Running a presidential campaign might seem the craziest thing in the world to most people. Candace Reid is not most people. The affable Governor of New York is used to controlled chaos. A state that requires her attention, competing ideas from advisers, personal attacks from adversaries, press conferences, campaign stops, speeches, testifying before congress, children seeking guidance, babies requiring diaper changes, and aging parents are all part of her daily life. Balancing it all might be the best preparation anyone has had for the presidency.
On the heels of clinching the Democratic nomination for president, Candace is struck by personal tragedy. As Candace mourns the loss of her mother, her political rivals look to tie her to an embassy bombing in Moscow nearly a decade earlier. She learns more truths about the inner workings of presidential politics, international relations and the influence of the intelligence community in all of it.
Jameson struggles to deal with the changing landscape of their life and Candace’s inclination to protect her. A painful piece of Jameson’s past is about to resurface, and the family must learn to deal with the constant presence of the Secret Service.
Through unexpected upheavals, hurtful accusation, heartfelt celebrations, earaches, broken wrists, passionate kisses, endless hotel rooms, and a few ice cream cones, the Reid family must learn how to cope with life apart and find a way to stick together. The road to the White House will test every member of the family and remind them of what matters most. First, they will need to be victorious on ELECTION DAY.
ELECTION DAY is the tenth installment in the best-selling BY DESIGN series.
I have to say this straight away. I have never truly understood the American polling. In the UK, people vote and the person with the most votes wins. In America it's not that way. This book has brought me no further understanding. But what a thought. A woman who happens to be a lesbian becomes president of the United States.
These books by Armstrong I often refer to as a soap opera. It's true they are. You start a journey with these characters. You live their lives, we experience their successes and failures, and we are with them when they laugh and cry. Their families become your family. Yeah yeah I know it's just a book. But it's a good book to get lost in. To let your imagination fly. Even for a few hours..
If you're gonna read these you should read them in order. Reason? You won't get the on going jokes. Seriously, they are a fun read. You don't have to work out anything. You just have to enjoy the ride. Enjoy!
Although this book is about the political campaign to get Candace into the White House, surprisingly little of significance actually happens. There were occasions when I though some political drama was going to develop, but usually it just ‘faded away’. The family dramas were still prominent and it was still enjoyable reading about such a likable group of characters, but the story didn’t have the ‘hard edge’ I was hoping for. While reading the book I couldn’t help comparing it to the Madam President novel by Blayne Cooper. I suppose this isn’t fair, as the By Design books are written as a family soap opera and aren’t meant to truly reflect reality. A ‘case in point’ is the Big Bad Wolfe didn’t win in this story, unlike real life.
4.25 stars - This book is far from perfect, but I still love it more than I did the first time reading it. It is in this particular installment that I first felt like the author fell short in depicting Candace as someone who's fervently eloquent enough to put her adversaries in their places. Don't get me wrong, I am all for flawed characters, and I enjoy reading a character's vulnerability. I just thought that the author's attempt at building up a scene or two didn't end up with impact or intensity they wanted it to have on readers. Nonetheless, the storyline in general was still truly a great read for me.
P.S. I wish the model chosen to be Candace on these covers looked more like the Candace I picture in my head—more like Meryl Streep's character in 'The Post' 😁
I loved it all, the chaos, the heated election time, the close family, the lunatics, the discussions, the Bible study, the humor and the love between all the couples. JA has turned out another amazing sequel and I recommend it highly. Please keep them coming.
Another full length novel as the series continues. This book covers Candance securing her party's nomination and through election day. Nothing major happens, no new babies or weddings. But there is choosing a running mate and Jamison gets pulled into the spotlight unexpectedly. I loved an early fight between J.D. and Candance which of course gets resolved easily. But you'd expect tensions in their always perfect marriage. I also liked a couple of intimate scenes that seemed to be missing from the last couple of books. I will say I am confused about the big political maneuverings that Candance is always dealing with but which are never fully explained. Next stop the White House.
The continuing saga of the Fletcher-Reid clan is nothing short of fantastic. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me think. I think I speak for every reader of this series when I say Candace would be a welcome politician in our current USA atmosphere. Thank you to the author for another great read and I look forward to the next book.
What can you say about the first family well done. I love this series and all of the family members but the best part for me is Alex and Cassidy are part of the story line . Looking forward to what happens next .
I'm not usually a fan of politics or books about politics but J. A. Armstrong has pulled me into JD and Candace's world. From the beginning of their story till now I've loved seeing the progress they have made and I look forward to seeing their future!
As soon as I knew this was available, I downloaded it. I couldn't put it down. J. A. Armstrong has made the "By Design" series one of my favorite. Candace, JD, and all of their clan make this series a must read.
Where's is the political intrigue and the villains? I've been expecting it since thr 8th book and now the campaign is over and nothing happened. Just talk and no action! This last book was very disapointing because I was expecting more political intrigue and instead I got more babies and heart to heart talks than it's humanly possible in such short amount of time! I've read all this authors books and lately instead of following the theme of the series, she's falling in the same trap of family drama and emotional conversations. The books are getting boring and instead of rushing over to buy the new book, like I use to, I now think, that even the low cost price is not worth it. The story of JD and Candace ends here for me. Candace is the new president and JD has disappear into the domestic wifey with lots of grand-children to take care of.
I've been waiting ever so patiently for this new installation in the series and let me tell you the author did not disappoint me. This addition by far is the best one yet and that's saying something because I really enjoyed Building Blocks and Campaign Trail. Hell I wish that Candace was real so that I could vote for her damn it (although I may have come close last year). Clearly the author follows real life politics; I just wish that our real world results would have turned out half as good. Oh well. Here's to patiently waiting for the next segment.
Oh and the only negative is that I feel there is absolutely no chemistry between Shell and Mel. Like none whatsoever.
I love this series, and I'm happy to say this is one of the best books in it. To be fair, it's been a long time since I read the earlier books, so they aren't fresh in my mind, but this one is definitely stronger than the last few. Although I was happy to devour them as soon as they were released, the last few books felt repetitive. Book 10 felt like it stretched it's legs a bit more. I was touched by not only the multitude of loving bonds in this family, but the inspirational campaign speeches given by Candace and Jameson. Imagine a world where we had leaders like that!
As well as a fan of the lesfic genre? J. A. Armstrong is the author for you!
I got hooked on Ms. Armstrong's books in book one of this series. I think the story keeps getting better, with the dynamic between Candace and JD maturing and their love strengthening.
I do suggest beginning with the first book in the series so you'll get to know the cast of characters and see how they change during the progression of the series.
Ms. Armstrong knocked it out of the park in this volume. I can hardly wait to read the next.
I love everything about this series and in this book 10, Election Day, JA Armstrong writes so eloquently about our political process and the hope to make life better for all people in our country. I know this is fiction, but I wish we had a candidate with the intuition and values Candace Reid has. At the core of each book is always home, heart and humor. This book made me laugh, made me cry and made me think. How about JA Armstrong for President? It would look great on a bumper sticker! Thank you for another fabulous book!!!
I truly enjoy reading about the Fletcher-Reid clan! Their stories get better with each book. J.A. continues to keep me captivated with the turns that come within the storyline. This is an absolutely wonderful series, that (in my opinion) gets better and sucks you in with each time. I look forward to reading about the Fletcher-Reid clan’s journey in the White House.
This 10th installment of the well written story of Candace and Jameson is by far the best one yet. I found myself shedding tears on more than one occasion while reading the book. Personal loss, conflicting priorities, and a growing family place enough of a burden on Candace and Jameson. Throw in a dose of dirty politics and things really heat up and pressure mounts. This is a very well written series that belongs on your must-read list!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. It is extremely well written, the politics were precise and to the point, yet easily understood. The characters come alive and the family dynamics is believable. I love the feelings that Jameson has for Candace and vice versa. I am now reaching for the Commander in Chief. I already know I will love that one too. Thank you for your written words.
Well, the plot thickens and Ms. Armstrong tackles the topic of date rape with aplomb. I know a little about how politics affects a family. I steered clear of public service. The intricacies of our political system seem to be well researched by Ms. Armstrong. A wonderful blend of characters from the Alex & Cassidy series. Keep 'em coming!
Would be so much better if the Politicians actually acted in this manner or if they really did care about people and the country instead of their own pockets. Good writing, some of the speeches should be plagiarized by those running for office. Very much the inside of the political "game" that plays with people's lives.
I delayed reading this next installment because sometimes a series becomes too repetitive and bogged down for me. And while this book does have more repetition than I prefer and think necessary, I really could barely put it down. Much more relationship oriented than anything else...an intriguing and enjoyable read that is almost like a guide for how to do well in our relationships.
Reading this book, by me back to think of mrs Clinton it deal so real she had class and was into the people know dirty or under hand work love your writing thank u . When will COMMANDS and CHIEF. Will be out? Waiting
This is the 10th book in this series and I have loved them all. There is just one problem, I am anxiously waiting for book 11. Please hurry Ms. Armstrong. The plot for this series is solid with great characters. There were no slow areas. I rate this a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a fantastic series with a fabulous list of characters. This is the type of family that everyone would like to have or at least know. I am on my way to looking forward to seeing what is in store for them in the next novel.
The tension and angst during this book was amazing, I was even anxious during Candace road to election day.
I think it was a good book, great researched on the part of the author and I can't wait what more drama and angts Candace faces in the next book, also how it'll involver the Fletcher-Reid clan.
I’m enjoying following Candace and Jameson as they navigate through life inside and outside of politics. Looking forward to reading the next chapter in this exciting story.
How I wish this book would have been my reality for the last 4 years! I really enjoyed the story and all the characters. Great series worth reading. I highly recommend this book and this author.
As always, I love hanging out with the Fletcher-Reid family! I still wish that Candace and JD were able to spend more time with each other, and their family, but I would love to have an awesome politician like Candace in charge. The "hums" need to go away.
Hard grueling campaigns are topped off by hard grueling elections. I wish Candace were on our real ballots. Her caring heart and calm presence would certainly win the day. Love Jameson and Candace, et al.