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Happy Monday, my wonderful peeps.

Here’s this week’s peek into the crazy lives of the residents of Ludlow Hall (and it’s a doozy)�

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It’s late afternoon in Nico Ferranti’s office at Ludlow Hall�

Ah, it is good to kick back and relax after a busy and productive day. Nico powers down his laptop, leans back to stretch out in his fancy schmancy ergonomic chair of soft black leather. Don’t you just love it when everything in life comes together as it should? Psychologists call the occurrence a state of ‘flow�. Whatever, business is booming. His baby girl’s bruised cheek is healing as it should. The twins have settled into school and are sailing through math and reading tests. Tonio is top of his class and captain of the soccer team Go, Tonio! The baby is finally sleeping through the night, thank you, Jesus. His wife loves him to bits. Hell, when has life ever been this good? A brisk knock at the door and Josh Erichsen pokes his head in, smiles when he sees his pal. He strolls in and closes the door. Today, he’s wearing soft jeans, a pale blue button down shirt, navy sweater and black steel capped work boots. Seems Josh has been on a building site.

“Hey, passed Julie on her way out, she told me to come on through. You got time for a beer?�

Nico spins in his seat to the built-in cooler behind his desk. �Si! Have a seat. How are things?�

Josh eases himself into a fat leather club chair the color of blackcurrants, accepts an icy bottle of Peroni. “Thanks. Good. Broke ground on a new project. And, so far—touch wood—the planners are in harmony with my project manager and crew. Long may it last.�

Nico takes a sip of Italian nectar, closes his eyes to enjoy the moment. “And how are Jan and Boo?�

“Good. Boo’s found her feet and is on the move. Jan’s been teaching her how to climb down stairs backwards. It’s the cutest thing, evah.�

Experienced daddy, Nico nods. “Need eyes in the back of your head when they are at that age.�

Josh rolls blue eyes. “Tell me about it…� But, before he continues, a white-faced and wild-eyed Alexander plunges through the door.

Dressed for business in a smart dark grey suit handcrafted in Savile Row, his crisp white shirt is unbuttoned at the neck and his silk tie is askew. Alexander sinks gingerly into the chair next to Josh. “Thank god you’re still here, Nico,� he says in a squeaky voice. “I’m in deep shit.�

“Rosie? Mila?� Josh asks as he sits up, places his bottle on the leather top of Nico’s oak desk.

Alexander shakes his head, closes his eyes tight. “No. They’re fine. It’s me. I’ve had an accident.�

Alarm shoots up Nico’s spine. “Car accident? Anyone hurt?�

Again Alexander shakes his head, this time he lets out a long low groan. “No. Me. I’ve really messed up. I’ve spent all day trying to fix it. And I can’t. I can’t!�

Nico and Josh exchange a wide-eyed look.

Nico turns to a pale Alexander. “If it is business, you must not worry. There is nothing we cannot fix. Even if we’ve taken a financial hit, we will weather the storm.�

Alexander shakes his head. “No. No. Business is good. It’s� It’s me. I don’t know what to do.�

Josh reaches over to grab Alexander’s hand. “Are you sick? Is it bad?�

Cristo! Nico knew the state of ‘flow� wouldn’t last. But, this? How will he tell Rosie and Bronte that Alexander is seriously ill? Panic uncoils in his gut.

Alexander closes his eyes tight and slumps in the chair. “No. I’m not sick. But I’ve gotta problem� a big problem.� He opens his eyes to watch their faces. “I need to go to A&E. I’ve seriously messed up, Nico.�

Bemused and bewildered, Nico looks at Josh. Josh looks at Nico, lifts his brows and shrugs in an I-have-no-clue-man gesture.

“What has happened?� Nico asks all at sea without a boat or a life jacket.

Alexander sits up places his elbows on his knees. His Adam’s apple bobs once, twice.

“It happened this morning. We were waiting for ‘the call� to say we got the deal…�

�Si, and we won, so?�

“Well, I was in my bathroom and needed to pee. I was in a hurry. So, when the phone rang I� I…�

Josh leans forward. “You what?�

Alexander’s cheeks puff as he blows out a very long breath. “I pulled up the zipper of my pants too fast� and trapped a long sliver of skin on the underside of my dick in the metal teeth of the zip.�

When Josh takes a deep inhale of utter horror and Nico’s eyes go wide, Alexander nods. “And, it’s bad. Four inches of skin stuck fast.�

“Omigod,� Josh whispers, his face pale. His eyes drop to Alexander’s package. He winces. “Can’t you just, sort of, yank the zipper down?�

“I thought of it, but I can’t bring myself to do it.�

Nico cranes his neck to check out the package in trouble. “Looks okay from here.�

Alexander shakes his head. “No. It’s not this zip! I had to cut myself out of my suit pants. The zipper’s still attached. These are new pants. Christ, how am I gonna tell Rosie? I will never, ever, live this down?�

Never mind Rosie, Nico thinks. What about Bronte? He stands up. “Right. We will go to the emergency room and get this sorted. Nessun problema!�

“I’m coming, too,� Josh says, his blue eyes dancing with sheer wickedness.

“I feel sick,� Alexander mutters as his two best pals escort him out of Ludlow Hall and into the car park and into Nico’s black shiny Range Rover.

“We will fix it!� Nico slaps Alexander on the back so hard Josh coughs to hide a choke of laughter.

In the accident and emergency department of the local hospital, the guys stand at the long narrow desk in reception�

The place smells of antiseptic with an oily undertone of bodily fluids. There are a small number of people seeking assistance, including a young mother with a young baby, and an elderly man sitting on a trolley with a horrible head wound.

“How can I help you?� A grey-haired dragon who protects the gates for the genuinely sick and injured eyes three men who look the picture of health. Her gaze narrows on Josh’s shit-eating grin, Alexander’s white face, and Nico’s I’m-in-charge toothy white smile.

Alexander opens his mouth—but nothing comes out except a pitiful squeak. A squeak that makes the dragon’s black pencil brows rise sharply above the black frame of her reading glasses. “What the problem?� she snaps.

Alexander closes his eyes, drops his chin to his chest. “I have a delicate and personal problem.�

The dragon leans over the desk. “Listen up. In here there is nothing I have not seen or heard. Do you or do you not require the immediate attention of a doctor?�

Alexander lifts his head, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’ve trapped my penis the zipper of my pants.� He holds out his thumb and forefinger about four inches. “This much.�

She doesn’t blink. “And these guys are your two amigos who have come to support you in your hour of need?�

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“Okay. Let’s fill in the details.� She turns to the flat screen on her desk to bring up a form, and barks, “Name?�

Thirty minutes later, Alexander’s heart is going crazy against his ribs. Jesus, he needs to keep calm. The thought of a needle going anywhere near his junk makes perspiration bead on his top lip. He’s lying on his back on a narrow bed in a cubicle without his suit pants, his Calvins and his shoes. On either side of the bed are two young nurses. They’re wearing thin latex gloves and holding long metal tweezers. They are total professionals. Not once have they snickered or grinned at his predicament. In fact, if anything, their serious demeanour is having him shit bricks.

“You’ve really caught the foreskin,� one says as she peers up close and personal at his dick. He can feel her breath on super sensitive flesh. He closes his eyes tight and tries to ignore the way her latex covered fingers are fiddling with metal teeth on delicate flesh.

