Today's Featured Books

Free online: Blaney Lecture from the American Academy of Poets

Events

Free online: Blaney Lecture. Join the American Academy of Poets for the 2024 Blaney Lecture: "Making the Invisible Visible: Poetry, Science, Perception-Increase, and Change" delivered by Jane Hirshfield, Chancellor Emerita of the Academy of American Poets. Tuesday, March 19, at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET.

“Poetry is the lifeblood of rebellion, revolution, and the raising of consciousness.” ~Alice Walker


Free online: Academy of American Poets Blaney Lecture

Events

Free online: Making the Invisible Visible. The Academy of American Poets 2024 Blaney Lecture on contemporary poetry and poetics, featuring former Chancellor Jane Hirshfield. Tuesday, March 19, 6:30 PM CDT. 

"Life appears to me too short to be spent in nursing animosity or registering wrongs." ~Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre


Exceptional Merit by George P. Norris

Book of the Day

Highly decorated NYPD Lieutenant James Keegan is living a double life. His secret: he's running guns to the Irish Republican Army. Exceptional Merit takes you from the back streets of Northern Ireland to the gritty streets of New York City, and from an IRA training camp to the inner workings of the NYPD. Keegan’s two lives come crashing together on New York’s largest stage, in front of a live televised audience, where Keegan must decide where his loyalty lies. A decision that cost him his family, his freedom, or his life! 4.3 stars, 390 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Soldiers of Earthrise: The Complete Series by Daniel Arenson

Science Fiction and Fantasy

War rages among the stars. Can Jon Taylor survive? The complete Soldiers of Earthrise series in one box set! Six entire novels. 2,000+ pages of heart-pounding science fiction from a USA Today bestselling author! Jon Taylor is an Earthling. He doesn't care much about space. At least until his brother dies on Bahay, a war-torn planet many light-years away. Can Jon avenge his brother? 4.3 stars, 182 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Runaway Betrothal by Daina Land

Romance

Fleeing from her father’s attempts to wed her to Robert Conley, a libertine all England loathes, Elinore flees her home in search of support from her aunt, Lady O’Duncy. Catching up with her in Brighton during the height of the summer season, the two ladies conspire to deflect her father’s scheme, clear her name from scandal, and protect her from a desperate man bent on making his fortune by ruining her. When her father’s well-laid plans get set into motion, Elinore’s matrimonial adventure takes flight. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


When a Stranger Comes... by Karen S. Bell

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Satisfying one's greed can come at a devilishly high cost. Author Alexa Wainwright is losing her mojo. Her latest works aren't selling like her internationally bestselling debut. She vows to do whatever it takes to get back to number one. As she makes this vow, suddenly a lightning bolt cracks across the cloudless sky transporting the clueless Alexa to an alternate universe. Here, the characters in her books are given the breath of life. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Mindfield by C.W. James

Children and Young Adult

“A thought-provoking, fast-paced, page-turner.” ~LitPik. A paranormal thriller for teens, this is the story of Matt and Trent, two friends born with the rare talent of telepathy, as they confront the mysterious Sokolov, a shadowy figure wanting to force them to use their unique powers to control others. Matt must use his telepathy in a new way if they are to have a chance to survive. “Riveting, well-written story...” ~U.S. Review of Books. From $1.48 SHOP NOW


Billionaire Boss's Fake Mrs. Right by Aria McDow

Romance

The first time, my dream romance with the billionaire, star hockey player shattered on the ice he loved playing on. The second time, I fake-married him without knowing we were playing a high-stakes game for keeps. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - The Walking Testimony by Brenaji Marshae Brown

Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

I was born with deformities. The doctor told my mom that I would never walk. As a result of my deformities, This is my story of tribulations, forgiveness, and victory. FREE - SHOP NOW


"Writing for the Soul" from author Susan Grant

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Susan Grant, whose focus on "writing for the soul" has led to books that inspire and motivate readers of all ages. Read on to learn more!


Sweet Dreams, Boone

Genre: Children's Inspirational Books
4.8 stars, 17 ratings
Paperback: From $13.99
Ebook: From $6.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 



Boone is a sad and lonely little dog. He doesn’t like to be left alone when Mom goes to work.

To help him feel better, Mom buys him a special basket for his bed. When he sleeps, he dreams of a long-ago time and meets a man who is sad and lonely too, until he meets Jesus.

Perfect for young readers age 5 - 8. 

Praise for Sweet Dreams, Boone
★★★★★ "Children will be immediately drawn to the pet theme and beautiful illustrations." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "An adorable picture book with a beautiful message." ~Goodreads Review


The Bottle House

Genre: Faith & Spirituality; Psychology & Christianity; Death, Grief & Spirituality
4.5 stars, 48 ratings
Paperback: From $15.24
Ebook: From $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 



Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering? Is it possible to surrender to God's will during times of despair?

At Bethany R&L Behavioral Healthcare Center, Stacy Meadows, Stefan Krause, and Debbie Young are deeply wounded people struggling to find emotional healing. When they encounter Chaplain Joseph Miller's mysterious bottles labeled for each of them, they are curious: How will a collection of bottles help with their healing—especially when they are feeling angry with God? It is only when these three individuals discover the real purpose behind these mysterious bottles that they discover a deep spiritual reawakening.

Praise for The Bottle House
"A spiritual revelation of how past regrets affect our mental health and cause individuals to lose faith. The Bottle House teaches us that no matter how low we feel, Jesus can forgive us, restore us, and comfort us in every situation we go through." ~LuGina Dumas, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

"The Bottle House offers an ongoing vision of hope and comfort when we are tempted to retreat into despair and loneliness." ~Ann W. Roach, Psychologist


100 Minutes with God

Genre: Christian Meditations, Christian Bible Meditations, Christian Meditation Worship & Devotion
4.5 stars, 73 ratings
Paperback: From $8.54
Ebook: From $6.99 



1-Minute Daily Devotions of Timeless Inspirations

God longs to spend time with you, even for a minute. Why don’t you join Him today? 100 Minutes with God is written for those who struggle with finding time to spend with Him. These individual minutes make it possible to connect with our Creator and provide you with material you can contemplate throughout your day. The Scriptures listed on each page allow you to further reflect and meditate on God’s word.

Praise for 100 Minutes with God
★★★★★ "Perfect devotions for busy families, youth groups, working moms and so much more!" ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A great book of daily devotions." ~Amazon Review


About the Author
Susan Grant is a graduate of Columbia International University and a former Bible teacher in the public schools of North Carolina. Susan has written for devotional magazines such as Unlocked: Daily Readings for Teens and Upper Room Magazine. She has also been published in The Bangor Daily News, The Chattanooga Writers’ Guild, and Re:Fiction Magazine. Susan teaches language arts and lives on the coast of Maine with her husband, Randy, and her little red dachshund, Boone. Learn more at Susan-Grant.com and sign up for her free newsletters, Writing for the Soul and Minute Devotions. Be sure to follow Susan online, too!
 
      


Free online: Virtual tour of Tuscany!

Events

We all love books, right? And what goes well with books? Coffee? Definitely. And wine? You bet!

With that thought in mind, we're recommending something fun for this weekend: A virtual tour of Greve, an enchanting Italian village known as the Pearl of Chianti. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a lover of Italian culture, or simply in search of a unique virtual adventure, this immersive experience will transport you to the picturesque streets and rolling hills of Greve in Tuscany, known as the gateway to the Chianti wine region. Sunday, March 17: 5 PM in Rome, 4 PM in London, 12 PM in NYC, 9 AM in LA. 

“Language is wine upon the lips.” ~Virginia Woolf


FREE - Starship Freedom by Daniel Arenson

Book of the Day

"I love the storyline and the writing...there is nonstop action!" ~Modupe Hendricks, Vine Voice. The starship Freedom is just a museum ship. Until the aliens attack! Battlestar Galactica meets Starship Troopers in this sci-fi adventure from Daniel Arenson, the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. Grab the first book for FREE, then grab books 2 and 3 at deep discounts. 4.2 stars, 2400+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


The Weight of Water by W.A. Schwartz

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Rachel and Talia Fontenot are sisters born into poverty in 1960s southeastern Louisiana. Raised together until tragic circumstances separate them, Talia disappears into a life of drugs and petty crime, and Rachel flees to New Orleans. Present day, Talia has been missing for years, and Rachel is living what appears to be a perfect life but secretly struggles with anxiety, drug abuse, and grief. One night, Rachel receives a call and is forced to examine her past choices which takes her on a psychologically arduous journey to save her sister. 4.4 stars, 271 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


In Common With by Bill Wilkerson

General Nonfiction

Washington Tribes have been denied their share of salmon harvests since 1854. In 1974, Judge Boldt ruled that Tribes get an equal share. As a result, chaos continued into the '80s. Wilkerson and Tribal leader Billy Frank Jr. worked to bring peace. In Common With: The Fish Wars, the Boldt Decision, and the Fight to Save Salmon in the Pacific Northwest tells the true story of a groundbreaking feat of diplomacy that revealed the power of honoring one another’s opinions, needs, and wants. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Critical Thinking & Logic Mastery by Thinknetic

General Nonfiction

This bundle isn't a dry, theoretical textbook. It is a practical, easy-to-read and easy-to-implement book dedicated to helping you build stronger arguments, make more confident decisions, and spot logical errors. Critical thinking will elevate your personal and professional life. You’ll be better at assimilating information, noticing trends, and deciding on a plan of action. This will be the last book you buy on thinking logically and building habits. 4.5 stars, 300+ ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Arthurian Cycle by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Poet Edwin Arlington Robinson’s Arthurian Cycle reflects the poet’s most mature work. "Merlin" and "Lancelot" are war poems exploring characters from the Arthurian legends, all rendered as mortals, in flesh and blood. "Tristram" is a poem about love and tells the story of Tristram and Isolt, a love as doomed in life as the inevitability of death. The Arthurian Cycle paperback is available from the publisher via Ingram Spark at 20% off or via retailers at list price. From $2.99 SHOP NOW


Pura Vida by Jim Utsler

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Detroit homicide detective Jacob Miller has been accused of many things, but being smart isn't one of them. The murder of drug dealer Willy is proof enough of that, but not covering it up is even worse. So why would he think that stealing a fellow inmate's hidden fortune is any smarter, especially when an ex-mafia family head is after the same thing? 4.9 stars, 14 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Inspiring children's books from James DiNanno

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two inspiring children's books from author James DiNanno:

  • The First Rock Star On Mars: The book that teaches kids to shoot for the stars. And follow their wildest dreams on Earth...or even Mars.
  • President Camila: The book that teaches kids compassionate traits. And that one day they could be President of the United States.

"I loved Shel Silverstein growing up...and just started thinking, 'What would Shel Silverstein write today?'" ~James DiNanno


The First Rock Star On Mars

Genres: Literature & Fiction for Children, Children's Humorous Poetry, Children's Rock Music
4.9 stars, 70 ratings
Paperback: $8.99

Audiobook: $3.95
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 



A modern day classic!

The book that teaches kids to shoot for the stars. And follow their wildest dreams on Earth...or even Mars.

"A delightful and inspirational story for anyone with big dreams and even bigger imaginations." ~Reedsy Discovery

"A very inspirational book for not only children but for anyone who wants to pursue their dreams." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: The audiobook edition is narrated by Kellin Quinn, the lead singer of rock band Sleeping with Sirens. This audiobook features an exclusive surprise song at the end, "The First Rock Star On Mars," performed by the band The First Rock Band on Mars, which includes Kellin Quinn, Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo!, William Ryan Key of Yellowcard, and the author of this book, James DiNanno.


President Camila

Genres: Children's Poetry, Children's Jobs & Careers Books
5.0 stars, 4 ratings
Paperback: $7.99

Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 



The book that teaches kids compassionate traits. And that one day they could be President of the United States. 

A great book for encouraging your little stars to follow their dreams. The illustrations and rhymes make this story as fun for parents and grandparents as it is for the child. A perfect gift for new parents, baby showers, holidays, birthdays, or just because.


About the Author
James DiNanno is a proud family man, creative force, and serial entrepreneur. After spending his 20s touring with the band Silhouette Rising, with the goal of finding happiness...he found it! Along the way, James, a self-made millionaire, established and now owns businesses including the multi-award winning wedding company Meritage Entertainment, Boston GIF, Ambient Force, and PlaybookU. He is also the drummer for bands Callisto and various other acts.

These days, James is passionate about sharing his experience and energy and empowering others. Each of his books are meant to empower the entrepreneurial spirit in children and adults. In addition to The First Rock Star On Mars and President Camila, he is author of The Networking Playbook and Entrepreneur: The Secret Playbook

James lives in Exeter, NH, with his wife, son, and two standard poodles. You can follow him online at @JamesDiNanno or playbooku.com


Free online: Cultivating Resilience and Joy in Art-Making

Events

Free online: Cultivating Resilience and Joy in Art-Making. Hosted by the Eleanor Harwood Gallery in San Francisco, artists Tara Daly, Mary Finlayson, Rachel Kaye, and Sarah Thibault come together to talk about their experience working as artists and share their challenges in cultivating resilience and longevity, including parenting, day-jobbing, moving cities, and creating community. Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 - 8 PM PDT, (8:30 - 10 PM CDT).

“My painting is what I have to give back to the world for what the world gives to me." ~Georgia O'Keeffe


The Deseret Reckoning by Matthew L. Huffman

Book of the Day

Museum assistant Susan Kingsley tracks down letters from 1870 describing a wagon train bound for the Deseret Territory, the Mormon lands before Utah statehood, and a hidden mine. As Susan searches for the the letters across Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, Andrew, an FBI man in the midst of a midlife crisis, tails her every step. What secrets will be revealed? What has been hidden in the mine? Will Susan succeed, or will Andrew commit the ultimate crime? 4.3 stars, 26 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Trash Bag of Memories by Jessica Castillo

Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

A haunting home life, a traumatic trip through the foster care system, and a seemingly not-so-happily ever after. Trash Bag of Memories is one girl's tale of trials and triumph as she maneuvers through the hurdles of foster care and its aftermath. Discover what it was like for Jessica as she recalls the days of witnessing horrors inflicted upon loved ones and scavenging for food to survive in this wildly turbulent memoir. Sometimes reading one person's story can inspire you to be the change in someone else’s. 5.0 stars, 18 ratings. From $5 SHOP NOW


Achievable by Fraser Wilson

General Nonfiction

Achievable: A Simple and Proven Way to Create a Culture of Possibility and Potential puts people first. There are no fancy theories. It doesn’t inundate you with multiple things to do, and there's no master class needed. Learn simple, understandable strategies that honor team members, tap their potential, improve performance, and increase profitability. Achievable is the solution to the disengagement epidemic. 5.0 stars, 5 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Music of the Mind by A.K. Adler

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Finn Bran is a young journeyman bard who performs all the traditional songs of heroism and great deeds while dreaming that he could someday be part of such a story. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Valeria is plagued by a mysterious force that fosters thoughts of violence and intolerance in people's minds. Brought face-to-face with this terrifying evil, Finn escapes death and emerges with a strange new gift: he is able to hear the purity or impurity of people's thoughts in the form of music. He will use this skill to fight evil, but first, he must learn to master the music of his own mind. An eBookFairs "Best in Show" selection. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


New Release: Your Story Starts Here from Jim Zervanos & Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Jim Zervanos and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Your Story Starts Here: A Year on the Brink with Generation Z, a memoir from a high school English teacher who sees that today's youth are thrust into a tumultuous world and simultaneously burdened with saving it.
 

★★★★★ “Packed with empathy as well as literary lessons, we have a front row seat to watch the world fall apart as these kids come of age. This book is insightful, heartfelt, and authentic." ~Kelly Simmons, author of Not My Boy


Your Story Starts Here

NEW RELEASE: March 12, 2024
Genre: Memoir
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49  



Jim Zervanos, a seasoned high-school English teacher and father of two, embarks on a mission at the cusp of a new school year. He realizes that today's youth are thrust into a tumultuous world and burdened with saving it. To chronicle this extraordinary period in America, he assigns himself a unique task: keeping a journal.
 
Within its pages, we witness “his kids” grappling with pressing issues like identity politics, gun violence, and political uncertainty. A sophomore prodigy wrestles his demons onto the pages of his fiction before entering a psychiatric hospital. An estranged junior posts ominous threats on Snapchat, while a principal sabotages a student walkout. Meanwhile, in his classroom, Jim prepares a hiding space for an active shooter event and, back home, finds solace in the eulogy of his young sons’ pet fish, sent on its final journey with a flush.
 
By year's end, Jim, unwavering in his determination to inspire hope in his students, discovers that it's the youth who inspire hope in him. Their creativity and ideals paint a vivid portrait of an evolving America, seen through the kaleidoscope of Generation Z. Your Story Starts Here: A Year on the Brink with Generation Z is an intimate exploration of the challenges, resilience, and unwavering hope of today's youth in a turbulent world.

Praise for Your Story Starts Here
★★★★★ “Watching Zervanos stay steady in unsteady waters, with good humor and strength, is the central pleasure of this moving, engaging book.” ~Debra Spark, author of Discipline

★★★★★ “This book is as rich in humor and compassion as it is in dismay at the reality of school shootings and children ushered, sometimes forcefully and prematurely, into adulthood.” ~Peter Turchi, author of Maps of the Imagination

★★★★★ “Masterfully paced and wonderfully rendered... a book that should be required reading for parents, for teachers, for artists…for anyone who’s wondered what it means to be human in a world that daily challenges our humanity.” ~Scott Gould, author of The Hammerhead Chronicles and Idiot Men

★★★★★ “The world needs more teachers, and more writers, like Jim Zervanos.” ~Kelly Simmons, author of Not My Boy


About the Author
Jim Zervanos is the author of the memoir That Time I Got Cancer: A Love Story and the novel LOVE Park. His award-winning essays and short stories have been published in numerous literary journals, magazines, and anthologies. He is a graduate of the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and Bucknell University, where he won the William Bucknell Prize for English and was an Academic All-American baseball player. He teaches at a high school in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where he lives with his wife and two sons, and has risen in the baseball pantheon as coach of two Little League teams. Learn more at JimZervanos.com.
About the Publisher
Vine Leaves Press likes to blur the line between commercial and experimental works. They publish book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and character-driven novels with a literary bent.​ Subscribe to the Vine Leaves Press newsletter to receive FREE advanced review copies of upcoming new releases, news about their authors and subscribers, and/or to read the monthly opinion column, SPILL IT! or a daily dose of 50-word stories. Learn more at VineLeavesPress.com


Free online: Galena LitFest Mystery & Mayhem Author Panel

Events

Free online: Galena LitFest Mystery & Mayhem Author Panel. Join award-winning and bestselling mystery authors Marcie Rendon, David Ellis, Tracy Clark, Laura Benedict, and Patricia Skalka for a panel discussion on why they love the genre, their writing processes, character development, and more. Tuesday, March 12, 6-7 PM CDT.

“Imagination is a good servant, and a bad master. The simplest explanation is always the most likely.” ~Agatha Christie