What Good Are You?

If you had never been born, would the world notice your absence? Reminds me of the Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life" when George Bailey discovers that he did make a difference in the lives of many. When I write the Jillian Bradley mysteries, I wind up with my heroine helping at least one person in need.  

Without giving away spoilers, I will tell you that in Book 1 "Murder in Half Moon Bay" she and her garden club friends battle evil for the sake of country. Book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder" includes several instances where Jillian steps in to help emotionally and monetarily, the latter by anonymously paying for the funeral of the murder victim. Jillian has a generous heart coupled with an inquiring mind and determination to see that justice is carried out. In Book 3 "From the Clutches of Evil" Jillian helps a young amnesia victim to find his identity. At the same time, she helps free a family from oppression by uncovering hidden secrets in their past.

Moving on to Book 4 "The Mark of Eden" we find Jillian helping her personal assistant Cecilia find her father who is embroiled in a madman's life-threatening experimentation project. Book 5 "Pacific Beach" finds Jillian battling to save her nephew Chase from being the accused killer of a young starlet and her mother, at the hotel where Jillian and her family are staying. Yes, Jillian is a well-meaning senior who leaves no stone unturned when she finds a mystery to solve.

In Book 6 "Waiting for Santa" it is Jillian herself who needs help when she finds herself torn between two men. But even in this case the book reflects back to Book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder" where you can find how Jillian tried to help others. 

Now that I'm working on Book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" it's Jillian's driving motivation to help provide for the family of the murder victim that drives the story. This amateur sleuth's constant desire to lend a helping hand will answer the initial question "What good are you?" by her books saying, "To those of us who benefited from Jillian's help, we say thank you for reaching out and making a difference in our fictitious lives." 

Of course, as a Christian, the Lord helps Jillian in her life. This in turn is her motivation for helping others. I hope you enjoy the stories and are gently reminded that by helping others, we find true satisfaction in our own lives. Have a wonderful weekend, dear readers.

See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill

Nancy Jill Thames is the author of "Jillian Bradley Mysteries," Christian fiction based on travel adventures with her husband. The stories reflect Nancy Jill's love of art and serving afternoon tea, which has earned her the title of “Queen of Afternoon Tea.” She is listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller's List and won awards for her blogs. Nancy Jill is a Texas Longhorn, having earned her degree from The University of Texas in Austin, where she resides. The author donates 10% of book sales to the Central Texas SPCA-a no kill animal shelter.

Nancy Jill is busy working on book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" due out in 2013.
Member of the Leander Writers Guild.

 
To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, Pacific Beach, and Waiting for Santa, please visit: 
Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames
COZY MYSTERY MAGAZINE 


CONTACT INFORMATION  
jillthames@gmail.com