Safety Net by Debra Ladensack

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.