Today's Featured Books

Sarah's world goes haywire when her abusive husband abandons her for another woman. She's left with nothing but a decrepit farm with a guest house teeming with secrets. But, as she delves further into the murky darkness of the house, she uncovers something sinister lurking in its depths, a force so powerful and so relentless that it surpasses her darkest fears. With her life spiraling entirely out of control, Sarah discovers the ultimate horror within the home, as grotesque and unsettling a truth as one could imagine. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to Music, Magic, and More and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Houdini's Fabulous Magic, a new edition of the biography of one of the most intriguing and influential figures of the 20th century. 

“I have loved this book for sixty years." ~Teller of Penn & Teller

Houdini's Fabulous Magic

Incredible escapes, fantastic sleight-of-hand—Houdini's most challenging performances are dramatically portrayed in Houdini's Fabulous Magic. Walter Gibson, co-author, was in close touch with Harry Houdini for a number of years before his death and worked with the master magician in preparing material for the book. It is with the aid of Houdini's own scrapbooks and notes that this book was written.

The spectacular highlights of Houdini's career are described and explained, including his famous escapes...from a padlocked milk can filled with water, from locked jail cells, from a water-filled Chinese torture cell while suspended upside down, and from packing cases weighted under water. Houdini also walks through a brick wall, vanishes a 10,000-pound elephant, is buried alive, and exchanges places with his wife in a locked trunk—in three seconds!

And Houdini the man is not ignored. His impact on the world in the early years of the 20th century was enormous. He was a public hero who, in his own way, helped sweep out the cobwebs of 19th-century thinking. While doing so, he distinguished himself as a patriot, writer, collector of magic, aviator, movie idol, philanthropist, and crusader against fraudulent spiritualistic practices.

This is a technical manual for magicians, complete with illustrations and diagrams, but it is also an astute analysis of the best of Houdini's magic and a readable biography of a man who turned himself into a legend. It is a book for would-be conjurers, for professional necromancers, and for those curious about the methods and means of one of the most enchanting men of our time.

Praise for Houdini's Fabulous Magic

★★★★★ “I have loved this book for sixty years. Four pieces of the Penn & Teller repertoire were directly inspired by Houdini's Fabulous Magic.” ~Teller of Penn & Teller

A friendly reminder...that one of the best free online literary festivals of the year is currently in process...now through Friday, February 17. The University of California - Riverside (UCR) Writers Week Festival brings together the most celebrated authors and the best up-and-coming writers in America. It's free. It's online. And it's open to the public! 

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ~J.R.R. Tolkein

The complete Soldiers of Earthrise series in one box set! Six entire novels, 2,000+ pages of heart-pounding science fiction. Jon Taylor is an Earthling. He doesn't care much about space. At least until his brother dies on Bahay, a war-torn planet many light-years away. After the funeral, Jon joins the army. He learns to kill. And he flies to Bahay, sworn to avenge his brother. But on Bahay, nothing it as it seems... 4.3 stars, 143 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Do we control our devices, or do they control us? The stories in Our Own Devices explore that very question. Remember, we invite these devices into our lives because the devices themselves tell us we need them. "...four distinct tales, each exploring a different contemporary societal trend and the technology behind it...another fine read from an important writer who just keeps getting better and better." -reader review. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Being Ethel: (In a world that loves Lucy)

From $0.99 via Kindle Countdown Deal
Free via Kindle Unlimited



In Mackinac Island Stories Book 1, Piper Penn is struggling to survive past tragedies, and doing what she wants only leads to more trouble. An unexpected inheritance on a tiny Midwest island in the Straits of Mackinac provides an escape. A stay at the island’s glorious Grand Hotel lifts her spirits—especially when she catches the eye of a handsome groundskeeper and lands a role as an extra during the filming of a blockbuster movie. But when mysterious accusations and headstrong residents threaten to derail her inheritance, the friendship of a quirky I Love Lucy-loving nun might be Piper’s saving grace. 4.5 stars, 109 ratings on Amazon.

Being Dorothy: (In a world longing for home)

From $0.99 via Kindle Countdown Deal
Free via Kindle Unlimited



Book 2 in the series combines elements of the Wizard of Oz, Nora Ephron, and James Bond as Dorothy Cooper finds herself on the run from The Service, the highly secretive organization where she worked for more than a decade. Dorothy and a fellow Service insider assume new identities, but while residing in the opulent Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Dorothy questions her relationship with her colleague and wonders if anyone can be trusted after what she’s seen. Loneliness draws her into a friendship at a new knitting and craft shop, The Creative Lilac, where the camaraderie and ambiance cause Dorothy to re-examine her concept of marriage, family, and faith. Can Dorothy find her long-lost feelings of love before the enemies of The Service find her? Or has her past destined her to an endless life-on-the-run, never allowing her to know the happiness of home? 4.5 stars, 48 ratings on Amazon. 

Being Alice: (In a world lost in the looking glass)

From $0.99 via Kindle Countdown Deal
Free via Kindle Unlimited



In Book 3 of the Mackinac Island Stories, Alice Merveille has been pushed into a contract by her scheming uncle to serve as the guitar and drum tech for world-renowned recording artist J.D. Grayling. But as Alice heads to the summer gig at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, she is horrified at the idea of J.D., his band, and visitors to the Grand seeing her face, which was mangled in an accident that also took her self-esteem. Alice plans to stay in the shadows, but her worries are enhanced when band members one-by-one mysteriously become too ill to perform. Alice wonders if the world is going mad, or if the truths she is learning from her new friends at the island’s Creative Lilac shop can change the pain she feels from her past. Can Alice survive the summer working for the singer-songwriter she has idolized for years, or is she once again headed down a rabbit hole of disappointment and betrayal? 4.5 stars, 31 ratings on Amazon.

Being Wendy: (In a world afraid to grow up)

From $0.99 via Kindle Countdown Deal
Free via Kindle Unlimited



Book 4 in the Mackinac Island Stories could be the end for Wendy T. Bell. While celebrating her 50th birthday at a party in Los Angeles, all she feels is betrayal...wondering if someone in the room is behind the threats that could end her glamorous life as a best-selling author, not to mention her engagement to a wealthy English Baron. To get away from it all, Wendy travels incognito to a tiny Midwest island she learned about from an old boarding school chum. But when her blackmailer begins to slip notes under her door, Wendy is terrified. Who found her, and why are they bent on ruining her life? Wendy ends up wishing she had never grown up to live a life filled with lies, and wonders if it’s too late to find genuine happiness, friendship, and love. Or do these things only exist on fairy-tale islands? 4.9 stars on Amazon.

About Michèle Olson

Michèle has lived the majority of her life in Northeastern Wisconsin, including the last three decades in the shadow of Lambeau Field in Green Bay. She and her husband, Ray, have taken many trips to Mackinac Island and stayed at the Grand Hotel, and Michèle says the beauty of the area never ceases to inspire more stories. 

Michèle and Ray are also the husband and wife team behind Lake Girl Publishing, where Michèle does the creative stuff...the writing, voice work, speaking, sketch doodling, and art, and Ray runs the technical side of things...formatting books and handling the many details that come with a publishing company. 

Michèle especially loves telling stories that take a deeper look at how faith can be a part of every moment. She also enjoys sharing life lessons from a storied career and from life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Whether doing voice work around the country, writing novels, or working on more art, she loves a good laugh! Learn more about Michèle, get signed copies of her books, or sign up for her mailing list at Lake Girl Publishing.

Free online today: A virtual event celebrating the release of Wanting: Women Writing About Desire. In this daring collection, award-winning and emerging female writers share their innermost longings, in turn dismantling both personal and political constructs of what desire is or can be. Presented by Women & Children First, an indie bookstore in Chicago and one of the largest feminist bookstores in the United States. Monday, February 13, 12 p.m. CST. (Also available 1-2 weeks after the event on the Women & Children First YouTube Channel.)

“Sometimes the most dangerous thing of all in matters of love was to be granted your heart’s desire.” ~Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic

Coming February 21, for ages 10-14. Thirteen-year-old Julia would much rather work with horses at the rescue barn than worry about things like dating and makeup. But when her BFF meets a boy at camp, Julia is determined not to get left behind. After a makeover from her older sister, she posts a picture of herself online and meets Tyler—a seemingly nice kid who lives across town. As they DM more and more, Julia’s sure that Tyler understands her in a way her family never has. Then Julia finds out Tyler’s true plan, and her world is turned upside down. She fiercely guards her secret, but could her silence allow her friends to fall into the same trap? From $8.49 PRE-ORDER NOW / 

We are all special and unique. We come from different cultures and backgrounds. Look around and you'll see friends with different eyes, hair, and skin, but there is one thing we all have in common...we all have belly buttons! Patrick Ballantine often heard how different people can be. The world seemed divided as grownups focused on peoples' differences. Ballantine has learned that it is the little things in life that truly matter most. Reading this book with a child is a simple pleasure, but it could help shape their life - and yours. From $5.99 SHOP NOW / 

Thousands of years ago, the world was saved from total anarchy and divided into six rings. Ring three was filled with mediocre class three citizens, all contented with their lives except for a twelve-year-old girl, Jade. Luckily, she discovered a way to endure - entering an alternate universe teeming with adventures and surprises. Bluebell, Jade's alternate self, was everything Jade was not. Jade thought she had the power to become Bluebell in her original world, but it turned out to be a task harder than she imagined. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Welcome to the February 2023 issue of LitNuts Deals: highly rated indie books price $1 or less PLUS the LitNuts Deals Giveaway.

This month, we're giving away $100 in books. The winner will be able to choose a $100 gift card from any book retailer that sells gift cards online. Enter by February 24 for a chance to win! 

The Heirs of Earth by Daniel Arenson
Genre: Science Fiction
4.3 stars, 1150+ ratings
$0.99

We hide in shadows. Our planet is lost. We are the last humans, and we must go home. Two thousand years ago, aliens destroyed Earth. Our fleets shattered. Billions died. The last humans fled a burning planet, heading to the stars. Today we are still refugees. Hungry. Afraid. Our enemies hunt us everywhere. So we hide. On distant asteroids. In rundown space stations. In deep caves on frozen worlds. And we dream. Of green hills. Blue skies. Golden fields. We dream of Earth. And for the first time, we have hope. Book 1 in the Children of Earthrise series.  "Full of action and brimming with sentient aliens." ~Max Carver, Relic Wars

Moonlight Canyon by Yurie Kiri
Genre: Mystery
4.1 stars, 33 ratings
$0.99

Earth and Beyond by Wendy Gamble
Genre: Science Fiction
3.9 stars, 47 ratings
$0.99

"Extremely well-written…displays an amazingly wide knowledge of science, yogic practices, and of what could exist beyond the known galaxy." ~Professor emeritus, UNBA. Alien DNA infects Earth. A med ship with a revolutionary deep space engine launches the world's hope for salvation. An elite crew faces unseen adversity and forges friendships as they seek a cure for humanity. Enhanced with hand-drawn illustrations. Book 1 in the MedSci Missions Science Fiction series. "A very interesting book…I strongly recommend you read this amazing MedSci Missions book." ~Chief Instructor, Todokai Karate

Scandalous: The Victoria Woodhull Saga (Volume Two) - Fame, Infamy, and Paradise by Neal Katz
Genre: Historical Fiction
4.3 stars
$0.99

Experience Historical Fiction at its best in this rags-to-riches saga. Set in and around New York City in the early 19th Century, Victoria Woodhull and her sister, Tennessee Celeste Claflin, take the city by storm as they challenge morality, fashion, economics, social justice, and equal pay for equal work. Leveraging their wealth as the sisters become famous on the lecture circuit, they fight for women's rights, suffrage, and enter into the political arena as Victoria is nominated by the American Equal Rights Party to run for President of the United States and Tennessee runs for Congress. "Engaging and hugely entertaining." ~Readers Favorite Five Star Review

The Best is Yet to Come by Tara Alemany
Genre: Death and Grief
4.4 stars, 47 ratings
$0.99

After twelve years of living alone as a single parent, Tara hadn’t expected to find love again. So when Frank unexpectedly came into her life, the result of an errant e-mail, he turned her world upside down. Four months later, his unexpected death brought it to a crashing halt. Join Tara on her journey as she shares the story of their time together and, more importantly, the lessons she learned as she rode waves of unanticipated love and grief to ultimately come to the strongest place she’d ever been in her life.

This true story will speak to and inspire anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a dream by showing how you too can change your perception of that loss from an anchor that holds you back into a beautiful gift that dares you to believe that the best is yet to come. Includes discussion guides for book clubs and support groups.

Lady of the Seven Suns by Tinney Sue Heath
Genre: Historical Fiction 
4.3 stars, 50 ratings
$0.99

“Immerses the reader into medieval Italy." ~Historical Novel Review. A novel of the woman St. Francis called brother. Rome, 1210: Giacoma’s life is at a crossroads. She cannot be both a powerful Roman noblewoman and also a follower of the holy man from Assisi. Or can she? A new path lies ahead, and she will will have to invent it as she goes. Based on the life of a real woman, this is a story of love, friendship, and a stubborn quest for grace. “Twisting with life…absolutely excellent and evocative novel!” ~Discovering Diamonds

Wisconsin Vamp by Scott Burtness
Genre: Horror Comedy
4 stars, 200+ ratings
FREE!

Some vampires are destined for greatness. Herbert Knudsen isn't one of them. When the small-town diner cook and mediocre bowler becomes a vampire, things finally start looking up. He's stronger, a little sexier, and the girl of his dreams is noticing him. But the bodies are piling up, and his best friend isn't just getting suspicious...he's getting jealous. Book 1 in the Monsters in the Midwest series. "Fun, entertaining, change-of-pace vampire story." ~Amazon review

Stuck on Your Heart by Beth Labonte
Genre: Romance 
4.3 stars, 64 ratings
$0.99

Darcy Field has made a promise to her brother: No more dating his friends. Ever. Which is fine, because all of her brother’s friends are massive losers. Thanks to them, she’s spent one too many Valentine’s Days with crushed dreams, a broken heart, and zero chocolate. But when Darcy is forced to attend the annual singles' event at Lonesome Coffee—her family’s coffee shop in the small town of Emerson, Massachusetts—a certain promise may become very hard to keep. "Valentine gem." ~Amazon review

The Pacific Chronicles by James Eldridge
Genre: Children/Young Adult, Ages 7-18
4.9 stars, 49 ratings
$0.99

Hawaiian culture and traditions are captured in this thrilling fantasy adventure about a young girl and her brother who are given access to a hidden and legendary world in their native islands and gifted with an unexpected set of magical abilities. Book 1 of The Pacific Chronicles.

"I loved the combination of history, lore, education, entertainment...and I absolutely loved Eleu and Molawa." ~Tara Lewis, former Director, Disney Publishing Worldwide. 

The Wedding Soup Murder by Rosie Genova
Genre: Cozy Mystery
4.7 stars, 80 ratings
$0.99

“A tightly-plotted whodunit.” ~New Jersey Monthly.  After Victoria Rienzi comes back home to work in her family’s restaurant, her nonna puts her in charge of catering a wedding with all the trimmings—and death as an uninvited guest. 

"The Wedding Soup Murder blends mystery with comedy, romance, family drama, a vivid and affectionate portrayal of the Jersey shore and…oh yes, cooking.” ~Helen Beglin, New Jersey Monthly 

“Everything I could wish for in a cozy mystery and more.” ~Read Your Writes Book Reviews

The University of California - Riverside (UCR) Writers Week Festival is the most diverse and longest-running free literary festival in California. It brings together the most celebrated authors and the best up-and-coming writers in America. It's free. It's online. And it's open to the public! February 13-17. 

“It's okay to love something bigger than yourself without fearing it. Anything worth loving is bigger than we are anyway.” ~Percival Everett, Wounded