The highest office in the land has never been occupied by a woman. Emily Benton wants to change that. Serving as the governor of Virginia, her long line of political pedigree makes her the perfect candidate for defying the odds and becoming the first woman president of the United States. Ambitious, driven, and at times ruthless, Emily will stop at nothing to achieve her goal.

Kate Rosen has her work cut out for her. As Emily's campaign manager, it's her job to make it happen. Not only is she Emily's best friend and chief of staff, but she is also the glue that holds this run for the White House together. Kate is able to draw Emily back when she teeters too close to that controversial line while pushing her forward to grasp the golden ring she so desperately wants her friend to have.

As the race heats up, the friendship of these two strong women is put to the test as political and religious beliefs start colliding and the stakes keep getting higher. Emily's blind ambition and take-no-prisoners approach crosses into dangerous territory that forces Kate to question her own conscience. How can politics and religion be bedfellows in a world that is filled with such violence and hate? Is selling your soul the ultimate cost of changing the future? Who is the stronger woman? The one who stands up for what is right or the one who walks away from the battle with the knowledge that some things just can't be changed?

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL is a powerful novel that explores the possibility of a government with God as its driving force. The author of eight novels, Laura Hayden delivers a commanding story that challenges the reader to reach for new possibilities and perhaps question the plight of our future. Superbly crafted, AMERICA THE BEAUTFUL waves the flag of victory.