Blog Posts

5* Review - Forged In Fire

1/31/2018

Here's a terrific review of The Fire Chronicles Book 2:

***** Tortured Characters With Soul

The story started predictably enough. Only things went south in a hurry, the villain isn't supposed to be able to murder the star of the story. The story shifted and began again in the past where it suddenly became a period romance. Time travel romances aren't that unusual, and the usual oddities like modern terms came up as expected. But that wasn't what this story was about.

We all face temptations, some more tempting than others. This story was about people who faced temptations and how they reacted. Their inner soul was brilliantly put on display for the reader. The action was paced to avoid lulls, and the twists and turns were enough to keep a readers interest. But all that was used as a setting for the main characters to fight their inner demons, to face their inner struggles. Would the death of a beloved daughter drive me into accepting a deal with a devil? I doubt it, but the author so clearly laid out the anguish of the characters it was easy to suspend reality and enjoy the story even with the predictable twists that brought the people together.

I'd recommend this book easily to anyone who enjoys romance. After all, love is the solution to so many problems. It worked for the author, and helped this tale entertain in the process. -- JeepWonder / Reading Alley

For The Love Of A Highwayman...

1/10/2018

by c j bahr

Readers often wonder how I come up with ideas or if anything influences my creation of characters. Well, here's the inspiration behind "The Knightmare", aka: Christopher "Kit" Locke, my handsome, roguish, Highwayman from Forged In Fire - book 2 in The Fire Chronicle series.

I've always loved reading about the "Robin Hood" type of Highwaymen, so when an opportunity afforded itself because I had to send my heroine, Beth into a time travel story, I thought "ah ha!" here's my chance to write my own highwayman!

My love of highwaymen goes way back. My first introduction to the charming rogues was from Alfred Noyes's story poem opus "The Highwayman". My mother had a leather clad book of a collection of romance poetry which is where I encounter a highwayman for the first time.

When the amazing, talented Irish singer, Loreena McKennitt set Noyes's "The Highwayman" to music on her album Book Of Secrets, I fell in love once more.

Below is a music video created by Erica Elizabeth Ravenwood of McKennitt's "The Highwayman. Take a listen if you've never heard it. Or just enjoy the song if you're already familiar!

Later in life, I discovered the very talented author, Marsha Canham. If you haven't read her books, you must check them out. I love them all! She is one of my "must read" authors. I'll buy any of her books immediately. But one book in particular grabbed my attention: Pale Moon Rider. Here, I was introduced to Captain Starlight aka Tyrone Hart. He's one of my all time favorite highwaymen!

Last but certainly not least, though not a "true" highwayman, there is the duel personality/disguise of The Scarlett Pimpernel . My favorite version is the musical, which I was lucky enough to have seen twice on stage, with the amazing Douglas Sills. If it tours to your neighborhood, check it out, it will be a fabulous night out. Here a link to "The Riddle" one of my favorite songs from the hit show.

So who are your favorite highwaymen? Did I miss any? I hope "The Knightmare" will become one of yours!

Discover: The Fire Chronicles Series Book 1

12/6/2017

Haven't discovered the first book, "Walking Through Fire" in the stand-alone series, The Fire Chronicles?

Dive into Simon MacKay's world.

This book trailer was produced by Candace Bowser through Dark Water Arts Designs.

ABOUT BOOK:

Title: Walking Through Fire (The Fire Chronicles, Book 1)
Author: C J Bahr
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Pages: 358
Formats: Trade Paperback, e-Book
Scheduled Release Date: November 14, 2014

Discover: The Fire Chronicle Series Book 2

12/1/2017

Wednesday was the worldwide release of Forged In Fire, book 2 in the "stand-alone" series The Fire Chronicles.

Take a peak into the world of "Forged In Fire"

This book trailer was produce by Candace Bowser through Dark Waters Arts Designs.

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

Release Day! - Twice Lucky

11/29/2017

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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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?