used to the idea of Mel carrying the baby, and starts to pre-miss how she could have placed her hand on Mel and felt the baby kicking. But, eh, Mel's a very emotional person. Like a cactus. Cacti are very emotional plants).
Right, so, this book is about talking. With occasional breaks for politics. And serial killers. And children. And evil assholes. And stuff.
Rating: 3.00
October 18 2017
Oh, and a bunch of angst, and feelings of guilt, and stuff. Pearl had a good response to all this nonsense (there needs to be more Pearl).
"The only thing you've got to be guilty about is how often you feel guilty."- around 38% into the book.
"In other words, knock it off."
"Not in other words. Knock it off."
Course even the good parts gets repeated, because that's the way these stories go. Again Pearl's the voice of reason -
"I'm telling you to stop blaming yourself for what happens to everyone else. That's what you would tell every one of us. And, stop thinking you know what's best for all of us too."- 40% into the book.
And words of wisdom, randomly tossed out, by those who need to use it themselves in their own lives, but apparently don't, they pass it on instead:
"I still think you should talk to Mom."- Michelle to Jameson, both of whom would rather talk to others about their 'things' than with the person they should be talking to (Mel in Shell's case, Candy in JD's case). - 41% into the book.
...
"She wouldn't want you to keep it inside."
And sometimes they tell it to themselves. But do they listen to themselves? Do they?
Talk to her, JD. Just talk to her.
What were the earthshaking things both need to tell others? And were they the only ones with 'secrets' they needed to unload? No they were not the only ones with secrets. And don't worry, if you miss the issue the first time, it'll be repeated several more times, 8?, throughout the book. Like how JD has holes in her from having missed seeing the kids grow up - how she hadn't been there; also, that people should not read into that emotion, because she really doesn't actually want to have a baby, she just doesn't like how she missed out on Candy's kids growing up. Or how Shell got used to the concept that she'd be the one to carry the baby in her partnership with Mel; but now Mel's going to be the one; and how she wants to not upset Mel; but never thought she'd want to carry a baby herself, but now she kind of wants to feel the baby moving inside of herself (don't worry, later she gets sad because she got used to the idea of Mel carrying the baby, and starts to pre-miss how she could have placed her hand on Mel and felt the baby kicking. But, eh, Mel's a very emotional person. Like a cactus. Cacti are very emotional plants).
Right, so, this book is about talking. With occasional breaks for politics. And serial killers. And children. And evil assholes. And stuff.
Rating: 3.00
October 18 2017
September 5, 2017
I love this book. I love this series.
March 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous Road Blocks mainly because there was much more of a story that diluted some of the over sweetness. The ‘murkiness’ of American politics is quite topical, in fact given Trump, the possible corruption and backstabbing in this story is probably too mild.
I nearly gave this book 4 stars, the reason I didn’t, is for a lot of the book they seemed to be having the same, or similar, discussions over and over again. The author made a point, then made it again, then again.
I nearly gave this book 4 stars, the reason I didn’t, is for a lot of the book they seemed to be having the same, or similar, discussions over and over again. The author made a point, then made it again, then again.
April 26, 2023
My rating for this installment in the series went from 3.0 to 4.24 stars. After second time reading it, I thought the narrative was much better—more engrossing—than I remember it.
September 1, 2017
Again, outstanding!
Their life is not a piece of cake and certainly not during the election campaign. Launching a campaign means chaos and Candace has a lot on her plate. She has to deal with pressure, manipulation, fierce debates, dirty tricks but also with a killer case. Jameson is her tower of strength in these turbulent times. Not only politics governed their lives also the family creates a stir, a very pleasant turmoil. As always, this is an outstanding sequel. Full of humor and love. This is such an excellent series, I can't recommend it enough.
Their life is not a piece of cake and certainly not during the election campaign. Launching a campaign means chaos and Candace has a lot on her plate. She has to deal with pressure, manipulation, fierce debates, dirty tricks but also with a killer case. Jameson is her tower of strength in these turbulent times. Not only politics governed their lives also the family creates a stir, a very pleasant turmoil. As always, this is an outstanding sequel. Full of humor and love. This is such an excellent series, I can't recommend it enough.
November 24, 2017
Campaign Trail exemplifies my problems with serialized books.
As the books go on, there is no story left for the writer to tell and then it becomes a meandering mess in order to keep the series going.
I have struggled with the last three installments of this series and, will be getting off the train with this one.
I am surprised when I read 4 and 5 star reviews from other readers. I wish I could agree but, that's not my experience upon reading.
As the books go on, there is no story left for the writer to tell and then it becomes a meandering mess in order to keep the series going.
I have struggled with the last three installments of this series and, will be getting off the train with this one.
I am surprised when I read 4 and 5 star reviews from other readers. I wish I could agree but, that's not my experience upon reading.
July 18, 2019
This is book 9 of the By Design series and I never want it to end! J A is such a master at writing dialogue between all the characters that I feel like I'm part of the conversation in the same room as they are. This book touches on what goes on today in modern day politics, but the core of this book, and this entire series, is " family love. ". It's just so beautiful. I love Candace, Jameson, Cooper and the entire Fletcher-Reid clan. I'm going to pick up book 10 right now. Kudos to this extremely talented author and her totally fabulous writing. I wish I could give it more than 5*s!!!
January 20, 2022
Another full length novel (374 pages) in this series. While I am still enjoying the series and my connection to the characters if I had started with this one I don't know if I would rush to read the series as a whole. Governor Candace Reid is officially running for president of the United States and is on the campaign trail. Not only is she battling for the against other from her own party for the nomination the other side is throwing heat her way as well. J.D. (Jamison) in the mean time is running the family and is everyones confidant. She listens to Michelle and her baby plans, talks to Marianne about starting a new relationship after being a young widow. She confides her own feelings of missing out having the whole lifetime of a kid experience with Candace (but she doesn't want a baby). The conversations are great but this time around they get said to one person and then you have to hear the same thing with another person and it got a bit much. To add some action they do manage to finish up the serial killer side story. The next book is already cued up from kindle unlimited.
August 16, 2021
Many topics in this book in the series. If seems like several story lines from previous books were coming together and setting the stage for the rest of the series. Politics, intrigue, some suspense are all a part of it, but I most liked the growth of the relationships, and less reliance on the same lines from previous books. Eager to read the next installment.
April 27, 2020
I am getting tired of the series. Getting harder to complete the books. very much the same. this was down to about a 3.5
August 16, 2024
Fun boo as Candace uns for the democratic nomniondfor presidentk
October 29, 2017
Love Love
I love this series. I hate politics but this is just enough to give me an idea of how things happen but not so much that it makes me want to stop reading. Love Candace and Jameson. Can't wait for the next one.
I love this series. I hate politics but this is just enough to give me an idea of how things happen but not so much that it makes me want to stop reading. Love Candace and Jameson. Can't wait for the next one.
August 29, 2017
Just keeps building to better things
I really love this series. I loved how she mixed in Alex and Cassidy with Candace and Jameson. I had already read Untold so I knew that part of the story but it was great to see this side of the same story.
I really love the expanded family and the intermingling of ages and children in the story. However I really do think they are all lunatics.
I really love this series. I loved how she mixed in Alex and Cassidy with Candace and Jameson. I had already read Untold so I knew that part of the story but it was great to see this side of the same story.
I really love the expanded family and the intermingling of ages and children in the story. However I really do think they are all lunatics.
September 7, 2017
Another Outstanding Book
I love JA's series. This series though is my favorite! All the character have depth. In this series you laugh and cry. The family is so close and the love they have for each other touches your heart. The depth of the love Candace and Jamison have is one that most long to have. It reaches to the very core of their beings. I can't wait for the next one!!
I love JA's series. This series though is my favorite! All the character have depth. In this series you laugh and cry. The family is so close and the love they have for each other touches your heart. The depth of the love Candace and Jamison have is one that most long to have. It reaches to the very core of their beings. I can't wait for the next one!!
September 4, 2017
I loved this book.
I loved Campaign Trail. Very entertaining. Great story. It takes a lot to keep up with the way that JD and Candace's family is expanding. The behind the scenes look at politics is interesting.
I loved Campaign Trail. Very entertaining. Great story. It takes a lot to keep up with the way that JD and Candace's family is expanding. The behind the scenes look at politics is interesting.
September 8, 2017
Great read
Great catching up with Fletcher-Reid clan. It's awesome to see that other characters from JA other series are being introduced into this series. Can't wait to see what happens next
Great catching up with Fletcher-Reid clan. It's awesome to see that other characters from JA other series are being introduced into this series. Can't wait to see what happens next
February 7, 2021
A world I want to live in
An out lesbian running for president. An honest and ethical politician. A family that loves and supports you no matter what. I love these books and hope to live long enough to see it in reality.
An out lesbian running for president. An honest and ethical politician. A family that loves and supports you no matter what. I love these books and hope to live long enough to see it in reality.
September 2, 2017
Cool series
I love the characters and the storyline enough to ignore the typos. I look forward to reading the next installment.
I love the characters and the storyline enough to ignore the typos. I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 20, 2017
Knocked out of the ball park once again. I can't wait for Election Day
June 7, 2024
A few irritating spots.
I am really starting to not like Pearl. Especially the part in chapter 12, where Pearl and Jameson are talking: she talks over her, interrupts her, doesn't let her get a word in edgewise. Seems to be the type of person that always has to be right. She doesn't let anyone else win an argument. Why? Because she older and been around longer? That doesn't mean she's right all the time. I don't know what you call someone like that, but I call them a bully. A flat out bold faced bully. And I can't understand why people think that this sort of behavior is all right. I guess that's why the world is so messed up today. People think that it's OK to act like that. I'm sorry, but I don't.
I am really starting to not like Pearl. Especially the part in chapter 12, where Pearl and Jameson are talking: she talks over her, interrupts her, doesn't let her get a word in edgewise. Seems to be the type of person that always has to be right. She doesn't let anyone else win an argument. Why? Because she older and been around longer? That doesn't mean she's right all the time. I don't know what you call someone like that, but I call them a bully. A flat out bold faced bully. And I can't understand why people think that this sort of behavior is all right. I guess that's why the world is so messed up today. People think that it's OK to act like that. I'm sorry, but I don't.
February 17, 2018
I've read this series from the beginning & was entertained, brought into two women's lives & watched them grow together, love each other, and have difficulty at times talking with each other. I enjoy the quick read; not getting down in lengthy descriptions of events. Ms. Armstrong effectively describes the world of politics and how a 'civilian' lives & loves a woman born to serve others & yet yearns to be loved in the most intimate ways.
Well done.
I also enjoyed bringing in the characters from the Alex & Cassidy series. My goodness, does that mean there's also another story for Alex & Cassidy?
Well done.
I also enjoyed bringing in the characters from the Alex & Cassidy series. My goodness, does that mean there's also another story for Alex & Cassidy?
May 8, 2024
4 stars. Not my favorite in the series but it was still good. The Alex and Cassidy characters are very important in this one so I think I’m going to pause on this series and start that one just so I have all the information and connections that I need. I’ve been eyeing that series for a while now so it seems like the perfect time to finally start it.
As for this book there was a lot going on. It definitely got intense and a bit heavy at moments but there was still that warmth and charm that I’m used to with this series. I feel like this will be one that I will love more upon a reread. Wasn’t bad but it felt a bit repetitive.
As for this book there was a lot going on. It definitely got intense and a bit heavy at moments but there was still that warmth and charm that I’m used to with this series. I feel like this will be one that I will love more upon a reread. Wasn’t bad but it felt a bit repetitive.
May 24, 2018
Fantastic!
The ninth installment in the well written story of Candace and Jameson finds the campaign for the presidency beginning in earnest. Despite all of the turmoil in their lives, the couple are able to find their way back to the glue that holds them together, family. With every book, each of the well written characters become even more complex, the family grows larger, and Candace and Jameson fall more deeply in love. The storyline continues to flow easily from the pages and right into your heart. This book should be added to your must-read list.
(No cliff-hanger)
The ninth installment in the well written story of Candace and Jameson finds the campaign for the presidency beginning in earnest. Despite all of the turmoil in their lives, the couple are able to find their way back to the glue that holds them together, family. With every book, each of the well written characters become even more complex, the family grows larger, and Candace and Jameson fall more deeply in love. The storyline continues to flow easily from the pages and right into your heart. This book should be added to your must-read list.
(No cliff-hanger)
April 3, 2018
Intrigue, romance, and fortune cookies
With the liberal cross-series character appearances bringing the "By Design" series into the same story universe as the "Alex and Cassidy" series by Nancy Ann Healy, the story has the potential to take a darker turn, and is a bit heavier in this volume. However, it manages to maintain most of it's lighthearted, sweet nature, which is quite impressive.
With the liberal cross-series character appearances bringing the "By Design" series into the same story universe as the "Alex and Cassidy" series by Nancy Ann Healy, the story has the potential to take a darker turn, and is a bit heavier in this volume. However, it manages to maintain most of it's lighthearted, sweet nature, which is quite impressive.
August 26, 2017
Another outstanding J A Armstrong masterpiece!
Another excellent addition to the Design book series. Can't wait to read the next one. Could not put the book down once started reading. Love Candace and Jameson.....thank you for being an "awesome", compassionate, caring, person. Your books transport me to where I can envision I'm there with the characters. Thank you.
Another excellent addition to the Design book series. Can't wait to read the next one. Could not put the book down once started reading. Love Candace and Jameson.....thank you for being an "awesome", compassionate, caring, person. Your books transport me to where I can envision I'm there with the characters. Thank you.
January 7, 2018
Book 9 in the "By Design" series. I really love this series and like how Ms. Armstrong has joined this with her other series "Alex and Cassidy" written under the name of Nancy Ann Healy. If you haven't read one of her books in either series, you really shuld. Will start reading book 10 now. Hurry please and write book 11.
May 20, 2018
After reading some heavy duty emotional books I had to return to a series that always makes me smile. The relationship between JD and Candace is what we all strive for in life. The fact that they deal with all the craziness, ups and downs with love and laughter makes this series so enjoyable. Also, there is always some 'bible study' thrown in.
October 5, 2022
politics. yuck
This installment of the continuing saga of Candace and Jameson is a reminder of why I dislike politics. I do however like C&J, therefore I will continue with their story. Nothing ever comes easy for these two, with the glaring exception of their love for each other.
This installment of the continuing saga of Candace and Jameson is a reminder of why I dislike politics. I do however like C&J, therefore I will continue with their story. Nothing ever comes easy for these two, with the glaring exception of their love for each other.
May 14, 2025
I am completely into this series. J.A. incorporates many of the cultural issues affecting politics today as well as families for generations. Our hero Candace works through the hateful rhetoric of a family values coalition that would throw one of their own to the wolves rather than acknowledge that love and politics simply make for strange bedfellows and you can't help who you fall in love with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews