Meet Goliath the Cat in "The Mark of Eden"

GOLIATH

Teddy, Jillian's Yorkie, is an important character in the series. Having friends for Jillian's pet is a good way to add to the story, especially for all the pet lovers out there. In "The Mark of Eden" Goliath appears as an adopted stray in the home of Chief Frank Viscuglia. Margaret, his wife, invites Jillian and Teddy to stay with them in Half Moon Bay as the two investigate the disappearance of a dear friend. Teddy must co-exist with the huge cat as a house guest. Read the book to find out how they get along.

Paperback $8.99
Kindle $3.99
 Nook Book $3.99
Smashwords $3.99
Kobo $3.99 

 

The idea for Goliath came from an incident that happened to my father when I was a teen. Loving cats the way I did, I was always bringing home strays. Unfortunately my dad was allergic so he'd wind up carrying them off and depositing them in the country.

One cat was dropped off not too far from the Air Force base where my dad worked. The next morning the same cat sat on my dad's desk, waiting for him. I believe one of his colleagues took the poor thing and gave it a home. The idea found it's way into "The Mark of Eden" only the cat shows up on Chief Viscuglia's desk. If you like cats, you might enjoy the read. Have any of you ever experienced cats or dogs finding you after you've tried to distance them? I'd love to hear your story. Have a great weekend, dear readers.

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 in two states, 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.

Nancy Jill is busy working on book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" a mystery taking place in London, England. To learn more about the author and check out her books, please visit her blog at  

Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames.

CONTACT INFORMATION

jillthames@gmail.com

To view and purchase her books on this site, please visit the Cozy Book Store.

Date Night!

Okay, for we seniors this has a whole new meaning from our college days. Or does it? Friday night out meant a date with someone different every week. But after meeting my husband it meant going out for Mexican food (chicken enchiladas in particular). Nowadays, Friday night out means our time together, yes, but on a different note. First we go grocery shopping (Walmart and HEB) and then we go out for dinner. It's kind of nice because we get an errand done and then get a reward - dinner out! 

My protagonist, Jillian Bradley, isn't married so she goes out for dinner occasionally with whomever she's in contact with - either at home (Prentice Duvall, the art dealer) or a friend/colleague she's associating with on a trip (Vincent Fontaine or Ira Sinclair). In book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" (due out at the end of June) she actually marries one of them. (You'll have to get the book to find out who.)

In book 4 "The Mark of Eden" Jillian and Teddy actually go on a cruise to Catalina Island with a gentleman. But was that a good date? Read the book to find out. 

Whatever your plans are for tonight and this weekend, I hope you'll have a good time!

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.

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

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!

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU!

I've been having so much fun downloading books on my Kindle, iPhone and iPad recently. So many great books out there online! Just learned that once you download a book you can read it on all three - very convenient.

To celebrate the launch of my new book in the Jillian Bradley Mystery
series "PACIFIC BEACH" I'm offering book 4 as a promotion this weekend. You may download the Kindle version of "The Mark of Eden" free (a $3.99 value)! Hope you enjoy the read. And thanks again for those of you who have given me readerships and reviews! They're very much appreciated.

The promotion runs through Sunday, July 22nd. And please feel free to share this post. Thanks. ~Nancy Jill

The Mark of Eden 

Jillian returns to Half Moon Bay where two elderly men are found dead in their recliners. And now, another man is missing—the distraught father of Jillian's personal assistant. The investigation draws Jillian and Teddy into a strange clinical world, where she almost becomes a victim herself before she identifies who is responsible for a bizarre series of deaths. A classic whodunit!

Here is the link: "THE MARK OF EDEN"  Free book!

 

WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

This was the inspiration photo for the following scene.  Our family was vacationing at The Moana Surf Rider Hotel on Waikiki. We had a lovely time.

 The Mark of Eden

Chapter 3

High Tea on The Banyan Grove Veranda of their hotel met all of Cecilia’s expectations.

“Jillian would love this, wouldn’t she?” Walter said, as the hostess explained the multiple varieties of tea choices.

Cecilia smiled knowingly. “She’s the one who insisted we do it. This is one of the reasons she sent us here, I think. It is fabulous. I hope we have room for the dinner show tonight. It’s going to be an early seating, unfortunately.”

Walter took a sip of his tea.

“I think I can find room,” he said, lovingly.

“I’m sorry we have to crowd everything in today. It would have been perfect to stay here one more day, but….”

Walter reached across the table and covered her hand with his.

“Sweetheart,” he whispered. “Nothing is more important than getting home and locating your dad. I’m with you one hundred percent on this.”

“I love you, Walter. You’ve been nothing but supportive. Thank you, sweetheart.”

“No problem, my love. Besides, this is right up my line of work. I’m kind of anxious, really, to find out where he is.”

“Listen,” she said, “why don’t you give the chief a call so he’ll have a heads up by the time we get back?”

“I’m one step ahead of you, my love. I left him a message right after we talked to Jillian. I haven’t heard back yet, but I’m sure he’ll get back in touch with me. He must be busy with that new case I saw.”

Cecilia put her finger sandwich down. She looked worried.

“That was the case of the older man they found dead?”

“It could be. Now stop worrying! We can’t do anything until we get home. Let’s just enjoy this tea, rest up a little, and finish up our honeymoon the best we can.”