Safety Net

Readers will find that this fictional, contemporary, political novel is laced with elements of satire, mystery, serendipity, an enduring love story as well as how an independent presidential candidate develops his team, platform, and loyal supporters. Readers who are tired of status quo politics and PACs that buy presidents will find the novel refreshing and entertaining. When Kristopher Roberts, a humble yet brilliant man, learns that his wife and daughter have been killed in a terrorist bomb explosion in Damascus, Syria, he sets into motion a plan to avenge their deaths and a way to begin protecting the United States from ongoing terror threats. His rather serendipitous acquisition of a fortune is an enabling force behind his run for president as an independent candidate. Readers will find him to be a force to be reckoned with as he communicates his platform and faces several ruthless rivals. There is nothing "status quo" about Kristopher Roberts. While Kristopher, his wife and daughter are traveling to the airport where he will send them off to Damascus for his daughter to work as an interpreter, he stops at a convenience store for a cup of coffee. There, he meets John Stevens who convinces him to buy his first lottery ticket. Months later, these two men reconnect and forge a plan to change much of what has become the expected way of life for many in the U.S., including the threat of terror attacks. Their plan is unprecedented and it appeals to voters who are tired of the “talk and little action” by contemporary politicians. Their economic plans are put into motion as the presidential race is in full motion. They do not wait to win. This type of commitment finds many supporters. All is not smooth for the team as they face attempts on their lives; yet, the attempts serve to strengthen their resolve. The novel is fast paced and gives readers an inside view on how Kristopher and his team make plans and execute them.

Becoming a politician was the easy part for Kristopher. He did not anticipate the barricades that would come his way including several attempts on his life. With his team, that includes his friend, Lt. LaFrane, he is able to thwart those who wish to stop him. Throughout the novel, Kristopher finds solace in his deep memories of his wife Joanna and his daughter, Celia. He begins building industries in the most needy states of the country that will bring back jobs and security to citizens who have lost out to trade deals and big business that take their companies overseas. Most importantly, he and his team unravel the threads of a massive holding company that is ruthless in its pursuit of control of the election to benefit their own, horrific aims. Kristopher, who is the underdog in the election, proves his mettle and stops what may be the worst infiltration of terrorists in the homeland.

This is the author's first book of fiction and holds elements of her interests in education, literature, politics and American culture. Of Safety Net, she says: "My husband, David, gave me the skeleton and I put the flesh on the bones." The author holds a master's degree in American Culture from the University of Michigan and has served as a high school English and newspaper teacher and school principal until her retirement in 2015. The idea for this book started during a restaurant dinner with the author's husband, David, in the fall of 2014. Writing of the book was completed in late August 2016. The Ladensacks live in Michigan and have two daughters, their spouses and one grandson. Debra has several other books in the planning stages. Safety Net holds several unique ideas for economic, national debt and educational platforms. Readers will find intrigue and ruthless characters, elements of terrorism, satire, serendipity as well as an enduring love story.