Today's Featured Books

Spotlight on The Road of Vultures, Book 1 of The Vengeful Warrior Trilogy

Science Fiction and Fantasy Spotlight


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

Book 1 of The Vengeful Warrior Trilogy
5.0 stars, 19 ratings on Amazon
From $4.99



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

Albert Lord is a fantasy author who lives outside of Philadelphia with his wife, daughter, two dogs, and a crazy cat. The Road of Vultures is his debut novel, and the first installment of The Vengeful Warrior Trilogy. Outside of writing, Albert enjoys reading, golf, whiskey, and fervently rooting for Philadelphia sports teams. Learn more at AlbertLordAuthor.com, where you can sign up for his free newsletter or read his blog. You can also learn more by following Albert online: 
 
      


Free online tonight: Rogue Reads

Events

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


Falling into Shadow by Mike Palleschi

Book of the Day

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 /


Ascent of Angels by Shawn T. Whitney

Science Fiction and Fantasy

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 deathor 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 /


To Keep Her From Harm by Diana Krantz

Literary Fiction and Poetry

"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 /


Chimera and Curses by Shari Marshall

Science Fiction and Fantasy

“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 /


FREE - The Yoga Teacher in New York and Other Short Stories by Rune Maker

Literary Fiction and Poetry

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 by Angela K. Parker

Romance

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 /


Spotlight on The Christmastime Series from Linda Mahkovec

Spotlight


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: 
 

            


Spotlight on Garden Tools, new poetry from David W. Berner

Spotlight

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

Genre: Poetry
New release: October 2025
Hardcover: $32.99
Paperback: $22.95

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

David W. Berner writes inside a small writing shed on his property outside Chicago. Garden Tools is his first collection of poems. Berner is also author of fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, and short stories, and recipient of numerous writing awards, including the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the NYC Big Book Award, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors Award for Literary Fiction, and the Book of the Year Award from the Chicago Writers Association. He has also been honored as the Writer-in-Residence at the Jack Kerouac Project in Orlando, Florida, and the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home and Museum in Oak Park, Illinois.

Learn more at davidwberner.com, where you can also sign up for his newsletter. And be sure to follow him online:
 
      


Free online: Chills & Thrills in The Back Room

Events

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


A Cry for Vengeance by Ernesto Patino

Book of the Day

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 /


The Sense of Reckoning by Matty Dalrymple

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

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 /


FREE - 3mph by Polly Letofsky

Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

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 /


Lakeview Vendetta by K.J. Kalis

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

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 /


the moment we met was a lie by Kari Wiethop

Romance

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 /


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

Spotlight

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

New Release in Success Self-Help, Leadership & Motivation
Hardcover: $24.99
Paperback: From $17.99
Ebook: $7.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



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

Michael Goodman is a leadership and career coach, author of The Year of No and the 30 Days to Great series, and creator of the popular Workforce of Joy newsletter on Substack. With more than two decades of experience, Michael is dedicated to making personal and professional development affordable and accessible to all. His approach combines one-on-one coaching, consulting, curriculum design, and leadership program facilitation to guide individuals and teams toward meaningful growth.

Learn more at workforceofjoy.com where you can also sign up for Michael's newsletter. And be sure to follow Michael online: 
 
      


Grab Your Sketch Pad: Free Online Life Drawing Class

Events

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


FREE - Song of Dragons by Daniel Arenson

Book of the Day

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 /


Save One Bullet by Tina D'Angelo

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

In “Save One Bullet”, Tina D’Angelo invites readers into a sharp-tongued, emotionally charged story of betrayal, reinvention, and midlife rage. What begins as a tale of a scorned wife catching her husband cheating quickly becomes a biting, often darkly comic exploration of self-worth, long-term marriage, and the strange power of a foggy bathroom mirror. D’Angelo’s novel is equal parts suburban thriller and self-empowerment fantasy—with just enough wine-fuelled wit and genuine heartache to elevate it beyond the familiar revenge tale. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /


No Place Like Home by B.C. Memnon

Literary Fiction and Poetry

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 /


Vegas Goodbye by Donna M. Cramer

Literary Fiction and Poetry

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 /


Trust Your Heart's Compass by Ria Bella

General Nonfiction

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 /


The Last One To Die by Terri Greening

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

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 /


Artificial Mind by Kai Hugan

Science Fiction and Fantasy

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 /