Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

One in a Million

This book is a heartfelt journey into motherhood, filled with personal experiences and valuable advice. It covers all stages of pregnancy, from planning and medical preparation to childbirth and the first months of motherhood. The book provides recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, medical examinations, and psychological support. It will be a reliable companion for expectant mothers, helping them navigate this important and wonderful period of life.

Praise for One in a Million
★★★★★ "A must-read for anyone planning for or already embarking on parenthood." ~Nataliia S, Kobo Review

★★★★★ "A reliable companion for expectant mothers, helping them navigate this important and wonderful period of life." ~Denis M., Amazon Review

★★★★★ "An incredible personal story that deserves the attention of those who plan to have children. Great and practical tips that will be valuable both during the second half of pregnancy and after birth." ~Roman B., Kobo Review

 

Soft Case

When the most famous man in New York City dies suspiciously, homicide detective John Keegan must follow a trail of corruption that may just lead to the top of city government...and the end of his career.

Ronald Mullins had it all...money, power, and a happy family. Suicide seemed an unlikely end for him. Partnered with Rick Calhill, a rising star in the NYPD, Keegan hesitates to investigate, knowing the case would attract more attention than he needed. Calhill would bask in the spotlight.

Then they discover Mullins prepared a Senate run. The happy family myth later crumbles. Relations between Mullins and his business partner appear frayed. Calhill dives in while Keegan stays on the sidelines, wary of the political implications of the case. His instincts prove correct as he ends up in handcuffs, accused of taking a bribe he never received. The whole department turns on him. Calhill conveniently distances himself from the case.

Suspended, threatened, and betrayed, Keegan must solve the case to save his career, with only a handful of people he has no choice but to trust. He learns hard truths about the people he respected most. In the end, he risks his job and his life to solve the biggest case the city has seen in decades.

The First Cut

It's 1999 and NYPD homicide detective John Keegan gets his first solo case when Cassandra Lavelle, an aspiring artist, is found brutally murdered in her apartment. Keegan investigates, seeing early indications that point to her boyfriend.

Just as the case appears cookie-cutter, details of a secret relationship with another man emerge. The lure of the mystery man draws Keegan in, and he attempts an investigation with two suspects. He must choose the right one in order to fulfill the promise of justice he whispered to Cassandra as he encountered her body. How can a detective choose between two equally likely suspects? Keegan will find out, perhaps the hard way. At the same time, Keegan must manage his developing relationship with investigative reporter Elena Moreno.

In the end, Keegan will realize his life and career depend on how he manages his mistakes more than his successes. The partial justice he delivers to Cassandra and her family and the remnants of his relationship will forever guide his life and help shape him into the man he becomes.

The First Cut is an exciting trip back to the 20th Century and perfect for fans of procedural mysteries. The twists and turns will keep readers constantly guessing, and the novel's ending will provide insight into the imperfections within the justice system that all detectives must navigate.

Second Time Around

Still reeling from his partial failure in his first case, Keegan is partnered with department snob Rick Calhill, an upwardly mobile detective who looks down on Keegan. It's an unlikely partnership, but their boss believes they complement each other. Keegan could not disagree more. When Keegan's boss asks him to "watch" Calhill for him, the partnership becomes more antagonistic.

Seeing the partnership as punishment for his failure, Keegan attempts to work the case, a seemingly simple murder of a convenience store clerk, by himself. When curious clues surface, Keegan dives deep into the case as Calhill deals with personal issues that cause him to retreat.

Initial signs pointed to the clerk intercepting a robbery. This theory begins to unfold when the surveillance VHS tape goes missing, and attempts to elicit answers from the owner prove fruitless. When happenings at the store indicate trouble, Keegan and Calhill realize they stumbled on something larger, and are determined to solve the case and get justice for the clerk's family.

        

Who Am I: Mending a Lost Identity

Winner, 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Award

Who am I is a collection of poems and prose that captures the author's emotions as he worked to heal and rediscover his identity after learning he had been conceived during a date rape incident. His lineage, which he had once believed to be an essential element of his being, was lost forever. The pain and internal struggle caused by this revelation consumed his thoughts daily.

Review by Ananya Hazarika for Readers' Favorite
A dark secret, a devastating truth, an identity crisis, choices, fighting depression, and acceptance, Who Am I is a collection of poems and prose by Anvil Long. Anvil, a child of rape, is shocked when he learns the truth about his biological father. This discovery initiates a change in his perception of his identity, and he starts questioning the foundation of his existence as if it were a lie. But when his friend mentions Ben Lerner, Anvil draws inspiration from his poems and starts penning his innermost feelings and confessions.

Divided into three parts titled Impetus, Discovery, and Healing, each part is a revelation of his struggles in each phase of denial and acceptance. He shares his experiences of the journey he takes, from being depressed after discovering the truth to healing from trauma and accepting himself as an individual despite bloodlines and lineage. He later realizes that family is not defined by blood, but by choice, love, acceptance, and trust. It is a memoir that is inspiring, motivating, and emotional.

Who Am I is one of the most interesting and sensitive memoirs I have come across in a while. Anvil Long shares his experiences of beating depression by starting to write. His written accounts reveal his deepest feelings, which is proof of the pain he went through. The poems remind me of Wordsworth: "Poetry is the continuous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotions recollected in tranquility." As I kept reading, a few lines from Anvil's poem "Finding Myself in Part 3" reminded me of "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. Anvil finds his love for solo riding on open roads, which finally gives him clarity and the making of his destiny.

Anvil Long sets the perfect example of how we can learn to channel our pain to achieve a greater sense of purpose, achieve freedom, forgive and accept the harshest of truths, and move forward without waiting for society's approval. The flow of his thoughts reflects in his figurative language, and poetic liberty gives him the upper hand to explore various writing styles, doing justice to literature. One should have a copy of this at home as it inspires and gives hope to those that are lost and struggling to connect to their loved ones. It is also proof that writing is another way of coping, which provides one with a sense of ownership of the story.

The Man in Cabin Number Five

When Annie Parker discovers her husband’s infidelity, she doesn’t let it destroy her. She packs her bags and heads to Lake Arrowhead, California, the mountainside town where her family used to summer. Immersing herself in the restoration of seven 1920s-era cabins, Annie begins to put the pieces of her life back together. But starting over is never easy.

Alyce Murphy needs closure. When she discovers her father did not die from a heart attack, as she’s been led to believe for the last 30 years, but in a murder/suicide, she is determined to uncover the truth of his death. But when she visits the cabin where her father ended his life, Alyce has to accept she may never know the true story.

Annie is looking toward her future while Alyce needs to put the past to rest. In parallel stories, both women are drawn to the rustic mountainside cabins as they search for the missing pieces—but they soon discover that the cabins have their own stories to tell.

Praise for The Man in Cabin Number Five
"A touching novel charting two women’s parallel lives, tied together by mysteries, transformation, and a cabin." ~BookLife

"A masterpiece with smooth storytelling that juxtaposes the serenity of the mountains with the eruptive chaos of dangerous secrets." ~San Francisco Book Review

"Masterfully written, intriguing, mystifying, and spooky." ~Readers' Favorite

"Blends memoir and mystery in an entertaining page-turner." ~Susan Denley, former Associate Features Editor, Los Angeles Times

The Girls in Cabin Number Three

In book two of the Guest Book Trilogy, eighty-one-year-old Annie Parker recounts taking on an out-of-town design project that leads her down a path that is more than she bargained for.

Back in Lake Arrowhead, California, a long-awaited mystery is buried in Cabin Number Three. Annie meets Carrie Davis who wants to update her childhood home on the lake and feels a tie to Annie’s cabins. Apparently, Carrie’s parents stayed here during the Roaring ‘20s when Bugsy Siegel ran an underground speakeasy and distillery. Unconvinced, Annie decides to investigate and finds their names in the old guest books—Elizabeth Davis and Thomas Meyer. As exciting as that sounds, it’s only the start of a winding tale that Carrie and the new man in her life uncover. The pair unravel a family history filled with gangsters, working girls, and a surprising twist to a family tree.

Praise for The Girls in Cabin Number Three
"Great for fans of Julia Kelly’s The Light Over London and Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveler’s Wife." ~BookLife

"Rife with charming characters, a gorgeous mountain setting, and meticulous research." ~IndieReader

"Personal drama and historical tidbits combine nicely for a quick and entertaining read." ~Kirkus

"With themes of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the complexity of life, readers will get hooked from the very beginning." ~San Francisco Book Review

The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven

In this heartwarming tale of friendships, forgiveness, and a touch of old Hollywood glamour, a young Annie Parker is struggling to overcome her grief over the recent loss of her sister, when a childhood friend unexpectedly turns up seeking refuge from an ill-fated marriage. It would have been easy for Annie to sink deeper into sadness, but when she learns her newest design client, Hudson Fisher, is the son of the late film actress Celeste Williams, her curiosity is peaked.

As it turns out, the Roaring 20s starlet was no stranger to the Lake Arrowhead cabins—and this revelation sparks the unraveling of a scandalous story from Hollywood’s bygone era. Did an illicit romance between this leading lady and her dashing costar take place in Cabin No. 7? What really went on behind-the-scenes during the filming of that silent picture? Will discovering a piece of the past bring closure to Annie’s present?

Praise for The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven
"Feels like catching up with old friends as the narrative amiably revisits the highlights of Lake Arrowhead…. A light and engaging read, with an enticing mountain setting.” ~Kirkus Reviews

"A delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries and those who appreciate stories of hope, redemption, and the enduring bonds of friendship. " ~Readers’ Favorite

The Maidservant in Cabin Number One

After her father’s death in 1923, when Ruth Ann Landry is just ten, she joins her mother as a maidservant for a wealthy Seattle family. The hours are long, the rules are strict, but she and her mother desperately need her wages to survive.

By the time she’s seventeen, Ruth and her mother have moved into the house, and Ruth has become a mistress to her employer. While accompanying the family on vacation, she sees an opportunity to start a new life, and leaves. Ruth eventually finds solace in the mountain town of Lake Arrowhead, California, where she stays in one of the cabins owned by a man who becomes part of her future.

The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is the beginning of the story of The Guest Book Trilogy, and of Annie Parker, who eventually comes to own the cabins where Ruth Landry stayed.

Praise for The Maidservant in Cabin Number One
"Braun uses the mountainous area and cabins to her advantage in telling the stories of her characters. An exceptional plot. Her character development is outstanding." ~Readers'Favorite

"It is truly uplifting to follow the life of a young woman who is in a predicament and then watch her fight to create a better life for herself. The story carries themes of hardship, family, love, perseverance, and strength." ~City Book Review

           

All he wanted was to end the war. Fate had other plans.
 

• Magic-Price, Book 1 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• Magic-Scars, Book 2 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• Magic-Borne, Book 3 of The Crown of Stones Trilogy
• The Wandering Isles, a sneak peek at Book 1 of Soulbound Journeys

The Crown of Stones Complete Trilogy

An adult epic fantasy that follows the trials of Ian Troy, a man born with an addiction to magic living in a world where magic is reviled and its users are enslaved.

The Crown of Stones Trilogy holds an adventure that transports you to a shattered land in need of rescue, an immersive reading experience that drops you into the mind of exiled soldier Ian Troy. Travel with Ian as he returns to the past to save the future, crossing time to solve the mystery of The Crown of Stones, his true connection to the artifact, and the role it played in shaping all their lives.

Read on to learn more about each book in the trilogy...

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price

What if you were born with an addiction to magic? What if your pleasure meant their pain?

The brutality of war was all Ian Troy had ever known. Peace was all he ever wanted. Fate had other plans when it placed the Crown of Stones, an ancient artifact of untold power, into his battle-weary hands. With one reckless wish, he ended a conflict that had been tearing the realms apart since before he was born. And paid a terrible price.

A decade later, Ian is still haunted by that tragic day. Running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, he struggles to forget—what he’s done and what he is. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings his past crashing into the present, denial is no longer an option.

Praise for Magic-Price

• Bronze Medal - Epic Fantasy, Readers' Favorite International Book Awards
• First Place - Fantasy, Top Shelf Book Awards
• "One of the most original fantasy novels I have ever read." ~Peachy Keen Reviews
• "The characters are beautifully flawed and realized. The story is a fine addition to any collection...a very bright star that is well worth your notice." ~Red Star Reviews
• "A fantastic read...dark fantasy with a twist." ~Stephen Rhodes, Fantasy Faction
• "A rollicking, unpretentious good adventure." ~Readers' Favorite

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars

They took it all: his will, his freedom, his magic. How far will he go to get it back?

Struggling to reconcile the man he once was with the man prison made him, Ian Troy emerges from captivity to an unfamiliar world gripped with fear. In the wake of his fall, those he cares for suffered their own grim fates, leaving friends endangered and scattered.

His old enemy, Draken of Langor, seized control of Mirra’kelan and named himself High King. Draken’s brutal reign sparked a desperate rebellion that Ian now finds himself a part of. His one task: recover and repair the Crown of Stones, in the hope that it will tip the balance in their brewing revolution.

Praise for Magic-Scars

• "A story that rivals the best books in the fantasy genre." ~Amazon UK Review
• "The sophistication of magic spells, sources of magic and their effects continue to impress, they hold me to the story and don't let go. Every chapter left me needing more, and at every turn of the story, I felt more and more connected to Troy and his quest." ~The Scary Reviews

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Borne

How far can a man fall before he can’t rise again?

In one fell swoop, the resistance was shattered. Lives were taken. Hope was lost. Peace slipped like grains of sand through his fingers. So did the Crown of Stones. Now, forced into hiding, Ian Troy grapples for a way to save the realm—and free its people—from the sadistic clutches of Mirra'kelan's new self-appointed emperor.

Entrusted with the future of his race, Ian becomes the linchpin for lasting change. But how much burden can one man carry? And how much is he willing to sacrifice in the name of peace?

Praise for Magic-Borne

• "Intricate, fast-paced, and angsty, it was filled with nail-biting intrigue and suspense, heartbreaking moments. and crazy situations." ~Cover2Cover Reviews
• "Beautifully written, vivid description, compelling action...Magic Borne will not disappoint." ~Michael R. Stern, author of the Quantum Touch Series

           

• Beta Readers: Kevin is looking for beta readers for a forthcoming epic fantasy novel.
• Trinitarian Knights Collection Special Edition Boxed Set
• Free e-book edition of Avenging Love, Book 1 of the Trinitarian Knights Collection

Become a Beta Reader
Kevin is looking for beta readers for The Last Sundancer, an epic fantasy in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Brooks. Kevin expects to start reaching out to beta readers in the next few weeks. If you are interested in being a beta reader for The Last Sundancer, contact Kevin at kevin@kevinmansoor.com.

What is a Beta Reader? A beta reader is a person who reads a work of fiction before it is published. Beta readers have an opportunity to suggest improvements and otherwise shape the final content of the novel. It's a great way to get involved as a reader and to have an opportunity to interact with an author.

The Trinitarian Knights Collection Special Edition Boxed Set

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

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the realms of Heaven, Earth, and Hell with the complete Trinitarian Knights Collection:

• Avenging Love (Book 1): Haunted by tragedy, David embarks on a life-changing journey with his loyal St. Bernard, Duke, to honor the memory of their beloved Sarah. Their laughter-filled escapades and heartbreaking trials weave a tapestry of love and resilience. Together, they confront unimaginable challenges, discovering that David's true strength lies in the enduring power of love. Join David and Duke on this unforgettable quest for redemption.
• Behind the Bravery: Unveiling Heroic Spirits (a bonus-content short): Get the perspective of Duke, David's canine companion in Avenging Love. From heartwarming cuddles to heroic rescues, Duke reveals the hidden depths of the characters you thought you knew. 
• Protecting Love (a novella): Before Avenging Love, a tormented David battles to protect his family. Plagued by nightmarish visions, David confronts a sinister offer that could silence the demons within. As the line between good and evil blurs, David must choose his path: a life free from torment or a battle for his family that could take his life.
• The Deception of Fear (Book 2): David's illusion of tranquility shatters when a nemesis, long believed dead, appears on his doorstep, igniting a maelstrom of mystery and fear. A chilling revelation sends David spiraling into a desperate battle to reunite his loved ones from the clutches of evil. As darkness closes in, David must find the strength to protect his family while discovering the true meaning of fear while feathers fall from the sky.
• Buried Within (Book 3): A creeping darkness threatens to engulf the world as David's closest ally, the fallen Archangel Michael, prepares for a long-foretold battle. With the apocalypse looming, David's family races against time to join Michael's side. But to secure victory, David must embrace a truth he has always denied.

Avenging Love

If you're not quite ready to dive into the full Trinitarian Knights Collection, you can start with a free download of the first book in the series, Avenging Love.

Can one man's love defy the depths of Hell?

Avenging Love is an exhilarating journey that unfolds in a world where the supernatural is just beyond the veil of our understanding. This urban fantasy novel introduces us to David, a once-respected Trinitarian Knight, whose life has spiraled into a haze of tequila and sorrow. Haunted by the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah, he finds solace only at the bottom of a bottle. Yet, when the formidable demon Saraphiss emerges, David must awaken from his stupor and face his demons—both those within and those that lurk in the shadows.

More than a mere tale of revenge, this is also a story of love's transformative power, the resilience of the human spirit, and the redemption that comes from embracing one's true destiny. This narrative is a vivid exploration of the themes of loss, grief, and the unyielding strength of love. It delves into the dichotomy of good versus evil, and the gray areas that define our moral compass.

Join David on his exciting journey, where good and evil blur, and love is the true power behind his sword. 

More About Avenging Love

• An Amazon International Best-Seller: it has ranked #1 in its category in seven different Amazon markets/countries and has never left the top 50 in its category on Amazon in the United States.
• "A thrilling, unforgettable, and incredibly entertaining fantasy tale that will take its readers on a brilliant journey full of twists and turns galore!" ~Goodreads Review
• "Kevin puts you right in the middle of what's happening. So many emotions...anger, fear, humor...I even laughed out loud a couple times. It was refreshing to read a book so well written." ~Amazon Review
• "An absolute masterpiece!" ~Google Play Review

About the Author

Kevin M. Mansoor is a storyteller whose novels have captivated the hearts and imaginations of readers worldwide. His literary journey is driven by a deep passion to not just tell stories, but to fully immerse readers in them—creating characters so lifelike that you’ll share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs as if they were your own. Learn more at KevinMansoor.com. Be sure to also sign up for his newsletter and to follow him online:
 

    

Countdown to Love

Dani has until New Year's to polish Donnie's dating skills in this clean, lighthearted romantic comedy.

Donnie’s been busy co-partnering a business for the past decade, but now that he has more time to invest in romance, he’s not sure how to start. Social graces are definitely not his strong suit. He's grateful when his best friend, Dani, agrees to coach him.

Dani knows she can turn Donnie into a gentleman just in time for the New Year’s work party. But when her desire to help Donnie turns into a desire for him, how can she continue to give him dating advice? And more important, what will happen to their friendship when sparks fly between them in this countdown to a new year?

Praise for Countdown to Love

The Accidental Relationship

Kaida is a newspaper journalist whose career advancement depends on getting the hottest story of the year: Dakota Roberts, the CEO of a highly reputable company, is being sued. There's only one problem: Dakota is a hard-nosed, pompous jerk who won't give her the time of day.

Dakota is sick of the media and just wants to get back to his private life. When an accident causes him to have amnesia, he has to relearn his own business. Thankfully, his new personal assistant turns out to be helpful, delightful, and strangely familiar.

When Dakota asks Kaida out, she’s taken aback. She can do this fake dating thing, for her career. After all, she's already pretending to be his assistant to get the scoop. But then she sees an endearing side of him she didn't think existed. How long can she pretend to be somebody else? And what will happen between them, and to her big story, when he gets his memory back?

Praise for The Accidental Relationship

About the Author

Amazon bestselling author Cristina Ryan lives with her Marine Corp. veteran husband and an entertaining clan of children and pets. Cristina also writes YA Christian Suspense as Krista Wagner. You can follow Cristina online on Goodreads and via her Amazon Author Page. 

1968 – the most pivotal year of a pivotal decade. The assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy...Tet, the North Vietnamese incursion into the South...LBJ’s decision not to seek a second term...the riots at the Chicago Democratic Convention...the election of Richard Nixon... 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two historical novels from acclaimed author Libby Fischer Hellmann. Both novels are set in 1968, and both capture the emotions, conflicts, and consequences of that time. You’ll see, smell, feel, and taste the tumult, hope, and despair in Set the Night on Fire and A Bend in the River. 

Historical note: Set the Night on Fire takes place in Chicago during the time of the 1968 Democratic Convention. With the 2024 Democratic Convention set to take place in Chicago August 19 - 24, now is the perfect time to read a novel set against the backdrop of the historic events of the 1960s.

Set the Night on Fire

Someone is trying to kill Lila Hilliard. During the Christmas holidays she returns from running errands to find her family home in flames, her father and brother trapped inside. Later, she is attacked by a mysterious man on a motorcycle—and the threats don’t end there.

As Lila desperately tries to piece together who is after her and why, she uncovers information about her father’s past in Chicago during the volatile days of the late 1960s—information he never shared, but information that now threatens to destroy Lila.

Part thriller, part historical novel, and part love story, Set the Night on Fire paints an unforgettable portrait of Chicago during a turbulent time: the riots at the Democratic Convention…the struggle for power between the Black Panthers and SDS…and a group of young idealists who tried to change the world.

Praise for Set the Night on Fire

• “A tremendous book—sweeping but intimate, elegiac but urgent, subtle but intense." ~Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher Series
• “A top-rate thriller that taps into the 1960s… Hellman’s insightful, politically charged whodunit explores a fascinating period in American history.” ~Publishers Weekly
• "A brilliantly-paced thriller, transitioning seamlessly from modern-day Chicago to the late '60s. First-rate characterization... Best to start early in the day, as it is easy to stay up all night reading it." ~Foreword Reviews

A Bend in the River

In 1968 two young Vietnamese sisters flee to Saigon after their village on the Mekong River is attacked by American forces and burned to the ground. The only survivors of the brutal massacre that killed their family, the sisters struggle to survive but become estranged, separated by sharply different choices and ideologies. Mai ekes out a living as a GI bar girl, but Tâm’s anger festers, and she heads into jungle terrain to fight with the Viet Cong.

For nearly ten years, neither sister knows if the other is alive. Do they both survive the war? And if they do, can they mend their fractured relationship? Or are the wounds from their journeys too deep to heal? In a stunning departure from her crime thrillers, Libby Fischer Hellmann delves into a universal story about survival, family, and the consequences of war.

Praise for A Bend in the River

• "A stunning piece of historical fiction." ~William Kent Krueger, author of This Tender Land
• "This gripping international saga illuminates the complexities of politics and loyalty and love, and is a powerful testament to the strength of women." ~Sujata Massey, The Perveen Mistry
• "Hellmann smoothly integrates into her harrowing narrative such aspects of the conflict as guerilla warfare, spying, Agent Orange, reeducation camps, and boat people. This passionate story of survival has staying power." ~Publishers Weekly
• Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Winner, 2020
• Winner, Book of the Year - Indie Fiction, Chicago Writers Association
• Finalist, IAN Books of the Year, Historical Fiction
• Finalist, Indies Next Generation Book Awards, Historical Fiction

Get a Free Gift!
Sign up for Libby's monthly newsletter and get a collection of seven short stories intended to help you get to know Libby's style and voice as a writer—which will help you decide which novel of hers you will want to read next!

About Libby Fischer Hellmann

Libby Fischer Hellmann is a critically acclaimed crime writer loved by readers the world over for her compulsively readable thrillers and strong female characters. Her fast-paced crime fiction spans 17 novels and 25 short stories. She also writes historical fiction standalones and edited the evergreen crime fiction anthology Chicago Blues. Doubleblind, her newest PI Georgia Davis thriller, #6 in the series, was released in March 2022.

Libby's richly varied novels have won numerous awards, and Libby has also served as the National President (2005-2006) of Sisters in Crime, a 4,000+ member organization dedicated to strengthening the voice of female mystery writers.

Libby started out in broadcast news, beginning her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving to DC to work with Robin MacNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS's night-time broadcast of the hearings. She moved to Chicago to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago, and then later created Fischer Hellmann Communications.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Libby earned a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania, and then a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University. She's lived in Chicago more than forty years now, has two kids and a cat.

Learn more at LibbyHellmann.com, get seven free short stories by signing up for Libby's newsletter, and be sure to follow her online:
 

               

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Debbie Burke, author of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers, a series that features quirky characters, witty dialogue, and breakneck plot twists. 

Get Book 1 FREE!
Get a free copy of the Kindle edition of Instrument of the Devil, Book 1 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers series (4.3 stars, 194 ratings on Amazon, 4.3 stars, 76 ratings on Goodreads). "Fast-paced and well-plotted." ~Leslie Budewitz, Agatha Award Winner 
 

Instrument of the Devil

Book 1 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.3 stars, 194 ratings 
Paperback: $13.99
Ebook: FREE!



Dial T for Terrorist. Kahlil Sharivar can destroy the electrical grid with only a few keystrokes on a smartphone. His target: Montana’s Hungry Horse Dam. Who will be blamed? Seasonal employee Tawny Lindholm, a lovely widow he seduces.

Once Sharivar places the incriminating device in Tawny’s hands, her life spins out of control. Soon the feds are chasing her, and her family is in peril. Can Tawny turn the instrument back on the devil who set her up? If not, the lights go out and she dies.

Stalking Midas

Book 2 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.5 stars, 36 ratings 
Paperback: From $10.93
Ebook: From $3.99



At six foot, seven inches tall, charismatic attorney Tillman Rosenbaum owns any courtroom he enters. Tillman is brilliant, successful, and doesn’t trust anyone except his lovely new investigator, Tawny Lindholm, who has an intuitive gift with people. Tawny's honesty and integrity have opened Tillman’s soft underbelly. When Tillman suspects his wealthy, estranged father, Moe, is a victim of elder fraud, Tillman knows only one person who can break through to the stubborn, secretive man.

Meanwhile, Tawny is broke from her late husband’s medical bills and desperate to keep her job—even though her boss is the rudest, most arrogant man she’s ever met. But with his James Earl Jones’ voice, he’s also sexy as hell, and Tillman’s loyalty to his father touches Tawny.

But as Tawny digs deep into the case, she begins to wonder if Moe is the victim of a million-dollar scam or the villain behind it. Neither Tawny nor Tillman realize the danger Tawny is in until it's too late!

Eyes in the Sky

Book 3 of the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers
4.7 stars, 29 ratings 
Paperback: From $13.99
Ebook: From $3.99



Investigator Tawny Lindholm loves her boss, renowned criminal attorney Tillman Rosenbaum, but his troubled teenage children scare her. But when Tillman's honor student daughter overdoses and Tawny saves her life, Tawny's resolve to keep her distance goes out the window.

Meanwhile, someone is out to destroy Tillman Rosenbaum by targeting his family. Will Tawny pay the ultimate price to protect him and the children she has come to cherish?

About the Author
Debbie Burke writes the Tawny Lindholm Thrillers with Passion series. She is a regular blogger at The Kill Zone, a popular website about crime writing. Her nonfiction articles have won journalism awards and appear in national and international publications. She is a founding member of Authors of the Flathead and helps to plan the annual Flathead River Writers Conference in Kalispell, Montana. Her greatest joy is mentoring young writers. Learn more at debbieburkewriter.com. 

 

Keeper of the Sword

Book 1 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.5 stars, 42 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


It’s the 22nd century, and the Corporate Wars rage through our Solar System. Alex 9, an elite commando on a crucial mission, finds herself in Deep Space. Something went wrong with her ship, and she ends up on a planet much like Earth—a world at war where Humanity is still in the Middle Ages. Armies of knights, bowmen, and spearmen clash as empires fight to the death and alliances are stretched to the limit. But is Alex there by accident?

A mysterious prophecy seems to have predicted her coming. And why is she in possession of the deadly Japanese Sword of the Dragon, once the prize of the Takahashi-McNamara Corporation? What secret powers are at work? In this new world, she will have to find a new family, a new mission and her own destiny.

Mission from the Past

Book 2 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.4 stars, 17 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Stranded on a new planet with the Sword of the Dragon King, Alex 9 is taken to King Gobbiel III of Brodom and Prince Jikard, amid a deadly invasion of assassins and rogue tribes, while Prince Dael and the army of Brodom are away on a campaign against the relentless forces of the Tshiu. Is this the time for Alex to rise to her place in history?
 

Crown of the Gods

Book 3 of The Alex 9 Saga
4.2 stars, 11 ratings
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Alex 9 has a new mission. But it’s not just Prince Jikard and King Gobbiel III who are in peril. The whole Kingdom of Brodom faces multiple threats. Back on Earth, Clayton 5, Kaoru, and Pierre Bach are faced with surprise after surprise as they start to reveal the role of Alex in the grand scheme of things. They will have to deal with a large enemy plot to undermine them. And Dael returns to Brodom. Will he be able to defend the Crown of the Gods?

Warrior Queen of Brodom

Book 4 of The Alex 9 Saga
New release: July 31, 2024
Paperback $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


As Brodom is falling to enemies from all sides, Alex 9 is once again propelled into a new life. A life she had never imagined. But first she must survive. And protect the princes of Brodom—Jikard and Dael. She still doesn’t know why all these forces are after them all. Who are these mysterious Brothers of the Blood Night? How is it possible they are so strong and powerful? And how can she stop them?

About the Author
Bruno Martins Soares has written fiction since he was 12 years old. In 1996, he won the National Young Creators Award for Writing, representing Portugal at the 1997 Torino Young Creators of Europe and the Mediterranean Fair. He published a collection of short stories in Portugal in 1998, and published Keeper of the Sword, the first book of The Alex 9 Saga, in 2012. Many of his works have been translated from his native Portuguese into English and other languages.

Learn more about Bruno and his work at BrunoMartinsSoares.com and be sure to also follow him online:
 

        

The Chronicles of the Chosen Undead: Book 1 - The Gifts of the Dark God

4.8 stars, 75 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


At the beginning of time, the God of Light created the souls of men using the sparks of the Primeval Flame. Millennia have passed since then, and almost all the gods have perished in their battles, leaving humanity weak and corrupt.

A dark prophecy unfolds as the world descends into chaos. Radamant, a malevolent sorcerer, assassinates the last emperor of Heidal and seizes the Primeval Flame. With this stolen power, the daughters of the God of Darkness unleash a plague of the undead, turning the dead into monsters that prey on the living.

In this epic fantasy adventure, the Primeval Flame's light fades, and humanity's survival hangs by a thread. Amidst this turmoil, an undead named Rhys rises. Cursed with a scarlet-eyed demon within his soul and devoid of memories from his past life, Ryhs knows only his name, which means "Chosen one" in the ancient language of the gods.

The three Keras, goddesses who control the fate of humanity, summon Rhys but are unable to decipher the enigma of his curse. Ancient legends speak of an undead who will one day determine the fate of the world. Is Rhys destined to be this figure? What path will he choose in this dark fantasy saga?

Praise for The Gifts of the Dark God
★★★★★ "A powerful blend of magic, mystery, and action." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A true masterpiece, blending dark fantasy elements with profound character development." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "With its complex characters and intricate plot, this novel stands out in the fantasy genre." ~Goodreads Review

      

Moonlight Beach

Book 1 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.1 stars, 47 ratings on Goodreads
From $0.99


Winner of the Hollywood Book Festival Award for Genre Fiction and the Chick Lit Café Award for best Paranormal Thriller, Crime & Mystery

Bodies are washing up on Moonlight Beach in the idyllic, seaside community of Rancho, California, worrying the privileged one percent in the gated communities of one of SoCal’s ritziest enclaves. Speculation centers on sharks, satanic rituals, and greedy venture capitalists. But then two more people are killed on a cliff overlooking the beach—and all their organs are missing. What the hell is going on? They better figure all this out before more people get butchered or, God forbid, Rancho’s inflated property values plummet.

Moonlight Canyon

Book 2 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.2 stars, 30 ratings on Goodreads
From $1.49


Winner, Best Sequel, Los Angeles Book Festival

The rural paradise of Silver City, just south of Moonlight Canyon, is under attack. Half-eaten, mutilated bodies are showing up in public places. The peaceful residents of Silver City are in a panic. Is it drug smugglers? A biker gang? Some sort of dark ritual? Space aliens? Whatever is terrorizing Silver City must be stopped and fast before this pastoral heaven becomes a living hell.

"A mystical tale that walks a thin line between paranormal and crime-based stories." ~Amazon Review

Moonlight Rocks

Book 3 in the Murder and Magic Series
4.8 stars, 21 ratings
From $1.49


What would you do if God fell into your lap?

The desert east of Los Angeles can be a dangerous place. The rocky landscape is littered with meth labs, drug gangs, abandoned mines, and broken down ranches with fringe people living in them. Despite the risks, the natural beauty and clear skies attract stargazers and campers. One night, a group of friends set up camp to watch the Leonid meteor shower. A space rock crashes to earth nearby, and the first person to reach it becomes the target of a deady chase by religious fanatics who believe that the meteor heralds the birth of a new Messiah. Is this the dawn of a new spiritual age, or just a bunch of psychos raging in the desert?

"Full of mystery, suspense, thrill and lots of action." ~Goodreads Review

Moonlight Rip Tide

The newest book in the Murder and Magic Series!
4.2 stars, 11 ratings
From $1.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Want to go for a ride in a classic car? Park by the ocean? Sounds nice huh?

Mona found the man and his car, a beautiful, old Ferrari, very attractive. Sure, she'd go for a ride with him to look at the ocean. The party was boring anyway. Maybe by the time they got back things would liven up a bit...

She felt the bag tighten around her neck, cutting off her air supply. This cannot be happening. She gasped and struggled, but it was no use. He was too strong. Everything went dark as she lost consciousness, her last thought was about the mistake she'd made threatening to tell Danny's wife...

Later, Susan felt that someone was stalking her. She'd gotten several strange calls attempting to make appointments for private exercise and aerobics lessons. Who was this unknown client?

Tokyo Games

Book 1 in the Games Series
4.2 stars, 30 ratings
From $0.99


"A magical ride through Asian Sci-Fi." ~Amazon Review

Virtual reality has become all too real. With the right equipment, virtual gamers can see and hear everything another human being, a game character, is experiencing half a planet away. When a game character witnesses a gruesome murder, the initially entertaining virtual experience becomes an ordeal for survival in a deadly world filled with dark forces, demi-gods, demons, and people trying to control them. Vigilance is essential or total annihilation will be their fate.

Osaka Games

Book 2 in the Games Series
4.7 stars, 7 ratings
From $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


"A fascinating, complex novel relating the inner workings of a worldwide virtual reality game." ~Amazon Review

The Game Master keeps everyone safe during their virtual video games. But everything changes when the Game Master witnesses a murder and kidnapping by a wealthy and powerful player. Could it be a play for world domination? A team in LA, with the help of their nearly sentient computer, is dragged along with a game character in Osaka as that character experiences the murderous power of gangsters, samurai ghosts, body-swapping spirits, and brutal Japanese sword fighting. It’s anyone’s guess who will survive this paranormal vortex of betrayal and bloodshed.

New York Stories

4.7 stars, 20 ratings
From $1.49 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)


Winner, Best Science Fiction & Post-Apocalyptic Novel, Chick Lit Cafe & Best Science Fiction & Post Apocalyptic Novel, Artisan Book Reviews

The wars have wound down and New York still stands, largely undamaged and more crowded than ever before. Global warming has left the city hot and soggy, and the oceans are rising. Terrestrial travel is difficult, but "spiritual travel" is an option...have your spirit extracted and shot into space, leaving your empty physical body "sleeping" on Earth. And if you're afraid of travel, there is a tough, complex computer game available to play. So life can be fun—as long as the game doesn't want you dead.

"A huge cast of characters, a plot line with multiple twists and turns, and an element of magical realism." ~Amazon Review

Buy Bundles and Save!

About the Author
Yurie Kiri speaks Japanese, English, and French, and has studied Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish, along with a smattering of other languages, including Korean and Russian, as well as binary and hexadecimal machine language. Why? Because if you really want to get to know someone, you need to speak their language no matter if they’re machine or human.  

Yurie currently lives on that sailboat, cruising between various ports in the Pacific Ocean. Sailing, writing, and photography are Yurie's primary passions. Learn more at YurieKiri.com. 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Silent Codename action/adventure series from author E.S. Benton. Follow Alpha Team...a group of covert agents that includes ex-spies, a computer expert, and an ex-assassin...as they hunt a group responsible for committing heinous acts following supposedly natural disasters, and as a global toxin conspiracy plunges the team into a race for the antidote.

★★★★★ "An ensemble action thriller that delivers epic action scenes and enigmatic heroes." ~BestThrillers.com

Operation Storm's Eye

★★★★★ "A gripping, action-packed espionage thriller." ~Readers' Favorite

Someone is responsible for committing heinous acts following supposedly natural disasters, and it's up to Alpha Team to hunt them down. But within the shadows and deep underground, Alpha Team are much like their targets; hidden to all who seek them. With nothing more than the name of one man, their morality, trust, secrecy, and armory are stretched to the limit by a hidden enemy.

The deeper Alpha Team goes, the more difficult it becomes for them to stay under the radar. As the natural disasters become more targeted, it’s clear their enemy is more than one step ahead. Their enemy might have assets and technology, but so does Alpha team. The enemy might seem unstoppable, but so is Alpha team.

"A high-octane thriller with a fantastic hero team and an engaging premise." ~Samantha Ann Rainbow, ManyBooks.net

"A relentless rush of espionage and adrenaline." ~Self-Publishing Review

Operation Cavolo

A toxin conspiracy threatens the world, and Alpha Team has only 86 hours to find the antidote and thwart a lethal countdown. As they grapple with internal sabotage and unseen connections to their adversary, trust becomes as scarce as time.

Tensions mount as leadership fractures and revenge fuels a battle that blurs the line between friend and foe. In the end, their greatest ally might be the very villain they seek, dangling a cure above their heads.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue (aka, Cold Medicine and a Liar) by James Tyler Toothman, a book that has been described as a "satirical and deliciously dark."  

"An intriguing coming-of-age horror novel in which outcast friends encounter witchcraft and grow apart." ~Clarion Reviews

Note: The audiobook version of Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue was recorded at the world famous Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado, and co-stars Joe Lawrence Parsons, Jr., along with the author as narrators. 

Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue or Cold Medicine and a Liar

It's 1971 and deep in the woods of West Virginia, two childhood friends discover a book that dismantles and unravels everything they once considered reality. When an enigmatic stranger later rolls into their small coal mining town in the back of a Rolls Royce, the teenagers are plunged deep into a world of drugs, sex, music, and violence.

Together, the two friends confront the forces of good and evil head on—the unwitting pawns of an eternal game played without rules or directions. Badder than Louisiana Lightning, flyer than Sly Stone on a 747 jumbo jet, feverish, satirical, and deliciously dark, Three Sixes and A Forked Tongue or Cold Medicine and a Liar is an offbeat, coming-of-age, face-melting novel unlike anything you've seen or heard before.

Praise for Three Sixes and a Forked Tongue

"A wild brew of sorcery, Satan, and rural America." ~Kirkus Reviews

"Follows friends as they learn to live fully—and then face the consequences of their choices." ~Clarion Reviews

"Those seeking off-kilter stories celebrating the occult as a tool of feminist vengeance will be immersed in Priscilla’s magical awakening as a country witch." ~BlueInk Review

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Leslie Anne Lee, author of literary fiction, historical fiction, and romantic fantasy. 

"Ms. Lee is an old soul writing for a new world. She crafts both storytelling and story-sharing into a perfect web of enchantment I want to get stuck in." ~Diane Mark

Child of Dawn

Her anger enveloped her. Witch. So that was what she was to them.

Anda always knew she had been different. Little did she know how that difference would change her life.

Dagsbrun knew he was a monster...he had been called that since birth. And yet, as he raged against his immortality, he dared to dream of finding peace.

Enter the world of the Vale, ruled by elves and vampires and destined for destruction unless a prophecy can be fulfilled...and two individuals who are completely opposite can find something in common.

The Rock and the Wind

Rowena is a girl caught between two men, and two worlds. Atticus, wild and intemperate; and Morgan, sophisticated, and offering security and safety. Rowena's heart is torn between the two. How can she betray one with her love for the other.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Maine's coastline in a time where marriage was a woman's identity, The Rock and the Wind is a poignant tale of how large the human heart can grow, and how much love one person can have for an individual. Or two.

Demons in the Hog Shed

Written as an homage to women dreamers and survivors everywhere, this novel shifts between the agony of the past and the promise of the present as the author weaves a wrenching narrative of a woman chased by her own demons in this hauntingly beautiful portrayal of what it is like for survivors of bullying and abuse.

The story follows Audrey from the "middle of the middle of nowhere" in Wyoming to the immensity of New York City. Her past has driven her from her home, but as she tries to begin again, a secret haunts her that no one in the city knows. The enigmatic Mr. C does his best to pull down the walls she has built up to protect herself, but even he might be too late to save her from her demons.

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Edward Hochsmann, author of the Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures, a series of contemporary sea thrillers. Read on to learn more!

"Its setting, alternating POVs, and excellent writing put it ahead of many comparable novels." ~The BookLife Prize (Publishers Weekly) on Book 3 of the Cutter Kauai Sea Adventures

Dagger Quest

An obsolete patrol boat is all that stands between the world and nuclear annihilation!

The world is on the brink of war, with NATO mobilizing to counter a Russian threat to Poland and Lithuania and leaders openly discussing war options. In the midst of the crisis, a Russian bomber collides with a U.S. fighter off Florida causing the accidental launch of a nuclear-tipped hypersonic missile.

A Coast Guard cutter finds a drug-laden sailboat smashed and adrift north of the Florida Keys. The boat’s damage is from a near miss by the Russian missile which has not harmlessly flown deep into the Gulf of Mexico as originally thought, but crashed somewhere in the Keys.

The Coast Guard crew is in a race against a vicious and powerful international crime syndicate to find and recover the Russian nuke before its discovery can trigger a nuclear war. Exploring the friendship and teamwork of a typical ship’s crew, in the face of unexpected and hazardous challenges, Dagger Quest provides a fast-paced, taut story – excellent fare for both suspense and action/adventure  fans.

Praise for Dagger Quest

"A highly entertaining cross between a seafaring adventure and a high-stakes military drama." ~Self-Publishing Review

"An adventurously gripping story that will not only have you craving for the next book in the series, but also craving your own tropical forage in South Florida and the Caribbean!" ~Entrada Publishing

Caribbean Counterstrike

It’s the deadliest nerve gas ever made, and it has fallen into the hands of a murderous Caribbean drug cult!

The criminal 252 Syndicate has developed a game-changing battlefield nerve gas in a secret lab hidden on an oil rig servicing ship. But the ship has been caught in a drug war in a Caribbean country, seized by one of the most vicious drug cartels in existence, and held for ransom.

When the U.S. government learns that the 252s plan to launch an attack in five days, the best of the bad options is a covert raid led by young Coast Guard Officer Ben Wyporek and his crew aboard the newly-upgraded, stealth-equipped Cutter Kauai. However, Ben’s last lethal encounter with the 252s has cured his hunger for glory, and he has found his soulmate in the beautiful genius, DIA analyst Victoria Carpenter. 

It is yet another deadly race against the 252s to save the world, and now Ben and Victoria have everything to lose.

Praise for Caribbean Counterstrike

"Hochsmann's meticulous prose hums with lived experience and authenticity... This gripping maritime thriller delivers in every way." ~Self-Publishing Review

"Filled with action and adventure, mixed with a little romance, it is an ideal read for anyone that wants to escape from their daily lives for a few hours." ~Entrada Publishing

Bravely and Faithfully

A new captain’s first patrol turns into a fight for their lives.

Sam Powell gets a well-deserved promotion to Lieutenant Commander and a coveted slot at the Naval War College. His replacement, hard-charging young Lieutenant Haley Reardon, is about to get a baptism of fire. Opening with the rescue of a young family from a stricken sailboat in the middle of a major hurricane, Bravely and Faithfully presents an exciting series of adventures, culminating in the covert insertion and recovery of an assault team from a hostile Caribbean island.

This third installment of the series conveys the humor, friendships, and teamwork of Kauai‘s crew from the previous books, with a new series of exciting actions from search-and-rescue to combat. The crew and their new skipper must come together for the toughest mission they have ever faced. Enjoy the action, the teamwork and camaraderie of the crew as they face life-and-death together with their new captain, and the course of second-in-command Ben Wyporek’s sweet courtship of the beautiful, neurodiverse genius Victoria Carpenter.

Praise for Bravely and Faithfully

"A riveting sea adventure with a top-rate protagonist." ~Independent Review of Books

"A captivating tale that will interest even readers who are not familiar with the Coast Guard nor its lingo. While there is plenty of action in the story, it is the character-driven plot that elevates this adventure novel." ~BookLife

Indies Inferno

When the cover story becomes more dangerous than the main mission...

The crew of the small Coast Guard cutter Kauai is tasked with a covert intelligence operation. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when a volcanic eruption rocks the shores of the picturesque Caribbean island of Saint Ignatius.

Within this explosive military adventure, the crew of the Kauai also thwarts an eco-terrorist plot to sabotage an oil tanker, saving countless lives. But their heroism doesn't end there, as they valiantly rescue dozens of individuals trapped aboard a burning and sinking dive boat.

Amidst the chaos, duty and desire collide on the high seas as the crew balances personal relationships while facing their most perilous mission yet.

Praise for Indies Inferno

"Riveting maritime drama with explosively high stakes and a consistent edge of gritty realism." ~The Independent Review of Books

"A pulse-pounding thriller that combines action, suspense, and human drama equally." ~The Book Commentary

More from Edward Hochsmann

  

            

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on To Own Two Suns by Fran Tabor, in which a NASA expedition to the edge of the solar system in 2112 encounters a long-hibernating alien. 

"Imaginative high-stakes SF breathes fresh life into the alien-first-contact genre." ~Kirkus Reviews 

To Own Two Suns

Which is better, a great peace supported by a lie, or a massacre justified by the truth?

In the year 2112, Captain Jerrison's fragile research vessel becomes the first manned spaceship to venture beyond Neptune. Jerrison and his crew plan to research exotic Kuiper Belt objects. Instead, the defenseless crew encounters a lone scout from the alien Morgi civilization.

Jerrison learns that two Morgi clans will battle for ownership of Earth. The Morgi scout is from the weaker clan. If the more powerful clan wins, the Morgi will exterminate unsuspecting humanity. 

An unlikely friendship forms. Can an unarmed human tip the balance of power in favor of the weaker Morgi clan? If not, the Morgi scount, his entire clan, and all humanity will die. 

Praise for To Own Two Suns
"In the year 2112, a NASA expedition (a dangerously cut-rate, low-budget one, it turns out) has sent volunteers to explore deep space, with little or no chance of return. The crew, led by Commander Jerry Jerrison, is on the edge of Pluto’s orbit when they make an epochal discovery: a fantastically advanced, shape-shifting alien spaceship, guided by an artificial intelligence and harboring one hibernating occupant... Readers will enjoy the sidelong jabs at human-style colonial imperialism and realpolitik." ~Kirkus Reviews (read the full review HERE)

"Readers gain empathy as both cultures try to adjust to each other... Another appealing aspect of the novel is the humor the author uses when human cultural norms are viewed through the perspective of [alien] values." ~LeighBee, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)

"Recommended to adults and young adults who are lovers of science fiction and also enjoy books about extraterrestrials and space exploration." ~Chuks Ogechukwu Bianca, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)

    

Congratulations to Laura Katz Olson and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Wrinkled Rebels, the story of six aging radicals from the 1960s who reunite and grapple with past ideals and present struggles over a weekend.

★★★★★ “Badass.” ~Bill Ayers, political organizer, anti-war activist, author

Wrinkled Rebels

Now 80 years old, retirement and advanced age have dissipated the spirit of six college radicals of the 1960s, who jointly had participated in civil rights campaigns and anti-war protests. Having engaged in only periodic communication over the decades, they suddenly receive an invitation to reunite for an extended weekend. Struggling with whether to go, each of them has divergent qualms and expectations for the proposed gathering.

During their three days together, they confront their inner demons, each other, and their future. Does Rebecca, the prime mover of the event, find solace after losing her wife and career? Can Malaika regain her sense of self after stepping down from her successful law practice? Mourning the loss of her youthful athletic prowess and attractiveness, what happens when Deanna faces her old friends?

Struggling with two divorces and a failing marriage, can Russell attain peace of mind? How will Max, an expat living in Canada, manage with his incipient dementia? Will the demoralized Keith recover his idealism?

Wrinkled Rebels is a story of how six people achieve meaningful lives through the struggle for social justice. It is also a tale of love, the bonds of friendship, and growing old positively.

If you enjoyed the following books, you will love Wrinkled Rebels:

• Rebellion, Love, Betrayal by Jack Heinz
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• The Opposition by Todd Gitlin
• Class Reunion by Rona Jaffe
• Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
• Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal

Praise for Wrinkled Rebels
★★★★★ “A warm-hearted, engaging novel of the life-shaping force of 60s activism and its enduring aftermath; a rare treat for those who were there and for those who wish they were.” ~David Farber, author of The Age of Great Dreams

★★★★★ “Capture[s] many of the personal nuances and life complications confronting those who sought so urgently to save the world.” ~Paul Buhle, founding editor of the SDS journal Radical America, retired Senior Lecturer, Brown University

★★★★★ “These badass activists reject the temptation to wallow in recitations of an old despond, or any nostalgia for a ship that’s already left the shore.” ~Bill Ayers, political organizer, anti-war activist, author of Fugitive Days: Memoirs of an Anti-War Activist

★★★★★ “A beautifully crafted work of art. Lovingly constructed characters captivated me from page one. Embedded in this novel is a micro history of the 1960s.” ~George Katsiaficas, political activist, author of The Global Imagination of 1968: Revolution and Counterrevolution

★★★★★ “For those who want to learn about the momentous years of social struggle in the 1960s - the civil rights movement; the anti-Vietnam war movement; the women’s liberation movement – Olson gives an engaging and lively flavor of these events through six different relatable characters.” ~Nancy Rosenstock, author of Inside the Second Wave of Feminism

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on a new children's book from author Daniel Huerga: Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend: A Funny Story of Friendship and Acceptance for Kids, winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize and a glowing 5-star rating from Readers' Favorite.

Not sure you want a book based on a bodily function? Read on and you'll see why Frankie's story is perfect for kids ages 3 - 7. 

BONUS: Visit the website of Mandu Books to download free coloring pages from the book!

Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend

Meet Frankie, the most amiable puff you'll ever encounter! In this charming picture book, Frankie the Fart is on a quest for companionship. Despite his stinky nature, he's full of heart and ready to show that true friends come in all forms.

Why Kids Will Adore Frankie

• Laugh-Out-Loud Fun: Frankie's antics will have kids giggling from start to finish.
• Colorful Characters: Vibrant illustrations capture Frankie's bubbly personality.
• A Message of Acceptance: Learn that everyone has something special to offer.
• A Symphony of Giggles: The story's playful sounds will have readers erupting with laughter, creating a chorus of chuckles

Ideal for Little Ones

• Perfect for ages 3 to 7.
• A captivating read-aloud that encourages interactive storytelling.
• Embrace the Adventure: Join Frankie as he learns that friendship might just be a giggle away. Grab your copy today and let the fun-filled journey begin!

Praise and Recognition for Frankie

• Winner, The Golden Wizard Book Prize
• 5-star rating from Readers' Favorite
• "This book is a real stinker, but in a good way. Its humorous text and illustrations make it a book your whole family will enjoy reading." ~Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery
• "Imagine having Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and Maurice Sendak in a room and asking them to collaborate on a children's book. The result would likely resemble Daniel Huerga's Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend. This book is exactly what a children's book should be...a charming and engaging read that will leave both children and adults chuckling and reflecting on the power of acceptance and friendship." ~Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
• "Get ready to giggle your way through this tale of silly farting situations and friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and the humorous text makes this book a delightful read for children." ~Kidliomag Magazine

  

We are LitNuts are very excited about the focus of this special edition newsletter: Get award-winning urban fantasy and paranormal fiction from L.R. Braden, including the first books of two series for only 99 cents! Read on to learn more. 

BONUS: Sign up for the author's newsletter to get the latest updates on up-and-coming projects, events, special offers, new releases, and more. And if you scroll down on the sign-up page, you will also find links to the first chapters of nine novels that you can read for free! 

Demon Riding Shotgun

Possessed by a demon since she was eleven years old, Mira Fuentes maintains a fragile alliance with the snarky soul who shares her body. Together they hunt down unstable Rifters—demon-controlled humans bent on causing chaos in the mortal realm. But when a routine hunt leads to a powerful Rifter with plans for Baltimore, Mira quickly finds herself in over her head and at the top of the city's Most Wanted.

Recently retired from the PTF after losing his partner, Ty Williams now works for the Baltimore PD and keeps his distance from cases involving magic. But when a person dies of clearly magical causes and the PTF doesn’t have any agents to spare, Ty is the closest thing the department has to an expert. Saddled with a new partner he doesn’t want and a mountain of self-doubt, it's his job to track down a suspect who looks suspiciously like the one-night-stand he brought home from the bar last night.

Mira will have to set her trust issues aside and enlist the help of a man determined to uncover her secrets if she hopes to learn the identity of the demon's host and prevent the human race from becoming meat puppets for the denizens of the Rift.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for Demon Riding Shotgun

• Winner of the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award, Paranormal category
• Finalist in the 2023 Colorado Book Award, Sci-Fi/Fantasy category
• Winner of the 2022 Colorado Authros League Award for Writing Excellence, Fantasy and Paranormal categories
• "A delightfully tormented anti-heroine with the mother of all inner conflicts." ~Hunter J. Skye, author of the Hell Gate Series
• "A great read for every female lead Urban Fantasy enthusiast." ~NetGalley Review

A Drop of Magic

The war isn't over...

With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffic in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.

Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.

Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for A Drop of Magic

• Winner of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
• Winner of the First Horizon Award for outstanding debut authors
• Winner of the Imadjinn Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel
• "A thrilling and original fantasy ride.” ~Kate Jonuska, author of Transference
• "A damned fun and original read, with sass, action, hot men, and a whole lot of magic.” ~Diana Pharaoh Francis, author of the Diamond City Magic and Horngate Witches Series

Lies and Illusion

Diplomacy has never been Alex’s strong suit…

When the vampire council puts Alex and James on trial for exposing the species’ existence to the world, Alex's freedom and James's life hang in the balance, though Alex suspects James’s new daywalking ability is the real aim of their inquisition.

Any hope of talking their way out of hot water evaporates when one of the council members is found murdered...with James standing over the smoldering corpse. With every vampire looking to claim Alex’s power for themselves, she will have to team up with an unlikely ally, push her magic to its limits, and match wits against a powerful new foe if she hopes to come out unscathed.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for Lies and Illusion

• "An intricately woven tale of hope, betrayal, deceit and love." ~NetGalley Review
• "A brilliant and powerful addition to the series." ~Amazon Review

          

Max's War

"Hellmann expertly marries heaps of historical detail with a thoughtful illustration of the dangers of nationalism. This ranks with the author's best work." Publishers Weekly

A sweeping World War 2 saga in which a young German Jew flees Europe, emigrates to America, and joins the Army to fight Nazis

As the Nazis conquer Europe, Jewish teen Max and his parents flee persecution in Germany for Holland, where Max finds true friends and a life-altering romance. But when Hitler invades in 1940, Max must escape to Chicago, leaving his parents and friends behind. When he learns of his parents' deportation and murder, Max immediately enlists in the US Army. After basic training he is sent to Camp Ritchie, Maryland, where he is trained in interrogation and counterintelligence.

Deployed to the OSS as well, Max carries out dangerous missions in occupied countries. He also interrogates scores of German POWs, especially after D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, where, despite life-threatening conditions, he elicits critical information about German troop movements.

Post-war, he works for the Americans in the German denazification program, bringing him back to his Bavarian childhood home of Regensburg. Though the city avoided large-scale destruction, the Jewish community has been decimated. Max roams familiar yet strange streets, replaying memories of lives lost to unspeakable tragedy. While there, he reunites with someone from his past who also sought refuge abroad. Can they rebuild their lives…together?

This epic story about a Ritchie Boy is Libby Hellmann’s tribute to her late father-in-law who was active with the OSS and interrogated dozens of German POWs.

Sure to captivate readers of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah, Max’s War echoes modern-day decisions made during periods of conflict and explores what happens when hate seems to be winning.

Praise for Max's War
"Another engrossing and powerful historical novel from award-winning author Hellmann. Max's War moves quickly with memorable characters and vivid descriptions." ~BookReporter

"It's a story everyone should know, everyone should read." ~John Lawton, author of the Joe Wilderness series

"Hellmann's novel informs as its story surges ahead, through tragedies and breathless escapes, and the personal cost of vengeance." ~BookLife

Get a Free Gift!
Libby gave a lot of thought to the gift she gives you in return for joining her monthly newsletter, and we love her idea: A collection of seven short stories intended to help you get to know her style and her voice as a writer, which may in turn help you decide which novel of hers you will want to read next!

About Libby Fischer Hellmann

Libby Fischer Hellmann is a critically acclaimed crime writer loved by readers the world over for her compulsively readable thrillers and strong female characters. Her fast-paced crime fiction spans 17 novels and 25 short stories. She also writes historical fiction standalones and edited the evergreen crime fiction anthology Chicago Blues. Doubleblind, her newest PI Georgia Davis thriller, #6 in the series, was released in March 2022.

Libby's richly varied novels have won numerous awards, and Libby has also served as the National President (2005-2006) of Sisters in Crime, a 4,000+ member organization dedicated to strengthening the voice of female mystery writers.

Libby started out in broadcast news, beginning her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving to DC to work with Robin MacNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS's night-time broadcast of the hearings. She moved to Chicago to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago, and then later created Fischer Hellmann Communications.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Libby earned a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania, and then a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University. She's lived in Chicago more than forty years now, has two kids and a cat.

Learn more at LibbyHellmann.com, get seven free short stories by signing up for Libby's newsletter, and be sure to follow her online:
 

               

Looking for a little action in your next read? Follow the adventures of Montana Game Warden Danny Coogan in the best-selling "Frontier" novels of author Michael Cardwell. Read on to learn more.

BONUS: The e-book edition of The Rough Stuff, a powerful collection of Michael Cardwell's short stories, is currently available as a FREE download from Amazon.com!

FREE: The Rough Stuff

The Rough Stuff is a powerful collection of short stories. Filled with unforgettable characters, it is a mix of action-filled fiction and reflective morality tales about the truisms of life, its spectacle, its inherent dangers, and its frustrating uncertainty. Whether in the mountains of Afghanistan, on a farm in Indiana, or in a lake cabin in Idaho, Cardwell tells brutally honest stories about the lives of decent, hard men in America.

★★★★★ "Short stories about struggles in life that our true heroes face every day." ~Amazon Review

Frontier Justice: A Coogan Mystery

Danny Coogan is an Afghanistan veteran with a new job as a Montana Fish and Game Officer. He's looking forward to 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. His assailant? Edmund Goodrunner, a local Native American Danny had considered a friend.

Thus begins a brutal battle of lies, deception, and revenge with drug runners, weapons dealers, kidnappers, and killers. Danny finds himself thrust into an FBI investigation and forced to juggle the threats of a dangerous domestic terrorist group that threatens every aspect of the community he loves and has vowed to protect.

Danny, along with his surrogate father, Senior Game Warden Ben Whitetail, and the local Tribal Police Chief, instill the rich flavor of rural America through poignancy and down-home humor as they struggle, each in their own way, to bring peace back to their snowy town.

If you like mysteries and crime stories with resilient heroes, slam-bang conflict, and nail-biting suspense seasoned with a splash of wilderness humor, then you’ll love Frontier Justice. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box.

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

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

Frontier Outlaws: A Coogan Mystery

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 when the body of a dead rancher is found on the Dead Horse Indian Reservation.

Soon, Danny, the Tribal Police, the local Sheriff’s Department, and a U.S. Marshal are pressed into action. Danny’s connections to the Rez draw him into the murder case and plant him firmly in the crosshairs of the killers. Another victim is discovered, tortured, and murdered—but why? 

Along with fellow Afghanistan vet Matt Bringloe from the Tribal Police, Danny is determined to uncover the truth. When he finds a connection to a decades-old cold case, Danny must pull together the clues before someone else dies.

With the flavor of a down-home yarn and the intensity of a high adventure, Frontier Outlaws offers a thrilling ride that delivers a bronco-busting punch.

★★★★★ "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

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Reflections on Life's Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness by Jane Gallagher.

"Unconventionally structured and feminine forward, this memoir presents a narrative that celebrates the strength, resilience and whimsically intuitive nature of all women." ~Olivia Thomes, Hare's Paw Literary Journal

Reflections on Life's Illusions

“It is not our business to solve all the world’s problems. It is our business to learn to be aware of as much as we can...and to act as wisely as we can.”

As growing children, the baby boom generation experienced a vast array of cultural extremes, from McCarthyism's anti-communist paranoia to the Vietnam War, Watergate, systemic racism, second wave feminism, the birth of rock ’n’ roll, the civil rights movement, the environmental movement, and more. This memoir reflects on the dynamic relationship between the development of personal and cultural consciousness in order to highlight a path to resilience for anyone seeking to heal Earth's living systems.

Reflections on the effects of childhood awakening to cultural grief following the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, mingle with reflections on the cultural impacts of rock ’n’ roll, the hippie movement, and the atrocities of Jim Crow racism. From challenges faced in search of personal identity, meaningful relationships, and a rewarding career to the repercussions of a life-changing hike through the mountains of Peru, a focus on the outer journey throughout the book is coupled with attention to a corresponding inner journey to reconnect with wonder, joy, and awe against the backdrop of a nation increasingly at war with itself.

Reflections on Life’s Illusions maps a path of discovery, illuminating what it takes to thrive personally and professionally while working to foster resilience within the turmoil of Western culture and the matrix of life on Earth.

Praise for Reflections on Life's Illusions
"Part memoir, part social commentary, Jane Gallagher's book is both unique and deeply thoughtful in its exploration of the relationship between her personal journey and how it was shaped by the cultural influences throughout her life. A multifaceted, heartfelt book, Reflections on Life's Illusions is rich with both personal stories and skillful cultural analysis, revealing the author's passion for self-understanding, propelled by compelling questions about the mystery of existence." ~Olivia Ames Hoblitzelle, author of Aging with Wisdom

"Jane Gallagher's memoir charts her journey to find direction and connection against the backdrop of the social and cultural mores of the baby boom generation. We attend her long quest to seek a clear and independent voice. She leaves us with a map to unearth the wisdom that nurtures and heals." ~Linda Hoffman, author of The Artist and The Orchard: A Memoir

"A tapestry of experiences that reflect not only her individual journey but also the broader context of the times in which women in her family lived." ~Olivia Thomes, Hare's Paw Literary Journal

Congratulations to Brendan Gillen and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Static, "a High Fidelity for our millennium."

★★★★★ “Reverberates with the drumbeat of why we make art.” ~Will Musgrove, author of Asphalt Dreaming

Static

For Paul, stealing is easy. When he's hungry, he strolls into a bodega and steals lunch. When rent’s due, he steals records and flips them for cash. As a lonely kid growing up in Ohio’s Rust Belt, stealing was the only way he could score the hip hop records and production equipment that fueled his musical dreams.
 
Now he’s in NYC fighting to keep his once-ascendant band alive and his life from falling apart. His bank account is flatlining. The love of his life has broken his heart. Bunky, his bandmate, is ditching him for Eloise, a soulful vagabond with an intoxicating voice. When financial trouble forces his parents from their lifelong home, Paul ramps up his stealing to save his family from collapse. And in a fever of creativity, he begins to steal from the voices in his life to make the music he’s sure will save his soul.
 
Set against the modern music industry, where a single social post can change your destiny, Static is alive to the weight of familial expectations, the pursuit of our deepest hopes and dreams, and the struggle to make meaningful connections in the anxiety of the digital age.

Praise for Static
★★★★★ “Static is a deep dive into the dark web of the American way of success and failure, and the unforgiving scream of the music of chance.” ~Salar Abdoh, author of A Nearby Country Called Love

★★★★★ “Funny, witty, and energetic... will hook you like a beautiful, catchy song that you’ll be humming for days.” ~Will Musgrove, author of Asphalt Dreaming

★★★★★ “A heartfelt, moving debut about the downtown New York music scene, brimming with wasted talent, floundering ambition, broken hearts, and betrayals—and wonderfully redeemed by the possibility of second chances.” ~Elizabeth Gaffney, author of Metropolis and When the World was Young

★★★★★ “Music pops out of every page in multi-sensory detail - the warm crackle of a needle on vinyl, the sweat of a crowd, the vibration of strings, the digitized reanimation of a sample, and the cacophonous ambient symphony of New York City.” ~Will Hagle, author of Madvillain's Madvillainy

★★★★★ “A generation ago, Nick Hornby showed us that a record store can be the perfect backdrop for a novel about the twisted path to growing up. So why haven’t more people paid attention since then? Luckily, Brendan Gillen has, and the result is Static, a High Fidelity for our millennium.” ~Dan LeRoy, author of Dancing to the Drum Machine

Today, we are shining a spotlight on Doombringer, a gritty dark fantasy novella from Marcel Liemant. If you relish twisted magic, supernatural creatures, and complex LGBTQI+ characters, dive into this mysterious tale!

★★★★★ "A beautifully written story set in a dark fantasy realm... The relationship between Oden and his daughter is magical and truly heartwarming. This story had war, loss, hope, love, perseverance, and strong family dynamics.” ~Tara Johnson, Goodreads Review

Bonus: Purchase print editions of Marcel Liemant books directly from the author at MarcelLiemant.com to get signed, wax-sealed paperback editions. 

Doombringer: Of Shadows and Sacrifice

Ancient enemies on the horizon. Twisted magic with a cost. A father who will sacrifice anything to save his daughter.

Oden Treaty is tireless. His nights are devoted to mining magic, his days to shielding his daughter from the reality of their realm ravaged by war. As the skies blacken with signs of imminent attack by the merciless Red Mages, Oden refuses to let the enemy that killed his wife destroy more of his home.

Surrounded by a community resigned to defeat, Oden unearths an unsettling prophecy foretelling his role in the destiny of the final battle. But with every spell cast eroding his body to dust, and their village about to be overrun, Oden is desperate to survive long enough to save his daughter’s world.

Can Oden wield unimaginable power in time to rescue his realm from doom?

★★★★★ "An intriguing dark fantasy." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "The author's writing style is particularly captivating, vividly painting scenes that pull you deep into the story." ~Goodreads Review

Other titles from Marcel Liemant: