Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the epic science-fiction of C. William Tressler, including a new release out today, July 8.

• Poncia Problems, Book 1 of the Kash and Calynn Adventures
• Disaster in Transport, New Release! Book 2 of the Kash and Calynn Adventures

Poncia Problems

In a distant future where the cosmos is governed by a coalition of the largest corporations, Kash, a former military operative known for his uncanny ability to acquire anything, finds himself on a mission unlike any other. Teaming up with his loyal pilot Calynn, who boasts a synthetic body and extraordinary powers, Kash's reputation and skills are put to the ultimate test.

Kash falls in love with a mysterious woman, but his world is turned upside down when she is abducted. Determined to rescue her, Kash and Calynn embark on a relentless chase across the stars. Their journey unveils a conspiracy reaching the highest echelons of the corporate government.

As they navigate treacherous space and confront powerful adversaries, Kash must rely on his military training and Calynn's unique abilities to unravel the truth and rescue the woman Kash loves from the clutches of corruption and deceit.

Praise for Poncia Problems
★★★★★ "Full of badass action, naughty romps, and clever/funny banter." ~Amazon Review

Disaster in Transport

Kash is a man of principle. Mostly. He prefers to keep his head down, his debts paid, and his ship—the Alley Cat Savant—safely among the stars. As a privateer with a hard-earned reputation, he roams the known galaxies taking on specialized tasks to carve out a living, all while steering clear of corrupt government bureaucrats.

When a favor pulls Kash into a high-stakes deal with one of those very bureaucrats, Kash quickly learns some jobs are too dangerous to ignore—or walk away from.

With his brilliant and beautiful partner Calynn at his side, Kash dives headfirst into a mission he knows better than to accept. What starts as a simple errand spirals into a war for survival. 

Explosive action, razor-sharp banter, and a heaping dose of heart make this high-octane space opera perfect for fans of daring rogues, found family, and galaxy-spanning adventure.

About the Author

        

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the high-quality historical novels published by History Through Fiction—and on the HTF community of readers, writers, and history lovers. Read on to learn more!

A Community of Historical Fiction Lovers

• Readers can learn about recent releases like the three titles featured below (including two free e-books!), join the Historical Readers Club, follow the HTF blog (including a post today about forthcoming releases), subscribe to the HTF Podcast, read short stories and novel excerpts, and more.
• Writers will find a short story contest, advertising opportunities, workshops (including a free Write. Revise. Repeat. session on July 3), and learn about the 2026 Historical Fiction Conference for writers and history enthusiasts.

South of Sepharad by Eric Z. Weintraub

Fleeing death by the Spanish Inquisition, a Jewish doctor makes an impossible choice between home and faith, then struggles to lead his family on a journey for a new life.  

GRANADA, SPAIN, 1492. Vidal ha-Rofeh is a Jewish physician devoted to his faith, his family, and his patients. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand order all Jews to convert to Catholicism or depart Spain, Vidal and his family leave their their oldest daughter with her Catholic husband and join a caravan of 200 Jews to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez.

On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties and strained family relationships. At the same time, his daughter finds herself exposed to the Spanish Inquisition. Presenting readers with a painful but important part of Jewish history, South of Sepharad is a heroic, heart-breaking story of a father who holds tightly to his faith, his family, and his integrity.

Praise for South of Sepharad
"An epic, historical novel." ~John W. Jarrett, author of The Dark Prairie

"Insightful, compelling, and poignant." ~Teofilo F. Ruiz, author of Spain's Centuries of Crisis: 1300 - 1474

An End of Troubles: An Anthology

Discover stories where diverse characters confront pivotal historical moments, challenging their resilience and sparking transformation.

Step into a world where history and fiction intertwine in a collection that features ten stories that showcase the power of storytelling to illuminate the past. Each story was a winner in the History Through Fiction short story contest, including the story of a young wife who finds her artistic voice during the Great Depression via a union's musical; a former British soldier who seeks redemption by returning a cursed diamond to India; a soldier in Thebes who must choose between avenging his father and preserving his home as Spartans march to reclaim the city; a servant woman at a Scottish castle who reflects on her encounter with Mary Queen of Scots; and more 

Praise for An End of Troubles
★★★★★ "A great collection of short stories about various historical events." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Well-written and evocative of their respective periods." ~Goodreads Review

The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg

In a world where ambition is as fragile as porcelain, two lives are shaped by a king's dangerous obsessions.

In 18th-century Dresden, the dangerous whims of King Augustus the Strong shape the court and the lives of those held captive, both people and animals.

Johann Kändler, a talented young artist, is drawn into the world of King Augustus, whose relentless desire for a lifelike porcelain menagerie could make or break Johann's future. As Johann works to meet the king's impossible demands, he finds unexpected allies in former royal mistress Maria and her daughter Katharina. 

Decades earlier, another story unfolds. Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden, is chosen to replace Augustus's discarded mistress. As she tries to create a menagerie of exotic animals and navigate the intrigues of an unpredictable court, Fatima must learn to survive in a world that values beauty and power above all. 

Two timelines, bound by a king's obsessions...art and survival intertwine in a world where ambition can be as fragile as porcelain.

Praise for The Porcelain Menagerie
"Plumbs the depths of possession, resistance and survival." ~Jess Armstrong, author of The Curse of Penryth Hall

"Historical fiction at its most evocative." ~Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue

About the Publisher

          

Ready for something new and exciting? Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Blue Veil, a genre-breaking sci-fantasy epic from LoveBrain that has been described as "Mythpunk at its finest."

What is Mythpunk? Who is LoveBrain? How can you experience Blue Veil? How can you get three chapters free? Read on to learn more!

"I don't believe anything is perfect but this was close to it." ~Amazon Review of Blue Veil

Blue Veil

A genre-breaking sci-fantasy epic about transformation, spiritual warfare, and the long road to reclaiming yourself.

Addiction. Reincarnation. A shattered world in orbit around its own annihilation.

Charlie is just trying to survive her latest relapse when a stranger drags her out of withdrawal and into the sky—literally. Now she’s on the run through a broken world of floating continents, mythological gods, and vicious valkyries who remember a past life she can barely face.

But Charlie has a secret:
She used to be someone else.
Someone powerful.
Someone dangerous.

As memories of her former self begin to surface, Charlie is forced to choose between the needle and the sword—between forgetting everything, or becoming the very thing that once shattered the world.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on contemporary women's fiction/romance from M. Jacqueline Murray—specifically, on the first two books of the Maddie & Nate Series:

• Out of Time: 4.6 stars, 35 ratings on Goodreads
• Next Time: 5.0 stars, 8 ratings on Amazon

Maddie & Nate is a dual point-of-view series that follows two soulmates through three variations of their lives, each time with a different meeting point: late in life (Out of Time), mid-life (Next Time), and early (Our Time). Their story explores the complexities of romance and intimacy at every stage. 

★★★★★ "A wonderful love story...magical and endearing." ~Goodreads Review of Out of Time

Out of Time

Life has a time limit. Love doesn’t.

For most of her 78 years, Maddie Cole has done things the "wrong" way. But throwing out the societal rule book meant sacrificing romantic success for career highs—a move she’s never regretted...much. Now retired, she relishes the freedom to travel with her daughter, Anne. Their latest trip is a long weekend in picturesque Bar Harbor in Maine. 

Octogenarian Nate Jacobs has always taken pride in doing things the "right" way. He built a successful legal career, and now retired and widowed, he runs a tight ship at the Hope Point Lighthouse B&B. Perhaps that’s why Maddie, with her disregard for convention, catches his eye.

When Anne is unexpectedly called away on business, Maddie finds herself compelled to stay on at Hope Point, alone. Over breakfast conversations and long walks, Nate and Maddie’s friendship deepens, even as old memories return to haunt them. Except this time, the past starts to clear a path for the future...

★★★★★ "A beautiful story of two people who crossed paths over a lifetime and finally connected when it was right." ~Goodreads Review

Next Time

Two strangers. One bar. Bad timing?

The night Maddie Cole and Nate Jacobs find themselves in the same place, at the same moment, with an hour to kill...a spark ignites. Engineer Maddie’s determination to conquer a male-dominated industry captivates Nate’s imagination, even as his steadfast loyalty starts a glow in Maddie’s heart.

But with marriages and children in tow, anything more than friendship would mean social and emotional carnage.

As Maddie and Nate’s paths continue to cross professionally, their affections blossom into a force that can’t be ignored. And one night, when nature conspires to force them together, their resolve unravels completely. Will imploding their personal lives end in heartache, or a soulmate?

This is the second iteration of Maddie and Nate’s love story, set in the 1970s where the constraints of the era and their responsibilities change this love’s trajectory forever.

★★★★★ "A romance that appeals to both sexes and accurately depicts love and the complexities it brings." ~Amazon Review

        

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of author Heather Reyburn, including the newly released Letters in Blue, book one of the new Outback Skye Series. 

Heather grew up on her family's New Zealand sheep and cattle farm, and rural life provides the inspiration for her novels...stories filled with drama, mystery, and love from picturesque settings in New Zealand and Australia. 

Bonus: Get a free e-book edition of Grace, a prequel to Heather Reyburn's Tullagulla Series of rural/small town fiction. 

Letters in Blue

From the sunburnt plains of Outback Australia to the misty shores of the Isle of Skye, the fates of two women are intertwined by heartbreak, mystery, and the relentless pull of destiny.

2024: Ingrid Sloane is burnt-out. When the opportunity for a break from her nursing career in Australia finally arrives, she is drawn to visit the Isle of Skye, her grandmother’s birthplace. But a chance meeting with Fergus, a local Scot, and his nephew, Callum, leads to an unexpected discovery—a bundle of pale blue aerogrammes (letters sent via airmail). The suggestion of a long-lost love touches Ingrid, and with Callum’s help, she embarks on a quest to reunite the authors of the intriguing letters.

1990: Lucy Pellegreen found the perfect life on the Isle of Skye—a man she adored and a future brimming with possibilities. But when a family emergency sends her home to the Australian Outback, the precious letters from Scotland become the only reminder of the love waiting there. Before she can return, one tragic twist changes everything, leaving her lost to the past in more ways than one.

Will Ingrid’s search for answers lead to her own happiness? Or is history doomed to repeat itself?

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Madison Love, an award-winning, Amazon best-selling, clean, and contemporary romance writer who loves to intertwine humor and suspense while adding a dash of sweetness. Featured today are three box sets:

• Smoochin' The Best Friend Box Set
• Just4You Matchmaker Series
• The Shining Knight Protectors Box Set

"Love has been blessed with an extraordinary gift for weaving compelling narratives that resonate with her audience." ~Louise Jane, CEO, The Christlit Book Awards

Smoochin' The Best Friend Box Set: Four Christian Small Town Romances

Genres: Women's Christian Fiction
Price: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Four heartfelt romance novels filled with faith, family, friendship, and just the right amount of humor.

Welcome to Baggersville, Texas—a town where community matters, cornhole is taken seriously, and love sometimes shows up when you least expect it. Included in this box set: 

• Smoochin’ the Wrong Twin (4.7 stars, 151 ratings): Pop star Joelle Summers comes home to lay low. But her plans to fake-date her childhood crush gets complicated when spending time with his twin brother brings back more than memories. 
• Smoochin’ the Surly CEO (4.8 stars, 134 ratings): Beloved art teacher Gabby has kept friends at a distance to protect her secret. Surly CEO Tim failed once when he pursued her, but he’s determined to get it right the second time.
• Smoochin’ the Right Twin (4.8 stars, 100 ratings): Influencer Merdy returns to Baggersville for a reset in her career. But Hunter, her longtime friend, has been waiting for a chance at romance. 
• Smoochin’ the Reticent Ranger (4.8 stars, 134 ratings): Wounded warrior Ace returns to piece together his life. Elise, a warrior in her own right, decides their happily-ever-after is worth fighting for.

★★★★★ "A sweet, swoon-worthy, clean romance with a lovely life lesson woven throughout." ~Goodreads Review of Smoochin' the Wrong Twin

Just4You Matchmaker Series: Sweet and Clean Romantic Suspense

Genres: Clean & Wholesome Romance
Price: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Three fun, light-hearted, swoon-worthy romantic suspense stories that have a touch of sweetness and a dash of humor.

• Matchmaking The Undercover Agent (4.8 stars, 97 ratings): Amelia is a matchmaker who’s never been matched. Ethan is a famous rockstar and her brother’s best friend. He’s sexy. He’s sweet. And he’s completely off-limits.
• Matchmaking The Grumpy Doctor (4.6 stars, 114 ratings): A nurse should never fall in love with a patient, but no one said anything about their grumpy, silver fox, single dad.
• Matchmaking The Firefighter (4.6 stars, 109 ratings): What happens when the matchmaker pairs an arson investigator with a sexy firefighter who has a hero complex? You get a case of mistaken identity, a fake fiancé, and a world of trouble.

★★★★★ "Great series! All 5-star books!" ~Amazon Review

The Shining Knight Protectors Box Set: Six Sweet, Christian Romantic Suspense Stories

Genres: Women's Christian Fiction
Price: $9.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Six intertwined Christian romantic suspense stories that are action-packed and filled with love, humor, and intrigue.

• Valiant (4.7 stars, 159 ratings): My job is to save lives, but when I start fearing for my own, my family hires a protection specialist who happens to be my secret crush. 
• Honor Bound (4.8 stars, 112 ratings): When I left the love of my life under the cover of darkness, I never imagined I'd return the same way.
• Worthy (4.7 stars, 133 ratings): Undercover as a nanny, I protect a billionaire hockey player and his spirited daughter while hiding my true identity.
• Resolute (4.7 stars, 120 ratings): As a foster mom to six rambunctious kids, my peaceful life turns chaotic when a new arrival—a drug lord's son—draws danger. 
• Daring (4.8 stars, 128 ratings): Discovering I have a brother is one thing; protecting his best friend, Detective Elijah Kincaid, is another.
• Fearless (4.8 stars, 120 ratings): When my parents vanish during a couples' retreat, I’ll do anything to find them—even marrying my father’s best friend.

