Introducing...The Wandering Star Collection!!!

Hey all,

I'm excited to announce a brand new series!  It's one I've been working on for almost four years now, and it's finally time to unveil it.  

The first book is called What Happens in Mexico, and it started out on my FREE READ blog as as short story.  

It's been revised, edited and polished, and since Mexico was the first country I visited out of the United States, I decided that the first book of the series should be about that most special place. Here's a little about this story of romantic suspense...

In a Sultry, Tropical Paradise Two Strangers Discover a Love as Hot as the Mexican Sun.

When Tori Roberts goes to Puerto Vallarta for one last vacation before getting married, she has no idea a simple drink in a bar will change her life forever.

Matt Sinclair is a private investigator in town to find a scientist who has stolen a formula for a designer type of cocaine. But things get complicated when he rescues Tori after someone spikes her drink at the bar. She’s his way out of Mexico, and he’ll use any means necessary to keep her close.

The chance meeting stirs emotions neither expected, and the heat they’re feeling isn’t just from the warmth of the sun. Unfortunately, their vacation paradise is fraught with danger and someone is determined to destroy them both. But Matt is determined to romance his lady, and not even a missing wedding license, an irate fiancé or a band of blood thirsty drug runners are going to stop him from showing Tori what they could have together.

Will what happens in Mexico stay in Mexico? Or will Matt and Tori make it out of Mexico alive?

And in love?

Want to learn more about this hot, sexy read?  Check out the excerpt at  my website... http://cjengland.com/wanderingstar/whathappensinmexicoexcerpt.htm

Curious as to how this series got started?  

One of my favorite memories growing up was of sitting at my Nana’s knee and watching movies. She had a treasure trove of them, all different genres, some old, some new. But the shows I enjoyed the most were the musicals.

A movie we saw over and over again was Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood, Lee Marvin and Jean Seberg. In it, Lee Marvin sings the most wonderful song, “Wan’drin Star”.

The lyrics share his belief that the best way to enjoy your life is to never stay in one place too long. And when it is time to go, he’s always heading away from home, rarely traveling to it. As a sixteen year old who’d never been out of California, after watching that, I thought that since I loved traveling, I, too, must have been born under a wandering star.

Many years later, when Jonathon and I started roaming the world, I remembered this song and my teenage conviction. “Wan’drin Star” quickly became the theme for what we wanted to do with our lives since as long as we were together, no matter where we wandered, we were already home.

When I decided to write about each of the places we’d visited in our wanderings, I knew immediately I should name my new series after this amazing song.

So go on a dune buggy ride with me in sultry, tropical Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Put on your hiking boots to explore the beautiful high mountains and shadowy gorges of Aareschlucht, Switzerland. Travel by riverboat to discover the verdant jungles and sapphire waterways near Manaus, Brazil. And finally, jet off to cosmopolitan yet mysterious Paris, France, to unearth secrets at the most famous City of the Dead, Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Each of these, as well as the rest of the Wandering Star books, are set in an area of the world I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time in. And knowing how blessed I am to have experienced all those cultures and met so many wonderful people, I wanted to share those memories with my readers. So, I’ve taken my adventures, added a little imagination magic and penned a collection of sensual romance stories that will appeal to the armchair traveler in all of us. I hope you’ll enjoy the books as much as I enjoyed doing the research for them.

As always, thanks for your support, and remember, not all who wander are lost because they are... Following Their Dreams!

Until next time...

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Not a Minnow...or a Guppy...It's a SHARK!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey all, 

I'm having a wonderful time here in Virginia Beach. Even though Jonathon and I had a quiet weekend on Monday and Tuesday, it's a really nice area to wander and play in when you want to.

I've been to the beach several times now, enjoyed a beautiful wild life sanctuary and wandered the boardwalk shopping for fun stuff.

We plan to go to the National Maritime Museum next week, as well as The Dismal Swamp. Then the weekend after we're heading up to DC to visit a friend and tour the city a bit.  We'd love to go to the Smithsonian and the Zoo.

But here, like in Columbus, my highest priority is getting back on track with my writing. And so far, I'm not doing so bad. I think it will get even easier as I go along, since the start up is always the complicated part.

So it was nice to take a few minutes over the last week and be totally uncomplicated.  

And how did we do that, you may ask? Jonathon and I spent a few evenings watching this year's Shark Week offerings.

I'll admit it. I'm a Sharky. Love it. Adore it. Watch it EVERY year.  Even last year's debacle was downloaded and watched even though we were overseas. Though, I have to admit I almost turned in my Shark Week Watcher T-shirt after I "Oh, My God"ded my way through Megladon: The New Evidence.

I was right there with the rest of the hard core Sharkies when we called for the firing of whoever put such garbage together and tried to foist it on an unsuspecting public. Discovery Channel isn't a movie channel, and if you are going to make a docudrama about a shark that's come back from the dead, you damn well better make sure it's labeled as such.

While I love a good scary shark move (I adore the Scyfy movies like Sharktopus and Sharknado), you shouldn't have to wonder whether what you're seeing is real or fantasy.  So, I was happy to hear that the head of the network had been blasted for 2014's crappy shows, and the new policy was to be MUCH more careful and truthful with shows from that point on.

So, we watched 2015 with bated breath. Would it be as horribly ridiculous as the previous year?  Or would it be rebooted to the great programming of the past?

Well, Shark Week is now over and I have to say, we were both VERY pleased at this year's offerings. There weren't nearly as many white shark shows, which we enjoy, but we don't want EVERY show to be about white sharks. We learned a lot, too. Things we hadn't ever heard before about sharks. Out of the seven or eight shows we watched, we decided that all but one was a huge improvement over 2014's shows.  Yay!!!!

And, because of that, we'll give them another chance to wow us during our stay here in the USA, and we'll definitely be back next year--wearing our shark fins--to watch more of the fun and informative shows about these awesome and still misunderstood creatures.

Are you a Sharky? Do you love Shark Week like I do?  If so, what did you think of their programmng this year?  Let me know in the comments below.

Until next week,

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Art Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Hey all,

It's been a great week.  If you don't know, my first book under my Restless Wind Publications label went live on Tuesday on Amazon.  And it should be (fingers crossed) up and ready on KOBO by the weekend.

It was fun and frustrating and ridiculously exciting, and once I get going I'll be able to have all my books back up on sale.  Plus, if all goes right, you'll have a few new stories in the mix as well.

I'll just toss in the link for Amazon HERE.

But, while all of that is great, that's not what today's blog is about.

I was just wandering through cyber space the other day when I came upon this article on the Huffington Post. And I did a double take.  I love weird art and this...this is amazing!!!

Did you know that Saturday, July 18th is NYC Bodypainting Day?  That is the day where volunteers from all races and walks of life get nekkid and allow people to paint some really amazing designs all over their bodies.

Here's a few pics so you can see what I mean.  Then, if you want, go see the rest on the Huffington Post.  

Pretty cool, right?  It's better than a lot of art I've seen in museums around the world. But would I do it?  Probably not. I'd be tempted, but even though I'm pretty free spirited about things, I'm a little too shy to bare everything even for the sake of art.  

But I have to admire both the artists and those volunteers who get painted. Talk about a fun and interesting way to spend the day.  I'd love to be a fly on those streets.  Just watching people watch the painted would be as fun as anything else.

If anyone goes, let me know.  I'd love to get more pics of this years fantasy folks! 

Until next time...

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

It's Alive!!!!! And Waiting For You on Amazon!!!

Hey all,

I know I just sent something out yesterday, but due to some glitches with Amazon, Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings didn't go live until late that day.  I just wanted to let you all know it's ready and waiting for any of you who didn't buy this story the first time around.

And, since I did an extensive re-write, fleshing out the characters and adding to the story, you may even want to pick up another copy.  Since it is a re-release, I made it a bargain at $2.99.

Epub versions should be available soon. They are in queue right now.

Also, and this is VERY important.  For those of you who have read Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings, I need your help.

My book is lonely.  Since one of the things Amazon doesn't do is swap over reviews when a book changes publishers, poor Callie, Jordon and the rest of the characters are sitting on their brand new page all alone. Missing those wonderful readers who said such nice things about them and over the years became like family.  It's a sad, sad, thing.  :-(

So, can you help a book out???  And it's author?

If you enjoyed Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings, take a moment to write a review on it's Amazon Page.

https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review?ie=UTF8&asin=B011LPPYAI&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&ref_=cm_cr_dp_no_rvw_e&store=digital-text#

It won't take long, and I'd really appreciate it. Reviews are helpful to those readers who haven't discovered my work, and the more they know about the stories, the better they can choose what they would enjoy.

And since I know you're doing me a solid, I'll do something for you in return. Once you've written your review and it's on Amazon, send me an email at womanofthewind1@yahoo.com.  Put Waiting in the Wings Amazon Review in the Subject line and put your name and snail mail address in the body of the email.

As a thank you for taking the time to help me out, I'll send you a special treat from here in Virginia Beach.  Can't beat that!!!

Again, you have my thanks for making the effort.  You guys are the greatest!!!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Tuesday's Shameless Self-Promotion Announcement

Hey all,

It's that day of the week again, and today I have a special announcement.

As some of you may know, MUSA Publishing closed it's doors at the beginning of the year.  And by doing so, it left ten of my books without homes.  Now, I was asked by a couple of publishers if I wanted them to pick them up, but in all honesty, I just didn't want to go through all that again.  So I decided to publish them myself.

I've been flirting with self-publishing for a while now, but overseas it was difficult to find the time to write.  Especially with all that was going on in my life.  So I just put everything on hold.  Now we're back in the states, and I'm excited to get going again.  And you guys are the lucky ones. I've got TONS of ideas from my travels.  Enough to keep me riding the creation wind for many, many years.

So here is my plan.  I'll be starting off two-fold. One, I want to get all my previously released books back on sale.  And hopefully, by the end of the year I'll have over half done and back online.  But at the same time, I've got several new books I'll be publishing as well.

I may have mentioned at one time the start of The Wandering Star series? These books are set in each of the countries I've visited over the years. The first one, set in Paris, France, is a paranormal love story, and if all goes well, it will be out sometime the end of summer.  I haven't decided on a name yet, but once I do, I'll be sharing it with you all. There will also be a couple of freebies in this series, so I know you'll all enjoy that.

To get things started, the first book released is my award winning Second Chances: Waiting in the Wings.  Available July 5th, you can get all the details on my webpage.  But here is a blurb to get things started.  If you haven't read this awesome series, join the readers who are saying it's one of the best things I've done.

Enjoy!!!!

~~~*~~~

What if one moment of unexpected passion turned into a night you that would haunt you forever?  When Callie Jacobs meets country music sensation Jordon McKenna, the mutual attraction between the two make sparks fly.  Then, she awakens the next morning, a victim of a new date rape drug.

Can Callie and Jordon sift through the betrayal and lies to find the truth?  Will they ever be able to trust each other enough to have a second chance at love.

**The author is donating a portion of the proceeds to RAINN.  For more information please go to http://www.rainn.org/ .

~~REVIEWS~~

Ms. England should be applauded for how she delivers this poignant story about date rape.~~~Ecataromance Sensual

An incredibly moving, poignant, emotional and even sometimes harsh look at the world involving rape. A Blue Ribbon Favorite.~~~Romance Junkies

CJ England has written her most powerful story to date. A Recommended Read.~~~CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

I curtsy to you, Ms. England, for a supreme job on this subject matter and for everything you are attempting to do to draw attention to this matter.~~~Dark Angel Reviews

The romance part of this story, and it is a romance story, is superb. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves an outstanding romance. Not only is this story intense and pleasurable but a portion of the profits is going to charity. What a win-win offer!~~~Night Owl Reviews

~~~*~~~

I have to say I'm gratified that so many of my readers agreed with the reviewers.  Jordon and Callie have a bumpy road to travel, but as in all my stories, love DOES conquer all. Still curious? Find out more information about this amazing book, and read an excerpt by going to... http://cjengland.com/secondchances/waitinginthewings.htm

And just a note... If things go as planned, all three of this series will be re-released by fall.  AND as a special treat, the Second Chances series will be made into paperback just in time for Christmas.  So put them on your wish list!

Enjoy your week.  As you're reading this I'll be traveling to my next destination, Virginia Beach, Virginia!

Until next time!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Why Is Common Courtesy Dead?

Hey all,

As you read this, I'm hopefully walking on a beach in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  I've been looking forward to this city and plan to spend as much time on the beach as possible.  And while I have a pool in the hotel where we're staying, I would rather do my swimming in the ocean.  

I'm hoping there will be less people out where I'll be doing my laps.  I have to say I'm VERY tired of sharing my pool with rude, inconsiderate brats.

And those are the adults!

Seriously, rant coming.   Why is it so hard to be polite when you get into a public pool?  Do all your brain cells leak out your ears as soon as you hit the water?  I've swam in dozens of pools over the last few years and unfortunately they all have one thing in common.  Rude, clueless people.

I always go early to miss the crowd, but I know my quiet time of exercise is over when I see someone come in.  Because for some reason, they don't see me.  Or maybe they just don't give a damn.  They are on vacation, so no one exists but them.

Case in point.  I was in the pool the other day when this man came in with his two younger teenage kids.  I'd been swimming about ten minutes by that point.  They jumped in the pool, grabbed a beach ball and started playing catch.  No big deal until the ball kept hitting me in the head.  Finally, I smacked it over to them and explained I was doing laps.  They could have three quarters of the pool, I just wanted this small strip.

They all looked at me (dad included) like I'd kicked their puppy.  Seriously.  What happened to sharing?  To being polite?  It wasn't like I was ordering them to stay tucked in a corner.  Not sure if I'd made them understand my position, I just sighed and went back to swimming.

About ten minutes and several oops balls later, they'd tired of that game.  I was heading toward the deep end when I saw the dad standing at the side of the pool.  Just (and I swear this is no lie) as I got about three feet away, he jumped in.  A freaking cannonball, right in my face.

I about lost it.  I'll deal with the oops balls.  I'll keep my head about the waves generated by your playing around.  I'll even try and be politely firm as I remind you to get out of my way for the umpteenth time.  But this?

No way.  Uh, uh.

I stopped, and when he came up for air--all grins, and shucks, folks, look what I just did--I didn't say a word.  I just gave him THE LOOK.

You know the one.  The look a woman can give that every man on the planet recognizes.  The one that makes a man's balls shrivel up into his throat.  It's sorta like the mama glare, but the grown up version, that can strike terror into a male's heart.

The wife glare.

And it worked.  He crumbled right in front of me.  Apologized profusely and from that moment on he was a perfect pool companion.  When his kids strayed to my side of the pool, he was all over them like a heat rash.

Finally.  But why did I have to get in his face for him to do the right thing? I couldn't help but think it's no wonder the kids are so rude when the adults give them that sort of example.

So my question for you all is, why is common courtesy dead?  I don't expect for those I share a pool with to stand quiet in a corner, but I do expect them to have the decency to let me do my thing while they do theirs.  Look up the word SHARE in the dictionary, all you pool piranhas.  Being polite isn't rocket science.

It's just the right thing to do.

Until next time!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com

Tuesday Shameless Promotion

Hey all,

Today I have a short fun story for you.  Available from Under the Moon Publishing, it is a story I had fleshed out and written in a single day.

The Evil Overlord's Union is an anthology with some of my favorite authors included. A book that will be sure to make you laugh out loud.  I hope you enjoy this quick look at this humorous novella.

~~~*~~~

Ever wonder what would happen if someone made a list of all the classic blunders those evil overlords in the movies do over and over again?  

Well, someone has and we've written stories about some of the ideas.  Check out Peter's Evil Overlord List, but make sure you're not sipping a drink at the time. It will definitely give you a few chuckles.

~~~REVIEWS~~~

You are an evil woman. I started reading the prologue and forgot to do other stuff I had meant to do online. Shame on you for writing such a great story and getting me hooked.~~~Lonie

Amusing, hysterical and a book to keep you laughing.  The Evil Overlord's Union Book #1 is filled with wonderful stories.~~~Linda

~~~EXCERPT~~~

Man’s Sneakiest Little Friend

“My Lord!  My Lord!”  The panicked servant raced into the room.

Lord Ryu looked up from the delectable feast in front of him.  He sniffed once, making him look remarkably like the baked pig he was eating.  “What is it, Jstor?  You are interrupting my supper.”

We are under attack, my Lord.”  Jstor wrung his hands in worry.  Would the old fool admit the danger here?  Jstor could see it and he was only a lowly servant. Actually, he knew a little about a lot of things.

“Attack?”  Lord Ryu levered his portly frame from the soft plush chair.  “Who is it?  The Skeleton Horde wishing to extend their graveyards?”

“No, my Master. It’s—”

“The Vlads?  Out to take our blood?”

No, sir—”

“Ahhh…” Lord Ryu waddled over to the large cage standing in the dusty corner.  In it, lay the unconscious body of a man.  “It must be the Army of Light, come to rescue their leader, Zoran, from my foul schemes.”

Jstor shuffled his feet wishing the pompous prig would shut up long enough to actually listen.  “Not exactly, my Lord.”

Ryu frowned fiercely.  “Then what, in the seven veils of Orzates are you talking about, Jstor?  Is there an army outside the gates or not?”

The servant gulped audibly.  No army, oh Evil One.  It’s…it’s…critters.

~~~*~~~

Want more?  Check out my website for information on how to purchase this book.  Only $1.00 for an ebook and $2.50 for a print copy!  Just in time for a quick summer read.  You can't beat that!!!  http://cjengland.com/eviloverlords/buythisbook.htm

Until next time!

Hugs,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/warrior/morethanawarrior.htm

http://cjengland.com