Today's Featured Books

Free online Friday: Larksong First Friday Book Talk & Reading

Events

Free online: First Friday Book Talk & Reading with author Susan Aizenberg, who will read from her newest poetry collection, A Walk with Frank O'Hara: Poems. Presented by Larksong Writers Place. February 7, 12 pm CT. 

"Poetry is a phantom script telling how rainbows are made and why they go away." ~Carl Sandburg


Wisdom Keeper by Chloe Kemp

Book of the Day

Psychic dreams and visions, remembering past lives, and becoming an intuitive shamanic healer—this is the story of an ordinary woman's extraordinary spiritual journey. With raw honesty, Chloe shares her story of awakening to her Divine purpose, healing herself, and her journey to heal others, revealing a Divine pathway to a more peaceful, happy, fulfilled, and healthy life. Gold Winner, Living Now Book Award. 4.4 stars, 43 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


Digger: Dig or Die! by Deborah Cholette

Children and Young Adult

New release! In this dystopian middle-grade science fiction novel, siblings Nick and Lily must navigate a world where Earth's atmosphere is vanishing into space. As oxygen dwindles, Nick discovers hidden tunnels connecting homes, while Lily devises a communication system to keep their community informed. With time running out, they race to expand the tunnels before food and air run out, battling against the odds for survival. From $9.99 - SHOP NOW


The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge City by John Walker Pattison

Children and Young Adult

Daniel and his best friend, Papa, head to Splodge City to take on Wild Will Hickory Dickory Jock and his gang, who are after Papa’s black book of secrets. At the Glue Pot Ranch, Daniel is stuck knee-deep in mud as Weston Wolf closes in. Meanwhile, Two Clouds, a magical Indian chief, whispers a spell—WHOOSH! Lightning strikes, revealing the entrance to Splodge City. With chaos erupting and Papa’s book stolen, Daniel faces Sir Stumpy Slugworm in a final showdown. Their hands twitch—SPLOOSH! Who will be The Fastest Water Pistol in Splodge CityFrom $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Friday in Las Vegas by Kaye Hopkins

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

After washing out of the police academy because she can’t fire a gun without closing her eyes, Isabel pivots to crime scene cleaning with her roommate, Kenny. Their first major job: a possible murder-suicide at The Kingdom Hotel and Casino. It happens to be her detective father’s cases, pushing Izzy to investigate on her own. But when she’s kidnapped and locked in a room beneath the casino alongside a beaten, half-dead security guard, she realizes the real threat may be far more dangerous than she ever imagined. 4.3 stars, 37 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - I Loved You First by Cate Beauman

Romance

First Love. Second Chances. Fiona Willis seems to have it all: great friends, a sleek Seattle condo, and a dream job as a senior events planner. Yet, she can’t shake thoughts of the man who broke her heart years ago. Cameron Bennet is a single dad juggling parenting, soccer practices, and his role as head construction manager. But no matter how busy life gets, he’s never forgotten the one who got away. When an emergency pulls Fiona back to her hometown, she’s shocked by how much has changed—and how strong her feelings for Cam still are. Determined to avoid old wounds, she tries to keep her distance, but Cam is just as determined to make things right before she leaves again. FREE - SHOP NOW


Early Summer by Carol L Paur

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Helene Denny worries about everything—especially leaving home for college—and her fascination with serial killers doesn’t help. When a string of girls goes missing in her town, she’s convinced a serial killer is at work, with the new mayor, Fred Thompkins, as her prime suspect. Dismissed by everyone, Helene turns to the dark web for answers, only to put herself in grave danger. Can she uncover the truth before someone she loves disappears? 4.8 stars, 11 ratings. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW


Triangle of Hope by Michael Meyer

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

If one person can make a difference, imagine what three can do. In a small Irish village, fate unites three strangers—each carrying a dark secret—as they take a courageous stand that changes their lives forever. Clint, a once-successful man shattered by a fateful choice, Tanya, determined to fulfill her mother’s dying wish despite being broke, and Seamus, an 84-year-old seeking redemption before time runs out, discover the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Free online: What's New in Historical Fiction

Events

Free online: What's New in Historical Fiction, a regular panel series featuring historical novelists with new and upcoming titles. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, this special panel includes Tiffany L. Warren, author of The Unexpected Diva; Elaine Neil Orr, author of Dancing Woman; Julia Bryan Thomas, author of The Kennedy Girl; and Rosa Kwon Easton, author of White Mulberry. Monday, February 3, 7 PM CST. 

"If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree." ~Michael Crichton


Where Are the Women? by Janice Hechter

Book of the Day

In 2016, a group of New York City Girl Scouts discovered there were no statues of women in Central Park and set out to change that. Through fundraising, advocacy, and persistence, they spent four years raising awareness and convincing city officials to erect the park’s first monument honoring women. This inspiring true story showcases the power of determination, teamwork, and young voices making a lasting impact. From $9.99 - SHOP NOW


What Bear Said about Life, Love, and Other Stuff by Jack Wiens

Children and Young Adult

The boy has a lot of questions—hard ones about love, honesty, grief and loss, prejudice, forgiveness, why we are here, and more. Bear's wise answers are always offered with compassion and enthusiasm. The friendship between these two is deep, tender, and sometimes fun. Bear's clear, common-sense philosophy of life is a welcome contrast to the complex world our children face today. 4.9 stars, 20 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


FREE - Turning Rental Properties into Passive Income Profit$ by Dustin Roberts

General Nonfiction

In his ground-breaking book, Dustin Roberts masterfully paints a clear path toward a secure financial future through real estate investing. With decades of industry experience, Roberts divulges foolproof strategies that have propelled him from a novice investor to a real estate mogul. 5.0 stars, 14 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /


Secrets of the Catalogue by Amelia Spencer

Science Fiction and Fantasy

An epic tale of adventure, love, and the clash between fiction and truth. Emerson Blackwell’s world shattered when her mother died. But later, when she encounters her mother via a secret library Catalogue that contains portals to parallel universes, Emerson must determine whether her mother is a villain publishing dangerous books or whether the people governing the secret catalogue have something to hide. "Urban fantasy for bookish folks." ~Back Shelf Books. 4.2 stars, 226 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


My Blue Agave by Valerie Buchanan

Literary Fiction and Poetry

On the verge of achieving her songwriting dreams, Sarra Wilcox’s world shatters when betrayal and an unexpected call from her estranged father send her fleeing home. Seeking refuge on her best friend’s houseboat, My Blue Agave, she finds solace in the coastal town of her youth and in a charming stranger. But when her father resurfaces, forcing her to confront long-buried secrets, Sarra must decide if she’s ready to face the past, heal old wounds, and reclaim her future. 4.3 stars, 36 ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


In Bloom Sweet Romance Collection by Kasey Kennedy

Romance

A sweet romance series set in the In Bloom flower shop in Bloomington, IL. Septuagenarian owner Anna Lee Foster is happiest when she's helping customers, mentoring the young ladies who work for her, or pampering her beloved cat, Salty. The first three full-length novels of this series, which feature three of the young ladies working at In Bloom, are included in this box set: Peonies for Paige, Dahlias for Dominica, Lillies for Lauren + two bonus chapters. From $6.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 


mon-ters by Kaye Bell

Science Fiction and Fantasy

In the shadows of Area 51's clandestine labs, the unthinkable has been unleashed: creatures engineered to decimate armies now roam free. Created to be unstoppable on the battlefield, these creatures are unbound by human constraints, sowing fear with their existence. And yet, a child might hold the key, and her bond with the “mon-ters” (as she calls them) might be the only hope for a beleaguered community. 4.3 stars, 230 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Sci-Fi Shorts II by Mark Roman

Science Fiction and Fantasy

An engaging collection of humorous, compulsively readable sci-fi tales. A hen party takes place in outer space, a galactic bailiff is tasked with evicting everyone from Earth, a ‘spy human’ on a sinister mission, and much more in these witty and wry short stories. 4.2 stars, 94 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


A Murderous Clamour at Redcliff Manor by Simon Michael Prior

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Shiraz Jones moves to the quiet fishing village of Redcliff-upon-Sea, hoping for a fresh start, not a murder investigation. But when a young woman she just met falls to her death, Shiraz becomes the only one who can unmask the killer. With the police convinced the case is closed and a murderer watching her every move, Shiraz must race against time to uncover the truth before the murderer strike again. 4.3 stars, 99 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Fallen Swallow by Justin C. Davis

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Lily, thirteen and the last of her kind, is thrust into a world of dark magic and violence in which supernatural forces tug at the very fabric of reality, shadowy characters lurking in every corner. With a rich tapestry of characters and a captivating blend of fantasy and suspense, this thought-provoking adventure challenges perceptions and explores the enduring power of unity in the darkest of times. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


Chevalier by Bree M. Lewandowski

Romance

Society told her she had no value. He said her worth was untold. Linah Morane, a well-known woman of Meridionalis, has been scorned and taunted her entire life due to her abnormalities. After the humiliation of being abandoned at the altar, she humbly accepts the unexpected marriage proposal to the King's Vizier, Kohl. Secrets are exposed and loyalties shift in this thrilling tale of love and war. 4.2 stars, 51 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


The Friend Dilemma: new release in Young Readers Fiction

Spotlight


Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Friend Dilemma, a new release in the Emma Just Medium Series about friendship, self-esteem, and emotions/feelings. Perfect for young readers ages 7 - 10.

"Short chapters, simple vocabulary, and syntax make the book perfect for readers who are still new to chapter book reading. The Friend Dilemma is a fun and instructive story about navigating the emotional challenges of school friendship." ~The Children's Book Review

BONUS: See the information sheet from One Elm Books to learn more about The Friend Dilemma, and be sure to also check out The Beach Dilemma, Book 1 in the Series.


The Friend Dilemma

NEW RELEASE: February 4, 2025
Book 2 in the Emma Just Medium Series for young readers ages 7 - 10
Genre: Young Readers Fiction, Juvenile Fiction Humor
Author: Laura Wiltse Prior
Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $6.99


 


Even though Emma’s summer turned out well, it was topsy turvy. That’s why she can’t wait to get back to her routine with her best friends, Lily and Amelia.

Emma has only been able to stay in touch with her friends by phone and texting, so she is super excited to have a playdate where they will do all the things they have always loved to do together, including Legos and science experiments. But when the girls come over the day before third grade starts, things don’t go as planned. 

Lily has transformed into a ballerina, and Amelia now finds Emma’s science boring. On top of that, they want to play with Little, Emma’s younger brother, more than with her!

Emma needs to fix things and fast. She will have to wow her friends so everything can go right back to normal, and she will do it on the first bus ride to school. But Emma finds that third grade is proving to be different in more ways than one.

Will Emma’s plan work or will she have another big dilemma to resolve?


The Beach Dilemma

Book 1 in the Emma Just Medium Series
Genre: Young Readers Fiction, Juvenile Fiction Humor
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $3.99


Middle-kid Emma is stuck between her two brothers, again.

She has to ride in the middle seat as her family heads out on a weeklong beach vacation with friends, where Emma knows that being just medium will only get worse! Then she has an idea. What if she could get out of being in the middle by taking on a new role? What if she acted BIG? Will Emma's plan work, or will she have another huge dilEmma?

Praise for The Beach Dilemma
"A fun children’s book with charismatic characters that kids will enjoy following." ~Literary Titan

"A valuable lesson about embracing one's personality and learning to appreciate what makes each of us unique." ~Kirkus Reviews

2024 Florida Authors and Publishers Association Silver Award Winner

2023 Bookpal's Outstanding Works of Literature WINNER - Elementary Category


About the Author
Laura Wiltse Prior is a middle grade author who loves cookie dough, reading, and tennis. When she isn’t writing, she is driving her children around, hiking with Cody, her Portuguese Water Dog, or hanging with Casper, the nicest cat in town. She lives and writes in Connecticut with her husband and three kids, the inspiration for her stories.


About the Illustrator
Marta Kissi is a London-based illustrator originally from Warsaw. She studied BA Illustration & Animation at Kingston University and MA Communication Art & Design at the Royal College of Art. Her favorite part of being an illustrator is bringing stories to life by designing charming characters and the wonderful worlds in which they live.


About the Publisher
One Elm Books is an imprint of Red Chair Press, an indie press committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
 

    


Free online: NYPL Virtual Book Tasting

Events

Free online: NYPL Virtual book Tasting. Get a "taste" of a variety of new and popular books, courtesy of the librarians of the New York Public Library. Friday, January 31, 3 - 4 PM EST. 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get a librarian.” ~Joan Bauer


Not for the Faint of Heart by Rene Vecka

Book of the Day

"A fun and entertaining fantasy." ~Kirkus Reviews. How far would you go to free the love of your life from prison? In a post-Ragnarok world, magic and mayhem collide with mystery and humor as Rory proposes to Ingefær—only for the Shrine to erupt in flames. With Ingefær jailed and facing execution, Rory races to uncover the truth while dodging relentless soldiers, and Ingefær plots to break through the jail's magic wards. Can they solve the Shrine fire mystery before the law tears them apart forever? $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Shocking Truth by Steve Rush

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

New release: Feb. 1! Detective Mike Canyon’s peaceful life in Avoca, Oklahoma, is shattered when two prominent citizens are murdered, and the only clue is a dead man’s thumbprint. As he races to catch the killer, a cryptic warning “Don’t be late” fuels his determination. Meanwhile, Geoffrey Norkum, posing as a Texas Ranger, hides in plain sight, but when Canyon’s wife is kidnapped and poisoned, the truth behind Norkum’s deception reveals a reality more shocking than anyone could imagine. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


The First Mrs. Harper by Ella Hancock

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

How many wives does it take to reach the White House? For ambitious congressman Danny Harper, a modern-day Henry VIII, his marriage to Kaydence Pruitt—a legacy heiress with strong faith—starts as a political alliance but quickly spirals into betrayal and chaos. As their relationship unravels, the fallout threatens to reshape their lives and the future of the nation itself. Will Danny’s hunger for power consume him, or can he find redemption before history repeats itself? From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW