Spotlight: Lady and the Tribe: How to Create Empowering Friendship Circles by Brenda Billings Ridgley

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GENRE: Non-fiction, Self-help

BLURB:

Wives, mothers, and career women—we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the makeup free, yoga pants, weight gain routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere? The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

We can become whole again through the power of connection.

When three or more gather, we are Tribe.

Excerpt:

Awakening

Today, a dichotomy exists between our concurrent hyper connectedness—the immediate and ongoing ability to check up on faraway friends via social media—and our elevated sense of emotional alienation. Add to that, we as a culture are so focused on career success, financial accomplishments, and family milestones that we often lack the time and energy to connect with others beyond those arenas. Despite being surrounded by people, places and things, somehow we are left feeling alone. We are not alone because we lack relationships. We are alone because these relationships lack depth, knowledge, and certainty. In his column, “Loneliness is Killing Us,” George Monbiot suggests that, much as we labeled the Stone Age, Iron Age, Space Age, and Information Age, this era will be called “The Age of Loneliness.”

Almost without noticing, we have distanced ourselves from the people who choose to love us without obligation. These closest personal friendships are ever present—yet do not demand our time. They are an advocate in our corner, mirroring back to us who we really are. This neglect is not without a price. We must actively seek, grow, and maintain these relationships. If we fail, we won’t just lose a friend—we’ll lose a piece of ourselves.

The wonderful thing is that no matter where you are right now with your relationships, you can exponentially improve your connections by deciding to give them a little more attention and intention.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

BRENDA RIDGLEY is an author, speaker, and girlfriend guru who loves helping women connect, find success, and discover joy through friendship.  Her mission is to start a movement: women coming together to build thousands of new Lady Tribes around the globe.  Through her workshops, vlogs, blogs, and book clubs, Brenda helps women connect and communicate with respect, love, and trust. She holds an MA in human resources and has spent decades cultivating her own Tribe.  A Colorado girl at heart, Brenda lives in the Carbon Valley area with her husband, Parker, two kids, Parker Jr. and Gillian, and pooch, Perry.  She enjoys hiking and has conquered Longs Peak and several other 14’ers.  

To connect with Brenda, visit her website at www.BrendaRidgley.com.

Subscribe:

YouTube: @BrendaRidgley

Podcast: @TheConnectionConnoisseur   - https://www.podserve.fm/series/website/the-connection-connoisseur,3341/

Blog:  https://www.brendaridgley.com/blog

Follow:

Instagram: @BrendaRidgley --  https://www.instagram.com/brendaridgley/

Facebook: @BrendaRidgleyConnections - https://www.facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections

Twitter: @BrendaRidgley

Spotlight: Absolution by Rachelle Storm

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Chris Harris's destiny was bestowed on him before birth, just as it was on his two brothers, John and Randy. Not human but the physical embodiment of elemental water, earth, and fire, they've been burdened with protecting Earth and freeing the world from the Ultimate Evil. 

However, unlike their elemental forms, their human selves have desires of their own. After being hidden away in the remote town of Anderson, North Dakota, Chris and his two brothers hoped that their problems would end, but they've only just begun. Now their individual destinies are intertwined with the unpredictable McNamara sisters—Joanie, Victoria, and Stacie—and the Ultimate Evil is drawing ever nearer. Forced to choose love or duty, regardless of their decisions, nothing will ever be the same for the Harris brothers.

The first in a four-book series, Absolution blends together the forbidden romance of Twilight, the hidden magic and secret guardians of City of Glass, and the non-stop action of The Fifth Wave. Absolution is a whirlwind of adventure for Chris and his brothers as they explore a world more vast, and more dangerous, than any of which they'd dreamed. But now, the nightmare comes.

Absolution is available now at Amazon.com. The second book in the series, Absolution: Revelations, will be published July 2022.

Buy on Amazon | Paperback

About the Author

Rachelle Storm has been a fandom geek since its earliest beginnings and never stopped. A Black scholar holding a doctoral degree in Writing Studies, she researches rhetoric, music, and popular culture. In truth, Rachelle never isn’t writing or sharing her knowledge with her fans. However, on the off-chance she isn't working or experimenting with paper and ink, you can find her at music festivals and independent bookstores. Absolution is her debut novel. The second book in the series, Absolution: Revelations, will be published July 2022. Find her online at rachellestorm.com or connect with her on social media (Instagram; TikTok; Twitter; and Facebook). Join the Absolution fandom on Facebook or Goodreads.

Spotlight: Hearts, Homes & Holidays Anthology

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A Sweet Romance Charity Anthology Filled with Family, Friends & Faith

Sweet Romance

Date Published: October 19, 2021

Family Ever After

Longing hearts, loving homes, and lively holidays combine in this Romantique Treasury. This warm-hearted anthology combines friends, families, and faith as hope blossoms in the lives of orphaned children.

ADOPTED IN ARKANSAS

Socialite Emily Simpson feels out of place. So, when Emily consults her aunt, Lachele suggests she use Matchrimony to find a husband. For farmer Derrick Bobo, he hopes an arranged marriage will give him a better chance of gaining custody of his autistic nephew, Zach. Can Emily adjust to a farm wife’s lifestyle? And more importantly, how will she deal with a boy on the spectrum?

A HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Madeline Collier finds solace in charity work and fundraising for a local children’s home. Peter Townsend moves west from Philadelphia to escape his past and begin a new life. When an idea is planted for an orphan’s possible future, Madeline realizes she needs help. Can Maddie persuade Peter to commit to a marriage of convenience and, in so doing, help her give a child a forever home?

A NEW FAMILY

Eliot Graveney fought his entire life to be seen as the equal of those around him, but a flash of fire enters his world in the shape of heiress Marianne Daltrey. And Eliot’s life will never be the same. Can Eliot outsmart a wealthy man to help Marianne get her inheritance? Will he lose his heart in the process?

FOREVER FAMILY

Susan Vuichard is committed to making sure no child is forgotten in the foster system, which means opening her family farm to three sisters that have nowhere else to go. Richard Petra still suffers from a tragic loss, but sparks fly when he finds his high school sweetheart. Can this group somehow become a forever family?

JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS MORNING

Anna Beckett has a soulless job at Gallagher Industries. When she becomes a volunteer cuddler, holding the sickest babies in the neonatal unit, Anna begins to realize there’s more to life than work. Thrust into a Santa Claus suit at the children’s hospital, Jack Gallagher is surprised to recognize the accountant from work. Can they overcome their misguided perceptions to form a lasting bond?

KANDIE KISSES

Frazzled by a hectic lifestyle, Rachel Boulton has no choice but to rearrange her priorities when a surprise gift is left for her at work. With the help of her secret crush, Mick Polenz, can Rachel meet the overwhelming needs of this special delivery, or will she lose the greatest joy she’s ever known to the demands of unfulfilled ambitions?

LONG TO BELONG

Mark Diamond has never had a family of his own, but being on the spectrum makes relationships extra complicated - until Katie Reed, owner of the Bountiful Blueberry Coffee Shop, stole his heart faster than an underpriced IPO offering. For Katie, her shy beau has been as yummy as a dandelion-cocoa latte, but can they handle each other’s situation, or will their dreams be thrown out like yesterday’s brew?

MACY’S GIFT

Macy Williams loves her career as a photojournalist, but when her brother and sister-in-law die, Macy is drawn back to her small hometown to handle their estate. Cord Adams is surprised by his deceased friend’s choice of guardian. He only met Macy once, and the meeting was anything but cordial. Can two strong-willed individuals set aside their differences for the good of two young girls?

NOT PART OF OUR EVENING PLANS

As one of the couples who found love at River’s End Ranch, Jace and Dinky Cunningham struggle with the loss of their dreams for a family; but, circumstances can shift in a split second. Dare they hope this change of plans will bring them everything their hearts desire?

Proceeds from this collection of inspiring stories will benefit special-needs adoption grants through Reece’s Rainbow.

Connect:

Michele Pollock Dalton https://www.michelepollockdalton.com/

Michele Brouder - https://michelebrouder.com/

Nancy Fraser - http://nancyfraser.ca/

T.C. Hester - https://teddyhester.com/

Jean Jacobsen - https://jeanjacobsenauthor.com

Caroline Lee - http://www.carolineleeromance.com/

Kirsten Osbourne - http://www.kirstenandmorganna.com

Rose Pearson - https://www.rosepearsonauthor.com/

Christine Sterling - https://www.facebook.com/ChatSipandRead

Spotlight: Cross My Heart by Kris Jayne

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(Lone Star Crossed Saga, #1)

Publication date: October 5th 2021

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

The star-crossed love affair starts with a lie…

Real-estate mogul Carter Cross has spent his life toiling for another man’s legacy. Then, a phone call unlocks his true destiny as part of the country’s wealthiest oil dynasty. With his famously cool command, he’ll stop at nothing to seize the Cross family’s birthright.

When an infamous oil baron drops dead in a most scandalous fashion, tabloid reporter Nisha Donovan gets assigned to dig up dirt on the new J.P. Star Energy executive—the filthier, the better.

Neither of them counts on their undeniable attraction derailing their plans, but sometimes a star-crossed love can’t be denied. Can Carter and Nisha escape the snares of power to build a new legacy together?

Cross My Heart is book one in The Lone Star Crossed Saga and has a happily ever after. The family saga unfolds with soapy dramatic fun in each book, but there are no romance cliffhangers. Book one has a slow burn but heats up—way up—at the end, so grab a fan!

Excerpt

Nisha

I hoped I wouldn’t miss him. The only downside to these loosey-goosey barbecues was not knowing who was going to be there and when. I got to Victoria and James’ early to position myself on a barstool in the huge, eat-in kitchen with a wide view of the backyard.

If he came in the front door, he’d have to pass through to get outside, and if he walked around and went directly into the yard via the side gate, I should be able to catch him.

Doing another visual sweep of the patio and pool area where other guests enjoyed the warmer weather, I lost track of the conversation with my host temporarily. Victoria snapped a finger over my head while holding a knife in the other hand. “Hello, Nisha?”

I smiled and turned my gaze back to her, and she continued chopping onions and tomatoes for guacamole.

“What? Oh, yeah. Maya’s doing okay. She’s still staying with me.”

“You’re going to keep her?”

“Hopefully.” I sighed. “All Maya has to do is get through the next three years.”

Of course, I knew nothing about how to raise a teenager except worrying every day we were crammed into my townhouse. And now Lisa was back. My spine stiffened until my neck hurt.

It would be okay. Maya knew what she wanted. And I’d handle the rest. I reached out to my lawyer. He agreed to help, but representation would cost a couple thousand dollars I didn’t have just to get started. I would figure it out.

Lord. Today wasn’t for worrying about Maya. Today was for meeting the guy at the heart of the story that would help me not have to worry. 

That’s why I’d asked Victoria about one particular hot, successful guy on the guest list. I hadn’t wanted to get her involved, but I needed to make sure he was going to be here. Otherwise, I’d have to get much more creative.

“Well—oh, hey.” She lowered her voice. “Your hookup is here.”

“What’s up, Victoria? I brought beer.”

The back of my neck tingled at the masculine rumble behind me.

I knew before I swiveled around that he was handsome.

All the news clippings and online pics told me that. But they couldn’t warn me about the earthquaking timber of his voice that surely registered on the Richter scale. The vibration made my toes curl around the footrest of my barstool. The only shakes like that around here came from fracking. The tremors in my stomach told me he might be as dangerous as his new oil magnate employer.

I drew in a steadying breath and turned.

“Hi.” The wicked energy of his grin swayed toward me in time with samba-like way his hips moved when he walked.

Damn.

Focus, Nisha.

What I needed from him didn’t have anything to do with his hips. Or the sinewed ripple of his forearms as he reached past me to set a case of Mexican beer on the counter. He wore a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up. It was open. His dark, smooth chest rippled and narrowed to hard abs that cut arrows pointing down into the waistband of his long swim trunks.

He started to say something else, but Victoria interrupted.

“There’s a tub of ice outside for the drinks. Then, come back in, and I’ll let Nisha introduce herself.” Victoria took a break from chopping and wiped her hands on a dish towel.

The slash of his smile spread across his face again. My heart swelled and thumped to the beat that had played in my head as I watched him walk in.

“Or we could do that now before I head outside.” He extended a hand. “Carter Cross.”

Even his hands were sexy. Callused, but smooth at the same time. Strong, but elegant. His fingers wrapped around my hand, and I thought about having the grip sliding up my arm, over my shoulder, and down, down, down.

I was sweating like Victoria’s A/C wasn’t cranked to a chill for the party.

Straightening my spine lifted my chest in my magenta bikini, and his eyes flickered down and back up to my face. Normally, that would have irritated me, but instead, my stomach did another salsa dance.

Let go of his hand, creeper. I’d clung on a nanosecond too long, then dropped it. “Nisha Donovan.”

“How have we never met before?”

“Are you sure we haven’t?” I crinkled my brow as if maybe I remembered him from somewhere else and not the days of research I’d done.

“No. I have an expert eye for faces. Yours”—he paused and pointed at me—“I haven’t seen before.”

I grinned. “Well, now you have.”

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Kris Jayne is a devoted writer, reader, and traveler, crafting addictive contemporary romance novels with heat and heart. She spends her days blissfully sweating out the writing process in the Dallas area with her dogs, Otis the Shih Tzu, Rocco the Terrier, and Red the Foxy Mutt.

Her passion for writing is only matched by her passion for the adventures of travel. In 2008, she let a friend talk her into sleeping outside for the first time in her life when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

P.S. If you're buying her a gift, she has a penchant for single-malt Scotch and scarves.

Connect:

https://www.krisjayne.com/

https://www.facebook.com/krisjayneauthor

https://www.instagram.com/krisjayne/

https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Jayne/e/B015WPXFD6/

https://twitter.com/kris_jayne

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8392141.Kris_Jayne

Spotlight: Baby, It’s Hot Outside: A Christmas Down Under

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Publication date: October 31st 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Synopsis:

Baby it’s Hot Outside – A Christmas Down Under
Seasonal Summer Multi-Author Novella Collection

100% pure SUMMER Christmas.

Come Down Under for a hot and steamy SUMMER festive season.

Escape those winter blues with 12 summer Christmas novellas. A fabulous collection of sexy Down Under summer Christmas romances. Hot sun and hotter men, friends to lovers, reunion stories and more. Come visit a world of hot, sultry kisses and long, lazy days in the sun. It’s Christmas Down Under and just another day at the beach!Join USA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans with ten of her fellow Australasian authors. Warm your heart, and maybe a little bit more, too, with 11 never before published sexy novellas of Down Under lovin’ in the Christmas sun. Only 11 – aren’t there 12? There are! The 12th story is a collaboration between the 11 authors in this boxed set. Each author is writing a chapter of THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Twelve standalone novellas (never before published)99c Pre-Order Price rising to $4.99 week of releaseOnly available until the end of January 2022 – get your copy today!

We are running a contest for this box set. You can win a Kindle Fire HD and a collection of stories…

https://www.bronwenevans.com/contest-time-baby-its-hot-outside-romance-collection-99c/

Twelve perfect indulgences to get you in the Christmas spirit:ANNA FOXKIRK – The Worst Noelle
ANNIE SEATON – Her Christmas Star
BRONWEN EVANS – Fast Track To LoveJACQUELINE LEE – Unrequited LoveJAYNE KINGSLEY – Twelve Days Of ChristmasKENDRA DELUGAR – Something In The Water
KRIS PEARSON – Summer Santa
MEGAN MAYFAIR – The Season For Second Chances
RAY COLLET – Home For Christmas
SOFIA GREY – A Christmas Retreat (Falling For The Colonel’s Daughter)
SUSANNE BELLAMY – Red Dirt Christmas
COLLABORATION – The Week Before Christmas  – A collaborative novella with a chapter from each of the authors in this box set. We will be running a fabulous contest of guess who wrote what chapter!

Excerpt

Fast Track To Love (This Christmas) – Bronwen Evans

For the life of him Sully couldn’t understand why a woman like Kara hadn’t already been snapped up, but then perhaps like him she had baggage in her past. 

Did he want to learn more, or should he keep this light? While he was looking for a life partner, there was no way in hell he wanted to complicate things by getting involved with a woman who lived a sixteen-hour plane ride away. His life was in LA not NZ, especially as he’d been given shares in Bad Boy Autos. He’d never owned a business before. 

Kara returned with a tray. She’d made up a platter of cheeses, crackers, olives and peppers. She handed him a chilled glass of Coke and he let his finger stroke over her knuckles and loved the little shiver she couldn’t hide. 

She was nervous. She wasn’t used to this sort of thing and that knowledge pleased him. “I hope you like seafood. I grabbed some scallops from chef earlier today.” 

He smiled. “I’ll eat anything anyone cooks me. Living on my own, I usually have to cook for myself. This makes a pleasant change.” 

“I’m spoilt. I love to cook, but sometimes it’s nice to have someone do it for you so I get room service.” 

He wanted to put her at ease. There was no rush. He didn’t have to sleep with her tonight, even if he badly wanted to. “Living in a hotel has advantages. You have a lovely home.” 

“Thank you. Being in the hotel business doesn’t mean you can’t make your home more like a home than a hotel. I tried to build that philosophy into my hotel suites, too. Home away from home. Do you live in an apartment in LA?” she asked as she popped an olive in her mouth and many images flooded his brain and heat headed south. He shifted in his chair. 

“No. I have a large rambling and costly Victorian mansion that I’ve lovingly restored during the last six years. It comes with a large yard and a swimming pool. Most of my spare time is taken up in looking after it.” 

“Do you have a family, then? If you have a such a large home?” She added hurriedly. 

“I live there alone, but maybe one day.” He didn’t know why he added that. Perhaps because it was the truth. He lived there alone, but he also wanted to share it with someone special and maybe have more children. He’d get it right this time. His children would be his sole focus. 

“What about you?” he asked. 

Did she just grimace? He blinked, but all he saw on her face was a smile. “One day.” 

But the mood had altered. Silence lengthened, and she seemed to gulp down most of her glass of wine. “I need a refill. How about you?” 

“I’m good, thanks.” She took off inside like a coyote was after her. 

Well, asking about family hit a nerve. There was a history here. Was he brave enough to ask? 

When she came back out, she went to the balustrade. “I love swimming, too. The hotel has a pool.” She pointed over her balcony. She obviously didn’t want to talk about it. What did he care if she wanted to change the subject? This was a holiday fling. 

“I see you have your own Jacuzzi.” Invite me in. 

As if reading his mind, she said in that husky, sultry voice of hers, “We could try it out after dinner. Watch the sun go down. The hot water should really put you to sleep if you last that long.” 

He could last. For her. “Or before? I’m hungry but not necessarily for food. As a gentleman I always give the woman the choice; food or hot sex beyond your wildest dreams.” 

“Wow, bragging a bit, aren’t we? You Americans boast a lot.” 

Kara’s eyes betrayed her desire. Her luminous, rich chocolate brown eyes glittered in the thinnest of rings around huge black pupils. 

“Let me prove it to you.” And he would. “Mechanics are good with their hands.” He paused as he walked to where she stood against the railing. “Very good.” 

She put the wineglass down on the ledge and turned fully into him. Her lips called to him, and he pressed a swift kiss to them. 

“Your ‘deck’ is very private. No one can see in, can they?”

“I had a brilliant architect.” Her words were said breathlessly. Satisfaction jolted at how urgent her need was. She intended to ravish him as much as he would ravish her. His erection strained harder. He didn’t think he’d ever met a woman so hungry for him. The thought aroused him. 

Her gaze roamed his body, saying ‘yes, please’ but he had to be certain. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the outdoor lounger. “Are you sure you want this? I’m happy just to have dinner with you.” 

Her hands went to his waistband and pulled out his shirt so she could lift it over his head. She propped herself up on her elbows and licked his nipple. “You’re a feast to be enjoyed. Food later.” 

The response in his blood was stronger than expected. He burned, and he would have to slow it down if he was to live up to his boast. 

He pushed her down and she moaned when he slid his hands under her dress and drew it slowly up her body. His gaze followed the smooth skin he revealed. Beautiful. She was so beautiful. He drew it over her head and dropped it. He sat staring for a moment. Then he reached out and traced the Maori symbol on her hip. “What does this mean?” 

“It’s a Koru, a spiral that means new beginnings and harmony. The spiral shape takes its form from an unfurled fern leaf signifying growth.” Was this a new beginning? Regret flooded his being. It couldn’t be. 

He bent and kissed her hip before running his tongue from her navel to the edge of her lacy bra. “How convenient.” Her bra hooked at the front. He pushed the cups aside and freed her breasts. “Kara,” he murmured, licking her from breast to breast with slow, teasing strokes, swirling around each dark, taut peak. For some reason, his satisfaction soared at the small noises she made. He loved arousing her. Her head fell back and her eyes closed, she was lost in sensation. He looked down her body and the sight of her white lacy thong revved up his need. 

The need to taste her. To give her such pleasure, she’d never forget him. 

88 

BABY IT’S HOT OUTSIDE ROMANCE COLLECTION 

Pleasure was all she wanted from him and all he wanted too, right? 

He grinned as he kissed down her torso. Her breathless begging grew louder as he slowly slid her thong down her long, toned legs. How did he get so lucky to find her?

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

Spotlight: Three Coins by Kimberly Sullivan

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Publication date: October 22nd 2021
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Women’s Fiction

Synopsis:

One Eternal City. Three women. Three wishes. Three coins.

Emma, an American expat living in Rome for twenty years, can’t count on her ex-husband to help out with the kids when things get tough. Dario Rinaldi, famed plastic surgeon to the stars, is too busy gallivanting around Europe with young women to take an interest in his family.

Beautiful Tiffany, born and bred in Iowa, is desperate to get a spot as a dancer on an Italian television show. But is she willing to do whatever it takes to make her dreams of TV stardom come true?

Annarita, from an Italian-American family in Yonkers, teaches English to over-privileged Italians and regularly has her heart trampled by boyfriends all wrong for her. As her mother is always quick to point out, nothing has gone right for her since she moved to Italy. And she isn’t getting any younger, either.

Emma, Tiffany and Annarita all meet up by chance at a 1950s movie night while on a restorative holiday at a beach resort off-season. The triumphs and hardships of these three very different women become intertwined as they form an unlikely friendship and work to better their messy lives.

Excerpt

The corners of Headmistress Green’s lips tilted upwards, but her stern grey eyes remained unconvinced. “I’m pleased to hear that. Too often, divorce can lead to decreased involvement by one of the parents. But in these cases, it’s our experience that two parents working in partnership can turn a situation like this around.”

She stood, signaling the end of the meeting. Emma scrambled to her feet.

“I hope to hand Chiara her diploma on graduation day. Don’t hesitate to call me if you or Doctor Rinaldi have any concerns you wish to discuss.”

Just shake hands with the woman and make it to the door without crying.

She followed Mrs. Green to the door, her Prada heels clicking with each uncertain step. She blinked rapidly, a desperate attempt to stave off the tears. She offered a weak smile to Mrs. Green at the door, and another to the receptionist, before exiting the office and walking out of the building.

The fresh air calmed her. It was a glorious autumn day, unseasonably sunny and warm for mid-October. The tourists were still wandering around the city’s historical center in shorts and tank-tops, wondering at the tropical temperatures compared to Stockholm, or London, or Hamburg. Usually, Emma was pleased to visit this campus, with its lush green yard and rolling hills, always finding it hard to believe this peaceful countryside was still, technically, a part of Rome. But today being on campus afforded her no pleasure.

She hurried down the hill to the entrance gate as fast as her fashionable but impractical heels would carry her. Please don’t let me bump into Chiara or the twins. She kept her head low, as if that could mask her identity should her children cross her path on campus, on their way to lunch or gym class.

“Emma! Why, it’s been ages!” A voice rang out when she’d nearly reached the school gate.

Emma turned on her heel to see a woman she knew had been one of Dario’s patients on more than one occasion. Her nose had been redone, her lips plumped, and cheek implants strained against artificially tight flesh.

“Margherita! What a pleasant surprise.” Emma stepped forward and kissed the woman on each silicone cheek. “It’s been ages. My fault. I need to contact you to see when I can help out with PTO activities. Isn’t the international luncheon coming up?”

Margherita waved her hand, attempting a smile on skin that was no longer elastic. “Oh, that. We all do what we can. I know how hard it’s been for you, what with …” she lowered her voice. “The divorce.”

The horrified expression accompanying her words would have been equally suitable for “your drug conviction” or “the mafia killings you ordered.”

Divorce was surprisingly rare at the Fairmont School, as Emma was quickly learning. “Oh, it’s fine. I forget about it half the time.” Dragon Lady didn’t need to know the truth.

Margherita sighed. “But still, so tragic. I always thought you were such a perfect couple. Although, I must admit,” she chuckled. “I never would have pegged you for a plastic surgeon’s wife. Although that was always part of Dario’s charm. He’s known for creating perfection on his patients, but never demanding it from his own wife.”

A steady throbbing began behind Emma’s right temple. “I’m over it, really. Thank you for your concern.”

“I’m sure you are, my dear. Especially if Dario could … sweeten the pot, shall we say, with his departure. It’s important we hold them to their financial obligations, eh?” She winked. “But still, it’s a shame for Chiara. Lucrezia tells me how upset she is, how she always complains the divorce ruined her life.” She shook her head. “You know how dramatic teenagers can be.” Margherita stood, expectantly, her head tilted.

Emma silently counted to five. “Thanks for your concern. It was tough for Chiara at first, but I think she’s starting to accept it.”

Margherita’s lips formed a dainty little ‘o’. “That’s not what I heard. But I’m always behind on these things. How nice that everything is going swimmingly, and I’ve been misinformed.” There was a hard glint in her eyes. “Let’s be in touch for the international luncheon. Bye, Emma dear.” With quick kisses on the cheek, she turned on her heels and made her way up the slope to the school.

Emma watched the receding figure, her head still spinning. A double whammy of Mrs. Green and Margherita. Surely, things couldn’t get any worse.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

I write the women’s fiction stories I love to read, both contemporary and historic tales of women and the rich lives they lead along their journeys of self-discovery. A lifetime admirer and longtime resident of Italy, I’m often guilty of sneaking the bel paese into my stories.

Connect:

https://kimberlysullivanauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyinrome/

https://twitter.com/Kimberlyinrome

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21814220.Kimberly_Sullivan