When former Congressman Mark Stedman throws in the towel on his presidential campaign, his only choice is to return to his home state and decide how to spend the rest of his life ? until he meets Josiah Stoltzfus, an Amish farmer from Pennsylvania.

Stedman learns more from Josiah in a few hours than in his many years in office. He comes to the conclusion that someone like Josiah should be running the country. Not a career politician, but someone with a little old-fashioned common sense, someone who's not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty. Someone like Josiah Stoltzfus.

Using his old campaign headquarters for a base, Mark Stedman determines to introduce a new candidate to America. He pledges to do everything in his power to make sure Josiah gets elected. But can a plain man of faith turn the tide of politics and become the leader of America, and what will he have to risk to do it?

Just in time for all those election-season "presidential reads" library displays comes this novel about going back to the basics. Former congressman Mark Stedman returns to his home state after failing to secure the presidential nomination. On the way, he is involved in a car accident and is assisted by Amish farmer Josiah Stoltzfus. His simple values and dedication to hard work impress Mark, who talks Josiah into running for president. VERDICT Despite the somewhat ridiculous premise, many readers who long for a simpler way of life will enjoy this character- and plot-driven novel by a former staff writer for comedian Bob Hope and prolific inspirational author.