Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Spotlight on the Structural Wonders series from North Star Classroom

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Structural Wonders series from North Star Classroom, a great set of books for the young readers in your life!
 
Tip: Email sales@northstareditions.com and
mention "LitNuts" to get 30% off your order. 

Structural Wonders Series

$9.95 each
$59.70 set of six



This fascinating series will captivate the inquiring minds of young readers with an up-close look at some of the most incredible architectural wonders of past centuries, including information about the history and construction of each structure, as well as what the site is like today.

Each book also features informative sidebars, a “That’s Amazing!” special feature, a table of contents, a reading comprehension quiz, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. The entire series is written for reading levels of grades 3-5 and interest levels of grades 5-7.

The six Structural Wonder books include: Angkor WatColosseumGiza PyramidsGreat Wall of ChinaMachu Picchu, and Taj Mahal.
          


New Release & Giveaway: A World of Dinosaurs!

Spotlight

Today, we are celebrating the release of A World of Dinosaurs, Book 1 in the Mintari Series, by Daniel Arenson, USA Today bestselling author of fantasy and science fiction. 

We are also launching a new giveaway! Daniel is giving away a very cool dinosaur skeleton fossil model valued at $50. Enter for a chance to win by joining Daniel's Readers' Group. Bonus: Get three free fantasy and science fiction novels just for joining the group! Enter by January 31. 
 
 

A World of Dinosaurs

New Release: January 17, 2023
Book 1 in the Mintari Series
From $5.99
 


A dinosaur adventure for fans of Jurassic Park! From the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise.

Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They’ve captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again.

Mintari is far from Earth. Wild. Pristine. A world where triceratops herd across grasslands, pterosaurs soar over golden mountains, and T-rexes prowl the misty forests.

But these magnificent beasts might soon disappear. And only one man can save them.

They call him Jurassic Joe. A semi-mythical figure. A ranger who lives in the wilderness of Mintari. Defender of dinosaurs. Bane of poachers. Folk hero. But is he real?

He better be. Because big game hunters are landing on Mintari. A lot of them. It will take a hero to stop them. And they must be stopped. Or the dinosaurs of Mintari will be lost forever.

Discover a world of savage beauty, terrifying danger, and ancient beasts brought back to life. Welcome to Mintari.

About the Author

Daniel Arenson is an author, bookworm, and proud geek. The Huffington Post has called his writing "full of soul." He has written more than 80 novels and sold more than 1 million books. His series include:

MINTARI -- Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They've captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again.

EARTHRISE -- They came from deep space. They came to destroy us. But we will fight back! Start reading with Earth Alone, the first novel.

STARSHIP FREEDOM — The starship Freedom is just a museum ship... until the aliens attack.

REQUIEM -- Welcome to Requiem, an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings and scales, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. Start reading with Requiem's Song.

KINGDOMS OF SAND -- Enter a world of sand and splendor, a world where gladiators battle in the arena, where legionaries and barbarians fight for glory, and where empires rise and fall. Start reading with Kings of Ruin.

MOTH -- Discover Moth, a world torn between day and night--its one half drenched in eternal daylight, the other cloaked in endless darkness.

To learn more, visit danielarenson.com.


Spotlight on Yurie Kiri Books

Spotlight

TALES OF MURDER, MYSTERY, AND SUSPENSE
WITH A PARANORMAL TWIST
Author Yurie Kiri has a signature style, a captivating and intricate method of storytelling with plots that are anything but predictable. Are the villains good old-fashioned bad guys, demons, viscous animals, corporate fiends, or some combination of all four? Read on to learn more about Yurie Kiri books—including two that are currently on sale for 99 cents!

Moonlight Beach

Book 1 in the Murder and Magic Series
From $0.99


Winner of the Hollywood Book Festival Award for Genre Fiction. 

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
From $2.99


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

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.
 

Moonlight Rocks

Book 3 in the Murder and Magic Series
From $0.99


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

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 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?

Tokyo Games

Book 1 in the Games Series
From $3.99


"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
From $3.99


"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.

Buy the Series

Free via Kindle Unlimited!

Murder and Magic Series: The Moonlight Trilogy 
Moonlight Beach, Moonlight Canyon, Moonlight Rocks
$8.99


The Games Series: The Games Duology
Tokyo Games, Osaka Games
$7.99

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 lived and worked in Asia for decades before coming to America and taking an extensive backroad journey all across the United States and Canada. Yurie also sailed (single-handed) from Mexico to the Canadian border, retracing a well-traveled road journey by sea in a small, live-aboard sailboat. 

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

Yurie does not use pronouns (for a reason). For one thing, it keeps the reader guessing—is Yurie male, female, non-binary, or even a machine? No one really knows for sure…except maybe Yurie's beloved cat, Fluffy, who also knows where all the bodies are buried and is not allowed to leave Yurie's sight.

You can learn more and read excerpts of Yurie's work by visiting YurieKiri.com


Get the "Unsolved Mysteries" series for young readers grades 3 - 7!

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Unsolved Mystery series from North Star Classroom, an engaging series for young readers grades 3 - 7.
 
Tip: Order directly from the publisher by emailing sales@northstareditions.com. 


Unsolved Mysteries Series

$9.95 each
$79.60 set of eight



The past is full of strange events, and some have left experts guessing. This fascinating series pairs short paragraphs of easy-to-read text with plentiful photos to help young readers explore some of these mysterious occurrences, highlighting what happened and what people still don’t know.

Each book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, sidebars, comprehension questions, a glossary, an index, and a list of resources for further reading.

Apex books have low reading levels (grades 2 - 3) but are designed for older students, with interest levels of grades 3 - 7.

The eight Unsolved Mysteries books cover the following topics: Amelia Earhart, Cahokia, D. B. Cooper, Easter Island, Irish Crown Jewels Theft, The Mary Celeste, Roanoke Colony, and The Voynich Manuscript.
             


Be Brave. Be Awesome. Be a Hero.

Spotlight



Kids spring to action in the Raven Song Adventure Series, a new collection of chapter books for young readers ages 6 - 9 from Scroll & Ink Press. With the help of their amazing dog and a secret scroll, three young heroes protect the town of Four Oaks from all manner of magical and scary creatures.

BOOK ONE: THE SPELL OF SHADOWS
Print edition from $7.44
Audiobook $9.20


Kid Magic carries a secret in his backpack at all times. Along with his hero friends Kid Zing, Kid Spec, and their faithful dog, they use the secret to keep their town safe. Welcome to Four Oaks, where kids are heroes and adventure lurks around every corner and under every tree!

A wizard has come to town and cast an eerie spell. It’s up to the kid heroes and their dog to break the spell and save the day.

BOOK TWO: LEGEND OF THE FOUR OAKS
Print edition from $7.44


Some creepy vampires have come to Four Oaks to steal the town’s most valuable possessions. Only kid heroes can stop them.

Adventure and the town’s greatest legend await. And as usual, our heroes’ band, Raven Song, will rock out!

BOOK THREE: THE CHALICE AND THE CHAIN
Print edition from $7.44


In the third title of the series, mysterious creatures have brought secrets, tales, and adventure to Four Oaks. One carries objects of great power. It’s a good thing the kid heroes and their dog are around!

The story allows young readers to locate themselves in settings where intelligence and creativity flourish. The book begins with a call to action to imagine and ends with a call to action to create.

About the Author
Lougash T. Shaw is the pen name for author and series creator Russell Carmony. The Raven Song Adventure Series began as bedtime stories that he told to his six-year-old nephew, who wanted to hear tales with action, suspense, and a few scares. The stories had to be long, so they could stay up later on the weekends when the parents weren't around. The tales made their way into written form, and The Raven Song Adventure Series was born. Twelve books in total are planned for the series.


Spotlight on The Histronauts, award-winning series for readers ages 8 - 12

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Histronauts, an award-winning series for readers ages 8 - 12 from Jolly Fish Press. 
 
Join The Histronauts (Newton, Luna, and Nani) on Egyptian, Roman, Viking, and Greek adventures via a fun mix of graphic novel, historical facts, and activities. 

BONUS: Send your order directly to sales@northstareditions.com and get a 30% discount by mentioning LitNuts. Offer good now through December 31, 2022. 

An Egyptian Adventure
From $9.99


When the Histronauts travel back in time to ancient Egypt, they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Join them on their journey as they explore dazzling tombs, decipher hieroglyphics, unwrap the art of mummification, and learn how the gods ruled over the dead in the afterlife.

"A solid, entry-level introduction to ancient Egypt. Fact boxes, a map, and photos of artifacts, temples, and artwork accompany widely spaced lines of text for an easy reading experience." ~Booklist

"A good choice for fun, effortless learning." ~Kirkus Reviews

A Roman Adventure
From $9.99


When the Histronauts travel back in time to the Roman Empire, they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Join them on their journey as they sneak into the Roman baths, try on the armor of the legionary, make a sacrifice at the temple of the gods, ride in a speeding chariot, and meet ferocious gladiators.

"My kids absolutely love this series. Full of colour and relatable information." ~Julia S., UK Amazon Reviewer

A Viking Adventure
From $9.99


When the Histronauts travel back in time to the Viking era they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Join them on their journey as they forage for food, decipher runes, build beautiful burial boats, and hear all about a Viking raid.

"My first grader loved this. Beautiful graphics, story line, and facts. We bought the whole set." ~Amazon Reviewer

A Greek Adventure
From $9.99


When the Histronauts travel back in time to ancient Greece, they’ll need your help to uncover the secrets of the past. Join them on their journey as they visit the Acropolis, watch the activities that inspired the Olympic Games, and paint masks for a thrilled Greek tragedy at the amphitheater.

"A data-driven dive ... [in]to one late, great city-state." ~Kirkus Reviews

About the Author
Frances Durkin is a historian and award-winning children’s author from South Yorkshire who now lives and works in Buckinghamshire. She is the author and co-creator of The Histronauts book series. An Egyptian Adventure won a North Somerset Teachers' Book Award in 2019, and Frances runs accompanying workshops for schools, bookshops and heritage organisations. She has a PhD in Medieval History at the University of Birmingham and is passionate about sharing her love of history with a wide audience.


New Giveaway - Young Adult Fantasy from author A.J. Park

Events Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is announcing a new giveaway and shining a spotlight on two young adult fantasy novels from author A.J. Park—including War's Ending and The Ring Keeper, a new title being released TODAY! 

Giveaway: Be sure to enter A.J.'s Young Adult Fantasy Giveaway for a chance to win books signed by A.J. and a $25 coffee shop gift card. Enter by December 20. 

War's Ending

From $3.99 (included with Kindle Unlimited)
 


A courageous noblewoman. A mysterious stranger. A war that may destroy them both…

As the king’s niece, Shalyrie can’t wait to explore her kingdom’s colonies with her uncle. But when she’s badly injured in a savage raid and abducted by mysterious masked horsemen, she’s stunned when her captors heal her wounds. As she adjusts her preconceptions, a terrifying attempt on her life reveals that her own people are trying to kill her.

Kalleck expects to die fighting a hopeless war like his father before him. While he helps Shalyrie piece together clues behind the assassination attempt, her very presence escalates tension between the kingdom and the colony. With time running out, Kalleck knows he must act quickly to prevent innocent bloodshed, yet Shalyrie might be the only one who can end the war.

Can two enemies join forces to put an end to a devastating war?

If you like noble heroines, mysterious strangers, and exotic cultures, then you’ll love A.J. Park’s gripping tale. Buy War’s Ending to ride into a heartfelt adventure today!

"A well-written novel that will delight fans of fantasy, with a powerful plot, an exciting setting, and memorable characters." ~Readers' Favorite Five-Star Review

The Ring Keeper

New release: December 6, 2022 
From $0.99 (included with Kindle Unlimited)
 


Caught between twin brothers, one courting demons and sorcery, the other the ruler of an empire protected by magic, Ana bears a ring of unknown powers, her legacy from a mother she never knew.

Discovering the ring’s ability makes her both a valuable member of the emperor’s court and a target for abduction by his jealous brother. Soon Ana finds herself betrayed and kidnapped, ultimately held at the mercy of the emperor’s twin and his dark secrets.

The ring exposes a web of love, hatred and unimaginable betrayal. Though its power drains her life force, the fate of the empire depends on her ability to unlock the ring’s secrets. She must find the will and strength to use it, for its magic can save the lives of everyone Ana has come to love. Or it can destroy them completely…


About A.J. Park

In addition to her work as a novelist, A.J. Park works for Connection Publishing, a print magazine company that partners with city governments to bring hyper-local content to their residents. She has written on a wide variety of subjects that have been enjoyed by countless magazine readers. She loves getting to know new people and is constantly involved in her community, giving her time and talents to serve with local nonprofit organizations.

Unsurprisingly, she spends her spare moments writing or reading. Learning is something she craves, and she is constantly studying ways to improve her storytelling skills. She is never bored and continually adds to a long list of exciting new projects to work on.

A committed outdoor enthusiast, A.J. enjoys the mountains of Northern Utah as often as possible, no matter what the season. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, backpacking and spending time with her amazing husband, family and friends.

Interested in having A.J. speak to your group or in interviewing her for your followers? Visit Emerald Lake Books to contact A.J. Park


FREE Boxed Set: Georgia Davis Private Investigator Series

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on an incredible FREE download: Get the Georgia Davis Private Investigator boxed set of four mystery novels from award-winning author Libby Fischer Hellmann at no cost!
 
"The Georgia Davis series may just be one of the best crime thriller series being written today." ~Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
Bonus: Sign up to receive monthly email updates from Libby, and she will send you seven short stories! 

The Georgia Davis PI Boxed Set

Genre: Crime, Thriller, Suspense
Price: FREE! 
 


Get the first four Georgia Davis Crime Thrillers together in this FREE boxed set! 

PI Georgia Davis burst on the scene in Easy Innocence, the first novel in the series. Easy Innocence was followed by Doubleback, a cross-country thriller that reunited Georgia with Chicago documentary producer and amateur sleuth Ellie Foreman. ToxiCity, the prequel to the thriller series written when Georgia was still a cop followed. And Nobody's Child, in which Georgia discovers a half-sister in big trouble, completes the set. 

Here's a rundown of each novel in the boxed set:

Easy Innocence: Winner, Best PI Novel, Readers Choice Award. Freshly-minted private investigator Georgia Davis investigates the murder of a high school girl and finds out how far teen girls will go for approval from their peers.

Doubleback: Selected as a "Great Lakes Great Read" by the Great Lakes Bookseller Association. PI Georgia Davis and Ellie Foreman team up after the kidnapping of a young girl triggers a series of more deadly events.

ToxiCity: Ten years before Easy Innocence, three bodies turn up in quick succession—all of them dumped in waste disposal dumpsters or landfills. Officer Georgia Davis, her boyfriend detective, and his partner team up and find much more than they bargained for.

Nobody's Child: Georgia discovers a half-sister who's in big trouble. But rescuing the girl will bring Georgia back to confront an old enemy. Nominated for five awards.

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.

Keep up with Libby and her writing by signing up for her newsletter--which comes with seven free short stories! 


The Black Phantom Chronicles - New Release & Giveaway!

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Black Phantom Chronicles, an award-winning YA Fantasy series from author Esther Wallace. This series is perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Lloyd Alexander, and Rosemary Sutcliff.

Also, we're giving away signed books and a $25 coffee shop gift card in The Black Phantom Chronicles Giveaway. Enter by December 17. 
 

The Savage War

The Black Phantom Chronicles Book 1
$0.99 via Kindle Countdown Deal* (Included with Kindle Unlimited)
 


A young shepherd boy sets out to find his calling and stumbles upon a land at war. Arnacin of Enchantress Island must wrestle with the purpose of honor and the conflict that ensues when it’s called into question.

Valoretta, princess of Mira, has been chosen to be her father’s successor, but at what cost? Her country is in conflict, conspiracies abound, and the native population has risen against her father, King Miro, and their people.

Everything changes when Arnacin and Valoretta join forces to secure the future of Mira. But will Arnacin’s honor be the greatest victim of The Savage War? And will the Black Phantom be Mira’s doom or salvation?

Gold Medal - Young Adult Fiction, Silver Medal - Science Fiction & Fantasy, Florida Authors & Publishers Association.

* Kindle Countdown Deal: $0.99 now, $1.99 Dec. 4, $2.99 Dec. 6, $3.99 Dec. 9. 

The Eternal Struggle

The Black Phantom Chronicles Book 2
From $2.99 (Included with Kindle Unlimited)
 


Broken in spirit after his exile from Mira, Arnacin yearns to find his way back home to Enchantress Island. Captured by pirates and then rescued by the Nomacirrians, he discovers there’s one last thing he must do before he can find peace.

As Mira falls around her, Valoretta becomes a prisoner of savages while her beloved home is destroyed and its people are scattered.

Will Arnacin and Valoretta remain victims of their circumstances or find the courage they each need to overcome the past?

The Eternal Struggle is an enthralling YA fantasy novel. If you like raiding pirates, harrowing escapes, and stories of healing and reconciliation, then you’ll love this gripping tale.

"An exciting YA fantasy novel with a riveting premise and magnetic characters. Fans of George R.R. Martin and epic pirate stories would appreciate The Eternal Struggle." ~Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

The Island Siege

The Black Phantom Chronicles Book 3 - NEW RELEASE!
From $2.99 (Included with Kindle Unlimited)
 


As Arnacin is making his way home to Enchantress Island, war is brewing in nearby Elcan.

No one has tried to conquer Ansky since the Sanguinea Peace Treaty. Yet Wilber, king of Evfel and regent of Ansky, plans to succeed… from the inside. Purposefully nurturing bitterness and pride in his young nephew, Prince Evan Maxwell, Wilber hopes the people will reject their prince in favor of Evfel’s rule.

After being orphaned, Evan’s only solace is in the horses of his father’s stable. He loathes the idea of assuming the throne and fears being forced into accepting his duties. Yet that changes when the wild stallion Darkfire enters his life and Evan meets the people of the magical Ice Woods, where his quest to discover his destiny begins.

What follows takes Evan and Darkfire into the heart of Enchantress Island and the secrets sleeping there.

About Esther Wallace

Esther Wallace is an award-winning author and freelance illustrator. She started her journey as a homeschooler, telling stories to her younger siblings.

Her favorite books and movies are the ones that challenge the reader as well as the protagonists—the tales so driven by character, those heroes and heroines stay with one through all the hardships and joys of life. Figures like Frodo Baggins, Princess Eilonwy of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and Harry Potter leap off the page, as they should.

Her largest jolts of inspiration appear when reading, watching or reenacting history, or joking with her large family around the dinner table.

Interested in having Esther speak to your group or in interviewing her for your followers? Visit Emerald Lake Books to Contact Esther Wallace


Spotlight on In the Clutch - great juvenile fiction from Jolly Fish Press

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the In the Clutch series of juvenile fiction from Jolly Fish Press. 
The final buzzer. The bases loaded. The last chance to break a tie. In the Clutch hooks readers with a do-or-die moment from youth sports, then rewinds to show how the books’ young athletes found themselves performing under pressure—plus the important lessons they learn about friendship, family, and life along the way. Perfect for young readers ages 8 to 10. Learn more about each of the books, below. 
BONUS: Send your order directly to sales@northstareditions.com and get a 30% discount by mentioning LitNuts! Offer good now through December 31, 2022. 

The Slugger's Shadow
From $7.99


Aaron is a 12-year-old baseball phenom, but only when he’s playing on the field. At the plate, he struggles. Now, it’s the last inning of the last game of the season, and Aaron’s in the batter’s box, down by one with the bases loaded. Just as he steps up to the plate, Aaron spots his superstar-athlete older brother, Will, who completely abandoned him at the worst possible time. Can Aaron come through in the clutch when his team needs him most, and will his brother come through for him and their family? A 2022 Junior Library Guild Selection.

"Touching on topics such as sibling rivalry, insecurity, self-image, and grieving, this book...will capture readers' attention and leave them thinking about not only the exciting baseball story it is but also the emotional challenges that young people can encounter." ~Children's Literature

Keeper Courage
From $7.99


Carmen is a 12-year-old star striker for the Blue Dragons A-Team, but when her best friend Destiny abandons the team to try theater, the Dragons need a new goalkeeper, stat. Carmen quickly learns her new position as keeper, but she struggles to deal with the changes in her friendship with Destiny. Plus, there’s one shot she just can’t seem to stop. Now, the league championship has gone to a shootout, and of course the other team’s best striker has the last kick. Can Carmen save both her team’s championship dreams and her most important friendship?

Gridiron Grit
From $7.99


What looked to be a football season to remember for Cameron quickly turns to disaster. Set to take over as quarterback for the pass-happy Northwood Middle School Lumberjacks, things change just days before the first practice when internet sensation Trish joins the team. Cameron goes from starting quarterback to backup—and nearly ends up quitting. With some inspiration from his father, Cameron finds joy in his newfound role—but not without some bumps and bruises along the way. Will his commitment pay off?

Envy on the Ice
From $7.99


Easton is an 11-year-old hockey sensation, but he’s struggled with the sudden success of fellow winger and best friend Shawn. Now, it’s the last shift in triple-overtime at the state championship, and the team has one play to avoid a shootout. The coach’s play has Easton taking the shot, but sometimes you have to think on your skates after the puck hits the ice. Will Easton go for his own glory, or will he swallow his pride and do what’s best for his team and his friend?

In the Clutch: Set of Four Books
From $31.96


The final buzzer. The bases loaded. The last chance to break a tie. Get the entire set of In the Clutch books featuring young athletes learning about life as they learn to perform under pressure. The set includes all four books from the series: The Sluggers Shadow, Keeper Courage, Gridiron Grit, and Envy on Ice


Spotlight on Cooking Greek: 200+ pages of classic Greek recipes!

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Cooking Greek: A Classic Greek Cookbook for the At-Home Chef. Chef Pemi Kanavos, Tanya Stamoulis, and the cooking experts at Worldwide Greeks have created a visually stunning Greek cookbook for all levels of at-home chefs.

This beautiful cookbook contains more than 200 pages of flavorful and delicious classic Greek recipes presented in a simple and easy-to-follow manner for all level at-home chefs.

Cooking Greek: A Classic Greek Cookbook for the At-Home Chef
Genre: Cooking, Food & Wine Reference; Greek Cooking
From $9.99

 
Cooking Greek: A Classic Greek Cookbook for the At-Home Chef is the perfect cookbook for foodies and makes a great gift for any occasion.

Greek cuisine can seem intimidating, but when presented by chef Pemi, it is anxiety free! With a culinary arts degree, experience teaching Greek cooking classes, and thousands of hours in her yiayia’s (grandmother’s) kitchen, chef Pemi brings a unique perspective with her flavor profile, instructions, and beautiful full-page photos of each dish.

Discover how to cook some of the most popular, authentic Greek recipes including baklava, tiropita (cheese pie), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), pastitsio (macaroni pie), spanakopita (spinach pie), moussaka (eggplant and ground beef pie), Greek meatballs, loukoumades (Greek donuts), tzatziki (cucumber yogurt dip), souvlaki (meat skewers), galaktoboureko (milk pie), Greek style octopus, and many more mouth-watering Greek recipes.

As an added bonus, the food forum on Worldwide Greeks provides an additional resource for recipe clarification, variation ideas and the opportunity to ask chef Pemi and other food experts your recipe-related questions.
About the Authors 

Pemi Kanavos is a classically-trained pastry chef with a culinary arts degree who loves to feed people and share her Greek culture and cuisine. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved with her family to Athens, Greece, when she was 10. Pam returned to Boston for college, earning a degree in Ggraphic design. Pam’s love of cooking ran so deep that she decided to go back to school where she earned a second degree in Culinary Arts. She has worked at various food establishments around Boston, wrote a column on a Greek cooking blog, and taught Greek cooking classes for several years. Having moved back and forth between Boston and Athens, Pemi has now settled in Athens Greece, with her husband and son.

Worldwide Greeks (WorldwideGreeks.com) was established in 2005 as an online forum website written in English about Greek food, Greek travel, and Greek culture. More than 490,000 people have visited the very popular Greek food forum on the Worldwide Greeks website, where people can share Greek recipes and ask questions about Greek food. Additionally, Worldwide Greeks has more than 250,000 loyal social media followers who lover Greek food, Greek travel, and Greek culture.


Spotlight on the Trinitarian Knights Collection

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Trinitarian Knights Collection from author Kevin Mansoor. Read on to learn more about this exciting series.

BONUS: Sign up for free email updates from Kevin and get a free copy of Protecting Love, the prequel novella to the first book in the Trinitarian Knights series. 

Avenging Love
Christian Fantasy
FREE!

 
Avenging Love is the first novel of the trilogy in the Trinitarian Knights Collection. Filled with fast-paced action sequences, a strong love story sub-theme, supporting characters that will have you cheering, and a pompous prideful Satan that may just have you rolling on the floor laughing, Avenging Love is a must-read.

David had always fought to protect others, even before he knew who he was. He defended those who could not defend themselves. In the eternal battle between good and evil, he balanced the scales. He saved countless...but he couldn't save her. He failed the love of his life.

After three years drunk in an alley, he still refuses to listen to the truth his heart is trying to tell him. But when the tequila no longer numbs his guilt, can the mysterious two-thousand-year-old Emma or the Archangel Michael get David to wake up in time?

As the darkness that has settled on David's soul slowly lifts, a battle that he cannot win awaits. Join David and his battle companion Saint Bernard, Duke, as they embark on an epic tale of loss, guilt, and possible redemption. 
The Deception of Fear
Christian Fantasy
$2.99

 
Book Two in the Trinitarian Knights Collection.

Seven years after the conclusion of Avenging Love, deep within the ocean, a familiar demon stirs. Deep within Hell, a new plot is unleashed. And deep within David’s heart, the seed of fear takes root. 

One question must be answered as Satan turns up the heat of his attacks on David and his family: Which David will show up for the fight? 

In an ending that surprised even the author, this novel continues the fast-paced thrill ride of Avenging Love.
Buried Within
Coming soon!
 
Not all is as it has seemed...

Buried within David are seeds of truth. Buried within angels are seeds of humanity. Buried within demons are seeds of angels. Buried within children are seeds of greatness.

The thrilling conclusion to the Trinitarian Knights series will reveal secrets, unknown alliances, and a truth that will change the course of everything.

Sign up for Kevin's newsletter for updates and to be one of the first to know the release date of the final installment.
About Kevin Mansoor

Kevin lives in the heart of the agricultural epicenter of Washington State where he spends most of his time staring at a blank computer screen, hoping for the words to come. "Usually they do," he says, "and sometimes, they are even intelligible."

When he is not searching for those perfect words, he is probably covered in dust doing some DIY project. He says that "an electric sander, a dust mask, and ear plugs often help the creative juices flow."

Kevin reserves his evenings for quality time with his wife, "probably doing a puzzle or eating a magnificent meal that we made together." To learn more, visit Kevin's website.


Spotlight on The Eastside Extra and Unicorns of the Secret Stable

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two great series for children from the Jolly Fish Press imprint of North Star Editions! Read on to learn more about The Eastside Extra series and the Unicorns of the Secret Stable series.

BONUS: Get your holiday shopping done early with books for children and young adults from North Star Editions. Send your holiday gift book wish list directly to sales@northstareditions.com and get a 30% discount by mentioning LitNuts! Offer good now through December 31, 2022. 


The Eastside Extra (Set of 4)
Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends—and known to be relentlessly curious. They’re always asking questions, and their interest in sharing the answers led them to start an online newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the community to investigate the most engaging mysteries. This series is available as a set or individually. Reading Age: from 8 to 10 years.
The Eastside Extra: How Did We Get Here?
A chance question about Libby’s door decoration leads the friends to realize they’re all from immigrant families. This discovery prompts their next big questions: Where are our families from? Why and how did they come to the United States? As the friends learn their families’ histories and deal with upsetting news about Anika’s stay in the country, they vow to cherish what brings them together.
The Eastside Extra: Still Serving 
Why does someone who could be retired choose to still work? Between popsicle breaks and jumps in the pool, this simple question leads the friends all around their community as they explore the facts and personal stories of veterans.
The Eastside Extra: Public Funding, Public Decisions
Eastside Middle School is facing challenges as a result of its growing student body. When Anika, Benny, and Libby learn the school is getting extra funding this year, they know they have the topic for their next feature story: Who decides how public schools spend their money? And where does the money come from?
The Eastside Extra: Why is Our Lake Off-Limits? 
Anika, Benny, and Libby live a short drive from a small lake, but they’ve never been swimming in it. It’s closed off as a “Superfund” site, a mysterious phrase they’ve never heard before, leading the friends to interview their neighbors and explore their community’s history.
Unicorns of the Secret Stable Series
There are unicorns behind Magic Moon Stable, but no one except Iris and Ruby knows they exist. As Unicorn Guardians, it is their job to protect the unicorns and their magic to keep them safe from the outside world. The books in this series are available in the sets shown below or as individual titles. Reading age: from 6 to 9 years. 
Unicorns of the Secret Stable, Set 1
This set includes four books: The Red Key, Stolen Magic, Unicorn Uncovered, and Heartsong's Missing Foal

"Die-hard unicorn fans’ hearts will sing." ~School Library Journal 
Unicorns of the Secret Stable, Set 2
This set includes four books: The Great Unicorn Race, Shadow Stallion, Starberry Magic, and Unique Unicorn

Author Whitney Sanderson grew up riding horses as a member of a 4-H club and competing in local jumping and dressage shows.
Unicorns of the Secret Stable, Set 3
This set includes four books: Mermaid Magic, Magical Unicorn Horns, Lucky and the Dragon, and Unicorns to the Rescue.

"Adding unicorns, sister power, and a generous dose of magic to the thoughtful design makes this series ideal for all collections." ~School Library Journal


Spotlight on North Star Editions: Publisher of quality children & young adult books

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts welcomes North Star Editions, an indie publisher dedicated to guiding children and young adult readers toward a lifetime love of reading. We think you're going to love their books!

In the weeks ahead, we'll be sharing high-quality fiction and nonfiction from North Star Editions that inspires, informs, and entertains. You'll see an assortment of titles from Flux, NSE's young adult fiction imprint; from the Jolly Fish Press middle-grade fiction imprint; and juvenile nonfiction titles from other NSE imprints. 

Below is a small sampling of what's to come. Click on any title or image to learn more.

BONUS: Get 30% off books from North Star Editions when you order direct from the publisher. Just use coupon code LitNuts30 at checkout.


The Genius Kid’s Guide to Dogs
Imprint: North Star Kids
"Animal lovers searching for in-depth information on some of their favorite creatures will find a great resource in the Genius Kid's Guides series." ~Booklist


Imprint: Jolly Fish Press
It’s the last inning of the last game of the season, and Aaron is in the batter’s box. Can he come through in the clutch? A 2022 Junior Library Guild Selection.


The Truth About Everything
Imprint: Flux
"A first purchase for young adult collections where realistic fiction is in demand.” ~School Library Journal


Jordie & Joey Fell From The Sky
Imprint: Jolly Fish Press
2022 Moonbeam Awards Gold Medalist (Best First Book – Chapter Book)


Goth Girl, Queen Of The Universe
Imprint: Flux
"The comic con setting gives way to pop culture references and cosplay options that are simply fun. The romance, the LARPing, the costumes—it’s a geek’s definition of fun." —Seattle Book Review



Spotlight on author Julie Flanders and the Polar Magic paranormal detective series!

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Julie Flanders, author of the Polar Magic series of paranormal detective thrillers! 

Polar Night (Polar Magic Book 1)
Genre: Paranormal Detective
From $2.99

4.2 stars, 82 ratings on Goodreads


Maria Treibel is missing. Detective Danny Fitzpatrick is beaten. And evil lurks in the shadows.

Haunted by his past, Danny drowns his sorrows as often as he can, but when Maria Treibel vanishes without a trace, Danny is assigned the case. With no leads, and the department winding down its search, Danny knows he is the only one that can find her. Instead of your typical missing-persons case, Danny's witnesses seem to point to something a bit more sinister. Unbelievably so.

Aleksei Nechayev owns the inn at Snow Creek, an old mining town in Alaska. His classic Russian features, not unlike the image of Czar Nicholas II, seem frozen in time. When Danny's investigation leads him to Aleksei with a warrant, he isn't worried. He's had centuries of practice dealing with curious men of the law.

Time for Maria is running out, without rescue, the life will literally be sucked out of her.


Polar Day (Polar Magic Book 2) 
Genre: Paranormal Detective
From $3.99

4.5 stars, 20 ratings on Goodreads


A heatwave has struck Fairbanks, unlike any before — it might just be witchcraft...

The paranormal just won't leave Detective Danny Fitzpatrick alone. After going head-to-head with a vampire in Polar Night, Danny finds himself dealing with something a bit more sinister in Fairbanks, Alaska. As residents gather for the annual summer solstice baseball game, a jogger spontaneously bursts into flames. Still reeling from his near-death experience at the hands of Aleksei Nechayev, Danny watches in horror as the man burns alive.

But this victim isn't the only one. Someone, or something, is burning Fairbanks and its residents alive, leaving nothing but smoldering embers behind. As the city sweats under a record-breaking heatwave and the unexplained fires claim more victims, Danny and his colleagues struggle to find an arsonist who can conjure fire out of thin air.

To Danny’s horror, the only one who may be able to help him stop the arsonist is his nemesis Nechayev.

Will the vampire help in the hunt for a witch?

The second book in the Polar Magic series, Polar Day, is perfect for those who love contemporary, paranormal mysteries. Fans of Molly Fitz's Paranormal Temp Agency series, Charlaine Harris' A Novel of Midnight, Texas series, and L.T. Ryan & K.M Rought's Cassie Quinn Mystery series, will find adventure, romance, and a little thrill in Polar Day.


Polar Curse (Polar Magic Book 3) 
Genre: Paranormal Detective
Coming November 25!


It started in Fairbanks, and it will end in Fairbanks.

Detective Danny Fitzpatrick has dueled with vampires and witches, but something is haunting Fairbanks—and it isn't just the recent disappearance of a hiker. Eerie voices, accidental deaths, and arson keep dragging Danny back to Kennecott cemetery. Back to Annabelle Trescot's grave. The only theory that makes any sense: a deadly ghost.

With bodies piling up, Danny is forced to seek out Aleksei Nechayev, the murderous vampire, for help. But history has a way of coming back to haunt us, even when the ghosts get what they want. 

Watch for Polar Curse in the November 25 LitNuts newsletter!
 


The Turnagain Arm (prequel to Polar Night)
Genre: Paranormal Detective
$0.99

4.5 stars, 27 ratings on Goodreads!


In this prequel to Polar Night, you'll meet Aleksei for the first time when he arrives at a small town in Alaska and people start disappearing. Vasyl, the owner of the Turnagain Arm Saloon, suspects Aleksei, and a game of cat and mouse ensues. A mere mortal would be no match for Aleksei, but Aleksei begins to suspect Vasyl has powers of his own. 


About Julie Flanders

Julie Flanders is a librarian and writer in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her published novels include the Polar Magic trilogy and The Ghosts of Aquinnah. She is also the author of the novella The Turnagain Arm, a prequel to the Polar trilogy. Polar Curse (Polar Magic #3) is coming November 25, 2022.

For more information, visit Julie's website or follow her on Twitter.


Spotlight on They Believed They Were Safe

Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror Spotlight

Congratulations to Cordelia Francis Biddle and Vine Leaves Press on the release of They Believed They Were Safe.

"Do not miss this unique and utterly captivating read!" ~Merry Jones, Child’s Play


They Believed They Were Safe by Cordelia Francis Biddle
Historical Fiction/Thriller
From $5.99  

How do you recognize danger?

Autumn 1962 in a picture-perfect small New England college town. Mabel Gorne arrives with a single suitcase and an unsettling secret. Unlike the pampered daughters of the affluent who compose the student body, the penniless, Midwestern Mabel is an anomaly who must make her own way while outrunning a past she fervently hopes to bury.

But she’s not the only person in North Chesterfield harboring secrets. As Mable starts graduate classes and a liaison with a local cop, she boards with a seemingly sedate couple. Little can she imagine, all possess unexpressed desires.

Will Mabel reckon with her history in time to find the loving and compassionate future she yearns for, or will the emotions her presence unwittingly sparks engulf her and those she assumed she could trust?

They Believed They Were Safe shines a light on the dark places of the human heart where sexual obsession, revenge, and murder lurk.

Praise for They Believed They Were Safe
"Complex, masterful storytelling at its best, deftly mixing tragedy with courage and ultimately with survival." ~Jonathan Santlofer, The Last Mona Lisa

"This is an engaging, propulsive novel that examines a unique time in American history and will appeal to all kinds of readers." ~New York Times bestselling author Liz Moore, Long, Bright River

"Do not miss this unique and utterly captivating read!" ~Merry Jones, Child’s Play

“Crystalline storytelling. There’s enough of the familiar to make it real—small town, midcentury, New England. But the ending, both surprising and inevitable, leaves us astonished in a Gothic wonderland. I thoroughly enjoyed this new novel.” ~William di Canzio, Alec

About Cordelia Francis Biddle
Cordelia Frances Biddle finds inspiration in the connections and correlations within history. Her prior career as a stage and television actress helps her inhabit other lives from earlier eras.

Cordelia teaches at Drexel University’s Pennoni Honors College. She received the 2021 Adjunct Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. Learn more at Cordelia's website.


Spotlight on The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly by Kwan Kew Lai

Spotlight

Congratulations to Kwan Kew Lai and Vine Leaves Press on the release of The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly, a "poignant memoir" that "portrays a world few of us can imagine." ~Abraham Verghese, Cutting for Stone


The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly by Kwan Kew Lai
Memoir / Creative Nonfiction
From $6.49  

Kwan Kew Lai met her first Punjabi woman doctor while lying in a hospital bed with a severe kidney infection at the age of fourteen. Watching the woman walk away down the hall, Kwan Kew was convinced she could, and would, carve out her own destiny.

In the British Straits Settlement of Penang Island, she was born into an impoverished Chinese family of two boys and ten girls on the cusp of the Japanese occupation during World War Two. She did not wish to repeat the life of her uneducated mother, burdened with an endless brood, nor tolerate the fact that her father considered girls useless since they could not carry on their family name.

The newly independent country of Malaya developed a national policy favoring one racial group, the Bumiputras, vastly diminishing her chance of receiving a university scholarship. Her fortuitous introduction to a free library and her determination to continue her education led to the opportunity of a lifetime: a scholarship from Wellesley College.

When her father saw her off at the Penang International Airport as the first child to attend college, she proved herself to him, but more importantly she started the journey of a lifetime fulfilling dreams that originated as a young girl playing in the mud with the chickens.

In The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly, the author weaves in her family’s story of joy, sorrow, loss, love, and endless struggles with poverty and hunger. This poignant memoir, with universal and timeless themes, will leave you in awe.

Praise for The Girl Who Taught Herself to Fly
"A thoughtful consideration of the ways women and girls survive—and even thrive—within oppressive patriarchal systems that refuse to recognize them as full people." ~Victoria Namkung, NBC News

"This poignant memoir, beautifully written and filled with humor and pathos, portrays a world few of us can imagine." ~Abraham Verghese, Cutting for Stone

"Her story demonstrates what can be achieved—against all odds—with a strong intention and fierce, unrelenting determination." ~Erica M. Elliott, MD, speaker and author

About Kwan Kew Lai
Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Kwan Kew Lai received a full scholarship from Wellesley College. She is a Harvard Medical Faculty Physician. In 2005, she left academia to dedicate time to humanitarian work in HIV/AIDS in Africa, and she provides disaster relief all over the world, including during the Ebola outbreak, the Syrian Rohingya refugee crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic in New York and the Navajo Nation. Her debut Lest We Forget: A Doctor’s Experience with Life and Death During the Ebola Outbreak chronicles her time in Liberia and Sierra Leone caring for Ebola patients. Into Africa, Out of Academia: A Doctor's Memoir came out in 2020. To learn more, visit kwankewlai.com.


Spotlight on Chickens One Day, Feathers the Next

Spotlight

Congratulations to Guinotte Wise and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Chickens One Day, Feathers the Next, a book that reminds readers not only of what builds a creative life, but also what sustains it through life’s unexpected twists and turns.


Chickens One Day, Feathers the Next by Guinotte Wise
Memoir / Creative Nonfiction
From $6.49  

From his days growing up in the WWII-era and 1950s American South, with a stepfather working in the then-secret Manhattan Project, to his career as an award-winning ad man at the height of the ad-agency era, Guinotte Wise shares insight into a fascinating, maverick life path that has been anything but cookie-cutter.

Journey with him through an equestrian, biker, and unroped world on his own artistic path as both a metal sculptor and a writer. Of earlier days he says, “It's been a while since I had to figure in bail as a recurring expense.”

A vast array of topics keep pages moving, from the meaning of James Dean and wagers at the track to the stolen van Goghs in the infamous Nazi art thefts and Montana writers, love of animals and motorcycles, and the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. This book reminds readers not only of what builds a creative life, but also what sustains it through life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Chickens One Day, Feathers the Next will make you reflect on your own life’s journeys and the second, third, and even fourth acts that are possible. 

Praise for Chickens One Day, Feathers the Next
"Wise embraces his subjects with gusto, humor, and the full-throated awe of a writer who has lived one hell of a life." ~Whitney Terrell, The Good Lieutenant

"Like meeting an old friend, not simply because it is so richly companionable, but because you won’t want to say goodbye." ~D. K. Smith, Bunny

"Wise views life with a self-deprecating, yet wry, down-home sense of humor, and an ear keenly attuned to the vagaries of the human condition." ~Suanne Schafer, A Different Kind of Fire

About Guinotte Wise
Guinotte Wise writes and welds steel sculpture on a farm in Resume Speed, Kansas. His short story collection Night Train, Cold Beer won publication by a university press and enough money to fix the soffits. A five-time Pushcart nominee, he has published six more books since, and his fiction, essays, and poetry have been published in numerous literary journals including Atticus, The MacGuffin, Southern Humanities Review, Rattle and The American Journal of Poetry. His wife has an honest job in the city and drives 100 miles a day to keep it. To learn more, visit Guionotte's website


Spotlight on Lester Lies Down by James Ladd Thomas - new release from Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to James Ladd Thomas and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Lester Lies Down, a novel that "catches the joys and pains of Southern life in bright colors."

Lester Gordon is a widow, autistic father of three, and hospice nurse who is most alive while caring for the dying. Humorous and certainly a bit absurd, Lester Lies Down explores cultural justice in the Deep South, as well as mortality, the value of love, and the need for compassion for people who are different.


Lester Lies Down by James Ladd Thomas
Literary Fiction
From $5.99  

Lester Gordon is an odd man on the lower end of the autism spectrum.

He falls for his next-door neighbor. He marries his next-door neighbor. He has three children with his next-door neighbor. What a dream.

Then she dies from cancer, leaving him with three children under the age of twelve. So, he sells his family’s car wash to become a hospice nurse, just like the one who comforted his wife and family. Everything is great until he tends to patients by himself. What a terrible mistake.

Lester is full of anxiety and fear and making stuff up as he goes. Meanwhile, one of his sons is interested in drawing nude women and being a bookie for the neighborhood kids. And out of nowhere an old friend shows up with a plea to hide out with Lester’s family to escape a couple of goons who are after her and the money she stole from an Oregon marijuana farm. And white dogs keep showing up. 

Praise for Lester Lies Down
"This Lester can lie down wherever he wants to, as far as I’m concerned. And James Ladd Thomas is a hell of a novelist." ~Tom Franklin, Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

"Deftly written, audacious and probing" ~Steve Yarbrough, Stay Gone Days

"By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, and with an eccentric cast of secondary characters, Lester Lies Down catches the joys and pains of Southern life in bright colors.” ~John Calvin Hughes, The Lost Gospel of Darnell Rabren

"A remarkably insightful achievement that deserves to be read, discussed, and savored." ~Michael Libling, Hollywood North: A Novel in Six Reels

About James Ladd Thomas
James Ladd Thomas was born and raised in Alabama. He has published short stories in several literary journals, including Berkeley Fiction Review, Hawaii Review, RE:AL, Southern Exposure, littledeathlit, Finding the Birds, and The Wax Paper. He is a Pushcart and Best New Voices in America nominee. Before teaching composition and fiction workshops for 30 years, James was a landscaper, a dump-truck driver, a dog track ticket seller, a girls softball umpire (which he describes as the best and worst job of his life), a record store clerk, a configuration management analyst, and a house boy. He currently lives in Central Florida with his family where he enjoys jumping in the ocean. To learn more, visit James' website.


The Einstein & Moo Series: "purrfect" for children age 3-8

Spotlight

Today, we invite you to meet Einstein & Moo – and author Jennifer Milius. 

The Einstein & Moo Series is a collection of children's books based on the adventures of two brother-and-sister, black-and-white "tuxedo" kitties who are playful, curious, and friendly. Each book in the series includes pictures that add to the story and rhyming words that help children develop their abilities to read and write.


Get any 2 books in the series for $25.
Get any 3 books in the series for $30.
Get the complete set (6 books + activity book + crayons) for $60. 
All special offers include free shipping and signed/personalized copies of the books!

The Einstein & Moo Series by Jennifer Milius
Illustrated by Meredith Hancock 
Children's Books

"When you share a book with a child, it's an act of love. You are giving your child your greatest gifts – your time and attention." ~Jennifer Milius


Einstein and the Leaf
Einstein and the Leaf is the first book of the series and is about a perfect fall day with children playing outside in the leaves while Einstein watches from inside. When the children come in and a few leaves come along with them, Einstein sees his moment and is ready to play! 
Moo and the Case of the Mistaken Identity
Moo and the Case of the Mistaken Identity is about Moo playing with a little ball that bounces against a glass fireplace when she notices a shadow. Who could this be? Follow Moo as she investigates.
Einstein & Moo and the Quest for the Catnip
In this book, Einstein and Moo are after their favorite treat: a green leafy plant called catnip. It grows outside, and even though they are indoor kitties, they want to find a way to get outside and have some. This may mean that they have to be creative and help each other, but to them, the treat is worth it!
Einstein and the Snow
Einstein and the Snow is about a perfect winter day with indoor kitty Einstein watching the snow while Daddy is outside working and playing. When Daddy comes in for the day, Einstein sees his moment and is ready to play!
Moo and Her Favorite Spot
In Moo and Her Favorite Spot, Moo sees that her favorite spot is available for cuddling and relaxing, yet as the day moves on, she considers that there might be a spot better than the first. Tag along with Moo to see what she discovers.
Einstein & Moo and the Unexpected Visitor
In this book, an unexpected visitor inside the house catches Einstein and Moo’s attention. Although each kitty has their own way of investigating, they are both hopeful that they have found a new friend. 
The Einstein & Moo Activity Book
Based on of the best selling children’s book series Einstein and Moo comes The Einstein & Moo Activity Book. Flip through the pages and enjoy crosswords, mazes, write your own story sheets, coloring, and so much more! Hours of fun and education for your children and for cat lovers alike.

Meet Jennifer Milius
In addition to being the author of the Einstein & Moo Series of children's books, Jen helps other writers and aspiring authors to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books. "I believe that if the story came to you, it must come through you to share," says Jen.

The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but Jen makes both feel smoother and achievable. "We’re all works in progress," she says, "but your first, next, or current book doesn’t have to be."

Jen believes each of us have something special to offer, but sometimes it takes a leap of faith to be willing to share that gift. Yet, when people are doing what they love, there’s a joy that they radiate. Tapping into your full potential means that joy, purpose, and possibility is coming together through you.

Jen offers a variety of ways for aspiring authors to work with her, including private coaching, courses, a workbook, and her podcast. Learn more on Jen's website


Get a free copy of this new thriller (and many other books)!

Spotlight

Today, we're going to tell you how you can get a free copy of DoGoodR: A Tanto Thriller by USA Today bestselling author W.A. (Will) Pepper and many other books.

DoGoodR is available as a free download from BookFunnel. If you are familiar with BookFunnel, you already know what a great service it is. If you don't know about BookFunnel, downloading a free copy of DoGoodR would be a great introduction! 

What is BookFunnel?
BookFunnel is a service that many indie authors use to distribute Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and copies of recently released books. The books are often free, as is the case with DoGoodR today.

Why do authors give away free books? 
Authors often give away free copies to get a new book into the hands of readers in the hope that those readers will read the book and tell other people about it. In the case of DoGoodR, Will is hoping that you will take a look at his new thriller and post an online reader review.

Who can post an online reader review?
Anybody! Most online reader reviews (on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and elsewhere) are not written by professionals; they are written by regular readers who are sharing their thoughts on a book they just read. So if you download a free copy of DoGoodR (or any other book on BookFunnel) and read it, we strongly encourage you to take a moment to post an online reader review. Your review can be as detailed as you like...or it can just be a couple of sentences on whether you would recommend the book or not. The important thing is to share your opinion, which helps the author get the word out about the book and (more important) helps other readers decide whether they want to take a look or not. 


DoGoodR: A Tanto Thriller by W.A. Pepper
Thriller



For fun, a smart kid did a dumb thing: he hacked NASA. The government demands life imprisonment. Tanto and his group of clandestine hackers fight for the kid’s freedom.

“A top recommendation for libraries seeking exceptional thriller writings that operate on the cutting edge of urban reality. Pepper keeps the action fast-paced, high-tech, and thoroughly unpredictable.” ~Midwest Book Review

DoGoodR is a prequel to the award-winning thriller You Will Know Vengeance.

More Praise for DoGoodR and W.A. Pepper

“Really enjoyable read. Totally recommend.” ~Julie C., NetGalley

“This was a great story. There's more than one twist towards the end that were totally unexpected and set the characters up for future adventures.” ~Emily F., GoodReads

“W. A. Pepper has a great writing style in this thriller novel. I hope there is more with Tanto.” ~Kathryn M., NetGalley

“A well-paced thriller that keeps the reader engaged throughout. The characters are well thought out and interesting…the plot combines tension and suspense with a bit of humor.” ~RD, Amazon

Reviews of You Will Know Vengeance
“A techno-charged version of The Shawshank Redemption for the 21st century...fascinating insight into the hidden world of hackers, cyber criminals, and the dark web.” ~Readers’ Choice

"The author’s crisp writing smoothly clarifies technical jargon with no sign of condescension; this creates a protagonist who comes across as an endearing, sympathetic journeyman more than a highly skilled hacker. An absorbing, tech-smart tale that unfolds in a tense prison setting.” ~Kirkus 

About W.A. Pepper
W. A. Pepper writes suspenseful thrillers. You Will Know Vengeance was his debut novel, and DoGoodR is the newly released prequel.

He is an awarding-winning USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Amazon bestselling author for his contribution to the business anthology Habits of Success. Under different names (including his real one of Will Pepper), he has published in multiple academic journals, interactive e-books, anthologies, and online. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife, Taddy (plus their dog, Danger), started the publishing house Hustle Valley Press, LLC. Through it, they published four e-books that have amassed more than 100 five-star reviews. Further, the husband-and-wife team donated the first six months of revenue from the sale of each of those books to charity; this resulted in thousands of dollars raised for the reader-selected charities that support racial equality, COVID-19 relief, veteran affairs, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Will has a PhD in Management Information Systems or, as he calls it, Business Computing, from The University of Mississippi. Will, Taddy, and Danger split their time between Mississippi and Colorado. To learn more, visit WAPepperWrites.com.


Spotlight on One Person's Loss - new release from author Ann S. Epstein and Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Ann S. Epstein and Vine Leaves Press on the release of One Person's Loss, a novel that resonates with the power of the human spirit to rise above historic tragedy.

"Compelling and fully realized characters grapple with unimaginable losses while also navigating the immigrant experience." ~Joy Wolfe Ensor, Co-editor, The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust


One Person's Loss by Ann S. Epstein
Literary Fiction
From $5.99  

It’s 1937. Jewish newlyweds flee Nazi Germany for Brooklyn, admonished by their parents to have children to "save our people.” Following a  miscarriage, Petra becomes obsessed with adopting a Jewish infant abandoned at a Coney Island exhibit of incubator babies. Erich isn’t so sure. A struggle begins about when—and even if—they should start a family.
 
Meanwhile, the couple agonizes over the fate of the families they left  behind in Hitler’s Europe. Can Petra’s parents bribe officials and secure safe passage to the United States? What of Erich’s parents and four siblings, especially his hotheaded brother who joined the resistance?
 
One Person’s Loss explores whether marriage, even grounded in love, can survive personal clashes and the traumas of the Holocaust.

Praise for One Person's Loss
“In Ann S. Epstein’s thoughtfully rendered narrative, we share a family’s journey through universal questions and dilemmas. What do we owe ourselves, each other, our lost loved ones, and our children? When forgetting is how you move forward from trauma, how do we honor the imperative to never forget?” ~Joy Wolfe Ensor, Co-editor, The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust

“Epstein, a master at integrating history and fiction, once again brings a bygone era, pre- and post-World War II, to life.” ~Janet Gilsdorf, Fever

“Written in rich and compelling detail, One Person’s Loss resonates with the power of the human spirit to rise above historic tragedy.” ~Maureen Aitken, The Patron Saint of Lost Girls

About Ann S. Epstein
Ann’s awards include a Pushcart Prize nomination for creative nonfiction, the Walter Sullivan prize in fiction, and an Editors’ Choice selection by Historical Novel Review. Her fiction credits include the novel A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. and short stories in Sewanee Review, PRISM International, Ascent, The Long Story, and elsewhere. In addition, she has a doctorate in developmental psychology and has published many books for professional and lay audiences on child development and early childhood education. She also has a Master of Fine Arts in textiles. The social sciences and visual arts are reflected in the content and imagery of her writing. To learn more visit Ann's website.


New Release: The Deepest Black by Randall Silvis

Spotlight

The Deepest Black
Literary Crime Thriller
New Release: August 16, 2022

From $7.99

Where does the line blur between fact and fiction?

Acclaimed author Randall Silvis is looking for a story—any story to follow up the series of gripping mystery novels that catapulted him to success. And then, out of nowhere, a story appears. A mysterious stranger named Thomas Kennaday tips Silvis off about a series of murders in a small Pennsylvania town, sending Silvis off on a tentative investigation in hopes of finding material for his next novel.

What Silvis discovers is much more than a typical small-town murder case, and it soon becomes clear that Kennaday, who seems to have disappeared into thin air, is somehow pulling the strings of the investigation from behind the scenes. Based on true events, The Deepest Black is a profoundly thoughtful, unsettling read, and a crime novel unlike any you've ever read before.

 

Praise for The Deepest Black

“Randall Silvis’s nonfiction novel The Deepest Black ventures into the darkest corners of the human psyche…a story rife with twists and turns, secret societies and those who are sworn to keep the secrets…a harrowing journey, a brilliant book, a must-read.”  ~Susan Wingate, host of Dialogue: Authors on the Air Radio

“A very highly recommended metafiction true crime memoir…. This odd genre-bending novel follows the plot of a true crime novel and a mystery but also veers off into the supernatural—inexplicable events, spirituality, UFOs, oppression, mind control, men in black, and more. It was not only totally engrossing, but un-put-downable.” ~She Treads Softly, five stars


"A MASTERFUL STORYTELLER."
~THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

About Randall Silvis
Randall Silvis is the multi-genre author of numerous critically acclaimed novels and a past winner of the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize. His work has been published in more than a hundred editions in several languages.

Perhaps best known for the literary thrillers of the Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series, he has also written magical realism, creative nonfiction, short story collections, and other mystery and crime novels. In addition, he is a playwright, screenwriter, and songwriter.

How do you keep up with a guy like that? For starters, subscribe to the Randall Silvis YouTube Channel where you can currently find five book trailers about The Deepest Black, plus music videos, spoken word poetry and prose, and more. If you happen to be in western Pennsylvania, you can catch Randall at the Butler Little Theatre, Butler, PA, at 7 pm, August 27, in an event that is free and open to the public. You can also find Randall on his website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Here are links to other recent releases from Randall, plus all of the books of the Ryan DeMarco Series. 

             


Spotlight on: Prepare for Departure by Mark Chestnut

Spotlight

Congratulations to Mark Chestnut and our friends at Vine Leaves Press on the release of Prepare for Departure, an "achingly beautiful, weirdly hilarious and always brutally honest" memoir. 

What happens when an award-winning travel writer takes a final emotional journey with his 89-year-old mother? Find out in the witty, touching and darkly humorous Prepare for Departure.  


Prepare for Departure
Memoir
From $5.99  

At an early age, award-winning travel writer, Mark Chesnut, learned to dodge discomfort by jumping on the nearest plane, bus or car. That tactic proved especially useful when his single mother made it clear that there was no room for discussion about his gay identity.

Mark, overwhelmed with wanderlust, shoplifts in airports, avoids Southern Baptist salvation, acts like Hillary Clinton in a nursing home, and dresses in drag with his grandfather. He even creates an imaginary airline and flies away.

Now, as 89-year-old Eunice Chesnut moves to a New York City nursing home to be near her son, Mark's obsession with travel takes a backseat as he embarks on the most emotional journey of all.

More than an end-of-life memoir, more than a collection of childhood memories and travel stories, Prepare for Departure showcases what happens when a permissive mother and a mistfit son face death while revisiting life. Buckle your seatbelts for a witty, touching and darkly humorous trip — through time, loss, forgiveness and acceptance.
 
Praise for Prepare for Departure
“Mark was born with a traveler’s eye, one that sees below the surface, and a writer’s voice, to share what he sees in ways that enlighten others.” ~Arnie Weissmann, editor-in-chief, Travel Weekly

“Pour yourself a drink, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.” ~Robert Adams, editorial director, Passport Magazine

“With writing that is often achingly beautiful, weirdly hilarious and always brutally honest, Chesnut shares his family’s history over the course of decades, all while interweaving stories from his successful career traveling the world. Ultimately, the journey along this road arrives at a greater acceptance of the fragility of life, and the faults and courage that make us human.” ~Kenneth Shapiro, publisher/editor-in-chief, TravelAge West

“The reader will enjoy the ride: its wit, its candor, its foibles, its joys, its tears. I know I did.” ~Geoffrey Weill, travel publicist and author, All Abroad, A Memoir of Travel & Obsession

About Mark Chestnut
Mark Chesnut is a New York City-based journalist, editor and public speaker. The 2019 winner of the NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, he has written for Fodor’s, Forbes Travel Guide, HuffPost, the Miami Herald, Orbitz, Travel + Leisure Mexico, the New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places To See Before You Die and the inflight magazines of Aeromexico, American Airlines and Avianca. He writes a monthly column for Global Traveler Magazine, covers Latin America in his travel blog LatinFlyer.com and regularly contributes to travel trade publications Travel Weekly and TravelAge West.


Peyton Brooks' Mysteries Box Set - 10 books, 99 cents!

Spotlight

Lots of authors and publishers know about LitNuts and the 10,000 booklovers who subscribe to our newsletter (thank you!). But the reality is, we're less than two years old, and many people don't know about us yet. So when we find authors we like, we reach out and invite them to feature their work in LitNuts.

We invited M.L. Hamilton—author of murder mysteries, cozy mysteries, urban fantasy, and epic fantasy—to feature a book of her choice with LitNuts readers. She selected The Peyton Brooks' Mysteries Box Set
a highly rated collection of eight novels plus a prequel for only 99 cents.

We think you're going to like San Francisco detective Peyton Brooks and author M.L. Hamilton. Read on to learn more!


The Peyton Brooks' Mysteries Box Set
$0.99

Get all eight of the popular Peyton Brooks’ Mysteries in a single box set, including the prequel. That's more than 1,000 pages of action and adventure from San Francisco’s top detective.

The Peyton Brooks’ Mystery series follows the career of San Francisco Homicide Detective Peyton Brooks and her partner Marco D’Angelo as they fight crime in the City by the Bay.

The Box Set includes:
  • Murder in the Painted Lady
  • Murder on Potrero Hill
  • Murder in the Tenderloin
  • Murder on Russian Hill
  • Murder on Alcatraz
  • Murder in Chinatown
  • Murder in the Presidio
  • Murder on Treasure Island
Nancy Drew, Kinsey Milhone, and now Peyton Brooks! 
"M.L. Hamilton does a masterful job of developing the main protagonists in this series and the repartee between characters is refreshingly delightful." ~ Amazon review

About M L. Hamilton

M.L. Hamilton teaches high school English and journalism in Central California. Since her earliest memory, books have been an integral part of her life, so pursuing a career teaching what she loved came naturally. However, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel. 

That dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing in 2010. Since that time, seven more books in the World of Samar series have been published. In 2013, the Peyton Brooks’ Mysteries were born, allowing her to branch into a new genre. After seven novels in that series, she moved the main character into the FBI. In 2014, she began the Avery Nolan Adventures, an urban fantasy series set in beautiful Lake Tahoe.

In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two dogs, and a cat. And sometimes a stray rabbit living under her deck. Learn more at the M.L. Hamilton website.