Have Your Cake and Eat it Too!

By Nancy Jill Thames

How many of us Christians struggle during the week to keep our thoughts on things that are noble, pure, and  lovely? What about things that are excellent or praiseworthy? I for one watch a maximum of 10 minutes of news (only because I eat lunch with my hubby), and episodes of PG-13 or lower rated miniseries on Netflix. Bible study gets about 10 minutes of my time, and the rest is spent writing and social networking. Great - probably doing a fair job on keeping my thoughts in check. 

But with all the choices of books available, one has to ask which ones allow me to have my cake (entertainment) and eat it too (keeping my faith in check). Behold the Christian Cozy Mystery!

The subjects we authors use may be broach sinful situations (murder, adultery, greed, blackmail, etc.), but nearly always the heroine offers help to those people who desire change. Besides, we don't cloud our minds with graphic situations. What a win-win situation! We readers get to enjoy mystery and suspense along with experiencing examples of faith in action. I'm good with this! What about you? Hope you enjoy your weekend!

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 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.

Enjoy Book 1 MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY for free!

Amazon Paperback $8.09
 Kindle FREE!
Barnes and Nobel $8.99/Nook Book $2.99
FREE on Smashwords and Kobo!

BETTER THAN ROYALTIES!

 By Nancy Jill Thames

The struggles of being an author simply fly out the window upon receiving five-star reviews like the one I got today. Margie Jessie of Washington, USA - thank you for taking the time to comment so favorably on my books. Here's the review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Murder in Half Moon Bay, May 22, 2013

By 

Margie Jessie (Washington, USA) - 

This review is from: Murder in Half Moon Bay   (A Jillian Bradley Mystery) (Kindle Edition)

Paperback $8.00
Kindle FREE!
Nook Book $2.99
FREE on Smashwords and Kobo!

This is the first time I have read any Nancy Jill Thames writings. Thoroughly enjoyable. She holds your attention and your interest with the twists and turns, makes it hard to put down . Jillian Bradley truly comes to life with her partner (and adorable dog) Teddy. The descriptions of the areas and people makes them all real.
I have purchased more of her books and I know I will enjoy each one as I did the Murder in Half Moon Bay.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

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 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.

You Can Do This!

By Nancy Jill Thames

Like to solve puzzles? 

To publicize the launching of Book 7 "THE RUBY OF SIAM," I'm offering a free paperback or download to the first person able to match first sentences to their book. Each book has the Search Inside feature on Amazon.com, so take a peek and go for it! Good luck!

1. Caroline was playing innocently in her own front yard with her new puppy when the car struck her down.  

2. The invitations had gone out a few days ago to three of my dearest friends in the world.   

3. Daisy Larsen bustled.   

4. Warmed by the fire, Teddy had fallen asleep on the sofa.  

5. Madison looked about nervously toward the back of the house, hoping and praying that no one would notice their departure.  

6. The gun discharged during the struggle, and the bullet struck his heart.  

A. "FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL"

B. "WAITING FOR SANTA"

C. "THE GHOST ORCHID MURDER"

D. "MURDER IN HALF MOON BAY"

E. "PACIFIC BEACH"

F. "THE MARK OF EDEN" 

To win, leave your answers in a comment and follow the site.  Thank you for playing! 

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 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

jillthames@gmail.com

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU THIS WEEKEND!

I hope you all had a marvelous Valentine's Day yesterday. The social networks were full of love, weren't they? So here's a gift from me to you - Book 3 in the Jillian Bradley Mystery Series. If you like happy endings, I think you'll enjoy the story. Jillian and Teddy solve a mystery surrounding an amnesia victim they pull from a automobile accident. She also rescues the young man from the clutches of evil.  Have a lovely weekend, dear readers!

Available on Amazon.com

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.

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.

Our Special Guest: Author Susette Williams

by Nancy Jill Thames

Susette Williams

Susette Williams loves writing various genres; anything from romance, mystery, and suspense to name a few. She usually can't resist the urge to let her ornery sense of humor shine through in one of her characters and has always believed that laughter helps you deal with the obstacles life puts in your way.

It is her desire to write fast paced books that readers will devour and be hungry to read more. Her books are sure to entertain and delight readers.

Susette married her hero in 1983, and together they have six wonderful children, all with intriguing and different personalities, like the characters she creates in her novels.

 COZY MYSTERY MAGAZINE wishes you good luck with your new mystery series, Susette!!

Maid for Murder: DEADLY BUSINESS

Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.

When Bailey catches the culprits arranging to dispose of another body, she's out to help the two of them dig their own grave and if she’s lucky, Detective Max Wellington will keep them from arranging her funeral.

Check out Susette's  books and read her excellent reviews on the following links:

Website: www.SusetteWilliams.com

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Susette-Williams/182094681851446?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusetteWilliams

Author Page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Susette-Williams/e/B008RSAZW0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Maid-Murder-Deadly-Business-ebook/dp/B00A1U6WI8/ref=la_B008RSAZW0_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1352312135&sr=1-6

Nancy Jill Thames

Nancy Jill Thames is the author of the Jillian Bradley Mysteries - stories often set in exclusive hotels and resorts, based on real life travel adventures with her husband of 44 years. Her mysteries incorporate her love of afternoon tea, which has earned her the title of “Queen of Afternoon Tea.” She holds a music degree from UT Austin and lives in Leander, Texas where she is a member of the Leander Writers Guild. She has won awards for her blogs, a pie contest for her Chocolate Chip Cream Pie, and has been on the Author Watch Bestseller List numerous times. Nancy Jill is busy working on book 6 Waiting for Santa, a murder mystery taking place on Christmas Eve near Jillian Bradley’s home in Clover Hills.

To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, and Pacific Beach, please visit the Cozy Book Store and her blogs: 

Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames

"Queen of Afternoon Tea" Celebrity Author Interviews

            

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU!

NANCY JILL THAMES, AUTHOR

If you don't have Book 2 yet, please be my guest to receive a free copy

(a $2.99-$11.99 Value) this weekend! A story of murder, love and devotion.

"THE GHOST ORCHID MURDER" 

by Nancy Jill Thames

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.

Available on Amazon.com  SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2012

FEELING LIKE A GIVEAWAY!

PLEASE HELP YOURSELF TO  A FREE COPY

OF MY LATEST BOOK 

"PACIFIC BEACH" 

SAT AND SUN ONLY

Amazon.com

HAVE A NICE WEEKEND, MY FRIENDS!

WHAT A CHARACTER!

NANCY JILL THAMES

Ever say that about someone? Sure - you meet a person who immediately impresses you (good or bad) with their personality. In a cozy mystery the main characters must have memorable qualities if readers want to spend precious time reading about them. Close your eyes and think for a moment (after you read the next sentence of course)! What characters stand out in your mind the most? I thought of Jessica Fletcher, Miss Jane Marple and Sherlock Holmes right off the bat. Who did you think of?
     Now why are they so memorable? Maybe because the authors had total freedom to create whoever they wanted to, while we mere mortals for the most part are just ordinary everyday people. But the characters we've thought of aren't ordinary, right? Let's take a look at what makes them memorable.
     Jessica Fletcher is a mystery writer, widowed, lives in Cabot Cove, Maine and doesn't drive. Miss Jane Marple is a pink little old maiden aunt with an uncanny ability to observe and analyze criminals and the crimes they commit while knitting booties for babies. And Sherlock Holmes must be the biggest character of all (seconded only by Hercule Poirot). Mr. Holmes is eccentric, outspoken, a genius in the power of deductive reasoning and terribly unsociable. Memorable. And take my protagonist Jillian Bradley and her little Yorkie companion Teddy.       
    Jillian writes a syndicated garden column, loves fine art and serves afternoon tea to her friends while she helps investigators solve homicides. She's a childless widow who's husband died a hero in the war in Vietnam so she's all alone. Well, almost...I created a companion for her, a tiny Yorkie I  named Teddy so she wouldn't be so lonely. He becomes her sleuth dog in the stories by using his uncanny instincts to sniff out clues. 
    I created the character of Cecilia Chastain, a young quick-witted hotel housekeeper working her way through college who becomes Jillian's personal assistant and Teddy's sitter when Jillian travels. You'll have to read the series to learn more about Walter, Jillian's garden club friends and Jillian's love interests.
    So when you think of characters, who are some of your favorites and what makes them memorable? And if you could  change places with any of your favorites, who would it be? 

Free (A $2.99 Value!)

If you'd like to read about Jillian and her friends, "Murder in Half Moon Bay" is free this weekend on Amazon.com.

So please pick up a copy! My treat.

 
And don't forget to try Traci's new recipe for Huckleberry Duff in our Cozy Kitchen. My mouth is watering!

 

Have a lovely weekend Cozy Lovers!

Nancy Jill Thames is the author of the Jillian Bradley Mysteries - stories often set in exclusive hotels and resorts, based on real life travel adventures with her husband of 44 years. Her mysteries incorporate her love of afternoon tea, which has earned her the title of “Queen of Afternoon Tea.” She holds a music degree from UT Austin and lives in Leander, Texas where she is a member of the Leander Writers Guild. She has won awards for her blogs,  a pie contest for her Chip Chocolate Cream Pie, and has been on the Author Watch Bestseller List numerous times. Nancy Jill is busy working on book 6 Waiting for Santa, a murder mystery taking place on Christmas Eve near Jillian Bradley’s home in Clover Hills.

To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, and Pacific Beach, please visit the Cozy Book Store and her blogs: 

Cozy Mystery Author, Nancy Jill Thames

"Queen of Afternoon Tea"Celebrity Author Interivews

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU!

A free gift for you this weekend ($3.99 value)! Murders, mysteries and new character on the scene - meet Daisy Larsen - a bustling plant lady who gets embroiled with Jillian, Teddy and the rest of the gang in 

 "THE MARK OF EDEN."

Nancy Jill Thames is the author of "Jillian Bradley Mysteries," a series often set in exclusive hotels and resorts, based on real life travel adventures with her husband of 44 years. Her mysteries incorporate her love of afternoon tea, which has earned her the title of “Queen of Afternoon Tea.”

She holds a music degree from UT Austin and lives in Leander, Texas where she is a member of the Leander Writers Guild.

Nancy Jill is busy working on book 6 Waiting for Santa, a murder mystery taking place on Christmas Eve near Jillian Bradley’s home in Clover Hills.

She has won awards for her blogs, a pie contest for her Chip Chocolate Cream Pie, and has been on the Author Watch Bestseller List numerous times.

To check out her books, Murder in Half Moon Bay, The Ghost Orchid Murder, From the Clutches of Evil, The Mark of Eden, and Pacific Beach, please visit our COZY BOOK STORE or at the following links: 

http://www.nancy-jill.blogspot.com ,

http://www.nancyjillthames.wordpress.com

http://www.authornancyjillthames.webs.com