Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Scions and Shadows: A world of magic & intrigue spanning centuries

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the Scions and Shadows fantasy series from author Dax Murray, a world of magic and intrigue, spanning centuries of political conspiracies, divine machinations and conflicts of ethics, morality, and conscience. There is an overarching plot to the series, but each book can be read as a stand-alone and in any order.

Bonus: Earn rewards by participating in The Shades and Silver Audiobook Kickstarter campaign.

 


Stars and Soil

Genres: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
4.6 stars, 7 ratings
From $4.99



The land is dying, commoners are protesting, and workers are revolting. The king is ailing, but the prince is not stepping in to quell the unrest.

Lady Caitlin doesn't care—she hasn't cared about anything since the day her world shattered and she lost everything. But fate intervenes, giving her the influence and power to rule the realm as queen or tear it all down from the inside.

Caught in a web of deception and conspiracies, Caitlin must unravel the truth of a long-hidden magical prophecy or she will become yet another pawn of an enemy that has its sights set on making Caitlin into its weapon.

Stars and Soil is the first novel in the Scions and Shadows series and is perfect for those who like their fantasy full of court gossip, political intrigue, shifting alliances, deep worldbuilding, backstabbing, betrayal, and sapphic and disability representation. Fans of Seth Dickinson's The Traitor Baru Cormorant and Tessa Gratton's The Queens of Innis Lear will feel right at home in this magical, queer-normative world.

Praise for Stars and Soil
"A complex story about grief and trying to find both agency in one's life and what one wants out of it." ~Liz Sauco, author of Lost Blades

"A very emotionally convincing main character, making her journey through her fantastical world all the more engaging." ~Ka'ua Lara, author of A New World For You

Nominated in the Queer Indie Awards 2023 for: Best Overall Fantasy, Best Epic Fantasy, Best Dark Fantasy, and Best Supporting Character

Smoke and Steel

Genres: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
From $4.99



Being one of the youngest of the Sua royals never stopped Saritrah from scheming to take the throne. But violent insurrectionists shattered those plans when they stormed the palace and decimated her family.

In the years since, she has amassed an army and will return to claim her crown. However, Ashur, her one remaining sibling, has done the same, and Saritrah must act soon if she's to secure her prize.

Saritrah must retrieve a magical artifact from the hidden city before Ashur does, all while making sure none betray her. If she fails, Sua is lost not just to her, but also forfeited to the insurrectionists and stripped of its pride as a warrior nation.

Shades and Silver

Genres: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy, Fantasy Anthologies
4.5 stars, 7 ratings
From $0.99



The birthright of every Ástfríður is to know each metal in the earth, command it, bend it to their desires. Each Ástfríður must choose which metal they would wear upon their heads, denoting the path they would walk. 

But Britt does not know if they can choose the path they want...if they can overcome a past which has stolen their identity. And Astrid has never felt the pull of the metal at all while trying to navigate a world that they feel has rejected them. The Veil of the Ástfríður has kept them hidden from the world and safe from intruders. Yet Britt and Astrid feel they are imposters in their own homes. Each must decide who they are and what they want to be, or risk losing their place in the Veil.

Shades and Silver is a duology about identity, doubt, disability, and acceptance set in the universe of Scions and Shadows. 

Praise for Shades and Silver
"Lyrical writing, detailed characters, and exquisite world-building/" ~Amazon Review

2023 Indie Ink Awards Finalist; Writing the Future We Need: Disability Representation by a Disabled Author
About the Kickstarter Campaign (ends October 25!)
The Kickstarter Campaign for Shades and Silver: The Audiobook aims to bring to life this anthology of fantasy stories about disability, unicorn-people, and belonging via narrator Kyle Rocco East, a finalist for the Indie Ink Award for their narration of Chameleon Moon.

You can become a backer of this project for as little as $1 and earn rewards ranging from an e-book edition of the book to a package that includes audiobook, e-book, and paperback editions of book from the Scions and Shadows Series, including Shades and Silver (all formats), Stars and Soil (e-book and paperback), and Smoke and Steel (e-book and paperback). All print copies will be signed by the author!

Visit the Shades and Silver: The Audiobook Kickstarter campaign now to learn more.
About the Author
Dax Murray is an award-winning author of revolutionary fantasy that focuses on trauma, healing, and leftist political advancement. After realizing their dream of being a curmudgeonly hedgewitch in the woods of Western Pennsylvania was not possible due to the construction of an outlet mall, Dax took up a new form of sorcery, where they whispered to rocks in arcane languages and taught them how to spy on you, colloquially known as software engineering.

But this new career lead to an epic battle between the valiant forces of Ethics and all-powerful legion of Student Loan Payments, and Dax left that behind to join the magical order of word-placing. Today, they can be found waiting on the god (ie: cat) who has allowed them to live in their abode and use their word-magic to make others cry.

Learn more at DaxMurray.com, and be sure to sign up for Dax's Diatribes (via website pop-up or sign-up form at bottom of left column on the website) to get exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes looks, and exclusive updates from Dax Murray, including a free copy of Scorched Scars, a novella set in the world of Scions and Shadows, and Shrouded Sight, a short story anthology set in the world of Scions and Shadows.


Victory Island: Small-town romances from author Jennie Atkins

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Victory Island Series from author Jennie Atkins, two clean and wholesome small-town romance novels:
★★★★★ "Romance, charm, and the allure of a small-town setting." ~Amazon Review

Moonlight Cowboy

Book 1 of the Victory Island Series
Genre: Small Town Romance
5.0 stars, 9 ratings
From $1.99
 


I’m Daniel Gallagher, an art teacher by day and a world-famous artist by night. I’d do anything to reboot my life after the death of my wife. So when my private investigator friend asks me to do him a favor, I jump at the chance to escape to the small island town of Victory. Big mistake.

The woman I’m to monitor works at the island’s art gallery and has island residents wondering where she’s getting the money for her extravagant shopping sprees.

As I get to know her, I discover two things. One, falling for the gallery assistant is not in my job description. And two, there is a reason I should have left my gumshoes at home—especially when the secrets I discover have nothing to do with the secret missions of mercy she carries out for her employer but have the ability to yank the moorings out from under her.

Praise for Moonlight Cowboy
★★★★★ "The plot twists, character development, and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat throughout." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A beautiful story with threads of romance and mystery." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "An excellent choice for a feel-good love story with memorable characters and a charming setting." ~Amazon Review
 

The Warrior's B & B

Book 2 of the Victory Island Series
Genre: Small Town Romance
New release: October 14, 2024
From $1.99
 


Sage Johnson decided whom she intended to marry at the ripe old age of eight years old. Too bad the groom-to-be, her dearest childhood friend Derick Rogers, didn’t have a clue.

Twenty years later, Derick is halfway around the world fighting for his country, and Sage is a physical therapist and the new owner of her grandparent’s bed-and-breakfast—not the life she’d envisioned. Especially when Derick appears at her B & B blinded and bruised by an IED explosion and needing her help. In a panic, she lies about who she is and introduces herself as Abbi Johnson.

She could get away with it, right? What could go wrong? Everything!

About the Author

Once a Financial Systems Business Analyst, Jennie Atkins can finally devote her time to a lifelong dream of being a writer. Native Ohioans, Jennie and her husband of almost 50 years picked up their Ohio roots and retired to the Smokey Mountains where she writes from the confines of her She Shed with a stash of chocolates at her side. Learn more at  JennieAtkins.com and sign up for her newsletter to get free copies of the first two chapters of The Warrior's B & B, as well as advanced notices on special offers and upcoming releases. Be sure to also follow Jennie online: 
 
      


Get Avenging Love & the Trinitarian Knights Collection from author Kevin Mansoor

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Avenging Love (currently available as a free download) and the Trinitarian Knights Collection, works of best-selling urban fantasy from author Kevin Mansoor. 

★★★★★ "Kevin puts you right in the middle of what's happening. So many emotions...anger, fear, humor...I even laughed out loud." ~Amazon Review

Avenging Love

Book 1 of The Trinitarian Knights Collection
Genre: Epic Fantasy
4.4 stars, 59 ratings
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: FREE
 


Within the enchanted realms of imagination, Kevin Mansoor artfully crafts tales that whisk readers away to worlds where reality melds seamlessly with fantasy. His quill, touched by moonlight, breathes life into imaginative characters that leap off the page, conjuring epic adventures that push boundaries and urge readers to embrace the extraordinary.

Enter the international best-selling debut of the Trinitarian Knights Collection, Avenging Love, a journey that propels readers into a realm uncannily similar to our own. Yet, for David, the boundaries between dimensions blur, revealing a world coexisting with angels and demons. Amid this duality, his heartache stems from the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah, taken from him by the demon dimension three years past.

David, alongside his guilt-laden Saint Bernard, Duke, embarks on a quest to avenge their love and find solace for their tormented souls. Though the path ahead is clear, it leads through the very gates of Hell itself.

Can David break free from the clutches of the tequila bottle he's hidden behind for years? Will the enigmatic 2000-year-old Emma guide him to heed his heart's call? And when David enters an unwinnable battle, will the Archangel Michael stand by his side?

Through a riveting journey, David and Duke confront their deepest personal demons. Join them as they traverse a perilous path, facing their own shadows head-on in a tale that resonates with both heartache and hope. Get your copy of this international best-seller for FREE today!

Praise for Avenging Love
"An absolute masterpiece!" ~Google Play Review
 
"A thrilling, unforgettable, and incredibly entertaining fantasy tale that will take its readers on a brilliant journey full of twists and turns galore!" ~Goodreads Review

Ranked #1 in its category in seven different Amazon markets/countries and has never left the top 50 in its category on Amazon in the United States.

The Trinitarian Knights Collection Special Edition Boxed Set

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Price: $5.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
 


This special edition boxed set includes all three novels in the series, plus a novella and exclusive bonus content that delves deeper into the characters and events of this epic saga.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Hell with the complete Trinitarian Knights Collection, which includes:
  • Avenging Love (Book 1): See description, above.
  • Behind the Bravery (a bonus-content short): Get the perspective of Duke, David's canine companion in Avenging Love
  • Protecting Love (a novella): Before Avenging Love, a tormented David battles to protect his family. Plagued by nightmarish visions, he confronts a sinister offer that could silence the demons within.
  • The Deception of Fear (Book 2): David's illusion of tranquility shatters when a nemesis, long believed dead, appears on his doorstep, igniting a maelstrom of mystery and fear. 
  • Buried Within (Book 3): A creeping darkness threatens to engulf the world as David's closest ally, the fallen Archangel Michael, prepares for a long-foretold battle. 
Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling saga of love, loss, and redemption, where the boundaries between good and evil blur, and the power of faith is tested against the ultimate darkness.

About the Author

Kevin M. Mansoor is a storyteller whose novels have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide. He lives in Washington State, and when he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on DIY projects.

Kevin's literary journey is driven by a deep passion to not just tell stories, but to fully immerse readers in them. Learn more at KevinMansoor.com. Be sure to also sign up for his newsletter and to follow him online:
 
    


New Release: Landed from Jennifer Lang & Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Jennifer Lang and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces and poses, in which the author explores her sense of home through her experiences in Israel, a cross-cultural marriage, and yoga teachings, ultimately discovering that true home lies within oneself.

★★★★★ "Lyrical. Poignant. Funny." ~Sarah Tuttle-Singer, author of Jerusalem, Drawn and Quartered


Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces and poses

NEW RELEASE: October 15, 2024
Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction
4.74 stars, 23 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49  



American-born Jennifer traces her journey—both on and off the yoga mat—reckoning with her adopted country (Israel), midlife hormones (merciless), cross-cultural marriage (to a Frenchman), and their imminent empty nest (a mixed blessing), eventually realizing the words her yoga teachers had been offering for the past twenty-three years: root down into the ground and stay true to yourself. Finally, she understands that home is about who you are, not where you live.

Written in experimental chapterettes, Landed spans seven years (and then some), each punctuated with chakra wisdom from nationally-acclaimed Rodney Yee, Jennifer's first teacher.

If you enjoyed You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith, The Art of Leaving by Ayelet Tsabari, The Postcard by Anne Berest, Bluets by Maggie Nelson, or Belonging or Diaries of War by Nora Krug, you will love Landed.

Praise for Landed
★★★★★ “Crisp, witty, heartfelt.” ~Dawn Raffel, author of Boundless as the Sky

★★★★★ “Imaginative and inspiring.” ~Elisa Bernick, author of Departure Stories

★★★★★ “Real, heartfelt, and captivating.” ~Terri L. Orbuch, Ph.D., author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great

★★★★★ “A must-read for anyone seeking a profound understanding of the human spirit in a world of turmoil.” ~Sarah Tuttle-Singer, author of Jerusalem, Drawn and Quartered


About the Author
California-born Jennifer Lang lives in Tel Aviv, where she runs Israel Writers Studio. Her prize-winning essays appear in Baltimore Review, Under the Sun, Midway Journal, and elsewhere. A Pushcart Prize, Best of Net, and Best American Essays nominee, she holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and served as an Assistant Editor at Brevity. Her first book, Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature, was a finalist in multiple awards including the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards. Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses is Jennifer's second book. A longtime yogi and yoga instructor, her greatest passion is YogaProse: Using Your Practice to Write Your Story. Learn more at IsraelWriterStudio.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


Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Mystery & more from Rachel E. Croxton

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Rachel E. Croxton, author of fantasy, horror, paranormal, mystery, and romance stories for young adults and readers of all ages. Read on to learn more.

★★★★★ “Croxton's writing has vivid descriptions and creative flourishes that paint a world both alien and mesmerizingly familiar, appealing directly to the heart of fantasy lovers." ~Amazon Review


The Dark Prince of Lazera

Genres: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Romance, Teen & Young Adult Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
4.4 stars, 100+ ratings
From $2.99

Simina, a poor girl in the small village of Lazera on the planet Zormonia, loves to read books. The stories take her to distant lands and allow her to imagine herself in a different world, a different life. Her favorite things to read are fairy tales and romance novels.

One day, she discovers an intriguing new book: The Dark Prince of Lazera. It tells of an evil, dark prince who possesses dark magic. Simina does not believe the dark prince is real...until a fateful encounter that causes Simina's life to change in unexpected ways.

★★★★★ “Perfect for anyone who loves a good mix of mystery, fantasy, and unexpected twists." ~Goodreads Review

Mutated Files: Case One

Genres: Teen & Young Adult Zombie Fiction, Teen & Young Adult Science Fiction
New release: September 30, 2024
From $2.99

Eighteen-year-old Carol Tyson's life takes a sudden turn when she discovers a poster in her missing father's belongings that comes to life, warning her of an imminent apocalypse. To find her father, who may hold the key to stopping the catastrophe, Carol must journey into a future overrun by zombies and mutants. But as she and her allies face this dystopian world, a far greater evil lurks in the shadows, threatening everything. 

★★★★★ “An engaging story, unique concepts...making it fun to read." ~Amazon Review

Blu Rain

Genres: Paranormal Vampire Romance, Bisexual Romance
4.4 stars, 50+ ratings
From $2.99

Most well-known for his role as King Nar's Royal Adviser, Blu Coloure puts on the facade of a cool, calm, and calculated individual. He's neat, articulate, and proper, like a noble should be. But his orderly world is shattered one night when he finds himself dying on the street, bathed in blood.

The next morning, he discovers he's still alive...but only partially. Tainted with the curse of vampirism, Blu begins his painful transition. He gets help from an odd man who seems to hide quite a few secrets, but Blu must fight every day to survive as the hunters will stop at nothing to destroy all vampires and the werewolves are itching for any reason to start a war.

★★★★★ “Perfect for supernatural, action and romance fans." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author
Rachel E. Croxton has been writing since the age of eleven. She fell in love with it, and hasn't been able to stop since. She enjoys writing all kinds of genres from fantasy to sci-fi, horror and romance. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her favorite TV shows. Her inspiration comes from a lifelong interest in magic, folklore, and the paranormal. Learn more at rcroxtonbooks.com, sign up for her newsletter (at the bottom of any page on her website), and be sure to also follow her online:
 
        


Fun RomComs from author Abby Greyson

Spotlight

Get A Not So Merry Ex-Mas, a new release from Abby Greyson, author of sweet-and-swoony romances. This sweet, second-chance, holiday romantic comedy is part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses series (12 books in total!).

Be sure to also check out other fun RomComs from Abby, including I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend and
Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother. Read on to learn more.

“Being a bright spot in someone's day should be your goal. It doesn't have to be big—a smile or a hello will do.” ~Abby Greyson


A Not So Merry Ex-Mas

New release: October 2, 2024
Part of the Sweet Christmas Kisses series
4.7 stars, 127 ratings
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

For years I've been dreaming of a real Christmas back home. Tree trimming, decorating, Christmas carols. What I wasn't expecting was Cole.

If I was to dream up the perfect man, it would be Cole Nichols: tall, broad shoulders, smile to die for, and dreamy green eyes that held a mischievous glint. Add in a heart of gold and always helping others in need.

We had planned out every detail of our lives together…including his dream of becoming a major league pitcher. So when my gran got sick and I needed to take care of her, I gave him the push he needed, breaking my heart, and his, in the process.

A decade and a divorce later, I'm heading back home to start my life over. That new start begins with Christmas at my best friend’s cabin…and the man I’ve done everything to leave behind.

This is a sweet, kisses only, holiday romantic comedy featuring a second chance, close proximity, enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, slow burn, and a happily-ever-after ending.

★★★★★ "Abby Greyson cleverly mixes romance and humor, and shows how two seemingly completely different people can complement each other perfectly." ~Goodreads Review

I'd Never Date My Brother's Best Friend

Book 1 in the Bake My Day With Love series
4.3 stars, 235 ratings
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A movie star, a grump next door, and a dating experiment gone awry.

My brother’s best friend has always been a gorgeous thorn in my side. He’s the famous Sean O’Connell, rom-com celebrity, owner of a smile that can melt even the coldest of hearts. He’s one of the happiest people I’ve ever met, and to be honest, it’s annoying. I don’t have to be happy or like people. I’m good, thank you very much.

But Sean thinks I need to be happy, so he recruited my best friend and my brother to put the Get-Jessica-A-Man plan into action. A makeover and some speed dating were absolutely not on my social calendar. But there’s no stopping Sean once his mind is made up.

As Sean’s sunny disposition starts to rub off on me, I feel myself falling. But for the wrong guy. Is it possible the thorn in my side is actually the rose I’ve been longing for?

★★★★★ "Sweet romance, perfect for teens and others who like clean romances...a funny and enjoyable read with great characters." ~Amazon Review

Accidentally In Love with My Best Friend's Brother

4.5 stars, 392 ratings
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

My best friend’s annoying brother, some spilled tea, and a crazy proposition.

Josh Owen’s is the top receiver in the NFL, with a bad boy reputation. He’s click bait fodder for any, and all, gossip columns.

A newly released video shows us “kissing,” and the news is spreading like wildfire. Now me, "good girl" Brie, is in the rumor mills with him.

His agent sees this as a golden opportunity for Josh to get on better terms with his team. I think it’s crazy, but Josh needs help. So in spite of our love-hate relationship, I agree to be his “girlfriend." But as fake kisses begin to feel more real, I start to wonder: Can the bane of my existence be the one who’s had the key to my heart all along?

★★★★★ "Jam-packed full of banter, cuteness, omg comments, and the most adorable small town Gossip Girl vibes." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Two options to get a free e-book by signing up for Abby's newsletter!

     

About the Author
Abby Greyson loves writing clean, kisses-only, sweet-and-swoony romance stories that invite people to remember what it’s like to fall in love over and over and over again. Stories that make you laugh, root for the main characters, and wonder what they are doing long after the book is finished. 

On the days Abby isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys spending lazy days with her Mr. Wonderful, her two pups, and watching the Buffalo Bills on a football Sunday. Learn more at AbbyGreyson.com, sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow her online:
 
        


New release - All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury

Spotlight

Congratulations to Debra J. White and Vine Leaves Press on the release of All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury. On January 6, 1994, Debbie's life changed when a car accident caused severe brain trauma, transforming her future into one filled with resilience and purpose.

★★★★★ "Debbie's spunk and petulance will drive the reader to laughter despite the tragic circumstances." ~Dr. Fawzia Mail Tung


All Shook Up: Finding Purpose After Traumatic Brain Injury

NEW RELEASE: October 8, 2024
Genre: Memoir, Biography, Memory Disorders, Nervous System Diseases
#1 new release in Memory Disorders on Amazon
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49  



January 6, 1994, started as an uneventful day in Debbie's life, but she doesn't remember.

During a late afternoon walk with her two dogs, Debbie’s life irrevocably changed when she was hit by a car. The impact threw her into a snow-filled ditch, leaving her unconscious and bleeding from severe brain trauma.

Two months later, Debbie returned home to a world that felt foreign. The lingering effects of her brain injury meant she could never work again. She grappled with permanent memory and mobility issues that reshaped her daily existence.

Despite the long and arduous recovery, Debbie found new purpose in life. She embraced creative writing and devoted herself to volunteer work, including working in animal shelters and teaching English to refugees. Surviving on disability payments posed its own challenges, but she persevered.

Though her financial situation is strained, Debbie's heart is fuller than ever. The accident, as devastating as it was, forged her into the person she is today. She cherishes the new path her life has taken and wouldn’t change a thing. Or would she?

Praise for All Shook Up
★★★★★ "Debbie’s story is one of resilience, persistence, healing and a commitment to community service...reminds us that there is no better way to heal than by giving to others." ~Sandy Bahr, Grand Canyon Director of the Sierra Club

★★★★★ "Debra's sense of humor is refreshing. She had the rug pulled out from under her and rose to new heights. She didn’t let her handicaps deter her from bettering the lives of others." ~Nazli Currim, author

★★★★★ "A fascinating look at the life of a strong resilient woman...a must read for those who think they’ve been dealt a bad hand in life." ~Dr. Fawzia Mail Tung


About the Author
Debra White's life changed after a 1994 car accident and traumatic brain injury ended her career. She reinvented herself through volunteer work and writing. Debra has written for Animal Wellness, Arizona Republic, Social Work, Psychology Today, and others. She has also reviewed books, contributed book chapters, and wrote a book for TFH Publications. Learn more at DebraWhite.org.
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.


Spotlight on The Fate of Our Union by Hildebrand Hermannson

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Fate of Our Union, Book 1 in The Fate Series by Hildebrand Hermannson.

"A phenomenal work of high fantasy." ~Self-Publishing Review


The Fate of Our Union

New release: September 24, 2024
Genre: High Fantasy, Ancient Historical Fiction, Mythology
4.3 stars, 22 ratings
Hardcover: $19.99
Paperback: $13.99
E-book: $0.99

A miraculous seven-headed horse, a symbol of unity, assembles three struggling youths with extraordinary origins into a journey of self-discovery. There, Sunu the Saxon Poet, Rufus the Roman Stoic, and Keresaspa the Sarmatian Priestess must overcome pride, aversion, and unforgiveness; there they must learn from historical heroes, philosophers, and the gods that strengthen them to battle an unseen monster and its rising wolfmen—dividing the Sons of Man.

Praise for The Fate of Our Union
"Sunu’s character arc, while epic in scope, is charming and fun... There’s also an engaging secondary character in the warrior Keresaspa... An enjoyable, well-researched historical adventure." ~Kirkus Reviews

"A brilliant first piece of a new series that boldly leans into philosophy, anthropology, ethics, history, religion, and magic, for a phenomenal work of high fantasy." ~Self-Publishing Review

"Well-written and thought-provoking." ~Amazon Review

"Perfect for lovers of complex world building, strong historical and mythological themes." ~Goodreads Review

"An epic tale that feels both ancient and timeless." ~Goodreads Review


About the Author

Hildebrand Hengest Hermannson’s deep-rooted fire for Indo-European culture and Western Philosophy ignites his first novel, The Fate of Our Union, the inaugural piece in a planned series. His work draws inspiration from a range of national epics, including The Saga of the Volsungs (Norse), Mahabharata (Indian), Aenid (Roman), Odyssey (Greek), Táin Bó Cúailnge (Celtic), and the Shahnameh (Iranian). He crafts these rich cultures into original stories featuring fantasy world-building, dynamic characters, and intricate plots and themes.  

His iron weaving is further strengthened by the Stoics, Cynics, and Yogis, who feared not pain, death, or poverty, ordained by the Thunderer and the Fates, and who embraced their destiny like epic heroes. Hildebrand’s Wild Hunt of thought breathes life into his spiritual, ethical, and cultural interests, inspiring us to live in accordance with our immortal heroes and philosophers.

Learn more at hhhermannson.com and be sure to follow him online:
 
        


Spotlight on Paula Cappa, author of supernatural, metaphysical & mysterious fiction

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Paula Cappa, award-winning author of supernatural, metaphysical, and mysterious fiction. Paula's novels have earned awards and recognition from the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Awards, the Global Book Awards, the Chanticleer Book Awards, the American Book Fest Best Books Awards, the Readers' Favorite International Awards, and the Gothic Readers Book Club Awards. If you are not familiar with Paula's work, read on to learn more!

"Paula Cappa is a master of the metaphysical mystery genre." ~Midwest Book Review 


Draakensky: A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance

New release: September 27, 2024
Genre: Ghost Suspense; Horror Suspense; Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction
4.4 stars, 10 ratings
Paperback: $13.99
E-book: From $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A murder. A wind sorcerer. A dark spirit. On Draakensky, magick dictates destiny.

The Chief of Police discovers an elderly woman dead in the Mianus River. There is a ghost who resides here and flings its words through the spinning air. River magic too, streams across Draakensky Windmill estate, conjuring a secret in Bedford, New York.

Sketch artist Charlotte Knight arrives on Draakensky to a bright opportunity. She is hired to illustrate the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke under the direction of Jaa Morland, the recluse spinster of Draakensky. Jaa, a believer in ghosts, instructs Charlotte to ‘draw the ghosts.’

From the first night, Charlotte hears the watery voice of Draakensky’s ghost speak to her. Sinister dark eyes watch at the window. Fear mounts when a strange man stalks her through the village cemetery and shops. When a wicked force of nature strikes Charlotte, warning her to flee Draakensky, she is shaken to the bone.

Needing solid ground, Charlotte meets the local restaurant owner, Marc Sexton, who knows the ghostly Otherworld and the magickal practices from his Celtic ancestry; he sports a silver wolf amulet at his neck. Their romance takes Charlotte into a piercing adventure through darkness and doubt, passion and aching love.

As dark magick accelerates on Draakensky, Charlotte is driven into realms of owl magick, witchcraft, and necromancy. She battles her own fear of ghosts and wrestles with how to trust Marc Sexton, a man with hidden realities.

If magick is destiny, then Charlotte must survive the world of ghosts or surrender to a more powerful source in this literary tale of mystery, sorcery, and love.

If you enjoy Gothic fiction like Woman in Black by Susan Hill or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, you will enjoy Draakensky.

Praise for Draakensky
★★★★★ "An immersive novel weaving magic and romance into a tapestry of fantasy, poetry, and horror.." ~Richard Thomas, Bram Stoker Award Finalist.

★★★★★ "Intricately crafted and lavishly realized...a feast for lovers of the modern gothic." ~Christopher Hawkins, author of Downpour

★★★★★ "A gorgeous, gothic novel that has all the potential to become a modern classic. Dripping with dark, delicious prose and packed with sinful secrets and intricate lore." ~Stephen Black, author of The Famine Witch

★★★★★ "Dazzling storytelling! A stunning, adventurous, romantic fantasy!" ~Carol B Allen, Amazon Bestselling Author & Global Gold Medal Award Winner of the Sci-Fi Fantasy Virago Trilogy

"A novel steeped in the rich dual attractions of Gothic romance and ghosts.." ~Midwest Book Review

"Spine-tingling, atmospheric mystery." ~San Diego Book Review


Greylock

Genre: Ghost Suspense, Horror Fiction, Ghost Thrillers
4.2 stars, 127 ratings
From: $2.99

Pianist Alexei Georg harbors a dark secret. He is haunted by a creature of darkness that relentlessly pursues him from Boston to Russia to Mt. Greylock. Whenever Alexei performs an old Russian sonata, a menacing presence appears in the audience, in the aisle, and on the stage with him. Is there a ghost inside Alexei's music?

When Alexei's wife, Carole Anne, a prima ballerina is found murdered, Alexei becomes the prime suspect. Trapped in an unhappy marriage, broken by secrets and obsession, Alexei flees Boston to Russia. But Alexei cannot flee the supernatural powers living within his music.

Alone on the summit of Mt. Greylock, Alexei escapes into an affair with the ravishing Lia Marrs. But the creature of darkness knows no bounds. Alexei must find a way to halt the dark force threatening his life or become a prisoner to its power.

Praise for Greylock
Gold Medal Winner, Global Book Awards.

Chanticleer Book Award Winner, First Place.

Best Book Award Finalist, American Book Fest.

"A plot replete with all the wonderful trappings of a romance-laced mystery with unexpected twists and turns." ~U.S. Review of Books.

"A smart, entertaining supernatural thriller. Think Stephen King meets Raymond Chandler with a score by Tchaikovsky." ~David Corbett, best-selling author of The Mercy of the Night


Night Sea Journey, A Tale of the Supernatural

Genre: Ghost Suspense, Horror Fiction, Ghost Thrillers
4.1 stars, 98 ratings
From: $2.99

From the land of ghosts, a dark and powerful visitor invades a woman’s consciousness. This is a tale of angels and demons, supernatural forces, murder, and the power of love.

Artist Kip Livingston is haunted. Each night, a winged creature invades her dreams and drags her to the bottom of a ghost-grey sea. Even Kip's Jungian therapist, Dr. Laz Merlyn, cannot help Kip out of this ghostly world. Then she meets the charming but lost Raymond Kera. Raymond can't resist the seductive Kip. When Raymond is drawn into Kip’s night sea journeys, her nightmare becomes his own.

Can Raymond rescue Kip? What risks will he have to take? Or will Kip pay the ultimate price?

Praise for Night Sea Journey
Eric Hoffer Book Award Winner

Silver Medal Winner, Global Book Awards

"Stunning and absorbing plot on par with—if not better than—a Dan Brown novel." ~U.S. Review of Books

"A continual thrill ride, impossible to put down, a fast-paced thriller." ~San Francisco Book Review


The Dazzling Darkness

Genre: Occult Suspense, Ghost Thrillers, Ghost Suspense
3.9 stars, 370 ratings
From: $2.99

A mysterious cemetery. An ancient secret. A little boy, lost.

Elias Hatch protects the secrets of Old Willow Cemetery and the enchanted woods that host the spirits of Emerson, Thoreau, and Alcott.

On a cold March afternoon, five-year-old Henry Brooke goes missing. Elias cannot fathom how the boy got inside the cemetery's locked gates, unless...

Henry's parents are frantic as the days pass in a futile search of the cemetery gardens for their little boy. They face their deepest fears—is their child dead? Alive? Where is he? Matters are made worse by a series of ominous hauntings and the horror that their Henry will never be returned.

Detective Mike Balducci suspects the truth lies in the shadowy apparitions drifting through the oaks and elms. An Emerson enthusiast, Mike uses his transcendental instincts to hunt, chase, and track the leads to locate little Henry. But to do so, he must combat a power source far stronger than he's ever imagined.

Set against the metaphysical world of Concord, Massachusetts' historical Transcendentalist philosophy that still pervades modern society in Concord, this supernatural mystery is about a family who confronts the secrets of the dead and everlasting hope.

Praise for The Dazzling Darkness
Gold Medal Winner, Global Book Awards

Bronze Medal Winner, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards

Gothic Readers Book Club Choice Award Winner

“A lovely mesh of mystery and the supernatural." ~Leigh M. Lane, author of Finding Poe

“An adventure into dark and mysterious places.” ~Cathryn McIntyre, author of Honor in Concord

"The spirit of Dan Brown meets the darkest and most somber ruminations of Ralph Waldo Emerson." ~Jonathan Stone, author of The Cold Truth


About the Author

Paula Cappa is author of four novels and recipient of multiple book awards, including the prestigious Eric Hoffer Book Award. Her short fiction has appeared in The Lorelei Signal, ParABnormal Magazine, Coffin Bell Literary Journal, Unfading Daydream, Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine, Whistling Shade Literary Journal, SmokeLong Quarterly, Sirens Call Ezine, Every Day Fiction, Fiction365, Twilight Times Ezine, and in anthologies Journals of Horror: Found Fiction, Mystery Time, and Human Writes Literary Journal. Many of her published short stories are now Kindle Singles. Paula is also Co-Chair of the Pound Ridge Authors Society in Pound Ridge, NY. 

Learn more at Paula's website and be sure to follow her online:
 
        


Get The Chimera Snare: Fragments - Book 1 of a new dark fantasy series

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Chimera Snare: Fragments, the recently released first book of a new dark fantasy series from authors S & E Black.

★★★★★ "A riveting journey into the realm of mystical secrets." ~Amazon Review

BONUS: Enter a giveaway on Facebook or Instagram to win one of two handmade and signed art prints! 



 

The Chimera Snare: Fragments

Book 1 in a Dark Fantasy Series
New release: August 17, 2024
4.7 stars, 12 ratings
Special editions, signed copies & gifts at Clay Urn Publishing
Paperback: $24.99 from Amazon
Ebook: $4.99 from Amazon



High school chaos clashes with an other-worldly feud as two earthbound teenagers work together to thwart a reality-bending showdown.

The Chimera Snare: Fragments plunges the reader into the middle of an otherworldly feud between the distant realms of Celestine and Daeva. Notable characters from each realm are vying for the possession of a powerful set of artifacts known as The Order of Existence that grants the user control over all reality. While the Celestines have established themselves as the guardians of The Order, a sect within the persecuted realm of Daeva aims to assume control of it and exact a long-awaited vengeance.

When two Celestine guardians are expelled from their realm and trapped within the bodies of two earthbound teenagers, a race begins between the feuding realms: Will the Celestines find a way to free their guardians, or will the Daeva succeed in their quest to alter the fabric of existence?

Meanwhile on Earth, high schoolers and best friends Rayshell and Trish are thrust into the story when they realize that they are living vessels in this realm for the two banished Celestine guardians, putting Rayshell and Trish in a race against time to connect with the Celestines before the Daeva find them. 
The Clay Urn Publishing Store
In addition to signed and limited edition copies of The Chimera Snare, Clay Urn Publishing offers a variety of artisan gifts, including a Triple Moon Pendant, hand-painted artwork, fragrances in the form of artisan candles, soaps, and incense, and other curated goods. Visit Clay Urn Publishing to learn more. 

      


About the Authors
Shannon Vierra is an urban gardener and avid seed collector—last clocked in with over 3500 different varieties. In the makeup community, Shannon goes by zoomzoommacaron where she collaborates with fellow MUAS across the world. She hosts a monthly zombie-themed makeup group called the #zombabescollab and adores SFX and other creative makeup. Shannon is also the owner of ShopCorpsicle which specializes in handmade props, fake food, miniatures, prosthetics, and other accessories. She uses the alias Silence In Shadows for her traditional art. 

Edward Ayllon first discovered the joys of creative writing through his early high school studies, and has spent many years exploring and developing a deep appreciation for the arts. Since first collaborating with his wife, Shannon, he has sprouted a passion and true affinity for storytelling and crafting literature. In addition to refining his skill in creating written works, his other interests include playing bass guitar, listening to music, and dabbling in photography.

Shannon and Edward write together as S&E Black, and The Chimera Snare: Fragments was released on August 17, 2024, which was their anniversary. (Happy Anniversary, Shannon and Edward!) Both are originally from California and now live in the Chicago area with an a clowder of rescue cats. Learn more at TheChimeraSnare.com
About Clay Urn Publishing
Clay Urn Publishing LLC, co-founded in 2023 by Edward Ayllon and Shannon Vierra, is home to The Chimera Snare series and is open to other imaginative and captivating literary works. Committed to supporting independent voices, this publishing house seeks to create a platform where unique stories can flourish. Clay Urn has also developed a creative way to promote animal welfare and independent animal rescue organizations. Visit ClayUrnPublishing.com to learn more, and be sure to follow Clay Urn online:
 
    


New release: A Ben & Blue Mystery for young readers

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002, a new mystery for young readers ages 8 - 12 from author Ellen Melissa Cohen and Red Chair Press.

★★★★★ "Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite

BONUS: Get the FREE Discussion Guide for educators and parents.


Ben & Blue: Searching for Lucky #3002

NEW RELEASE: October 1, 2024
Genre: Juvenile fiction (Ages 8-12, Grades 3-6)
Available in hardcover, softcover, audiobook, and e-book from $8.99

Ben knows only three things about his dad: 1) he has green eyes, 2) he has a number, and 3) at one point in his life, he made a deposit at a bank.

Ben’s mom is usually good about answering Ben's questions. But not this one. So, when Ben is assigned a family tree project at school, he confronts his mom (for the zillionth time), and instead of telling Ben the truth, she buys him a dog (Blue).

With the dreaded day of oral reports looming, Ben enlists the help of his best friend, Cooper, and Blue to uncover his dad’s whereabouts and complete his family tree. But what Ben discovers is stranger than anything he could have ever imagined. And to make matters worse, Blue’s former owner enters the story and unusual things start to happen.

Praise for Ben & Blue
"This sweet story tackles the complicated topic of nontraditional families with sensitivity and humor. An excellent read for middle grade readers and their parents looking for suspense, action, and uplifting entertainment." ~Lisa Parker Hayreh, Independent Book Review full review

"Combining the very adult topic of donor-conceived birth with a fun mystery for youngsters...was a stroke of genius on the part of this author." ~Feathered Quill Book Reviews full review

"An outstanding addition to middle-grade fiction. A heartwarming, insightful, and thoroughly enjoyable read that both children and adults will appreciate." ~Literary Titan full review

"Heartfelt and full of surprises."  ~Courtney Sheinmel, author of My So-Called Family

(Spoiler Alert!) "A solid introduction...for elementary readers into what it means to be born by sperm donation." ~Booklist

"An informative and engaging story about reproduction and a different, more scientific, approach to how babies are made. Told in simple language so young readers can follow along. Educational and told from the heart." ~Readers Favorite

2024 International Book Awards: Finalist for Best in Children's Fiction


About the Author
Ellen Melissa Cohen, M.D. is a psychiatrist on faculty at Harvard Medical School and a board member of the New England Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She graduated Barnard College as a creative writing major before going to medical school. Her short story “The Mystery of the Northern Lights” was published in the Nancy Drew Anthology (Silver Birch Press; 2016). Ellen lives with her husband near Boston, Massachusetts. Learn more at EllenMelissaCohen.com.
About the Illustrator
Donald Wu was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Oakland, California. His passion for drawing and comic books led him to attend California College of the Arts where he studied illustration. Donald currently lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife, Leanne, son, daughter, and dog. Learn more at DonaldWu.com.
About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
 
    


Coming Oct. 1: Martha's Notebook, Book 1 of a new Zombie Apocalypse Trilogy

Spotlight

We're just 2 days away from the release of Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster, the first book of a new zombie apocalypse trilogy that includes a viral outbreak, zombies, and AI gone wrong. Pre-order now to get your copy on October 1.

Bonus: Get the e-book for a special price of $2.99 now through October 5. (After that, the e-book will be available at a regular price of $4.99.)


Martha's Notebook

New release coming October 1, 2024
Special pre-order price: $2.99


 


Before the incident, Martha’s biggest worry was her parents’ divorce. Now she’s hiding from a zombie horde hell-bent on annihilating humankind nicknamed “Chippers.”

But this attack wasn’t spurred by a viral outbreak. Instead, these zombies seem to be puppets of an AI technology gone rogue, and with every day that passes, it’s learning more about how to accomplish its sinister goal.

But why is an AI creating, controlling, and upgrading zombies—and more importantly, how do you stop an ultra-intelligent, world-ending technology that can shift course at a moment’s notice?

Only one thing is clear: there’s no going back.

Martha’s Notebook is the electrifying first installment of a new sci-fi horror trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist. Jam-packed with survival, suspense, and existential dread, it’s sure to satisfy any post-apocalyptic fiction enthusiast.


About the Author

C. Fulster is a seasoned electrician, devoted husband, and new father who moonlights as an award-winning writer, producer, and illustrator. He has sixteen children’s books, three animated screenplays, and one internationally acclaimed short film under his belt, and he has donated the proceeds of five picture books to charity.

In his free time, he can be found indulging his passions for hockey, spicy food, and relaxing. He currently resides in Colorado with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their two dogs. Learn more at cfulster.com where you can also sign up for his newsletter (scroll to the bottom on any page on his website), and be sure to follow him online:
 
      


Spotlight on the work of Lancelot Schaubert: "Conviction but without the cliché and bluster."

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Lancelot Schaubert, author, editor, and producer of albums, films, and photo novels. The works in today's special edition newsletter run the gamut from science fiction to humor to social commentary. Read on to learn more.

“Lancelot Schaubert writes with conviction but without the cliché and bluster of the propaganda that is so common in this age of blogs and tweets. Here is a real practitioner of the craft who has the patience to pay attention." ~Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, bestselling author of Common Prayer and The Awakening of Hope


Of Gods and Globes

A collection of three anthologies
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: $11.97 for all three e-books (individual titles from $3.99)



Author and editor Lancelot Schaubert rounded up sci-fi and fantasy writers to write about cosmic influence. The fantasy writers took a more mythological approach, speaking of the symbolic (or perhaps godly) Mercury and Mars and Neptune. The sci-fi writers tell you what it’s like to live on Jupiter and Uranus. All of them, though, speak of the influence of what one writer called "the music of the spheres."

Books in the Series:

  1. Of Gods and Globes: A Cosmic Anthology
  2. Of Gods and Globes II: A Cosmic Anthology
  3. Of Gods and Globes III: Trigger Warnings and The Abyss

Praise for contributors to the Of Gods and Globes anthologies
"As in all her books, Juliet Marillier shows the strength and power that women can control regardless of their place in the world or society in which they are born." ~TOR

"Cohen has real talent with character development and interaction and prickly, defensive, sympathetic heroins." ~BookLife

"Schaubert’s words have an immediacy, a potency, an intimacy that grab the reader by the collar and say ‘Listen, this is important!’” ~Erika Robuck, author of Hemingway’s Girl


Bell Hammers: The True Folk Tale of Little Egypt

Genre: Humor, Historical Fiction
4.2 stars, 133 ratings
From: $0.99



Pranks. Oil. Protest. Jokes between newlyweds. And one hilarious siege of a major corporation.

Remmy grows up with Beth in Bellhammer, Illinois, as oil and coal companies rob the land of everything that made it paradise. Under his Grandad, Remmy learns how to properly prank his neighbors, friends, and foes.

Beth tries to fix Remmy by taking him to church. Under his Daddy, Remmy starts the Bell Hammer Construction Company, which depends on contracts from Texarco Oil. 

Together, Remmy and Beth start to build a great neighborhood of "merry men" carpenters: a paradise of s’mores, porch furniture, newborn babies, and summer trips to Branson. Then a faulty Texarco oil derrick falls down on their house and poisons their neighborhood's well. 

Poisoned wells escalate to torched dog houses, stolen carpentry tools, cancelled contracts, and eminent domain claims. Sick of the attacks from Texarco Oil on his neighborhood, Remmy assembles his merry men: "We need the world's greatest prank. One grand glorious jest that'll bloody the nose of that tyrant."

Praise for Bell Hammers
"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as told by Gabriel Garcia Marquez if Marquez lived in rural Illinois and only told stories to his grandkids. Seriously a delight to read." ~Colby Williams, author of Small Town, Big Money

"Humor, compassion, and heart." ~Brian Slatterly, editor of The New Haven Review

"Emotionally stirring with both a vulnerable sensibility and rawness." ~Natalie Gee, Brooklyn Film Festival


Least of These Least

Genre: Local U.S. Politics, Christian Liberation Theology, Christian Monasticism & Asceticism
From: $0.99



Least of these least. The biblical verse fills us with dread: Where have we overlooked the hungry, the sick, the refugee, the homeless, the naked, the prisoner? When have we neglected to quench, feed, heal, host, and visit?

The dread grows: When, specifically, have we done so to Jesus himself? What have you done for Him through those you have every right to hate, shame, mistrust, avoid, or resent?

Praise for Least of These Least
"Lancelot Schaubert writes with conviction but without the cliché and bluster of the propaganda that is so common in this age of blogs and tweets." ~Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, author of Common Prayer and The Awakening of Hope


About the Author
Lancelot Schaubert is author of the novel Bell Hammers, dozens of stories, and hundreds of poems and essays. He edits The Showbear Family Circus (which, in its heyday, published more than 500 works from 400+ renowned academics, artists, and authors), as well as the anthology series Of Gods and Globes. Lancelot also performs songs from All Who Wander, delivers keynote speeches and narrations, and produces photo novels, short films, and theatrical productions. Learn more at LanceSchaubert.org, sign up for his newsletter (scroll down to "Newsletter Signup" on his home page), and follow him online:
 
    


Spotlight on award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Julie Ryan McGue, an award-winning author who writes about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it all. 

“An inspirational story of perseverance and resiliency...about the discoveries that searching for the truth reveals—how it sets you free and offers the gift of love.” ~Linda Joy Myers, founder of the National Association of Memoir Writers and author of Don’t Call Me Mother


Twice a Daughter: A Search for Identity, Family, and Belonging

Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction, Adoption, Parenting, Personal Transformation
4.5 stars, 1000+ ratings
From: $12.99



Julie is adopted. She is also a twin. Because their adoption was closed, she and her sister lack both a health history and their adoption papers—which becomes an issue for Julie when, at forty-eight years old, she finds herself facing several serious health issues.

To launch the probe into her closed adoption, Julie first needs the support of her sister. The twins talk things over, and make a pact: Julie will approach their adoptive parents for the adoption paperwork and investigate search options, and the sisters will split the costs involved in locating their birth relatives. But their adoptive parents aren’t happy that their daughters want to locate their birth parents—and that is only the first of many obstacles Julie will come up against as she digs into her background.

Julie’s search for her birth relatives spans eight years and involves a search agency, a private investigator, a confidential intermediary, a judge, an adoption agency, a social worker, and a genealogist. By journey’s end, what began as a simple desire for a family medical history has evolved into a complicated quest—one that unearths secrets, lies, and family members that are literally right next door.

Praise for Twice a Daughter
"An engaging, endearing chronicle of a woman’s quest to find her origins." ~Kirkus Reviews

"A compelling, poignant memoir about the search for truth and belonging." ~Readers' Favorite

Awards:

  • National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Parenting & Family
  • International Book Awards Winner in Parenting & Family
  • International Book Awards Finalist in Best New Nonfiction, Nonfiction: Narrative, and Women’s Issues / Women’s Studies
  • Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite in Parenting & Family
  • CIBA Nellie Bly Book Awards Finalist
  • NYC Big Book Awards Winner in Personal Growth
  • NYC Big Book Awards Distinguished Favorite in Parenting & Family
  • Living Now Awards Gold Winner in Memoir—Female

Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Genre: Nonfiction, Family & Personal Growth, Parent & Adult Child Relationships, Adoption
4.9 stars, 25 ratings
From: $0.99



Belonging Matters supports the adoption community while creating a conversation with those not directly touched by adoption. The collection explores the pursuit of identity and the boundaries of family and kinship. It challenges the reader to embrace all of who we come to be, and to discern with whom and where we belong. Because belonging defines the human experience, and it is what nourishes our spirit, fuels us with purpose, and compels us to soar beyond the limitations of our lived experience.

Praise for Belonging Matters
"Rich with compassion and wisdom." ~Midwest Book Review

"A narrative where the pursuit of identity intersects with human connection." ~American Writing Awards Book Reviews

Awards:

  • Literary Titan Book Award Winner
  • Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards
  • Firebird Book Award Winner
  • Finalist in the Annual National Indie Excellence Awards for Book Cover Design and in the Personal Growth category
  • Finalist in the International Book Awards in Parenting & Family category
  • Nonfiction Winner, Honorable Mention in New York Book Festival

Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood

Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction, Adoption, Grief & Bereavement
New release coming February 4, 2025
From: $12.99

What is it like to grow up as an adoptee and be raised with your identical twin?

In this coming-of-age memoir, set in Chicago’s western suburbs during the 1960s to 1980s, adopted twin sisters Julie and Jenny become the oldest daughters in a big family made up of a mixture of adopted and biological children. The twins’ sisterly bond is tight as the two strive for individuality, identity, and belonging. But Julie’s parents’ continual addition of adopted and biological children to the family leads to a number of painful experiences: they encounter infertility, infant mortality, a child with special needs, and then, when Julie is sixteen, a sudden family tragedy.

Faced with these challenges, Julie questions everything—who she is, how she fits in, the circumstances of her adoption, where she belongs, her faith and idea of family. As their family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds are tested, Julie realizes her adoptive family is held together by love, faith, support, and her parents’ commitment to each other and family. But the life her parents have constructed is not one that Julie wants for herself—and as she grows older, she realizes how her parents’ goals and dreams differ from her own, and how the experiences that have formed her have provided a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.

Join author Julie McGue on this journey of identity and individuality, searching for answers through tragedy and adversity.


About the Author
Julie Ryan McGue is an award-winning American writer. Her weekly blogs focus on identity, family, and life's quirky moments. If she's not at her computer writing, she's out exploring with her camera, or on the tennis court. She is the mother of four adult children, a grandmother, and splits her time between NW Indiana and Sarasota. Learn more at JulieMcGueAuthor.com, sign up for her newsletter (see the "Don't Miss a Blog Post" form on her website), and be sure to also follow her online:
 
          


New release: Kyd's Game, a thriller from Marc Rosenberg & Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Marc Rosenberg and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Kyd's Game, a cross between John le Carre's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley.

★★★★★ “A gripping geopolitical spy thriller set against the current Russo-American landscape." ~Peter Watt, author of the Fronteer series


Kyd's Game

NEW RELEASE: September 24, 2024
Genre: International Thriller, Suspense, Espionage
4.56 stars, 18 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49  



Neil Kyd, accused of assassinating a Russian presidential candidate and hunted by Russian Special Forces, has only one thing on his mind: saving his daughter's life.

Kyd has done everything possible to help his terminally ill daughter. He's out of options when he's recalled by the Agency and offered a special job: a quick "in-and-out" assignment to retrieve a video disk from an ex-girlfriend in Moscow. If he accepts, the Agency will place his daughter into a cutting-edge medical program that will give her a chance. He agrees.

If you If you enjoyed Tinker, Soldier, Tailor, Spy by John leCarre, The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, or Lee Child's Reacher series, you'll enjoy Kyd's Game.

Praise for Kyd's Game
★★★★★ “A fast-paced espionage thriller.” ~Gerard Lee, author of Top of the Lake

★★★★★ “A classic international thriller. Vivid characters and tight plotting make this a great read.” ~Brian Stoddart, A House in Damascus

★★★★★ “Jack Ryan meets Tucker Jones in the character of Neil Kyd in a story that balances fast-paced spy craft with the tenderness of a father's love for his daughter.” ~Readers’ Favorite

★★★★★ “Riveting, page-turning...will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.” ~Feathered Quill, Book Reviews

★★★★★ “Teeming with unexpected twists and turns.” ~The US Review of Books


About the Author
Marc Rosenberg grew up in Texas but has spent more than half his adult life living and working as a screenwriter in Australia. At an early age he became an adventurer, taking a job as an estate agent in London, living for a year on a kibbutz and traveling overland through Asia. Rosenberg has made films with Miles Davis, Daniel Radcliffe, and Jeremy Irons, winning two Australian Writers’ Guild Awards and the Los Angeles Fade-In Grand Prize for Best Original Screenplay. He has contributed to the journal Film International, written a book on screenwriting, The Screenplay Tree, and has taught extensively in the United States, India, China, and Australia. An avid reader, he has a passion for espionage, crime, and authentic character-based literature. Learn more at mrcrsnbrg.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.


Spotlight on The Tixie Chronicles from Jack Borden

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Tixie Chronicles, a fantasy adventure for young readers from author Jack Borden. Learn how the world as we know it was shaped by the tiniest of creatures in a tale that will appeal to readers of all ages.

"Jam packed with action and suspense." ~Feathered Quill Review


The Vultures of Doom

Book 1 of The Tixie Chronicles
New release: August 2024
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



A great darkness is coming to the forest. Avelyn and Killian Lorcan are tixies, a race of tiny beings that live simply in a massive, beautiful forest. But unbeknownst to the tixies, an ancient evil has found them at last.

Separated from their parents, Avelyn and Killian travel across the forest alone, encountering friends and enemies along the way. But when Avelyn recovers an ancient sword of great power, their destinies are forever changed.

The Vultures of Doom is the first of the Tixie Chronicles, which recount the tales of when the world as we know it was shaped by the tiniest of creatures.

Praise for The Vultures of Doom
"So jammed packed with action and suspense that readers, both young and old, will feel as if they are fighting along with Avelyn and Killian." ~Feathered Quill Review

★★★★★ "A captivating adventure of courage and destiny." ~Amazon Review


The Keeper of Knowledge

Book 2 of The Tixie Chronicles
New release: September 2024
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



Killian Lorcan doesn’t want to read old scrolls. As a tixie boy of eight summers, all he wants to do is explore the forest floor around his house, fight imaginary monsters, and scare off the occasional spider.

But when Mac, the local Keeper of Knowledge, invites Killian to see his house and read some old scrolls, Killian himself gets caught up in a story of betrayal, violence, and a civilization on the verge of collapse. More importantly, he finds out how his ancient ancestors came to live in the wilds of the forest he calls home.

Book 2 of the Tixie Chronicles explores the violent beginnings of the race of the tiny creatures who inhabit the forests.


About the Author
Jack Borden lives and writes in the forests of Texas, where he lives with his wife, a few children, two somewhat useful dogs, and a garden that always needs tending. He enjoys long walks in the woods, hanging out with his family, and traveling with his family. He's particularly fond of far West Texas and the Pacific Northwest.

Jack is currently working on The Ants of Fire, Book 3 of The Tixie Chronicles, due out October 15, 2024. Learn more at Jack-Borden.com, and be sure to follow him on Goodreads and via his Amazon Author Page.


Spotlight on The Devil's Wrath, a gripping dark fantasy

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Devil's Wrath, a dark fantasy from author Rico Liemanto in which twin gods watch over the world with constant vigilance and four unlikely heroes are chosen to vanquish a fearsome enemy.

★★★★★ "A gripping dark fantasy with a slow-burning adventure that delivers explosive battles alongside layers of mythology. With its compelling characters, high stakes, and richly crafted universe, it promises to engage readers who love both intense action and thoughtful world-building." ~Literary Titan


The Devil's Wrath

New release: July 2024
Genre: Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
Paperback: $10
Ebook: $2.50 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



In a universe teetering on the brink of annihilation, four heroes rise to confront the ultimate evil. Maling, Ular, Tuli, and Panah are chosen by their twin gods to embark on a perilous quest: to kill Setan, the God of Devils, and restore balance to the realms.

Bound by fate and driven by a shared purpose, the heroes navigate treacherous landscapes, battle formidable foes, and overcome their own inner fear. Each step brings them closer to Setan's throne, where the final confrontation awaits.

But what if they are too late? What if, for the first time, the villain wins?

Inspired by the intricate lore of the Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Elden Ring video games, and the gripping narratives of the Japanese manga series Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man, this dark fantasy novel explores the blurred lines between good and evil. Follow Maling, Ular, Tuli, and Panah as they journey through a universe filled with chaos, hope, and despair.

Praise for The Devil's Wrath
★★★★★ "Intense, morally complex storytelling." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A refreshing twist on the classic narrative of reluctant heroes embarking on a perilous journey at the command of higher powers." ~Literary Titan


About the Author
Rico Liemanto is a debut fantasy author whose work is deeply influenced by the expansive worlds of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Elden Ring video games. With a passion for creating intricate and engaging narratives, Liemanto brings a fresh voice to the fantasy genre. Learn more at RicoLiemanto.com and follow him on Instagram.


Spotlight on international thrillers from Alan Brenham

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of award-winning author Alan Brenham, including thrillers from The Claire Deveraux and The Kit Hanover Series!

"An intoxicating mix of mystery, murder and mayhem." ~BestThrillers.com


When Things Fall Apart

Book 1 of The Kit Hanover Series
Genre: Hard-Boiled Mysteries, Suspense Thrillers, Police Procedurals
4.5 stars, 15 ratings
From $4.99



Winner of the Global Book Award for Mystery/Detective and a Finalist for the coveted Silver Falchion Award for Best Investigator/Detective Fiction

Newly minted homicide detective Kit Hanover is paired with a crusty veteran who makes no bones about his feelings for Native Americans. Their prickly partnership becomes more antagonistic when Kit's first murder case proves devastating and she is reassigned.

Determined to work the case in her own time despite the emotional consequences, Kit finds herself and her family the target of an unknown madman. She withstands the inexplicable attacks as she continues her investigation until she finds herself face-to-face with the murderer. Only one of them can survive.

Praise for When Things Fall Apart
"A knotty detective story from a skilled author." ~Kirkus Reviews

"Palpable tension from start to finish." ~BookTrib

"Skillful prose...engaging narrative...compelling characters." ~Literary Titan


Every Silent Thing

Book 1 of The Claire Deveraux Series
Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Heist Thrillers, Murder Thrillers
4.2 stars, 14 ratings
From $4.99



Shy and deaf, twenty-three-year-old Claire Deveraux has worked hard to land her dream job as a foreign service officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. But on a visit to The Louvre, Claire's dream is shattered when she finds a woman dying from a gunshot wound. The woman utters three words to Claire and conceals a thumb drive in Claire’s pocket.

The information is the key to the location of proceeds from a bank robbery, and the killer, now certain that Claire has the information, sets out to find Claire, recover the drive, and kill Claire before she can solve the puzzle and recover the money. 

Praise for Every Silent Thing
"An irresistible international crime thriller that delivers an intoxicating mix of mystery, murder and mayhem." ~BestThrillers.com

"A cleverly structured, tense and involving crime thriller." ~The BookViral Review

"Recommended for fans of international mystery novels with strong female lead characters." ~Self-Publishing Review


Breaking Silence

Book 3 of The Claire Deveraux Series
Genre: International Mystery & Crime, Heist Thrillers, Assassination Thrillers
4.7 stars, 5 ratings
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



Silence is like trust: easily broken.

The first time Claire and Megan Deveraux receive a cryptic text from the anonymous “AMZ,” they decide it’s a sophisticated scam. But when further evidence of a long-lost sibling starts to add up, Claire begins to wonder whether there is merit to AMZ’s wild claims…or just Photoshop and dumb luck?

As the sisters weigh up the risks of pursuing a ruthless blackmailer’s trail, another victim is scrambling to keep his secret safe, whatever the cost. Because no amount of money can make a man bulletproof…

Praise for Breaking Silence
"A compelling thriller that masterfully combines intricate plotting with rich, character-driven storytelling... Fans of intense, well-crafted mysteries will find much to appreciate in this gripping novel." ~Literary Titan

"A devastating jaw-dropper with emotional resonance and dire consequences for all characters." ~BestThrillers.com


About the Author
Alan Brenham is the pseudonym of Alan Behr. Alan is author of eleven novels that have received numerous awards and been translated into several languages. His background includes more than twenty years of experience as a Texas law enforcement officer and more than twenty-five years as a criminal prosecutor and later criminal defense attorney. Today he lives in Texas with his wife, Lillian. Alan is a member of the International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, and the International Association of Crime Writers. Learn more at AlanBrenham.com, and be sure to follow Alan online:
 
      


The Evolution Saga from author Todd Borho

Spotlight

Today, we are shining a spotlight on The Evolution Saga from author Todd Borho, a five-book series that parodies James Bond while also delving into the world of science fiction, technothrillers, and high seas adventure.

