The Peace Maker - Michele Chynoweth

Summary: Chessa's husband, Darren Richards, is a behind-the-scenes narcissistic abusive alcoholic. None of that changes when he becomes the leading candidate for President of the United States. Chessa's worries about her husband reach a fevered pitch as he closes in on winning the nation's highest office. How can she support his candidacy, even if it will mean becoming First Lady? Meanwhile, Darren's opponent, Leif Mitchell, is selected from his humble life as a stable hand and country rock singer to run for political office. His charm and leadership pave the way for him to become a national hero and a real threat as the leading Republican presidential candidate. A powerful Darren will stop at nothing to bring Leif down, causing Leif to reconsider his "high road" approach to politics. When Chessa finds out Leif is preparing to seek revenge on Darren in an attack that will not only destroy her husband's candidacy, but will probably cost other innocent lives as well, she is suddenly faced with a decision: Should she preserve peace at all costs, protecting those who would become collateral damage as a result of the ensuing battle - and in default, her husband--in turn sacrificing her freedom and risking her own life? Should she try to stop Leif, which may ruin his chances but save his soul? The Peace Maker is based on the story of David and Abigail in the Bible's First Book of Samuel - a story of hardship, struggle, courage and faith that God will lead his people if they but let Him.

Chessa Richards is the wife of  a New York senator who is running for President of the United States.  Her marriage is anything but perfect but with it being so much in the public eye, she does her best to cope with it.  Leif Mitchell is a young governor of Kentucky who is running against Senator Richards for the candidacy.  When the race starts getting close, the candidates will do anything to guarantee the win.  Will they make the right choices?  At what stakes will they stop? 

 

This was a quick paced and hard to put down book with a couple of good twists.  I really enjoyed the characters of Chessa and Leif and watching them develop before, during and after the campaign for presidency.  There was a little bit of politics in the story but if you've watched any shows or movies about it, it is easy to follow.  I am looking forwardto finding more books like this one to read in the future.