Today's Featured Books

Free online: The Back Room. LitNuts often recommends The Back Room events because of their unique format: Each event starts with a short introduction to a panel of four authors. The audience is then divided into four breakout rooms. Everyone’s video is turned on and their mics are unmuted, allowing for informal, face-to-face discussion. It’s all very relaxed and casual and fun—like a virtual cocktail party! This week's authors are Rene Denfeld, Paul Doiron, Nick Medina, and Robin Peguero. Sunday, April 21, 6 - 8 PM CDT.

"Hear no evil, speak no evil, and you won’t be invited to cocktail parties." ~Oscar Wilde

A collection of stories about life, making a living, and living life to the fullest. It's also a reminder that it is in the little moments that we impact a person's life. From early days in rural America, to an unusual friendship as a young man with a woman old enough to be his grandmother, to an account of rising through the ranks in his chosen profession, these stories introduce an interesting cast of characters and a heart-warming look at what the world can bring you if you work hard and stay open to the unexpected. 4.9 stars, 27 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Starship Freedom is just a museum ship. Until the aliens attack! Get the Starship Freedom super box set: Four complete novels of military science fiction and space opera from the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. For fans of Battlestar Galactica and Starship Troopers. "Nonstop action!" ~Vine Voice Review. 4.3 stars, 589 reviews. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Kinley Black is dying to get back into the music industry. She gets her chance when her interview with Quinn Mayne, lead singer of her favorite band, Viciöus, goes off the rails. If she can beat up a pervy roadie, she can have his job. Kinley has no problem with hard work or being one of the guys. But fighting her attraction to Quinn is a bigger challenge. For his part, Quinn can't help being impressed by Kinley's determination, nor can suppress his urge to make her his. 4.3 stars, 299 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Few adventurers have ever gone missing in the Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Area and lived to tell us their story. How does one become so hopelessly lost? Find out in this true tale of despair and perseverance. From the onset of this ill-fated walkabout, you will see what the author sees and feel what he feels. Heaton is not likely to make it out of the desert alive, but you will find yourself hoping against hope that he does. 4.3 stars, 173 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New release! Congratulations to author Marian L. Thomas on the release of Saving Raine, a profound tale of resilience and redemption. Read on to learn more!
 
"Thomas's potent voice and unique perspective have solidified her place in the literary world." ~Midwest Book Review

Bonus: Saving Raine includes discussion questions for book clubs!

Saving Raine

Raine Reynolds stands at the crossroads of despair and opportunity.
 
When the life you've built crumbles and the past refuses to release its grip, sometimes you need a fresh start—a new beginning that promises hope and redemption.
 
Once a celebrated author, Raine's life unraveled, sending her fleeing to the picturesque streets of Paris to escape the tormenting heartache that threatened to consume her. Yet, no matter how far she traveled, the pain remained her unwelcome companion.
 
Returning to bustling Atlanta as a senior VP for an ad agency, Raine is forced to confront a city steeped in memories she'd rather forget. But as life would have it, an old friend resurfaces, offering a glimmer of healing in the midst of her turmoil. Can she summon the courage to trust once more?
 
In a world where everyone yearns for the saving grace of love, Raine is no exception. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a reminder that a path to love can be found even in the face of the darkest storms.

Praise for Saving Raine

• "Thomas delivers smooth, evocative storytelling, portraying the raw realities of challenging experiences while also capturing the healing power of love." ~Kirkus Reviews
• "The author holds the reader's attention right to the last page of this book, with an unexpected ending. It was a joy to read this inspirational story. This book is well worth more than one read." ~B. Longu, Readers' Favorite
• "A powerful tale that follows one woman's journey as she faces a difficult crossroad, unsure of which path to take. Through determination, perseverance, and a little luck, she discovers her true purpose and the strength to overcome any obstacle. Marian L. Thomas is a fantastic author who has created a story that shows one woman's hardships. This book is a testament to her talent as a writer. You'll be captivated from the first page and taken on a ride full of intense emotions that will leave you breathless.." ~Midwest Book Review

          

Free online: Strong Women, Strange Worlds. Join this First Friday/Third Thursday event, which is essentially a "tasting menu" of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. Each session features six authors who will each have eight minutes to tempt and tantalizing you with their reading. Thursday, April 18, 6 - 7 PM CDT. 

"Certain places seem to exist mainly because someone has written about them." ~Joan Didion

Congratulations to Fredrick Soukup and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Ashes, Ashes, a heartbreaking murder mystery for readers who enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, There, There by Tommy Orange, or Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley.
 
★★★★★ "Unflinching acknowledgement of society's unseen. You may be uncomfortable watching, but you won't look away." ~David R. Roth, author of The Femme Fatale Hypothesis

Ashes, Ashes

Dorian is carving a life for himself in Minnesota’s Northwoods. White-knuckle sober, haunted by the memories of his tumultuous childhood and adolescence. He owes his reformation to the wisdom and love of Miss Bonnie, a foster mother to him and so many others—though shame and painful memories have kept him from returning to thank her. After learning of her sudden passing, he resolves to pay his respects. However, what he discovers back home will alter the course of his life forever.

Upon returning to his childhood home, Dorian reunites with Heath, a brother bound to Dorian not by blood, but by the years they spent together under Miss Bonnie’s roof. When Heath unburdens himself of a horrifying secret—that the local police covered up her murder—Dorian sets out to discover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

Laying bare the struggles foster children experience in their pursuit of identity, belonging, and love, Ashes, Ashes a unique and essential tale.

Praise for Ashes, Ashes
★★★★★ "Edgy. Smart. Exhilarating. This breathtaking thriller of small town intrigue demonstrates the heartbreak and redemption that can rise from the ashes of a pillaged youth." ~Martha Engber, author of Winter Light

★★★★★ "Soukup perfectly captures how growing up with trauma leads to harsh choices and, ultimately, a kind of grace." ~Dan Kopcow, author of Prior Futures and Madcap Serenade

★★★★★ "Fredrick Soukup returns to familiar territory—rural Minnesota and its disenfranchised—capturing the abject despair of foster care youth while at the same time offering up a heartbreaking murder mystery." ~Janet Goldberg, author of The Proprietor's Song

★★★★★ "Soukup offers up a heartfelt and genuine slice of life. His characters jump from the page with crackling dialog that transports the reader into an intoxicating, though often terrifying, world. Truly gripping." ~Steve Zettler, author of Two for the Money and Careless Love

★★★★★ "Soukup conducts a chorus of seductively unreliable first-person voices to relate a heartbreaking coming-of-age parable that delves into the depths of human despair and celebrates the redeeming power of compassion." ~David R. Roth, author of The Femme Fatale Hypothesis

Free online: Unleashing the Magic of Everyday Discoveries, sponsored by Nikon. Join photographer Audrey Woulard for this free online class on street photography and learn to discover the extraordinary in seemingly ordinary places along the street. Tuesday, April 16, 6 - 7 PM CST. 

“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” ~Ansel Adams