A female president (widowed) with a boyfriend problems in the Middle East, an energy crisis, a surging and aggressive China, a harbinger of our upcoming November presidential elections?

Not exactly, but "Madam President and the Admiral" brings a spirit and liveliness to American politics and presidential-Pentagon relationships that might make the reader wonder what could have happened if a different Clinton was elected in 1992?

Abigail Cass Steele is the unlikely POTUS (president of the US) in the midst of several crises -- China is threatening to disrupt the world oil market, her son has a mental disorder, her love life is in disarray, and there is a potential revolt in the Pentagon against her.

Nelson is a good writer, and brings an air of authenticity to these situations. Madam President Steele is well-named, and the reader will both recognize the problems arising, as well as empathize with her. A president with whom one can associate and sympathize? What a concept for November, and a good book to read this summer as the campaigns drag on and on.

Review by Andrew Lubin, MWSA Reviewer (2008)