America the Beautiful (America Series #1) (Paperback)

by Laura Hayden (Author)
Key Phrases: Secret Service, Big Henry, Emily Benton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Emily Benton has spent her entire life immersed in politics. Having been raised in the industry, she has the kinds of contacts that it takes most politicians decades to build. She knows that she can win the race for president of the United States, but only if she destroys her rival first, before he can find and use hidden ammunition on her. If Emily destroys him, the election will be hers. A groundbreaking novel about the intersection of politics, power, personality, and the future of our country.

From the Back Cover

Emily Benton wants to be the first woman president of the United States of America. She has the pedigree, the talent, and the will to succeed as a candidate. And she’ll stop at nothing—absolutely nothing—to achieve her goal.

It’s Kate Rosen’s job to make Emily’s dream a reality. Besides being Emily’s best friend, her chief of staff, and her campaign manager, Kate’s most important role is as Emily’s conscience. Both women entered politics to change the world, but Kate never anticipated how politics would change them. Now she’s faced with the ultimate clash between her beliefs and Emily’s drive to become president.

Lives are at stake, and Kate Rosen is a woman torn between her duty to God, her duty to country, and her duty to friendship. The fate of the nation, and perhaps the world, rests on what she does next. . . .

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (April 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414319398
• ISBN-13: 978-1414319391
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #682,408 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating political thriller , May 6, 2008

By	Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Kate Rosen and Emily Benton met in high school. They became friends while Kate believed Emily was going to go very far. Years later, now the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Emily runs for president with Kate, her closest friend, as her campaign manager and her ethical conscience magnet.

Kate is a religious person who finds the dirty tricks of running for high office depressing. She fears her morals are being corrupted, but wants to be there for Emily. When Kate has a chance to go negative, she hesitates, but the race is ruthless and she must choose between her friend and country vs. her beliefs in God.

This is a fascinating political thriller that stars two fully developed characters who have come a long way baby. Back in high school, super K and the Big E were idealists out to change the world; but neither realized how much compromise of a person's ideals occurs to be successful. The bottom line in this insightful tale is does Kate have the stomach to destroy the opposition (think Swift Boat) with half truths, innuendos and one humongous exposé; all this contrary to her deep belief in God and what is right for her country may not be good for her best friend's run. Is there room for a true believer in the politics of America the Beautiful?

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars --, May 29, 2009

By	Christian Review of Books - See all my reviews

America the Beautiful
By Laura Hayden
Review by Deborah Khuanghlawn




Emily Benton is on the verge of becoming the first female to be elected President of America. Her campaign manager Kate Rosen is doing whatever it takes to make Emily's lifelong dream come true. This means making Emily look to be the best candidate possible and proving to the voters that she has what it takes to run the nation. However, there are those that want to stop Emily with threats and shootings. Kate also has to face the dilemma of what to do when her faith conflicts with the dark side of politics.

This book is an insider's guide on what it takes to win the road to the White House. I was so glad when reading this book to see that the female candidate was running a campaign of her own AND doing very well. I was getting tired of reading books where the woman only becomes president by default of being Vice President. It was nice to see that a woman was winning votes on her own and not because she was tacked on to get more votes for someone else. It's hard to read this book and NOT see the similarities to the election that is happening in 2008. I happen to read this book during one of the key primaries, and it was fascinating to see fiction being portrayed in real life. One of the most interesting quotes I found in the book dealt with the theory of what if a male and female candidate both have the same ideas and goals. The public would vote for the male because that is what the country is used to in terms of tradition.

The book does not go into great detail about which party Emily belong too, therefore key issues that today's politicians face are not discussed. I think this was a wise decision because there would be a possibility of the book leaning too much to one side. The story is focused more on Kate and her role as campaign manager vs. Emily herself. The book deals with an important issue of what to do with your faith when you work in politics. I felt that Kate's character faced difficult decisions every day because she had to choose where to draw the line regarding Emily's campaign.

The writing in this book is top notch, suspenseful, funny, and it really makes you think about the lives of the candidates. There are lots of tidbits of political information throughout the book so it will not only entertain you but will educate you as well. This is one of the best political suspense novels I have ever read. I really hope that there is a sequel to this book. VERY highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is Kate still friends with this woman?, May 5, 2009

By	D. Mckinzie (Atoka, OK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A well-written book with a really good look at the political scene from the inside. Makes interesting and timely reading, but it also shows how someone who means well but cannot be trusted can't really be considered the "best person for the job". Kate is trying to live her faith and stay friends with Emily, as well as help Emily get elected as the first woman President of the USA. But Emily is not a good choice for the job and Kate doesn't seem to be able to see that. This book has a sequal, "Red White and Blue" which is also good reading.