“It’s a good job you didn’t leave it until tomorrow, or you would be in bigger trouble. This sort of thing happens all the time, usually to young boys. But, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible before swelling or infection takes hold,� the other one says. She has a white can in her hand and shakes it with vigour. “I’m just going to use a numbing spray. It’s cold. It won’t hurt.�

When the freezing spray shrivels his junk, Alexander nearly hit the ceiling. His girly yelp mortifies him enough he covers his burning face with the hands. And is that laughter he hears from his two amigos sitting behind the curtain? Bastards.

Twenty minutes later�

“I think we need to get a doctor. He might need a circumcision,� a nurse says. Her wide blue eyes are sympathetic as they meet an Alexander’s who’s lungs have gone tight with something like horror. “Good job you didn’t try to yank down the zip or we’d be dealing with the plastic surgeon. Let me go get the duty registrar.�

As she closes the curtains, she sends a wide-eyed reproof to a Nico and Josh who are suffering great paroxysms of silent laughter.

“Did you hear him whine when she said circumcision?� Josh whispers to a teary Nico.

�Si.� Nico inhales a couple of deep breaths through his nose.

“Did you see how he couldn’t speak to the receptionist? He tried twice and nothing came out?� Josh whispers, swiping tears of hilarity from his wet cheeks.

The nurse returns with a young Asian doctor dressed in blue scrubs hot on her heels. The doctor eyes a Nico and Josh who sit up straight in their grey plastic chairs and assume serious expressions of brotherly solidarity. The doctor clearly isn’t impressed as he breezes past them. The nurse closes the curtains with a snap.

“Stop laughing. It’s not funny,� Josh leans over to whisper into Nico’s ear.

Nico nods, but his smooth brow creases as he bites down hard on his bottom lip, his wide shoulders shaking. Dio mio, who would have thought he’d be spending the early part of the evening in a drama involving Alexander’s dick?

Half an hour later�

Josh and Nico walk back to the car with a relieved Alexander between them.

Alexander lets out a shaky laugh. “Rosie’s gonna kill me. No sex until the stitches dissolve and the wound is fully healed, not even with a condom. Honestly, when the nurse mentioned going under the knife, I thought I was gonna pass out.� He places a hand on Josh and Nico’s shoulder. “Sorry I spoilt your evenings. Thank you so much for coming with me.�

Nico turns to give him a toothpaste-white smile. �Nessun problema. I would not have missed this for the world.�

“Are you in pain?� Josh asks from the back seat as the car glides down the winding country road toward Ludlow Hall.

“Stings a bit, but painkillers will deal with it,� Alexander says, and stretches out as he relaxes for the first time in eight hours. He turns to eye a Nico who is biting down hard on his bottom lip. “You’d better warn Tonio and Luca about the dangers of zippers, pal.�

Nico turns to give him big eyes. “No need. They are Italian!�

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FINE

Ah, men and zips.

The jaws of death.

This Friday we have the first of the Golddiggers short story. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a great time in my entire writing career. There are eight in total to take us right through the holiday season!

Big Hugs,

Christine XX

Only seven days to go and ELLIE will be winging her way into your eBook/reading App. I cannot tell you how excited I am to bring you the first of eight 30-40 minute stories (depending on how fast you read). Each story is released every Friday to set you up for the weekend and well-earned ‘me� time.

They are romances, heavy on comedy, focusing on the moment when two hearts beat as one. All the stories are set in the world of The Golddiggers, where Miz Birdie rules the roost. But, each romance is a standalone with no cliffhanger. They are the perfect length for the commute to work, or lunch break, or relaxing in the evening or weekend.

I can promise you lots of feel-good fun and laughter. And I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing these feisty ladies and the men who adore them.

And I have a Big Surprise coming in the next few weeks, but shh, don’t tell anyone.

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Big hugs,

Christine X

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Happy Monday!

It’s time for another slice of Ludlow life with our favourite family…�

The Dower House�

Dressed in skinny blue jeans, a cropped T-shirt that’s seen better days, Bronte pads into the family-kitchen living space on bare feet. She’s given Eve her last breast feed of the day. It won’t be long before her daughter is fully weaned, and the thought has a little pang of loss hit her heart. She’ll miss the intimacy and the connection. Her baby won’t be a baby for much longer. The kids are settled down for the night—at last. Sophia is out like a light after her horrible day. Looks as if her right eye is swelling and will be closed by the morning. Her brothers insist on having their bedroom doors open so they can hear her if she calls in the night or has a bad dream. Glancing at her husband, she reckons someone else needs a bit of love and attention. Sprawled on the couch wearing his favorite jeans white at the seams and a black long sleeved thermal, a stony faced Nico stares unseeing into the flames of a stainless-steel log burner. His long legs stretching out before him, his bare feet are long and narrow and sexy. Bronte’s mouth lifts. He’s a big sexy Italian beast and she loves him more each day. In the sexy beast’s hands, he’s nursing a wine goblet. His mouth is a thin, hard line. Bronte takes the seat next to him and curls up her legs and cosies into him. She reaches out for his glass, and takes a sip of the ruby liquid.

“You’re thinking bad thoughts,� she says and offers him the glass.

In response, he places the wine on the vast glass coffee table before taking her in his arms. Bronte closes her eyes to simply breathe in the heady scent of her man. A woodsy cologne, his shampoo, and an alpha male testosterone that feels like home. As much as she loves The Dower House and the life they have here in the old market town of Old Ludlow, in her heart she knows that wherever Nico goes is home to her and their growing family.

“I have had a call from Annabel’s papa,� Nico says, indicating his cell lying on the coffee table. Annabel’s father is a wealthy and influential businessman. Although he has a good reputation, Nico and Alexander tend to give him a wide berth.

“By the look on your face I take it it’s not good news.�

Nico heaves a deep sigh. “It’s not good news for his grandsons. Seems the social services have paid Annabel a visit. Both boys are to be placed on the ‘at risk� list. Annabel’s papa seems to think we had something to do with it. I put his mind at rest. I’m thinking this might not be a bad thing for those children.�

“Jonathan has them every weekend,� Bronte says, and repeats the local gossip. “They run wild through the town, stealing candy and general mischief making. The man doesn’t have a clue about parenting or taking care of young children.�

“From what Alexander and I saw earlier this evening, he’s not taking care of himself either. I’d say it is either booze or an out of control recreational drug habit. Whatever, it is not bringing out the best in him. I said as much to his ex father-in-law. He is planning to stage some sort of intervention with Jonathan and his sons. His daughter is at her wit’s end.�

“She was a friend—once,� Bronte says. Her mind slips into the past, remembering the hurt and especially the public humiliation she suffered when Annabel and Jonathan had a torrid affair behind her back during the time she was grieving over the tragic loss of her parents. An affair which resulted in Annabel’s first pregnancy. The town had taken sides and the rift between the Winthrops and the Ludlows and Ferranti families had never healed. Seven years seems such a long time to hold a grudge. But, at the time of the betrayal, life for Bronte Ludlow had been tough going. Bronte had lost her parents, her home, her fiancé, and was at odds with Alexander over the shocking discovery that they had different fathers. And then the whirlwind of Nico Ferranti had entered her life, and look at them now! Parents to four wonderful children. The love and commitment they shared grew more each day. While poor Annabel limped from one domestic drama to another. She has an ex-husband with a sly, vicious tongue and a wandering eye. A man always on the look-out for the main chance to get something for nothing.

�Si. We cannot say she has not paid for her mistake. Perhaps it is time to offer her the hand of friendship. That is what good neighbours do, is it not?�

Not exactly thrilled with the idea, Bronte makes a face and heaves a big sigh. “I’ll speak to Janine and Rosie and run the idea to reach out to Annabel past them. If we do this, I’ll need their support. We were all a close-knit group once, when we were ten.�

Nico pulls her onto his lap to wrap her in his arms. “I am thinking of the children. If the adults cannot find a solution, what hope do they have? But let me clear, I will never under any circumstances be a friend to Jonathan Winthrop.�

Bronte reaches up to wind her arms around his neck. “Thank God for that. But I can tell by your face you have a plan for him.�

�Si. It is nothing for you to worry about,� he says in that deep growly tone her hormones love.

Nico dips his head to taste her mouth. At least that was the idea. Instead, it isn’t long before they’re naked on the couch, replete and relaxed. “My toes are tingling,� Bronte says. Her eyes shut, she adores the way his big hand sweeps lazy strokes down her spine. She smiles as his big body shakes with laughter.

“I can never get enough of you, cara mia.�

Bronte runs her nails gently over a dark nipple, feels him shudder. “Rosie says that when we’re in a care home and hobbling around with Zimmer frames we’ll still be snogging in corners.�

“She can talk,� Nico says severely. A squawk and grizzle from the baby monitor has both of them on their feet. They dress fast. He grins at Bronte’s flushed cheeks. “Ah, I remember the good old days when we walked about naked whenever we felt like it.�

“We need a break without the kids,� she says as they rush up the stairs. Nico heads off to check on Sophia, and Bronte enters the baby’s room. The heady smell of a dirty diaper has her dealing with the problem within minutes. After settling the baby, she searches for her husband and finds him leaning against the door frame of their eldest daughter’s bedroom. The door is wide open. As she approaches, Nico turns to place a finger on his lips, his grey eyes dancing.

As she studies the scene before her, Bronte lifts her hand to smother a laugh. Omigod. Tonio and Luca have dragged their duvets and pillows into Sophia’s room and are sleeping on the floor next to her bed. She tip-toes over the sleeping boys to study her daughter. Yep, the eye is swollen shut. The livid bruise on that velvet little cheek hurts Bronte’s heart. If the chance of letting bygones be bygones with Annabel and her sons prevents a repetition of today’s events, she’ll do it. The idea of offering the hand of friendship to Annabel may not go down well with Rosie and Janine, but they’ll support Bronte and the children through thick and thin—that’s what best friends do.

Tonio stirs, his eyes pop open as he watches them tip-toe out of the room hand in hand.

The boy lifts up on his elbows to crane his neck to check on Sophia. She’s out for the count, as is her twin sleeping on the floor next to him. Tonio settles to lie on his back and counts the tiny lights on a ceiling which replicates the milky way. Bronte and Rosie and Janine painted the ceilings in the twin’s bedroom. And when Tonio joined the family, the women did the same in his bedroom and gave him lights, too. The Ferranti children sleep beneath the stars.

Tonio smiles as his heavy eyes shut. He knows for sure they’ll have fresh cookies tomorrow because he can smell them from here.

It’s the smell of a safe haven.

It’s the smell of home.

It’s the smell of love.

We are mia la famiglia

We are Italian.

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FINE

Not easy doing the ‘right� thing, is it?

Working hard on the weekly short stories, the first one released at the end of this month, then I’m diving into the Ludlow world with Break The Rules. I LOVE my job!!!

Big hugs,

Christine X

A weekly tale of love and lust best describes the brand new short romance reads from USA Today bestselling author CC MacKenzie. Let’s face it, sometimes we’re in a hurry or not in the mood for a committed book relationship, or a series. Sometimes we want it quick and fast, a bit like a book one-night-stand.

These stories are set in the world of burlesque with glitter, love, desire, music and dance where girls tease and tantalize. These stories stand alone, unrelated to the next, except they are set in the same world. And CC will release an original story every Friday to get you in the mood for the weekend!

The Golddiggers series of thirty minutes of fun romance from CC MacKenzie � for busy people everywhere.

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CLICK TO PRE-ORDER

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Happy Friday, peeps!

The pre-orders for The Golddiggers are well underway with the next four coming soon. As an author I’ve probably had the most exciting time of my career writing these fast paced, fun reads. The Golddigger world is introduced to readers in(Ludlow Hall book ten). Here are just some of the amazing reviews that have come in over the last ten days:

“As with all of the books in the Ludlow Hall series, you become immediately drawn in the busy, crazy hectic life that surrounds Ludlow Hall and will love every minute! The characters are engaging and if you have started with Reckless Nights in Rome you will find it is like catching up with old friends. And of course, spending time with the Ferranti family is always fun and Sophia is the best! Sean has intensity and you can feel his bitterness. Well done CC! Another hit!�

“You will not read anything better than this series. Sean is another funny, heartwarming “episode� in the series. Sophia is the best. I love how the words describe exactly how the facial expressions are in my minds eye. Ms. MacKenzie is brilliant. Read these books, you will laugh out loud.�

“C C MacKenzie has done it again! Sean plus Katherine equals combustible sexy heat and passion that cannot be denied. We also get a wonderful peek into the lives of our favourite family, “The Ferranti’s..So much love and heart in this book�

“If you have never read any of the Ludlow Hall books you are missing out. The characters are fun and you feel like you know them. I love this series because the main characters of Nico and Bronte appear throughout all of the stories. This book was really good, couldn’t put it down, love the story of SEAN & Katherine and what they go through to be together. This story will make you laugh and cry. Another great read from CC MacKenzie.�

“Love these books. Never disappoints. Great read. Love the family, humor, friendships, and hardship of the characters and how they handle each of life’s situations. Even though I am not Italian lol.�

“I fell in love, broke my heart, laughed out loud, got mad, even sang along through tears. Wish I had more stars to give. This story just wonderfully told. Well done CC MacKenzie, you are brilliant.�

“Wonderful story. Loved how strong and independent our girl is. Thanks for another great hit CC. Can’t wait to read about Ellie.�

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Thank you so much for the SEAN love! ÌýYou’ve blown me away with all the Facebook messages and emails. My readers ROCK!

Big hugs,

Christine xxx

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It’s Monday!

Which means another slice of Ludlow Life!

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Nico’s been summoned to his children’s school. He’s standing in the headmaster’s study. Seems there’s been trouble in the playground, with the twins.

His heart beating too fast, Nico juts out his chin.Ìý “Let me get this straight. A seven year old boy used his fists and his feet on my daughter?â€� he says, unaware he’s doing a perfect imitation of Michael Corleone’s voice in the Godfather. Mr Weatherby, the headmaster, goes sheet white. His Adam’s apple bobs once, twice.

He clears his throat. “Yes. Older boys, including Tonio, and staff were on the scene within moments. The boy concerned is suspended until a thorough investigation is completed.�

“What’s his name?� Nico growls.

“Richard Winthrop.�

Nico doesn’t blink. “Any relation to Jonathan Winthrop?�

Again, Mr. Weatherby clears his throat. “His eldest son.�

There’s a knock at the door and a very pale Miss Brown enters with her hand on Sophia’s shoulder, with Luca hot on their heels. Luca’s tie is loose. There’s a rip and blood smear on his shirt collar. But it’s the ink-black bruise on Sophia’s cheek and the fact she walks with a limp that has the blood roaring in Nico’s brain. He crouches down to gently cup his daughter’s sweet little face, to study over-bright emerald eyes in the search for a sign of concussion, and finds none. Her chin trembles, but she bites down hard on her bottom lip.

“Where does it hurt, cara mia?�

“My hip and my cheek.�

He scoops her up, and sits on a chair in front of the headmaster’s huge desk of polished oak. Holding her close, he turns to his Luca. “What happened?�

“I punched Rick in the face and kicked him in the goolies,� says his peace loving son.

Nico nods. “What started it?�

Luca’s chin lifts and his dark eyes go hard. “He called mama a f***ing whore. Scusami, papa.�

Miss Brown clears her throat.

Nico spares her a look that would melt steel. “He is only repeating the words he heard. My children are not exposed to such language.�

Sophia rests her head on her papa’s chest. “Rick is a bad, bad boy. I told him to say sorry and he hit me.�

Miss Brown steps forward, but Nico’s glare stops her in her tracks.

He stands with Sophia in his arms. “I will deal with this,� he says, and moves towards the door.

Mr. Weatherby and Miss Brown share a look of utter panic. She takes another step. “Mr. Ferranti, I—�

Nico’s glance makes her wince. “This is not the time to discuss why my children are not safe in your establishment. Bring Tonio to me immediately. We have had more than enough trouble from the Winthrop family in this school. We are leaving.�

Fifteen minutes later, Miss Brown enters the headmaster’s study.

“Richard Winthrop’s behaviour is escalating. We need to bring in the authorities, headmaster.�

Mr. Weatherby nods. “With Jonathan Winthrop as a father, the boy hasn’t had the best start in life. But, you’re right.�

She walks to the window to stare unseeing at the playing fields and the forest beyond. “What do you think Mr. Ferranti will do?�

“Something tells me Mr. Winthrop and his son won’t cause the Ferranti family any more trouble.�

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Nico and Alexander leave the Winthrop estate where Annabel Winthrop and her ex-husband Jonathan have assured them there will be no repetition of the day’s events. Going forward their son will receive specialist counselling.

Alexander’s driving his Range Rover down the winding country road towards Ludlow Hall. He gives a stony faced Nico the side-eye. “I thought the creep was gonna piss his pants. And did you see his kid’s face? The boy’s gotta bad attitude. He’s nearly eight, big for his age and already a bully like his father.�

Nico nods. “Annabel has her hands full with her ex-husband and her sons. Bronte’s been in angry tears all afternoon. Not that she lets the children see her upset. She’s broken the habits of a lifetime and letting them have pizza on a school night. Oscar’s preparing four huge pies. Why don’t you and Rosie join us?�

“Sure. You know Rosie. She’s been talking to Bronte about enrolling the twins in martial arts. I don’t see the harm myself. When I explained the discipline is about avoiding conflict, you should’ve seen her face. She wants them taught the Vulcan mind meld.�

“Luca,� Nico says, as Alexander swings the car through the gates of Ludlow Hall, “is not aggressive, and yet he placed himself between Sophia and a boy twice his size.�

“He’s a Ferranti, Nico. He’d give his life for his sister.�

�Si,� Nico growls.

Alexander brings the car to halt in the car park next to Nico’s Range Rover. This evening Nico needed a witness to his discussion with a man who was a mortal enemy to Bronte. Alexander was more than happy to oblige his brother-in-law. “What if this isn’t the end of the matter?�

“My children will be protected,� Nico says.

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Two hours later, during an impromptu pizza party at The Dower House�

With the rest of the family, Rosie sits at the huge table in the kitchen-living-family space. Her feet are bare and she’s wearing skinny blue jeans and an oversized black sweatshirt with the logo, ‘I made a human, what’s your super power?� Her inky hair’s caught in a messy top knot of glossy curls. She’s cuddling a very quiet Sophia and every other second she drops a soft kiss on the child’s sore cheek to make it better.

“Little s.h.i.t.,� she says, ignoring Tonio’s big eyes and Nico’s what-the-hell face.

“I can spell. I know what you just said,� Sophia says, accepting a sliver of pizza from the plate.

Rosie resolutely ignores her husband’s ‘she gotcha� grin, and pops another kiss on top of ash blonde hair. “That’s because you’re an Einstein.�

“What’s an Einstein?� Luca wants to know as he compares the size of his pizza slice with Tonio’s.

Rosie gives him big eyes. “It means she’s a genius.�

When Luca’s mouth opens, Tonio jumps in with, “It means she’s clever.�

Luca shrugs. “I’m not clever like Sophia.�

“Of course you are!� his auntie Rosie says in a tone that makes his cheeks pink. “You’re super-clever in a different way. You’re a thinker.�

Luca frowns as he rolls the words in his mind. “What do I think about?�

Alexander’s soft laugh has Rosie toss him a dark look. “Deep thoughts, like world peace. Or, if we’re talking about right this minute, you’re wondering if you can have a bigger slice of pizza than Tonio.�

“How did you know that?� Luca whispers, his eyes wide.

“She’s a witch,� Sophia says from her cozy spot on Rosie’s knee. “Uncle Alexander says it’s a kind of magic the way she can read minds and everything.�

“Maybe you could turn Richard Winthrop into a toad, or a donkey?� Tonio says, grinning wickedly at Rosie.

“I’ll have you know, young man, that I’m a good witch,� she says accepting the boy’s unspoken challenge and ignoring Bronte’s eye roll. “If I put a bad thought or deed out into the universe, it comes back to me times three.�

“It’s karma, baby. Karma,� Sophia says.

“See? The kid’s a superstar. She takes after me,� Rosie says and drops another soft kiss on a giggling Sophia’s cheek. Then she frowns and shifts to look at the child’s flushed cheeks. “You hot, baby?�

Bronte’s emerald eyes narrow on her daughter’s face. “Gotta headache?�

Sophia nods. “A little bit.�

After a dose of kiddy ibuprofen, she accepts another slice of pie and her eyes droop.

Nico scoops her up and takes her upstairs to bed, with Bronte, Luca and Tonio hot on his heels.

“They’re trying to hide it, but they’re all terribly upset,� Alexander says to his wife. He’s nursing a comatose Mila on his lap while sipping a small glass of Chianti from one of Nico’s Italian vineyards. “Seems we can’t escape the dark deeds of the past.�

“It’s the bloody Winthrops!� Rosie says in a tone that means business. “Every single one of them are twisted. What the hell Annabel was thinking to sleep with that creep Jonathan when he was engaged to Bronte, I don’t know. What I don’t get is the way they see this family as the enemy. What have we ever done to them? Bronte’s the victim in all this, and yet they’re always sniping at her and Nico and now the kids? What’d wrong with some people?�

“It is the result of being unable to deal with losing face and the lack of a working conscience,� Nico growls as he strolls into the room. Grey eyes hard, he helps himself to a glass of wine.

“Do you really think a little chat with that rat is gonna do the trick?� Rosie asks.

Nico sits. Stretching out long jean clad legs, he studies the blood red liquid in his glass.

“I will protect la mia famiglia.�

Alexander gaze meets Nico’s. “Yeah, but what does that mean exactly.�

“I am Italian.�

FINE

Ìý

Oooooh. Someone’s gonna be swimming with the fishes.

I’m working hard to finish the first eight weekly Golddigger reads, first one out at the end of the month, 28th October. Book three, SUKKI, hit the top 50 in Amazon from the pre-orders. I have to admit the cover is awesome. Wait until you see RUBY, she’s a goddess. (RUBY’S pre-order links coming soon).

My cover designer is Gabrielle Prendergast of Cover Your Dreams and you can check 0ut her site .

Big hugs,

Christine X

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As soon as I have the KOBO link I’ll add it!

This has got to be one of my favourite Golddigger covers. She is perfect and exactly the like the SUKKI in my head. The Amazon pre-order link went live first and yesterday she was sitting in the top 50 in Amazon short story category, which was such a thrill.

Here’s the blurb: ÌýSUKKI

A weekly tale of love and lust best describes the brand new short romance reads from USA Today bestselling author CC MacKenzie. Let’s face it, sometimes we’re in a hurry or not in the mood for a committed book relationship, or a series, or emotional conflicts. Sometimes we want it quick and fast, a bit like a book one-night-stand.

These stories are set in the world of burlesque with glitter, love, desire, music and dance where girls tease and tantalise. These stories stand alone, unrelated to the next, except they are set in the same world. And CC will release an original story every Friday to get you in the mood for the weekend.

The Golddiggers series of thirty minutes of fun romance from CC MacKenzie � for busy people everywhere.

Ìý

Jon

“Once upon a time there was a beautiful and sweet but dirt poor girl who met a wealthy guy with the world at his feet. Against the odds, they fell madly in love. But the guy was a complete dick and broke the girl’s heart.

My name’s Jon Castro. I’m a top ball player and I’m the dick.

The girl’s name is Sukki Silver. These days she’s a Golddigger. A fully paid-up member of the top burlesque troupe in the world. Yep, seems my sweet girl didn’t wallow for long in heartbreak and misery. In the time we’ve been apart, she’s moved on to carve herself a wonderful career, while I did my level best to destroy mine.

If you haven’t already guessed, I’ve had issues to work through. I say had because over the last two years I’ve been forced to deal with the emotional crap that kept me trapped in a past I found I can’t outdrink or outrun.

Basically I had two choices, deal or die.

I chose to deal.

Now I’m in a better place, part of my treatment is to atone for my many sins.

To reach that goal I want Sukki back where she belongs � with me.

Trouble is, she isn’t giving me the time of day.

Who can blame her?

See, love’s a tricky thing.

Seems a man doesn’t choose not to love someone.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

And this dick is back, and I’m gonna go down on my knees to make amends. Have you heard the phrase ‘talk’s cheap�? I agree with the sentiment, which means actions speak louder than words. It’s actions Sukki needs from me. Will she give me a chance? Who knows? Nothing’s ever certain in life, but by God I’m gonna fight for her�

Wish me luck.�

Next up, RUBY who’ll be available for pre-order in a few days.

I’m writing Break The Rules and having huge fun with Ana, Olivier and the gang, as well as the Ferranti family.

Hugs,

Christine x

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Happy Monday, peeps!

I bet all y’all remember your very first day of school. I remember mine, and not with fondness. I well remember the first day for my daughters and son. And on occasion there was a lot of dramarama in this house, too. It seems the Ferranti family are no different�

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It’s early morning in The Dower House, and the place is buzzing withÌýexcitement because today is the twins first day at ‘big schoolâ€�. Bouncing with excitement, Sophia’s been ready in her uniform for over an hour. She’s primping and preening in front of her bedroom mirror, while a teary and proud Bronte plaits ash blonde hair and ties a navy blue ribbon on the end.

Meanwhile, in her twin’s bedroom, shame the same can’t be said for Luca�

“I’m not wearing a stupid shirt and stupid tie,� Luca says, he folds his arms while his bottom lip trembles. His cropped black curls are still damp from the shower.

Nico is on his knees before his son, showing him AGAIN how to tie his tie and he’s not winning. Dio, why hadn’t they practised this skill before today? What the hell was he thinking? “Everything will be fine,� he says soothingly.

Luca’s fingers tug at the crisp collar of his white cotton shirt. “I hate this stupid shirt. It’s too tight. It hurts.�

Perhaps they should have run the new shirts through the wash before wearing? Nico makes a mental note to talk to Bronte. “It is normal to feel nervous on your first day…�

Cheeks hot, dark eyes hot, Luca goes nose to nose with his papa. “I am NOT nervous. Stop saying I’m nervous. All my pals will be there. I told you I HATE the shirt and the stupid tie.�

Nico hooks Luca’s red and grey striped school tie around his own neck and stands. He beams at his son, offers his hand. “Why don’t we try the tie again after breakfast? Mama’s made your favourite breakfast, bacon and pancakes.�

Hand in hand they march down the hall and down the stairs and into the family kitchen-living space. Luca slides into his seat, accepts the small glass of fresh orange juice. When Nico slides a plate of crispy bacon and pancakes in front of him, Luca picks up his fork and makes his papa’s morning by sending him the glimmer of a smile. �Grazie, papa.�

Sophia skips into the kitchen, grabs her papa around the waist for a hug. “Ooooh, I love bacon. AND pancakes.� Happy as a clam, she takes her seat, and studies her brother across the table. “Where’s your tie?�

As Luca’s dark eyes fire in response to his sister’s query, Nico jumps in with, “Luca will wear his tie after breakfast. He does not wish to spill food on it.�

“Do you think Miss Brown will be nice to us?� Sophia asks her papa.

Nico nods. �Si. I have heard she is one of the best teachers in the whole school.�

“I’m not a baby,� Sophia says and lifts her chin. “I can write my full name and read and count.�

Nico sends her a warning look over the rim of his coffee cup. “You will obey Miss Brown to the letter.�

“She has kind eyes,� Luca pipes up. “She has brown eyes and brown hair. Is that why she’s called Miss Brown?�

“That is the name of her papa. I doubt the colour of her eyes or hair has anything to do with it,� Bronte says as she slips baby Eve into her high chair and places a plastic bowl of sliced banana on the tray. The baby picks up her sip cup and sucks voraciously on her juice while her big dark eyes study her siblings.

Bronte gazes at Luca who’s tucking into pancakes and bacon. “Where is your tie?�

It cost him, but Nico didn’t roll his eyes to heaven or pray for deliverance. Instead, he gave his wife BIG eyes. “He’ll put it on after breakfast.�

Bronte shrugs, but then Luca says, “I HATE the stupid tie and this stupid shirt.� His knife and fork clatter on the plate. He sits back in his chair, bottom lip stuck out and his arms folded. “I’m not going to stupid school.�

Cue a stunned silence.

Even the sip cup halts on its journey to the baby’s mouth as she gazes at a big brother about to have a temper tantrum of epic proportions.

“Then you will be as dumb as a turnip,� Sophia says severely, quoting auntie Rosie. She climbs down from her seat, without asking her mother permission if she can leave the table, and takes the seat next to Luca to sit shoulder to shoulder with her twin. “Gimme the tie, papa.�

Nico hands her Luca’s tie. Sophie hands Luca his tie. She lifts the collar of her shirt and unknots her tie. She waits until Luca lifts the collar of his shirt and has his tie around his neck. “Right. Watch my hands,� she says. “And do exactly as I do. Okay?�

Tongue firmly caught between his teeth, his eyes focused unblinkingly on Sophia’s hands, Luca nods.

Tonio strolls in just as a beaming Luca has managed his version of a knot. The mangled fabric makes Nico wince, but he claps and cheers along with Bronte and Sophia. Even baby Eve bangs her sip cup on the tray in support.

“What’s up?� Tonio asks.

“I tied my tie!� Luca cries.

“Yay!� Tonio says.

“Now remember what I said,� Bronte says to the twins as she straps them into their booster seats in the back of her car. “Everything that happens in The Dower House stays in The Dower House.� She sends her daughter a dark look. “I caught that eye roll, Sophia Ferranti.�

And the Ferranti twins are on the way to their first day at school.

In class their teacher lives up to her name. Her hair, eyes, and soft pants suit are all� brown.

Miss Brown claps her hands and beams at her new babies with nothing but love in her heart. “Okay, everyone. I want you to draw your best friend’s face…� Emily and Sophia beam at each other, grab a variety of markers from the pot in the middle of the long table, and begin�

Later that day�

A very anxious Nico and Bronte wait at the school gate for their twins. “How do you think it went?� she asks him.

Nico shrugs, runs a hand through his hair, over the back of his neck. “No idea. But I hope we do not have tears before bedtime with Luca over his shirt and tie. By not practising a simple skill, I have let him down.�

Bronte wraps her arm around his waist and leans in for a hug. “It didn’t even cross my mind. The state schools wear polo shirts and sweaters.�

�Si, much more sensible. I will suggest this to the headmaster.�

“Let’s wait until the end of the first week before you go charging in trying to change two hundred years of tradition. Rosie and I got the hang of the tie, eventually. I seem to remember we used to slip it over our head with the knot intact.�

“Luca is clever, he will master the tie.�

Tonio spots them and charges to their side with his fan club posse, mostly girls, hot on his heels. “Hey.�

Nico grins. “Hey, yourself. How did the first day go?�

“Good.� He turns to the flushed and pretty girls at his side. “This is Greta, Angela and Susie.�

Nico and Bronte say hello, nice to meet you. “Did you see the twins? Were they okay?� Bronte asks, the suspense killing her.

�Si,� Tonio says, sounding so much like Nico the girls gaze up at him with adoration befitting a rock-god. “They are fine.�

“What about Luca and his tie?� Nico asks.

�Nessun problema,� Tonio says and turns to one of the girls. “Tell them.�

Angela, blushing furiously as her big eyes study Nico, says, “Our little sisters are in Luca’s class. At break we asked them to make sure he was all right and to buddy him when it came to helping with his tie. Lots of the little kids struggle in the beginning. He’s totally fine. He’s sooooo cute.�

Tonio turns at a commotion behind him. And sure enough a beaming Luca surrounded by his pals and three girls strolls towards his mama and papa. One girl is clutching Luca’s back-pack and another his lunch box. The top button of his shirt is undone, but his tie is in place. Bronte heaves a deep sigh of relief.

She stares over his shoulder on the look out for her daughter and best friend.

“Where are the gruesome twosome?� she asks Luca, referring to Sophia and Emily and making the girls giggle.

“Sophia’s in time out,� Luca says, tossing his sister under the bus without a blink.

“Why?� Nico wants to know.

“When Miss Brown told her to be quiet. Sophia said her mouth didn’t wanna be quiet, and that she’s not a baby and can write her own name and read a whole book and that Miss Brown isn’t the boss of her.�

�Dio mio,� Nico whispers.

“Knew it,â€� Bronte whispers back to her husband. She turns to Luca.Ìý“What’s the punishment?â€�

“Sophia and Emily are helping Miss Brown tidy the class.�

“Why is Emily being punished?� Bronte demands. Emily, compared to Sophia, is an angel� most of the time.

“Emily said that best friends stick together through thick and thin. She’s helping.�

“Good Lord,� Bronte whispers.

Emily’s mum, Grace appears, gives Luca a hug and turns to study Bronte’s set face.

“What’s up? Where are they?�

“Time out,� Bronte says.

Grace’s blue eyes go wide. “On the first day?�

But then Nico’s huge intake of breath has them look up and here come their girls each one holding Miss Brown’s hand.

“Omigod,� Bronte and Grace chorus in a whisper.

Sophia and Emily’s faces are covered from forehead to chin in marker pen.

“My fault,� Miss Brown says in a cheery voice, her eyes dancing. “I asked the class to draw their best friend and the message sort of got all mixed up in Sophia and Emily’s fascinating little minds. It’ll wash off� eventually.�

Bronte gives Sophia a hard look. “I hear you’ve been rude and naughty…�

But before she could continue, Miss Brown turns to Luca. “Master Ferranti, everything that happens in Miss Brown’s class stays in Miss Brown’s class. Okay?�

Luca’s cheeks are beet red, but he nods.

Miss Brown gave them a wave. “I must admit I’ve had one of the best first days, evah. See you tomorrow.�

Nico drives the twins in his car, while Bronte takes Tonio and his friends in hers.

“And what did you think of your first day of school?� he asks the twins in the back seat, eyeing them in the rear view mirror.

“I think I like Miss Brown,� Sophia says, her eyelids drooping.

Luca beams. “I had the best day. I like school. I have lots of friends.�

Sophia shook her head. “The girls were helping because you are a typical Ferranti male and you look like Tonio. He even has his own fan club.�

Nico frowns. “What’s a typical Ferranti male?�

Luca just smiles and sits back to enjoy the ride home. “Papa, we are Italian!�

FINE

Ìý

I can still remember my first day at school. I loathed the stiff white collars and the school tie, among other things too numerous to mention. Apparently, my mother cried for the first week. (H says probably in relief � my husband’s a laugh a minute.)

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I want to thank each and every one of you who bought and read SEAN and left feedback via email, messages and on my incredibly active Facebook author page Ìý(I post the sneak peek there every Wednesday as well as updates and chats). For a couple of crazy days over the weekend SEAN broke the top one hundred in three categories in the Amazon stores. He was sitting pretty right next to POLDARK twice, which was a huge thrill. And thank you so much for the amazing reviews from Australia to America to Germany to the UK. They’ve totally blown me away. I don’t have a publisher or street team or ARC team (Advanced Reader Copy of the book which is sent out before a book release) or any other help in getting the word out about my books. I have YOU guys who love the Ludlow World and the characters who inhabit it. The characters are family to me, and are like family to you, too. I cannot tell you how much the love and support for the stories mean to me.

It’s a lonely business being an author. But, let me tell you one truth about creativity and craft that is key for me personally, it’s summed up by this statement by author Colleen Coble:

â€�You know the best thing about writing? You never arrive. There is always something you can improve on.â€� Ìý

When I sit down to write I live by those words every single day.

Aaaand, in other news (didn’t I say it’s going to get pretty busy on this blog in the run up to Christmas, and boy, do I have surprises lined up) ÌýSUKKI, (Golddigger book 3) is available on pre-order on Amazon . Once she’s live on all distributors I’ll do a post with all the links. Next up RUBY, who is about to go to proofing. It’s all go-go-go in this house.

Big hug,

Christine X

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Happy Friday!

I can’t believe this is the tenth book set in the Ludlow Hall world (although when I count in the Ludlow Nights books it’s thirteen with BREAK THE RULES coming soon). Who’d have thought when I released RECKLESS NIGHTS IN ROME in 2012 it would lead to this!

Last night H and I were talking about the last four years and we goggled at the thought that by the end of this year there will be TWENTY-SIX books (including The Golddiggers) out by the end of 2016. And if I’m spared and well, there are incredibly exciting things coming for 2017/18.

A big hug and smoochies to my readers who keep me going every single day. I love receiving your emails and messages so keep them coming. For the Sophia Ferranti fans out there (and, boy, there are plenty) your favourite girl has a starring role in SEAN, just thought I’d put that out there. Hehehe.

Sean and Katherine and the supporting characters have been an absolute gift to an author, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I’ve loved writing them.

On Monday it’s another Ludlow Hall sneak peek as we join the Ferranti twins on their first day of school. What could possibly go wrong?

Christine X

I hope you’re having a wonderful Monday. It’s damp here in leafy Cheshire, but still too mild for the time of year. Read on for a peak behind the scenes of The Golddiggers:

Ìý

The Golddigger’s dance studio/gymnasium not far from The Golddigger Theatre, London. The cavernous space is well lit, the brick walls painted chalk white. The building might be old, but it’s in top condition. Skylights in the roof suck in a watery sun. The sprung wooden floor is battle scarred from the batter of tap shoes. A mirror lining one wall with a ballet barre running along its length reflects the room. The place smells of clean sweat, burnt coffee, lemon cleansing wipes, and women. Four girls, all tall and gorgeous, are engaged in their regulation morning warm-up. They’re wearing lilac leotards beneath matching yoga pants, legwarmers and well worn tap shoes.

“Thing is,� Ellie says to Millie, Ruby and Pearl, her hands lift to tighten the messy top knot of honey-blonde hair. “Cheaters never prosper, unless they get away with it.�

Pearl’s all big sad eyes as she heaves a heavy sigh. “He said if he were a tear drop he’d be born in my eyes, live on my cheeks and die on my lips,� she says, deadpan, the music of France a smooth lilt in her voice.

*Cue a stunned silence as three jaws drop*

Ruby’s green eyes go so wide the whites pop against a flawless dark skin. “Seriously? And you didn’t think to yourself, ‘This guy’s a complete tool?‘� When Pearl’s response is a delicate shrug of a skinny shoulder, Ruby shakes her head. “You worry me, babe. I dunno how these things are done in France, but if a guy fed me a line like that he’d be walkin� funny.�

“Violence is not the answer,� Pearl says an a severe tone, but her hazel eyes twinkle as the girls howl with laughter. “Then he said the whole thing was an accident…�

“Yeah,� Ellie says. “Like he tripped and his dick fell into her mouth, that was some accident.�

Ruby shudders dramatically. “Ew. Don’t put that picture in my head. The worst line I was fed by the world’s worst cheater, ‘Don’t take it so personally, I just want to be single for a little while.'�

Pearl pulls Ruby in close for a conciliatory hug. “He didn’t deserve you. Better men await us.�

Ruby hugs her back. “Yeah? I’m no rush to meet one. Let me tell you I had the mutha of all temper tantrums. I needed an exorcist rather than a naughty step.�

When the girls stop laughing, Pearl heaves another sad sigh. “Me, I realised killing him was not a good plan. I’d end up in jail.�

“Plus, he has a manbun,� Ruby says, warming to her theme. “Can someone here tell me the point of the manbun? Shaved above the ears and then that weird top knot? What the hell is that all about? They look like something out of the Seven Samurai. The manbun usually goes with a beard. Just yesterday I saw a guy with a manbun and a beard. He’d plaited the beard with a little crystal bead tied at the end. What is WITH that? Doesn’t it get in the way? How about brushing his teeth? Drinking?�

All three of her pals shrug, lift their hands and make a who-the-hell-knows face.

“I can’t understand what attracted you to him in the first place,� Ellie says. “He was so thin a strong gust of wind might blow him over.�

“He has an outie belly button,� Pearl says. When her friends go utterly still and give her shocked eyes. She shrugs, and again her dimple pops. “It is a strange thing to be attracted to. I know this, but I cannot help it. I melt.�

“Aw, bless your heart, Pearl, honey,� Millie drawls in a voice as warm and slow as molasses in summer. “You need to stop fallin� for those metro sexual pretty boys. What you need is a real man. Next time we have a vacation I’m takin� you home where we like our jeans tight, our trucks big and our men Texan.�

Pearl’s dimple pops in her cheek, but before she can respond to Millie’s very kind invitation, the door opens and in strides the woman who-must-be-obeyed, Miz Birdie. Her black pencilled brows shoot into her hairline as her fists rest on bony hips. Dark beady dark eyes scan the girls from head to toe. “And what’s this? A hen party?�

Millie moves to give the elderly woman a hug and drop a kiss on her wrinkly powdered cheek. “Now, you play nice, Miz Birdie. Pearl’s upset. Found her man dipping his pen in the wrong inkwell.�

Miz Birdie scans Pearl’s face, shakes her head. “Well, honey, you just need to suck-it-up. Have we warmed up yet? No? Jeez, a bit of bad news and we have an oestrogen apocalypse. What’s the GOLDDIGGER MOTTO?� she yells at the top of her voice.

“THE SHOW MUST GO ON!�

Ìý

End.

Too true, sistas!

Must admit I’m confused by the manbun, too, and the little skinny beard plait with the beads. Last week my daughter told me to stop staring at a guy who would’ve been gorgeous, imho, with his hair down and the beard cropped. But what the hell do I know?

#amwritingÌý #amediting

Only FIVE days to go until SEAN goes live and you hold him in your hot little hands�.

Love and hugs,

Christine X

It’s Monday, which means another sneak peek into life with the Ferranti family and their friends:

Bronte and Emily’s mummy, Grace, are enjoying a coffee and chat in the family kitchen at The Dower House while their daughters have a play date. What, I hear you ask, could possibly go wrong? Read on, peeps, read on�

Sophia and Emily are sitting on the rug in Sophia’s bedroom. They’re dressed up to the nines � oceans of pink tulle, plastic silver tiaras on their head, feather boas wrapped around their neck, rings on every finger, faces painted with kiddie makeup applied with a heavy hand. Emily rummages in one of her mummy’s old handbags, it’s a battered clutch of patent leather in an eye watering pink.

“I love that bag. It’s my favorite,� Sophia says, eyeing Emily’s bag with feminine lust.

Emily has an almost empty bottle of perfume in her hand. For a moment, she struggles with the stopper, then shoves the bottle under her best pal’s nose. “Me, too. My mummy says she must have been color blind the day she bought it.�

Sophia takes a sniff, makes a horrible face. “Ugh. That’s revolting.�

Emily takes a careful inhale, nods. “It’s not very nice, is it? I found it in the bin in mummy’s bathroom. Does perfume go off do you think, like food?�

Sophia lifts her hands, shrugs and makes a how-the-hell-do-I-know face. Then she frowns when a thought enters her mind. “Mama has bottles and bottles of special perfumes in her walk-in closet. She says if papa buys her any more of the stuff from Paris and Rome, she’s gonna open her own shop.�

Emily turns huge blue eyes to her friend. “Can I see them?�

Sophia stands, and wobbles a bit in a pair of her mama’s old heels. Her papa told her to be careful not to break her neck, but these shoes are a shiny red and make an awesome clicking sound when she clatters on the stone floor in the kitchen. When Emily stands in her pair of her mummy’s discarded heels, these are pink to match her bag, and nearly falls on her ass, Sophia grabs her hand in solidarity.

Together they shuffle their way out the door and down the carpeted hallway, past baby Eve’s room, and into the sacred sanctuary of Bronte and Nico Ferranti’s bedroom suite. Like heat seeking missiles of mass destruction they head for the double doors behind which hides Bronte’s boudoir. Sophia releases Emily’s hand to open the doors. Since the light switch is too high on the wall, she takes off her shoes, just for a minute, to drag over a footstool. She climbs up, illuminates a space that has little Emily’s blue eyes go wide and her jaw drop. Once Sophia’s got her balance in her high heels, she grabs her best pal’s hand and together they move forward.

“Wow,� Emily says.

Sophia nods. “I know. My auntie Rosie says it’s the mother lode. My mama says it’s a total waste of space.�

“When I marry Tonio,� Emily begins with a determined glint in her blue eyes. A glint which makes Sophia roll her eyes to heaven, since there is no way her brother will marry her best friend because unless Emily has a growth spurt she’ll never be a super model or a film star or a pop princess. Undeterred, Emily drags Sophia forward as she continues, “We’ll live in a lovely house just like this one and he’ll make me a dressing room like this. Look at all the shoes! Look at all the bags! And I love the built-in closets. And wow, look at all the pretty bottles.�

When Sophia presses a light switch beneath the dressing table to illuminate the pretty bottles with their gold, silver and glass stoppers. Emily again gasps. “Do you think we can smell one?� she asks, her little fingers twitching as her hand hovers over a crystal bottle with a heavy glass top.

A voice in Sophia’s head whispers, ‘Do-not-touch.� But where’s the harm in a small sniff? “Sure,� she says, lifts the bottle and struggles to release the stopper.

Meanwhile Emily’s bouncing up and down as if she’s about to pee her pants. “Let me,� she says and snatches the bottle. Her little face goes puce but eventually the stopper pops. A heady scent fills the air as she spills perfume down the front of her Elsa tulle dress.

Sophia tsk-tsks as she opens a drawer to find a white cotton vest to mop up the spill. Meanwhile a beaming Emily takes a deep inhale. “Ooooh, I love it.�

Sophia stuffs the vest back where it belongs, closes the drawer with her hip and reaches for another bottle. “Mama loves this one best. She sprays it in the air and walks through it, like this.� She sprays a couple of blasts in the air and together they stagger through the scent.

Emily closes her eyes and gives a blissful sigh of sheer happiness. “It’s gorgeous. What else does she like?�

Sophia reaches for two bottles and hands one to Emily. “You try that one and I’ll try this one…�

Meanwhile, in the family kitchen-living space, Emily’s mummy is cuddling baby Eve.

“I wish I could have another baby, but it wasn’t to be,� Grace says, giving the baby’s hot cheek a nuzzle. “I could just eat her all up. She’s gorgeous, Bronte. I love the black curls and have you seen the length of those lashes. This one’s going to break hearts.�

Bronte grins, tops up their coffee cups from the pot. “She’s as good as gold. Nico reckons she takes after Luca in nature and I think he’s right. She’s nothing like her sister that’s for sure, thank the Lord.�

Her friend laughs. “Sophia’s brought Emily right out of her shell and I’ll always be grateful for that.�

Bronte nods. “Yep, and Emily keeps Sophia on the straight and narrow, bless her little heart. She’s a good influence on my daughter.�

“They’re like a pair of old women when they get started,� Grace says, her blue eyes dancing with wicked delight. “Emily’s taken to quoting auntie Rosie every five minutes.�

Bronte’s emerald eyes go wide as she shakes her head. “Know something? Rosie’s never changed since she was three. I could write a book about what we got up to when we were small. We gave our mothers grey hair…� She’s warming to her theme when a bare footed Luca wearing below the knee denim shorts and Spiderman T shirt races into the room and slides to a stop in front of the couch. Her son is looking a little flushed, but his dark eyes are glittering with excitement. “What’s up, bub?�

Before Luca can respond, she shifts forward on the couch to sniff his hair. “Is that Joy I smell?�

Luca’s black curls bounce as he nods. “Don’t know the name of it, but Sophia and Emily made me walk through what they call a cloud of scent. They’ve been in your closet and they stink, mama.�

“Omigod,� Grace whispers.

The women are on their feet and out the door so fast Luca has trouble keeping up with them.

Her eyes on stalks as she steps inside Bronte’s closet, Grace whispers, “Wow.�

“SOPHIA FERRANTI!� Bronte yells at the top of her voice in a tone that has Luca sprinting for the safety of his bedroom and bang the door closed. And a yell that has Sophia jump two feet in the air and drop the bottle in her hand. Chanel No 5 pools on the rug.

“Omigod,� Grace whispers again. Her hand covers her mouth and nose to protect her from a toxic mix of scents.

An hour later and both Emily and Sophia have barely survived three baths, and been scrubbed raw by their furious mothers. And still a lingering scent of Joy permeates the bathroom. A weeping Emily’s gone home with a Grace who can’t apologise enough for the olfactory Armageddon in Bronte’s closet and her daughter’s part in it. There will be no movies for Ms. Emily for the foreseeable future. And as for Ms. Sophia�

Half an hour later, Nico and Tonio arrive home from soccer practice to find Bronte lying on her back on the couch in the family room with her feet up and a very large glass of white wine in her hand. When she spots them, she closes her eyes and rests her head on the arm of the couch.

Nico lifts his brows then he sniffs the air like a wolf scenting trouble.

“Phew,� Tonio says. “What’s that smell?�

�Cara mia,� Nico says. “It is not a good idea to mix perfumes. The result is not appealing.�

His wife gazes at him through narrowed eyes. “Tell me about it,� she growls.

He moves to lift her legs, sits on the couch and begins a foot rub. A foot rub usually works for whatever ails her.

“We’re sleeping in one of the guest rooms tonight,� she says, and takes a deep sip of her wine.

“We are?�

“We are, because thanks to our daughter and her best-best-friend we need oxygen just to enter ours. We have a specialist cleaning company coming in tomorrow to deep clean the carpets in our bedroom and my closet and the hallway. Even then they cannot guarantee the toxic mix of Joy and Chanel No 5 and Clive Christian No 1 will be removed.�

Nico’s jaw drops. “Clive Christian?� he whispers in horror.

“Yup. Good job I hate the stuff even if it is expensive. Emily spilled it on her Elsa dress. Grace and I had to give them three baths and even then they still reek to high heaven.�

“They were in you closet?�

“Yes, to ‘just have a little sniff� of my perfumes. Nico, you’ll need to see it to believe it.�

�Dio mio.�

“Sophia’s being punished,� Bronte says. “No movies for a whole month.�

“Women,� Tonio says with his head buried in the fridge on the hunt for any leftovers. He scores when he finds strawberry milkshake and cheese and pickle sandwiches wrapped in foil. As he piles sandwiches on a plate and places it on the table, he grabs the milkshake and takes a seat. “They’re too high maintenance with perfumes and makeup and hair products. Who needs it?�

“You will think differently when you are nineteen instead of nine,� Nico says.

“Uh-huh,� Tonio mutters with his mouthful. He catches Bronte’s gimlet eye and swallows. “I want a woman like mama. A natural beauty. Not fake.�

Nico bites down hard on his bottom lip as Bronte’s eyes go all soft as she watches Tonio. The boy knows exactly how to play her. But then why is he surprised? He’s Italian.

Ìý

FINE

Ah, that smoothed tongued Tonio. In Italy, they start them young at charm school.

I actually have a story about perfumes and my daughters when they were small. You’ve just read it, except exchange the Chanel No5, etc., for Nina Ricci and Boots. The result was pretty much the same.

SEAN goes live a week on Friday. Put the 30th of September in your diary.

I’m busy writing/editing/formatting/publishing on pre-orders THE GOLDDIGGERS.

Can’t say life is dull in this house!

Christine X