Rock and a Hard Place draws the reader into the heartbreaking dilemma faced by Lucy, mother of three children, the oldest of whom has severe autism. Due to 9-year-old Hollie's erratic and often destructive behaviors, the day-to-day life of the rest of the family is fragmented and chaotic, putting a strain on Lucy's marriage and affecting her younger children, who are beginning to show signs of low self-esteem and lack of focus. In trying to get the best possible educational services for her daughter and at the same time preserve her family, Lucy is stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place.