Tea Party Tuesday * Fall Color Tour

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday! May I pour you a nice cup of tea? Milk? Sugars?

Since I just finished writing about a luscious strawberry cream cake in Chapter One of "Murder at Mirror Lake,"  I thought we'd enjoy a virtual slice.

 

My husband and I took a road trip last week to Santa Fe, New Mexico to attend my cousin's 50th wedding anniversary. It was also nice to be able to stop in Lubbock, Texas for a visit with my husband's cousin and his family whom we hadn't seen for 46 years! Dogs and kids abounded, much to our delight.

In this ninth book in the series, Jillian and her friends take a fall color trip in upstate New York and Vermont. Plans for the visit unfold during Jillian's Garden Club monthly meeting. Of course, Teddy gets to attend the meeting and looks forward to the morsels Jillian may toss his way.

It's such fun to write these mysteries. People with dogs seem to relate to the way Jillian interacts with Teddy in much the same way I interact with dogs and children, treating them with interest and respect.

May I refill your cup? What do you think of the cake? I do believe it's one of my favorites, along with German chocolate, Texas picnic cake, and Carrot cake. Ah, any excuse to enjoy dessert!

I hope you'll read the Jillian Bradley mysteries. They're full of intrigue, beautiful settings, and afternoon tea! What could be better? Thanks for joining us today.

All Jillian Bradley wants is to spend a quiet weekend by the ocean and enjoy her afternoon tea. But a startling discovery draws Jillian and her garden club friends into solving a mystery that threatens her life and changes her future.

'Murder in Half Moon Bay,' Book 1 in The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series, introduces Jillian's little companion 'Teddy,' a Yorkie who falls prey to danger but rises to become a sleuth dog in the next book.

      FREE on  Amazon   Kobo  Nook and Smashwords!
Amazon International Links: http://authl.it/b3

 

Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Tea Party Tuesday - New Cookbook on the Scene

Welcome to our tea party today. Let me pour you a nice hot cup of Darjeeling and we'll get started. Milk? Sugars?

Do help yourself to the food - we have Scottish fare today, rather appropriate since my husband and I've been watching the "Monarch of the Glen" series on Netflix (for the second time).

I wanted to share a new cookbook that launched last week called "Cozy Food" edited by cozy mystery author and friend, Nancy Lynn Jarvis. I think you'll enjoy this unusual collection of recipes by 128 cozy mystery authors. Look for my Raisin Scones and Mock Devonshire Cream recipes inside.

Buy on Amazon.com

As I read each name I noted three in particular. The first was Camille Minichino, aka Margaret Grace, author of the Miniature Mystery series. In 2001, Camille signed one of her books for me wishing me well in my writing at the first literary conference I had ever attended. What an inspiration she was!

Please help yourself to a scone - they look absolutely delicious!

Sandra Balzo was another author who responded to a question I had. She was so gracious and kind and encouraged me to hang in there! She writes the Maggy Thorsen Mystery series and Main Street Murders.

Let me refill your cup.

Finally, Traci Tyne Hilton, a fellow collaborator on our Cozy Mystery Magazine blog has contributed a recipe to  Cozy Food. Traci writes cozy Christian fiction like I do and is a prolific author of the Plain Jane and Mitzy Newhaus Mystery series.

You may want to explore the back cover as a resource for finding new authors. I hope you'll get a copy and spread the word on the share buttons below!

Thank you for spending time with me today. I enjoyed the company.

~Nancy Jill

See you in my books!

Turkey Reprieve! Yes!

Thanksgiving is racing toward our house at breakneck speed! Perhaps the reason is due to our days being filled to the hilt with work deadlines. Craziness! With my husband being a strategic consultant and me being an author, that would explain the never ending pressure we feel to perform. Sigh. But Mr. Turkey and family members will be here Thursday, regardless of what else is going on. I've barely had time to reflect on what I'm thankful for! 

With so many of people on the east coast suffering from the aftermath of Sandy (my nephew is just now getting the tree threatening to fall on his house cut down), I can't imagine what their Thanksgiving will be like. God has been so gracious to my husband and I. We're humbled by all the blessings He's given us this year. 

Now, this particular blessing may sound rather unimportant to some of you, but turkey bakers may relate. I'm extremely grateful this year that our oldest son is cooking the turkey in his green egg. Yes, it's a barbeque shaped like an egg and green. You see, at this stage of the game for we grandmas and grandpas, the older children now begin to pitch in and provide for part of the Thanksgiving Dinner. No huge turkey hogging the oven! No spattering the oven walls, either, and best of all, no turkey fat to deal with! Ever clean up a turkey pan? So, even as the Feast of the Year barrels toward our house, the turkey being provided takes away a huge part of the stress of the day. Now, if I could just get around having to clean the house...

All kidding aside, I did want to take this opportunity to tell you how thankful I am for you readers. Like Clint Eastwood said once, "Go ahead--make my day!" And you do. When you write a nice review, post or tweet that you like my books, or click the like button on posts I've written, you make my day! Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

~Nancy Jill

COMING NEXT WEEK!

Poll Results - We Have a Winner!

Hey Jillian and Teddy fans! The results are in and we have a winner! Congratulations to Don Wilson! He wins a signed copy of "Waiting for Santa"due to launch this month.

  


Here's how you voted:

1. a  Most readers heard of the books through word of mouth.  

2. d  Most readers read the entire series.

3. a  Most readers gave a 5 Star Rating.

4. a  50% of readers wrote a review.  b. 50 % of readers did not write a review, yet.

5. c  Most readers both purchased and downloaded the books for free.

This was an awesome poll! I appreciate your honesty, and will anticipate doing it again next year. 

Have a great week, dear readers, and remember to take a little time to brighten someones day. You've brightened mine!

~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

When the Power Goes Out! by Nancy Jill Thames

COMING SOON!

Hurricane Sandy was quite a storm! Sadly, some scientists are predicting more of the same... and worse in the coming days. People are left with ruined homes, cars crushed by trees, and a huge mess to clean up. My heart aches for all who are dealing with these issues.

I can remember the power going out a few years ago in California when a large electrical system failed. Neighbors came to our house since we had a barbeque grill which used charcoal. We were able to eat hot food and keep warm. Candlelight provided us with a way to see in the darkness. In that scenario, we were fortunate to have power restored the next day. The east coast and the gulf coast were not as fortunate.

The repercussions of such a massive storm will last for months, if not years. Perhaps more children will be born as a result of the darkness and lack of activity - maybe someone will take the opportunity to eliminate an old enemy under the cover of downed services and chaos.

"Waiting for Santa," by sheer coincidence, is written with such a plot. The power failure doesn't last long, but the murderer takes full advantage of the situation. I hope you enjoy the story due out at the end of this month.

Stay safe, dear readers.

~Nancy Jill

And the point is...

Family Members

Ever wonder if you are in control of things, or just the opposite? For instance, last week I truly believed I was in control of every detail of the wedding week from my end. Really. Then the guests left, the caterer came and took his equipment back and I put my house back together, leaving only the guest linen laundry (14 loads of sheets, towels and blankets). So far, so good. 

But then I study the big picture and realize life is going in slow motion. Sure, taking care of details is mind boggling and fun, but what really happens is a family heritage builds, slowly and surely. As one son marries, grandchildren grow older and so do I. 

My Mother and Me

In the midst of celebrating life's wonderful milestones, time passes slowly. What will remain after I'm no longer a part of this world? Hopefully, fond memories of a daughter, wife, mother and grandma who loved lavishing attention on her family members and yes, even memories of the books I'll have written that loosely document the wonderful times we've shared. 

How are you spending your days? Happily working at your job or career? Making warm memories of love and laughter for those you love? The point is, how we spend the few moments of time we're each given is really up to us. I'm choosing to create great times our family can remember and share.

Like the song says, "May your days be merry and bright... "

~Nancy Jill

Wedding Week!

With arms full of love, this coming Saturday, October 20, 2012, I will release my son into the arms of his beloved. All the planning is finished as we await the day with great expectations of happiness and joy. Will it compare to the joy of being the most important woman in his life for these past many years? The answer is definitely yes! There can be no greater happiness wished for my son than to see him happily married. The baton of mothering will now be passed to his wife, who I believe will care for him with as much love and affection as I have these past 25 years. 

God blessed me with four wonderful children, two of which were born to me in late life. Two are married, and Saturday's wedding marks number three. God has also provided them with treasured mates, answers to years of prayer by my husband and me. I'm so grateful for this wedding week - my heart is brimming with appreciation for the Lord's blessings. As a result, the 39 details that must be accomplished feel like 39 happy steps to that wonderful day on Saturday, when Mike and Catherine become one. And just think, this is only the beginning! With six grandchildren in my quiver, there is always room for more!

Hope you all have a great week - I know I sure will!

~Nancy Jill

Gift Time!

Free This Weekend on Amazon.com!

This weekend we are having a ball with my brother and sister-in-law visiting from California. Lots of great restaurants and shopping to sample here in Austin, and tomorrow it's the River Walk in San Antonio. I hope you're going to have a nice weekend, too. And if you haven't read any of the Jillian Bradley mysteries, please enjoy a free Kindle copy of my first book, "Murder in Half Moon Bay," to get started. See you Monday!

~Nancy Jill

Meet Celebrity Author Rhonda Patton: Overcomer

I'm interviewing author Rhonda Patton on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews this month. Please join us for tea fare and a yummy dessert.

 Have a wonderful week, dear friends!

~Nancy Jill

  "QUEEN OF THE MONTH"

RHONDA PATTON

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.nancyjillthames.wordpress.com

NEW DAY - NEW MINDSET

Last week was a total bummer! Health issues, traveling with suitcases that were too heavy, and thinking I may die was not fun! But, hey - I'm ready to put it all behind and get on with today.

Love Tigger! Always bouncing and laughing at life. Reminds me of myself - except for weeks like that last one! Just wanted to share my thanks for your thoughts and prayers and let you know they worked! 

Have a great week, dear friends, and remember to keep bouncing!

~Nancy Jill

Need Your Friend Power

Having heart issues and would appreciate your thoughts & prayers. Thank you, dear friends. Have a lovely day.

~Nancy Jill

PLUG IN FOR POWER

Wouldn't it be fantastic if we could plug ourselves in and recharge? For electrical devices we use chargers, for electronics we simply plug the cord into a socket. What about you and me though, especially on Monday mornings? Exercise, good nutrition and rest are important, however there's more. For me, goals are my main motivation. Wired that way I suppose, but it's not a bad thing. What about you? Is Monday your favorite day of the week? Only when I feel in control of my to-do list do I ever look forward to the first day of the work week. 
     Today was tough to get started, feeling overwhelmed with self-imposed deadlines to get "Waiting for Santa" edited for my great Beta Reader Team to peruse. Coupled with everyday tasks, I wanted to run away to Hawaii and veg. Instead, I put one foot in front of the other, made breakfast for my wonderful hubby, threw together a crock pot of chili beans and cleaned off the Adirondack chairs on the patio. Okay, I feel a little energy coming. Nope, went away again. Maybe if I sit and  read something inspirational and pray for God to give me strength...yep! That did it! Perfect scriptures from Isaiah now have me up and running, doing this blog post for instance. Perfect. Sheets are washed, cookies baked and I feel the coffee kicking in! Now on to my list - only nine more things to go. Have a great week, my friends.

~Nancy Jill

FEELING LIKE ANOTHER GIVEAWAY!!

NANCY JILL THAMES, AUTHOR

If you don't have Book 2 yet, please be my guest to receive a free copy

(a $2.99-$11.99 Value) this weekend! A story of murder, love and devotion.

"THE GHOST ORCHID MURDER" 

by Nancy Jill Thames

It's been eight years since gardening columnist Jillian Bradley helped solve a string of murders in Half Moon Bay. But when a friend and colleague in Scottsdale, Arizona finds a young technical assistant dead on the floor of his private office, Jillian doesn't hesitate to answer his plea for help in the investigation. After all, a $2 million research grant depends on it.

    Together with Detective Jack Noble and Jillian's clue sniffing dog, Teddy, the three set out to track the killer who leaves a porcelain orchid over the wound as the only clue. Even though it means personal sacrifice for Jillian, she is determined to uncover the truth. A faith-based novel.

Available on Amazon.com  SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2012

"AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG"

By MICKI PELUSO


"And the Whippoorwill Sang" is a deathbed promise I made to my lost child. When she was struck down by a drunk driver, her spinal cord severed, and left in a semi-coma for ten of the longest days of our lives, I told her I would make sure the world knew who and what she was; so that her death would not be in vain. As close as our large family was, when Noelle died, we all went our separate ways, unable to comfort each other. One of her sisters became bulimic and suicidal, a brother raced cars to tempt God to take him as well, her other brother had to be constantly pulled back from going after the repeated offender drunk driver who caused our world to dim without Noelle’s presence. Her oldest sister could not handle our great sorrow and stayed away on her own, while her youngest sister was plagued with anxiety and panic attacks at the age of eleven. Her father did not speak her name for five years and barely ever after that. As for me, I wrote. I could not speak or share so I wrote. The short story of the book was published by Victimology; an International Magazine. I wrote slice of life stories about her and all the kids for my new local daily newspaper, which led to a career in Journalism. I started the book about four years after her death, but life stepped in and I had to put it aside for years. When I was able to continue it, I realized the block when I came to the part before she died. My kids, many of whom also had memory loss, helped as we forced ourselves to remember—that and a deadline from my publisher finally got the book done. 

TO READ MORE OF THIS FASCINATING INTERVIEW PLEASE VISIT US ON "QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA." MICKI PELUSO'S STORY WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART.

She's giving away a free signed copy of her book.  Please see the interview for details. Have a great week, dear friends.

~Nancy Jill

FREE MEDS!

CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY - BETTER THAN CHICKEN SOUP!

HAVE AN AWESOME 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!!

ARE YOU A GENIUS?

 Benjamin Franklin said:

"GENIUS IS NOTHING BUT A GREATER APTITUDE FOR PATIENCE."

Ah...so if we hang in there long enough and persevere, whatever our aim just might be well regarded as such. I thought this quote was quite provoking. As I considered people whom I regarded as geniuses, I thought of Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb. How many times did he fail? Countless. He believed in hard work, sometimes working twenty hours a day. Edison was quoted as saying, "Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration." But because of his patience he created the source of most of the power we all use today. Pretty amazing. I for one am going to exercise more patience. Patience in my writing, patience in my editing, and most of all, patience in the journey of being a successful author. In what area in your life do you need more patience? Do certain individuals come to mind when you think of the word "genius?"

TODAY - HERE WE COME!

Love the Dove wrapper quote that says, "Forget the rules and play by your heart." Sure, we can get criticized for following our dreams - but what should that tell us? Most of the critics wished they had our drive to go after their goals. From the past two years of being an author I've learned many important lessons. But the most important one is to follow my heart.

A few years ago my husband shared a truth that has made a huge difference in my attitude. He said, "No one else can make you happy." Living by this principal each day has made the difference between my being negative (blaming my failure on someone else) or being positive (if it is to be, it's up to me!). The feeling from taking responsibility for my own success is liberating!

Matt Patterson is "King of the Week" on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews this week. Here is a man who faced adversity but used his situation to help others living through the same nightmare. I hope you'll read the article, make a comment and if you haven't followed already, take this opportunity to sign up by e-mail. Matt is giving away a copy of his book "My Emily" to a lucky commenter/new follower.

Have a wonderful day, dear friends!

~Nancy Jill

A Lovely Award for my Blog!

 
My good friend across the sea Juliet Greenwood has nominated me for this lovely award! Thank you so much for the honor, Juliet! She has been my guest on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" and gave a delightful interview about her new book EDEN'S GARDEN. You may read all about her by clicking the link to the book.

 As part of the criteria for receiving this award, I'm asked to list ten things about myself and nominate six blogs I think deserve the Kreativ Blogger Award. So here goes:




1. My favorite place to visit is Disneyland.

2. My best vacation was taking a month long trip to New York, France and Great Britain to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

3. My pet is a stray marmalade cat named Kitty Boy.

4. My favorite season of the year is Winter since I love sitting by the fire and drinking cups of tea.

5. I never go swimming because I don't want my hair to get wet.

6. I have a seashell collection.

7. I own 44 china teacups.

8. I play classical piano.

9. I'm an artist with my paintings hanging all over my house.

10. I adore gloomy weather.

And my six nominees for their creative, inspirational and informative blogs are:

1. D.D. Scott for The Writers Guide to E-Publishing 
http://thewritersguidetoepublishing.com/

2. Cindy Ragsdale for Short Mysteries and Tall Tales http://shortmysteriesandtalltales.blogspot.com/

3. Deborah Malone for Sleuths and Suspects
http://www.sleuthsandsuspects.blogspot.com/ 

4. Catherine Fruiesen for Baaaaa.com Bleats from God's Sheep
http://baaaaa.com/

5. Paulette Harper Johnson for The Spotlight Is on You
http://www.pauletteharperjohnson.blogspot.com

6. Naty Matos for The Rising Muse
http://www.therisingmuse.com