Love the Long Weekends - I Think...

By Nancy Jill Thames

Yes, we're having fun this long holiday weekend... entertaining family with home cooked food, watching fireworks, and having a reason for cleaning the house are good things. Except I think I like reading about how Jillian Bradley goes about having fun better. Here's the reason: I leave out most of the physical pain in my stories - in real life, I feel the repercussions of actually doing the work preparing for the fun. I look at it this way, if you're like me, I want to get away from aches and pains, not read about them. However, in order to create realism an author must write about pain.

Excerpt from Book 3 FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL

Taking out a book from her large tote, along with a small thermos, which I assumed was filled with coffee, Nurse Evans set them on the table. Smiling, she put her purse on the floor beside her medical bag.

Paperback $7.19
Kindle $3.99
Nook Book $3.99
Smashwords $3.99
Kobo $3.99

     “Now, please don’t worry about anything,” she reassured me. “I’ll peek in on him every thirty minutes to make sure he’s all right. Doctor Peters briefed me on his condition. I know what to do, so you run along to your party and leave him to me. I have a grandson his age.”

     Relieved, I took a deep breath and descended the stairs. One minute left before the first guest was to arrive. Okay, think festive…excited. This would be difficult.

     What was I doing getting involved like this? No, Jillian, helping this boy is the right thing to do. Right thing... right thing? I silently prayed to get through this evening calmly. Breathe. Exhaustion set in. The calmness didn’t come so easily. 

Notice how I only mention: Exhaustion set in. I don't elaborate because I believe most people reading the book have experienced exhaustion. More importantly is the sentence that follows: The calmness didn't come so easily. This sentence creates tension for the heroine trying to solve Luke's identity.

To read more, you may want to get out the book. 

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend celebrating the birthday of our amazing country.

See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill 

Mystery novelist Nancy Jill Thames began publishing Christian fiction in 2010. The author of six books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award winning blogger and is listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s List, this in addition to winning first place for her chocolate cream pie.

When she isn’t plotting her next book, she spends time with her six grandchildren, tags along with her husband on business trips, and plays classical piano for her own personal enjoyment. She is an active member of the Leander Writers Guild, the American Christian Fiction Writers, CenTex Chapter of ACFW and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion of her book sales. CONTACT INFORMATION jillthames@gmail.com

 Nancy Jill is busy working on Book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" a mystery taking place in London.

Enjoy Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY as an ebook for free!

Amazon Paperback $8.09
Barnes & Nobel Paperback $8.99
 Kindle FREE!
Nook Book FREE!
FREE on Smashwords and Kobo!

SECOND CHANCES

By Nancy Jill Thames

Have you ever been given a second chance? A double entendre in this post, since Book 3 deals with the subject, and this recently happened to me. Let me start at the beginning.
About a week ago, I received a critical review of Book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder." The criticism was focused on grammar and punctuation (thus the reason for the graphic) with a few other issues thrown in. Okay, my spirit plummeted and I wanted to quit writing. Did any good come from this critic?
You bet it did!
First, I decided to check the manuscript for errors. Found a few, and did some revisions. After receiving a couple of good reviews on my other books, I picked my chin up off the floor, and started back to work. 
Yesterday, this same critical reviewer gave me a review on Book 3. This time it was five stars! But that's not the good part. She brought my attention to the fact that I had submitted the wrong file containing Chapter 19 twice! Oh, no! I immediately edited the file and sent it off to the most tolerating formatter in Canada (right at his bedtime no less) Rik Hall, and he graciously sent me the edited version.
Reviews can be tough. However, I choose to learn from each and every one. Now, back to the double entendre.
In Book 3, "From the Clutches of Evil," Jillian Bradley helps her main characters get a second chance. You'll have to read the book to understand how this happens. Here's the review I mentioned. I hope you'll agree with what she wrote. (Well, the good parts anyway!)

Exciting Book, June 5, 2013

By 

Pat Peregrin - 

This review is from: From the Clutches of Evil (A Jillian Bradley Mystery, No. 3) (Kindle Edition)

Paperback $7.99
Kindle $3.99
Nook Book $3.99
Smashwords $3.99
Kobo $3.99

After being disappointed with her second novel in this series, I was hesitant about buying this book. I am glad that I did. It was Jillian at her best. She has a lot of heart and cares about others.

She is not afraid to go where she needs in order to find the answer to a mystery. Her dog "Teddy is a remarkable animal and for a Yorkie very fearless. Even her friend Ann (from the first book) was back.

I thought they had the proofreading thing straightened out until the end. The last chapter was repeated. Oh well, at least it wasn't throughout the entire book. 

 

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill 

Mystery novelist Nancy Jill Thames began publishing Christian fiction in 2010. The author of six books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award winning blogger and is listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s List, this in addition to winning first place for her Chocolate Cream Pie.

When she isn’t plotting her next book, she spends time with her six grandchildren, tags along with her husband on business trips, and plays classical piano for her own personal enjoyment. She is an active member of the Leander Writers Guild and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion of her book sales. CONTACT INFORMATION jillthames@gmail.com

 Nancy Jill is busy working on Book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" a mystery taking place in London.

Enjoy Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY for free! (Or buy it on Barnes and Nobel)

Amazon Paperback $8.09
 Kindle FREE!
Barnes and Nobel $8.99/Nook Book $2.99
FREE on Smashwords and Kobo!

A SETTING FOR MURDER

HAY GRAPPLER AT THE OLD MERCANTILE

SUNOL JAZZ CAFE

I always found the tiny, tucked away town of Sunol, California mysterious. Sunol's main attraction was and still is its Jazz Cafe, a gathering place for the locals. I renamed the town "Canyon Grove" and then imagined a body, grasped in the clutches of the hay loader, suspended from the old warehouse roof, and concocted the story. Jillian finds herself solving this mystery not at a resort, but very close to her own home. When she gets into dire trouble, Teddy plays the part of the hero. 

Christmas – the busiest time of the year! And on top of everything, Jillian is throwing an engagement party for two dear friends. But on a final errand before the party begins Jillian witnesses a horrific car crash and notices two witnesses leaving the scene of the accident. She and Teddy pull a survivor from the wreckage, and together they attempt to solve the mystery of the amnesia victim, a 17-year-old boy she and Teddy take under their wing. After one of the witnesses is found brutally murdered, 

SCENE OF THE CRIME

Jillian discovers an ominous connection between the boy and a string of heinous murders in a nearby remote farming community. And when Jillian stumbles across a mysterious compound, she is determined to unlock old family secrets to solve the mystery of his identity even though taking the risk creates the ultimate test for her and Teddy's survival. 

Get your copy today! 

"From the Clutches of Evil"

Paperback $7.99

Kindle $3.99

Nook Book $3.99

Smashwords $3.99

Kobo $3.99 

 Thank you for your readership!

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.

If You Like Happy Endings...

FREE ON KINDLE!

Now that Valentine's Day has passed, I'd like to continue giving readers a little something special. If you haven't read 
"FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL" 
I'm offering it for FREE through Sunday, February 18th. 

Here's the synopsis:

     Christmas – the busiest time of the year! And on top of everything, Jillian is throwing an engagement party for two dear friends. But on a final errand before the party begins Jillian witnesses a horrific car crash and notices two witnesses leaving the scene of the accident. She and Teddy pull a survivor from the wreckage, and together they attempt to solve the mystery of the amnesia victim, a 17-year-old boy she and Teddy take under their wing. After one of the witnesses is found brutally murdered, Jillian discovers an ominous connection between the boy and a string of heinous murders in a nearby remote farming community. And when Jillian stumbles across a mysterious compound, she is determined to unlock old family secrets to solve the mystery of his identity even though taking the risk creates the ultimate test for her and Teddy's survival. 

See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill

REWARD: READER POLL DAY 7/7

Who wants a signed paperback copy of "Waiting for Santa" hot off the press? 

You've probably heard of "focus groups" where random samples of community members come together to discuss issues regarding the community. My husband uses them occasionally in his work and the results are sometimes shocking! Since authors rely on reviews and social media feedback to gauge their audience's reaction, I thought I might do the same. 

Reviews are great insight into an author's work, but only a small fraction of readers write reviews. Polls can be an easier device to measure a reader base - if the readers will comment. I hope you'll take the time to do so.

Here are the questions:

1. How did you discover the Jillian Bradley Mysteries?

a.  word of mouth
b.  mentioned on a blog
c.  mentioned on Facebook
d.  mentioned on Twitter
e.  promoted by Amazon

2. If you read "Murder in Half Moon Bay" did you read or buy:

a.  book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder"
b.  book 2 and book 3 "From the Clutches of Evil"
c.  book 2, book 3 and book 4 "The Mark of Eden"
d.  book 2, book 3, book 4 and book 5 "Pacific Beach"
e.  none of the above

3. Overall, would you rate the books:

a.  5-Stars
b.  4-Stars
c.  3-Stars
d.  2-Stars
e.  1-Star

4. Have you written a review for any of the books?

a.  yes
b.  no

5. Finally, do you purchase the books or get them when they're free?


a.  purchase only
b.  get free only
c.  purchase and get free

Please leave your answers in a comment. Example 1. a, 2. d etc. 

 Please join this site if you're new (box to the right) and include your email to receive your winning copy!  

Winner of my new book will be announced Monday, November 12, 2012. 

Your input is much appreciated. I'm always striving to improve my work for your enjoyment in any way possible. Poll results will be posted with the winning comment selected. My hubby will draw the winner. Good luck pollsters!

Have a great weekend, my friends!

~Nancy Jill

GO AHEAD - MAKE MY DAY!

So grateful for these new FIVE-STAR reviews. 

Thank you, dear readers!

5.0 out of 5 stars What a special blessing September 2, 2012

By StudMuffin'sGal

Format:Kindle Edition

when one finds that a friend is a skilled writer! I just had the pleasure of reading my first Jillian Bradley Mystery, likely not the last, feeling exhausted from my exciting trip to glorious California (my husband and I consider it our second home!).......that's how delicious the descriptive writing was. I also enjoyed a faith based novel, fun and easy reading, perfect for this holiday weekend. And the most delightful aspect was precious Teddy, a sweetly written doggie character I so wish I could invite to play with my cocker. All in all, a lovely story from a lovely lady!

5.0 out of 5 stars Pacific Beach (A Jillian Bradley Mystery) August 31, 2012

By Nancy Lanni

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Jillian Bradley had a mystery come knocking. She couldn't ignore it; her family was involved.

Nancy Jill Thames allows the plot of Pacific Beach to unfold and the suspense to build with an expertise that keeps her readers guessing. I like that this cozy mystery has positive family values. I love that even her dog becomes a well-rounded character.

I'm looking forward to "Waiting for Santa."

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovered a new Author 31 Mar 2012 

By Caza

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

One of the best things about Kindle freebies is discovering a new Author. Nancy Jill Thames is a real find, her heroine Jillian Bradley sends up arrow prayers throughout the day just like I operate, and owns a Yorkie named Teddy, just like I would love! An easy read, full of mystery and murders and I was confident I would not come across any unnecessary - aren't they all - swear words. I will be purchasing the rest of her books for my next holiday.

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's go to SAN DIEGO!! August 9, 2012

By FirstClass

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

For those of you who have been there you know it's easy to love San Diego. This author "aces" capturing the ambiance of San Diego in a resort setting. I could feel the warmth of the sun and the relaxing atmosphere laying around the pool with different characters in the book. The murder mystery was believable but not predictable. This author is just getting better with each book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile!, August 9, 2012

By 

FirstClass - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Murder in Half Moon Bay (The Jillian Bradley Mysteries, Vol. 1) (Paperback)

What a fun read!! I enjoyed the author's descriptions and her ability to "put me" in the room with the characters. I fell in love with her dog "Teddy" and having him involved with the story was refreshing. I looked forward to the time I spent reading this book and am excited about reading more from this author. Great Book!!

SEE IF YOU CAN GUESS...

Okay, I know, I know...there is a lot of food descriptions in my books, but hey, I'm constantly eating in wonderful hotels and resorts so this is a major part of my world. (Oh the weight gain price I pay when I get home!) See if you can match the clip with the book. I've included a few characters to give you hints. Good luck!

  Taking a bite of my crumpet, I said nothing. There’s a trick to getting information from someone—just wait. The other person will usually say something of interest, at least most of the time. Lee set his tea down and looked at the table.

“Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it. All the hard work I do, all the travel, all the difficult clients I have to deal with. I don’t know. Used to think I was doing it for Birdie and Victoria, but after they were successful on their own, it didn’t feel like they really needed me.”

“Did you ever talk to Birdie about how you felt?”

“No. She never had the time, and we hardly talked anymore. You might say we went in different directions. But I honestly loved them. Really loved them! And now, it’s too late.” He buried  his face in his hand.

“I’m so sorry, Lee. I know it hurts. But my sister and brother-in-law will also feel that hurt if their son is convicted of murder. He didn’t kill your wife or Victoria, bet my life on it.” 

  A. Pacific Beach

  

     B. From the Clutches of Evil

     C. The Mark of Eden

To vote, please leave a comment. The first winner's name will appear in tomorrow's post!

DAY OF REST AND A FREE BOOK TO GO WITH IT!

Enjoy your day of rest. See you on Monday with a new celebrity author interview. 
God bless you all!

P.S. If you'd like to relax and read a good book today, please accept a free Kindle version of Book 3

as my gift to you for visiting my blog. The offer ends tomorrow April 2nd, at midnight. A $3.99 value! Simply click Book 3 on the slideshow link to your right.

WHAT DOES HEE HAW HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Roy Clark made a statement one time that has stayed with me over the years. He said that he was amazed that people paid him so much money just for having fun playing the guitar. Hee Haw was a top show which  entertained millions of people including myself for many years. As a writer, I've found the same to be true in my life. Writing mystery novels for me is fun! People buying my books is a lovely added bonus. I feel that when a person reads a story I've written, they are sharing my life's experiences. Somehow, with that connection I feel akin. This year I've had the pleasure of connecting with people reading my books globally in Germany, France, Italy and The United Kingdom. There are many other authors, far more successful than I am who have an even greater reach. What fun! I can't think of a more rewarding career. I'm grateful to all of you who help make this possible. If you haven't already, please help yourself to a Kindle copy of  FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL as a thank you gift. This offer runs through Monday, April 2nd. Just click on Book 3 on the slideshow above. Have a lovely weekend!

HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

As I scan posts and tweets all day long I notice two things: Either the poster or tweeter is happy about something, or they're venting about something. Sometimes the vents are warranted as a grief is shared or a is request made. But the posts and tweets I love to read are the ones that share victories, great or small, and noteworthy items such as encouraging quotes or inspirational videos. Uplifting words and photos make me feel like my glass is always at least half full, and many times filled to overflowing.  Keep them coming, dear friends. You know who you are!

P. S. If you haven't taken advantage of getting a free Kindle copy of my 3rd book FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL, please click the link on the slideshow in the upper right hand corner and get the download. Book 3 is a free thank you gift (a $3.99 value) for all my mystery lover friends. I hope you enjoy the story.

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU!

 In anticipation of launching my new book PACIFIC BEACH in April, I'd like to give Kindle copies of FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL free to all of you readers who would like to sample a Jillian Bradley Mystery. This book ( a $3.99 value) will be available to download for the next five days, Thursday, March 29 through Monday, April 2, 2012. Please enjoy the read with my compliments! Just click the link below.

 http://www.amazon.com/Clutches-Jillian-Bradley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004TSCH8M/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332987515&sr=8-1-spell