Showing posts with label nook books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nook books. Show all posts

Friday, April 12, 2013

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.




Friday, March 29, 2013

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

By Nancy Jill Thames


I read a comment that said, "That's where the real business of controlling your car is happening, where the rubber meets the road, - where it really matters, where it counts, generally." 

This is Easter Week, some call it Holy Week. Excitement runs through my veins when I stop and think about the power of the cross. It's what we Christians base our entire faith on - Jesus rising from the dead, promising us eternal life through the blood He shed for our sins.

When I first began writing my mystery series, I created a protagonist who loved gardening, her little dog, Teddy, and serving afternoon tea to her garden club friends. As my books progressed, certain situations evolved where Jillian couldn't help sharing her faith. I never started out intending to write Christian fiction - but sharing God's love for people is a natural outpouring of following our Lord. 

A few reviewers beat me up pretty badly over the fact that I hadn't disclosed these books were "Christian" and I remained bunged up for a while. Once I understood that taking a stand as a Christian Author would mean a smaller niche, I looked at it as being such a small sacrifice compared to the blessed life God has given me. So if you find reading a prayer from a protagonist bothersome, my books may not be for you. And if you're undecided about what to believe, my books may show you what it's like to be a follower of Christ. But if you're a believer, and agree that having Christ in your life makes a difference, you may enjoy the reads. 

The power of the cross - it's where the rubber of our lives meet being in the world. Have a blessed week and a Happy Easter!


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.

 







Wednesday, March 27, 2013

We Have a Reader Poll Winner!

A big Thank You to everyone who took part in the Free eBooks Reader Poll. Most of you said you were inundated with free books to read, and that is like having your very own library! More books - more work for authors like me. I'm excited to see what will happen in the eBook world over the next few years. I'll keep you posted!



Drum roll: And the winner is Alicia!
Alicia will receive the Jillian Bradley Mystery of her choice.
Thank you again so much for your help!

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.

 

Saturday, March 9, 2013

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING



5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery,entertaining, and a good story, March 8, 2013
I enjoyed reading a different type of story than I have been choosing. This story held my interest and made me want to keep reading it. I feel I would enjoy reading more by this author in the future. Jana from East Texas

 

Review by: Phillip Gatua on March 03, 2013 on Smashwords

I felt like I was part of the story - that's how engrossed I got. I like the relationship Jillian has with the cop guy.

Feel Good Christmas Book February 28, 2013 

By Elizabeth Truiett

Format:Kindle Edition
Jillian rings in the Christmas season with her friends Walter and Cecelia and extended family, but the real mystery lies in Jillian's quest for romance. I can hardly wait to see what comes next for Jillian in the next novel, Ruby of Siam. The murder mystery is well thought out and packs a punch when you realize who the murderer is! 
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, February 24, 2013 
I enjoyed this book and finished it in a day. It is a good clean book with a good story line. Nancy Thames is a great author and I will be reading more of her books.




Review by: Erickson Sue on Jan. 25, 2013 : star star star star star
I loved this story!! Kept me reading well into the night. Thanks for the great read, why is the only book on smashwords???? I loved the nosy Jillian and her friends. The setting was beautiful as I have been there many times. Teddy just loved!!! Again what a great read!! 

 

Have a great weekend, dear readers!

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.

 

Friday, March 8, 2013

THE BEST PART OF BEING AN AUTHOR

BOOK WINNER!
Melissa Powers Alejandro
CONNECTING WITH READERS! And not only was I able to meet many of my fellow Texans in Killeen last Saturday, I had the privilege of meeting many fellow authors as well. The most fun I had was giving away three signed copies of "MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY." By doing so I made three new friends I hope to stay in touch with over the years. Here are a few snapshots from the day.
TABLE SET UP FOR GIVEAWAY









FELLOW AUTHOR AARON ZOOK

FELLOW AUTHORS 
BOB DOERR AND 
AARON ZOOK

MY TABLE DISPLAY - NO, THAT'S NOT ALADDIN'S MAGIC LAMP, IT'S MY TEAPOT FOR HOLDING THE TICKETS FOR THE DRAWING!


Have a great weekend, dear readers!

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.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

THREE WISHES

Do you ever make wishes? I still do. At this very moment, if a fairy-godmother were to make an appearance and give me three wishes, here's what I would wish:

My very own quaint little bookstore, filled with the scents of books and candles burning.




 

An orange marmalade cat napping about - they're the friendliest species of cat I know. 

And, a table set up where my customers could stop in for a nice cup of hot tea.



But wait!  These wishes can come true! (Except for the orange marmalade cat, sigh!) I actually have four bookstores - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo. And if you want, you can visit my Queen of Afternoon Tea page, and enjoy getting to know a variety of authors. You'll even be able to enjoy (virtually, of course) lovely tea fare with recipes included.

I hope you'll stop in one of my stores and pay me a visit. Even if you just want to look around, I'll still pour you a nice cup of tea. Do you enjoy going into bookstores?

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


Thursday, February 28, 2013

What Good Are You?

If you had never been born, would the world notice your absence? Reminds me of the Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life" when George Bailey discovers that he did make a difference in the lives of many. When I write the Jillian Bradley mysteries, I wind up with my heroine helping at least one person in need.  

Without giving away spoilers, I will tell you that in Book 1 "Murder in Half Moon Bay" she and her garden club friends battle evil for the sake of country. Book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder" includes several instances where Jillian steps in to help emotionally and monetarily, the latter by anonymously paying for the funeral of the murder victim. Jillian has a generous heart coupled with an inquiring mind and determination to see that justice is carried out. In Book 3 "From the Clutches of Evil" Jillian helps a young amnesia victim to find his identity. At the same time, she helps free a family from oppression by uncovering hidden secrets in their past.

Moving on to Book 4 "The Mark of Eden" we find Jillian helping her personal assistant Cecilia find her father who is embroiled in a madman's life-threatening experimentation project. Book 5 "Pacific Beach" finds Jillian battling to save her nephew Chase from being the accused killer of a young starlet and her mother, at the hotel where Jillian and her family are staying. Yes, Jillian is a well-meaning senior who leaves no stone unturned when she finds a mystery to solve.

In Book 6 "Waiting for Santa" it is Jillian herself who needs help when she finds herself torn between two men. But even in this case the book reflects back to Book 2 "The Ghost Orchid Murder" where you can find how Jillian tried to help others. 

Now that I'm working on Book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" it's Jillian's driving motivation to help provide for the family of the murder victim that drives the story. This amateur sleuth's constant desire to lend a helping hand will answer the initial question "What good are you?" by her books saying, "To those of us who benefited from Jillian's help, we say thank you for reaching out and making a difference in our fictitious lives." 

Of course, as a Christian, the Lord helps Jillian in her life. This in turn is her motivation for helping others. I hope you enjoy the stories and are gently reminded that by helping others, we find true satisfaction in our own lives. Have a wonderful weekend, dear readers.
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



Wednesday, February 27, 2013

MEET JILLIAN BRADLEY

My protagonist always places her little dog, Teddy, on a towel at the foot of her bed; takes a hot bubble bath at night; spritzes herself with perfume before retiring at night so she'll have pleasant dreams; and always orders half-portions at restaurants to keep her figure trim. She serves afternoon tea to friends and characters in the stories, and prays to God for direction and help whenever she doesn't know what to do, or faces danger.

Is this a real Christian lady or what?


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




Monday, February 11, 2013

VALENTINE'S DAY IS FOR EVERYONE

When a person gets to be my age and Valentine's Day arrives, I believe there's still a twinge of doubt that someone really cares enough to make the day special. At our house I'm the one who usually plans the celebrations. My husband simply doesn't want to have to think about them. We even keep a box full of old cards, all signed from past events so we save trips to the store - and not to mention the $3-$4 a pop!

But what about people who don't have a spouse or significant other? Take Charlie Brown for instance. The only valentine he usually gets is from his faithful dog Snoopy! Poor Charlie Brown - we all feel sorry for him, don't we? And yet there are people all around us who would love to be recognized in some small way on Valentine's Day. 

Candy and flowers are nice, they really are. Fattening and expensive, but nice. I personally don't care for either anymore. Especially since the last time my husband bought me orange and yellow flowers  - he didn't think that my house was done in burgundies. No, what really has meaning is a text from my daughter that says, "Will you be my valentine?" And then I realized that what St. Valentine tried to do all those years ago was to get people to show love in a tangible way - a small note telling someone they mattered. 

So today I challenge you (and myself) to consider every person you come in contact with to be your valentine. A card, a tweet, a post or just wishing people a Happy Valentine's Day will not only be a blessing to the recipients, but I think we'll find that we'll be the one's on the receiving end.

See you in my books!
 ~Nancy Jill




Friday, January 11, 2013

A Nice Cup of Tea and a Jillian Bradley Mystery


Go Jillian and Teddy!
 










After you let the dog out for a moment, why not come back inside, order a Jillian Bradley Mystery (downloading it on your reader couldn't be simpler) and settle in for an adventure.  With six books available in the series, and book 7 "The Ruby of Siam" due out at the end of June, this is a great time to catch up on the adventures of Jillian and her precious companion, Teddy, before too many factors and faces appear. For instance, where did the baby come from? (Book 6) And is the present Teddy the original dog in the series? (Book 4) What about Cecilia's father, Douglas? Do they ever find him? (Book 4) How did Jillian ever get mixed up with murder? (Book 1) When does Jillian go horseback riding to find a clue? (Book 3) Does Jillian ever take a vacation? (Book 5) What does an endangered species of orchid have to do with murder? (Book 2) The answers lie waiting...





The Cozy Book Store
Did the woman jump or was she pushed over the balcony? When the shocking murder disrupts the West Coast Garden Club Society's second annual conference, Jillian Bradley and her garden club friends join with Chief Frank Viscuglia to find the killer. Jillian and her friends move through the Ritz-Carlton hotel to private mansions searching for the truth, pausing for afternoon tea along the way, of course. The unlikely team helps the chief uncover a series of mysterious events that lead to solving several murders, both past and present. Could it be the mean spirited conference director? Perhaps it's the wealthy widow on the make for her next husband; or maybe the killer is the haughty business woman who shows no regard for her brow beaten husband.
Murder in Half Moon Bay, first book in the Jillian Bradley Mystery series, introduces Jillian's little  companion 'Teddy,' a Yorkie who falls prey to danger but rises to become sleuth dog in the next book.
 


The Cozy Book Store
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.
                                             
                                                 
     Christmas – the busiest time of the year! And on top of everything, Jillian is throwing an engagement party for two dear friends. But on a final errand before the party begins Jillian witnesses a horrific car crash and notices two witnesses leaving the scene of the accident. She and Teddy pull a survivor from the wreckage, and together they attempt to solve the mystery of the amnesia victim, a 17-year-old boy she and Teddy take under their wing. After one of the witnesses is found brutally murdered, Jillian discovers an ominous connection between the boy and a string of heinous murders in a nearby remote farming community. And when Jillian stumbles across a mysterious compound, she is determined to unlock old family secrets to solve the mystery of his identity even though taking the risk creates the ultimate test for her and Teddy's survival. 


The Cozy Book Store
After a frantic call from a couple on their honeymoon, Jillian returns to Half Moon Bay to help. Two elderly men have been found dead in their recliners, and now another man is missing—the distraught father of the bride - Jillian's personal assistant. Their investigation must be incognito since the groom is a detective and can’t work on the case due to conflict of interest. The clues the threesome find lead Jillian and Teddy to take a cruise to Catalina Island, but it’s only an entrée into a strange clinical world, where she almost becomes a victim herself before she identifies who is responsible for a bizarre series of deaths. Will Teddy be in time to save the day?
   
The Cozy Book Store
The quaint surfing town of Pacific Beach becomes a destination for murder when a young starlet and her mother are found brutally murdered at the Pacific Terrace hotel where Jillian’s family reunion is taking place. Their reunion takes a terrifying turn when Jillian's nephew is arrested as a prime suspect and Jillian must move quickly to find the real killer and prove her nephew's innocence. There is no shortage of suspects, including an unsavory doctor who attended the popular teen star and a mysterious guest at the party where the starlet dies. But why is her mother murdered with her? Working at Jillian's side to find the perpetrator of these bizarre killings are her faithful assistant Cecilia Montoya, and Teddy, Jillian's Yorkie companion who sniffs out his own clue.


The Cozy Book Store
The family has gathered to celebrate Christmas at Jillian’s house in Clover Hills, but Jillian’s plans for a lovely Christmas Eve are rudely interrupted by a power failure. And a homicide. Not only does Aunt Jillian find herself with a house full of company to entertain in the dark, but she also receives a call from Detective Walter Montoya who finds himself in the dark trying to solve the bizarre murder of a worker found dead in a maintenance shed at the power station. With Teddy at her side, Jillian is determined to solve the mystery.
Please click the sidebar links or go to The Cozy Book Store to purchase. If you enjoy the reads, please leave a review on your favorite reading site - amazon.com, barnesandnobel.com, or goodreads.com.  Thank you!

And Coming Soon! 2013




Jillian and Teddy travel to London, England where they find themselves embroiled in a jewel heist that leaves behind a wake of dead bodies in their path. Can they solve the crimes in the midst of Jillian’s wedding?

An old acquaintance from San Diego offers his assistance. But will his help be enough to solve the mystery?


Perhaps the jewel is cursed after all.
 


See you in my books!

~Nancy Jill

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  
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.

To learn more about the author, visit her blog at http://www.nancy-jill.blogspot.com or email her at