Top Six Reasons to Celebrate in 2016

It's been a whirlwind writing year for me. Time to look back at reasons I'm celebrating in 2016. I hope it's been a good year for all of you as well.

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"Sweets, Treats and Murder"
by Nancy Jill Thames 

   When a celebrated author like Joanna Campbell Slan invites you to be part of her holiday anthologies, your answer is a resounding YES! The Happy Homicides anthologies have been a big hit for cozy mysteries starting with the first Christmas edition in 2015.

   Happy Homicides 2: Thirteen Cozy Mysteries centers around Valentines Day with Crimes of the Heart. "Sweets, Treats and Murder" is the story I wrote centered around a murdered employee of a chocolate and gift shop in Jillian Bradley's hometown of Clover Hills.

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"Birthday Bash"

by Nancy Jill Thames

   The second reason to celebrate is the Summertime Crime edition of Happy Homicides sharing my story of "Birthday Bash" as Jillian's niece Lexis (introduced in Book 4 "Pacific Beach") is embroiled in the murder of her date for Grandmother Lovejoy's 90th birthday celebration, also taking place in Clover Hills.

 Special Offer! $.99
Buy Happy Homicides 4 and get Happy Homicides 3 Free!
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   Joanna didn't stop there. I'm also celebrating her decision to commission more authors to write "Fall into Crime," the fall edition for "Happy Homicides 4." You'll read about a murder at the Clover Hills Historical Society's Gala Event in "Raven House." To sweeten the deal, we offer a boxed set of Happy Homicides 3 and 4 at one low price.

Amazon.com $10.99 Paperback/$3.99 Kindle

Barnes and Noble $11.00 Paperback/$3.99 Nook

Smashwords and iBooks $3.99

   With new stories flying off my keyboard I simply had to publish a collection. I'm celebrating "The Jillian Bradley Short Story Collection" release containing all four "Happy Homicides" short stories plus two additional stories published in the "A Cup of Cozy" collections. 

 Christmas Stories from the Authors of Cozy Mystery Magazine
Including Holiday Menus and Recipes!
Amazon.com $1.99

   The fifth reason I'm celebrating in 2016 is this latest collection. After three editions of "A Cup of Cozy" it was time to publish a boxed set for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. You'll find not only three of my short stories included in the set, but wonderful holiday menus and recipes, too.

Number six on the list is our Happy Homicides Christmas Anthology out in paperback.

NEW!

In Paperback Amazon.com $14.99

Includes "Teddy Saves Christmas"

When Jillian Bradley finds herself alone for the holidays, her dog Teddy, a cute little Yorkie, finds a homeless woman with an interesting but dangerous secret. Teddy won't leave her on the street so Jillian has no choice but to take her home.

   As we come to the end of 2016, let us pause to always remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Praise God for his Unspeakable Gift! Merry Christmas, everyone!

~Nancy Jill

Tea Party Tuesday

How many of you have a life that seems to be whizzing past? I believe we could all use a nice cup of tea and some yummy cookies. So welcome to Tea Party Tuesday!

Photo Courtesy Dianne Sherrill

As I rush about trying to keep up with household chores, preparing dinner, and keeping up with an extended family of sixteen, I wonder how others cope. 

I hear stories of people raising grandchildren, dealing with serious illnesses and surgeries, and finding ways to make ends meet when a breadwinner loses their job.

The only comfort I can take is placing my trust in God our heavenly father.  

As I study the Bible and worship with other believers each Sunday, I've learned to take one day at a time, do the best I can, and rest from my labors at least one day a week. 

Sometimes I like to stretch it to two days a week. When I do, the following week goes by much more productively. And that's one of the reasons I enjoy spending time with you during Tea Party Tuesday. 

Afternoon tea doesn't have to be complicated. A cup of tea and a few cookies can do quite nicely. You might want to try the chocolate covered shortbread if you haven't all ready. I've even found these at WalMart.  

 My mother-in-law used to buy WalMart's lemon filled and raspberry filled cookies that were to die for! You can also get your store's own brand.

CVS'S Version

Safeway's Brand

Afternoon tea, so much a part of the British culture, is also a wonderful time to take a break and rest from the day's activities. When we connect, the comments I receive act like a tonic of pure energy . 

This week I'm determined to finish the rewrite of "The Long Trip Home" Book 8 in the Jillian and Teddy books, because Sunday, we celebrate our youngest daughter's engagement. What a happy time we look forward to!

I hope you have a pleasant week and join me again next Tuesday for a lovely break together.

If you have another favorite store bought cookie, I'd love it if you'd share!

~Nancy Jill