Today's Featured Books— Spotlight

Congratulations to Carolyn R. Russell and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Death and Other Survival Strategies, a collection of flash fiction that cuts across multiple genres.  

★★★★★ “You will emerge on the other side of this book laughing, crying, and braver.” ~Lorette C. Luzajic, founder and editor of The Ekphrastic Review

Note: Flash Fiction Online describes flash fiction as complete stories told in 500-1000 words...bite-size stories perfect for readers to enjoy in the breakroom or on the bus, while waiting in line or as a breather between daily tasks...yet not to be underestimated because their impact can be great, and they’re likely to stick with you long after you’ve reached the end.

Death and Other Survival Strategies

A young boy confronts a terrifying family secret. A recent college graduate is surprised by her fairy godmother in the powder room of a fancy nightclub in Manhattan. An exhausted midwife and her talking horse stumble into the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. A crack real estate agent confronts monstrously annoying thrill seekers at her open house. Two scheming ex-lovers meet at a diner; only one will leave. A small child gleefully bends reality to her will.

This cross-genre collection of flash explores the far realms of our most basic instinct. Russell’s stories astonish, delight, and repulse, unleashing a multiverse of possibility as her unforgettable characters respond to uncertainty in bedeviling ways.

Praise for Death and Other Survival Strategies
★★★★★ “Carolyn Russell’s collection of multi-genre flash gives her readers big surprises in small and smartly crafted morsels, deftly conjuring whole worlds and unforgettable characters in fewer than 1200 words.” ~Connie Johnson Hambley, award-winning author of The Jessica Trilogy

★★★★★ “[Carolyn's] insightful voice is both strange and familiar, finding the humanity and humor in lives real, imagined, and in between.” ~Doug Mathewson & Sally Reno, Editors, Blink-Ink

★★★★★ “Akin to spending time at your favorite art museum. You turn a corner and are greeted by a wall lined with exquisite miniatures, and here, you turn a page and melt into micro-jewels.” ~John McCaffrey, author of Automatically Hip

★★★★★ “Russell’s collection of compressed literary art is just that: art. Brush strokes trimming out tantalizing microfiction in tighter spaces...gorgeously imagined and thoughtfully rendered.” ~Keith Hoerner, founding editor of The Dribble Drabble Review

★★★★★ “Worlds recognizable enough to feel familiar, yet filled with the underlying dread and longing inherent in our human condition...combines parable, humor, logic and fairy tale to an entertaining and eerily devastating effect.” ~Andrea Caswell, Senior Fiction Editor, Cleaver Magazine

★★★★★ “These stories are compelling, provocative, and a wholly immersive experience, even in a medium that celebrates brevity...don’t just entertain; they make you think.” ~Bob Krasner, 2023 NYPA award winner for Arts Coverage

Earlier this week, we shared news of Two for the Money, a new release from writer and actor Steve Zettler. We're following up to make sure you don't miss this thriller in which "even the twists have twists"—and to let you know about other works by Steve, including a novel and a screenplay that you can download from his website FREE! Learn more at SteveZettler.com.

Also, if you happen to be in the Philly area, you can catch Steve live and in-person at these upcoming events:

• October 26, 6:30 PM: Head House Books, 619 South Second Street, Philadelphia, PA
• November 4, 1:00 PM: Barnes & Noble, 1708 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

Two for the Money

What happens when millions in cold cash evaporates into thin air? And the only people aware of its disappearance are a collection of misfits, bunglers, and crooked CIA agents? The one person on earth who knows exactly where that cash is located is a legless, ex-Navy SEAL, confined to a wheelchair.

Sam Christie has come to South Philly to visit the grave of a former Secret Service Agent. But he’s walking straight into a sinister trap...a trap that will take him to the exact spot where the Americas meet, and pit him against ruthless mercenaries, an unrelenting cop, and rogue CIA agents.

Praise for Two for the Money

• “A wild search for missing millions that brought to my mind The Treasure of Sierra Madre.” ~Jonathan Santlofer, The Last Mona Lisa
• “Constant action, breakneck twists, and a vivid cast of double-dealing spies, battle-scarred vets, and old school gangsters.” ~Dennis Tafoya, The Poor Boys Game

More Works by Steve Zettler
Note: The free downloads are Ronin, a full-length novel written for MGM after a screenplay by J.D. Zeik & Richard Weisz (David Mamet), and Birds Do It, four one-act plays by Steve Zettler. The Crossword Mystery Series consists of 12 books written by Nero Blanc, a collaboration created by the husband-and-wife writing team of Steve Zettler and Cordelia Frances Biddle. 

      

Type 2 Diabetes?: Break Free Naturally, with Hintonia

You don’t have to settle for a life with Type 2 Diabetes. Going beyond the timely advice of sensible diet and lifestyle choices, authors Terry Lemerond and Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum open the door to a highly researched and proven miracle herb called Hintonia latiflora. Shown through clinical studies to reduce blood sugars, overcome insulin resistance, and more, Hintonia latiflora is your secret weapon. Complete with a special letter from Dr. Teitelbaum, M.D., to share with your health professional.

Congratulations to Steve Zettler and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Two for the Money.

★★★★★ “A thrilling romp from cover to cover.” ~Richard Helms, author of A Kind and Savage Place

Two for the Money

What happens when millions in cold cash evaporates into thin air? And the only people aware of its disappearance are a collection of misfits, bunglers, and crooked CIA agents? The one person on earth who knows exactly where that cash is located is a legless, ex-Navy SEAL, confined to a wheelchair.

It’s an icy Christmas Day in Philadelphia, City of Brotherly Love. Sam Christie has come to South Philly to visit the grave of a former Secret Service Agent, Pete Macaluso. Drive into town, place some flowers on Pete’s grave, and head home. Piece of cake…

Not so fast. Unbeknownst to Sam, he’s walking straight into a sinister trap...a trap that will take him to the exact spot where the Americas meet, and pit him against ruthless mercenaries, an unrelenting cop, and rogue CIA agents.

Praise for Two for the Money
★★★★★ “Zettler’s tough rat-a-tat-tat prose speeds the reader through a wild search for missing millions that brought to my mind such classics as The Treasure of Sierra Madre by way of Texas, Florida, and the Panama Canal. I could not put it down.” ~Jonathan Santlofer, author of The Last Mona Lisa

★★★★★ “Zettler delivers constant action, breakneck twists, and a vivid cast of double-dealing spies, battle-scarred vets, and old school gangsters fighting over a dictator’s submerged secrets and cold, hard cash.” ~Dennis Tafoya, The Poor Boys Game

★★★★★ “Perfect caper yarn...at times white-knuckle, at times poignant, at times irreverent...at all the right times!” ~Christopher Chambers, Scavenger

★★★★★ “Even the twists have twists.” ~Merry Jones, Childs Play

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the Plantagenet Embers series from author Samantha Wilcoxson, critically acclaimed historical fiction focused on the Plantagenet Dynasty. 

From the Wars of the Roses to the Reformation, the Plantagenet Embers series is an emotive journey into the early Tudor era. Told through the intimate experiences of historical figures Elizabeth of York, Margaret Pole, and Queen Mary I, the Plantagenet Embers trilogy transports the reader to 15th and 16th century England. 

"Samantha Wilcoxson has a unique writing style, which makes her stand out from other Tudor storytellers." ~Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Heroines of the Medieval World

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York

Born a Plantagenet Princess, Elizabeth became the first Tudor Queen.

She was the mother of Henry VIII and wife of Henry VII, but who was Elizabeth of York? As the eldest child of King Edward IV, Elizabeth had every reason to expect a bright future until Edward died and her life fell apart.

When Elizabeth's uncle became King Richard III, she was forced to choose sides. Should she trust her father's brother and most loyal supporter or honor the betrothal that her mother has made for her to her family's enemy, Henry Tudor?

The choice was made for her on the field at Bosworth.

Did Elizabeth find happiness with Henry? And did she ever discover the truth about her missing brothers, the lost Princes in the Tower?

Praise for Plantagenet Princess

• "Wilcoxson makes Elizabeth an invitingly sympathetic character, and the novel’s portrait of Henry VII is truly remarkable for its humanity, a quality of his Tudor novelists often omit." ~Historical Novel Society
• "I particularly liked the way the author gives a version of events which I had never thought of..." ~Author Annie Whitehead
• "The story immerses the reader in Elizabeth’s point of view. Events are filtered through Elizabeth’s eyes, through her perspective as filtered by her own experiences and personal knowledge." ~Author Stephanie Churchill
• "The author's genuine sympathy with, and empathy for her protagonist shines through, and it is this in particular that makes them a joy to read." ~Themis-Athena's Garden of Books

Faithful Traitor: The Story of Margaret Pole

Margaret Pole is no stranger to fortune's wheel.

Firstborn of the heir apparent of England, she was brought low as the daughter of a traitor. After years of turmoil as the Tudor dynasty took root, Margaret finds favor with her cousin, King Henry VIII. Through it all, she struggles to forge a life for her children while protecting them from the king's suspicious jealousies.

Will the remnant of the York dynasty thrive under this tempestuous king, or will Margaret discover that there is a price to pay for having an excess of royal blood?

Praise for Faithful Traitor

• "This is not only a great story about the Tudor times, but about a woman with the same emotions and moods we can identify with today." ~Readers' Favorite
• "A magnificent and moving book." ~Reading the Ages
• "Leaves you drawing in breath at the end, wondering, if the fates had been spun differently, what this likeable family of York would have achieved had they been given that chance." ~Discovering Diamond
• "In describing Margaret Pole's path...Samantha Wilcoxson comes into her own as a writer and grabs her readers by their collective necks; only to leave us heartbroken at Margaret's fate." ~Themis-Athena's Garden of Books

Queen of Martyrs: The Story of Mary I

How did a gentle, pious woman become known as 'Bloody Mary'?

'God save the Queen! God save our good Queen Mary!'

When these words rang out over England, Mary Tudor thought her troubles were over. She could put her painful past—the loss of her mother and mistreatment at the hands of her father—behind her.

With her accession to the throne, Mary set out to restore Catholicism in England and find the love of a husband that she had long desired. But the tragedies in Mary's life were far from over.

Praise for Queen of Martyrs

• "A fascinating read which shows us the true nature of Mary, whose reign was marked by extraordinary uneasiness and a lack of strength to set a standard of stability and acceptance for both friend and foe." ~Historical Novel Society
• "Every scholar and enthusiast knows the crimes of Henry VIII and what unfolded in his wake. Samantha uses this to full advantage and weighs every ounce of this on Mary’s soul." ~Knight of Angels
• "Most of all, I feel compassion for Mary and her lonely road through life. A woman who wanted only to love and be loved was given little opportunity to do either." ~Discovering Diamonds

About the Author

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Kaleidoscopic Shades by David A. Neuman, a 2023 Hoffer Award Finalist, winner of Literary Titan and IndieBRAG Awards, and selected as the #1 book of 2022 by Julie Sara Porter of Bookworm Reviews. 

"Takes you into a world where times could be manipulated, and a whole nation can disappear without a trace...a world where anything and everything is possible." ~OnlineBookClub.org

Bonus: Watch the trailer for Kaleidoscopic Shades, filmed in the old Adelaide Gaol in South Australia. 

Kaleidoscopic Shades by David A. Neuman

Joshua Triplow is just your average kid living in what he believes is the best place on Earth: Corona, California. But a recurring nightmare begins to plague him—and all the other kids in the best place on Earth. It's a nightmare of a man in black...the same man who haunts his father's tortured childhood.

Meanwhile, Joshua's father, Bob, begins to understand that what has been left behind half a world away in another lifetime has found a way to thrive. He learns there are no colors but black in a place far over the rainbow, and that it continues to hoard the most vulnerable in a wrenching existence.

It is here that Bob will fight for his sanity and Joshua will confront countless lost souls...and a menagerie of clocks maddeningly ticking away the hour to nowhere. To the endless plains of Black Eternity.

Synopsis from Bookworm Reviews
This is one of those books that is not a book so much as it is an immersive experience. It is a surreal dreamlike journey that takes several different components and creates a thoughtful, unforgettable whole work.

Several mysterious things happen at once. Solar flares erupt in Australia. An Englishwoman spontaneously combusts. A town in Brazil mysteriously vanishes. A man in California appears and disappears. Several children in a small California town have nightmares of a dark clothed figure observing them. All around the world, people hear the sound of bells and see balloon figures.

These various scenes of weirdness ultimately come together when father and son, Bob and Josh Triplow, have to confront the entities that are responsible for this strangeness.

It's a bizarre surreal science fiction novel that is more felt than read. Many of the events are so bizarre that even the Reader doesn't know what is fantasy and what is reality. It puts Readers off kilter just like the characters as they go farther and deeper into this nightmare of a journey.

Praise for Kaleidoscopic Shades

• 2023 Hoffer Award Finalist
• Literary Titan Book Award
• B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
• "A doorstopper of a novel that fans of sci-fi and paranormal thrillers can really sink their teeth into." ~BookTrib Review
• "Part Stephen King, part David Mitchell, part David Lynch." ~Jason Pettus, editor
• "An exciting work of paranormal fiction." ~OnlineBookClub.org
• "Will definitely be appealing to someone who enjoys a good genre-bender." ~Monique Snyman, Bram Stoker Award nominee

About the Author

Follow David on Goodreads and Amazon: 

  

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on History Through Fiction, an indie publisher focused on "high quality fiction that is rooted in accurate and detailed historical research." Read on to learn about new, recent, and forthcoming releases from this innovative publisher. 

Bonus: Get signed books and more in an online silent auction that begins today! Booklovers can bid on signed books, box sets, and even book club and Q&A sessions with authors. Authors can bid on editing, marketing, and consultation services. The silent auction will end during the November 3-4 Reclaiming Mni Sota Indigenous Writers Grant 24-Hour Live Fundraiser. Auction proceeds will go to the Reclaiming Mni Sota Indigenous Writers Grant.

Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful

Two cultures met in Minnesota—one striving to maintain its homeland and traditions, another trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance.  

Samuel Copeland was just a teenager in 1859 when he and his family left Vermont for the promise of a new life in Minnesota. But life is harder and more dangerous than he expected. Devastated by the loss of his father at the hands of Indians and seeking to protect his brother, Samuel joins the Union army believing he’d be safe on the frontier.

WaabiskiMakwa was still a boy in 1850 when his father perished at Sandy Lake because of the negligence of U.S. government officials. Seeing his way of life crumbling around him, WaabiskiMakwa leaves his home to mourn his father and seek a new way, one that includes his lost-love, Agnes.

Seeking their own solutions, neither Waabi or Samuel could see the collision course their paths had been set upon by a world in conflict. War was in their future and it was inevitable. But when war breaks out, and their cultures collide, so do their individual paths. Though they can’t stop the war, maybe they can help each other. 

Fueled by years of mistreatment and seeing the opportunity provided by the War with the South, Dakota spokesman Little Crow and Ojibwe leader Bagone-giizhig, join forces in an effort to reclaim their Native lands. Spurred by early victories over Fort Ridgley and New Ulm, the Dakota-Ojibwe Alliance heads north to Fort Snelling, the beacon of American strength in the region. Once thought impenetrable, the fort and its small group of volunteer militia fights to hang on when a new enemy arrives from the West. 

In Reclaiming Mni Sota, the true and lasting results of history are challenged. Acting as individuals, striving to protect ourselves and our families, it’s impossible to understand our role and impact in the much larger march of time. The United States is an abundant, beautiful land filled with wealth and opportunity, but its history is scarred by inequity and loss. What if the defeated became the victors? What would that mean for the world today and how would that illuminate the wrongs of the past?

Praise for Reclaiming Mni Sota
"Inspires contemplation about what could have happened and what did." ~Linda Ulleseit, author of The River Remembers

"An imaginative and intriguing story of what might have happened...leaves the reader pondering race relationships today." ~Candace Simar, author of the Spur-Award winning Abercrombie Trail Series

"Brings one of the most tragic events in Minnesota's history to life in this carefully researched book." ~Stephen E. Yoch, author of Becoming George Washington

"A compelling re-imagining of history that is accessible to the reader while also creating empathetic characters from both perspectives of the war." ~Jason Lee Willis, author and educator

A Noble Cunning: The Countess and the Tower by Patricia Bernstein

A thrilling tale, based on a true story, of one woman’s tremendous courage and incomparable wit in trying to rescue her husband from the Tower of London the night before he is to be executed.

Bethan Glentaggart, Countess of Clarencefield, is a persecuted Catholic noblewoman determined to try every possible means of saving her husband’s life, with the help of a group of devoted women friends.

Amid the turbulence of the 1715 Rebellion against George I, England’s first German king, Bethan faces down a mob attack on her home, travels alone from the Scottish Lowlands to London through one of the worst snowstorms in many years, and confronts a cruel king before his court to plead for mercy for her husband, Gavin. As a last resort, Bethan and her friends must devise and put in motion a devilishly complex scheme featuring multiple disguises and even the judicious use of poison to try to free Gavin.

Though rich with historical gossip and pageantry, Bethan’s story also demonstrates the damage that politics and religious fanaticism can inflict on the lives of individuals.

Praise for A Noble Cunning
"A riveting tale of one woman's courage and determination." ~David Blixt, author of Her Majesty's Will

"Brings both the Scottish Lowlands and Hanoverian London vividly to life with a keen eye for period detail and a heart-stopping denouement." ~Leslie Carroll, author of Notorious Royal Marriages

"Sumptuously detailed historical novel...based on the remarkable true story of a fiercely courageous woman fighting tirelessly against political and religious tyranny to save her husband." ~Kathleen Kent, NY Times Bestselling author of The Heretic's Daughter

"A compelling and dramatic portrait of Scotland in the perilous time of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion. Fans of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this immersive tale of adventure, rich with period detail." ~Gillian Bagwell, author of The September Queen

South of Sepharad: The 1492 Jewish Expulsion from Spain by Eric Z. Weintraub

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

GRANADA, SPAIN, 1492. Vidal ha-Rofeh is a Jewish physician devoted to his faith, his family, and his patients. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand conquer Granada they sign the Alhambra Decree, an edict ordering all Jews convert to Catholicism or depart Spain in three months’ time under penalty of death.

Against his wife’s belief that converting is safer than exile, Vidal insists they flee. Unwillingly leaving behind their oldest daughter with her Catholic husband, Vidal’s family joins a caravan of 200 Jews journeying to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez. On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties of caring for the sick while struggling to mend strained relationships with his family. At the same time, his daughter back home finds herself exposed to the Spanish Inquisition living as a converso in a Christian empire. 

Presenting readers with a painful but important part of Jewish history, South of Sepharad is a heroic, heart-breaking story of a father who holds tightly to his faith, his family, and his integrity all while confronting the grief of the past and the harsh realities of forced exile.

Advance Praise for South of Sepharad
"An epic, historical novel which brings readers directly into the lives of 15th century Jews during their expulsion from Granada, Spain. A must-read for all those wanting to learn more about this little known event in history which displaced thousands, resulting in untold suffering and death." ~John W. Jarrett, author of The Dark Prairie

"An insightful, compelling, and poignant fictional recreation of the trials of displacement and what it meant to be expelled from or forced to leave one’s home." ~Teofilo F. Ruiz, author of Spain's Centuries of Crisis: 1300 - 1474

"Weintraub takes Jewish historical fiction in a fresh, new direction, bringing readers up close and personal with Spain during the Inquisition." ~Alina Adams, author of My Mother's Secret

"Weintraub personalizes history, bringing heart and humanity to Renaissance geo-politics." ~Jordan A. Rothacker, author of The Pit

About the Publisher

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Pentacoven Chronicles, a new young adult fantasy series from author Sutton Scott that promises "Enchanted Ever Afters."

The Cusp (Book 1 in the series) is available now, and the eBook edition is currently FREE from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. FYI: The Cusp is ranked #1 in 90-Minute Teen & Young Adult Short Reads, #2 in Teen & Young Adult Magical Realism eBooks, and #2 in Teen & Young Adult Wizards & Witches Fantasy eBooks on Amazon. Book 2 is coming October 26, and three additional books in the series are coming soon!

The Cusp: A Prequel (Pentacoven Chronicles Book 1)

Five young witches. An ancient prophecy. A summons that cannot be ignored.

Can five young witches, bred for the sole intent of saving a realm they never knew existed, find the magic within to save the country of Macornia? Or will the evil Faborian witches destroy them before they can fulfill their true destiny?

Fueled by vengeance against the evil witches who took my mother's life, I stumble upon a hidden truth in a sealed historical tome. Within its pages is a revelation that could save my cherished country and everyone I love from the powerful, evil witches of Faboria.

The catch? We must interfere in the realm of humans. Forbidden spells must be cast upon innocent mortals so that the five predicted to save us are born with magical powers.

With Faboria promising to kill or enslave us, the survival of our world teeters on the edge. These young, unsuspecting young witches are our last hope. But will they agree to carry out what they were born to do?

Dive into this gripping YA Fantasy series about courage, embracing our unique talents and the powerful magic of friendship.

The Pact (Pentacoven Chronicles Book 2)

Bound by Legacy. Shaped by Prophecy. We are the Chosen Five.

In the shadow of my grandmother's passing, I discover a truth that shakes my world—I am a witch fated to save the magical island of Macornia. With four other young witches, each a granddaughter of the infamous defectors who fled to the mortal realm, we are summoned to Moonstone Academy.

Our mission? To master our burgeoning magical abilities and weave spells potent enough to save Macornia from the ominous clutches of Faboria, a nation bent on our complete and utter annihilation.

Swept into a realm of enchantment that is at once bewildering and captivating, we must dig deep within to find the courage and magic needed to fulfill our destinies.

We are the long-awaited five, descendants of the defectors, bound by blood and magic to fulfill a prophecy etched in the annals of time.

We are the chosen ones, the only force that can defeat the wicked Seraphinas of Faboria.

Can five young witches save their new world in this captivating YA Fantasy series?

Coming soon: Books 3, 4 & 5 of the Pentacoven Chronicles

Congratulations to Steven Belletto and Vine Leaves Press on the release of For You I Would Make an Exception.

★★★★★ “Fast-paced, darkly funny, and compulsively readable.” ~Alix Ohlin, author of We Want What We Want

For You I Would Make an Exception

Will Sorley, a native Californian, is barely surviving his days teaching college in rural Pennsylvania when he receives an email from a teenage girl in Kenya claiming to be his long-lost daughter.

This explosive note leads to a trip halfway around the globe to find this young woman and uncover more about her enigmatic mother, while trying to stay connected to his new girlfriend.

Swerving from the comic to the tragic, For You I Would Make an Exception follows Will from Pennsylvania to Kenya and from San Francisco to India as his life expands in ways he never imagined.

Praise for For You I Would Make an Exception
★★★★★ “With a sharp eye for detail and a great ear for dialogue, Belletto shows us how the personal and political are always—thrillingly, dangerously, and emotionally—connected.” ~Alix Ohlin, author of We Want What We Want

★★★★★ “This marvelously surprising and deeply moving novel fulfills a demanding task: it shows us how, against all odds, buried courage may be uncovered and a human heart may expand.” ~Lee Upton, author of Visitations

★★★★★ “Belletto takes the reader on adventures from the US to Kenya to Bihar and back as he examines, hilariously and elegantly, the wild ride of any kind of love...immersive and riveting; I could not put it down.” ~Jennifer Gilmore, author of The Mothers

★★★★★ “A coming-of-age novel about a man who is forced to come of age years after he should have come of age. Funny, spot-on, and surprisingly moving, this is a wonderful novel that shows us that it’s never too late to leave home and grow up.” ~Brock Clarke, author of Who Are You, Calvin Bledsoe?

★★★★★ “Intelligent and laden with surprises. This marvelous and wittily titled novel is full of news of the way we live now.” ~Lorrie Moore, author of I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home

LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Kris Bock, author of more than 30 mystery, suspense, and romance novels. Today, we are featuring the first books of three different series: 

• Something Shady at Sunshine Haven, Book 1 of The Accidental Detective series
• Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café, Book 1 of the Furrever Friends series
• The Billionaire Cowboy’s Christmas, Book 1 in The Accidental Billionaire Cowboys series

Read on to learn more about these enjoyable books and the author.

Something Shady at Sunshine Haven

She’s pursued the most dangerous news stories around the world. But can she survive going home?

Injured in a bombing, war correspondent Kate Tessler returns to her hometown in Arizona to recover. For the first time in her life, she's starting to feel her age of nearly fifty despite living like a teenager again: staying in her childhood bedroom with only a cat for company, trying to understand why her sister resents her so much, and running into people who still refer to her as Kitty. The hardest part? Seeing her once-sharp and witty mother stuck in an Alzheimer's unit.

When an old friend asks her to investigate suspicious deaths at the nursing home, Kate limps into action. Is a self-appointed "Angel of Mercy" killing patients to end their suffering? Are family members hastening their inheritance? Is an employee extorting money and removing the witnesses? Kate uses her journalism skills to track clues, but the puzzle pieces simply won’t fit. But if Kate can't uncover the truth quickly, her mother could be next on the killer's list.

Praise for Something Shady at Sunshine Haven
"Suspense, mystery and a little romance along with a lotta laughs.” ~BookBub Review

Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café

What do you do when you meet the guy of your dreams? Set him up with your sister, of course.

Kari doesn't have time for love when she's opening her new cat café. Renovating an old restaurant, hiring employees, fighting with the health inspector—oh, and welcoming 16 shelter cats—keeps her plenty busy. She's doing this for the cats, the community, and most of all her family. The café will give her sister, Marley, a job worthy of her baking skills. Then a tattooed military vet wanders in claiming to be a master baker himself. The café doesn't need another baker, but maybe Marley needs a man. Surely she'll fall for a guy this sweet, this sexy, this tasty.

Colin has other ideas. It's Kari who makes him want to pour on the sugar and turn up the heat. But he's spent the last two years recovering from physical and psychological wounds. Is he really ready for a relationship? He's not even sure he should commit to Samson, the fluffy marshmallow of a cat who steals his heart.

The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. If you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, work romances, military heroes, and strong heroines completely failing at playing the matchmaker, check out Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café. You'll also find rescue cats with plenty of personality and their own desire for love.

Praise for Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café
"A sweet romance, with cats, kittens, yummy pastries (and recipes for some of them), and a hunky hero." ~Reader Review

The Billionaire Cowboy’s Christmas

He has everything this Christmas, but all he wants is the quiet ranch life he’s losing…

When Josh Tomlinson’s Texas ranching family wins a fortune in the lottery, the formerly tight-knit family is suddenly on edge. Seeking advice, Josh reluctantly contacts family friend and now attorney, Carly Garza. His business is serious, yet he can’t believe Carly’s morphed from a long-legged colt of a girl to a sophisticated woman. Besides, he knows the intelligent Carly has no interest in a quiet, rugged cowboy like him.

Carly’s crushed on Josh for years, and she plans to ask him out now that she’s back in Last Stand. She’s hoping he’ll finally see her as someone other than his younger brother’s middle school girlfriend. But when Josh needs advice on how to handle his family’s lottery win, his client and billionaire statuses put him firmly out of reach. If only her heart could ignore the sparks that flare between them.

They’re already keeping the family’s lottery win a secret from the town. Can they also hide their budding romance during the most magical time of year?

Praise for The Billionaire Cowboy’s Christmas
"Sweet and earnest and just right for Christmas." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author

        

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on A Woman's Worth, a series of thought-provoking short fiction from author Jamell Crouthers. 

A Woman's Worth 1

★★★★★ "A very real and emotional look at the exciting and sometimes arduous journey of motherhood." ~Barnes & Noble Reviewer
 
Brenda is a young, pregnant woman who is in her most exciting time of her life. Brenda and her husband are having a baby girl, and the journey through pregnancy is shared from finding out to having birth. Brenda pens her ups, downs, and struggles of pregnancy, all while preparing for motherhood mentally, physically, and emotionally. It isn't until after she has her daughter that she experiences what so many women in this world go through….postpartum depression. While this can happen before and during pregnancy, it's a topic that isn't discussed enough in today's world, and Brenda shares her experience in a way that can help others learn and prepare for these life events. 

A Woman's Worth 2

Lisa is pregnant and having her first child. While this should be the most exciting time of her life, it unfortunately isn't. She shares the journey not just of her pregnancy, but also of her efforts to get maternity leave, have time with her newborn child, manage her finances, and start her journey as a mother. And ultimately, she will have to make a big decision when it comes time to return back to the work world.

Maternity leave is imperative to a woman, but the United States is one of the worst nations in the world in regards to this. This story delves deep into maternity leave and related issues, how this issue is handled in other countries, and how change needs to occur within the government and corporations in the United States. 

A Woman's Worth 3

Role models are a huge component to how young children grow and progress in life. Kayla is a young teenager who is dealing with social media, school, fashion, boys, trends, culture, puberty, and the pressures to be something she really isn't. She shares her story as a teenager, the struggles she goes through, and trying to find the right role models to shape her future. As she tries to understand and figure herself out, there are role models that she can't relate to on her television screen and magazine covers. 

It isn't until she forms a women's group through her guidance counselor in her school that she starts to see role models in different facets. She becomes inspired, happy, and motivated to know that there are women with many different careers, and she figures out what she wants to do with her life through meeting these powerful women in today's society. 

A Woman's Worth 4

Patricia is someone who is on the path to becoming a better woman and not caving into the pressures of what the world wants her to be. She chronicles her story from childhood to the present day, including her struggles, home life, descent into alcoholism, and her recovery. It's not an easy journey, and she shares her mental, emotional, and spiritual journey.

Everyone has a story, it's just a matter of whether we're empathetic enough to listen...

A Woman's Worth 5

Sylvia is a licensed therapist who helps women recover from tragic events in their lives, including helping women recover from domestic violence. With their permission, she shares the stories of some of the clients she's helped. 

The stories aren't easy to tell, hear, or listen to, but she knows that she's making the world a better place. Sylvia also shares aspects of her life that inspired her to become a therapist, as well as what can be done to reduce domestic violence and prevent it from happening to others. 

A Woman's Worth 6

Nancy is at a crossroads of her life, and she has some important decisions to make. As a woman, she feels pressure to have children and raise a family. When she makes the decision not to have kids and become a mother, there's uproar from those closest to her. She goes to great lengths to live her life to the best of her ability and to avoid the judgments and backlash from her family, knowing that she has to do what's best for her. This is the story of a woman who takes a different road, and a reminder that sometimes personal fulfillment comes before making others and the world happy…

About the Author

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Chris Cannon, award-winning author of urban fantasies, romantic comedies, and paranormal cozy mysteries. Read on to learn about the first two books in the Mysteries of Mystic Hills Series.

"A funny, relatable, supernatural story. Brims with humor, action, and a dash of romance that keeps you turning the pages!" ~Lynn Rush, New York Times bestselling author

Murder in Mystic Hills (Mysteries of Mystic Hills Book 1)

All she wants is a break from adulting…then she rediscovers a world that’s been wiped from her memory.

Preschool teacher Belinda Harbinger’s summer vacation is going off the rails. After receiving a letter stating she’s inherited a tearoom and home, she’s shocked it’s from a beloved aunt she can’t remember…who could speak to the dead. And finding out she has the same power, it’s up to her to solve her mysterious relative’s murder.

Moving to the mystical town, Belinda takes up with a talking cat, Familiar, and learns she’s the only one who can help her aunt cross over before she becomes a vengeful spirit. But while searching the house for her lost memories, she faces heated magical politics, fresh bodies popping up, and a hidden evil threatening to make her the next victim.

Not knowing who to trust, can she expose a killer and rescue everyone from deadly plays for power?

Murder in Mystic Hills is the spellbinding first book in the Mysteries of Mystic Hills cozy paranormal series. If you like feline sidekicks, quirky characters, and winding trails of clues, then you’ll love Chris Cannon’s humorous hunt for justice.

Praise for Murder in Mystic Hills
"A journey of magic, mayhem, and murder. Once you pick it up you can't put it down!" ~Lynn Stevens author of Game On

"A lot of humor and a light-hearted tone. I loved the worldbuilding and cross-genre story, and found myself rooting for Belinda from page 1. I'd definitely recommend this book for those looking for a little fun reading that has both serious and humorous elements to it." ~Goodreads Review

Double Trouble in Mystic Hills (Mysteries of Mystic Hills Book 2)

In Mystic Hills, blood is power.

After solving her aunt's murder, Belinda Harbinger, preschool teacher and amateur sleuth, hoped for a peaceful summer. But a magical game wreaks havoc in her newly inherited tearoom, splitting her friends into identical twins with distinctly different personalities.

The perplexing selection of victims—a banker, librarian, real estate agent, and a lawyer—leaves Belinda mystified. Could Reed, the man she’d loved and lost, be an unintended casualty?

When one of each twin starts to go missing, Belinda faces a race against time. Someone wants their blood, a vital ingredient to create spells and charms. She must unravel this riddle and find a way to merge the twins back into their original selves before they cease to exist.

Armed with her ability to communicate with ghosts, a scary new witch friend who specializes in vengeance hexes, and a handsome fairy healer, will Belinda solve the Double Trouble in Mystic Hills mystery before it’s too late?

Praise for Double Trouble in Mystic Hills
★★★★★ "An entertaining and interesting story with magic, enchanting creatures and a mystery that keeps you guessing." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author

          

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the recent release of Blood Red Deceit, a new suspense thriller from author and former homicide detective Steve Rush.

"To call this a 'thriller' is a huge understatement. Whiplash pace, high octane, high body count. I lost track of the betrayals in the labyrinth of the plot." ~Lynnette Baughman, author of Lost Almost

Bonus for writers
Get Kill Your Characters: Crime Scene Tips for Writers, tips from a former homicide detective and forensic investigator on how to write realistic crime scenes. 

Blood Red Deceit

Ridge Warner donated blood to save his fiancée. But in the process, he exposed a dark secret and opened a window for which she wants him dead.

Gold medals and fame personify the life Angel Meade wants people to see—until a pint of blood Ridge Warner donates to keep her alive alters her future and darkens life's luster to a permanent eclipse over her soul.

Ridge meets the unexpected in Woodland Park, Colorado, three days before his marriage to Angel when he learns more than he cares to know about his fiancée after he agrees to investigate a murder where an IED exploded at the scene.

The matter intensifies when Angel's best friend discovers evidence linking Angel to the murder and IED, which draws Ridge back into the case in search of the reason for Angel's treachery.

Experience the suspense and unexpected climax in Blood Red Deceit as it shows how one person's ambition succumbs to the relentless grip of deceit.

Kill Your Characters: Crime Scene Tips for Writers

2023 Silver Falchion Award Finalist

There's a dead body on the floor, and your detective character has to learn every detail about the crime in order to solve the case and bring the murderer to justice. If you're not an experienced forensic investigator, how can you describe the manner of death accurately so that the evidence means what you want it to mean?

Kill Your Characters by former detective and forensic investigator Steve Rush gives you the tools you need to pass the inspection of all the armchair detectives (and more than a few real ones) out there. Rush's extensive experience is accumulated in a series of writing tips and activities that will significantly improve your story. Kill Your Characters is for any author looking to elevate their murder scenes with credible and authentic details.

About the Author

    

Congratulations to Charlotte Stuart and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Raven's Grave.

★★★★★ “A deeply moving story of murder and cultural erosion in an Alaskan Tlingit fishing village during the late 1970s.” ~James W. Ziskin, author of the award-winning Ellie Stone Mysteries

Raven's Grave

A young boy dies during a midnight ceremony. A fish buyer and $75,000 goes missing. And a runaway becomes the object of an Alaskan wilderness search.

It is 1979 in a small native village in Alaska accessible only by boat. The local Tlingits continue to honor many traditions of the past, although increased contact with the outside world is accelerating a cultural shift. Caught in a slipstream of time, the village has become a curious blend of old and new.

When a young boy dies from a potion that was supposed to cure his limp, all the evidence points to the teenage shaman as the killer. It is up to Jonah St. Clair, the only police officer in the village, to solve the murder and, at the same time, find the missing fish buyer. To do so, he must use both his police skills and his knowledge of the local culture.

During his investigation, Jonah becomes prey and predator in a nighttime chase through the Alaskan wilderness and barely survives a rugged boat trip in dangerous waters. In the end, he discovers the bittersweet secret of the Raven’s Grave.

Praise for Raven's Grave
★★★★★ “A masterfully woven mystery...vivid and haunting.” ~Kathi Daley, USA Today Bestselling Author

★★★★★ “Charlotte Stuart’s evocation of the power of Alaska’s untamed wilderness on its inhabitants and her readers is palpable and profound." ~Gerald Elias, musician and author of the Daniel Jacobus mystery series

★★★★★ “Teeming with authenticity and rich cultural detail. A wonderfully satisfying novel.” ~James W. Ziskin, winner of the Anthony and Barry awards for Best Paperback Original, and the Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel

Congratulations to Melanie Brooks and Vine Leaves Press on the release of A Hard Silence, a memoir that gives readers an intimate glimpse into the author's memories of coping with the tragedy of her father's illness and enduring the loneliness and isolation of not being able to speak.

★★★★★ "Melanie Brooks is that rare writer who can delve as deeply into the world of ideas as she can the pitted terrain of the human heart." ~Andre Dubus III, author of Gone So Long

A Hard Silence by Melanie Brooks

In the mid 1980s, Canada's worst public health disaster was unfolding. Catastrophic mismanagement of the country's blood supply allowed contaminated blood to be knowingly distributed nationwide, infecting close to two thousand Canadians with HIV. Among them was Melanie Brooks's surgeon father who, after receiving a blood transfusion during open-heart surgery in 1985, learned he was HIV positive.

At a time when HIV/AIDS was widely misunderstood and public perception was shaped by fear, prejudice, and homophobia, victims of the disease faced ostracism and persecution. Afraid of this stigma and wanting to protect his family, Melanie's father decided his illness would be a secret. A secret they'd all have to keep. They did not know that her father would live past that first year, but he did. And for ten years before his death in 1995, from the time she was thirteen until she was twenty-three, Melanie's family lived in the shadow of AIDS. She carried the weight of the uncertain trajectory of her father’s health and the heartbreaking anticipation of impending loss silently and alone. It became a way of life.

A Hard Silence is an intimate glimpse into Melanie's memories of coping with the tragedy of her father's illness and enduring the loneliness and isolation of not being able to speak. With candor and vulnerability, Melanie opens her grief wounds and brings her reader inside her journey, twenty years after her father died, to finally understand the consequences of her family's silence, to interrogate the roots of stigma and discrimination responsible for the ongoing secret-keeping, and to show how she's now learned to be authentic.

Praise for A Hard Silence
★★★★★ "A book with a universal message of love, and the courage every single one of us needs to navigate our way to personal, familial, and communal healing." ~Michael Patrick MacDonald, author of All Souls

~★★★★★ "Those of us whose family members were contaminated by HIV/AIDS around the same time shared her feelings, the agony of family secrecy and the fear of stigmatization." ~Vic Parsons, author of Bad Blood: The Unspeakable Truth

★★★★★ “Fills me with a sense of urgency, gratitude, and awe.” ~Abigail Thomas, author of Still Life

★★★★★ “This beautifully rendered memoir asks important questions about the complexities of loss and grief, the roots of stigma and shame, and the courage necessary to endure that resonate in this new and unfortunate age of social exclusion.” ~Richard Blanco, author of The Prince of los Cocuyos

★★★★★ “A vivid and thoughtful exploration of a daughter’s grief for her father, and a family’s unwanted place in history, A Hard Silence movingly depicts the long toll of stigma and the healing power of words.” ~Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, author of The Fact of a Body

★★★★★ “A profound and riveting journey through shame and grief, A Hard Silence is, quite simply, unforgettable.” ~Monica Wood, author of When We Were the Kennedys

★★★★★ “In this important and profound narrative, Brooks chronicles what gets us all through times of grief: love, empathy, even vulnerability. And, most importantly, nurturing a sense of wholeness, even as it slips from us.” ~Sue William Silverman, author of How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences 

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Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the release of Hear, O Earth!, a new novel from best-selling sci-fi/fantasy author Daniel Arenson. Read on to learn more.

To celebrate the launch, Daniel is giving away a commemorative coin. Forged from an ounce of pure silver and minted by the world-renowned Scottsdale Mint, this unique coin features an imposing alien and is perfect for sci-fi fans and collectors of precious metals.

Hear, O Earth! (A Prayer for Earthrise Book 1)

They came from beyond.

From beyond the galaxy. From beyond human understanding. They came with one mission.

To kill us all.

Some call them aliens. Others call them gods. Their tentacles grip worlds. Their malice destroys civilizations. They've crushed a million planets.

And now they crave Earth.

Marco and Addy, veterans of the Alien Wars, are retired. They fought for many years. They saved Earth many times. Now they're raising their children in a peaceful forest. They've earned this peace.

But Earth needs them. More than ever.

Because a war is coming. A war unlike any before. A war that can devour our very galaxy.

The enemy is almost here.

From the shadows of despair, heroes will rise. Heroes will sound the cry of our world, the prayer of our people. "Hear, O Earth! We will live!"

From the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise comes a tale of courage, sacrifice, and honor among the stars. A Prayer for Earthrise returns to the bestselling Earthrise universe with a brand new story—one for new fans and old readers alike.

Praise for Earthrise and Daniel Arenson

Bonus Offer: Three Free Books!

About the Author

Daniel Arenson is an author, bookworm, and proud geek. 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.

Congratulations to Jennifer Lang and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Places We Left Behind, a "memoir-in-miniature" that examines commitment and compromise in a marriage via a creative blend of prose and poetry.

★★★★★ “For anyone who has ever loved deeply and been willing to take risks for the sake of love.” ~Rachel Barenbaum author of Atomic Anna

Places We Left Behind by Jennifer Lang

When American-born Jennifer falls in love with French-born Philippe during the First Intifada in Israel, she understands their relationship isn't perfect.

Both 23, both Jewish, they lead very different lives: she's a secular tourist, he's an observant immigrant. Despite their opposing outlooks on two fundamental issues—country and religion—they are determined to make it work. For the next 20 years, they root and uproot their growing family, each longing for a singular place to call home.

In Places We Left Behind, Jennifer Lang puts her marriage under a microscope, examining commitment and compromise, faith and family while moving between prose and poetry, playing with language and form, daring the reader to read between the lines.

Praise for Places We Left Behind
★★★★★ “Each facet in this collection is its own world-in-miniature that ultimately coheres into a compelling whole.” ~Sue William Silverman, author of How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences

★★★★★ “Offers readers a compelling tale of unexpected commitment alongside unconventional nonfiction exploration.” ~Dinty W. Moore, author of Between Panic & Desire

★★★★★ “International marriage, different levels of religious observance, and raising children in both the USA and Israel amidst ongoing conflict...the recipe for gripping, surprising reading.” ~Patrick Madden, author of Disparates

★★★★★ “A poetic, playful and sometimes painful story of marriage, perseverance, commitment, and most of all love—for our families, our partners and finally—ourselves.” ~Corie Adjmi, award-winning author of The Marriage Box and Life and Other Shortcomings

★★★★★ “A fascinating exploration of how to juxtapose one's own happiness with the sacrifices needed to please the other.” ~Evan Fallenberg, author of The Parting Gift

★★★★★ “A smart and compelling narrative about the twists and turns of a relationship when religion, identity, and a sense of place are focal points...this mesmerizing love story is irresistible.” ~Chelsey Clammer, author of Human Heartbeat Detected

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Ready...Set...Pride!, a coming-of-age novel from author Truscott Jones that resonates with younger and older adults alike. 

Not many gay teens experience their journey of self-discovery on a national stage. Then again, not many high school seniors inherit a team in the National Football League. Welcome to the coming-of-age, coming-out, gridiron novel, Ready…Set…Pride!

Ready...Set...Pride!

Max only thought his last year of high school was confusing, with the gorgeous but horribly straight Silas Cannon roaming the halls, and Max still in the closet. At least he had two awesome best friends, a loving family, and time to figure things out quietly—or so he thought.

No one foresaw Max thrust into the gladiatorial world of football, a sport he barely followed, and only because his grandpa Gunnar owned the NFL’s newest franchise, the Portland Rogues.

No one imagined Gunnar suddenly dying, leaving the team not to Max's Uncle Fen, the team's general manager and Gunnar's only son, but to 18-year-old Max!

And no one, least of all shy Max, ever dreamed he would be forced to face his own truth, find the love of his life, and run a professional football team, all under the harsh glare of social media, hardcore fans, and brutal sports reporters.

Meanwhile on the field, Portland has never put together a winning season. They have plenty of talent, and Coach Curcio definitely commands respect. But is it even possible for the Rogues to overcome the war between their suddenly jilted GM and his young, “undeserving” nephew?

Can Max survive his peers’ sudden interest, or the judgments of Reddit, Snapchat, and Twitter? Will he overcome the scheming Uncle Fen and the skepticism of Rogues players? And what about the other owners—is accepting a teen colleague their biggest challenge, or the waving of a giant Pride flag?

Most of all, though, does Max believe enough in himself, whether it’s leading the club, confronting his foes, or accepting the affections of an unexpected beau? Can he win the Super Bowl and the hottest guy in school?

Author Truscott Jones draws upon his own experience playing high school football, serving on a major college program’s athletic staff, teaching World Issues to 12th graders, and as a once closeted teen himself to explore what it means to uncover and accept who you are, to experience the gift of love and the blight of prejudice with equal resolve, and to learn that change is both difficult and inevitable.

Reader Reviews

★★★★★ "Captivating read with a lot of heart."

★★★★★ "Fun read with a easy-to-love hero. A solid summer read for both young and older adults alike."

★★★★★ "I was rooting for Max from the first chapter as he navigates his own self doubts and learns to find his courage against ever escalating adversity and pressure. It's a tribute to friendship, family, love, and the human spirit."

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Ekta R. Garg: Reviewer, Editor, Author, and Dreamer. We are especially pleased to feature two works of fiction by Ekta: The Truth About Elves and In the Heart of the Linden Wood. Read on to learn more about these critically acclaimed books and about Ekta herself.

The Truth About Elves

2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner

As a bartender in Las Vegas, Curtis seems to have the dream life. He’s single, lives close to the Strip, and only has to worry about when to pick up the next extra shift. No one knows the truth about what happened ten years ago, and no one knows how he spends three months every year: as a part-time elf for Santa Claus.

When Curtis went to the Arctic Circle the first time, he thought he could escape the unthinkable. Now, the anniversary of the worst day of his life is coming up, and he’s been asked to do the unbelievable. If Curtis wasn’t a man of his word, he would turn his back on the whole thing. But Mr. C. took Curtis in when he had nowhere else to go, and now the boss is calling in a favor—the kind that will make Curtis face the memory of the unimaginable.

If you’ve ever wondered whether holiday magic is real, come find out. Embrace the season and the power of forgiveness along with Curtis as he discovers The Truth About Elves.

Praise for The Truth About Elves

"Beautiful, surprising, moving, funny, and full of heart." ~Judges, Best Novella, Next Generation Indie Book Awards

"A romp through goodwill, new possibilities, and transformations...the perfect seasonal literary hot chocolate for readers seeking a holiday story with a difference." ~Midwest Book Review

"Garg uses the depth of human lives, interactions, and experiences to create a more relatable and realistic holiday read." ~Jill Rey, Reader Views Book Reviews

In the Heart of the Linden Wood

How do you overcome a broken heart?

For generations, the magic trees have supported the kingdom of Linden. The wood is prized in kingdoms everywhere for its special properties. It’s one of the few good things King Christopher inherited from his late father, the evil King Vincent.

Vincent also gifted Christopher a lack of confidence. The only person who believes in Christopher is Queen Lily. When he loses her and their only child, Christopher’s grief threatens to undo him. The love of his life has returned to the fates, and now all he wants to do is spend his days mourning her.

Then word comes that the trees are dying, and no one knows why.

Despite the urge to hide in the castle forever, Christopher meets the mysterious Keeper of the Wood to find out what’s killing the trees. The answer demands he go on a quest with old friends and new allies. Along the way, they’ll try to save hostages and mend another broken heart by putting it back together piece by piece.

Through it all, Christopher will fight to conquer his doubt and prove to his people, the memory of Lily, and himself that he deserves the crown.

Praise for In the Heart of the Linden Wood

"An often moving fantasy novel about emotional pain and a quest for personal and natural healing." ~Kirkus Reviews

"Under the veneer of kings, struggles, and magic lays an attention to emotional details that make In the Heart of the Linden Wood as much a psychological draw as an adventure story." ~Midwest Book Review

​"This isn't just a story about a king's heroic journey; it is a poignant tale of overcoming emotional turmoil." ~Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

About Ekta R. Garg

            

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Susan Hatler.

If you like sweet and funny contemporary romance and young adult novels, you're going to love Susan's writing. Get started with the three books featured in today's special edition newsletter: The Christmas Compromise, A Sugar Plum Christmas, and Million Dollar Date. Each book is the first in a series—and each of the Christmas books are available in audiobook format with narration by Andrea Kummer. 
 

Tip: Audiobook editions of many of Susan's books are available FREE via her YouTube Channel!

The Christmas Compromise

A sweet holiday mix-up that will make you smile and inspire you to believe in happily ever after.

Morgan Reed is excited to return to her hometown of Christmas Mountain, Montana, and open her beauty salon. But when she arrives to her rented business space she’s shocked to find it already occupied by Dallas Parker—her brother’s best friend, the guy she had a childhood crush on, and the one her mom blames for their family’s greatest tragedy.

With their landlord out of the country and unreachable, Morgan and Dallas must open their businesses together. But, no worries, all small towns need a combo furniture store/beauty salon, right? Ugh. As they work together, Morgan tries to keep her emotional distance, but time and off-the-charts chemistry soon turn a childhood friendship into a blossoming romance.

Unfortunately, just when their relationship develops into something deeper, an unexpected crisis re-opens her family’s old wounds and the blame is on Dallas once again. Will Morgan’s sadness and fear pull them apart, or make her realize Dallas has always been her heart’s true safe harbor?

Christmas Mountain Romance Series, Book 1. 

A Sugar Plum Christmas

City girl and former foster child Lacey Lane arrives in Christmas Mountain to do research for a hit reality dating show she produces.

If the location gets approved for filming, she’ll receive a bonus that will allow her to buy her own house—a forever home after a lifetime of moving from place to place.

Jacob Curtis is a small-town guy who doesn’t want his hometown exploited for ratings. Lacey might think he’s her tour guide, showing her all the best places to film her show, but he has a different agenda: show her all the reasons the town wouldn’t appeal to her TV audience.

Lacey catches on quickly to Jacob’s goal to undermine her research, and soon they’re engaging in a dance that takes them from one end of Christmas Mountain to the other. Before long, she’s charmed by the town and its people, including Jacob, who is funny, heartfelt, and honest. For once in her life, she’s slowing down long enough to focus on things other than her career.

But when it’s clear Lacey and Jacob have developed feelings for one another, Lacey is torn. Regardless of where the show is filmed, will she return to the city to buy her dream house? Or will she stay in Christmas Mountain and make a home with the man of her dreams?

The Mistletoe Book Club Series, Book 1.

Million Dollar Date

A lighthearted tale that will make you smile and let you believe that dreams really do come true.

Abigail Apple is running late to meet her blind date when she’s pulled over for speeding. Unfortunately, the follow-the-rules cop doesn’t care that she’s late, let alone that she’s heartbroken because her favorite dog rescue is in danger of being closed. Now she has to meet her date with mud drying on her heels, dog hair covering her dress, and the smell of a barn perfuming her hair. But when she arrives, Abigail learns her handsome blind date is none other than the cop who pulled her over.

Abigail has no intention of staying until she learns Cooper Hill is heading a committee for the city that will award a six-figure donation to a charity of their choice. So, what’s a girl to do? Abigail decides a second date is the perfect way to convince Cooper to vote for the dog rescue. But soon, Abigail is less interested in Cooper’s vote than she is in his deep voice, kind heart, and tender touch.

Will this follow-the-rules cop and this follows-her-heart animal lover learn that despite poor first impressions, second chances can lead to love?

The Do-Over Date Series, Book 1.

About the Author

              

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Oblivion's Galaxy series from author Dylan McFadyen. Oblivion’s Galaxy is set in a distant future dominated by fractious, selfish alien powers. Earth is a barren, self-immolated world, remembered by few, inhabited by none. The last remnants of humanity are an enslaved diaspora, a footnote in galactic history.

First Lieutenant Shaara is one of the few exceptions: a free human, second in command of a mercenary company. Aboard the mysterious AI-powered warship Warden, she and her comrades have fought in dozens of campaigns across the galaxy. But after discovering a derelict human ship lost during Earth’s final days, they will embark upon a mission far more dangerous than anything they’ve taken on before. Follow Shaara as she navigates her way through a future where other beings regard humans as inconsequential. 

"Marries intricate world-building with an engaging plot." ~Two Nerds With Words, Amazon Review

Oblivion's Cloak: Oblivion's Galaxy Book 1

First Lieutenant Shaara was dead this morning.

Her captain is furious at her. She wasted company resources getting herself killed, and it’s coming out of her paycheck. Now, she’s sitting across from the first other human being she’s seen in six years. His name is Adnan. He claims to come from Earth—but that’s impossible. Earth died a long time ago. If Adnan is telling the truth, he and the decaying ship the captain pulled him off are nearly a thousand years old.

Wherever he’s from, he’s Shaara’s responsibility now. Which is the last thing she needs. But it’s either that or the captain sells Adnan into slavery. Shaara knows what that would mean. Most humans do. And something inside her won’t let her abandon Adnan to it: revenant memories, stabbed awake by the look in his eyes.

Facing those memories won’t be easy. It’d be far easier to ignore the feeling driving her forward. Far easier to let it all go to hell and drift back to sleep.

Until a shadowy new faction starts stoking the fires of war. They’re looking for Adnan; Earth’s last survivor holds the key to unleash a terrible, indiscriminate vengeance on the galaxy that wronged them. Who they are is a mystery—to everyone but Shaara. Hard as she’s tried to forget, she knows them all too well. Which means she’s the only one who can stop them.

The question is: does she want to? Maybe the galaxy’s earned a little vengeance.

Oblivion's Blade: Oblivion's Galaxy Book 2

Shaara never asked to be in charge.

Since taking command of the mysterious AI warship Warden and the eccentric mercenary company that calls him home, she’s only accepted jobs that let her conscience sleep at night. The trouble is, those jobs don’t pay too well. After more than a year of fighting for the downtrodden, the exploited, and the oppressed, the Wardens’ coffers are running dry.

So when they get a suspicious but lucrative offer from a pariah republic on the fringe of galactic politics, Shaara ignores the warning voice in her head and accepts. 

The contract takes the Wardens to the edges of explored space; there, in the vast darkness beyond the galactic core, a great and terrible force is gathering—a foe far deadlier than any they’ve ever fought. The galaxy isn't ready to face it. Has Shaara saved them all from Gaeus Nemesis just to die another day?

What’s more, this new enemy holds the key to another mystery. As they fight for their lives, Shaara and Corax are forced to ask themselves a question they hoped they’d never have to: How much do they really know about Warden?

And can they trust him?

Oblivion's Triumph: Oblivion's Galaxy Book 3

Shaara is running out of friends.

The sacrifices she and Warden made two years ago bought the League time, not victory. The war against the Undying has left them exhausted, drained of everything but hope—and precious little of that. The simple fact is that the Undying are going to win. Warden knows it, Shaara knows it. The Undying sure as hell know it.

Until, out of the black, the Eternal comes to Shaara with an offer she can’t refuse, however much she’d like to. The threat he warned her about two years ago is real, and now it’s come calling. It cares nothing for their little war. All life in the galaxy, Undying or not, will end if it spreads unchecked. Shaara and the Eternal have little choice but to work together to destroy it. At least, for now.

But people on both sides are unhappy with an alliance, however temporary. Some of them are willing to risk all life just for a shot at power—and revenge. If Shaara can’t find a way to defeat them, she and the few friends she has left will lose more than their lives.

They’ll lose everything.

About the Author

Today, LitNuts is sharing information about three books from author Terry Lemerond, whose mission is to educate and share the science of botanical medicine and nutrition that will help “Improve the Health of America.” 

"I believe that if you diligently follow a healthy nutrition plan, include moderate exercise, and supplement your diet when appropriate, you will see huge changes in how you feel, think, and perform," says Terry. Read on to learn more about the role botanical medicine and nutrition can play in a healthy lifestyle. 

Propolis: The Natural Way to Prevent and Heal Infection

Propolis is creating a “buzz” in the world of fighting infection.

The same thing that fights off the viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic invaders in a beehive is also effective for people. Propolis, a sticky substance also known as “bee glue,” is scientifically proven to be a powerhouse against both common and puzzling viral and bacterial infections, including the virus that causes the common cold, bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus, and multiple dangerous and deadly infections. 

While many people turn to antibiotics that only deal with bacterial infections, they are left with a whole host of new issues. Propolis addresses a wider scope of microbial infections, including viral and fungal infections, parasites, and more. Plus, it is free of side effects. Terry breaks down the who, what, where, when, and why of propolis and invites you to understand how it can serve as nature’s strongest infection fighter for you and your family.

Relieve Pain Without Side Effects

Pain has a purpose; it alerts us to a problem that may need serious attention. But once we’re aware of pain, how do we respond? Until now, we’ve addressed acute pain—the type of pain that comes from a headache, an injury, or back pain, for example—with over-the-counter prescription pain relievers. Unfortunately, many of those medications cause unwanted side effects and sometimes, life-threatening consequences. Now, there’s a better way to stop acute pain!

Research has uncovered a powerful combination of nutrients that addresses acute pain, safely and
effectively. This solution from nature tackles acute pain and helps prevent it from morphing into long-term chronic pain. Discover for yourself how this fact-acting breakthrough in pain relief can be your answer to living life to the fullest—pain free!

Outsmart Cancer with Powerful Natural Medicines

The fight against cancer has changed. Thanks to new developments in treatment, changing attitudes on the part of medical professionals, and a deeper acceptance of integrative therapies, we are gaining ground in the fight against cancer.

In Outsmart Cancer with Powerful Natural Medicines: The Five Alternative Solutions to Prevent and Treat Cancer, you’ll find valuable insights into the powerful nutrients that work together to battle cancer successfully, even in advanced stages. From lifestyle and dietary choices for cancer prevention to treating existing cancer, to enhancing the effectiveness of conventional cancer treatments and stopping cancer from reoccurring, this life-changing book is the guide we all need.

About the Author

      

Learn about Angels of Sin, a three-book fantasy series from author Lara A. Steel featuring angels, demons, and a battle between light and damnation.

"Beautiful, soulful, and exciting." ~Amazon Review of German edition

Angels of Sin - Blood Moon

Dash is an angel of sin...a berserker.

When it comes to finding escaped dark souls and sending them back to hell, he knows no mercy. But one night he gets into trouble, and a young woman saves his life. Her name is Ava, and her involuntary heroism immediately puts her in the crosshairs of evil.

Human ballast is the last thing Dash needs in his work. But in order not to leave his rescuer to a cruel death, he takes her under his protection...with unimaginable consequences.

Angels of Sin - Heart of Ice

In the darkest part of hell, the young demon Elizah begins her apprenticeship as a torturer, as tradition demands.

Dorian, an angel of sin, is handed over to Elizah to be tortured. But Elizah soon has the feeling that Dorian is undeserving of his fate. Although it’s outside of a demon’s purview, Elizah develops compassion for Dorian, and works behind the scenes to discover what secret he is guarding.

When Elizah actually finds out, one thing becomes clear: she has to help Dorian!

Angels of Sin - Dark Desire

During a weekend getaway in the Canadian wilderness, Rose is attacked out of nowhere. She manages to escape to a solitary cabin where she hammers on the door in a panic. The door is opened by a very disconcerted man who only reluctantly lets her in.

Rose has just begun to recover from the shock when she realizes the stranger, who introduces himself to her as Damian, is as dangerous as he is enigmatic.

A snowstorm forces her to spend more time in the cabin with Damian than she’d hoped, and she soon learns that Damian is far from normal—and that his presence alone is a mortal danger to her.

Lara A. Steel

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Vengefully Yours, a steamy collection of short stories from author J. Rose Black. 

"...a thrilling and seductive collection..." ~Literary Titan ★★★★★

Vengefully Yours

Immerse yourself in this collection of short stories filled with dark secrets, tormented pasts, and forbidden desires. Where love still conquers all.

Join six heroes (and the heroines they pine for) on these fast-paced adventures of mystery and romance, longing and loyalty, vengeance and redemption. And get just a taste of how far a man will go to protect the one woman he can't have…

Whether you prefer streetwise private investigators, loyal and protective military men, or even alpha males with a dark past, there's a steamy, suspense-filled story for you inside Vengefully Yours.

Recognition and Praise for Vengefully Yours

• Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner - July 2023
• "Steamy steamy steamy...packed with testosterone and stunning women, culminating in explosive relationships." ~International Review of Books
• "This was a delightful read with plenty of steam, the right amount of danger, and a fantastic romance." ~NetGalley Reader
• "Keeps the reader glued to the story with intriguing characters and fantastic plot twists." ~Readers' Favorite
• "Extremely fun and engaging to read." ~NetGalley Reader

About J. Rose Black

     

Free Romance E-Book!

Get Her Billionaire Man: Tension, the first book in the Her Billionaire Man Romance Series from author Olivia Summer.

Wrap up your summer by reading the start of an addictive, steamy romance series!

Her Billionaire Man: Tension

I'm Amanda Smith, and my life changed dramatically when my dear neighbor, Mrs. Janey, died and left her billion-dollar company to her parrot, Boosh, and to me.

What I thought was a turnaround for the better proved otherwise when I was met with
resistance from Mrs. Janey's grandson, the irresistible Craig Vans. The man was insufferable, and I could not stand him one bit. Except in bed. (I told you he was irresistible.) With the help of Mrs. Janey's lawyer, we gave Craig two weeks to dispute the inheritance or step down as CEO, and just when it seemed that I would finally be getting the break I needed, a new obstacle arose: Craig's mother. That's when things got out of control...

The Her Billionaire Man Romance Series is a collection of 20 romance short reads that will take you into a complex world of characters and emotional arcs leaving you with an addictive itchy-curiosity that only the next book can satisfy. Get ready for light and dark to collide, for laughter and intensity to meet, and for unsuspected lustful thrills to creep up behind you. This is NOT your typical romance series. Are you ready for your new obsession?

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