A deadlocked 1980 presidential election forces two political wives into the center of a national constitutional crisis. As the House of Representatives struggles to select a chief executive, Democratic vice-president Larry Devlin assumes the role of acting president. The narrative follows Prilla Sterling, the wife of the Republican candidate, and Robin Devlin, the wife of the acting president, as they navigate the intense scrutiny of the Washington political machine. The story utilizes a dual-perspective framework to contrast the public expectations of political spouses with their private realities.

Readers frequently highlight the book's ability to capture the atmosphere of high-stakes political maneuvering during a period of national uncertainty. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the two protagonists, noting how their differing backgrounds and personal struggles serve to illuminate the pressures of political life. Critics often point to the authentic portrayal of the 1980s political climate as a significant strength of the narrative. The pacing is generally described as steady, focusing more on character development and interpersonal dynamics than on rapid-fire plot twists. Many readers appreciate the nuanced look at the often-overlooked lives of those standing behind the candidates.