Today's Featured Books— Literary Fiction and Poetry

Three sisters are left reeling after the sudden and inexplicable suicide of their single mother. With questions swirling, they move into her home, hoping to unravel the mystery surrounding her death. As they sift through the remnants of her life, they uncover clues about a hidden past filled with secrets. The sisters have to confront painful truths and resentments and forge new bonds. They realize that their mother’s secrets may hold the key to understanding her and the reasons behind some of the choices they have made in their own lives. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the critically acclaimed historical fiction of Julie McDonald Zander—including a new release. Read on to learn more!

"Zander intersects history, letters, and experiences to create a rich connection and threads of thought between past and present worlds.” ~Midwest Book Review

Bonus: Sign up for Julie's newsletter and get a FREE copy of Retracing the Oregon Trail in Pictures, a color pictorial of the route traveled by thousands of early pioneers in the 19th century.

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence

A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past.

When former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she sees it as a chance to escape her own ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.

Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of those left waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of November 11, 1919, when a parade meant to celebrate peace erupted into violence and bloodshed.

As Colleen pieces together the tragic choices that shattered lives and fractured a town, she realizes history is never truly buried. The wounds of yesterday still shape today, and the past is not done with her yet.

Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping time-slip novel of love, loss, and the echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of truth will linger long after the final page.

Praise for Shattered Peace
"A compelling, winning story about a tragedy...that ultimately forges new paths toward peace and understanding in ways readers won’t see coming." ~Midwest Book Review

"A heartbreaking story of families torn apart." ~Melanie Dobson, author of Catching the Wind

"An incredible dual-time story." ~Leslie Gould, A Brighter Dawn

"A white-knuckle historical novel." ~Sandra Crowell, The Land Called Lewis

The Reluctant Pioneer

A pioneer woman’s journey, inspired by a true story.

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, Matilda balks, but in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward on the Oregon Trail.

With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Fresh graves attest to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive?

When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

Praise for The Reluctant Pioneer
"A must-read for fans of historical fiction and of strong women.” ~Dawn Shipman, author of the Lost Stones of Argonia Series

"Captures the tumultuous journey...and unwavering hope of one woman who began the walk to Oregon Territory in 1847." ~Melanie Dobson, Where the Trail Ends

"A heart-rending, beautiful tale inspiring us to relate to the courage, heartbreak, and joys of an amazing woman.” ~Barbara Tifft Blakey, Bertie’s War

"Captures not just experience, but the motivations and relationships that impacted Oregon Trail riders." ~Midwest Book Review

About the Author

          

Betty Brogan is quite possibly the last Southern Belle. Born unbelievably beautiful into a prosperous family in an otherwise poor Appalachian town, Betty is spoiled, self-involved, entitled, and outrageous. She refuses to follow the rules because the rules are for everyone else. And yet, it’s nearly impossible to not like her because she is so full of life, kind, and generous. Betty is the sun and everyone else simply lives in her orbit. Coming this summer. Special pre-order price: $10. PRE-ORDER NOW / 

In this work of humorous historical fiction, the Pharaoh's cat, now a New Yorker, travels back in time to free Egypt’s legendary Queen Nefertiti from a horrific curse, discovering firsthand why her mummy has never been found and her famous bust is missing one eye. Added to all this is an ingenious use of the Tarot and Italian opera, making for a fabulous story that will transport readers to different locations in the past and present. "Well-written historical fiction." ~Wendy Scott, Multi-Award Winning Author. 4.3 stars, 149 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

November 2, 1483: As he awaits execution for treason, Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, reflects on a life driven by ambition and betrayal. Raised at court and forced into a bitter marriage, Harry allies with Richard of Gloucester to seize power after Edward IV’s death. But when Richard becomes king, Harry’s hunger for the crown turns deadly. This gripping novel charts his fall from kingmaker to traitor in the I Richard Plantagenet series. 4.2 stars, 1100+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Historical fiction with humor. A stray tomcat in ancient Egypt becomes the young Pharaoh's intimate and, when accused of his murder, time travels to New York City and learns how to raise him from the dead. The cat is a quick-witted, wisecracking narrator as well as a free-spirited, ever-curious protagonist, and the story he tells is an exotic, imaginative, spell-binding tragicomedy. "A new take on historical fiction." ~terriluvsbooks. 4.4 stars, 247 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

In a hilarious twist of fate, rock star Marc Charles is under investigation for the bizarre death of his former music publisher who had been ripping him off for years. But there’s another scam and more murky business involving a double agent, Russians, Australian Intelligence, and the hard-headed widow of the dead man. Will the bad publicity kill Marc’s recent comeback success? And can Marc avoid the slammer? Get ready for hilarious head-spinning twists and turns when show business collides with cops and robbers in this whodunit spoof. 4.1 stars, 48 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Grace has a secret...a love child she gave up for adoption. Years later, her long-lost daughter is searching for answers and Grace gets a letter that will change everything. The father is her best friend. He never knew about the baby, and if Grace confesses now, she'll destroy his marriage. But Grace yearns to do the right thing by her daughter. Will Grace risk everything for a chance of happy-ever-after? 4.2 stars, 200+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In this New Adult comedy, Jake Durham’s post-breakup life is a mess of viral humiliation, disastrous dating, and booze-fueled chaos. But with a little help from his friends, he might just find his way back. 4.5 stars, 36 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Malcolm Merrill is a successful executive at a prestigious advertising firm in Los Angeles. He has a beautiful wife, a gorgeous home, expensive cars, and power at his disposal. So what could possess someone who has it all to attempt suicide? Find out in this novel that chronicles the life of a man whose perfect world suddenly crumbles beneath him—a man forced to come to terms with all he sacrificed on his rise to the top: his family, his friends, and his soul. "Moving and inspiring." ~Amazon Review. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Married college professors Christine and Joss thought they had it all…that is, until Christine crosses the line with a student and Joss’s memory starts to slip. Meanwhile, their outcast daughter, Abbie, finds herself in the middle of a campus cheating scandal. When their secret lives collide, their indiscretions culminate in a catastrophe no one saw coming. 4.4 stars, 180 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In this collection of fifteen curious and delightful short stories, you never know who you’re going to meet or where you’re going to end up. But you can be certain that you’ll always find yourself smack dab in the middle of some befuddling predicament of existence. Using humor and horror, satire and allegory, fabulism and realism, these stories take you for an extraordinary ride, submerging you in spaces where anything is possible, especially transformation. 4.6 stars, 20 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Life is full of ups and downs. We get the chance to experience life with loved ones and create memories as we tackle challenges on our way to becoming responsible adults. At times, we are stripped of everything we love and cherish reducing us to tears, fears, and rage. Nobody’s life experience needs to be the same. Nonetheless, we will all encounter the same emotions in this journey called, Life. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

New release. Set in London during WW2. Follow Lt. Sarah Leach, a Brit with MI6, and Robert Johnston, an American at the OSS, as they trade secrets and sex while working for the Allied effort. Developing assets for the D-Day invasion among French Resistance fighters leads to Sarah’s capture by the SS. Her location is unknown until Bletchley Park friends reveal classified intel to Robert. Will his rescue party get to her in time? Historical events and a sweeping cast of real and fictitious characters round out this “terrific read.” FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Explore the profound meaning within our connections to one another via this collection of five stories celebrating renewal and redemption. Despite all the love and attention his family can give, Tony, the golden boy, hits the skids. Katie and Danny buy their dream house, but their future shatters when Danny becomes ill. Rowena, a college student who works as a server, has a dream that will forever change her life. And Katrin’s life is transformed by a mysterious stranger she meets on the lake. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

The past may not be done with us. Anna Dahlberg grew up eating dinner under her father’s war trophy portrait of Eva Braun. Fifty years after World War II, Anna learns something her father never knew—that her mother and Hitler’s mistress were friends. Plunged into the treacherous world of Nazi Germany, Anna uncovers a long-buried tangle of family secrets and finds her every belief about right and wrong shattered. "Historical fiction that reads like a memoir." ~Philadelphia Inquirer. 4.2 stars, 1500+ ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Thunderstroke redefines the art of storytelling by using the power of words to express deep emotion and recovery via short, simple poems that have a lasting impact. Every verse is crafted to heal, inspire, and empower, making it a must-read for stroke survivors and their loved ones. Currently ranked #1 in Inspirational Poetry and in Memoir on Amazon. "A beautiful expression of emotions and can be healing to the soul." ~Teresa James, Poet & Author. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Leah Branch never expected a record deal—especially after giving up on her dream—but when heartbreak pushed her to Nashville, she took the chance. What she didn’t expect was to be stripped of her name, image, and voice, forced to become someone she didn’t recognize. After one too many humiliations on the road, Leah snaps and flees, leaving behind a shattered career and burned bridges. Now, she must rebuild not just her reputation but her sense of self in this story of resilience, unlikely friendships, and the pursuit of an authentic life. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

This volume is an anthology of older and foreign-language works translated for the first time into modern English, to be enjoyed by scholastic and enthusiasts alike. Filled with romance, battle, betrayal, and wry observation, these six translated texts encompass the historical, the mythic, and the polemic, and collectively capture the ambiance and thinking of earlier centuries. That, or they are the outright (and unlikely) inventions of the author. From $9.99 - SHOP NOW / 

A story of love and justice set against the backdrop of South Africa’s untouched bushveld, this novel shows readers the multi-stranded lives of people affected by imperialism. Ultimately, the story hangs on the balance of conservation and human rights, and a thoughtful meditation of a decision made and its consequence. $3.99 - SHOP NOW / 

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" meets a Philadelphia-based "How I Met Your Mother" in this laugh-out-loud rollercoaster ride filled with alcohol-fueled nights, crazy ideas, and hilarious dating mishaps. Vincible is the story of the unravelling of a twenty-something as he navigates the days and nights of Philadelphia as a newly single man. A #1 New Release in Humorous American Literature on Amazon.com. 4.8 stars, 16 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

'God save the Queen! God save our good Queen Mary!' When these words rang out over England, Mary Tudor thought her troubles were over. She could put her painful past - the loss of her mother and mistreatment at the hands of her father - behind her. With her accession to the throne, Mary set out to restore Catholicism in England and find the love of a husband that she had long desired. But the tragedies in Mary's life were far from over. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /  

Octogenarian actor Mervyn Ambrose gets an unexpected career revival, but his own time is running out. With the help of his best friend, Norman, a former doctor turned actor, Mervyn sets out to complete a modest yet unconventional bucket list: one last stage performance, a secret farewell party, long-overdue confrontations, and even planning his own wake. With his loyal dog, Wolfie. and a cast of eccentric showbiz friends, this dark comedy is a hilarious and poignant tale of life’s final curtain call. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Margaret Pole was the daughter of the heir apparent. She fell from grace as the child of a traitor, but regained favor under King Henry VIII. As she fights to secure a future for her children, she must navigate the King’s unpredictable nature and dangerous suspicions. Can the last of the York dynasty survive his rule, or will her royal blood prove too great a risk? 4.4 stars, 500+ ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Asylum worker James Grey has always lived in a world of routine and forgotten days at Oculus Mentis, a remote and desolate institution. But when eerie visions, lucid dreams, and a haunting drawing begin to unravel his reality, he fears his mind is slipping away. With the help of the enigmatic Silas and the silent Marianne, James embarks on a desperate quest to uncover the truth behind the mysteries that torment him. From $4.16 - SHOP NOW /