What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gap
For Kerrie Brannon, life in her small town was good. Well it was until the bottom fell out from under her. One event led to another starting with moving in with her grandparents, after her father split, and ultimately being raised by her grandfather, Barry Flynn, a fun-loving Irishman.
Kerrie’s sophomore year was marked by a growing drug dependency. As her drug use increased in frequency, her attendance became occasional, at best. This got her placed in a rehab program, during summer break, where she found an interest in reading and her knack for writing. After graduation, she attended a writers' workshop led by retired local author Devlin Scott. A book is born and with Devlin's help, it gets published. A movie deal followed the success of the book and relocation to Los Angeles.
Life is good again with the added bonus of an encounter with a hometown neighbor, which sparks good time memories and inspires a neighborhood reunion. The reunion was a great success, but events the next day and beyond threaten to unravel all Kerrie has become.
Kerrie’s sophomore year was marked by a growing drug dependency. As her drug use increased in frequency, her attendance became occasional, at best. This got her placed in a rehab program, during summer break, where she found an interest in reading and her knack for writing. After graduation, she attended a writers' workshop led by retired local author Devlin Scott. A book is born and with Devlin's help, it gets published. A movie deal followed the success of the book and relocation to Los Angeles.
Life is good again with the added bonus of an encounter with a hometown neighbor, which sparks good time memories and inspires a neighborhood reunion. The reunion was a great success, but events the next day and beyond threaten to unravel all Kerrie has become.
372 pages, Paperback
Published August 16, 2019
6 people want to read
About the author
Joanie Lunsford
1 book19 followersJoanie Lunsford is a proud Jersey girl and member of Fans of Booktopia. The Booktopia events inspired her to leap into her desire to write. Being from a small town, Joanie wanted to capture the appeal of hometown closeness and bonds which transcend time and distance. Joanie lives in Georgia with her husband and two cats. This is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 8, 2020
Kerrie has been through some "thangs" (Vague Spoilers)
The Gap is a well thought out book that hits on so many relatable situations for the reader. The MC is an author, who had a somewhat difficult childhood, and while she had gotten her life right for some time, a series of events leads to a relapse.
This book hits on everything from cheating, to childhood abuse, to setting healthy boundaries, to drug and alcohol use/abuse, all while keeping the reader engaged in a fiction tale.
There are several likable relationships in The Gap, including the friendship between Kerrie and Erin. I struggled with the relationship between Kerrie and Kirk, but I know that's because I hold grudges, and once I found out he cheated, there was no going back for me. Ha. Ha.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, in which you might even learn a thing or two.
The Gap is a well thought out book that hits on so many relatable situations for the reader. The MC is an author, who had a somewhat difficult childhood, and while she had gotten her life right for some time, a series of events leads to a relapse.
This book hits on everything from cheating, to childhood abuse, to setting healthy boundaries, to drug and alcohol use/abuse, all while keeping the reader engaged in a fiction tale.
There are several likable relationships in The Gap, including the friendship between Kerrie and Erin. I struggled with the relationship between Kerrie and Kirk, but I know that's because I hold grudges, and once I found out he cheated, there was no going back for me. Ha. Ha.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read, in which you might even learn a thing or two.
January 6, 2023
Kerrie is a character than initially seems to have it all- success and happiness. The story delves beneath the surface of a life that’s been shrouded by secrets and hidden trauma. Kerrie’s life slowly crumbles as the truth is revealed and her trauma makes itself known.
People are complicated and trauma is even more complicated.
The author did a fantastic job writing this; it’s hard to believe this was a debut novel!
November 10, 2025
Kerrie Brannon appears to have it all. She wrote a book, Hollywood picked up the movie rights and here she is, living in a luxurious LA mansion, complete with pool, garden and a handsome guy who’s happy to attend to the outdoor maintenance of these—along with the ‘interior maintenance’ of his employer. Next door lives best friend Erin, who by a quirk of fate was a childhood friend of Kerrie and who’s also the lead female in the film of Kerrie’s book—which is being directed by Kirk, who’s become the main man in Kerrie’s life.
It all looks good, but less so when Kerrie opens up to Kirk about certain issues of her past life—such as her mother dying in a car accident, leaving Kerrie’s grandparents to care for her and the girl developing a reliance on smoking weed as a coping mechanism. Counselling, a trip to rehab and therapy led to a healthier habit of journalling, which led to Kerrie writing the book which completed the turning-around of her life.
Or did it? When Kerrie and Erin take off for a reunion in at their hometown in Wyoming there’s a surprise waiting for Kerrie, and one of which she wouldn’t have dreamed in a million years. The ground opens up beneath her, metaphorically-speaking, exposing the gap in her life which needs to be filled, or bridged, or whatever will work to complete Kerrie.
This was a thought-provoking story, well-executed by author Joan Lunsford. The structure was good, and I had to get used to the almost-non-use of pronouns by characters in dialogue, but that didn’t take long and didn’t detract from the important issues under the spotlight here. Recommended.
It all looks good, but less so when Kerrie opens up to Kirk about certain issues of her past life—such as her mother dying in a car accident, leaving Kerrie’s grandparents to care for her and the girl developing a reliance on smoking weed as a coping mechanism. Counselling, a trip to rehab and therapy led to a healthier habit of journalling, which led to Kerrie writing the book which completed the turning-around of her life.
Or did it? When Kerrie and Erin take off for a reunion in at their hometown in Wyoming there’s a surprise waiting for Kerrie, and one of which she wouldn’t have dreamed in a million years. The ground opens up beneath her, metaphorically-speaking, exposing the gap in her life which needs to be filled, or bridged, or whatever will work to complete Kerrie.
This was a thought-provoking story, well-executed by author Joan Lunsford. The structure was good, and I had to get used to the almost-non-use of pronouns by characters in dialogue, but that didn’t take long and didn’t detract from the important issues under the spotlight here. Recommended.
June 28, 2021
“… Devlin … took his sweet time getting to a point. A conversation with him was like being out with a Sunday driver, having a long way to go, but being in absolutely no hurry to get there.” While this is the main character’s observation of a minor character's mannerisms, in author Joanie Lunsford’s “The Gap,” it’s also the perfect description of the novel. It’s filled with great characterizations and a vivid sense of place. However, its overlong, literary style dampens the dramatic impact it seems the author strives for.
Kerrie Brannon, the main character, is a young author whose first book (metaphorically titled “Misguided”) becomes a Hollywood movie. Wanting to capitalize on her success, Kerrie packs up and heads to Tinsel Town to hopefully become a star. From there, however, life takes many twists and turns. The first half of the book features plenty of sensual scenes; hunks and hotties indulge in the typical pool boy/gardener fantasies and jet setting to exotic locales. Kerrie’s biggest concerns appear to be over things like whether to wear a bikini or one piece to a lunch date, for example. Then, there’s her matinee idol of a love interest, Kirk Garrett, complimenting her on her sultry, silver screen features (“…brown wavy hair, pale green eyes, high cheekbones, perfect nose and chin”) and vice versa (“Kirk Garrett was very attractive, with sparkling blue eyes and shoulder-length brown wavy hair”). Romance enthusiasts should be pleased and hooked.
However, the second half is supposed to show just how vapid an entertainer’s lifestyle can become if she doesn’t stay focused on the business side of show business, by having Kerrie go into a personal tailspin. However, her “fall from grace” becomes much more literary in style. That is, the plot doesn’t matter as much as the relationships between the characters. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if there’s greater development of the characters. That development takes a bit too long to get to and when realized hasn’t the gritty, rock bottom impact that the book blurb may lead one to believe. There were also [intentional?] instances of shifts in first person narration and long stretches of pure dialog which, in the end, made “The Gap” feel better suited for screenplay, rather than novel, style.
Nevertheless, this isn’t a bad first outing for author Joanie Lunsford. The story is well-edited, in terms of grammar, and definitely shows a keen eye for recognizing important aspects of what hardcore fans of romantic drama enjoy, by delivering an always vivid sense of place and cast of characters. However, “The Gap” is ultimately like that Sunday driver’s idyll: Overlong and slow-paced, it's more like taking The 101 to Santa Barbara instead of being the fast, dangerous L.A. joyride that casual romantic drama readers might expect.
Kerrie Brannon, the main character, is a young author whose first book (metaphorically titled “Misguided”) becomes a Hollywood movie. Wanting to capitalize on her success, Kerrie packs up and heads to Tinsel Town to hopefully become a star. From there, however, life takes many twists and turns. The first half of the book features plenty of sensual scenes; hunks and hotties indulge in the typical pool boy/gardener fantasies and jet setting to exotic locales. Kerrie’s biggest concerns appear to be over things like whether to wear a bikini or one piece to a lunch date, for example. Then, there’s her matinee idol of a love interest, Kirk Garrett, complimenting her on her sultry, silver screen features (“…brown wavy hair, pale green eyes, high cheekbones, perfect nose and chin”) and vice versa (“Kirk Garrett was very attractive, with sparkling blue eyes and shoulder-length brown wavy hair”). Romance enthusiasts should be pleased and hooked.
However, the second half is supposed to show just how vapid an entertainer’s lifestyle can become if she doesn’t stay focused on the business side of show business, by having Kerrie go into a personal tailspin. However, her “fall from grace” becomes much more literary in style. That is, the plot doesn’t matter as much as the relationships between the characters. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if there’s greater development of the characters. That development takes a bit too long to get to and when realized hasn’t the gritty, rock bottom impact that the book blurb may lead one to believe. There were also [intentional?] instances of shifts in first person narration and long stretches of pure dialog which, in the end, made “The Gap” feel better suited for screenplay, rather than novel, style.
Nevertheless, this isn’t a bad first outing for author Joanie Lunsford. The story is well-edited, in terms of grammar, and definitely shows a keen eye for recognizing important aspects of what hardcore fans of romantic drama enjoy, by delivering an always vivid sense of place and cast of characters. However, “The Gap” is ultimately like that Sunday driver’s idyll: Overlong and slow-paced, it's more like taking The 101 to Santa Barbara instead of being the fast, dangerous L.A. joyride that casual romantic drama readers might expect.
October 17, 2021
Kerrie got what most authors only dream about, her book turned into a movie, so she moves to LA and gets reacquainted with Erin, the leading lady in the film, also dates the director! The relationship ends, and we learn how it came about through flashbacks. One of my favorite things about The Gap was how fleshed out the characters were. And as a writer, Kerrie's absorption in penning her next book was spot on! I also loved that Kerrie and Erin take a trip back to their hometown together, just the girls. It's also where Kerrie recieves some shocking news! It's amazing how the events of our childhood can effect us as adults, and this book shows you that there is no shame in seeking treatment. It also displays how powerful friendship really is.
April 20, 2021
A well thought out book that hits on so many relatable situations for the reader. This book hits on everything from cheating, to childhood abuse, to setting healthy boundaries, to drug and alcohol use/abuse, all while keeping the reader engaged in a fiction tale. There are several likable relationships in The Gap, including the friendship between Kerrie and Erin. An enjoyable read in which you might even learn a thing or two.
May 11, 2022
Gripping and Compelling
I gave this book 5 stars because the story kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters were so real and I resonated with their personalities. Additionally, the authors handling of mental health issues and how they occur in a family was presented so well. I highly recommend this book.
I gave this book 5 stars because the story kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters were so real and I resonated with their personalities. Additionally, the authors handling of mental health issues and how they occur in a family was presented so well. I highly recommend this book.
December 18, 2021
Kerrie is the toast of Tinseltown, living the high life as her novel is turned into a Hollywood blockbuster. Her best friend Erin is a marquee star and Kerrie is dating Kirk, a hot director. She has it all. But while the glam life is seemingly all swimming pools and movie stars, it’s like a Hollywood set: a facade for what is actually the reality behind it. We begin to see cracks in that facade and understand more of Kerrie’s personal story in the second half of the book as she returns to her childhood hometown and faces the people who know her truth - including the “gap” that she has been desperately trying to fill or escape with substances and even her own writing.
I enjoyed that the “fall from grace” plot was driven by the relationships between Kerrie and her circle of friends. The author relies heavily on realistic dialogue to move the scenes forward, which can get a tad muddied at points such as in transitions between chapters. I also missed Kerrie’s connection with Kirk when she returns home and grapples with and comes to terms with her past. But Lunsford does a great job of tying together all the loose ends in her impressive debut, and ultimately delivers a satisfying ending about the healing, forgiving and redeeming power of love - including the love that comes from no other source but within.
I enjoyed that the “fall from grace” plot was driven by the relationships between Kerrie and her circle of friends. The author relies heavily on realistic dialogue to move the scenes forward, which can get a tad muddied at points such as in transitions between chapters. I also missed Kerrie’s connection with Kirk when she returns home and grapples with and comes to terms with her past. But Lunsford does a great job of tying together all the loose ends in her impressive debut, and ultimately delivers a satisfying ending about the healing, forgiving and redeeming power of love - including the love that comes from no other source but within.
February 13, 2023
.
The Introduction in The Gap spoke to me on a personal level, eloquently expressing things I have experienced while living in the shadow of a painful past. Its poignancy remains with me. The narrative then shifts to the story of Kerrie, who is forced to confront her own painful history. While there were some elements of the story I didn’t connect with, I found Lunsford’s perspective of a person in crisis to be a valuable addition to the growing arsenal in support of mental health awareness.
The Introduction in The Gap spoke to me on a personal level, eloquently expressing things I have experienced while living in the shadow of a painful past. Its poignancy remains with me. The narrative then shifts to the story of Kerrie, who is forced to confront her own painful history. While there were some elements of the story I didn’t connect with, I found Lunsford’s perspective of a person in crisis to be a valuable addition to the growing arsenal in support of mental health awareness.
May 9, 2023
The Gap is definitely not my type of book but it was so engaging, true and relatable that I found myself enjoying it. The protagonists are very realistic and their issues are part of life. The book deals with difficult subjects like cheating, childhood and substance abuse.
Although no aliens, zombies or vampires made an appearance, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I definitely added Joanie Lunsford in my list of loved authors .
Although no aliens, zombies or vampires made an appearance, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I definitely added Joanie Lunsford in my list of loved authors .
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews