Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the Time Runner Series from author Paul Darden:

• Rise of the Runners - FREE!
• Rise of The Runners: Winds of Ora Grant - $2.99
• Freedom Runner - From $9.99

★★★★★ "Beautiful, emotional, and engaging." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Visit the SeriousPensPublishing Shop for book bundles, posters, merchandise, and more.

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Rise of the Runners
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Teen & Young Adult Fiction
4.6 stars, 34 ratings on Amazon.com
42 pages
Ebook price: FREE!



Duante Elliot is a brilliant young boy who has everything a child could want. His days in New York City are fast-paced but perfect for him—until his life comes crashing down when a series of events takes away the world he loves the most.

Moving back to the Bronx is a big change. Duante is destined for greatness, but his future is in doubt because Duante is unsure if life is worth living. Duante has to find the courage to get through troubled times, and he finds hope when a light emerges in the midst of the darkness and paves the way for healing.

Life is about choices, and making the right ones will unleash Duante's full potential or drag him into a dark world to do the unthinkable. His destiny is far more significant than he or anyone around him can ever imagine. 

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Rise of the Runners: Winds of Ora Grant
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, Teen & Young Adult Fiction
60 pages
Ebook price: $2.99



Duante Elliot finds himself processing life nearly a year after an unspeakable loss. To escape it all, he finds himself in Jamaica where he has a chance encounter with Ora Grant and Valentina Sánchez.

The world of the Runners is expanding as Duante takes another step to becoming a Runner in a journey that encapsulates the thrill of adventure, the weight of responsibility, and the warmth of camaraderie among those who serve.

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Freedom Runner
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Fiction
4.67 stars, 6 ratings on Goodreads
294 pages
Hardcover: $27.99
Paperback: $15.99
Ebook: $9.99



Duante Elliot's life has been anything but ordinary including ups and downs no child should have to endure. But everything changes forever when he turns sixteen years old...

Duante leaves his house and heads to school with his best friends, as he has done countless times. He expects to continue to thrive at Antioch Academy, making his family proud and finding the peace he once had. But Duante mysteriously vanishes after hanging out with his friends.

Lost, alone, and confused, Duante has to figure out how to survive. He wants to get back home, if possible. He also needs to harness his newfound abilities and uncover the truth behind the journey. In short, Duante must overcome tragedy, accept his destiny, and embrace the runner within.

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About the Author

Paul C. Darden teaches 7th and 8th grade school social studies in The Bronx, New York, making him part of the 2% of black male teachers nationwide. He is also owner of SeriousPensPublishing, and creator of the seven-book Time Runner Series and the five-book Oneirology Chronicles.

Though relatively new to the world of publishing, Paul is not new to writing; he has been creating engaging content for his students for years. His books are an extension of his teaching and a solution to the lack of representation in literature and the classroom. 

Learn more at SeriousPensPublishing.com, and be sure to follow Paul online: 

    

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author WL "Bud" Gorman, including the Assassins and Angels Series of thrillers.

★★★★★ "Very enjoyable." ~Barnes & Noble Reviewer

Bonus #1: Assassins and Angels Book 1 is available as a FREE download!

Bonus #2: Get a free novella by signing up for Bud's mailing list. 

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Assassins and Angels: Book 1
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: FREE!



Strong men. Strong women. Dangerous times.

In the aftermath of a conflict with Russia in the arctic, Canada has fragmented, leaving provinces on the edge of chaos and anarchy. The Premier of Ontario makes a bold but controversial decision: She hires professional security contractors to assist her limited police resources.

Steven Grace is the leader of Sabre—a multinational team of former special forces operators hired to support The Premier's efforts to re-unite Canada. But the going is tough. Organized crime, outlaw bikers, white supremacists, 'adrenaline jihadis', and assassins are all controlled by one man...the man responsible for Grace's court martial and disgrace during the arctic conflict.

In the end, Steven Grace wants redemption...from his former country, from a father who disowned him, and from the former fiancée he left behind.

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Assassins and Angels: Book 2
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: $0.99



Steven Grace and Sabre Team are still grinding it out.

A sniper at a city hall riot...weapons smugglers in a swamp...a confrontation at a biker bar...bounty hunters...a vigilante group…these are the challenges that Steven Grace and his team of security contractors must deal with as they continue to support the Ontario Premier's efforts to re-unite Canada. But first, the Premier must win an election in her own province where criminal organizations are causing uncontrollable chaos.

Steven Grace is a highly competent leader, but his life is not without problems. In addition to leading dangerous missions, he must deal with a disease that neutralizes his body at inopportune moments, a mother who is seriously ill, a father who wants nothing to do with him, and a tenuous relationship with his former fiancée.

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Assassins and Angels: Book 3
Genres: Thrillers, Suspense, Action
Ebook price: $0.99



Steven Grace and Sabre Team are back…with an expanded mission. 

To be successful, the team must deal with the ongoing violence and criminality across all of Ontario that is secretly controlled by Grace's nemesis, sociopathic former army general Alan Flint. In fast-breaking operations, Grace and team must destroy protected weapons caches, deal with criminal biker gangs, save Premier Marcus from an attempt on her life, stop an elite bomb-maker, and face a group of ruthless mercenaries hired by Flint. In addition, Grace continues to face challenges in his personal life, including a former fiancée who appears to be in a relationship with another man.

With all of this facing him, Steven Grace knows his life is going to change.

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The Brickbox
Genres: Literary Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction
Ebook price: $0.99



Sometimes hope lives in the most unexpected place.

Jude Zander is a shy, inexperienced small-town girl who has disguised herself as a boy and is on the run from an abusive father. She desperately wants to find her mother who left her without warning. After Jude arrives in the big city, she is confronted by hookers, bikers, and street punks. Her only contact in the city is an aunt who wants nothing to do with her.

Alone and without survival skills, Jude drifts on the streets until she meets Rags and Gunner, two old panhandlers who offer her a place to stay at an old abandoned warehouse they call The Brickbox where Jude meets a diverse group of battered and discarded street people whose resilience, humanity, and humor surprise her. They all do their best to help Jude—all except an ex-cop who wants Jude gone.

When Jude is ultimately forced to face her oppressive father in court, her street friends search for the one witness who can save her.

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About the Author

WL (Bud) Gorman is a former Canadian army officer who dealt with interesting challenges and demanding situations in many parts of the world, including Europe, India, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. In a second career, he wrote and helped to direct exercises for the Canadian military using various computer simulations and role-playing productions. Today, Bud enjoys Chinese brush painting, tying fishing flies, and is learning to play rock and roll guitar. He and his wife live in the country between two small towns not far from Ottawa. Visit wlgormanstories.com to learn more, get a free novella by signing up for Bud's mailing list, and be sure to follow him online: 

    

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Brenda E Smith, author of award-winning and critically acclaimed travel/adventure memoirs that provide readers with an adrenaline-packed blend of daring exploits and deep reflections:

• Becoming Fearless: Finding Courage in the African Wilderness
  • Winner of awards from Readers' Favorite, Storytrade, and more
  • 4.7 stars, 172 ratings 
• Becoming Amazed: Discovering the World with Eyes Wide Open
  • Ranked #1 in Travel Biographies & Memoirs on Amazon.com
  • Kindle Edition currently FREE
  • 4.9 stars, 42 ratings

"An inspiring love song to the transformational power of adventure." ~Richard Bangs, one of Explorerweb's 100 greatest explorers of the last 100 years

Book Clubs: Brenda E. Smith would love to join you and your book club via Zoom to discuss her books. Contact her via the Eye Opener Press website, where you can also find book club discussion questions.

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Becoming Fearless
Genres: Africa Travel Books, Traveler & Explorer Biographies
Paperback from $15.49
Audiobook from $21.83 ($0.99 via Audible)
Ebook from $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



An inspirational true story that showcases what is possible when you step out of your comfort zone into the wild.

Coerced by her boss and fellow river guides, Brenda Smith reluctantly embarks on a rafting trip through a vast Tanzanian game reserve. If she can survive twelve days on the remote jungle rivers, then she must scale Africa's tallest mountain. After twenty-eight years of a safe and predictable life, Brenda is terrified of what awaits her in these dangerous wildernesses.

She comes face-to-face with angry hippos, roaring lions, and stealthy crocodiles, and struggles with the extremes of unbearable heat and hypothermia. Despite the harsh external threats she conquers, her greatest challenge is a profound inner journey—a courageous transformation as she uncovers the internal source of her fears and discovers the personal strength to do anything.

Awards/Recognition for Becoming Fearless

• Best Non-Fiction Travel Book 2023 by Reader Views
• Winner Non-Fiction Regional-World 2024 by Storytrade Awards
• Silver Medal for Non-Fiction Adventure 2024 Readers' Favorite Awards

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Becoming Amazed
Genres: Travel Biographies & Memoirs, Adventurer & Explorer Biographies, Biographies & Memoirs of Women
Paperback from $19.99
Ebook: FREE



A journey to inspire you to chase your own wild dreams.

Brenda's journey began with rafting and mountain climbing through the untamed Tanzanian wilderness, as chronicled in Becoming Fearless, but what started as a step outside her comfort zone soon became an insatiable quest for the extraordinary, pushing her to explore some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the globe.

From Bolivia's rugged landscapes to Ethiopia's hidden tribal territories, from the enigmatic villages of Pakistan to the leech-infested forests of Sri Lanka, Brenda’s escapades are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. She confronts everything from revered idols exacting mysterious revenge to navigating eerie second-dimension spaces. The stakes reach their zenith in the brutal murder of a friend by terrorists—a moment that forces Brenda to reckon with the harshest realities of the world she craves to explore.

Through every trial, Brenda gains profound insights, emerging stronger, braver, and more enlightened. Her stories are an adrenaline-packed blend of daring exploits and deep reflections, perfect for fans of Eat Pray Love, Wild, and Tracks.

Praise for Becoming Amazed

"The fires of transformation blaze in this superbly delightful portmanteau of a book." ~Richard Bangs, Explorer

"Smith takes readers along on her amazing journeys...inspiring us to seek our adventures outside our comfort zone, and to explore and appreciate our diverse world." ~Judi Wineland, Founder of Overseas Adventure Travel

"Smith's retelling of these first encounters with remote rivers and the people and wildlife met along the way are the makings of river running history." ~Bridget Crocker, author of The River's Daughter

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About Brenda E Smith

Spellbound by wanderlust after working as a whitewater river guide, Brenda has lived, worked, or traveled in more than forty countries. While overseas, Brenda pursued adventures on less-traveled roads through remote villages, collecting a raft of stories about her exploits. Now retired, she lives in Belfast, Maine, documenting cherished memories of her escapades in memoirs, essays, and poems. When the ocean calls, she can be found rowing a dory in Belfast Harbor. Learn more and sign-up for news from Eye Opener Press at EyeOpenerPress.com.

This is a special edition LitNuts newsletter to let you know about a very special, limited time offer:

Get the highly rated Lancashire Detective Mysteries Boxed Set of three complete DCI Walker Crime Thrillers from author J.J. Richards for only 99 cents!*

• The Icehouse, Book 1 in the Series
• The Pike, Book 2 in the Series
• The Tower, Book 3 in the Series

* Please note: Because of Amazon restrictions, the 99-cent sale will not be available in Canada and Australia. Even so, the Kindle edition will still be on sale at a significant discount of 75% off the regular price in those markets. 

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The DCI Walker Collection Books 1-3: A Lancashire Detective Mystery
Genres: Detective Mysteries, Police Procedurals, Murder Thrillers
4.3 stars, 250+ ratings
On sale starting at 99 cents (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Book 1: The Icehouse
(4.1 stars, 1398 ratings)

A Murderer on the Loose. A Detective Haunted by the Past. A Race Against Time.

DCI Jonathan Walker is a senior detective for the Lancashire Constabulary in North West England. When a body turns up in the sleepy village of Rufford, Walker learns the crime may be linked to a decades old cold case involving the murder of his sister. Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, JD Kirk, Matt Brolly, Patricia Gibney, and Michael Connelly. "A moody, enveloping crime thriller." ~SPR Editorial Review

Book 2: The Pike
(4.3 stars, 1000+ ratings)

Not everything is what it seems, and not everyone is who they appear to be.

A young girl is found dead at the Pike Tower on Winter Hill near Chorley, and DCI Walker and the newly promoted DC Briggs are drafted in to investigate. But what seems like a party gone wrong or a sickening group attack, transpires to be much more, and threatens not only the local community, but Walker and his team, too. "A top-flight crime thriller." ~SPR Editorial Review

Book 3: The Tower 
(4.2 stars, 500+ ratings)

A seaside town on its knees. A group hell bent on making it a better place...by KILLING. 

When the Head Clown at Blackpool Tower Circus turns up dead in suspicious circumstances, a criminal investigation ensues, headed by DCI Walker. But when another body turns up just days later, with the same modus operandi, the double homicide becomes the talk of the town. "An unsettling but highly entertaining thriller." ~SRP Editorial Review

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About the Author

JJ Richards is a bestselling author based in Lancashire, England, where he lives with his wife and young son. Writing under multiple pen names, he has published eight novels and a collection of short stories, with his ninth book, The Castle, currently in the works. Though his stories are works of fiction, he often finds himself questioning where the boundary between imagination and reality truly lies. So far, he has yet to locate it, plant a flag, and chart it for future explorers. Learn more and sign-up to his mailing list at J-J-Richards.com.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Furry Princess series of books from author Vicki Crain and illustrator Christopher Scott Bell...beautifully illustrated books for young readers that convey valuable lessons about self-confidence, family, and more.

Bonus: Learn about the origins of Sasha (aka, The Furry Princess), her friends, her quest and future, and why she is cool!

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The Furry Princess

Book 1 in The Furry Princess Series
Genre: Children's Books
Price: $18

A full-color, 40-page, illustrated children's picture book following the journey of a shy, clumsy tiger named Sasha as she gains self-confidence by taking ballet classes.

Sasha, the youngest in a royal family of tigers, is going to be presented to the kingdom. As she prepares to receive her tiara publicly, her insecurities come out. She’s shy, awkward, and clumsy (and she has really big feet!).

Her best friend, Cami, convinces her to take ballet classes, where she finds self-confidence, makes new friends, and learns to believe in herself. Follow Sasha's journey as she becomes The Furry Princess.

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The Furry Princess: Mona's Memory

Book 2 in The Furry Princess Series
Genre: Children's Books
Price: $18

Book 2 in The Furry Princess series is a full-color, 40-page, illustrated children's picture book continuing Sasha the tiger's journey to become a princess while bonding and learning lessons with her friends.

Mona is a mischievous monkey. She likes to have fun in ballet class, which sometimes gets her in trouble. She’s not (always) grumpy; she’s just misunderstood. Her moodiness is attached to a memory she holds dear from long ago. What could it be?

Follow along as Mona shares her memory with her friends, Sasha and Cami, and finds out the true meaning of family.

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About the Author and Illustrator
Vicki Crain is a freelance writer who received her B.A. in English from the University of Illinois (Springfield). As a former dancer and teacher, she has translated her love of dance into a career as an arts and culture writer and children’s book author. Her publishing company, Qua Publishing LLC, launched in 2024. She lives in Chicago with her dog, Mabel. Learn more at VickiCrain.com.

Christopher Scott Bell is a freelance illustrator who received his B.A. in Illustration from the American Academy of Art, Chicago. Chris has been an artist his entire life, but collaborating on The Furry Princess Series has been the catalyst for him to pursue his love of illustration as a career. He lives happily with his husband, cat Lily, and 15 chickens in Ocean Park, Washington. Learn more at cbellillustrations.com.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Reborn in Shadows, a new release from author Maya Fisher that tells a gripping tale of survival, identity, and second chances.  

★★★★★ “Heartbreak, victory, and mystery rolled up into a digestible package that I didn’t want to put down.” ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Visit the One-Legged Woman’s Emporium, A Store for Those Who Live on Their Own Terms, where you can purchase signed hardcover and paperback copies of the book, as well as unique buttons and prints. 

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Reborn in Shadows

Book 1 of The Ryder Chronicles
Genres: Organized Crime Thrillers, Transgender Romance
4.84 stars, 19 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $2.99

A thriller about bravery, reinvention, and finding love in the face of darkness.

Miriam Ryder—a sharp-witted, chain-smoking, transgender woman and recent amputee—isn’t looking for trouble. She’s looking to survive. After a near-fatal encounter with a powerful crime family, she’s forced into witness protection, finding refuge in the quiet Appalachian town of Jasper Hill. But small towns have long memories, and some secrets refuse to stay buried.

As Miriam struggles to rebuild her life, she finds herself torn between bigotry, lurking threats, and an undeniable connection with a fiery art teacher who sees past her defenses. But danger is never far behind, and in a town where whispers can turn deadly, safety is just an illusion.

With her past closing in, Miriam must ask herself: How far is she willing to go to protect the fragile new life she’s built—and the woman who makes her want to stay?

Selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress, Reborn in Shadows has been recognized as a novel of significance, preserving a powerful and underrepresented voice in fiction.

Praise for Reborn in Shadows
"Fisher’s unflinching approach to difficult subjects—transphobia, violence, disability, and isolation—is balanced by moments of unexpected beauty and connection." ~Bookshelfie

★★★★★ "Inspiring tale about being reborn." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A complex tapestry of action, thriller, mystery, romance, and cozy." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A gripping testament to survival, identity, and second chances." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Maya Fisher is an author and founder/owner of One-Legged Woman Publishing. As a transgender woman and a below-the-knee amputee, she is the one-legged woman behind the name, and she has dedicated herself to promoting inclusivity, sharing diverse voices, and telling stories that show strength and creativity. Learn more at AuthorMayaFisher.com, and be sure to follow Maya online:

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Border Breakers: Kids of the Line, a gripping dystopian thriller about survival, rebellion, and the fight for freedom from author Ben Peterson. 

★★★★★ "A heart-pounding dystopian tale that feels way too real." ~Goodreads Review

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Border Breakers: Kids of the Line

Genres: Dystopian Science Fiction, Cyberpunk Science Fiction, Science Fiction Adventures
Paperback: $15.99
Ebook: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

The truth is out there. But crossing the Line means risking everything.

The Phoenix Line was built to keep people out. Or so they say. A thousand miles of electrified steel, patrolled by automated drones, surveillance towers, and deadly force—the Line divides the fractured remains of North America. On one side, the Northern Federation, a utopia built on clean energy, AI governance, and absolute control. On the other, the United American States, a starving wasteland clinging to the past. In between? A generation caught in the crossfire.

Tina Regalado has spent her life working under the hum of the Phoenix Line, believing its promise of safety and order. But when she hesitates to pull the trigger on a desperate border-runner, she starts to see the cracks in the Federation’s perfect system.

On the other side of the fence, Ryan Whitecloud isn’t just watching—he’s planning. The drones, the patrol routes, the gaps in the grid—if there’s a way out of the UAS, he’s going to find it. And when he crosses paths with Dru, a rogue hacker who’s uncovered a century-old secret buried beneath the Line, everything changes.

Because the Line isn’t just a border—it’s a lie.

As the Line’s AI defenses close in and the Federation prepares to seal its borders forever, Tina, Ryan, and their unlikely allies must make an impossible choice: escape while they still can…or break the Line for good.

Perfect for fans of Marie Lu’s Legend, Veronica Roth’s Divergent, and Pierce Brown’s Red Rising, Border Breakers is a pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller where technology, power, and rebellion collide.

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About the Author
Ben Peterson is a writer, illustrator, creative tinkerer, and full-time overthinker from Kansas City, Kansas. His stories tend to blend heart, humor, and just enough sci-fi or fantasy to make you wonder if your toaster might be plotting something. When he’s not writing, he’s drawing comics, playing Dungeons & Dragons, or pretending not to be emotionally destroyed by Pixar movies. Learn more by following Ben on Goodreads or via his Amazon Author Page.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Immortal North: A Novel by Tom Stewart, a tale of action and adventure for fans of Cormac McCarthy and Ernest Hemingway.

"This contemplative tale of survival is a unique and poetic excursion." ~Kirkus Reviews

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Immortal North

Genres: Men's Adventure; Psychological Fiction; Action & Adventure Literary Fiction; Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Literary Fiction
4.1 stars, 199 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: $0.99

A father raises his boy in the isolated north. But for those lands and minds with an unsettled past, other dangers may lurk the woods where father and son hunt the timber.

He’s known as the trapper. His family has a long history in these remote woods. Now it’s just him and the boy, and he’ll raise him in the world he knows...the forest, where threats take recognizable forms: harsh weather, peak predators, the encroachment of civilization at odds with their lifestyle.

A tale told in captivating prose of wild living, where human skin is no boundary for either the beauty or cruelty of nature. After the arrival of a foreign presence, the forest in all its naked majesty becomes an arena for the dueling forces of life: joy and suffering, good and evil, compassion and vengeance. One fateful day their woodland life is violently broken—shouldn’t those guilty of such injustice be held to account? Though the forest is isolated, this may be a story of the wilderness existing within us all.

Praise & Recognition for Immortal North

• "Heartbreakingly beautiful, raw and enchanting." ~Book Sirens
• "Very highly recommended." ~Readers' Favorite
• "One of those classic works best savored slowly.” ~Marcus Lynn Dean, author of The Scream of an Eagle
• Finalist, Literary & Contemporary Fiction, Chanticleer International Book Awards
• Winner, Whistler Independent Book Awards
• Five Stars, Readers' Favorite
• Notable Indie, Best Indie Book, Shelf Unbound

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About the Author
Tom Stewart is the winner of the 2023 Whistler Independent Book Awards in fiction and finalist in the 2022 Somerset International Book Awards in literary fiction. Tom grew up near Winnipeg, Canada, where he studied literature and philosophy at University of Manitoba. He worked in northern Canada as a fishing and hunting guide and bush-plane pilot. Tom now lives in Tofino on Vancouver Island. Learn more by following Tom on Goodreads or via his Amazon Author Page. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists, a collection from author Radu Guiasu that is sure to make you laugh.

"Sharp writing that showcases a delightful sense of humor." ~Kirkus Reviews

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A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists

Genres: Satire, Humor, Humorous Fiction
4.6 stars, 17 ratings.
Paperback: $19.99
Ebook: $3.99

Growing up under a dictatorship and the toil of academic life don’t seem like laughing matters, but the lighthearted stories in A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists find humor in all corners. Radu Guiaşu draws on his own experiences of academia, research, teaching, exploring nature, and growing up in Romania as inspiration for thirty-six short pieces that offer an entertaining escape from the mundane.

A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists is a wide-ranging collection that includes prose fiction as well as more inventive literary forms, such as lists, all-dialogue stories, and hermit-crab pieces such as a fake rejection letter. Full of clean, intelligent humour, this collection is unified by Radu Guiaşu’s wry, satirical voice, sure to put a smile on your face.

Praise for A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists

"Rich with satire and wit." ~BookLife 

"A diverse and enjoyable short story collection." ~Foreword Clarion Reviews

"A delightful, memorable collection." ~Literary Titan 

"An artful display of storytelling." ~Chanticleer Book Reviews 

"A gem of a collection." ~Readers' Favorite  

"A wonderfully eclectic series of shorts." ~The Wishing Shelf Book Review 

"Smartly funny." ~Independent Book Review 

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About the Author
Dr. Radu Guiaşu grew up in Romania and moved to Canada at age eighteen. Holding four university degrees in biology, education, and zoology, including a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, Radu Guiaşu is a tenured university professor who teaches and conducts research in fields such as ecology, animal behavior, and conservation biology. He has won teaching and research awards, and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals, two academic biology books, as well as a novel The Faraway Mountains, which was inspired by his experiences growing up under a communist dictatorship. He lives in the Greater Toronto Area with his family. Learn more at RaduGuiasu.com.

SPECIAL OFFER - TWO FREE DOWNLOADS!

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Pharaoh's Cat Novels from author Maria Luisa Lang, two books of historical fantasy that are also full of humor—and the e-book editions of each book are currently available as free downloads!

• The Pharaoh's Cat, Book 1 in 4.5 stars, 228 ratings
• The Eye of Nefertiti, 4.4 stars, 131 ratings

"Witty, clever and easy to read." ~Susan Barton, eBook Review Gal

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The Pharaoh's Cat

Book 1 of The Pharaoh's Cat Novels
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fiction
4.5 stars, 228 ratings.
Paperback: $7.99
Ebook: FREE

Suddenly talking and walking upright, a stray tomcat in ancient Egypt becomes the young Pharaoh's intimate and, when accused of his murder, time travels to New York City and learns how to raise him from the dead.

The cat is a quick-witted, wisecracking narrator as well as a free-spirited, ever-curious protagonist, and the story he tells is an exotic, imaginative, spell-binding tragicomedy. The novel interweaves feline and human, past and present, natural and supernatural. It contains numerous surprises, twists and turns, intriguing characters, both human and animal, fascinating revelations about ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Praise for The Pharaoh's Cat
"A wealth of rich history here, brought to life by a talented storyteller." ~Don Sloan, justfreeandbargainbooks

"A fun book and a new take on historical fiction." ~Teresa A.Wilson, terriluvsbooks

"Great for long-time fans of cats or for readers looking for a good and fun read." ~Joss Radillo, Koko's Book Blog

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The Eye of Nefertiti

Book 2 of The Pharaoh's Cat Novels
Genres: Historical Fantasy, Humorous Fiction
4.4 stars, 131 ratings
Paperback: $8.35
Ebook: FREE

Now a New Yorker, the Pharaoh’s cat travels back in time to free Egypt’s legendary Queen Nefertiti from a horrific curse, discovering firsthand why her mummy has never been found and her famous bust is missing one eye.

Added to all this is an ingenious use of the Tarot and Italian opera, making for a fabulous story that will transport readers to different locations in the past and present.

Praise for The Eye of Nefertiti
"Well-written historical fiction." ~Wendy Scott, Multi-Award Winning Author

"Highly recommended." ~Charity Rowell-Stansbury, On My Kindle Book Reviews

"Oozes with charm...a nice blend of everything from mystery, adventure, and even a touch of romance." ~Socrates Book Review

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About the Author
Maria Luisa Lang was born in Rome and now lives in New York City. She often returns to Italy to visit her family and has stayed for extended periods in London and Bath Spa. She has an art degree from the City University of New York, and her artwork has been exhibited in New York galleries. She is an amateur Egyptologist. Her fascination with ancient Egypt has inspired her to write two novels set there. Loving cats, she made one her protagonist. You can learn more and follow Maria via Goodreads and via her Amazon Author Page. 

New releases from Vine Leaves Press!
Check out the new titles released in March from Vine Leaves Press, an indie press that pushes boundaries, celebrates individuality, and amplifies unique voices. This month's new releases include Literary Fiction, Thriller, and Sci-Fi titles...

• Finding Serenissima by Apple Gidley
• Shaken by Jill Amber Chafin
• Tick... Tick...Tick... by Steve Zettler

Read on to learn more!

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Finding Serenissima

NEW RELEASE: March 11, 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99

Widowed Amelia rediscovers love, family, and identity amidst Venice's magic.

With the help of a feisty hotel owner, an attractive water-taxi driver, and a gondola full of Italians who call Venice home, Amelia, a widowed Australian, begins her search for serenity. As the island city works its magic, she comes to realize her life has been overshadowed by her famous American husband, Leo, well before his decline into Alzheimer’s. 

As Amelia navigates Venice’s winding canals and its language, she gracefully confronts the joys and challenges of aging, discovering that love and laughter can come at any stage of life. Balancing long-distance parenting and familial obligations, she redefines what it means to live fully as an older woman, all while the magical city slowly helps her reclaim her identity.

Finding Serenissima is a heartwarming tale of second chances, exploring the complexities of long marriage, independence, and rediscovering love in the most unexpected places.

Praise for Finding Serenissima
★★★★★ “A literary gem that immediately seized my heart.” ~Caroline James, author of The Cruise

★★★★★ “A charming journey.” ~Alka Joshi, author of the NYT bestselling The Henna Artist

★★★★★ “Vibrant as a glass of prosecco.” ~Janet Newman, author of Letters from Clara

★★★★★ “Compelling, honest and ultimately uplifting story of love and loss, friendship and community, joy and self-discovery.” ~Suzanne Leal, author of The Watchful Wife

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Shaken

NEW RELEASE: March 18, 2025
Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99  

Does one irreversible mistake define you forever?

When Sally unexpectedly becomes a mother at twenty, she tries her best to build a stable life for her son, Morgan. But the sleepless nights, overwhelming isolation, and relentless cries wear her down until she breaks, and in a moment of desperation, she does the unthinkable: she shakes her baby. Consumed by guilt and fear, Sally buries her actions beneath a facade of normalcy, but the cracks are beginning to show.

Enter Alyssa, the teenage babysitter, who is left in charge the night after the incident. As Morgan's condition deteriorates, Sally's partner, Charles, grows increasingly concerned. A series of alarming doctors’ visits spiral into a nightmare when authorities are alerted and fingers start pointing at Alyssa. Will Sally come forward and risk losing everything, or will she try to maintain the illusion of being a perfect mother—even if it means someone else takes the blame? 

Shaken explores the intense, often unspoken, struggles of new motherhood and the complexities of human fallibility. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Lisa Jewell, and Freida McFadden.

Praise for Shaken
★★★★★ “Shocking.” ~Valerie Taylor, author of A Whale of a Murder

★★★★★ “Gripping debut... a complex story about the nuances of love, grief, loneliness, and the moments of fear or rage that can change lives.” ~Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son

★★★★★ “Memorable characters with an unforgettable story.” ~Lisa Towles, award-winning author of Salt Island

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Tick... Tick...Tick...

NEW RELEASE: March 25, 2025
Genre: Political Thriller, Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: From $5.99

Life as we know it hangs in the balance.

Harlan Stone is at the top of his game—an unflinching federal agent who reports solely to the President. But why is this highly specialized operative poking around Pennsylvania Dutch Country, grilling a back-water doctor about a sterile bull? 

Questions proliferate. Within a month, the global beef market collapses, and unexplained environmental disasters and panic strike worldwide. The Earth is spiraling toward catastrophic ruin. Eco-terrorists? Ruthless extortionists? Rogue nations? Someone’s after something, but who and why?

It’s a race against time; the future of the planet is on a stopwatch, and Harlan is the one person capable of preserving humanity.

Praise for Tick... Tick...Tick...
★★★★★ “A spell-binding tale of intrigue and science fiction.” ~Armin Shimerman, star of Star Trek: Deep Space 9

★★★★★ “An espionage farce full of sex, spies, sci-fi, and secrets with a serious message.” ~Gregory Frost, author of the Rhymer Trilogy

★★★★★ “A nail-biting thriller.” ~Lanny Larcinese, author of Get Bek

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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. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on three powerful books from author and former flight attendant Nattanya Andersen. Follow Nattanya's experience of surviving an engine explosion mid-flight and overcoming PTSD while also battling the mental health industry and the military-industrial complex: 

• Broken Wings: A Flight Attendant's Journey
• The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Fallacy
• Serving Evil

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Broken Wings: A Flight Attendant's Journey

Genres: Memoir, General Nonfiction
Priced from $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

An eye-opening must-read that will deeply touch all travel professionals and passengers

Following an in-flight engine explosion, senior flight attendant Nattanya Andersen was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But the airline company denied Nattanya's problems, leading her to fight back against her employer, the airline industry, unions, and multi-government bureaucracies, all shamelessly maneuvering to deny benefits and maximize profits.

Refreshingly, this tale is not told from a powerless victim's position but with the use of balance and humor for truth and justice. Ultimately, the author brings hope that, at some point, corporations will switch from a context of denial to a desire of monitoring and improving their employees' and customers' health and well-being.

★★★★★ "Finally a book that spells out the truth about what being a flight attendant is all about." ~Amazon Review

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The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Fallacy

Genres: Mental Health, Post-Traumatic Stress
Priced from $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A Mental Health Industry Bonanza of Profit and Human Destruction

After surviving a mid-air engine explosion, flight attendant Nattanya Andersen was thrown into the surprisingly unscrupulous world of the mental health industry. As one of the few to escape its grasp with her faculties still intact, Andersen reveals the secrets that mental health practitioners don’t want you to know.

Meticulously researched, The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Fallacy shines a light on an industry that defies scrutiny. After more than a decade of “treatment,” the author reveals a shocking truth about PTSD that few people know, and still fewer will tell. A must-read for anyone who has been diagnosed with PTSD, this book reveals the shocking deep secrets the mental health industry and the military-industrial complex does NOT want you to know!

★★★★★ "Challenges the basic assumptions about the PTSD treatment." ~Goodreads Review

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Serving Evil

Genres: Medicine & Psychology, Post-Traumatic Stress
Priced from $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A thought-provoking journey into one woman’s experience and extensive research into PTSD

After surviving being blown out of the sky, flight attendant Nattanya Andersen then had to survive battling 23 psychiatrists and psychologists employed by the airline corporation, industry and Workers Compensation Board, all of whom seemed intent on driving her to suicide.

With the help of an Irish psychiatrist, Nattanya survived 10 years of that corporate traumatization. Many years later, after combining her personal experience with massive amounts of research into PTSD, Nattanya reveals the shocking truth: the powers that be want to sweep you and your PTSD under the rug rather than do everything they can to assist you in reclaiming your life. Keeping you sick and treating you is clearly more profitable.

★★★★ "An eye-opener!" ~Amazon Review

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About the Author
After seeing her first stewardess at age five, Nattanya knew she wanted to become a flight attendant. She later fulfilled her childhood dream by beginning to fly for a large North American air carrier. Her charmed life came to an abrupt halt when an engine exploded five feet away from her minutes after takeoff. She miraculously survived the explosion, but was diagnosed with PTSD and then further traumatized by health industry "professionals" in the airline industry. Today, Nattanya lives with her dogs in her ocean-side home on Vancouver Island. Learn more at Nattanya.ca.

 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease: Live, Eat and Heal Abundantly from Dr. Howard Christian. Unlock your innate power to heal your acid reflux disease with the same approach Dr. Christian used to heal his own GERD.

Bonus: Get two FREE e-books from Dr. Howard Christian: 

• Your Weekly Symptoms & Book Charts
• Bridging Symptoms & Stories

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Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease

#1 New Release in Alternative Medicine Healing on Amazon.com
Genres: Alternative Medicine Healing, Holistic Medicine
Paperback: $11.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Live, Eat and Heal Abundantly

If you’re trapped in a cycle of painful acid reflux symptoms, discover the groundbreaking approach Dr. Howard Christian used to heal his own GERD. This intuitive, self-help guide will give you the essential, practical knowledge you need to transform your health and your life.

Whether you’ve tried countless remedies and still battle painful acid reflux symptoms or you’re just starting your GERD journey, hope is here. By uncovering the hidden roots of your disease, you can unlock your healing potential and reclaim your life.

★★★★½ "An eye-opening and invaluable guide to self-healing from author and well-being navigator Dr. Howard Christian." ~Self-Publishing Review

"I have struggled with gut-related issues since I was a teenager... This book is going to be life-changing for so many people, myself included." ~Annalise Reads Reviews (& acid reflux sufferer)

Free Preview
Get a free download of the first three chapters of Your Home Remedy for Acid Reflux Disease. (Follow the link and scroll down to the sign-up form to get the free download.) 

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About the Author
Dr. Howard Christian is a pioneering well-being navigator, advocate, and author dedicated to transforming lives through wholeperson healing. With a Ph.D. in immunology and background in the pharmaceutical industry, he pivoted to MindBody Healthcare Science after healing his own GERD, allergies, and other chronic conditions. His approach fosters emotional, psychological, and physical transformation. Learn more at HowardChristian.com.

 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Coogan Mysteries, three novels from best-selling author Michael Cardwell's Frontier Series that follow the adventures of modern-day Montana lawman Danny Coogan:

• Frontier Justice: Book 1 in the Series, 4.4 stars, 1800+ ratings
• Frontier Outlaws: Book 2 in the Series, 4.5 stars, 700+ ratings
• Frontier Marshal: Book 3 in the Series, 4.6 stars, 200+ ratings

The Coogan Mysteries blend the flavor of westerns from the past into the fabric of current-day social issues. If you like western crime stories with realistic and resilient heroes, hot shoot-outs, and a smattering of wilderness humor, you’ll be thrilled with The Coogan Mysteries. Read on to learn more...

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Frontier Justice

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Action, Adventure
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Danny Coogan, a freshly minted Montana Fish and Game Officer and recent Afghanistan veteran, hopes to bury his demons in a simple life in the wilderness around the small town of Darwin. But his life becomes a nightmare when he is shot and left injured and alone in the freezing countryside. Thus begins a brutal battle of lies, deception, and revenge with drug runners, weapons dealers, kidnappers, and killers as Danny battles against threats to the community he loves and has vowed to protect.

★★★★★ "An entertaining contemporary western filled with action, humor and heart." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Modern Western with action and heart." ~Amazon Review

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Frontier Outlaws

Genres: Crime, Action, Mystery, Adventure
Paperback: $18.99
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Eight months after the showdown with the domestic terrorist group that nearly cost him his life, Danny Coogan faces a new threat to his community—and his career. It starts with a dead steer. Which happens to be near the body of a dead rancher. Both of which are on the Dead Horse Indian Reservation.

★★★★★ "Complex plot, great sense of place, well-drawn characters, and respect for First Nation culture. Plus drama and humor. I’ll be reading more in this series." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "An excellent sequel to Frontier Justice." ~Goodreads Review

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Frontier Marshal

New Release: Jan 2025
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $7.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Danny Coogan, now a U.S. Marshal, returns to his roots in Montana with his pregnant wife. But as Danny races into town ahead of an early blizzard, the storms of his past threaten his future. Not only have the ambitions of the Ghost Buffalo Society set some of the local Indians on a path toward insurrection, but Danny’s best friend, Edmund Goodrunner, working undercover for the Tribal Council, has gone missing. Soon, the FBI, State Police, Sheriff’s Department, and Tribal Police are involved, each with an eye on their brand of justice. Danny is caught in the middle of jurisdictional disputes while his wife’s life hangs in the balance in a surgical room.

★★★★★ "An exciting & thrilling ride laced with great characters & story line." ~Amazon Review

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About the Author
Michael Cardwell retired after thirty-two years in the U.S. Army. Along the way, he studied creative writing at Indiana University and published poetry and prose in reviews, journals, and magazines.

In retirement, he lives with his wife Roni in the Midwest and spends time brewing coffee, writing short stories and novels, chasing dogs, and enjoying his eight grandchildren.

Learn more at Michael's website, sign up for free e-mail updates, and be sure to follow him online: 
 

Congratulations to author Aaron Derr and Red Chair Press on the release of Second Chance: Baseball Buddies Book 2, a book about teamwork and friendship for middle grade readers.

"A charming book about a dynamic group of goodhearted kids featuring plenty of great baseball gameplay." ~Independent Book Review.

BONUS: Get a free discussion guide for Second Chance readers!

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Second Chance

NEW RELEASE: March 4, 2025
Book 2 of the Baseball Buddies Series
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Children's Baseball Books, Children's Self-Esteem Books
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.99

The Manatees are finally having fun this baseball season under new captain Luis. Embracing teamwork, they welcome troubled players Ty and Savannah, hoping to give them a second chance after they were kicked off a former team.

Can the Manatees learn to accept the newcomers? Can they teach Ty and Savannah to be good teammates? And can they all work together to beat the best team in the league, the Dragons?

Baseball Buddies stories explore the power of working together, accepting differences to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form when given a chance.

Praise for Second Chance
"They’re pretty good at baseball...but the reason the Manatees shine is because of their teamwork and the lack of pressure." ~Independent Book Review

"A highly amusing ‘sports-themed’ novel for 9-12 year olds. A RED RIBBON WINNER and highly recommended!" ~The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

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Building a Team

Book 1 of the Baseball Buddies Series
Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Children's Books on Peer Pressure, Children's Baseball Books
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.84

When Luis joins his new baseball team, the Manatees, things seem hopeless at first. Some of his new teammates—including "loud and obnoxious" home-run slugger Jimmie—are mean to him or to each other.

The new coach doesn’t tell the players everything to do like the old coach did. And some of the Manatees seem more interested in goofing off than in sportsmanship or working hard.

Then Coach Joe makes Luis team captain. Will Luis rise to the challenge? Can he get the Manatees to balance working hard and having fun? Will he help his teammates learn to be friends rather than compete with each other?

Baseball Buddies explores the power of working together, what it takes to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form on the baseball field.

Praise for Building a Team

• 2024 Mom's Choice Gold Award
• Readers' Choice Silver Award & 5-Star Rating
• Parent and Teacher Choice Award Winner 2024
• "An uplifting story of accepting differences, coming together, and learning the value of cooperation and competition." ~Midwest Book Review
• "A heartwarming story that will make even older readers long to take their glove out and find the nearest baseball diamond." ~Independent Book Review
• "If your child loves baseball, they will want to read this book. It shows perfectly how a team grows, how friendships are formed, and the proper way to behave in the sport—or any sport for that matter! Great images, too!" ~Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery

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About the Author & Illustrators
Author Aaron Derr is a writer based just outside of Dallas, Texas. He has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing magazines and books for kids of all ages for Red Chair Press, Time For Kids, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and the Boy Scouts of America. When he’s not reading or writing, Aaron enjoys watching and playing sports with his wife and two kids. He’s learned a lot from his home team about being a good sport and building teams.

Illustrator Matt Rowe lives in Worcestershire in the United Kingdom and has turned his passion for illustration into a career spanning over twenty years. Having first started out designing humorous greetings cards, he then moved into children’s book illustration, creating a range of captivating and charming artworks. Outside the busy job of illustration, Matt enjoys running, cycling, and family walks; relishing the opportunity to recharge and find inspiration in the world around him.

Illustrator Gary LaCoste started his career 20+ years ago working on game board and toy designs for clients including Hasbro, Nickelodeon, and LEGO. About 10 years ago his focus shifted to include children's publishing. Gary has since illustrated more than 25 books and is a regular contributor to many kids' magazines, including Highlights, Time for Kids, Jack and Jill, and Clubhouse Jr. He lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and daughter. 

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About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is an independent publisher 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:
 

 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Lancashire Detective Mysteries of the DCI Walker Crime Thrillers series from author J.J. Richards:

• The Icehouse, Book 1 in the Series
• The Pike, Book 2 in the Series
• The Tower, Book 3 in the Series

★★★★½ "A gripping pastoral thriller...deeply nuanced, packed with allusion and detail, summoning a vivid world to life, expertly combining the best of both police procedurals and twisted mysteries." ~SPR Editorial Review

Sale! 
E-book editions of all three books are on sale March 7-13 in the United States ($0.99) and the United Kingdom (£0.99), and free via Kindle Unlimited!

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The Icehouse
Book 1 in the Series
Genres: Detective Mysteries, Police Procedurals, Murder Thrillers
4.1 stars, 1360 ratings
Currently on sale in the US & UK (Regularly from $2.99)

A Murderer on the Loose. A Detective Haunted by the Past. A Race Against Time.

DCI Jonathan Walker is a senior detective for the Lancashire Constabulary in North West England. He’s haunted by events of the past and hell bent on redemption, if he can stay healthy for long enough that is.

After a body turns up in the sleepy village of Rufford, Walker returns from his leave of absence early. When he learns the crime may be linked to a decades old cold case involving the murder of his sister, things become personal.

When more people go missing and bodies turn up with the same bizarre signature, Walker and his team realize they have a serial killer on their hands. But time is running out, and Walker has to consider breaking the law himself to make things right, once and for all.

Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, JD Kirk, Matt Brolly, Patricia Gibney, and Michael Connelly.

"A moody, enveloping crime thriller." ~SPR Editorial Review

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The Pike
Book 2 in the Series
Genres: Mysteries, Police Procedurals, Psychological Thrillers
4.3 stars, 1007 ratings
Currently on sale in the US & UK (Regularly from $3.99)



Not everything is what it seems, and not everyone is who they appear to be.

A young girl is found dead at the Pike Tower on Winter Hill near Chorley, and DCI Walker and the newly promoted DC Briggs are drafted in to investigate. But what they find extends far beyond the Rivington Pike. What seems like a party gone wrong or a sickening group attack, transpires to be much more, and threatens not only the local community, but Walker and his team, too.

After identifying who’d taken the deceased to the Pike, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues, taking them to Manchester and back. When more women are attacked and left for dead, Walker gets reinforcements. But if they don’t find the attacker soon, more women will almost certainly die.

★★★★★ "Authentically written, patiently penned, and satisfyingly dark...a top-flight crime thriller." ~SPR Editorial Review

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The Tower
Book 3 in the Series
Genres: Detective Mysteries, Police Procedurals
4.2 stars, 500+ ratings
Currently on sale in the US & UK (Regularly from $3.99)



A seaside town on its knees. A group hell bent on making it a better place...by KILLING.

When the Head Clown at Blackpool Tower Circus turns up dead in suspicious circumstances, a criminal investigation ensues, headed by DCI Walker. But when another body turns up just days later, with the same modus operandi, the double homicide becomes the talk of the town. The murderer, calling himself The Defender, wants people to be kinder to each other, and he’s prepared to kill to make it happen.

★★★★★ "An unsettling but highly entertaining thriller." ~SRP Editorial Review

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About the Author

JJ Richards is a bestselling author based in Lancashire, England, where he lives with his wife and young son. Writing under multiple pen names, he has published eight novels and a collection of short stories, with his ninth book, The Castle, currently in the works. Though his stories are works of fiction, he often finds himself questioning where the boundary between imagination and reality truly lies. So far, he has yet to locate it, plant a flag, and chart it for future explorers. Learn more and sign-up to his mailing list at J-J-Richards.com.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Sword and the Sunflower Series, three works of epic fantasy from author Mark Bradford:

• The Sword and the Sunflower, Book 1 in the Series
• Amira, Book 2 in the Series
• Upside Down, the prequel to the Series

"An epic fantasy journey that is closely connected with our own world, driven strongly by its characters and their deepest pain, but ultimately leads them towards a wider perspective and a fulfilling conclusion." ~Readers' Favorite 

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The Sword and the Sunflower
Book 1 in the Series
Genre: Epic Fantasy
4.5 stars, 26 ratings
From $2.99  

 

 
In an epic fantasy set 1,000 years from now, the world resembles the Dark Ages of Medieval times rather than the future, and a father who is grieving the death of his daughter takes one last job—to assassinate a man he’s never met. But when he meets the young daughter of his intended victim, he ends up taking her under his wing and they are both taken on an epic journey.
 
This fantasy adventure explores the aftermath of catastrophe, in a new world distant yet familiar to us. It questions duty, family and challenges beliefs—all through the eyes of three strangers who have no business coming together. 

"Poignant and moving." ~Audiobookreviewer.com

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Amira
Book 2 in the Series
Genre: Epic Fantasy
5.0 stars, 6 ratings
From $4.99  

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Upside Down
Prequel to the Series
Genre: Epic Fantasy
5.0 stars, 2 ratings
From $4.44  

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About Mark Bradford

Mark Bradford is an author of both fiction and nonfiction books, host of a top 5% global podcast, licensed UAV pilot, speaker, and full stack web developer. He is also the father of two and a martini aficionado. 

Mark speaks to professional associations, groups, and businesses about status, time, energy and resources, and how we all connect. To learn more, visit MarkBradford.org, and be sure to follow him online:
 

            

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Tachyon Tunnel, an award-winning work of science fiction involving time-travel and romance from author Michael Gorton. 

★★★★★ "A thoughtful and engaging read that bridges the gap between hard science and deep emotion." ~Literary Titan

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Tachyon Tunnel

Genre: Time Travel Sci-Fi, Space Exploration Sci-Fi
5.0 stars, 12 ratings
From $1.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


 

A thought-provoking tale that challenges our understanding of reality and the human spirit.

Follow Paula, a molecular biologist on the cusp of receiving a Nobel Prize, whose life is abruptly cut short by a tragic accident. Her close friend, Alex, has been developing groundbreaking technology capable of tunneling through spacetime. Driven by grief and determination, Alex embarks on a daring journey using this technology, leading to a planet in Cassiopeia where Alex and Paula confront unforeseen challenges and emotions.

Author Michael Gorton's narrative seamlessly blends elements of adventure, romance, and science fiction, inviting readers to explore profound questions about time, loss, and the lengths one might go to alter destiny.

Author's note: As a scientist, I have always pondered the question of how we will be able to travel through the vastness of space. Many have suggested the use of wormholes, but I have a HUGE problem with using a tunnel created by black holes. To put is simply, we would be completely obliterated even getting close to a black hole. Gravity is fundamental to our 3D space, but I do not think it is how we will solve the problem of interstellar travel, thus...the Tachyon Tunnel.

Praise for Tachyon Tunnel

Literary Titan Gold Award Winner

★★★★★ "Thrilling journey through time & space!" ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "As intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping." ~Amazon Review

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Coming soon...

Tachyon Tunnel 2: The Daklin Empire

New release: Coming March 10, 2025
Genre: Time Travel Sci-Fi, Space Exploration Sci-Fi
E-book: $2.99 



 

Part two of the award-winning Tachyon Tunnel Series is coming March 10, with new twists, great science, adventure, and romance! Alex and the Tranquility team discover the Daklin Empire that has ruled the Galaxy for more than 50 million years. 

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About the Author
Michael Gorton grew up as the "poor kid next door." Because of great influence from his parents and four siblings, Michael reached for the stars. With virtually no money in his pocket, he went off to college and earned degrees in Physics, Engineering, and Law—all while working full time. After working as an engineer in corporate America, he is now a serial entrepreneur who has founded 12 companies. Michael is also author of eight books. Learn more at MichaelGorton.us.

Congratulations to author Linda Oatan High and Red Chair Press on the release of Somebody's Someone, a new work of juvenile fiction for readers ages 10 - 14 that blends humor, love, and friendship in the story of a twelve-year-old with a mentally ill parent.

"An uplifting narrative journey."  ~Kirkus Reviews

BONUS: Get a free preview of a sample chapter of Somebody's Someone and other books from Red Chair Press!

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Somebody's Someone

NEW RELEASE: March 4, 2025
Author: Linda Oatman High
Illustrator: Yayira Dzamesi
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.99



 

12-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers. When Ruthie, her mother goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction, Ruby and her aunt leap into action to search for Ruthie.

A jewelry store robbery and unexpected kindness from the victim bring more twists to the journey. From Georgia to Washington to New York City Ruby, discovers that sometimes even the worst events can bring the best surprises into one’s life.

Note: Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.

Praise & Recognition for Somebody's Someone
1st Place Winner, Children & YA Writing, Bookshelf Awards

"Heart-wrenching and profoundly moving." ~Bookshelf Review

"A real treat for young readers, blending humor, love and friendship." ~Barbara Binns, award-winning author of Courage

"A must read to understand the effects of mental illness on all family members." ~Linda Appleman Shapiro, psychotherapist and author of She's Not Herself

"A gem! A superbly written character-led novel for 10-14 year olds." ~The Wishing Shelf Awards

"A compassionate novel exploring the lifeforce of a child's love." ~Independent Book Review

"A beautifully illustrated, soul-stirring story." ~The Praries Book Review

"A tender exploration of the complexities of familial bonds and the enduring nature of hope" ~Literary Titan

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About the Author

Linda Oatman High is an award-winning author of books for children and teens. She also teaches writing workshops. Linda holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Learn more at lindahigh.com.

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About the Illustrator

Yai Dzamesi is an illustrator & storyteller who is passionate about creating stories that dive deep and push hard. Her work is marked by warm hues that both comfort and challenge readers. Learn more at yayiradzamesi.com.

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About the Publisher
One Elm Books is an imprint of Red Chair Press, an indie press 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:
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on three new releases from Vine Leaves Press, an indie press that publishes books that push boundaries, celebrate individuality, and amplify unique voices. February new releases include Literary, Sci-Fi, and Thriller titles:

• Woman in the Abbey by Mike Maggio
• Bell Tower by Raphael Pond
• Stigmaplay by Andrew Verlaine

Read on to learn more!

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Woman in the Abbey

NEW RELEASE: February 4, 2025
Genre: Suspense
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: $5.99

In a world where darkness reigns and escape is only an illusion, a young woman flees an abusive father and stumbles upon an abandoned abbey on the edge of a haunted forest. But what she finds there is far worse than anything she left behind. In this gothic tale of love, betrayal, and unholy retribution, nothing is what it seems.

Praise for Woman in the Abbey
★★★★★ "Packed with horror, romance, and beautifully overwrought emotion." ~Norah Vawter, author and editor

★★★★★ "A chilling, frenetic gothic ride from beginning to end." ~Steve Zettler, Two for the Money

"A magnificent blending of horror, fantasy, romance and suspense." ~Midwest Book Review

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Bell Tower

NEW RELEASE: February 18, 2025
Genre: Technothriller, Science Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99  

The battle for the mind has begun—and the line between healing and manipulation is dangerously thin. In a Glow Dome-driven world, Sasha Sumzer’s Solosis meditation unlocks healing through soul connections. As followers uncover its secrets, they face a dangerous battle against tech giant Axiom, blurring the line between healing and control in a fight for liberation.

Praise for Bell Tower
★★★★★ "A rollicking sci-fi adventure with memorable characters...takes the timely theme of device addiction to its logical conclusion." ~Andrew Verlaine, author of Stigmaplay

"A smartly plotted thriller set within a well-imagined dystopian future. Highly recommended!" ~The Wishing Shelf

"Masterfully explores themes of technology’s grip on creativity, the power of empathy, and the search for purpose in a fractured world." ~Kathryn Dare, Portland Book Review

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Stigmaplay

NEW RELEASE: February 25, 2025
Genre: Thriller
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: From $5.99

In a future that's closer than we might like to think, a groundbreaking virtual reality promises to redefine our understanding of mental health—but at what cost? June is tasked with testing the new VR, but as lines between reality and simulation blur, dark secrets emerge, revealing empathy's dangerous cost.

Praise for Stigmaplay
★★★★★ "A wild, satirical and confrontational ride, where trauma and tech form a new and foreboding machine." ~Carson Winter, author of The Psychographist

★★★★★ "An immersive and ambitious piece of experimental fiction. Shocking and compelling in equal measure." ~Annalisa Crawford, author of One Tuesday, Early

★★★★★ "American Psycho crossed with the latter half of A Clockwork Orange, but pitched into the 21st Century." ~David Butler, author of Fugitive

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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.

Today, LitNuts is shining a light on the works of Michael and Kelsey Sylvara. Known for their pioneering contributions to holistic athletic training, the Sylvaras have authored four books aimed at improving lives:

• How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World
• The Power of Alchemy: Turning Thoughts into Gold
• Becoming a Freak Athlete
• We Need More Leaders

Read on to learn more!

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How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World

New Release: January 28, 2025
Genre: Alternative Medicine
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Discover the Secrets to Thriving in a Modern World Full of Hidden Toxins

For thousands of years, our ancestors safeguarded their health with natural remedies, harnessing the power of raw foods, detox practices, and timeless wisdom. But in today’s fast-paced, industrialized world, these ancient methods have been overlooked—replaced by fleeting fixes and symptom-driven solutions. How to Be Healthy in a Toxic World reclaims these forgotten practices, offering a practical guide to help you protect and revitalize your body from the inside out with proven methods and techniques.

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The Power of Alchemy

Genre: Self-Help
From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Turning Thoughts Into Gold

Discover how to transform your life with this groundbreaking guide to self-mastery and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from the enduring wisdom of great thinkers, the authors reveal how your thoughts shape your reality and empower you to turn aspirations into tangible achievements. Whether it’s turning challenges into opportunities or unlocking hidden potential, each lesson equips you with the tools to harness the power of your mind for success.

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Becoming a Freak Athlete

Genre: Self-Help
4.8 stars, 6 ratings on Amazon
From $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Elite Training to Become a "Freak Athlete"

Unlock your potential with this empowering guide to pushing beyond perceived limits and achieving unparalleled performance. Through personal narratives and stories of star athletes, this book delivers a transformative journey. Dive into actionable insights and expert advice designed to help you become the best version of yourself. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a seasoned competitor, or someone looking to elevate their fitness game, this book promises to redefine your limits and unleash your true potential. 

JUMP PROGRAMS AND WORKOUTS INCLUDED!

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We Need More Leaders

Genre: Business Leadership, Personal Transformation, Leadership & Motivation
4.2 stars, 6 ratings on Amazon
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

This comprehensive and insightful guide distills decades of leadership knowledge into one streamlined resource. Steeped in practical advice and strategies, this book is a unique asset for aspiring and established leaders alike. Starting with the essence of leadership, learn to either become a leader or live to follow, harness the power of a Positive Mental Attitude, learn the art of saying "No" so you can focus on what truly matters, master the skill of building impactful relationships, and much more. 

Whether you're a manager seeking to improve your leadership skills, an entrepreneur looking to inspire your team, or an individual embarking on a personal development journey, The Art of Leadership equips you with actionable insights and evidence-based strategies to help you excel.

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About the Authors
Michael and Kelsey Sylvara are renowned for their pioneering contributions to holistic athletic training, merging physical prowess with psychological and spiritual growth. With a rich background in coaching multiple sports, including basketball, football, and strength and conditioning, Michael Sylvara has dedicated his career to nurturing athletes beyond their physical capabilities. Kelsey Sylvara, an expert in education and curriculum development, complements Michael’s coaching with a strong focus on mental training. Their combined expertise is evident in their unique approach, which integrates mental conditioning, nutrition, and wellness. Follow them online to learn more: 
 

FREE download! Son of Peace: A Modern Historical Novel of Buddha by James Field, a book that many readers have found to be "profound and inspiring."

★★★★★ "Like a calm river that flows through the landscapes of history." ~Goodreads Review

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Son of Peace: A Modern Historical Novel of Buddha

Genre: Buddhist History, Biographies of Buddhism
4.8 stars, 25 ratings
Audiobook: $12.25
Paperback: $9.99
E-book: FREE!

Dive into the profound wisdom and timeless teachings of the Buddha. 

In the heart of ancient India, amidst the opulence of palaces and the cries of suffering, one man embarks on a journey that will change the course of history. Siddhartha Gautama, the heir to a kingdom, forsakes his princely comforts in search of something greater: the elusive truth beyond worldly riches.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding, Siddhartha wanders the lands, encountering the depths of human suffering and the fleeting pleasures of existence. Amidst the chaos, he finds solace in the whispers of wise sages and the gentle embrace of nature. But his quest for enlightenment remains elusive.

As Siddhartha delves deeper into the mysteries of existence, he confronts the demons of his own mind and the temptations of desire. Yet with each trial, he draws closer to the ultimate truth, unravelling the secrets of the universe and the nature of human suffering. In a world consumed by greed and ignorance, Siddhartha's journey offers a transformative path to liberation for all who seek it...a beacon of hope in the darkness.

Prepare to be spellbound by this evocative retelling of one of history's most revered figures, as you journey alongside the Buddha on a path of enlightenment and redemption.

Praise/Recognition for Son of Peace
Currently ranked as the #1 book in Buddhist History on Amazon.com.

★★★★★ "More than just another Buddha biography." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A profound exploration of the timeless themes of suffering, enlightenment and peace." ~Goodreads Review

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About the Author
Born in Essex, England, James Field currently lives in Norway well within the Arctic Circle, in the land of the midnight sun where James says life is "slow and comfortable." Author of two dozen books, James invites readers to "take a break from your world, lose yourself in one of mine." Learn more about James and his work by following his Amazon Author Page.

LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Laura Nelson series of "taught and fast-moving" medical thrillers from New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Patricia Gussin. Each book can be read alone or as part of the series. 

"Brave, unflinching suspense—elegant, intelligent, and superb." ~Lee Child, New York Times best-selling author

BONUS: The books of The Laura Nelson series are great for reading groups, and the author has created Book Club Discussion questions for each title:

• Shadow of Death
• Twisted Justice
• Weapon of Choice

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Shadow of Death

Book 1 in the Series
Genre: Medical Fiction, Medical Thriller
4.3 stars, 200+ ratings
From $3.99

This is a world you would never want to enter...or forget.

Pull a trigger and everything changes. Medical student Laura Nelson had just finished examining her first patient when she is forced to make a decision that will alter the course of her life. Will her deadly secret come to light, or must she live forever in the shadow of death?

With a persistent and perceptive detective hot on her trail and a host of eerie incidents suggesting that maybe her secret isn't really a secret, Laura is drawn into an unseemly web of peril, deceit, and treachery. Set amidst the upheaval and smoldering chaos of the Detroit riots of 1967, Shadow of Death is a haunting tale of unrest, fear, and consequences. Perfect for fans of Tess Gerritsen and Kathy Reichs

Praise for Shadow of Death

• Thriller Award Nominee for Best First Novel, International Thriller Writers
• "Riveting, non-stop suspense." ~Judy Clemens, author of Till the Cows Come Home
• "A plot that races along like a runaway gurney in a hospital corridor." ~Don Bruns, author of Barbados Heat
• "The suspense is riveting and the pacing masterful." ~Michael Palmer, author The Society

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Twisted Justice

Book 2 in the Series
Genre: Medical Thrillers, Domestic Thrillers
4.1 stars, 500+ ratings
From $3.99

A shocking tale of lies, betrayals, secrets, and lives torn apart.

Laura Nelson has it all: a successful career as a surgeon, five well-adjusted kids, and Steve, her handsome husband and local news anchor. But Laura's seemingly perfect world shatters when she discovers that Steve is sharing more than a news desk and a billboard with Kim, his sexy co-anchor. The fling comes to an end when Kim is murdered—and Laura is left holding the smoking gun.

Sexy, alluring, and provocative, Twisted Justice delivers fiery hot action, pulse-pounding suspense, and a razor-sharp plot full of dangerous curves. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Lisa Scottoline

Praise for Twisted Justice

• Finalist, ForeWord Book of the Year Award
• "Relentless suspense and pitch-perfect medical details." ~Tess Gerritsen, New York Times best-selling author
• "A fast-moving suspense tale involving murder, medicine, and the law." ~East Hampton Independent
• "As riveting as it is relentless." ~James Rollins, New York Times best-selling author

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Weapon of Choice

Book 3 in the Series
Genre: Medical Fiction, Medical Thrillers
4.3 stars, 175 ratings
From $3.99

A deadly attack of massive scale is in the works. Can it be prevented?

Life is good for Dr. Laura Nelson, the highly regarded chief of surgery at Tampa City Hospital. But then she is drawn into the diagnosis of the first case of HIV/AIDS seen in Tampa at the same time that a highly resistant bacterial infection is raging in the surgical intensive care unit. To make matters worse, Laura's daughter is exposed to the bacteria and begins to show symptoms.

Desperate for help, Laura calls her young friend, Dr. Stacy Jones, at the CDC in Atlanta. Stacy travels to Tampa, unaware that a deadly plot is underway in Atlanta where a covert white supremacist cell plans an unthinkable attack on a massive scale. Laura and Stacy connect the Tampa nightmare with the impending Atlanta devastation. But can they do anything to stop it?

Praise for Weapon of Choice

• Winner, Florida Book Award
• Finalist, ForeWord Book of the Year Award
• "For fans of medical thrillers, a solid and satisfying read." ~Booklist
• "A truly infectious thriller you won't be able to put down!" ~Tess Gerritsen, author of Last to Die

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About the Author
Patricia Gussin is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who is also Board Certified in Family Medicine and has had a career as an executive in the pharmaceutical industry. Patricia’s award-winning novels tell the stories of normal people under extraordinary stress, the choices they make, the consequences that follow, and the process of endurance and recovery. Learn more at PatriciaGussin.com, sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow her online: 
 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Considering Us, a new release from Jenn Bouchard, author of award-winning women's fiction and romantic comedy.

"A soul-searching, second-chance romance for readers who love a strong female lead." ~Kirkus Reviews

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Considering Us

New release: February 6, 2025
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance
4.7 stars, 23 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $16.95
Audiobook: $17.46
E-Book: From $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

After an affair with a client's husband leads to scandal, private chef Devon Paige is left with only one client in Boston—a reclusive professional basketball player with a craving for cookies. As a result, Devon takes a job at a boarding school on the New Hampshire seacoast as head of dining services.

Devon is shocked to discover Kyle Holling on staff. She hasn't seen Kyle in more than fifteen years...not since a memorable night just before departing for college in different cities. Devon and Kyle must determine what their relationship looks like years later, all while dodging the cameras of an underground newspaper, dealing with the installation of a controversial campus sculpture, and grappling with the arrival of Devon's former lover's daughter as a new student.

When Devon meets a handsome paramedic named Heath, she ditches the possibility of romance with Kyle in favor of what appears to be a more straightforward relationship. But a trip to Los Angeles to keep her client well-fed ahead of his basketball game threatens to upend everything, forcing Devon to finally answer the one question she has been avoiding: Is fifteen years too late to rekindle a one-night stand?

Praise for Considering Us
"Bouchard dishes up the sweetest second chance romance that will warm your heart to the end." ~Caitlin Moss, author of You First and Goodbye Again

"For readers who know sometimes the right person comes along at the wrong time, but that fate has a way of bringing us second chances." ~Sharon M. Peterson, The Do-Over

"A feel-good, humorous yet realistic book that I'll hold in my heart as a new classic." ~C. D'Angelo, The Difference

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Also by Jenn Bouchard...
 

First Course

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Literature
4.4 stars, 182 ratings on Amazon
From $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

After four devastating events, including her parents' tragic plane crash, Janie Whitman retreats to her family's summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, to support her sister and nieces. A chance meeting with a high school guidance counselor named Rocky sparks a whirlwind romance, offering Janie hope for a new future. As they navigate their romantic entanglements and work to create a memorial for their parents, the Whitman sisters discover the potential for second acts in their lives.

Recognition for First Course
Recipient of 14 awards, including 2 Eric Hoffer Awards

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About the Author
Jenn Bouchard has been teaching high school social studies for twenty-five years. She is an avid cook, volunteer for good causes, and devoted Red Sox fan. A graduate of Bates College and Tufts University, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two children. Learn more at JennBouchard.com where you can also sign up to receive her e-newsletter and see a list of upcoming events in the New England area. Be sure to follow her online, too!
 

Congratulations to award-winning author Julie Ryan McGue on the release of Twice the Family, the much-anticipated prequel to McGue’s debut memoir, Twice a Daughter.

"Through the lens of her personal history, McGue explores human nature, family, and connection." ~Kirkus Reviews

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

New release: February 4, 2025
#1 New Release in Twins & Multiples Parenting on Amazon
Genre: Twins & Multiples Parenting, Adoption, Women's Biographies
From: $12.99

In this coming-of-age memoir set in Chicago’s western suburbs between the 1960s and ’80s, adopted twins Julie and Jenny provide their parents with an instant family. Their sisterly bond holds tight as the two strive for identity, individuality, and belonging. But as their parents continue adding children to the family, some painful and tragic experiences test family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds.

Faced with these hurdles, Julie questions everything—who she is, how she fits in, her adoption circumstances, her faith, and her idea of family. But the life her parents have constructed is not one she wants for herself—and as she matures, she recognizes how the experiences that formed her have provided her a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.

Praise for Twice the Family
"A memoir about faith, family, and doing right by others." ~Foreword Reviews

"A heartfelt exploration of connection, community, and the unbreakable bond between sisters." ~Simone Knego, author of The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You

"Intimate coming-of-age memoir about fragility and preciousness of life." ~Rikki West, Rootlines

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

Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction, Adoption, Parenting, Personal Transformation
4.5 stars, 1162 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

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Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship

Genre: Nonfiction, Family & Personal Growth, Parent & Adult Child Relationships, Adoption
4.9 stars, 26 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

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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, Florida. Learn more at JulieMcGueAuthor.com.

Bonuses:

• Get a free download of Empathy: The Ripple Effect by signing up for Julie's free bimonthly newsletters. (See the pop-up sign-up form on her website.).
• Connect with her via podcasts and in-person events. (See the list of dates and events under "Follow Me" on her home page—including an appearance at Anderson's Bookstore in Downers Grove on February 18 for our friends in the Chicago area!)
• Finally, be sure to follow Julie online: