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By Design #12
Situation Room
The Reid Family has taken up residence in a new White House. Candace, Jameson, and their family are learning that life as The First Family is an adventure for which there is no adequate preparation.
While Jameson struggles to come to grips with her infertility and seeks to define her role as First Lady, Candace grapples with the reality of becoming the most powerful woman on earth. Upheaval abroad, the needs of a little boy, searching for time to be together, and trying to create any semblance of normalcy in the bubble of a presidency will challenge the entire family.
Jameson decides to align herself with a group in West Virginia with direct ties to Candace’s long-term nemesis, The Family Resource Network. Candace enlists the help of her allies at the FBI, Alex Toles and Claire Brackett to investigate possible leaks within her administration. She faces the possibility of Russian aggression in the Baltics and challenges to her international policy at home. Meanwhile, Cooper confronts a new life in Washington DC where his parents’ lives are often scheduled to the hour, and his freedom is limited.
Life for Candace, Jameson, and their family will never be the same again. A lot more than foreign threats require time in the Situation Room. Even in the most challenging times, one thing remains constant—the love and devotion Candace and Jameson have for each other and their family asylum of lovable lunatics.
While Jameson struggles to come to grips with her infertility and seeks to define her role as First Lady, Candace grapples with the reality of becoming the most powerful woman on earth. Upheaval abroad, the needs of a little boy, searching for time to be together, and trying to create any semblance of normalcy in the bubble of a presidency will challenge the entire family.
Jameson decides to align herself with a group in West Virginia with direct ties to Candace’s long-term nemesis, The Family Resource Network. Candace enlists the help of her allies at the FBI, Alex Toles and Claire Brackett to investigate possible leaks within her administration. She faces the possibility of Russian aggression in the Baltics and challenges to her international policy at home. Meanwhile, Cooper confronts a new life in Washington DC where his parents’ lives are often scheduled to the hour, and his freedom is limited.
Life for Candace, Jameson, and their family will never be the same again. A lot more than foreign threats require time in the Situation Room. Even in the most challenging times, one thing remains constant—the love and devotion Candace and Jameson have for each other and their family asylum of lovable lunatics.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 18, 2019
As always, excellent!
The Reid family touch my heart in every way. I Love how the family made The House their own, how they try to create normalcy for the family. During international and national crises, the personal struggles and the uproar with which they are surrounded, the love of her wife and children make Candace's job doable. But also the family lunacy keeps her sane. As always it is written with great warmth, the dialogues more than splendid and the characters strong as ever. I highly recommend the whole series.
The Reid family touch my heart in every way. I Love how the family made The House their own, how they try to create normalcy for the family. During international and national crises, the personal struggles and the uproar with which they are surrounded, the love of her wife and children make Candace's job doable. But also the family lunacy keeps her sane. As always it is written with great warmth, the dialogues more than splendid and the characters strong as ever. I highly recommend the whole series.
May 26, 2019
The series has moved away from what was really a domestic drama to a sort of political thriller. I’m not sure the move has been entirely successful. I didn’t find the international political intrigue that interesting and to be honest I think the books have moved too far away from what originally made them enjoyable.
The relationship between JD and Candace has also became a bit annoying, for at least half the book, it seemed to consist of telling themselves how much they missed each other, that they were OK when they weren’t and apologising all of the time.
The relationship between JD and Candace has also became a bit annoying, for at least half the book, it seemed to consist of telling themselves how much they missed each other, that they were OK when they weren’t and apologising all of the time.
May 27, 2019
Can’t wait for the next installment and I love how Alex, Claire and Cassidy continue to show up in the series. Loving the new spy direction.
May 25, 2019
This didn't seem complete to me and would have loved it if it was longer. I'm still waiting on what happened to Claire's investigation and whether or not Candace found and exposed her leak from the info Claire and Alex found for her. As always I like the family and friendship dynamics from the series. Candace and Jameson are relationship goals but the repeated conversations about their missing one another and being busy is getting redundant... of course they're going to be busy, they're the first family after all. But anyway, I love the series so I'll happily wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2022
Another Hit!
What I liked the most about this chapter, is the involvement of Alex, Cassidy and Claire. It was like meeting up with old friends. Having read both series, I love the way Armstrong has tied the two together.
I absolutely adore Candace, JD and all the kids. They make you laugh and cry and occasionally cringe. Kind of like a typical family.
12 books and I'm already looking forward to number 13. They aren't long stories but they continue from one to the other seamlessly. It's like an on going TV series but in book form. Highly entertaining.
It also makes you think. I know we don't know everything that go's on in our world. But they do say fiction is closer to reality then we realise. Scary huh?
Give it a go but start at book one. Also give the Alex and Cassidy series a go. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy!
What I liked the most about this chapter, is the involvement of Alex, Cassidy and Claire. It was like meeting up with old friends. Having read both series, I love the way Armstrong has tied the two together.
I absolutely adore Candace, JD and all the kids. They make you laugh and cry and occasionally cringe. Kind of like a typical family.
12 books and I'm already looking forward to number 13. They aren't long stories but they continue from one to the other seamlessly. It's like an on going TV series but in book form. Highly entertaining.
It also makes you think. I know we don't know everything that go's on in our world. But they do say fiction is closer to reality then we realise. Scary huh?
Give it a go but start at book one. Also give the Alex and Cassidy series a go. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy!
January 25, 2022
The Reids are settling into the White House. Both Jamison and Candace are trying to find their way in the new surroundings. There is an ongoing international plot that brings Alex Toles and Claire Brackett into the action. I don't love their characters and might need to read their separate series so I can appreciate what they bring to the story. (3.5 stars)
October 15, 2019
I love this series and I do love how it’s merged with Alex and Cassidy.
The struggles of the top job are impacting on the Reid/Fletcher households but Candace and JD are starting to learn to live in a bubble. Hope we get this series on audio soon.
The struggles of the top job are impacting on the Reid/Fletcher households but Candace and JD are starting to learn to live in a bubble. Hope we get this series on audio soon.
June 17, 2019
Great book. Great series.
February 4, 2021
This is the written version of an ongoing drama series on TV. If you come in with this book, you have got on-board at Season 12. You can follow the story without trouble but you’ve missed out on the character introductions and their dynamics.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
May 8, 2020
I love this series!
I have just loved every book in this series. This one is a little more political as the Reid family has taken up residence in the White House. But the core family values are still in place for Candace, Jameson and the entire crazy, lovable clan. No matter what kind of domestic or international crises Candace has to face, she always handles them with integrity and respect. JA Armstrong writes with such warmth, humor and honesty and has a keen ability to weave in all the characters from the previous books. In this series, family and trusted friends always keep Candace grounded, and she shows us how important that really is. Brava, Ms. Armstrong for a fabulous series!!!
I have just loved every book in this series. This one is a little more political as the Reid family has taken up residence in the White House. But the core family values are still in place for Candace, Jameson and the entire crazy, lovable clan. No matter what kind of domestic or international crises Candace has to face, she always handles them with integrity and respect. JA Armstrong writes with such warmth, humor and honesty and has a keen ability to weave in all the characters from the previous books. In this series, family and trusted friends always keep Candace grounded, and she shows us how important that really is. Brava, Ms. Armstrong for a fabulous series!!!
May 26, 2019
I love this series and it's cast of characters!!
One of my favorite series!! I love the dynamic between Candice and Jameson as well as the different roles their children play in their lives. Agent Alex Toles her wife Cassidy, their children and Agent Claire Brackett, are woven in throughout the series. They are all very close. The world issues that Candice is now having to deal with as President are extremely sensitive. These first three months after taking office, is taking a toll on Candice and Jameson's relationship. Start from Book 1, By Design, and get to know what shaped these amazing character's into who they are. I cannot wait for book 13!!!
One of my favorite series!! I love the dynamic between Candice and Jameson as well as the different roles their children play in their lives. Agent Alex Toles her wife Cassidy, their children and Agent Claire Brackett, are woven in throughout the series. They are all very close. The world issues that Candice is now having to deal with as President are extremely sensitive. These first three months after taking office, is taking a toll on Candice and Jameson's relationship. Start from Book 1, By Design, and get to know what shaped these amazing character's into who they are. I cannot wait for book 13!!!
June 2, 2019
I've read all the books in this series. It's relatively quick reading. There are no additional explanations about the work events; Claire's reconnoiter into a dangerous situation isn't given extended detail; just enough for the reader to get the gist of the situation (it's bad, get in, get a look, get out). I enjoy the familial side of the story (which is the center of the story). JA Armstrong gives enough information for me to learn that being a politician is difficult in the best of situations. This is a well written series. I enjoyed that the Toles clan and Claire were back in the mix and based on their story line I believe there will be a book about their lives coming soon.
May 27, 2019
Outstanding!
J A Armstrong continues her masterful tale of an American President's journey to the Oval Office. The reader is immersed into the lives of Madam President Candace Reid, her wife Jameson, and their unusual family. This is a well balanced blend of intrigue, conflict, current events, politics, and more, immersing the reader into the lives of the First Family. This entire series belongs on your must read list!
J A Armstrong continues her masterful tale of an American President's journey to the Oval Office. The reader is immersed into the lives of Madam President Candace Reid, her wife Jameson, and their unusual family. This is a well balanced blend of intrigue, conflict, current events, politics, and more, immersing the reader into the lives of the First Family. This entire series belongs on your must read list!
June 5, 2019
Adjustments
Love this series. Candace and Jameson still have their share of obstacles but love and family gets them through. They are each trying to find their footing and adjust to the new life at the White House. And making everything as normal as possible for Cooper. Family makes the difference. Good friends are a added bonus. Read their story. If you haven't started the series please do. Hats off to US once again.
Love this series. Candace and Jameson still have their share of obstacles but love and family gets them through. They are each trying to find their footing and adjust to the new life at the White House. And making everything as normal as possible for Cooper. Family makes the difference. Good friends are a added bonus. Read their story. If you haven't started the series please do. Hats off to US once again.
June 9, 2019
Candace is the president of the United States and that means she's more than a wife and mother. Being the leader of the free world brings pressure no one understands until you stand behind the presidential seal. Jameson will do all she can to support Candace and care for their family as she spreads her own wings in the responsibilities of her position. Regardless of the tsunami around them, they find shelter in their love and the passion of 'Bible Study'. Well done!
July 11, 2019
Worth the wait!
Situation Room was well worth the wait. It was captivating, well written and an intriguing story to be continued in the next book. Candace was central as usual as well as my two favorite IS Armstrong characters Jameson and Alex. Can't wait for the next book and am eagerly awaiting the next Alex and Claire book coming in the next few months. Wish there was more of Marianne and Shell in this book.
Situation Room was well worth the wait. It was captivating, well written and an intriguing story to be continued in the next book. Candace was central as usual as well as my two favorite IS Armstrong characters Jameson and Alex. Can't wait for the next book and am eagerly awaiting the next Alex and Claire book coming in the next few months. Wish there was more of Marianne and Shell in this book.
July 27, 2020
Things just keep getting angsty and drama full for Candace now that she is president. There was spionage, angst, suspense and the ever present Fletcher-Reid family.
I loved to see how the Reid family was settling in the White House and their new life and also how it was affecting the Fletcher kids.
Another book from this series was release a few days ago, so I just finished this one just in time.
Great series, great characters and great stories.
I loved to see how the Reid family was settling in the White House and their new life and also how it was affecting the Fletcher kids.
Another book from this series was release a few days ago, so I just finished this one just in time.
Great series, great characters and great stories.
May 26, 2019
New episode !!!
We waited, quite A wee while but this is way worth the wait.
A look now at what happens within the White House with the “Reid’s”. It’s chaotic, fun, happy and stressful as we expected.
Good use of Alex & Cassidy as well and all the other family.
I loved this book and I’m begging JA Armstrong not to wait too long for the other episode...
We waited, quite A wee while but this is way worth the wait.
A look now at what happens within the White House with the “Reid’s”. It’s chaotic, fun, happy and stressful as we expected.
Good use of Alex & Cassidy as well and all the other family.
I loved this book and I’m begging JA Armstrong not to wait too long for the other episode...
June 26, 2019
Great addition to the series
I loved this book. I love their relationship that Jameson and Candace have and the respect they have for each other. I like how the family is supported by others, and all the changes they have had to make living in the White House and the Challenges that Candace faces as President. Can’t wait for the next book
I loved this book. I love their relationship that Jameson and Candace have and the respect they have for each other. I like how the family is supported by others, and all the changes they have had to make living in the White House and the Challenges that Candace faces as President. Can’t wait for the next book
February 20, 2024
The political drama is a bit confusing and I am a little tired of how some of the dialog goes, AND STILL, I buzzed through the book and almost immediately started the next. Maybe I'll also read the Alex and Cassidy series, which seems to be helpful to understanding the political drama this series has taken.
May 25, 2019
Three stars
Usually I love this series but this one was difficult to read. Perhaps because it had political stuff throughout...And I am not patient enough to read about it. That's why three stars, it dragged for me. So much so that I skimmed throughout last few chapters.
Usually I love this series but this one was difficult to read. Perhaps because it had political stuff throughout...And I am not patient enough to read about it. That's why three stars, it dragged for me. So much so that I skimmed throughout last few chapters.
May 27, 2019
Another great instalment of the Reid Clan
I love this couple, and huge extended family. The stories are always really well written. The subject matter makes you think and make you think about what we are doing to our world.
I love this couple, and huge extended family. The stories are always really well written. The subject matter makes you think and make you think about what we are doing to our world.
June 15, 2019
I like this series, I like the flow of the stories and I can't wait for the next in the series. However I don't like cliff hangers, at my age I might
not be around for the end of the story. So I hope the next episode is coming soon. Get it, read it, enjoy!
not be around for the end of the story. So I hope the next episode is coming soon. Get it, read it, enjoy!
June 17, 2019
Fantastic continuation
As the "By Design" series moves along it just keeps getting better and better. With regular appearances by Alex, Claire, and Cassidy from a much more action oriented series, these stories get quite the boost of energy.
As the "By Design" series moves along it just keeps getting better and better. With regular appearances by Alex, Claire, and Cassidy from a much more action oriented series, these stories get quite the boost of energy.
June 20, 2019
JA Adds to Her List of Hits
Another wonderful installment with Candace, Jameson and the rest of the Reid clan. As always, the love for the characters comes whinging through, with a bit of intrigue and humor thrown in to keep you guessing.
Another wonderful installment with Candace, Jameson and the rest of the Reid clan. As always, the love for the characters comes whinging through, with a bit of intrigue and humor thrown in to keep you guessing.
July 4, 2019
Love this series
Wow I have to say I wish Candace was in our White House today. Love the interaction between the characters and the twist of suspense. Looking forward to the next one.
Wow I have to say I wish Candace was in our White House today. Love the interaction between the characters and the twist of suspense. Looking forward to the next one.
July 24, 2019
CandAce and Jameson in the White House
Their first few months in the White House and Candace must handle huge personalities and deep espionage details that threaten the European countries and Candace's presidency.
Their first few months in the White House and Candace must handle huge personalities and deep espionage details that threaten the European countries and Candace's presidency.
August 27, 2019
New President's first days
Once again JA has written a interesting story filled with intelligence, humor and of course love. The US's first female president and a lesbian to boot, how could that not be an intriguing primice for a story?
Once again JA has written a interesting story filled with intelligence, humor and of course love. The US's first female president and a lesbian to boot, how could that not be an intriguing primice for a story?
December 25, 2019
Loved this series 1 thru 12
I loved everything about this series. I wish it was a movie. The characters were great and the storyline never disappointed. Sometimes it seemed to give too much information but the author did a wonderful job reeling the reader back in. I couldn't get enough of this story. I give this series of books 5 out of 5.
I loved everything about this series. I wish it was a movie. The characters were great and the storyline never disappointed. Sometimes it seemed to give too much information but the author did a wonderful job reeling the reader back in. I couldn't get enough of this story. I give this series of books 5 out of 5.
April 29, 2020
The politics is a game, a dangerous,backstabbing, get the money game. I do not like politics at all. This series has moved from being about Candance and JD and family to being a political thriller/statement/speeches. Thinking this is the end of my reading of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews