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Release Day! - Twice Lucky

11/29/2017

 
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Today is the worldwide release of, “Forged In Fire”, book 2 in The Fire Chronicles series.  
Book 2!  I feel so lucky and blessed.  Many of you know I started my journey as a published author way back in 1994 with a short story sold to a Marion Zimmer Bradley anthology.  Then I ventured into the long format of a novel.  I didn’t strike gold again until November 2014, twenty long years later, when Amanda Barnett from The Wild Rose Press gave me the lucky call on April 1st.  Thank God it wasn’t an April Fool’s joke!
When I wrote, “Walking Through Fire”, I left the ending with a hint to more books, actually seven stand-alone novels in total.  It was a dream.  A big dream.  Especially when it took me twenty years to get published again.  
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So while I was in edits on book 1, my wonderful editor gave me the idea for Forged with this simple question:  “You know whose story I want to read?  Beth’s.”  I laughed (and those of you who have read my first book would understand… - no spoilers here, lol!).  But her question got me thinking, how could I tell Beth’s tale?
 
Once I realized I had to send her through time, it pointed me to the Archangel Remiel.  So now that I had my heroine and lead angel, I needed a hero.  I always love a handsome Highwayman romance (more on an upcoming blog post…), and I thought, why not write one myself?   Cheers! Now I had a hero and a time period, so off I went!

Amanda called me on June 1st of this year and offered me my second contract.  I’m beginning to see a pattern…perhaps the first of the month is a lucky day for me!  I was so excited she loved my story and said we now needed to name the series.  Goosebumps!
​The Fire Chronicles was now a reality!  Dare to dream, people.  Dare to dream.
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As all writers know, we may start alone with a keyboard and blinking cursor, but by the time our book reaches our readers, many people join the journey of its birth.

First, and Forge’s dedication, goes to Marla White, best friend and fellow talented writer.  My first reader, she is always spot on with her advice and critiques.  My writing wouldn’t be what it is today without her.  Thank you!

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My next shout out goes to my brave and fearless beta readers!  Jenn Jeske, Nahmi Jones and Tambra Nicole Kendall – hugs & kisses, ladies.  You’re the best.
 
Thank you, Debbie Taylor of DCA Graphics for another lovely cover.
 
And of course, my editor Amanda Barnett and The Wild Rose Press.  I love being a member of the garden.  Here’s to book 3 in The Fire Chronicles, I better get writing!
 

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In celebration of my release, please enjoy a brand new excerpt from Forged In Fire.

Excerpt: Forged In Fire

“So…” he drew the single word out.

She shivered. He was taller than her, but almost everyone was. He had to bend to whisper in her ear, his body enveloping her.

 “What are you doing out alone in the woods, this dark and dreary night?” His soft words tickled her ear. “Dressed as you are?” He slowly removed one hand from his horse. The hand came to rest on her waist, just above her jeans. She felt a light caressing of his thumb on her cotton T-shirt. “So soft,” he murmured.

 Beth wasn’t sure if she was meant to hear his last remark. His hand began to stroke upward until she felt the light brush of his fingertips against the side of her breast.

 “Hey!” Beth spun in his embrace so she now faced him, plastered against his front with the warmth of his horse seeping into her back. “Knock it off! I’m a married woman.” She held up her left hand and showed him her wedding rings.

 He chuckled and grabbed her hand and started to slide off her rings.
 “Stop!” She yanked her hand from his grasp. “What in the world do you think you’re doing?”

 “What I am very, very, good at,” he replied from behind his mask while reaching for her hand again.

 Beth whipped her hand behind her back. “You can’t have my rings.”

​ “Think of them as payment for services rendered.”
​

About Book:

Title: Forged In Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 2)
Author:  C J Bahr
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Pages:  364
Formats:  Trade Paperback, e-Book
Release Date:  November 29, 2017
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Beth Leighton moved to Scotland to marry the love of her life. But then he betrays her and she is fatally shot.  However the Archangel Remiel interferes, and she awakes to find herself in 18th century England. Alive but confused and lost, she wants to go home. Despite a roguish and handsome highwayman.
 
Christopher “Kit” Locke is haunted by his past mistakes and lives on danger’s edge, not caring if he lives or dies. He will leave that choice to Fate. Intrigued by the spirited Beth, he is drawn from his spiraling descent and is enlisted to help steal an evil artifact, the Viper’s Eye, a demonic soul-stealing jewel. 
 
While the Archangel and the Duke of Hell battle it out, both Beth and Kit must also fight evil. When the stone seeks Kit's soul can Beth's love keep him from falling victim to the Viper's Eye or will she lose Kit to Hell's fire?

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Character Interview:  The Knightmare

11/22/2017

 
The scourge of West Yorkshire, England, The Knightmare has been stalking the roads and byways for almost a year.  Authorities have yet to capture him or even to lay eyes upon him.  Those he has robbed tell of a menacing dark presence astride his demon steed.  They note his expertise with the weapons he chooses to bear, two pistols and a sword.  With a gentleman’s accent, he politely demands his gains until or unless his will is crossed.
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Today I have the enviable task of interviewing the notorious Knightmare, the masked Highwayman who haunts the roads in Forged In Fire.  He came out of hiding to trade words with me--in disguise of course.
 
 
Paranormal Life:  Thank you for agreeing to this interview.  I promise it’s not a trap.
 
The Knightmare:  The pleasure is all mine.  <taps the side of his masked nose> I have a sense about these things, so I know I am in no danger.
 
 
PL:  Well, let’s get right down to it.  What would you most like people to know about you?
 
TK:  There are several rumors about myself.  One of which I would like to clarify.  I have never killed anyone during my robberies.  Not that I am not a dangerous man, occasionally I have had to prove I mean what I say, and there may have been some blood drawn.
 
 
PL:  If you have a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
 
TK:  <laughs> My days are always free since I work solely by night.  But if I did take an evening off, I would be in town enjoying myself, especially knowing the person I was next to would have no clue who was beside them.  I take my amusements where I can.
 
 
PL:  Are you lucky?
 
TK:  I would say so.  After all, I haven’t met the hangman's noose yet.
 
 
PL:  What do you worry about when you wake up at 3 in the morning?
 
TK:  More like 3 in the afternoon…still…I wonder, like most of my brethren, when my luck will run out.
 
 
PL:  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
 
TK:  Perhaps the owner of a high-end brothel?  I do appreciate lovely ladies.
 
 
PL:  What would you most like to hide?
 
TK:  My identity of course!
 
 
PL:  What are your hopes for the future?
 
TK:  I doubt I have much of a future.  If Fate deals me a short hand <shrugs> I sort of expect and appreciate it.  After all I’ve had a good run and probably deserve what life has in store for me.
 
 
PL:  What motto do you live your life by?
 
TK:  There’s always new treasures to be had…<leans forward> My, what a lovely diamond ring you are wearing...

About Book:

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Title: Forged In Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 2)
Author:  C J Bahr
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Pages:  364
Formats:  Trade Paperback, e-Book
Scheduled Release Date:  November 29, 2017

Beth Leighton moved to Scotland to marry the love of her life. But then he betrays her and she is fatally shot.  However the Archangel Remiel interferes, and she awakes to find herself in 18th century England. Alive but confused and lost, she wants to go home. Despite a roguish and handsome highwayman.
 
Christopher “Kit” Locke is haunted by his past mistakes and lives on danger’s edge, not caring if he lives or dies. He will leave that choice to Fate. Intrigued by the spirited Beth, he is drawn from his spiraling descent and is enlisted to help steal an evil artifact, the Viper’s Eye, a demonic soul-stealing jewel. 
 
While the Archangel and the Duke of Hell battle it out, both Beth and Kit must also fight evil. When the stone seeks Kit's soul can Beth's love keep him from falling victim to the Viper's Eye or will she lose Kit to Hell's fire?

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Character Interview:  Edmond Renweard

11/15/2017

 
An English aristocrat, Lord Renweard chooses to reside in West Yorkshire, England on his country estate.  Having lost his wife and son to small pox, he clings to and cherishes his young daughter, Anna.  She is his world and he would do anything for her.
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Today I’m interviewing Edmond, the soon-to-be villain of Forged In Fire.  He believed this interview to be beneath him, but decided to oblige once he found out I thought him to be the bad guy of this tale.  Outraged, he agreed without knowing the questions being posed to him….Oops.
 
 
Paranormal Life:  What would you most like people to know about you?
 
