Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Road of Vultures, Book 1 of The Vengeful Warrior Trilogy from author Albert Lord. 

★★★★★ "A gripping, fast-paced fantasy." ~Amazon Review

The Road of Vultures

I will not rest until they are dead. All of them.

Prince Luka Vernik has only one goal: revenge.

Rising from the ashes of an attack on his home, Luka swears a blood oath to hunt down the deadly Zlikrej brothers—Privus, Drugi, and Omarius.

But vengeance is no straight road. With the kingdom crumbling and danger lurking at every turn, Luka must navigate treacherous lands, face fantastical creatures, and place his fragile trust in a wizard named Reishi—an unpredictable drunkard with secrets as abundant as his liquor collection.

As war consumes Estravia, Luka must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice to see his enemies fall. Because some oaths demand more than blood—they demand everything.

About the Author

      

Free online: Rogue Reads. Join for cocktails and conversation with authors Jenny Milchman, author of The Fairest; Daryl Wood Gerber, Murder by the Millions; L. Divine, Lost in the Garden of Eve; and Kate Belli, The Gallery Assistant. Monday, October 20, 7 PM ET. 

“The more he gave away, the more delighted he became.” ~Marcus Pfister, The Rainbow Fish

On a moon with drastic shifts in seasons, people are forced to chase the thin band of livability up and down the globe. The country of Ionia is preparing to relocate their citizens to the Tawny Desert, a land which is about to become lush, only to discover the land has been seized by traitors. Will the people of Ionia reclaim their land before they freeze to death? Some will rise to be heroes, while others will succumb to a darkness that always lurked inside them. 4.9 stars, 33 ratings. From 2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Red Rising meets Hunger Games in space. Onboard a long lost, ring-shaped colony spaceship, a repressive order rules. The son of a propagandist is wrongfully convicted of a crime and sentenced to death—or he may compete in the "Ascent of Angels" as part of The Fallen, a team made up of criminals and outcasts. But the competition is rigged, and The Fallen are meant to die in the first round. 4.8 stars, 42 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

"A realistic, gripping portrayal of family, trust, and the value of self-improvement." ~Kirkus Reviews. A single mother’s desperate attempt to protect her daughter from potential danger draws them into a web of secrets and hidden identities—raising the haunting question: how far is too far when a parent is fighting to keep their child safe? From $6.99 - SHOP NOW /

“A clever and action-packed work of fantasy.” ~Self-Publishing Review. Filled with shattered secrets, malevolent life forms, and perilous missions, this humorous fantasy will keep readers engaged and laughing. 4+ stars from Indie Reader, 4.5 stars from Self-Publishing Review. 4.3 stars, 14 ratings on Amazon. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW /

This collection of literary short stories includes "The Yoga Teacher in New York," the thought-provoking story of a refugee in New York City; "An Overture to an Indian Wedding," a story that unfolds in the 1980s as a prelude to a South Indian wedding; and "All is Well in a Burial," the story of a saint in Bangalore. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Devlin and Eve are co-workers on the rise who excel at irritating each other. The company rules forbid fraternization, but one unforgettable night has them both ready to break them. When Devlin becomes Eve's boss, things become more complicated, and they have to make a choice. Will they risk their careers, or force their feeling to the background? 4.1 stars, 120+ ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Christmastime Series from author Linda Mahkovec, a collection of Christmas stories set in New York City and the rural Midwest during the World War II years. 

"A whimsical and pleasingly old-fashioned collection of stories about the holidays." ~Kirkus Reviews

Christmastime 1939: Prequel to the Christmastime Series

Book 1 in The Christmastime Series
4.4 stars, 969 ratings on Amazon
From $2.99

The prequel to the Christmastime Series introduces the reader to the world of Christmastime. Set in Brooklyn, we meet the young widow Lillian Hapsey and her two sons, Tommy and Gabriel. Even though the Christmas season is just around the corner, Lillian has no Christmas spirit. Alone, unhappy with her job, and plagued by financial concerns, Christmas has become a burden to her.

Overshadowing everything is the war in Europe. Despite the setbacks, Lillian is determined to give her sons a happy Christmas. Can she rekindle her girlhood love for the holiday season? Rediscovering her touchstone just might be the key to unlocking the excitement and magic of Christmas.

★★★★★ "Filled with joy and laughter." ~Goodreads Review

Christmastime 1940: A Love Story

Book 2 in The Christmastime Series
4.5 stars, 718 ratings on Amazon
From $0.99

A tale of transformation involving a struggling single mom who is trying to make a fresh start in life and a man who has lost his connection to humanity. The curmudgeonly Charles Drooms is content with his life as the owner of a successful accounting firm. However, his narrow world is shaken up when the beautiful widow Lillian Hapsey and her two young sons move down the hall from him. The converging forces of the Christmas season, the presence of the widow, and the mysterious appearance of a little boy serve to stir up memories from Drooms’s boyhood and force him to make a life-altering decision that will affect them all.

★★★★★ "Uplifting holiday story." ~Amazon Review

Christmastime 1941: A Love Story

Book 3 in The Christmastime Series
4.6 stars, 422 ratings on Amazon
From $4.99

The third book in the Christmastime series opens two days after Pearl Harbor has been attacked. War has just been declared. It follows the love story of Lillian and Charles, the adventures of Tommy and Gabriel, the bittersweet romances of Izzy and Red, and the office manager at Drooms Accounting, sixty-year-old Mrs. Murphy, and someone from her past.

★★★★★ "Romance, women’s fiction, and a touch of historical fiction." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author

Linda Mahkovec focuses on themes of love, family, and home in her stories. Though they may be set against the backdrop of war or deal with the disappointments in life, the overarching feel is uplifting and hopeful. Threads that run through her work are the search for beauty and meaning, and the artistic female character – whether she is a writer, an actor, a painter, a gardener, or simply someone who lives creatively and seeks connection. 

Learn more at lindamahkovec.com, and be sure to follow her online: 
 

            

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Garden Tools, a new collection of poetry from David W. Berner. 

"Designed to appeal to a wide audience of poetry aficionados." ~Midwest Book Review

Garden Tools

In this collection of poems, David W. Berner observes the richness in the everyday, the glory of nature, the magnificence in the ordinary, and the mystery that is the human spirit. Through curious eyes, Berner keenly notices the delicate nuances among the seemingly mundane and the abundant mysteries of nature, of the divine, and the beauty of being wholly awake to the magic that is often hiding in shaded corners.

At its heart, Garden Tools reminds us of what it means to be life-aware of the moon at dusk, the eyes of a child, a walk in the woods, the impermanence of our place in the world, and the brevity of life.

Praise for Garden Tools
"Contemplative yet unflinching—each line shaped with the grace of a seasoned craftsman tending soil and soul alike." ~International Review of Books

"Lovers of Mary Oliver, Billy Collins, or even early Wendell Berry will feel an instant kinship." ~OneTribune

"These verses don’t demand your attention—they invite it, like a friend standing quietly at the kitchen door." ~Chrysalis Brew Review

"An impressive first collection of poems by a celebrated author of fiction and memoirs." ~John Muro, Pastoral Suite

“A soul-uplifting read.” ~Rita Mock-Pike, MockingOwl Roost Literary Magazine

​"A celebration of the small, the sacred, and the seen." ~Prairies Book Review

"Exquisite." ~Nancy Chadwick, The Wisdom of the Willow

The Writer Shed: Sign up to receive The Writer Shed, a free monthly newsletter from author David W. Berner about his latest books, writing classes, and what he's reading and writing right now. 

About the Author

      

Free online this weekend: Chills & Thrills at The Back Room. Join authors Lou Berney, Kristen L. Berry, Kelly Mustian, and Chevy Stevens as they read from and discuss their critically acclaimed mystery and thriller novels. Sunday, October 19, 7 PM ET. 

“We reveal more of ourselves in the lies we tell than we do when we try to tell the truth.” ~Donna Tartt, The Secret History

New Release: "A gripping, high stakes thriller." ~NetGalley Review. Tucson, 1968: A dying Nazi confesses to killing thousands of Jews during WWII, and nurse Helen Dobson and Professor Bryan De Luca are pulled into a web of hidden war crimes and moral dilemmas. "If you like your thrillers with brains, bullets, and a moral gut punch, this is it." NetGalley. 4.2 stars, 40 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

Ann goes to Maine to solicit help from fellow spirit senser Garrick Masser. Ann and Garrick find more trouble than they bargained for in a tale of obsession and misplaced loyalty that has its roots in a crumbling summer hotel, international art theft, and the historic wildfire that raged across Mount Desert Island in 1947. "Keen and charming." ~Kirkus Reviews. 4.3 stars, 275 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /

The Adventures of One Woman's Walk Around the World. "Strongly recommended." ~Midwest Book Review. Polly Letofsky walked across four continents and more than 14,000 miles to become the first woman to walk around the world, all in a spirit of adventure and with the goal of raising awareness for breast cancer. This memoir details her journey, encouraging us all to take on our biggest challenges, one step at a time. 4.6 stars, 725+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

For Marlowe Burgess, it was supposed to be the job of a lifetime: restoring a Chicago landmark. That was, until her business partner stole every dime she had. With her life in shambles, Marlowe reaches out to Emily Tizzano, a former cold case detective with the Chicago Police Department for vengeance. A fast-paced psychological thriller for fans of Tom Clancy, Robin James, and L. T. Ryan. 4.5 stars, 800+ ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Volume 3 of The Alternative Series. (Read Volumes 1 & 2 free on Kindle!) A restless woman gets recruited by a collective that caters to the decadent requests of their wealthy clients. Follow Becky’s transition into a world where unorthodox is the norm and alter egos are a way of life. Not your typical romance saga. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Reframe: How to Stop Listening to Fear and Start Leading from Within, a new book from author Michael Goodman for people who wrestle with self-doubt, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. 

★★★★★ "Real, honest, and exactly what I need right now." ~Amazon Review

Reframe: How to Stop Listening to Fear and Start Leading from Within

You’ve worked hard, you care deeply, and you want to make a difference—but fear still whispers: “Are you sure you belong here?”

If you’ve ever wrestled with self-doubt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, or the fear of being “found out,” Reframe is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed.

In this deeply compassionate and actionable guide, leadership and career coach Michael Goodman shares real stories, practical tools, and transformative insights from years of helping high-performing professionals quiet fear and step into the power of authentic leadership.

This book isn’t about hustle, fixing yourself, or pretending you’re fearless. It’s about reconnecting with who you are beneath the noise—so you can lead, live, and grow with courage and clarity.

Inside Reframe, you’ll discover how to:

• Name, normalize, and neutralize fear so it no longer drives your choices.
• Redefine success on your own terms—no more chasing someone else’s version of achievement.
• Shift from “Why me?” to “What now?” and unlock growth in moments of uncertainty.
• Build unshakable self-trust that grounds you through change, challenge, and ambition.
• Lead from wherever you are—with or without a title.
• Through a blend of coaching wisdom, personal reflections, and tools you can use today, Reframe offers a new lens on fear—and a new path forward.

You don’t need to become someone else to lead. You just need to stop abandoning yourself.

About the Author

      

Join the Drawing Hive for a free weekly art session where adult artists of all levels come together to draw from stunning photography and pop-culture imagery. Create, share, and grow your skills as a visual storyteller in a relaxed, come-and-go environment using any medium you love. Register for tomorrow evening's session! 

“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration.” ~Frida Kahlo

A USA Today bestselling series! Welcome to Requiem, a world where humans can become dragons. After their kingdom fell, the last survivors went into hiding. Dragons left the world. Dare they fly again? This box set contains the first three Requiem novels. Over 1,000 pages of honor, steel, and dragonfire. FREE - SHOP NOW /

The 1970s. An era of free love, secrets too wild to whisper aloud, and pleasures without consequence. In the haze of it all, Bobby O lives on the edge until Luna enters his life: electric and elusive, her arrival threatens to fracture the lives of everyone. Next door, the mysterious and alluring Madam Sasha watches, a prophetess guarding a secret that could shatter everything Bobby O believes. A sudden inheritance makes him rich overnight, but no amount of money can bury the ghosts and desires that haunt him. Can love survive the unknown? From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

In the glittering city of Las Vegas, two strangers arrive with the same heartbreaking plan: to end their lives. Debra, a grieving widow, and John, a father shattered by his son’s overdose, find themselves drawn together by chance. But as a shadowy figure threatens John’s fragile grip on reality, both must face their darkest fears. Vegas Goodbye is a haunting yet hopeful story of love, loss, and the flicker of light that can rise even in our darkest moments. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW /

Author and journalist Ria Bella delivers an easy-to-read guide that blends psychology, science, and spirituality to help you unlock the power within. Through focused techniques, valuable insights, and short guided meditations at the end of each chapter, Trust Your Heart’s Compass quiets the mind’s tendency to overthink and opens an energetic portal to help you become the conscious creator of your own life. A perfect alternative self-help read for both men and women seeking practical advice and mental clarity. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Faron Chevalier, a wealthy, young widow, struggles to move on from her husband’s unsolved murder by traveling to a lakeside town where suspicion and danger lurk in the shadows of the wilderness. Gripping and suspenseful to the end. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW /

The Da Vinci Code of AI. Beyond AI—Artificial Mind with True Intelligence. A tech thriller surrounding the mystery and aftermath of the groundbreaking discovery by David Sterling, a brilliant computer scientist who labeled current AI systems such as ChatGPT as knowledge systems—not intelligence systems—and criticized them for having zero intelligence of their own. From $9.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /