Say hello to Willie!


A quick peek at one of the characters from my upcoming book, "Meagan's Wish". The wonderful Stephanie Cowburn created this wonderful felt toy simply by using my illustrator's draft sketch of the character. Isn't it wonderful?

Meagan's Wish is close to being finished and I'm so excited! This project has been near and dear to my heart for quite awhile."Meagan's Wish" is a beautifully illustrated story of a lonely little girl and her dream coming true! Meagan's Wish is set to release early 2018. Stay tuned for more!

My newest book coming soon!


So thrilled to post the cover of my latest book, "Meagan's Wish." This is a very special project, near and dear to my heart. I began writing this book several years ago, and it has taken until now to find just the right person to illustrate it for me. As you can see, Alexandra MacVean has once again used her magic pens and brushes to make my dream come true with this beautiful cover.

"Meagan's Wish" is a heartwarming story of a lonely little girl with a very special secret wish. This book will make a perfect Christmas gift for all the little lovers of books on your list. And guess what? It will be released just in time for your holiday gifting!

"Meagan's Wish" is scheduled to be released in early 2018 and the 4th and final book of the "Mis-Adventures of Chance, Little Man's Big Dream," will be coming your way also for the holidays! This last book is sure to please all your little readers. It's not only a fun, colorful book, it is also an educational one. Chance will be at the peak of his mis-adventures as he flies around the world on a magic carpet bringing back all kinds of interesting facts about his travels!

You'll not want to miss out on these great little treasures, so come back soon for the exact release dates, or visit me on my Facebook author page.

Have a wonderful evening and a blessed November my friends!

C.J. ~

Great news!


Hello peeps! I'm delighted to share with you a little sneak peek of one of the adorable characters in my new, first ever, children's story book, "Meagan's Wish." Beautifully illustrated by the one and only, Alexandra MacVean, this little fellow is sure to be a hit with any child. This book will also be released just in time for the holiday season! Keep a close watch here as well as my author page, as I will soon be posting a pic of the beautiful cover for this darling book.

That's not all the news! As you all know, I've been anxiously awaiting the release of my previous book, "Ladybug! Ladybug!" in hardback. Well, it's here! Yay! And it is just gorgeous! Now you have a choice of both formats! You will also have the same option with "Meagan's Wish."

And lets not forget about, "Litttle Man's Big Dream," my co-authored book in the "Mis-Adventures of Chance" series. We're hoping it will be released in time for the holidays as well.

With all that's going on, it will be a tight squeeze to get my "Bluebird! Bluebird!" book out for the holidays, but if not, you will see its release early next year. I will also be posting that cover very, very soon!

I feel so very blessed with all that's happened along my journey of writing. There is nothing more beautiful than the heart of a child. And to see the awe and delight in a pair of children's eyes when opening one of my books is just beyond describing.

I want to take this time to thank each and every person who has followed along and encouraged me along my way. I wish you all the best in whatever path you choose in your own lives.

Blessings!

~ C.J.


Getting back into the swing....



It's always hard to get back into the swing of things after a long absence, but I'll give it my best shot. 

Between caring for a loved ones medical issues and this terrible heat we've had so far this summer, it finally took its toll on this woman. I've done nothing much but try to stay cool and relax my weary bones.Thank goodness things seem to be looking up now and I can get back spending more time on my writing. 

To top things off, my pc ended up in hospital and needed a small surgery leaving me with my daughter's old laptop for far too long. I've never been fond of laptops, so I was totally lost and extremely frustrated until it came home to rest once again on my cluttered desk. And yes, I did celebrate with a tall refreshing can of coconut water. Yumm! I wish I had discovered it a long time ago. My daughter says just one drink instantly changes my heat provoked foul mood. lol! If there's one thing that can put me in a mood, it's this Arizona heat.

Due to the sudden passing of my co-author's mother, the fourth and final book of the, "Mis-Adventures of Chance" series, "Little Man's Big Dream," has had a serious delay in being published. Hopefully it will be released by the end of the year along with "Bluebird! Bluebird!" the second book of my "Flitter, Flutter, Crawly" series. By the way, it's coming along beautifully! I'm very excited and anxious to share a preview of the stunning cover with you very soon!

I have other books in the works also, including one that has been near and dear to my heart for a very long time. I just might include a small hint in my next post. hee! hee!

Have a wonderful and blessed week.


~ C.J. ~


My newest book has arrived!


My newest poetry book, "Reflections," was just released on Lulu today and I couldn't be more pleased. It's filled with all my favorite poems, several new ones, and many narrative poems never published until today. I do hope my fans will use the links to pop over and take a look. It will soon be available online at B&N and Amazon as well.

My illustrator is hard at work on my next children's book, "Bluebird! Bluebird!" I must admit I am sitting on pins and needles wanting to see the wonderful book cover I know she will create! Please stay tuned for future updates. :)

Have a wonderful evening and stay blessed!

~ C.J.

"GOING HOME "




I ran across this poem from 2011, and since it's Sunday, thought I would share. If you've enjoyed reading the few poems I've posted, please let me know and I will share more often. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this one as it's one of my favorites. :)

God bless and have a wonderful Sunday.

~ Charlotte ~


~~~ GOING HOME ~~~

There's a subtle sound falling on my ears,
I feel it's breath as it speaks.
It comes from the wind that blows through the trees,
and the ripples and waves of the creeks.
It's in the raindrops, in each leaf that falls,
in the flowers and dew of the 'morn.
It's in the birds' wings, and the rays of the sun;
it's in each new babe that is born.
It beckons me, "Come!" It's calling my name;
it's voice so tender and sweet.
"Come home," it whispers, "I'm waiting for you.
There's others I want you to meet."
My time is near, my race I have run.
There's no sorrow, no regrets in my heart.
Just memories of life, some laughter, some tears,
I'll take with me when once I depart.

All Rights Reserved © C. J. Rains 5/13/2011

Love sweet love!



It's been a busy two days for me, cleaning and moving furniture about. I finally got my office somewhat arranged where I can better concentrate on my writing. It's very small, so just removing and moving a couple of things made a huge difference. A big THANK YOU! to my daughter, Tiffany, for all her help.
 
Before I was a writer, I was an avid reader as most writers I know were. What I mostly enjoyed were the classics, but honestly, you don't have to be a best selling author to please me. I've picked up books by little known authors and read them in a single day they were so good.
 
Isn't it great when you fall in love with a love story and soon find it was made into a movie? And to top it off, you find the movie to be ever as good as the book! This just recently happened to me with the book, "The Light Between Oceans."  It was fabulous, and I highly recommend the book and the movie. Get them soon, I promise you'll be glad you did.
 
I don't do the traditional holidays myself, but seeing the lovely Valentine pictures and posts on FB these past few days has been so nice. I do hope all my friends enjoyed their holiday. :) I know a few who did. :)
 
As the song goes: "What the World Needs Now, is Love Sweet Love." I so agree, don't you?
 
Blessings to all!
 
~ Charlotte
 
 

My first book award!



Hello my lovely friends! It seems like a lifetime since I posted. I've been very busy looking after my husband and daughter who spent a few days in the hospital. My husband was ill and my daughter had surgery. Not a great way to usher in the new year, but all is going well now so far. God is good!
 
Since I last posted, I've had the good fortune to win a Silver Medal Feathered Quill award for my book, Ladybug! Ladybug! It is so exciting winning your first award! I felt honored indeed. It could never have happened without my wonderful illustrator, Alexandra MacVean. She is so amazingly gifted. A big thank you goes out to her!
 
I have a new poetry book entitled, Reflections, that will be released in March. It's jam packed with many of my narrative poems and favorite picks alike. It was fun browsing through all of my older works and putting them together with newer ones to create this new book. I do hope my followers will enjoy it.
 
We've had a cold, wet winter here in Arizona, but it's beginning to warm a bit and we've been in the 70's for a few days now. Hoping it keeps up for a little while at least so I can enjoy a bit of the outdoors.
 
Blessings to you all!
 
~ Charlotte