Edmond Renweard:  Family before all else.  One never knows when they will be snatched away.  Anna is all I have left, and I will protect her.  No one will take her from me.
 
 
PL:  If you have a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
 
ER:  What is this?  What kind of questions are you posing?
 
PL:  Answer the question, Edmond.  You did agree to be interviewed.
 
ER:  You will respect me!  How England lost the Colonies, I’ll never understand.  Crossing me is a mistake you will come to rue it.
 
PL:  And you wonder why I think you’re the villain?  Stop with the threats and please answer the questions.  The sooner done the sooner gone.
 
ER:  <sneers> Oh, very well.  I am a lord.  There is no such thing a free day.  My responsibility toward Anna and my duties to the Crown are important.  However, I’m wealthy and can do as I choose, whatever I so choose.
 
 
PL:  Are you lucky?
 
ER:  I have no need for luck.
 
 
PL:  What do you worry about when you wake up at 3 in the morning?
 
ER:  I worry about my Anna, my little poppy.
 
 
PL:  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
 
ER:  A profession?  I am no laborer.
 
 
PL:  What would you most like to hide?
 
ER:  The bodies.  <smiles>  Of course I am jesting…
 
 
PL:  What are your hopes for the future?
 
ER:  That my Anna lives a long and fulfilled life.
 
 
PL:  What motto do you live your life by?
 
ER:  I’ve stated it already.  Family first.

About Book:

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​Title: Forged In Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 2)
Author:  C J Bahr
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Pages:  364
Formats:  Trade Paperback, e-Book
Scheduled Release Date:  November 29, 2017

Beth Leighton moved to Scotland to marry the love of her life. But then he betrays her and she is fatally shot.  However the Archangel Remiel interferes, and she awakes to find herself in 18th century England. Alive but confused and lost, she wants to go home. Despite a roguish and handsome highwayman.
 
Christopher “Kit” Locke is haunted by his past mistakes and lives on danger’s edge, not caring if he lives or dies. He will leave that choice to Fate. Intrigued by the spirited Beth, he is drawn from his spiraling descent and is enlisted to help steal an evil artifact, the Viper’s Eye, a demonic soul-stealing jewel. 
 
While the Archangel and the Duke of Hell battle it out, both Beth and Kit must also fight evil. When the stone seeks Kit's soul can Beth's love keep him from falling victim to the Viper's Eye or will she lose Kit to Hell's fire?

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Character Interview:                   Christopher (Kit) Locke

11/8/2017

 
Preferring to go by Kit, he lives a quiet life in West Yorkshire, England occasionally visiting the town of Tredford.  He keeps to himself, enjoying a good single malt scotch or an occasional French brandy.  A bit of a loner, he’d rather spend time with his two horses, than with people.  However, when the mood strikes, he’ll visit a certain kind of woman named Sophie and have a night of fun on the town.
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Today I’m interviewing Kit, the soon-to-be hero of Forged In Fire.  He lives his life with a joie de vivre attitude.  Always up for a good time, he’s ready to play and use his charm to get his way.
 
 
Paranormal Life:  What would you most like people to know about you?
 
Kit Locke:  I like a good stiff drink, a warm willing woman, and excellent horse.
 
 
PL:  If you have a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
 
KL:  <chuckles> That is my life.  I do as I like, when I like.  All my days are free.
 
 
PL:  Are you lucky?
 
KL:  No.  <frowns> My luck ran out when I turned eighteen.
 
 
PL:  What do you worry about when you wake up at 3 in the morning?
 
KL:  Wake up?  It’s the time I usually go to bed. <shrugs>
 
 
PL:  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
 
KL:  I’ve got some wealth, so there’s no real need to work.  But if I had the desire to, I’d breed horses.
 
 
PL:  What would you most like to hide?
 
KL:  <smiles charmingly> Now if I told you, luv, it wouldn’t be hidden, would it?
 
 
PL:  What are your hopes for the future?
 
KL:  I try not to think about the future.  I live in the moment and have as much fun as possible.
 
 
PL:  What motto do you live your life by?
 
KL:  Carpe Diem

About Book:

Picture
Title: Forged In Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 2)
Author:  C J Bahr
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Pages:  364
Formats:  Trade Paperback, e-Book
Scheduled Release Date:  November 29, 2017

Beth Leighton moved to Scotland to marry the love of her life. But then he betrays her and she is fatally shot.  However the Archangel Remiel interferes, and she awakes to find herself in 18th century England. Alive but confused and lost, she wants to go home. Despite a roguish and handsome highwayman.
 
Christopher “Kit” Locke is haunted by his past mistakes and lives on danger’s edge, not caring if he lives or dies. He will leave that choice to Fate. Intrigued by the spirited Beth, he is drawn from his spiraling descent and is enlisted to help steal an evil artifact, the Viper’s Eye, a demonic soul-stealing jewel. 
 
While the Archangel and the Duke of Hell battle it out, both Beth and Kit must also fight evil. When the stone seeks Kit's soul can Beth's love keep him from falling victim to the Viper's Eye or will she lose Kit to Hell's fire?

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Character Interview:                                 Beth (Leighton) Murray

11/1/2017

 
Beth, an Interior Decorator, left Wisconsin leaving behind her family and friends to study Celtic Design in Scotland. While there, she met the love of her life.  She married Grant Murray and moved to the far northern reaches of the Highlands, to help her new husband run and manage Cleitmuir Manor, a renovated estate turned hotel.
 
Married for the past year, she hasn’t returned to the States, so Beth is excited by the visit of her best friend, Laurel Saville, who arrived just in time for the Primrose Festival and Highland Games in July.
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Today I'm interviewing Beth, the soon-to-be heroine of Forged In Fire.  She's graciously taking time off from the hotel to answer a few questions.  So let's just dive right into it!
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​
Paranormal Life
:  Welcome, Beth.  I'm so pleased you could join us.

Beth Murray:  Hi!  I'm super excited.  Thanks for having me!
PL:  What would you most like people to know about you?
 
 BM :  I’m a party girl! <laughs> Actually, I’m all about the adventure and dragging my best friend with me.  Laurel still curses me out about some of our college times.  You know, I’m just really friendly and outgoing.

PL:  If you have a free day with no responsibilities and your only mission was to enjoy yourself, what would you do?
 
BM:  Try something I’ve never done before, like hang gliding or… I’ve got it!  I’d pull my husband away from work and teach him how to ride a horse, so we could go out galloping the countryside together.

PL:  Are you lucky?
 
BM:  Definitely!

PL:  What do you worry about when you wake up at 3 in the morning?
 
BM:  I don’t!  I sleep like a log.  Grant says once I’m out, there’s no waking me up.

PL:  What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
 
BM:  Oh, that’s a hard one.  There’s so many choices…I really like people and traveling.  Maybe a tour guide?

PL:  What would you most like to hide?
 
BM:  My chocolate addiction.

PL:  What are your hopes for the future?
 
BM:  Start a family with Grant.  One day, well, not right now, but I’d love to have children.  At least two, maybe more…. I hated being an only child, so I always hung out with Laurel and her three brothers.  I want my kids to have what she does, a large loving family.

PL:  Last question.  What motto do you live your life by?
 
BM:  Try anything and everything at least once.

About Book:

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​Title: Forged In Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 2)
Author:  C J Bahr
Publisher:  The Wild Rose Press
Pages:  364
​Formats: Trade Paperback, e-Book
Scheduled Release Date:  November 29, 2017
​Beth Leighton moved to Scotland to marry the love of her life. But then he betrays her and she is fatally shot.  However the Archangel Remiel interferes, and she awakes to find herself in 18th century England. Alive but confused and lost, she wants to go home. Despite a roguish and handsome highwayman.
 
Christopher “Kit” Locke is haunted by his past mistakes and lives on danger’s edge, not caring if he lives or dies. He will leave that choice to Fate. Intrigued by the spirited Beth, he is drawn from his spiraling descent and is enlisted to help steal an evil artifact, the Viper’s Eye, a demonic soul-stealing jewel. 
 
While the Archangel and the Duke of Hell battle it out, both Beth and Kit must also fight evil. When the stone seeks Kit's soul can Beth's love keep him from falling victim to the Viper's Eye or will she lose Kit to Hell's fire?
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    Author

    Always looking for a little magic, CJ decided to create some of her own as a writer of paranormal romance, urban and contemporary fantasy.


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