An Early Christmas this Year

We authors so appreciate reviews from happy readers. Thank you! Had to share two that I received this week.

Christian Mystery Thriller! November 22, 2012

Available on Amazon.com

By Dolores Ayotte 

Format:Kindle Edition

In my opinion, in "The Ghost Orchid Murder"...the second novel in this series...the main character and super sleuth Jillian Bradley has a kindred spirit. As I was reading this captivating novel, my mind kept recalling Angela Lansbury in her role as Jessica Fletcher in the once popular television show, Murder She Wrote. Both of these female characters play a similar role...writers, widows, and willful women determined to solve murder mysteries.

Talented Author Nancy Jill Thames demonstrates her creative ability in this Christian mystery novel. Along with a suspenseful "whodunit" murder, she manages to incorporate a touch of faith, a hint of romance, as well as the key ingredients it takes to write an enjoyable mystery novel. The many characters/suspects in the story add to the intensity of solving the murder mystery in an expedient and effective manner. Jillian Bradley, along with her lovable dog Teddy, manage to assist in solving this crime in no time flat. If you enjoy a good, clean mystery murder, then this is the novel for you.

Here is the second review.

Available on Amazon.com

New! decency1st reviewed Murder in Half Moon Bay (Jillian Bradley Mysteries, No. 1) (A Jillian Bradley Mystery)

WOW! AWESOME BOOK!! November 19, 2012

This was an enjoyable read! I needed something fun today as I waited for family to come in for the holiday. I interspersed a chapter read with a cleaning chore and the day went by quickly. The house is ready for company and I've found a new favorite author and mystery series. Even though I'm on the east coast now, I've been to Half Moon Bay and the Ritz so I knew just what she was talking about. I love it too, but who wouldn't! It was good to be reminded.
I was glad I didn't run into the usual four letter words and nasty content that cause me to stop reading and go for the refund button. That was really a relief, a breath of fresh air. I thank this author for that, along with making it an affordable price on the kindle. I wish her a Happy Thanksgiving as I've something extra to be thankful for this year. Keep up the good writing!

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

Try This!

BE CONTENT

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

 

 

 

 

 

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