"The Relationship Riddle" by Susan Paulson Clark

REVIEW and EXCERPT

The Relationship Riddle
(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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"When All Balls Drop" by Heidi Siefkas

REVIEW and INTERVIEW

When All Balls Drop:
The Upside of Losing Everything

by Heidi Siefkas

Author and adventurer Heidi Siefkas joins me today for an interview about her debut book, the inspirational memoir When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything, which is currently transitioning from book to film. You can also read an excerpt from the book, as well as my review. The sequel, With New Eyes, is due out this September.

Description

Heidi Siefkas was a happily married, globetrotting professional who seemingly had it all - until a tree limb in New York's Hudson River Valley struck her down, breaking her neck and leaving her unconscious. Suddenly, life as she knew it stopped. She lost her independence. She lost her career. She watched her marriage disintegrate as she confronted a trail of devastating lies about her husband's double life.

She had lost all that mattered, but she was a survivor. She fought to restore her health, repair her broken heart, and rebuild herself. Along the way, she gained clarity about her core values, ultimately coming to a deeper understanding of what it means to have it all.

Through down-to-earth, short vignettes, When All Balls Drop shows us how it's possible to look up in spite of pain, deceit, and loss. Heidi's memoir - rich with hope and humor - inspires anyone who's had to confront tragedy and reassess their life in the wake of life-altering events.

Book Video

Excerpt

Putting the Pieces Together

I awoke feeling cold in a stark, square hospital room. I tried to look around as I heard familiar voices. I was lying in a bed covered with a flimsy, white herringbone blanket. Both my mother and my husband were sitting to my right. I heard the beeping of a monitor and several unfamiliar voices. Why was I here? How did I get here?

A nurse with a long, blond ponytail, glasses, and blue scrubs came in and approached my bed to check my vitals and IV bag. Looking up from her clipboard, she asked, “How’s your pain?”

I tried to nod, but I couldn’t. My neck was in a brace. Scared, I said, “I’m okay. I think?” I looked at my mother’s face. She was crying. I passed my hand over my face, which was tender and swollen. I was in a hospital gown with tubes coming out of my arms and plastic cups around my calves. Every few minutes the cups would inflate and deflate. Combined with the dissonant mixture of rhythmic beeps from my monitor, the buzzing of the overhead fluorescent lights, telephones ringing, intercom crackling, and staff talking, my already-high levels of anxiety and fear rose.

Although I do not remember the few days prior to my waking up, my mother and my husband, AJ, had been by my side continually. My mother came closer to my bed, carefully touched my hand, and said, “Heidi, you arrived at the emergency room via ambulance after being struck by a tree limb outside your apartment.”

My First Visitors

While transitioning from morphine to pain pills, I became acquainted with the nurses on the fifth floor. Every four hours one of them would come, which meant more pain pills and a little company to break up my counting the holes in the ceiling tiles. Granted, some nurses were better than others; I noted a dramatic difference between the demeanors of the daytime nurses versus the graveyard shifters. Maybe the daytime shift conversations were all an act—“Honey, darling, sweetie, I know”—because I had visitors, witnesses to their behaviors. However, the night crew came in like ghosts: pop in, give meds, check vitals, and pop out to go back to texting or watching the TV until passing the patient baton to the relieving nurse.

Regardless of shift, not one of them exuded the compassion I expected from a nurse. Between the equipment provider with his in-your-face butt crack and the revolving door of nurses and specialists who failed to respond promptly to my call button due to gossiping or texting, I began to believe the term health care professional was an oxymoron.

Praise for the Book

"When All Balls Drop is a powerful chronicle of ultimate change and recovery. This is its strength: pointing out the light at the end of the tunnel." ~ Midwest Book Review

"There are certainly many books written about overcoming adversity. Heidi’s is unique in one important respect. It involves an act of God that quite frankly could happen to any one of us. Here’s is a compelling story of faith, tenacity, humor and accomplishment. You’ll certainly cheer for the author as she heads to the finish line!" ~ Jordan Rich, WBZ CBS Radio Boston

"I recommend When All Balls Drop for anyone who feels a kinship to a story that may enable a search for a way forward on their fateful life path." ~ Self Publishing Review

"What a great life lesson!" ~ Crafty Mom Zen

"Siefkas shows us how to handle adversity with humor, candor, and most importantly resilience. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys uplifting and honest memoirs." ~ BookSpin|@BookDude

"When All Balls Drop is refreshing … 5 stars." ~ feedmeinbooks

My Review

By Lynda Dickson

Imagine taking the garbage one day and getting struck by a falling tree limb. That's exactly what happens to Heidi Siefkas. The result - she ends up in hospital, unconscious for five days, and with the possibility of being paralyzed or severely handicapped. However, luck is on her side, and she is discharged after nine days, with a broken neck and a full body brace. What follows is an account of the harrowing physical and mental therapy Heidi undergoes on her road to recovery, with the support of her mother, father, and her "clan" of childhood friends and workmates.

