The Safe Gap

by Lisa Stukel

Tammy and Ashley both take on first-person personas, talking directly to their reader, almost searching for advice from the audience. They are the opposite of each other, yet both struggle with their childhood past along with their complicated present as wives and mothers. Tammy is a crossing guard finding new hope after a hurtful divorce, years of weight gain to the point of obesity, while trying to accept the scars of her father's death that creep into her dreams. Ashley is an affluent narcissist, vain, yet coquettish, stay-at-home Mom who loses herself through hidden addictions while robotically going through the motions of her role of being a mother and a wife. Tammy and Ashley choose their own choices after analyzing their inner child while viewing their memories through a microscope. Ultimately, they see through the lens when decisions intertwine upon impact.

494 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2023

About the author

When I entered a writing contest for a colleague and landed on Oprah Winfrey’s last Give-Away show, I knew I needed to pursue my writing dream. I am a mother, an educator, and passionate writer. I’ve been a public school educator in Chicagoland and Miami Beach for twenty-four years, and currently work in higher education in Chicago.
After the birth of my twin sons, I took a career break. During that time,I had two short articles published called “PPD: It’s Real” in Twins Magazine and “The Plight of Preschool” in Chicago Parent. Because raising my sons was my primary focus even while working my career, it took me eight years to complete my first novel, The Safe Gap. The book was self-published under TwinStar Press in October (2023). I’ve sold over one hundred copies on Amazon, specifically targeting book clubs for women.

Reviews

[Raymond Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wholesome and professionally written work. I would like to know when the author is releasing their next book.

[Karna Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Safe Gap" by Lisa Stukel is a novel that tells the story of two women and how their lives intersect. Tammy, a school crossing guard, finds hope after enduring a challenging marriage and battling weight gain. Ashley, a cringe-worthy affluent stay-at-home mom, loses herself to denial and addiction, going through the motions of motherhood and marriage.

The characters in the book, each distinct yet interconnected, evoke a range of emotions - from disgust to compassion - as their layers are slowly peeled back, revealing the complexities of their lives and experiences. Through the eyes of these two women, the novel offers profound insights into the inner workings of humanity, reminding us of the immeasurable impact of past experiences on shaping our present selves.

The novel kept my attention from start to finish with its unique presentation of two seemingly unrelated women, their families, and their life experiences. The ending is powerful.

"The Safe Gap" is a moving exploration of life journeys and the intricacies of humanity. I highly recommend it for its compelling message.

[Kate Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳 very intense.

[Teddy Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed. I loved the accurate portrayal of relationships and the characters that felt really real

[Carol Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. It is a splendid story that I have loved reading. I cannot wait to read the rest. I highly suggest this story to everyone.