Intimacy Issues

The Samantha Series #2

by Claudia Whitsitt

Sam thought visiting Japan would give her closure on her husband's death. She was so wrong... It has been a year since Samantha Stitsill became a widow. She is ready to start living again, but unanswered questions about her husband s death plague her. Japan is where he worked and where he died, so that is where she will go. In the heartbreaking journey reliving his final days, Sam unwittingly finds herself hunted by a man she thought was dead, and loved by a man who is willing to put his life on the line for her. This second novel of the Samantha Series delves into psychological terrors of being ambushed and the conflicting emotions of guilt and passion of a new love after the death of a spouse.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

266 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2013

About the author

I’m the oldest of six children and the only girl. Northwest Detroit, at that time a thriving metropolis and desirable address, was my childhood home. I attended parochial schools and loved learning from the very start. A voracious reader, one of my fondest memories is keeping the hall light burning in hopes of stealing a few extra minutes of reading time each night. When my mom got wise to my tricks and closed my bedroom door, I snuck a flashlight from my dad’s toolbox, kept it hidden under my bed and replaced the batteries more than once. That single beam came in handy on many late nights with Nancy Drew.

Graduating from St. Mary of Redford high school in 1970, I attended Eastern Michigan University. After receiving my degree, I became a Special Education teacher. Early on I realized that teaching was my new “school." I learned so very much from my students and their families about hope in the face of despair, about the hidden talents each of us possess, and about how simple acts of humanity can touch and enrich lives.

I have always loved writing whether composing an educational report, a letter to one of my children, or a simple poem. My initial inspiration to write a novel came while I worked as a Special Education teacher and became involved in a mystery surrounding one of my students. As all writers do, I began playing “what if” and started putting ideas down on paper.

Since penning my first novel, Identity Issues, I am consumed with learning more about my newly discovered passion. A newbie at my first writer’s conference a few years back, I asked the question, “How do I become a better writer?” The editor, my newly adopted fairy godmother, spoke wisely. “Write some more.”

Since that time, I have written two more installments in The Samantha Series, Intimacy Issues and Internal Issues.

I've also recently released The Wrong Guy, a new adult romantic mystery loosely based on the Co-Ed killings of the late '60s.

Later in 2014, I will be releasing a stand alone work of contemporary fiction, Two of Me, and a middle grades historical fiction novel, Between the Lines.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up about a year after the previous book, Sam is plagued by questions relating to her husband’s untimely death. Fearing that she and her family may still be in danger, Samantha decides to go to Japan in an effort to obtain the answers she seeks. Convincing McGrath to go with her is easy, he has waited almost a year giving Sam and her kids time to grieve and heal. Sam, too, is finally willing move on with her life, but first, she must make certain the danger she senses is eradicated.

In Japan, Sam and McGrath get more than they bargain for. Unexpected trouble leads to a deadly pursuit that prompts them both to use their wit and intelligence to outfox their foes. Just as exciting and well-written as the first book this one left me wholly satisfied.

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story, again!! I love the twists and turns; Claudia really took me for a ride with this one!! I had some ideas in my head, here and there, some of which were correct, some of which were waaaayyyy off base. I'm trying not to add any spoilers, so I will have to quit early on this review because I really have a craving to talk details! Great job Claudia, you did not dissapoint, that's for sure!!!!

[Angelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish I could give this book 10 Stars..
Intimacy Issues picks up about a year after Identity Issues ends. Identity Issues Samantha is trying to move on from the loss of her husband. She still has so many unanswered questions. After receiving a disturbing phone call one evening she decides it's time to find out once and for all what happened that fateful night. She enlists the help of McGrath and off they go on a quest for answers. While looking for pieces to the puzzle Sam's life has turned into they find themselves in a whole lot of danger. Sam is left with the realization that while on her quest for answers she may have just orphaned her kids.
I love these books and the characters are so amazing and realistic.. I have many things in common with Sam and Di. Looking forward to the next installment in the series.. If you haven't read the series I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Identity Issues. So far there are 2 books in the series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book of the Samantha series. Can't wait to see what happens next. HIghly recommend a very fun read.