REVIEW and EXCERPT
The Relationship Riddle
(Stairstepz Book 2)
(Stairstepz Book 2)
by Susan
Paulson Clark
The Relationship Riddle is the second book in Susan Paulson Clark's Stairstepz series. The author stops by to share an excerpt from the book. You can also read my review. Also available: The Relationship Shoppe.
Description
Not your typical love
story ...
Vince, a football coach who foster-parents a five-year-old boy, dodges
romantic commitment like a shifty running back. Belle, who runs her own
business, has sworn off chasing men like Vince. A strong attraction comes into
play - but with all their objections and temptations, will the spark ignite
into a flame? When Vince and his foster son find themselves in harm’s way,
Vince and Belle’s involvement takes a surprising new direction.
Excerpt
Chapter 1 ~ Belle
Belle loved
Stairstepz, the store she and her best friend, Marian, had launched. So much so
that, during her breaks, she’d often come around from their office in the back
room to simply admire it—as she did now. Standing behind the small curtain, she
gathered the muslin fabric in her hands and drew it aside, pausing and
relishing the sight of personal-growth inspired books and breathing in the
faint aroma of nerve-soothing scented candles. And so she stood, rather smugly,
in that catchall area of unshelved books and a wall poster that read, “Smile!”
Taking it all in.
Their young,
part-time help, Hannah, chatted up a customer near the cash register. With
surprise, Belle noticed something else, beyond the sales transaction, past the
front window, out on the sidewalk. Through the distorted, rippling effect of
the scorching Texas heat, she saw someone she knew. Could it be Vince Anderson?
Blond hair.
Cheekbones. Muscular physique. Yes, Vince. As he approached the entrance and
pulled open the glass door, Belle quickly snatched the fabric panels together,
retreating behind them. As her curious eyes peeked through the narrow curtain
opening, she felt her pulse and breathing quicken. Their boutique-sized store
would afford her a good view.
Vince remained near
the entrance, the customer left and Hannah came out from behind the counter,
her eyes locking onto his body so intently, you would think he didn’t even have
a head—and in so gawking, she nearly ran into a book carousel.
Hannah gingerly
straightened a book in the carousel, as if it had been her intention all along,
and cleared her throat. “Well, hello! May I help you?”
“Sure,” he said with
a warm smile. “I’m looking for a book.”
“What’s the title?”
“I just need to find
your parenting section,” he said.
The store’s phone
rang once, then twice, but Hannah didn’t rush over to get it. “You have kids?”
“No, well, not yet.”
“Oh, I see,” Hannah
said. “You must be looking for a gift.”
The phone’s ringing
seemed to grow louder.
“Darn it,” Hannah
said, “I mean, just a minute while I get that.”
Belle snickered to
herself. Parenting, huh? Marian had said Vince never even had a girlfriend. She
squinted; his right hand bore no wedding band.
Vince and Belle had
met briefly before through Marian, who had loved him at one time. Hearing so
much about him, Belle felt like she knew him quite well. He used to ask Marian
for lunch or coffee, but never took her on a date. Marian had misinterpreted
his attention as romantic interest.
So then, he didn’t
need parenting books at all, just more ego strokes from Marian.
Belle shook her
head. If Marian, her dearest friend and just about the strongest person she
knew, fell for him, then how could she be immune to his charms? Better to
remain behind the curtain and spy.
Praise for the Book
"To bill this book as a romance in the traditional sense, even
though romance is a big part of the story line, would be to do it an injustice.
It's really about life's unpredictability and its choices. The rest is up to
the protagonists … and up to the reader to follow with bated breath." ~ Midwest Book Review
"What will you get from The
Relationship Riddle? You will find a heartwarming story of love between not
only a man and woman, but also between child and parent, and even between
friends. You’ll get a well-written story with a strong plot and story
structure. You’ll find loveable characters you’ll want to cheer for, and maybe
one or two that you might throw your book at, if they were standing in the room
with you. [...] I found myself glued to the story, waiting anxiously to find out
what was going to happen, as I knew some kind of danger was coming to mess
things up for poor Vince. And of course it did come. Great job, Susan. Keep on
writing." ~ Victoria Schwimley
"It is an unusual romance but one which is very realistic. It is
told in alternating chapters by Belle and Vince. It made a welcome change to
romance novels. I loved reading it." ~ P.
Blevins
"The Relationship Riddle
touches on many social topics current today. Single parenting, fostering
children, males fostering children, elder care. and women entrepreneurs. [...]
The writing is good, the characters are believable, and what is refreshing to
me is, there isn't graphic sex in the book. I like to read good stories, and if
you enjoy romance on the lighter side, then you'll enjoy The Relationship Riddle." ~ Nana58
"The Relationship Riddle
was a very enjoyable read. It was well written and left me wanting more. I
thought Clark did a tremendous job with character development. I was hooked and
I could identify with the main characters in the story. I appreciated very much
that it was clean and appropriate for anyone. Grammatically speaking it was
excellent as well. I would love to read more of this author's work. I want to
know how the relationship between Belle and Vince progresses. I also really
appreciated the questions at the end, it's not just an entertaining read but it
is also thought provoking." ~ imfchik
My Review
By Lynda Dickson
Belle and Marian are co-founders of the Stairstepz bookstore. One day
Marian's old flame Vince Anderson walks through the front door looking for a
parenting book. Turns out he wants to foster a child - on his own! When Belle
doesn't tell Marian about Vince's visit, you just know they're in for trouble. Belle
knows she should stay away from him, but something about him draws her in. With
Vince reluctant to commit to a relationship because of his past experiences,
will these two ever get together?
Although there are a few references to things I assume are in the previous
book, the story is still easy to follow and stands on its own merits. Some
pretty difficult issues are raised (alcoholism, child abuse, drug making,
fostering, adoption, divorce, sexual harassment - both male and female, single
parenting, domestic violence, surgery, physical therapy, aged care, death,
prison), but they seem to be resolved a little too easily. Still, this is an
entertaining read and a lot lighter than these issues might indicate.
While this story line is complete, the ending leaves it open for a sequel.
I look forward to reading more about these characters.
About the Author
Susan Paulson Clark has been writing for fifteen years. She's an avid
reader of women's fiction, mysteries, and non-fiction titles. Susan enjoys
painting (acrylic and oil) and spending time with her husband. She graduated
from UC Santa Barbara with degrees in English and Education - and she's an avid
believer in writers' critique groups!
The Relationship Shoppe and The Relationship Riddle are part of her Stairstepz series. A third book will be released in 2016!
Second Chance (2014) by Susan Paulson Clark
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