With dry humor, Heidi recounts having to deal with unhelpful technicians, less-than-friendly nursing staff, unsympathetic doctors, incompetent doctors' assistants - and a cheating husband. We follow Heidi on her road to both physical and mental recovery, the loss of her job, her divorce proceedings, the creation of Look Up Day, and learning to drive again. However, this is not only a narrative of her accident and recovery, but also a series of short essays on a variety of topics, including the role of trashy television as therapy, marriage and divorce, doctors and nurses, insurance companies, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the Chardonnay lunch. As the author herself states in an interview with me, "I'm from the Midwest, which is known for being 'what you see is what you get'. My writing is similar: straight forward, not too flowery, with an authentic voice and humor." This is a perfect description of Heidi's writing style. And, with its near-perfect editing, this book is a pleasure to read.

Heidi's accident is a "life change", not just because it changes the life she had, but because it changes the life she chooses to live from then on. It is also referred to as a "psychic slap" or, as the author herself describes it, as "when all balls drop". This is an ultimately uplifting tale of how, when everything goes wrong, the resulting experience might actually be the best thing that ever happens to you.

Truly inspiring.

Interview With the Author

Hi Heidi Siefkas, thanks for joining me today to discuss your new book, When All Balls Drop.

For what age group do you recommend your book?

18+.

What sparked the idea for this book?

It's a true story that happened to me five years ago. The idea of writing the book came well after my experience. I decided to write my story in 2011 while I was on a solo journey in South America. I released When All Balls Drop in September 2014.

What was the hardest part about writing this book?

The hardest part was reliving my experience: pain, uncertainty, and loss on various levels. It was a true emotional roller coaster.

How do you hope this book affects its readers?

I hope that When All Balls Drop inspires others to triumph through life's hurdles, health scares, bad relationships, or even full-blown life catastrophes like mine. The take-away is a concept called Look Up, which stems from the power of perspective. It has two major components: 1) Be aware of your surroundings, both appreciating the beauty as well as hazards. In essence, be in the moment, mindful. 2) Spin each situation positively. Although some situations appear negative at first, there are no wasted experiences. Every hurdle, hiccup, or wound turns into wisdom.

What a great concept, Heidi! How long did it take you to write this book?

I wrote during my recovery, a period of nine months. The rereading, polishing, and editing process took another nine months.

What is your writing routine?

I typically write in the morning for two to four hours. I then break for a reality check (gym, hike, or walk). I try to sit for another hour in the afternoon to write again. I do some of my best writing after these walks or hikes. Also, I have been known to write while I'm traveling. Yes, I'm the one with the laptop on the plane, train, or bus.

How did you get your book published?

I published with Wheatmark in Tucson, Arizona for a number of reasons. Firstly because I was writing my book from Kauai; so, I needed a publisher that would be close to my time zone. Second, they could complete my aggressive timeline of manuscript to release in nine months. My goal was to release When All Balls Drop on the anniversary of the life-altering accident (27 September 2009) that sparked the story and my life change.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

My advice is to write often. Write whatever comes at that time. You don't have to write in a chronological order or in an exact story line. You can piece it together afterwards. Also, with the technology we have today, I use my iPhone and its notes function to write down or even dictate writing themes and titles while I'm doing daily tasks such as shopping, cooking, etc. Don't let those brilliant moments escape you.

Great advice! What do you like to do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I love to travel and do outdoor activities. My next major trip is to Greece. I will also have a repeat trip to New Zealand and Australia in fall of 2015.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family fully supports my writing. I include them in my editing process as both are very well read.

Please tell us a bit about your childhood.

I grew up on a hobby farm in rural Wisconsin (Midwest of the US). My name comes from the children's story Heidi. We had a flock of sheep at the time. My parents thought that a little girl playing around the farm named Heidi was perfect. I know in the Heidi book, it is goats not sheep, but potato, pa-TAH-to.

Did you like reading when you were a child?

When I was a child, I loved story time. I loved more than anything to be read to by my parents.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I realized I wanted to be a writer in 2008 when I started my travel blog, Ms Traveling Pants.

Did your childhood experiences influence your writing?

Of course, my childhood and surroundings influence my writing. As I mentioned, I'm from the Midwest, which is known for being "what you see is what you get". My writing is similar: straight forward, not too flowery, with an authentic voice and humor.

It certainly is that! Which writers have influenced you the most?

I feel that three major female authors have helped pave the way for me: Cheryl Strayed, Lisa Genova, and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Great company! Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I receive messages from many of my readers as well as pictures of where they are reading When All Balls Drop (Fiji, Cuba, NYC, Florida, and more). I love getting their feedback about how my story inspires them to continue on and Look Up.

Blue Mountains, Australia

Havana, Cuba

What can we look forward to from you in the future?

I will be releasing the sequel, With New Eyes, this September. It picks up where When All Balls Drop left off. Additionally, I'm transitioning When All Balls Drop to film. The screen play is currently being written in L.A. I'm expecting the film to be released in 2016.

Fantastic! Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Heidi. Best of luck with your future projects.

Mahalo, Lynda. Thanks for this opportunity!

About the Author

Heidi Siefkas is an author and adventurer. Originally from small-town Wisconsin, she lives in Kauai and also calls the Midwest and South Florida home. Heidi's books include When All Balls Drop (September 2014) and With New Eyes (September 2015). She is currently writing her third book in this series, Cubicle to Cuba, which features a humorous collection of stories about her travels to Cuba, Peru, New Zealand, Italy, and more.

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