★★★★★ "Delightfully subversive." ~Literary Titan


James Bong: Agent Of Anarchy

Book 1 of The Evolution Saga
Genre: Humorous Science Fiction, Dark Humor
Paperback: $11.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



The name's Bong. James Bong.

Not to be shaken or stirred and not to be confused with the popular James Bond series, this light-hearted adventure combines the best elements of espionage, humor, and heart-pounding action.

Follow the daring exploits of James Bong, a former MI6 spy turned renegade, as he defies authority and takes on daring missions with his team: the brilliant hacker K, the fiery blogger Miss Moneybit, and the mysterious AI Symphy. Throughout, Bong navigates a world of danger and intrigue, leaving a trail of laughter in his wake.

Packed with cutting-edge technology, pulse-pounding suspense, and laugh-out-loud humor, James Bong: Agent Of Anarchy is a must-read for fans of sci-fi adventure and spy thrillers alike.

Praise for James Bong
★★★★★ "A wild and hilarious ride that gleefully parodies the iconic James Bond series." ~Literary Titan

★★★★★ "Spy tale that is a fun parody yet still has it's suspense and mystery." ~Amazon Review


The C.A. Salt Project

Book 2 of The Evolution Saga
Genre: Action Thriller, Science Fiction, Sea Adventure, Technothriller
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



The Evolution Saga continues with this action-packed ocean adventure technothriller. James Bong and his crew play pivotal roles as the search for freedom heads to the high seas.

The wild ocean frontier. Daring pioneers. They must build in secret. Smuggling networks, encryption, and some really cool techno-toys are in their arsenal. But will it be enough to survive and evade the state?

Praise for The C.A. Salt Project
★★★★★ "A quick, fun, easy read with great character development and important moral questions." ~Amazon Review


SeAgora: A High Seas Adventure

Book 3 of The Evolution Saga
Genre: Sea Adventures, Vigilante Justice Thrillers
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



A sci-fi adventure packed with cutting-edge technology, high stakes, smugglers, emotionally deranged AI, and some remarkably flawed heroes...

There is freedom on the ocean for a few. There is tyranny on land for everyone else. When one of the ocean dwellers finds the secret to faster-than-light propulsion and infinite free energy, the ruling class on land will stop at nothing to steal it.


The Great Agora Space Race

Book 4 of The Evolution Saga
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads, Action Thriller, Technothriller
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



Faster-than-light travel and infinite energy. It's a secret held by those in the SeAgora, but the ruling class on land wants it and will do anything to steal it.

Facing mounting threats from the tyrannical AI led governments, some in The SeAgora plan to flee for the stars. Can they develop the tech to escape Earth before it's too late?

The Space Race is on in this fun, hyper-speed read you don't want to miss.


Agora One: A Space Adventure

Book 5 of The Evolution Saga
Genre: Humorous Science Fiction, Vigilante Justice
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



This action-packed space adventure brings The Evolution Saga to a thrilling conclusion.

In 2578, it's been nearly 500 years since humans started to flee Earth. They've now spread across multiple galaxies, thanks in large part to the SPEED drive, which hits velocities thousands of times the speed of light. Earth is now an afterthought.

Agora One is a moon-sized ship, the first of its kind. It is a thriving, mobile trade port and vacation hot spot. When news reaches Agora One that Earth has suffered its final calamity, some want to investigate. What they find on Earth is far more stunning than anything they could have imagined. The consequences of their investigation will impact Agora One, and possibly all life in the universe.


About the Author
Todd Borho is a Literary Titan Book Award Winner and author of The Evolution Saga five-part sci-fi series. Todd has also written nearly a dozen other titles. He is a coffee fanatic, science fiction addict, and hot sauce aficionado, and he has been a teacher in exotic countries all over the world. Learn more at toddborho.com, and see more of Todd's work on Amazon and on Barnes & Noble


Spotlight on the writing of Mwati Mwila

Spotlight

In this special edition newsletter, LitNuts is shining a light on the work of Mwati Mwila, a poet and author who has used her writing to overcome the challenge of bipolar disorder and to help others. 

★★★★★ “Inspiring & hopeful." ~Amazon Review


Strengthening Your Identity

Genre: Memoir
4.5 stars, 9 ratings
Paperback: $19.95
Ebook: $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



We all know life has its ups and downs. But when Mwati Mwila was diagnosed with bipolar disorder while a college student, she thought her life would mostly be down from that point on. Not understanding why she had been chosen to suffer, she found herself on an incredible journey of questioning God, considering ending her own life, and ultimately, traveling around the world for answers that could help to heal her.

No stranger to adversity before being diagnosed as bipolar, Mwati had already experienced discrimination. After traveling from her native Zambia, she was often the only African child in predominantly white schools in New Zealand and Australia. Her parents’ strong work ethic, her siblings’ encouragement, and a move to the United States helped Mwati to strengthen her identity even when she experienced discrimination.

Being bipolar, just like her earlier experiences, became one more hurdle to overcome so she could fulfill her life mission of helping others. Now Mwati shares her incredible story in order to help others

  • understand where you came from so you know where you’re going;
  • indulge in the moment to create happy memories to sustain you in difficult times;
  • learn from your environment and adapt to survive and thrive;
  • stay true to yourself in the midst of madness;
  • unmask the monsters in your life that try to hinder your healing;
  • have the courage to ask for help when it is needed; and 
  • unravel your special gifts to share with the world.

Whatever obstacle you face, you will find strength in these pages to transform your suffering into the power of endurance.

Praise for Strengthening Your Identity
★★★★★ "Raw, honest and emotional." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A powerful story about the true struggles of mental illness." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Insightful read for anyone searching for faith, strength, happiness, wisdom or finding your purpose." ~Amazon Review


The Sweet Surrender of Love and Nature

Genre: Poetry
Paperback: $13.00
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  



In The Sweet Surrender of Love and Nature, Mwati pours her heart out in a variety of beautiful poems focused on love and nature.

"Living in a world of uncertainty,
Trying to be filled with righteousness
As you glance with an open heart of forgiveness.
Life is complicated."

~Mwati Mwila, from the poem "Complication"


About the Author
Mwati Mwila was born in Lusaka, Zambia, and has traveled and lived in many countries during her life, including living in Australia and New Zealand during her younger years before finally settling in Seattle, Washington. Although she assimilated into the cultures of Australia and New Zealand very well, she often had to overcome racism and adversity, and in turn had to figure out a way to fit in by blending in. 

After moving to the United States in 1997, Mwati fell in love with the diversity and culture that existed. But ten years later, Mwati faced another challenge when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In the midst of these challenges, Mwati found refuge in writing poetry and short stories. She holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington and she loves writing, saying it is her whisper song that helps her feel uplifted. Follow Mwati online to learn more: 
 
        


New release: Baby Darlin', a memoir from Alycia Vreeland & Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Alycia Vreeland and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Baby Darlin', an illustrated memoir that rips off the band-aid and exposes the stigma around child sexual abuse.

★★★★★ “Raw and emotionally fraught.” ~Leslie Zemeckis, bestselling author of Feuding Fan Dancers


Baby Darlin'

NEW RELEASE: September 15, 2024
Genre: Memoir
4.87 stars, 15 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $19.99
Ebook: $6.99  



Most of them are dead.

Silence is broken and the secret unearthed.

Surviving the Cajun Curse, her mentally ill momma calls her Baby Darlin'. Pig calls her Brillo and takes away her innocence by using her to escape his own twisted mind. Her cousin Willy calls her Snaggle but she doesn't care; she thinks they will marry someday. Her Papa, a recovered alcoholic, her hero. Her Grandma, the ever present Shamer, is a dark shadow to remind her of her worth. Her drug and love addiction takes her through a series of abusive love stories, and finally she proudly escapes into the loving arms of a higher power.

This illustrated memoir brutally rips off the band-aid and exposes the stigma around child sexual abuse, with compassion and insight through the eyes of a brave little girl called Baby Darlin'.

If you If you enjoyed Just Kids by Patti Smith, Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker, or The Fire Never Goes Out by ND Stevenson, you will love Baby Darlin'.

Praise for Baby Darlin'
★★★★★ “Vreeland tells her story with searing revelations, accompanied by colorful illustrations.” ~Leslie Zemeckis, bestselling author of Feuding Fan Dancers

★★★★★ “Bold and vibrant with disturbing imagery... I wanted to swoop in and save Baby Darlin' from the atrocities of her childhood. The whimsical art and poignant words that are scattered throughout the pages kept me tethered to the hope of a happy outcome, pulling me forward to the last pages.” ~Sandra Mistretta, Clinical Director for Casa Serena Treatment Programs for Women

★★★★★ “Alycia  tells her story in typical Santa Barbara flavor; not a trace of self pity, because SB kids know… no one cares. Instead, we mine our tragic ore-pits for gasps and laughs, to the horror of the untraumatized. But our stories aren’t FOR them. They are for the broken and beautiful survivors; broken Japanese teapots, glued back together with gold.” ~J.C. Scales, author of The Goat Lady’s Son

★★★★★ “Equally heart shattering and heart warming. [Alycia] safely takes her readers on her exceptional and profoundly inspiring journey from wounding through healing and beyond.” ~Juliana Barros, Integration and Collective Trauma Therapist, State Certified Sexual Survivor Therapist


About the Author
Alycia Vreeland teaches art to little people near the American Riviera, writes about Baby Darlin’ in her memoir, and plots revenge. She is soothed by taking one day at a time, twirling her hair, eating nachos, and feeling the Santa Barbara waves crashing on her toes. Her art is featured in the documentaries The Cure and Guns, Bombs, and War: A Love Story, and in the online journals Tuck Magazine, Rebelle Society, Painted Cave, and The Montecito Journal. Learn more at alyciavreeland.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.


New Release: Laughing in Her Sleep from Jon and Alycia Vreeland & Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Alycia Vreeland and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Laughing in Her Sleep, a collection of poetry by Jon Vreeland that blends his gritty verse with Alycia Vreeland's stark visuals. 

★★★★★ “Jon passed and yet, here are his words, his heart still beating.” ~Jack Grisham, Author, Director, Musician


Laughing in Her Sleep

NEW RELEASE: September 15, 2024
Genre: Poetry
4.86 stars, 7 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $4.99  



This collection of poetry is the love child of two creative minds.

Jon Vreeland, the author of The Taste of Cigarettes, was a self-proclaimed reincarnation of Hemingway and highly influenced by Bukowski's crude humor and womanizing grit. He claimed writing poetry gave his brain a respite from his struggle with drug addiction.

Alycia Vreeland's illustrations and photos are a visual representation of Jon's words.

The manuscript of this book was discovered and resurrected by Alycia Vreeland, Jon Vreeland's wife, after Jon's unexpected death on September 15, 2020.

Praise for Laughing in Her Sleep
★★★★★ "Jon Vreeland. Ernest Hemingway. Charles Bukowski. Three peas in a pod. Jon Vreeland is a master storyteller at the absolute top of his game." ~Steven Kunes, TV Writer/Producer, Over My Dead Body
 
★★★★★ "The world of Jon and Alycia Vreeland is not a pretty one, but it is real, vivid and memorable." ~David Starkey, author of Poor Ghost

★★★★★ "Jon’s poetry is like walking in the shadow of death; bringing insight into our pain. Alycia‘s art is the perfect balance to digest it." ~Stacey Cameron

★★★★★ "Hard-edged, intense, raw, sometimes touching, and sometimes comic... Vreeland’s work never ceases to embody life’s complexities—the shock of truth and the bittersweetness of imagination." ~Chella Courington, author of Lost and Found


About the Authors
Jon Vreeland was writer, poet, journalist, playwright, and musician, born in Long Beach, California, and raised in Huntington Beach, and the self-proclaimed reincarnation of Hemingway. Vreeland’s writing appeared in journals such as Rebelle Society, East Fork, Sun and Sandstone, and elsewhere. Vreeland was president of the Writer’s/Poet’s Club at Santa Barbara City College, and a journalist for The Montecito Journal, The Santa Barbara News Press, The Santa Barbara Sentinel, and Family Life Journal. His major influences were Charles Bukowski, Ernest Hemingway, Jim Morrison, Darby Crash, God, his parents, and his two beautiful daughters, Mayzee and Scarlett. Vreeland was married to artist Alycia Vreeland.

Alycia Vreeland teaches art to little people near the American Riviera, writes about Baby Darlin’ in her memoir, and plots revenge. She is soothed by taking one day at a time, twirling her hair, eating nachos, and feeling the Santa Barbara waves crashing on her toes. Her art is featured in the documentaries The Cure and Guns, Bombs, and War: A Love Story, and in the online journals Tuck Magazine, Rebelle Society, Painted Cave, and The Montecito Journal.

Learn more at jonvreeland.wordpress.com and alyciavreeland.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.


Say Yes! to Your Creative Self

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Say Yes! to Your Creative Self by Mary O'Connor, a book that can help readers open up new ways of seeing, of solving problems, of keeping our minds, bodies, and souls active and stimulated.

"Emotionally calming and intellectually satisfying." ~Karen Rancourt, Ph.D., author and advice columnist (aka "Ask Dr. Gramma Karen")


Say Yes! to Your Creative Self

Genres: Self-Help / Creativity, Personal Growth, Motivational / Inspirational
132 pages, 5.25" x 8" with color photos
Print edition: $19.95

Think you don’t have a creative bone in your body? Put that myth to rest!

Whether your interests lie in music, dance, culinary arts, handcrafts, gardening, painting, writing, or simply in navigating life’s challenges, creativity is there for all of us to enjoy. Saying “Yes!” to your creative self is a first step towards opening up ways of seeing, of solving problems, of keeping our minds, bodies, and souls active and stimulated.

Say Yes! to Your Creative Self is an invitation to creativity. Written for those who think they don’t have a creative bone in their body, as well as for those who simply want to enhance their style of expression, Say Yes! takes the reader through the ins and outs of creativity. Full of tips and prompts on ways to keep our minds, bodies, and souls active and stimulated, Say Yes! tickles our creative bones.

The pages of Say Yes! to Your Creative Self

  • take us through the ins and outs of creativity
  • show ways to make creativity part of our everyday lives
  • offer tips and examples linked to our senses, curiosity, and emotions
  • suggest ways for playing with creativity, for tickling our creative bones

Praise for Say Yes!
"Beginning with the author’s watercolor of a heron in flight on the cover, followed by photos taken by the author and family/friends, each accompanied by a haiku written by the author, this book is visually inviting – a book that lends itself to one enjoying a favorite cup of tea while reading it. In addition to being beautifully illustrated, it contains friendly and instructive content, such as, Prepping the Creative Self and Opening the Creative Door. Between sips of my tea, I found myself thoughtful and inspired." ~Karen Rancourt , Ph.D., author and advice columnist (aka "Ask Dr. Gramma Karen")


About the Author

Mary O'Connor is a writer, poet, painter, and lover of nature who shares the magic of the commonplace and captures its delight through her joy-centered books. Experienced in journalism, marketing, and the arts, Mary often complements her writings with photographic images as well as paintings in watercolor and acrylics. Learn more at mary-oconnor.com, learn about upcoming events with Mary O'Connor and other authors, and be sure to follow Mary online:
 
  

About the Publisher

Three Chairs Publishing was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden: “I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.” It speaks to the connections we can make — for ourselves, for our friends and loved ones, and in our community — through creative efforts like writing, art making, and photography.

Three Chairs is owned and operated by Jen Payne, a writer, photographer, artist, and the owner of parent company Words by Jen, a graphic design and marketing company. Learn more at 3chairspublishing.com, sign up for Jen's Creatively Speaking quarterly enewsletter and other updates, and be sure to follow Three Chairs online:
 
      


You are invited...to a Reading Retreat in New York!

Events Spotlight




You're invited...to a Reading Retreat!


Today we are writing to share news about a unique opportunity for booklovers: a Reading Retreat in Delhi, New York, being organized by LA Bourgeois, an avid reader who also happens to be an author and LitNuts subscriber. Read on to learn more!


A Reading Retreat for Everyone

We've all heard about writing retreats for authors. But LA's idea is for booklovers to come together to enjoy time reading and talking about books. She selected the small town of Delhi, New York, as the location for the Reading Retreat, a peaceful oasis a few hours drive from New York City, and also easily accessible from Ithaca, Albany, Binghamton, and other locations. (LA lives in Ithaca, and invites attendees from other locations to fly into Ithaca and travel to Delhi together.)

Here are some of the details:

  • Event: Reading Retreat
  • Location: Birdy's House, Delhi, NY
  • When: September 27 - 30
  • Cost: $100

To learn more, click here: Who Could Use a Reading Retreat?


Photos of Birdy's House and Delhi, New York

  
  

About LA Bourgeois
LA (as in tra-la-la) Bourgeois is a Kaizen-Muse Certified Creativity Coach and freelance writer with a mission to delight and empower readers to manifest their creativity joyfully. She also has a great sense of humor—she describes herself as "that friend who drops by for a chit-chat and makes you spit your tea all over your new tablecloth."

The dream behind LA's Reading Retreat is to carve out time and space for herself and others to enjoy reading—a desire that was prompted in part by the fact that LA purchases many more books than she can possibly read. (She has almost 900 books in her Nook library!)

LA is also author of Diary of a Lesbian Housewyfe, a collection of delightfully funny essays, recipes, and household hints from LA's first twenty years of marriage. 

Learn more and sign up to receive email updates from LA, including silly stories about her life as a lesbian housewyfe—travel, knitting, recipes, Mack the Dog, and other household adventures.


Pre-Order Now: Martha's Notebook, Book 1 of a new Zombie Apocalypse Trilogy

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Martha's Notebook by C. Fulster, the first book of a new zombie apocalypse trilogy. Pre-order your copy now to be among the first to receive this new book when it is released on October 1! 

Bonus: Get the e-book for a special price of $2.99 now through October 5. (After that, the e-book will be available at a regular price of $4.99.)


Martha's Notebook

New release coming October 1, 2024
Special pre-order price: $2.99


 


Before the incident, Martha’s biggest worry was her parents’ divorce. Now she’s hiding from a zombie horde hell-bent on annihilating humankind nicknamed “Chippers.”

But this attack wasn’t spurred by a viral outbreak. Instead, these zombies seem to be puppets of an AI technology gone rogue, and with every day that passes, it’s learning more about how to accomplish its sinister goal.

But why is an AI creating, controlling, and upgrading zombies—and more importantly, how do you stop an ultra-intelligent, world-ending technology that can shift course at a moment’s notice?

Only one thing is clear: there’s no going back.

Martha’s Notebook is the electrifying first installment of a new sci-fi horror trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat with every twist. Jam-packed with survival, suspense, and existential dread, it’s sure to satisfy any post-apocalyptic fiction enthusiast.


About the Author

C. Fulster is a seasoned electrician, devoted husband, and new father who moonlights as an award-winning writer, producer, and illustrator. With more than sixteen children’s books, three animated screenplays, and one internationally acclaimed short film under his belt, his favorite hobby is quickly developing into a highlight reel of successful creative endeavors. He’s donated the proceeds of five picture books to charity, and he hopes to become a best seller and adapt one of his stories for the silver screen. In his free time, he can be found indulging his passions for hockey, spicy food, and relaxing. He currently resides in Colorado with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their two dogs. Learn more at cfulster.com where you can also sign up for his newsletter (scroll to the bottom on any page on his website), and be sure to follow him online: