A Favorite Book of Mine

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When visiting my daughter in California I often come across good books to read due to the entire family being voracious readers down to the 12 year old.
   I've read a variety of subjects, from suicide, special pets, to best sellers. All enjoyable. But one book remains one of my favorites, a simple, beautifully written memoir of Anne Morrow Lindbergh when she spent a vacation alone in a small cottage on Captiva island off the Florida Gulf Coast.
   What I like best about this "Gift from the Sea" is the way Lindbergh correlates seashells to the various stages of adult womanhood. You'll have to read the book to understand.
   This is the second time I've read this work. I choose to read it at the beginning of a new year to further ground my outlook of life now as a senior.
   Fascinating for me is to realize that although Anne Lindbergh suffered through the terrible tragedy of the murder of their infant son, she found strength through her writing, her husband, and in later years her five children.
   Not all of us can spend a week or two in solitude on a remote island. But what we can do is step into Anne Lindbergh's experience, read about her journey, and discover that each one of us has the capacity to be a whole person no matter what life hands us.

Please let me know if you have read this book or plan to. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Cheers!

Nancy Jill  

                  

Wearing the Author Hat

By Nancy Jill Thames

Yes, as an author I work at least seven hours a day. And, if I could choose to wear a hat of choice as I work, it would look something like the hat on my left.

The past two weeks have been filled with traveling from California to New York. One of the main reasons I love to travel is meeting new people. They find out I'm an author and usually happily download Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY when they find out it's free.

Meeting new friends is my favorite way to engage readers, but the next best way is through reviews. One sweet lady wrote this review recently defending my writing style. I'm including her review because I'm working on improving the books every single day. So, whenever you're finished reading a book and contemplate whether or not to write a positive review, please know how much they brighten an author's day.

Here's what she said:

New! RiverCat reviewed Murder in Half Moon Bay (Jillian Bradley Mysteries, No. 1) (A Jillian Bradley Mystery) 1 of 1 people found the following helpful A Light Summer Read July 25, 2013 ok. I read the other reviews; and, the problem seems to be if one is a person who wants heavy duty, logical mysteries, they are disappointed with this book. If you accept the premise and just want a FUN, light read, this is the book for you. True there are punctuation problems, but come on, cut some slack. I liked this little story, I liked the characters and I could see 1/2 moon bay in my mind's eye as I read. I always enjoy the back-biting of these little clubs, whether garden or animal and there are diverse personalities here. If you can accept a book for what it is, this would be a good read for you. Reading on the Fourth Level ruins the reading experience for me after years of editing student papers. LOL great little story

Have an awesome week!

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, American Christian Fiction Writers, ACFW CenTex Chapter, 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.

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A Heartwarming Story for the Weekend

From Marc and Angel  Chernoff
Marc and Angel Hack Life

Marc and took a walk this morning when we saw a homeless man holding a cardboard box with five kittens meowing inside.  The man had a really worried expression on his face.  When I asked him about the kittens, he said that someone had abandoned them next to a dumpster in the alleyway where he sleeps.  “I’ve been feeding them whatever food I could find,” he said.  “But I could use some help if you have some food for them or know someone who could give them a better home.”

Marc and I had a large, unexpected expense pop-up recently, but we decided to use some of the money we’ve made from our book this week to help the homeless man out.  We walked over to the bank, withdrew $80, went to the grocery store and bought two-dozen cans of cat food, filtered drinking water, and a footlong prepackaged deli sandwich.  We then walked back over to the man and delivered the groceries.  He was in shock – smiling from ear to ear and he thanked us repeatedly.

When we got back home Marc called our cat’s veterinary physician, who is the ultimate animal lover, and told her the story about the kittens and where to find the homeless man.  This evening we received a voicemail from her.  She said, “I just wanted to thank you and let you know that I have temporarily adopted the kittens.  I will make sure each of them finds a permanent, happy home.  Also, I was so moved by Shawn’s (the homeless man) goodwill, and the fact that he seems levelheaded, that I have offered him a part-time job at the animal clinic and a free place to stay until he can get his act together.  Not sure how that will go, but I figured it was worth a try.”

The events of today reminded me that, even when we least expect it, every one of us has the power to make a difference in the world.  Our small gestures of kindness can completely change the trajectory of another person’s life.




                                      Enjoy your weekend! 

 ~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.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

jillthames@gmail.com

IT'S THE WEEKEND!

How many of you carry workloads through the weekend? Been there - done that. But here's what I've found: BURNOUT! For me, anyway, when I take off and have a little fun on Saturday the work stress leaves me alone. Bye-bye! When I worship on Sundays, my spirit is renewed for the week. I hope you'll take some time this weekend to enjoy the fruit of your labor. And if you're a believer, take time to worship.

See you on Monday!

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.

The Fabric of Our Lives

This has been quite a week for my family and I. Our family reunion of almost 20 years came to end unexpectedly - a huge disappointment for everyone, especially our children. A few days later we learned a family member has inoperable cancer. We're waiting for the outcome of treatment suggestions this week. Not fun. But as my husband and I sit in our morning room, drinking coffee together, it is apparent that life is always going to have its ups and downs. However, it's not the ups and downs that are important - it's how we deal with them that counts.

As far as the idyllic reunion in San Diego at a fabulous beach hotel goes, yes, it will sadly be missed. But the good thing is our family will go on finding ways and opportunities to be together. Perhaps not the entire clan, but we'll see loved ones at upcoming weddings...and a funeral here and there.

And now, we're having to deal with cancer - a horrific reality that touches most of us, either directly or indirectly, through family and friends. When it affects us directly, huge challenges of coping arise. I've prayed with a woman who had just discovered her cancer of eleven years prior resurfaced in a different part of her body. She was devastated knowing, once again, the painful treatments and therapy she would have to endure. What she shared, though, touched me. She told me how good it was to be able to share her suffering in a support group of fellow cancer victims. 

Yes, it is a fact that life is full of ups and downs. But we're not alone in our struggles. We have each other and we have a loving God who is there for us whenever we call. One final thought I'd like to share that I find extremely helpful - Live for today, for tomorrow may never come. Tell me, how are you coping ? Are you at sea with your life, or do you find something to be grateful for everyday? Thanks for letting me share my heart.

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.

A REMINDER FOR US ALL

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

- King James Bible "Authorized Version", Pure Cambridge Edition

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.

 
To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, Pacific Beach, and Waiting for Santa, please visit: 
Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames
COZY MYSTERY MAGAZINE 


CONTACT INFORMATION  
jillthames@gmail.com

In the Wake of Sadness - There is Hope

Once upon a time, there lived a happy young couple, friends of ours, who had two adorable little girls, aged five and three. Their dad was a successful business man, and their mom was a pretty young housewife with a radiant smile. The couple took their little girls to Sunday School and church every Sunday, and lived exemplary lives.

One day, as the little family was running errands and doing some Saturday shopping, they came to a stoplight. Just as their car stopped, a drunk driver rear-ended them, sending one little girl through the front windshield and the other through a back seat window. Both children died on impact, leaving the young couple in a state of utter shock and disbelief.

After the funerals, the couple attended the court session for the young man who was responsible for killing their little girls. But because they were Christians, they openly forgave the man and he walked free.

Unlike many who suffer tragic loss and live in never-ending grief, this couple chose to accept the deaths of their two daughters and trusted God to work His will for them. And He did.

I believe it was only about two years after the tragedy that a son was born to them, and later, another son was added to their family. Since we moved away, that was the last update I had on this couple.

The way they handled the horrible incident has stayed with me through the years. When I hear of gunmen ending peoples lives so senselessly as in this past week in Oregon and Connecticut, I pray that those who mourn will be comforted. Not only do I pray for God to comfort them, I pray they will seek God's perfect will for their lives as they have to move on.

I've been criticized for sharing my faith on occasion in the Jillian Bradley Mysteries, but when I've seen God's hand in the lives of people I know, seen the way He answers prayer and meets our needs, I cannot help but share about His wonderful love.

Thanks for letting me share this week. And thank you for continued prayer for the friends and families who lost their loved ones. 

If you have similar stories of  families conquering grief, I'd love to hear them.

~Nancy Jill

SUCCESS STORY

It has always been my goal to entertain readers with stories of intrigue and mystery, interlaced with beauty and the good life.When a reader writes reviews like these, my success is complete. Thank you!

Customer Reviews

		decency1st reviewed From the Clutches of Evil: A Jillian Bradley Mystery Worth Reading! November 28, 2012 This was a book I had to read straight to the finish without interruptions. It read like history from the East Bay of Central California. I could picture those canyons and trees. Yes, it took place in modern day with the main sleuth I've grown to love, but the story stretched back a century. Even though it took place in her home surroundings instead of a fancy resort, it was none the less satisfying. I have read uncountable mystery stories but this was a very new and unexpected storyline. Good entertainment!
		decency1st reviewed The Ghost Orchid Murder (The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series, Vol. 2) Lovely, comforting mystery! November 28, 2012 Can a murder mystery be lovely and comforting? By this author it can. This book gives fresh meaning to the term "cozy" mystery! The setting of the southwest was vividly described, along with good meals at a posh resort, well-rounded characters, and a very original mystery to boot. The comfort part comes in with the ease in which the author has the main character share her faith in God and heartfelt prayers. Also, zero profanity and other such offensive things. Filoli House was mentioned also which I love. Looking forward to the next book. Quite a bargain for the kindle price of $2.99.

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

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

MONDAY AGAIN?

Wow! Have you ever been so busy you don't even know what day it is? That's how I feel after my free five day promotion for "Murder in Half Moon Bay." But today is Monday (again) and there's much to be thankful for. Someone posted an all time best-sellers book list with the Bible on one end and The Diary of Anne Frank on the other. If you've never read either - you may want to see what the raving is all about.
   I think for me The Diary of Anne Frank left a lasting impression that life is all about attitude. Anne Frank chose to see the good in people in spite of her hopeless situation being caught up in the Holocaust. Even though it's Monday - the day for most people to get back to work, I'm choosing to look upon today with good anticipation for what will happen. I wish you a good day too, my friends.

Please check out my interview with Rosemary Adkins on "Queen of Afternoon Tea" this week and enter the give away of her book "Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler."

Extraordinary Dreams of an Ireland Traveler

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

When I was in high school, our choir went to the all state music festival one spring and sang a song that has always lived in my heart. Lyrics are by Don Raye and the music is by Al Jacobs. The words go like this:

THIS IS MY COUNTRY, LAND OF MY BIRTH

THIS IS MY COUNTRY, GRANDEST ON EARTH

I PLEDGE THEE MY ALLEGIANCE

AMERICA THE BOLD

FOR THIS IS MY COUNTRY

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD. 

 

                               

I WILL NEVER TAKE MY FREEDOM FOR GRANTED. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

A LOVELY SUNDAY AWAITS

 ~Nancy Jill~
"Queen of Afternoon Tea"

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

If it was easy, everyone would do it...Think working toward your goal is difficult, fraught with hurdles and distractions? Great! You will succeed at whatever you've decided to accomplish. Hats off to a few people I admire this week: Scarlett Rains, for working hard getting reviews and spreading the word about her blog, Tonya Kappes, for getting her Street Team up and running while raising a family of three busy teens, and Terry Stark (Terry Tyler) for getting back up when she felt overwhelmed wearing all the hats of an indie author. Thank you for your inspiration! Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

IT'S YOUR TIME...

Last kernel from David Hochman's article in the May 2012 issue of Spirit magazine. 
He says, "Time moves swiftly. Make the most of it." You may be 29 or you may be 69. Doesn't really matter. Young people have energy but  full plates of responsibility; older people move slower but seem to have a precious commodity that youth may not~time. Levels the playing field to the point of a simple truth: we really all have the same opportunity to realize our dreams. Mine is to publish eight books in The Jillian Bradley Mystery Series by November 2013 and a fictitious  memoir in 2014. One last tip: Working toward a dream is A BLAST! I'd like to hear about your dreams.

For more on the TED conferences: http://www.TED.com

We-Can-Be-More-Mindset

From the same article by David Hochman in Spirit magazine (May 2012), comes a mash-up quote I liked from poet Rainer Maria Rilke and philosopher Epictetus, summing up the mantra of TED (a convergence of technology, entertainment and design). And I quote: "If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself. Tell yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches. First, say to yourself what you would be. Then do what you have to do." May you be all you can be today, my friends. 
For more TED visit their website http://www.TED.com
 

THE SURPRISING SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS

Came across a gold mine of positive ideas while on a Southwest flight last week. Found the article in their May 2012 in-flight magazine Spirit, rather aptly named.Written by David Hochman, a Los Angeles-based freelance writer, the article was filled with ideas worth living, all from an annual big-brain gathering in California known as TED, or the growing convergence of technology, entertainment, and design. To name just one from Regina Dugan; "Be nice to nerds,...we all have nerd power, we just forget...We let someone more capable take the lead. but there is no one else. Just you," she says. "If we're lucky, someone steps in, takes a hand and says, 'Let me help you believe.'" I'll be sharing more in later posts, but for now, I say, "I am one person who believes in you."
If you can't wait, visit http://www.TED.com. 

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

Every morning we have a choice in how we are going to spend the day (unless you're in prison, and even then you have a choice about your attitude). We make all kinds of choices: What we wear; where we live; where we work; who we hook up with; and what we do with our time. Our choice. And when it comes to who we are, we have a choice about that, too. No other opinion really matters. That is if you really want to be happy. What if everyone made choices to like themselves, like what they did, and liked everyone they came in contact with? What if we chose not to invent negative scenarios about ourselves, would they exist? Probably not. Perhaps we should choose to be happy with whatever comes our way, focusing on the positive things that happen throughout the day. I believe if we think about good, we will be.

CONSIDER HOPE...

There was once a man named Joel who wanted to learn to sing more than anything in the world! When he began singing once in a while for the church services, people cringed at his voice. Get the hook, they thought. (I thought so, too.) Joel was undaunted and spent time and money on voice lessons, learning technique and practicing in the evenings after work . He sang several more times and after a few months, something started to happen: He got better! Finally, one Sunday morning, Joel got up to sing, confident and smiling! The song was perfectly sung. No one cringed. I was amazed! I knew this man had hope that one day, he would be able to sing praises to God. Hope gives you wings to believe in accomplishing your dreams and goals. I hope to be a good writer one day. What do you hope for, my friends? May your day be blessed!

FIRST THING YOU DO...

If you're feeling overwhelmed right now (like me) with all you have to do to get where you want to go, it's time to stop, take a deep breath and have a one-on-one with yourself. Without a road map or a GPS you are never going to get anywhere, so decide where you want to go and get directions. Here's what I'm going to do first thing this morning:

*Dig out everything I need to do and make a general task list. (I feel better already!) This takes the hidden stress that makes you feel so miserable and puts it on a piece of paper (or my iPhone list) so you can see the tasks and begin to tackle them in order of importance. 
*I make two lists: one for my day job (chores and errands) and one for my writing career (the work I like to do). 

Now I'm ready with my road map in hand. I'm looking forward to the trip now, because I know that by putting action to my goals I will succeed. Anyone can do this. Just decide to. Best of luck to all of you!