Winner: 2025 Christlit Book Award

About the Author

Madison Love has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. It only took twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the "happy-ever-after" they seek, but with a dash of intrigue. Learn more at MadisonLoveRomance.com where you can also sign up for her ARC Team and her e-mail list—scroll to the bottom of any page to sign up! Be sure to also follow Madison online:
 

      

Pioneers crossing the Oregon Trail...American Legionnaires returning from the Great War...pilots soaring across skies while dodging anti-aircraft flak...Rosie the Riveters sacrificing life as homemakers and mothers to weld ships and pound rivets into aircraft wings...these are the stories author Julie McDonald Zander loves to share. Read on to learn more about her critically acclaimed historical fiction and biographies.

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

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence

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

When former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she sees it as a chance to escape her own ghosts and start anew. But when she discovers a faded diary and a bundle of love letters, she unveils the tragic choices that shattered lives and fractured a town, and learns that the wounds of yesterday still shape today.

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

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

"Forges new paths toward peace and understanding in ways readers won’t see coming." ~Midwest Book Review

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

The Reluctant Pioneer

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

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm. But her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest, so in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward on the Oregon Trail.

Disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threaten Matilda's family on their journey, causing her to wonder if they will reach the trail’s end and if the babe growing inside her will survive. But when tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

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

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

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

Winning a War

Stories of those who served, suffered, and sacrificed during WWII.

Ten Southwest Washington residents describe their participation in the fight to protect our freedoms...

A Dutch woman recalls her brothers' activities in the Dutch resistance, the Jews who took refuge on their family farm, and the price paid by her family when the Nazis arrived... Three survivors of the attack at Pearl Harbor share their views of the battle from the USS California, the USS Nevada, and Ford Island... After the Japanese torpedoe the USS Selfridge, a sailor salvages materials to build an ice cream maker and boost the crew's morale... A Northwest native in the Sixth Army Rangers raises the flag on Dingagat Island in the Philippines, heralding General Douglas MacArthur's return... and more.

Praise for Winning a War
★★★★★ "An amazing account of veterans and heroes who fought to keep us free during World War II.” ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Amazing true stories of World War II." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Dr. Evette Rose, Holistic Counsellor, Ph.D., MBA, and author of 19 books written to support people in their healing journeys. 

In today's special edition newsletter, we are focusing on three of Dr. Rose's books—including a FREE e-book:

• Restoring the Emotional Body - new release available as a free e-book
• Metaphysical Anatomy - 4.7 stars, 1400+ ratings on Amazon.com
• Abundant Mindset - Breaking Through Financial Barriers

You can see all of Dr. Rose's books at MetaphysicalAnatomy.com, where you can also learn about several free online master classes (including one on June 18!) and other offerings from Dr. Rose, including Metaphysical Coaching Technique, Workshops, Self-Paced Courses, and Healing Retreats. 

Restoring the Emotional Body: A Practical Guide to Feeling Again

New release: June 5, 2025
Genres: Self-Help, Emotional Self-Help
Paperback: $6.73
E-book: FREE download from the author (Also available for $0.99 via Amazon.com, free via Kindle Unlimited.)

YOUR BODY REMEMBERS WHAT YOUR MIND TRIES TO FORGET

Have you ever felt stuck—not just in your thoughts, but in your body? Like something deep inside is frozen, aching, waiting to be acknowledged? Restoring the Emotional Body is not just a book—it’s a sanctuary for anyone who’s tired of “keeping it together” while silently falling apart.

This deeply compassionate guide explores the emotional, neurological, and metaphysical roots of your pain—without overwhelming you with medical jargon or academic theory. This is a simple, easy-to-read book designed for real people with real emotions, who are ready to finally understand what their body has been trying to say.

Bonus: Healing Meditation with Guided Healing Session Video

Metaphysical Anatomy: Your Body is Talking, Are You Listening?

Genres: Mental & Spiritual Healing, Personal Transformation Self-Help
4.7 stars, 1400+ ratings
Paperback: $45.95

Decode the hidden messages behind mental and physical ailments.

Under each disease, you will find emotional components and precise key points that guide you toward effective alternative healing methods and help you uncover the core issues. Metaphysical Anatomy explores diseases from A to Z, revealing the emotional components connected to each condition and providing practical insights on how to approach them to improve your quality of life. The book also includes reflective questions to support you in diving deeper into your psychosomatic journey and offers a step-by-step guide for identifying the psychosomatic patterns linked to medical issues. 

Whether you are an experienced alternative healing practitioner or someone exploring self-healing for the first time, this book will become an invaluable resource.

Abundant Mindset: Breaking Through Financial Barriers

Genres: Personal Transformation, Self-Help
Paperback: $17.95
E-book: $15.95

Break through financial barriers to create prosperity and abundance.

A great guide to getting your money in order and becoming successful. Manifest success and heal blocks to abundance. Get clear about your values and ancestry to empower your financial future. Create awareness around your relationship to money for lasting change.

If you can resolve and release these issues, you will open yourself up to a more prosperous future. Once you identify your blocks, you can start working on resolving them. With a little effort, you can transform your finances and set yourself up for prosperity.
 

About the Author
Dr. Evette Rose is a Holistic Counsellor, Ph.D., MBA, author of 19 books, Leader in Somatic and Psychosomatics, founder of Metapsychology Coaching™, Metaphysical Anatomy Technique, Integrative Soulful Therapy (IST), YouTuber, speaker, and author of 19 books. She strives to support people in their healing journeys and is best known for her work in helping people recover from the trauma of their past, as well as addressing psychosomatic symptoms and freeing them to live successful and fulfilling lives. She's internationally famous for writing Metaphysical Anatomy Volume 1, a book of 722 medical ailments and their hidden emotional and somatic patterns. She also wrote Psychosomatics of Children, including hundreds of children's ailments and their psychosomatic patterns. Learn more at MetaphysicalAnatomy.com, and be sure to also follow her online: 
 

        

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Dr. Heather Kristian Strang, a mystic, metaphysical psychologist, and Amazon bestselling author:

• Radical Abundance in Radical Times: The Oracle: New Release June 11, 2025
• Love Letters from Mary Magdalene: 4.6 stars, 44 ratings
• The Angelics: Wildest Dreams: 4.9 stars, 30 ratings

★★★★★ "Dr. Strang’s ability to hear what needs to be heard and write what needs to be written is a true gift to those of us asking, seeking, and knocking." ~Amazon Review

Radical Abundance in Radical Times: The Oracle

Forever Change Your Path With Abundance!

It’s easy to think that your abundance—in cash-money, health, food, and all forms of prosperity—is tied to an economy, a job, the circumstances you were born into, or even to world events. And yet, we want you to know it’s not.

Your abundance is tied to your alignment, embodiment, and unification with your Higher Self. This Oracle features the wisdom of Mary Magdalene, Jesus Christ, Gautama Buddha, St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Mary, King David, King Solomon, Archangel Michael, John the Baptist, and more. Daily reading of these transmissions will uplift you to a new level of abundance and wealth.

This Oracle is for you if you'd like to co-create more abundance in your life or if you desire insights on how to live in Radical Abundance during this Radical and important time on Earth.

Love Letters from Mary Magdalene

The Untold Tale of Her Life, Love & Legacy

Imagine if the stories you've heard about Jesus and Mary Magdalene, both from religious traditions and new age spirituality, only scratched the surface of their true tale. What if their extraordinary journey could unlock a deeper, more fulfilling experience in your own life today?

Love Letters From Mary Magdalene promises an enthralling journey that will leave you breathless with each turn of the page. Prepare to be captivated by the untold tale of the profound bond between Mary and Yeshua (known as Jesus Christ)—and how their story resonates with your own life, here and now.

Praise for Love Letters from Mary Magdalene
"A book that demonstrates the power of love and what's possible when one lives a divinely-led life." ~Astara J. Ashley, CEO/Publisher, Flower of Life Press

"An old story reimagined to shed light on the current times." ~Emily Trinkaus, Embodied Aquarian Astrologer

"An extremely moving and mystical story." ~Aletheia Sophia, author of The Grail King

The Angelics: Wildest Dreams

Fated Mates. Small Town Love. Angel Romance. Happily Ever After.

Veronica’s intuition screams two things: One, she’s destined to be a bookstore owner. And two, her soulmate is somewhere out there. After a crushing breakup and a string of unfulfilling bookstore retail jobs, she relocates to a small town on the Oregon coast where her life is about to take a mystical turn.

Through a series of prophetic dreams, she uncovers her Beloved. And he’s a literal rock star. He’s facing his own struggles while trying to pursue his soul desire of healing others with his music. 

More than just a romantic fantasy, this psychic romance can also serve as a guidebook for anyone seeking to unite with their Beloved or Soulmate. This metaphysical fantasy features small-town love, dating a celebrity, and a PG-13 clean romance.

Praise for The Angelics
★★★★★ "An amazing and inspiring story that touched my heart." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A refreshingly magical romance with a soulful twist." ~Amazon Review

    

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Whispers Between Worlds: Exploring the Boundaries of Science and Spirituality, a short read from Reece Kerridge-McColl that focuses on spirituality and "explores moments of mystery that defy explanation." 

Whispers Between Worlds: Exploring the Boundaries of Science and Spirituality

What if the truth isn’t found in answers, but in questions?

In Whispers Between Worlds, Reece Kerridge-McColl takes us on a personal journey across the borders of science and spirituality. Raised among Christian traditions but drawn to crystals, energy, and ancient wisdom, he explores moments of mystery that defy explanation—childhood memories of unseen visitors, the stillness at the moment of death, and the unshakable feeling of something more.

With reflections on Buddhism, Islam, fiction, reincarnation, and music’s emotional resonance, this book is a bridge between belief and doubt. It’s for the agnostic, the spiritual, the curious, and the questioning.

This is not a manifesto. It’s an invitation—to listen, to wonder, and to rediscover the sacred in the space between worlds.

Praise for Whispers Between Worlds
★★★★★ "A very interesting read that gets you questioning your own experiences." ~Amazon.co.uk Review

★★★★★ "Comforting and challenging all at once." ~Amazon.co.uk Review

★★★★★ "A great, short read. My mind is blown!" ~Amazon.co.uk Review

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on several recent and forthcoming releases from History Through Fiction, an independent publisher of high-quality historical fiction. 

Special Offers: Get a free e-book edition of The Rhino Keeper, a highly rated recent release, and order new titles direct from the publisher to get your copies in advance of official release dates.

The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg

Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe.

2022 – College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. From hidden desk drawers come unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. On a lichen-covered eighteenth-century grave, the same animal is carved. When an expanding river forces exhumation, what she finds buried there is life-changing. Andrea faces her nightmares to retrieve what a grave robber steals: valuable proof of a long-forgotten history.

1740 – Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer has something not seen in two hundred years: Clara, the only rhino in Europe. Douwemout and Clara tour Europe, enthralling peasants and queens, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. But when a priest sees idol worship and becomes hell-bent on destroying Clara, the lives of Douwe, Clara, and her caretakers are at risk.

The Rhino Keeper evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros. 

Praise for The Rhino Keeper
"A historical mystery and a tale of old-world adventure, reminding us that even the wishes we take to our grave may someday come true after all.” ~Sarah Penner, NYT Bestselling Author of The Lost Apothecary

“A charming page turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike.” ~Diana Giovinazzo, author of Antoinette’s Sister 

"A masterful tale of mystery, love, and the magic of discovery.” ~Elizabeth R. Andersen, author of The Alewives

The Boy with the Jade by Charles Bush

A young aristocrat's quest for identity amid love, loss, and betrayal in 18th-century China.

In the opulent world of 18th-century China, where wealth and power reign supreme, Baoyu, heir to the illustrious Jia family, is born with a jade pendant in his mouth—a symbol of his destiny.

Amidst his family's splendor, Baoyu shares a deep, intellectual connection with his cousin, Daiyu, and engages in intense liaisons with Amber, his main maid. But Baoyu's life spirals after a severe beating from his father, Amber's death, Daiyu's illness, and the loss of his jade pendant.

Seeking enlightenment, Baoyu turns to Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, finding guidance from mystical mentors who help him reclaim his jade and hope. But with expectations to excel at the Imperial Examination and continue his lineage, Baoyu craves freedom and makes a bold escape, embarking on a transformative journey.

Drawing inspiration from Hong Lou Meng, Bush's novel weaves a rich narrative of love, grief, and self-discovery, exploring the intricate human quest for meaning, transcending both time and culture.

Praise for The The Boy with the Jade
"A compelling, soap-opera-like portrayal of one of China’s most famous families." ~Terese Tse Bartholomew, Curator Emeritus, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

"Filled with psychological drama and the vivid splendor of the Qing Dynasty's golden age." ~Larry Feign, author of The Flower Boat Girl

"Reads like a letter from imperial China to our modern era." ~Laurie Dennis, author of The Lacquered Talisman

The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg

In a world where ambition is as fragile as porcelain, two lives are shaped by a king's dangerous obsessions.

In 18th-century Dresden, the dangerous whims of King Augustus the Strong shape the court and the lives of those held captive, both people and animals.

Johann Kändler, a talented young artist, is drawn into the world of King Augustus, whose relentless desire for a lifelike porcelain menagerie could make or break Johann's future. As Johann works to meet the king's impossible demands, he finds unexpected allies in former royal mistress Maria and her daughter Katharina. 

Decades earlier, another story unfolds. Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden, is chosen to replace Augustus's discarded mistress. As she tries to create a menagerie of exotic animals and navigate the intrigues of an unpredictable court, Fatima must learn to survive in a world that values beauty and power above all. 

Two timelines, bound by a king's obsessions...art and survival intertwine in a world where ambition can be as fragile as porcelain.

Praise for The Porcelain Menagerie
"An engrossing, page-turning historical novel which plumbs the depths of possession, resistance and survival." ~Jess Armstrong, USA Today best-selling author of The Curse of Penryth Hall

"A must-read for those interested in thoughtfully exploring issues of the past that still resonate today." Laurie L. Dove, author of USA Today Bestseller Mask of the Deer Woman

"Historical fiction at its most evocative." ~Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue

About the Publisher

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on new women's fiction and romance from Baker Book House:

• Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher (released May 2025)
• The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck (coming July 15)
• Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn (coming August 19)

★★★★★ "A wonderful summer read." ~review of Capture the Moment by Mary Ann Hake, author of The Smell of Spring

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Clean Sweet Summer Romance Novel with a Park Ranger and a Wildlife Photographer in Grand Teton National Park

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments. But now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain—and the bears—better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Praise for Capture the Moment
"Fisher weaves a story of love and healing among the wilderness and beauty of the majestic Grand Tetons." ~Rachel Hauck, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Part mystery, sweet romance, & wildlife adventure, this book kept me quickly turning the pages." ~Melissa's Bookshelf review on Goodreads

The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck

A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

Praise for The Sands of Sea Blue Beach
"Hauck pulls out all the stops in this heartwarming novel of perseverance and family." ~Library Journal starred review

"This book is truly a breath of fresh air, all wrapped within a sweet and swoony love story!" ~Liz Isaacson, USA Today bestselling author

Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn

Suitcase Sisters Book #2: Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Italy with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God's nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Praise for Gelato at the Villa
"Readers will be swept off their feet by this faith-forward celebration of friendship." ~Amanda Cox, award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging

"Gunn writes characters who will leap off the page and straight into your heart." ~Liz Johnson, best-selling author of Beyond the Tides

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the poetry of three authors published by Harbor Lane Books, an indie press that publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry:

• Between These Bones by Freya Sharp
• Ashes and Embers by E.V. Nova
• Lilacs and Roses by Cheryl and Christie Leigh Babirad

★★★★★ "Beautiful and meaningful." ~Amazon Review of Between These Bones

Between These Bones: A Collection of Poetry

Between These Bones is a relatable and intimate collection of bite-sized poems that take the reader on a journey with Freya through trauma, the struggles that come with surviving abusive relationships, heartbreak, mental illness, finding oneself, healing, and opening up to new love.

★★★★★ "Raw and emotional." ~Goodreads Review

Ashes and Embers: Poems

Ashes and Embers includes After The Ashes and Reignite The Embers by E.V. Nova. After the Ashes is a collection of poems depicting the emotional journey through the darkness of grief, heartbreak, and betrayal, and into the first glimpse of hope and light that comes with healing. Reignite the Embers is a collection of poems portraying the beautiful, and sometimes confusing, journey of new beginnings. 

Perfect for fans of Kate Baer, Melody Godfred, and Courtney Peppernell.

Lilacs and Roses: A Poetry Collection

This compilation of poems--a collaboration between mother and daughter, Cheryl and Christie Leigh Babirad--unites distinct voices of two generations, unveiling timeless passions and emotions as they delve into the subjects of love, peace, nature, heartbreak, and hope.

Lilacs and Roses also includes mother and daughter interviews with each other as they ask questions that will inspire readers to connect with their loved ones and take notice of the beautiful ties that bind generations.

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Wild Series of YA paranormal/adventure novels from author C. Fern Cook: 

• Wild Evolution
• Wild Justice
• Wild Legacy

★★★★★ "A unique werewolf series." ~Amazon Review

Wild Evolution

When Dan defends his livestock against a wild dog attack, he is put in a "kill or be killed" battle. Afterwards, he takes the head of a wild dog in to be tested for rabies—only to discover that he actually has the head of a human male instead of a wild dog.

Now Dan is forced to cover up a self-defense killing because no one would believe he killed a wild dog when he has a human head. A werewolf by contamination, Dan's life spins out of control. All his senses are heightened including his passion for the wild, which compels him to try to stop a new housing development that threatens the local wildlife from loss of habitat. But things don't go according to plans, and now Dan has a second body to dispose of.

Through it all, even though Dan is under investigation for murder, Angela gives Dan her unflinching trust. Because he had an abusive father, Dan has never been able to trust anyone. But now he has someone he wants to start a family with...someone to build a future with. 

Wild Justice

In book #1 of the Wild Series, Colorado rancher Dan Tucker’s life is turned upside-down. After surviving a mutant canine attack, Dan discovers the animal he killed is not a wild dog, but a man. To protect himself even though it was a self-defense killing, he covers up the murder.

Now, with his quiet life as bachelor rancher transformed into a constant battle of wits to keep his deep, dark secret safe, Dan finds himself at odds with everyone, including his girlfriend and his former best friend—and most of all, himself. In book #2 of the Wild Series, Dan struggles to keep his nocturnal life a secret as his wedding gets closer. He soon discovers that’s the least of his worries…

Wild Legacy

In Book III of The Wild Series, Dan Tucker's passion for the wildlife runs through the veins of his offspring--and so does "his curse." Only Dan knows why his child is different from all the other children.

Like every parent, Dan is challenged with teaching his child how to fit into this world. In Dan's case the dilemma is taken up a notch. But like every new soul that arrives on this planet, they must make their own way; no one else can do it for them.

    

Today, LitNuts is shining a light on books from Dollars & Sense Publishing that can help you navigate your financial journey with confidence and clarity:

• Financial Literacy Essentials, 4.9 stars, 124 ratings
• Business Hints for Men and Women, 4.6 stars, 12 ratings
• Dollars and Sense Financial Success Starter Pack, 5.0 stars, 4 ratings

★★★★★ "Comprehensive and engaging." ~Amazon Review

Financial Literacy Essentials

A Dollars and Sense Guide for Young Adults

Financial education is overlooked in schools, leaving many unprepared for the realities of adulthood, including managing money, earning an income, and paying bills.

When you’re struggling to pay your monthly bills, confused about how to build credit, or unsure where and when to start investing, it’s easy to feel lost. Financial Literacy Essentials is your ultimate companion for building a solid financial foundation. Inside this guide, you'll discover how to:

• Master the Art of Budgeting
• Find that First Job or Be Your Own Boss
• Build Strong Financial Habits
• Understand Credit and Loans
• Invest with Confidence
• Plan for Emergencies
• Pay for College
• Avoid Financial Pitfalls
• Spend Wisely
• Gain Financial Independence and Confidence
• And more

Praise for Financial Literacy Essentials
★★★★★ "Fantastic book for developing financial literacy and important life skills." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Enriching and thorough." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ " A comprehensive resource for building financial confidence." ~Amazon Review

Business Hints for Men and Women

A Dollars and Sense Adaptation of Timeless and Common Sense Business Lessons

Whether you're launching your first venture, managing a small business, or striving for financial clarity, Business Hints for Men and Women is your ultimate guide. First published in 1910, A.R. Calhoun’s classic book offered simple yet powerful strategies to help individuals succeed in business and finance. Calhoun, a respected journalist and advocate for clear, practical advice, understood the challenges faced by small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals of his time. His work provided readers with essential tools for success, offering straightforward guidance on managing money, understanding contracts, and building financial security. Now, this groundbreaking work has been fully updated for the 21st century.

Here’s just a taste of what you’ll get access to in this modern adaptation:

• Essential Documents Decoded
• Mastering Money Management
• Secrets to Effective Communication
• Smart Banking and Investments
• Insurance Insights That Matter 
• Timeless Principles for Success
• Adapt to an Evolving Business Landscape
• Achieve Long-Term Stability and Growth 

Praise for Business Hints for Men and Women
★★★★★ "Timeless business advice, updated for modern success." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Practical advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners." ~Amazon Review

Dollars and Sense Financial Success Starter Pack

Your First Step to Smart Money Management, Saving, and Building Financial Security

This Financial Success Starter Pack is filled with insightful infographics and helpful tips. Inside, you’ll discover practical advice and tips on money management beginner fundamentals, including budgeting, cutting down on expenses, and saving, all designed to simplify and jump start your financial journey.

Included are infographics that break down complex concepts into actionable steps, and tips that provide quick, useful strategies you can apply right away to improve your financial well-being today.

Praise for Dollars and Sense Financial Success Starter Pack
★★★★★ "A small book packed with everything you need." ~Amazon Review

      

Looking for a couple of fun reads for FREE? The Pharaoh's Cat Novels from author Maria Luisa Lang fit the bill...two works of humorous historical fantasy/fiction that are currently available as free downloads!

• The Pharaoh's Cat, Book 1 in 4.4 stars, 255 ratings
• The Eye of Nefertiti, 4.3 stars, 152 ratings

"A wealth of rich history here, brought to life by a talented storyteller." ~Don Sloan, justfreeandbargainbooks

The Pharaoh's Cat

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

"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

The Eye of Nefertiti

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

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Art of Going Green by JJ Millen, a guide on how to care for the environment and choose sustainable living in 10 eco-friendly steps. Read on to learn more!

★★★★★ "Great for tips on getting started going green.” ~Amazon Review

The Art of Going Green

Genres: Nonfiction
4.2 stars, 9 ratings
Price: $5.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Simple Tips for Sustainable Living and Eco-Friendly Habits

We’re taking more from the Earth than we’re giving back, and the effects are undeniable. From extreme weather to environmental degradation, the impact is here. If you care about this, where do you even begin? How do you make a difference on such a huge scale? Yes, climate change can feel overwhelming. But does that mean there’s no use in trying? Absolutely not.

One of the biggest misconceptions about eco-friendly living is that it’s too hard, ineffective, or expensive. The Art of Going Green cuts through the noise with easy, actionable tips you can apply every day. From green cleaning to minimalist wardrobes, eco travel to simple recipes, reusable to renewable—you’ll discover budget-friendly methods that might surprise you. Along the way, you’ll reduce stress on both your life and the planet. Plus, you’ll enjoy perks like saving money and living a healthier lifestyle.

In this practical guide to green living, you’ll discover:

• Easy ways to reduce waste at home
• How to create an affordable minimalist wardrobe
• Eco cleaning hacks using natural ingredients
• Sustainable travel tips for conscious adventurers
• Delicious, simple plant-based recipes
• Smart swaps to embrace reusable products over disposable ones

Discover how rewarding and even addictive green living can be, with benefits you may not even know existed. The Art of Going Green is for everyone ready to take steps toward a better future for the planet. Your planet.

Bonus chapter included to help you kickstart your green journey today.

★★★★★ "Perfect for beginners...an inspiring resource for anyone looking to live more sustainably." ~Amazon UK Review

★★★★★ "An inspiring read for anyone ready to contribute to a healthier planet." ~Amazon US Review

★★★★★ "Full of great tips for a greener life." ~Amazon Netherlands Review

About the Author

JJ Millen is a video editor, writer, and musician with an extensive background in multimedia. Over the years, he has worked on various projects, including app development, songwriting, photography, blogs and articles, a successful magic-learning YouTube channel, and numerous video projects. As a Star Wars and Tolkien fan, sci-fi and fantasy are a constant inspiration to him.

He lives in rural Sweden together with his wife, dog, and two cats. Despite managing chronic illness, as a vegan and eco-conscious couple, they do their best to live as green as they can. Learn more at jjmillen.media, and be sure to follow him online: 
 

    

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

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

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

Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Reluctant Pioneer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Tixie Chronicles series from author Jack Borden. This four-book Children/YA Fantasy coming-of-age adventure series features heart-stopping sword fighting action scenes, memorable characters with complex relationships, heroic bravery, and vivid world-building. 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.

"A powerful educational tool, this rich work is filled with stunning illustrations and fitting dialogue that enhance the reading experience. Jam packed with action and suspense." ~Feathered Quill Review

The Vultures of Doom

Book 1 of The Tixie Chronicles
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.

★★★★★ "Action-packed book great for the whole family." ~Amazon Review

The Keeper of Knowledge

Book 2 of The Tixie Chronicles
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.

The Ants of Fire

Book 3 of The Tixie Chronicles
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

A couple of days after the defeat of the Vultures of Doom, the peace of the forest is again shattered when an old enemy returns. This time, he attacks the forest with an army of fire-breathing ants that bring chaos and death. The ants scorch everything in their path, leading to a final brutal confrontation with the Woodland Tixies.

"A compelling tale that will shape the landscape of children's literature, thanks to its astute storytelling and graceful prose." ~Feathered Quill

The Lost City

Book 4 of The Tixie Chronicles
4.38 stars, 586 ratings on Goodreads
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Children's Folk Tales & Myths
From: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)

Four summers have flown by since Avelyn and her family won the vicious battle against the Ants of Fire. Now, a mysterious aging sickness is shortening the lives of the tixies.

When shy but determined 16-year-old Avelyn's beloved mother suddenly ages 100 summers before her eyes, Avelyn is paralyzed with sadness. But Killian, her more outgoing little brother, discovers a way to save their mother and the other tixies, leading Avelyn and Killian to make an epic journey across dark and dangerous lands in search of a sacred Magic Dust that is rumored to give creatures long life.

★★★★★ "A well-written thrilling YA fantasy adventure filled with danger, magic, and mystery." ~Goodreads Review

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. Learn more at Jack-Borden.com, and be sure to follow him online:
 

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on award-winning children's books from Fathom Publishing Company:

• Growing Up in Alaska
• Adaa’s Story
• Luna's Star

Bonus: Visit the Fathom Publishing website to learn more about each of these books, the subject matter, and the authors. You can also download and printout FREE activity booklets for family and kids!

Growing Up in Alaska: A Baby Arctic Tern

A baby Arctic Tern hatches in Alaska. He has much to learn: how to eat, how to swim, how to bathe. But his greatest wish...is to FLY!

This is the story of an Alaskan Arctic Tern as he grows up in Alaska's Potter Marsh near Anchorage. You follow him as he learns to eat, swim, and care for his feathers. After many days of practice, trial and failure, he gains the joy of flying with his parents.

The text, photographs, and illustrations explain his experiences. Children see how he keeps on trying when practicing new skills. Perfect for reading to younger children and for older children to read to themselves.

A photographic story of learning, growing, and spreading your wings.

Awards/Recognition for Growing Up in Alaska

• Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize Short List
• Eric Hoffer Award: Children's Honorable Mention
• Mom's Choice Awards: Gold Award Distinction
• eLit Book Awards: Gold Award: Children's Books (7 and under)
• Purple Dragonfly Book Award: Best Photography 2nd Place
• Nautilus Book Awards: Silver Award: Children's Picture Books/NonFiction
• Independent Publisher Book Awards: Silver Award: Best Children's Illustrated E-Book
• Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards: Children’s Picture Books 2nd Place
• Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards: Animals/Pets/Nature 3rd Place
• Feathered Quill Book Awards: Bronze/3rd Place
• Reader Views: Honorable Mention Early Reader-Ages 6-8

Aada's Story: The remarkable life of a rescued sea otter

An orphaned baby sea otter is rescued and grows to be the oldest male sea otter on record.

A baby sea otter named Adaa is found orphaned on a bush pilot's runway in remote Port Heiden, Alaska. Adaa's chances of survival are low, but through a chain of kindness and a remarkable rescue, he will live to be the oldest male sea otter on record.

Travel with Adaa through this beautifully illustrated true story of wildlife rescue. Readers will learn about the complex work that goes into rescuing and caring for sea otters at the Alaska SeaLife Center, and what happens when sea otters are no longer able to return to the wild.

Awards/Recognition for Aada's Story

• Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Finalist
• "The writing and illustrations are superb... This children's title is a hands-down winner. RECOMMENDED." ~The U.S. Review of Books

Luna's Star: an owlet flies to the stars

The story of a special owlet who reached for the stars.

A little owlet named Luna lived in a deep dark forest. One night, Luna’s Momma and Papa told her, “Little Bird, you can be anything you want to be. Only the sky is the limit. So dream big.”

The sky is the limit, Luna thought as she fell asleep under her mother’s wing. Follow Luna as she launches herself into the sky and learns that if you reach out, there is no limit on what you can achieve!

Awards/Recognition for Luna's Star

• Pinnacle Book Achievement Award, Best Books in Children's Interest
• Purple Dragonfly Book Award, Honorable Mention, Best Illustrations
• NYC Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorites
• ★★★★★ "A well-written story for all ages." ~Amazon Review

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of C.G. Harris, author of young adult and humorous science fiction that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages:

• Out of Darkness: The Rax Book 1
• Quest for the Cove: The Rax Book 2 ← New Release, April 29, 2025!
• Hometown Space Pirate: Viraquin Voyage Book 1

★★★★★ "Fun sci-fi adventure." ~Goodreads Review

Out of Darkness

A Blind Hero. A Ruthless Alien Empire. A Rebellion on the Brink of Collapse.

Fifteen-year-old Tael is not your average slave. The Raxions may have stolen his sight and forced him into the mines, but he is more than just another cog in their war machine. He has an ability that makes him valuable—one the Raxions exploit. But he also possesses something far more dangerous, something that makes him their greatest threat.

When a daring escape throws Tael into the heart of the resistance, he faces an impossible choice: keep running and stay in the shadows or stand and fight. Betrayed by those he should trust and thrust into a war he never asked for, Tael must decide—will he embrace the power he never wanted and fight for freedom, or let the rebellion fall?

Fans of Red Rising, The Hunger Games, and Ender’s Game will love this high-stakes sci-fi adventure packed with rebellion, resilience, and the strength found in the darkest of places.

Quest for the Cove

A Rising Hope. A Brutal Wasteland. And Tael is Running out of Time.

The camp is gone. And the Raxions will stop at nothing to crush what’s left of the resistance before it rises again.

On the run and out of options, Tael leads the last of the resistance across the wasteland in search of a myth: Spirit Cove, a hidden sanctuary where they can vanish, recover, and regroup...and where Tael can begin to understand the mysterious artifact embedded in his arm.

In the vast brutal desert, hunger, heat, and hopelessness sets in. Fear takes root, tensions flare, loyalties crack, and the weight of every decision threatens to tear the rebellion apart. With danger closing in and hope fading fast, Tael is forced to step into a role he never wanted: leader of a rebellion he doesn’t believe can win.

An unforgettable YA sci-fi novel about courage, sacrifice, and the will to rise when all seems lost—perfect for fans of Skyward, Red Rising, and Scythe.

Hometown Space Pirate

Ben Roberts hears voices…alien voices.

When word of his abilities spreads through the galactic grapevine, Ben ranks number one on an A.I.’s most wanted list to become their cybernated slave. A bleak prospect, but what if they offered him everything he ever dreamed of in exchange?

A headstrong spaceship, with an intelligence of its own, shows up to help Ben, but he doesn’t know if it can be trusted. When he discovers a powerful alien has taken refuge on Earth, Ben makes it his mission to rescue it from the race of A.I. beings.

If he can’t find a way to survive, the balance of power throughout the universe could be altered forever.

Aliens, robots, and spaceships all rolled up into one hilarious, page-turning story.

        

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on A Million Tomorrows by Kris Middaugh, an unexpected and enchanting blend of light science fiction and contemporary romance. 

★★★★★ "A love story that explores time and place and how it can connect shared lives." ~Amazon Review

A Million Tomorrows

A love story for all times: past, present, and future.

“So, it’s not exactly time travel…” Lucian said. And it wasn’t…exactly.

But Lucian Phanes’ revolutionary research might just be Dr. Perry Roberts’ only hope to repair his haunting past and build an actual future.

There is something special about Beverly Bowen that Dr. Roberts can’t verbalize, or even understand. Yet, he feels an almost supernatural pull toward her, and the feeling is mutual. The budding romance raises eyebrows even among Perry’s closest friends. How can he envision a future with Beverly when her life hangs by a thread?

Yet, as Lucian’s top-secret research begins to blur the lines between past, present, and future, hope—as scarce and fragile as it might be—begins to bubble under the surface.

Follow Dr. Perry Roberts and Beverly Bowen as they race against the unrelenting persistence of time.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Silent Intrusions from author John Chirillo, a new medical thriller that will appeal to readers who like fast-paced thrillers.

★★★★★ "An engaging suspense novel that captures your attention right from the first paragraph." ~Amazon Review

Bonus: Enter the Silent Intrusions Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win one a free Kindle edition of the book.

Silent Intrusions

New Release: February 2025
4.9 stars, 12 ratings
Genres: Medical Thriller, Technothriller
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)  

A chilling attack. A race against time. Trust no one.

When an attack paralyzes a major hospital, Dr. Kristi Chiro is thrust into a race against time—where every second lost could cost a life. As medical devices glitch, vital signs vanish, and chaos erupts, she must lead a desperate fight to stop the digital assault before the entire system flatlines.

But the attack is just the beginning.

Lurking behind the breach is a genius hacker wielding quantum power, a covert syndicate pulling strings from the shadows, and a rogue AI with secrets buried deep in its code. Allies can’t be trusted. Enemies wear familiar faces. And somewhere in the chaos, a group of teenage tech-sleuths stumbles into a conspiracy far more dangerous than they ever imagined.

Silent Intrusions is a pulse-pounding thriller where the lines between medicine, machine, and mayhem blur—and the future depends on who controls the code.

About the Author
John Chirillo is an accomplished and published programmer and author who has penned numerous influential books that delve into the complex realms of cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and IT compliance. His writings are celebrated for their ability to demystify intricate technical concepts, making them accessible to professionals and enthusiasts alike. These works serve as indispensable resources for those aspiring to master the intricacies of modern security practices. Learn more at silent1ntrusions.com.

Congratulations to author Valerie Taylor on the April 22 release of Switched at Death, the second installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series of award-winning cozy mysteries with a romantic twist.

The series began with A Whale of a Murder, released almost exactly one year ago in April 2024. In book two, Valerie brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister, this time with a holiday theme that can be enjoy all year long.

Switched at Death

New Release: April 22, 2025
Book 2 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Paperback: From $16.69
Ebook: From $4.99  

2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Cozy Mystery
2025 Firebird Book Awards Winner - Holiday

Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.

After the town's long-time, beloved mayor collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.

Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor's death, she has no choice.

As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor's death. Will Venus's clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?

Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!

A Whale of a Murder

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book 1 of the Venus Bixby Mystery Series
4.2 stars, 180 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: From $13.98
Ebook: From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited) 

Sea breezes and fireworks fill the air in cozy Chatham Crossing, the peaceful and historic whaling town situated between Providence and Cape Cod. 

Venus Bixby, owner of the forever popular music store Oldies & Goodies, is counting on the festivities over the Fourth of July weekend to propel her to a position on the prestigious Town Committee. After years of living in the shadow of her late husband, Venus will finally be the center of attention this holiday weekend: starting with her fiftieth birthday celebration and ending as the parade’s Grand Marshal.

Faster than a cookie crumbles, her dream collapses on the morning of her party when she trips over orange platform shoes in the gardens of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum and breaks her thumb. When it’s discovered the shoes are attached to the body of the manager of the museum’s gift shop, Venus becomes both a suspect and a sleuth in Chatham Crossing’s first murder in decades.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams.

About the Author
Valerie Taylor is a novelist and book reviewer who was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer, including stints in Boston and Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter.

Valerie is a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com and a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. Learn more about Valerie and her work at ValerieTaylorAuthor.com, sign up for email updates from Valerie, and be sure to follow her online:
 

        

In this special edition newsletter, we are shining a spotlight on the work of Rebecca Rook, author of Young Adult fantasy, horror, and thriller novels, including:

• The Penance of Valentine Cash, YA Urban Fantasy
• False Haven, YA Thriller/Suspense
• City of Graves, YA Literary Fiction, YA Thriller/Suspense

The Penance of Valentine Cash

Neil Gaiman's American Gods meets Jennifer Mason-Black's Devil and the Bluebird in this modern adaptation of the Greek legend The Twelve Labors of Hercules for young adult fantasy readers.

When Valentine Cash dies in an accidental collision she caused on the cusp of musical fame, Valentine is offered a deal: Complete a series of difficult tasks to get her life back. Fail, and she dies a final, everlasting death.

Guided by Route 66, the Mother Road of America, on her quest, she tackles one herculean task after another, giving up a piece of herself with each trial.

Valentine begins to understand that the fame she once sought won’t bring her happiness or belonging—and if she fulfills the penance, she must decide what’s more important: Her old life or restoring the lives of the strangers who died alongside her.

The young and the ancient, the tangible and the mythical, collide as Valentine learns the true meaning of redemption, connection, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

★★★★★ "Slick and intelligent blend of mythology and contemporary themes." ~Readers' Favorite

False Haven

Holes meets The Haunting of Hill House in this young adult horror novel for fans of Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Asylum by Madeleine Roux, and Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff.

Seventeen-year-old Vivienne Barston’s life has fallen apart. With her mother recently dead, her father disappears into his grief—leaving Viv to deal with her sadness and anger alone. Viv turns to destructive behaviors like petty vandalism, but after a disturbing stint in a juvenile detention center frightens her, Viv agrees to a court mandated service opportunity designed to expunge her record. The deal: work for six weeks with a trail conservation crew in the rural woods of southern Oregon, and she’ll be free with a clean slate. She knows it’s her last chance to fix her life.

When Viv arrives at the small town of Hard Luck, Oregon, she meets her motley crewmates, all with troubles of their own. The unusual group travels to Grafton Stake, a remote and derelict former asylum with a haunted history—and now Viv must face the ghosts of the past while fighting for her future.

★★★★★ "Scary, suspenseful, and entertaining!" ~Goodreads Review

City of Graves

A young adult thriller that will appeal to fans of I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney, and Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff.

Finch Marlowe is gifted and privileged. She knows she’s lucky. Except her wealthy parents have high expectations for her future. Every extracurricular activity and every volunteer endeavor contributes to the never ending quest for a perfect college application—and Finch feels every bit of that pressure. Failure is not an option.​

But Finch has a secret. She belongs to the city’s urban exploration community—a dangerous and thrilling pastime that involves exploring abandoned buildings. Moving through these forgotten places gives Finch with a sense of freedom she’s never experienced at home, and she begins to unearth her real self in this new community.

However, everything changes when Finch finds a body in one of the buildings. And as Finch becomes the target of a killer, she finds herself questioning everything she knows in a desperate attempt to save herself.

★★★★★ "Wonderful, spooky read." ~Amazon Review

About the Author

Rebecca Rook designs tabletop games, makes art, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two wonderful dogs. She also writes young adult fiction in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres. Rebecca was a 2021-2022 Hugo House Fellow in Seattle, WA, and attended the 2021 Tin House YA Fiction Workshop in Portland, OR. Prior to this, she completed the Yearlong Workshop for Young Adult and Middle-Grade Fiction at Hugo House. Learn more at byrebeccarook.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter (follow the link and then scroll to the bottom of the page for the sign-up form), and be sure to follow her online: