Showing posts with label free ebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free ebook. Show all posts

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Cozy Mystery Holiday Gift Guide

Hello, dear readers! 

I hope this holiday season finds you and your family well and safe. In these turbulent times, I'm reminded that we must treasure each day God gives us.  As we press on, Thanksgiving seems to be officially blended in with Christmas as more and more people choose to decorate early, including myself. With traveling more to grown children's homes for the holidays, I find myself compelled to decorate earlier every year when the holidays get closer. Now, instead of decorating the day after Thanksgiving, we will be having our tree-trimming party the weekend before. Anyone else experiencing this change of events?

The next thing to start thinking about is gifts and what to give. I find parents are the most challenge. My mom didn’t need a thing, but she did love to read. Books bring a different world to readers and provide great entertainment for hours. I count a new book as a definite treat!

If you'd like to give a friend or a loved one a gift that keeps on giving, the Jillian Bradley mysteries might be a good choice. Rated G with no profanity or offensive scenes, they are the perfect gift choice for readers on your list. Books range in price from $7.99 to $11.99 for paperbacks and FREE to $3.99 for eBooks. Not bad when you consider one can purchase the entire series for under $99.00 + tx and s/h. (Amazon Prime members enjoy free s/h!) 

Besides the 10 book series, there are short stories about Jillian and Teddy included in the holiday anthologies "A Cup of Cozy" series, and the latest one out "Happy Homicides." The "Cup of Cozy" anthologies include recipes and menus, and recipes and crafts abound in the bonus issue of "Happy Homicides."

Here is a complete list of books and buy links: 


Whatever gifts we give and receive, may we be reminded of the greatest gift of all - Jesus, God's only begotten Son. 


Happy Holidays!
~Nancy Jill






Tuesday, May 12, 2015

A Tea Party Review of Murder & Moonflowers by Leslie Leigh


It's lovely to have you join me for tea today. Please help yourself to some refreshments while I pour out. 
   I've been busy writing the last chapters of my new book "Murder at the Empress Hotel" and can't wait to finish the story.   In the meantime a few books have crossed my path. I wanted to share about one I enjoyed reading called "Murder & Moonflowers" by Leslie Leigh because I liked the way the heroine Melissa Michaels serves tea to her customers. Of course!

   The author has a good grasp on herbal medicine and this shines forth as the mystery unfolds. The plot centers around the death of a rather ill customer with no apparent cause of death - until Melissa hooks up with a handsome private detective from out of town. Their escapades into ferreting out the facts keep the read interesting and suspenseful at the same time. 

   I hope you'll download a free copy soon. Thanks Leslie Leigh for a great mystery! Click the link to get yours now. Have you read any good mysteries lately? I'd love to hear about them.


Free on Amazon Kindle


Cheers!

~Nancy Jill

Friday, April 17, 2015

In A Perfect World

In Texas, many of us are sitting around looking out our windows watching for rain. In a perfect world, it would rain when the forecasters predict.

Not so.

In the world of Jillian Bradley, wardrobes and makeup are perfect and there is always time for tea. In a perfect world our clothes and makeup would match perfectly everyday like hers.

Not so.

At times I feel a little blah because I'm not Jillian. But it is not a perfect world.

Instead, I must remember that as a human there are still meals to cook, laundry to do, and houses to clean. And, lucky for me, a husband to spend time with.

Perhaps these are some of the reasons to enjoy afternoon tea. 

The ritual provides:

#A welcome break in an ordinary day
#A chance to use pretty dishes longing to escape from cupboards
#A reason to enjoy a tasty snack
#An opportunity to share with a friend or loved one
#As close to a perfect world as it gets.

If you enjoy afternoon tea or reading about it try the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series. To get started, Book 1 "Murder in Half Moon Bay" is my free gift to you as an ebook.

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.

Amazon International Links: http://authl.it/b3 


Cheers!
~Nancy Jill








Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Tea and Mystery!

❤️BE MY VALENTINE!❤️
"MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY" a $3.99 value is my FREE gift to you now through Sunday, 2/15/15.  Head for adventure!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️                          
 Amazon Kindle

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Tea Party Tuesday ~ Meet Lawrence Rivers

Welcome to Tea Party Tuesday! Sorry I'm a day late but I have had little time to write between watching the grand kids and helping my mom move. Let me pour you a nice cup of tea and we'll chat about what's going on in Jillian and Teddy's world.

Please have some snacks. 

As some of you may already know, the authors of COZY MYSTERY MAGAZINE have published our second holiday anthology. We'll be offering "A CUP OF COZY 2" free each Wednesday until the week of Christmas as a way of saying thank you for your readership. I hope you enjoy the story I wrote introducing strategic planner Lawrence Rivers, who, like Jillian Bradley, is also a  dog lover and amateur sleuth. Lawrence is the husband of Jillian's new Horticultural Society friend, Vivian.



Besides six short holiday mysteries, you'll find lovely holiday menus and recipes I think you'll enjoy.

Free on Amazon Kindle!


As we begin the holiday season, I hope and pray each of you will think of the reason for the season - the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

~Nancy Jill





Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Tea Party Tuesday ~ Getting Ready for the Holidays


Hello everyone - welcome to Tea Party Tuesday! Please join me for a nice cup of tea and some refreshments. Don't these jam tarts and pecan tassies look delicious?

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner and for many of you Black Friday, too, I've decided to offer my first book "Murder in Half Moon Bay" as a free gift. You can download it now to read later when you're ready for a break during the hectic holidays. (Or January perhaps?)


Download Your Free Gift Here!

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.


Please feel free to share this offer with anyone who might enjoy a cozy mystery. Thank you! 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving full of blessings with friends and family this year.


Cheers!


~Nancy Jill 




Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Special Pre-Holiday Gift - "A CUP OF COZY 2"

Please Enjoy a FREE Special Pre-Holiday Gift for You on Kindle! 
From my fellow authors at Cozy Mystery Magazine.

We hope you enjoy the new holiday mysteries, menus, and recipes
from all of us to all of you.

This offer is for one day only! Wednesday, 12 am to midnight!

Thanks for taking a look at our second edition of
A Cup of Cozy.

Amazon.com
Happy Holidays!

~Nancy Jill


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

A Visit to Walter Montoya Senior... from "Murder in Half Moon Bay"

I'll be posting a chapter from "Murder in Half Moon Bay" every day until the end of the month. Enjoy!



CHAPTER 5





After freshening up I returned downstairs with Teddy and ordered the car. The fog had rolled in and the wet mist hit my face the moment I stepped beyond the lobby doors.

Walter, the bellhop, appeared with the Jeep and held the door open. I set Teddy gently inside.

“I’m off to see your father today. See, I do keep my promises."

“Oh, thanks, Mrs. Bradley. You’re great!”

I climbed into the driver’s seat, ready to get to the end of this mystery. It had been a nagging undercurrent in my mind all week. What sort of problem had Walter been inferring? Why did it require my expertise?

I headed past the gatehouse and down Highway 1. After a few turns, I pulled up in front of the large warehouse nursery, parked, and rolled down the windows a little for Teddy.

“I’ll be right back.”

I headed for the entrance and walked through the automatic doors.

A clerk at the check-out counter on the right buried her nose in some paperwork.

 “Excuse me–”

 “May I help you?” She seemed a little surprised, and squinted at me behind a pair of red-rimmed Coke-bottle glasses.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. I’m here to see Mr. Montoya. He’s expecting me.”

“Hmmhe’s in the office. Straight past the cyclamens, turn left at the hydrangeas. There’s a sign.”

I moved in the direction she spoke and barely missedtr ipping over a hose.

“Thank you.”

I had never seen so many cyclamens in such an array of colors in all my life. They were beautiful! The hydrangeas were not as robust, but it was, after all, not their season. I finally saw the sign. It read “Office”.

I knocked.

“Come in.” The man’s voice sounded curt. He sat with his back to me hunched over a stack of papers.

“Hello,” I said with a smile. “I’m Jillian Bradley and I believe Mr. Montoya is expecting me.”

“Mrs. Bradley.” He jumped up from his chair as if the meeting had completely slipped his mind. He stepped forward and held out a hand. “UhWalter Montoya... Senior, at your service.”

He glanced warily down the hallway to see if anyone was listening. Satisfied, he me in and closed the door.

 “Thank you for coming. It’s a real honor to have a celebrity in Half Moon Bay.” He offered me a cup of coffee that looked freshly made. I accepted. “Won’t you have a seat?”

“Thank you.” I sat down on a small chrome chair covered in green vinyl.

“I’ll come right to the point,” he began, eyes downcast at first. “I’ve done the books here for fifteen years and in all those years there’s never been any trouble with our accounts. Everything would balance out to the dime; that’s how I run things.

Then last month, I discovered a lot of money missing. I’m talking big money, money that could rob me of my job… all in the account for this conference. I would tell someone but I’m afraid if I don’t find out what’s going on, I’ll get the blame.”




“Oh my… do you have any idea what may have happened to it?”

“All I know is that I got to balancing the books two months ago and they come up $8,000 short.”

“That’s a lot of money. It’s just gone?”

“Shh! Please Mrs. Bradley. No one knows anything about it yet, except my wife. I tell her everything. She’s the one that told me to get outside help before I told the boss about it. That’s why I asked my son to talk to you.”

“I can see your problem, Walter. You haven’t told your boss anything about the shortfall?”

“I was so stunned I told myself there had to be a mistake somewhere, so I decided to let another month go by to see if it would work out somehow. Now I know that it was the wrong thing to do because I still can’t account for the shortfall. Since I waited so long to report it, it makes me look like I took it, but I swear to you I didn’t!”

“I believe you. Tell me, has anything unusual happened that you can think of?”

“No, things are pretty much the same as they always are. Same wholesale accounts, same upfront sales, no changes in personnel. I can’t figure it out, but if I don’t come up with an answer soon I’m afraid I’ll have to take it to the boss and let the chips fall where they may.”

“Do you have any idea where to start looking?”

“All I know is the owners leave most of the business concerns to me and the warehouse manager. You must know him, Spencer Hausman. He’s running the conference you’re attending.”

“I certainly do know him, but not very well. I’ve only spoken to him on the phone and had tea with him. How long has he been the manager?” Was this more than just a coincidence?

“He’s been here for almost four years. We get along fine, as long as he stays in his office and I stay in mine.”

“I know what you mean. Walter, can you tell me how large a concern this nursery business is and how much revenue is generated in a month?”

“I guess it would be okay to tell you. I’d say roughly $50,000 on average, give or take a thousand.”

“That’s a lot of flowers!”

“That’s not just flowers, Ma’am. We raise mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and leeks too.”

“I had no idea. Listen.” I stood. “I’ll do what I can to help you. Perhaps I can find out something at the conference. You mustn’t worry. I’m sure if you’re honest, and I think you are or you wouldn’t have such a wonderful son as Walter, everything will turn out all right.”

“I sure hope so. I don’t have much time before the owners ask for the report. Please stay in touch, Mrs. Bradley.” 

Teddy hopped all over the front seat in dog-delighted welcome when I returned. “I’m glad to see you too,” I said, a little deflated by Walter’s situation. I climbed in and turned out into the street.

 This was horrible. How could I help the poor man? I needed a pick-me-up to lift my spirits–quick! The road curved and caughtI a glimpse of something delightful. Half Moon Bay Coffee Company spellined vertical letters towered over Main Street. I parked immediately. 



***



“I’ll have the clam chowder, half a roast beef sandwich and a diet cola… to go.”

“Sure thing.

The young man behind the counter looked dead to the world. Had he worked the night shift? Did they have night shifts in small towns like this?

 I glanced toward the other tourists who, like me, crowded in around the bar and other tables. It seemed to be a happening place for young people, probably surfers and students, a place to hang out togetherwith coffee. Normally, I would have enjoyed a place like this, but I needed away from the noise to think. Yes, a shot of caffeine was just what I needed. I had to think, to plan.

Coming out of the diner, bag in hand I heard, “Jillian, over here!” and turned to see Ann seated at a sidewalk café.

“Hello.”

Thank heavens! The perfect time for a friend.

Then I did a double take and regretted acting so ready to sit and dine. Next to her under a wide brimmed beach hat was Evelyn Westover. Spencer Hausman and a woman I hadn’t seen before put their menus on the table.

I saw them and cringed, not really in the mood for vain conversation.

“Jillian, meet Marianne Delacruz. I believe you’re going to review her tomorrow.”

Ann placed her menu on the table and gestured, “Marianne, this is Jillian Bradley.”

I nodded my head in a friendly way, not quite in the mood for perfect cordiality.

“Thomas didn’t join you, I see?”

Evelyn half closed her eyes. “Thomas is playing a round of golf this afternoon. That is his life, you know. He was the one who insisted we stay at the hotel. I told him we would have been much more comfortable at home, but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

I changed the subject. “I see you’ve met my friend Ann.”

“Oh, yes,” began Evelyn, “it seems we have a mutual friend who spoke at the Rutherford House League last month. It’s a small world, isn’t it? Just the other day–”

Spencer spoke before Evelyn could continue. “I knew Ann was a garden club friend of yours, Jillian, and when we bumped into each other I invited her to have lunch with us. She’s quite a delight.”

The server brought another chair and I sat down to join them for a minute.

“Are you only having lunch, or have you all been shopping like I know Ann has.”

“Just lunch,” Marianne said quickly before anyone else could answer.

They exchanged a few furtive glances, so I stood to leave. “I’ve just had mine, and actually, I’m ready for a nap. It was nice to see you again Evelyn, and nice to meet you, Marianne. I’m looking forward to your talk on tree peonies. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon, Spencer. Ann, see you at tea.”

Nearly back at the jeep, I heard a light step behind me.

Marianne caught her breath. Apparently, she had jogged to catch up with me before I left. She raised her shoulders in a shy gesture. “Do you mind if I ride back with you? I need to get some things ready for my talk tomorrow, and I don’t want to hurry anyone with their lunch.” She hurried through her excuse as if justifying herself was necessary.

“Of course.” I moved my excited-to-see-me companion off his seat and into the back. “Sorry, Teddy. We must be courteous.”

It was a joke. He preferred having the entire seat to himself anyway.

She was quiet after we got into the car. Something was on her mind. She finally spoke.

“That’s a cute dog.”

“Thank you.” I smiled. “I’ve always had a Yorkie.”

“Why did you name him Teddy? Any special reason?”

 “My husband’s name was Ted.”

“You’re widowed then?” She turned to look at me.

I started the car and pulled away from the curb. “Yes,” I answered with a small sigh, then smiled as I remembered him.

“Would you care to tell me about him?” She acted glad to put the ball of conversation in my court.

“They drafted him soon after we were married and sent him to Vietnam. Killed in combat within the year. Before he died though, he managed to save three of his buddies by drawing enemy fire away as they escaped.”

I could picture it perfectly in my mind, the bravery of it. “I still have his medal of honor and the flag they presented to me at his funeral.”

“I’m so sorry, Jillian. And you never found anyone else?”

“I never had the time. I stay busy writing for the paper, and with my own gardening endeavors, it seems I only have time for my garden club.” I laughed a little. “We had two wonderful years. He was such a loving man. He left me with enough memories to last my lifetime. I’ve never felt the need to replace him.”

I reached back and gave Teddy a love pat and noticed Marianne lost in thought.

“Marianne, are you feeling all right?”

“Yeah, I’m okay I guess. I was just thinking about Evelyn Westover. We’re great friends and have been for a long time. It just bothers me that Evelyn acts like the only thing she cares about is her social life.”

“Why should that bother you? Some people are social butterflies, some people aren’t.”

“Would you be a social butterfly six months after your son overdosed on barbiturates? Your only son?”

“I had no idea. How awful! I know it took me at least two years to get through losing my husband. You know, you’re right. Evelyn certainly doesn’t seem grief stricken or upset.”

“I think she’s deluding herself, Jillian, and when it hits her, it will hit her hard. I’ve known Evelyn for years. She never used to treat Thomas the way she does.”

“You think she’s taking it out on him?”

“That’s exactly what I think. Thomas is a wonderful man, but he can’t be expected to hold on much longer.”

“Perhaps they can get counseling.”

“Evelyn Westover? Counseling? That will never happen. She has too much pride. Her son was everything to her.”

“Have you tried to talk to her, Marianne?”

“I’ve started to several times but she always changes the subject like it’s blocked out of her mind completely.”

“What about Thomas? Have you talked to him?”

“He’s never around. He plays golf most of the time or looks after his clients in various parts of the Bay Area.”

“Losing a child is so sad,” I said, “I’m sure no one can understand what they’re feeling unless they’ve gone through it.”

“I’m sorry to burden you, Jillian. You just happened to be here when I needed to vent. Thanks for listening.”

“I’m a good listener, anytime.”

The fog had rolled in and Marianne commented, “It’s pretty unusual to see fog this time of day.”

I looked up at the sky. “It sure makes it dark, doesn’t it?”

I didn’t like the way the sky looked. It seemed to lean over me, threatening to obscure my happy time at this delightful conference. A shadow seemed to stalk my immediate future and I felt a strange pressure. The two of us must have felt it for we sat in silence until we were at the gatehouse again.

Breaking the strange foreboding feeling, Walter greeted us merrily near the front doors.

Marianne excused herself and made her way into the lobby.

I handed Walter the keys. With as much sympathy as I could muster I brought him up to date. “Walter, I’ve seen your father. Somehow, we’ll make everything right.” 

If you like to read about lovely places and fabulous cuisine, enjoy the Jillian Bradley mystery series.


Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY 
for your e-reader is free! 
All books are G-rated and contain no profanity.







  See you in my books!

 ~Nancy Jill 
Mystery novelist Nancy Jill Thames has published Christian fiction since 2010. The author of seven books in the Jillian Bradley series, she is an award winning blogger and listed numerous times on the Author Watch Bestseller’s List. In addition, she won first place in her church's 4th of July celebration 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 personal enjoyment. She is an active member of the Leander Writers' Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW),  CenTex Chapter-ACFW, and supports the Central Texas SPCA with a portion of her book sales. She resides with her husband in Leander, Texas.
CONTACT INFORMATION jillthames@gmail.com