Today's Featured Books

Moonlight Cruise by Yurie Kiri

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

A cruise to paradise. A prophecy to protect. A nightmare to survive. On the tranquil waters of a luxury cruise ship, Jessica and her miracle-born daughter, Zamzam, try to outrun the darkness. But a Satanic cult—rooted in the Mojave Desert and connected to the highest levels of power—is hunting them, seeking to murder the child foretold to challenge evil itself. Will faith, love, and the power of an extraordinary child rewrite destiny? 4.6 stars, 12 ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - Spaceship Earth 101 by Amanda Miller

General Nonfiction

How can we confront climate change and inequality if our financial system works against us, instead of for us? Discover how democratizing finance and rethinking debt can create a system that works for both people and planet, taking us to a broader discussion of liberty, equality, and democracy. "A refreshingly solution-oriented read." ~Readers' Favorite. FREE - SHOP NOW


The Final Shelter by Rob Ramos

Literary Fiction and Poetry

New release: Phoebe Jones is tired of the collapse of human decency when a mysterious silver card arrives, offering her a place in a protected bunker. What do they know that we don't? Her research to find answers leads her to biblical prophecies and clairvoyants' predictions. "It's rare for apocalyptic stories to have a hopeful ending. If you love apocalyptic dystopian fiction, you must not miss out." ~Readers’ Favorite. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


Sunspots by Karen S. Bell

Romance

A young woman from Brooklyn and a man from Texas meet accidentally in NYC and it changes the trajectory of their lives. Aurora marries Jake and moves to Texas, but after the honeymoon, reality sets in and she realizes that marriage can be isolating. When tragedy strikes, Aurora is given a chance to confront the mistakes she's made with Jake across lifetimes. Will she finally get it right? From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Free online: Postmarks & Paperbacks

Events

Free online: Postmarks & Paperbacks, the monthly book club of the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. This month the book club will be discussing Possession by A.S. Byatt, a novel that follows the lives of a pair of young academics as they uncover a clandestine relationship between two long-dead Victorian poets. Monday, July 28, 7-8 PM EDT. 

“I cannot let you burn me up, nor can I resist you. No mere human can stand in a fire and not be consumed.” ~A.S. Byatt, Possession


The Cobbler's Crusaders by Rick Steigelman

Book of the Day

“A charmingly whimsical, whip-smart slice of Parisian life wrapped in equal parts heart and humor" ~A. Norton, Likely Story. Jacquelyn Pajot, a nine-year-old American visiting her sanctimonious grandmother in Paris, falls in with a pair of young French girls whose carefree grasp of ‘right and wrong’ has the wide-eyed American narrowly averting prison, purgatory, and her grandmother’s righteous indignation. "Recommended to readers who enjoy novels like A Man Called Ove or The Elegance of the Hedgehog." ~The Reading Bud. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW


Murder By the Bayou by Jim Riley

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

New release: A Louisiana murder mystery that unravels a perilous web of deceit and greed in a culture known for its crawfish and jambalaya. Lucky Stryker's decision to skip school to go fishing takes a deadly turn when he and two friends witness the body of Louisiana's wealthiest man being dumped into the bayou. With millions at stake, the man's wife has plenty of motives. The kids, with secret lives of their own, have ample reasons to benefit from Caleb Glover's death. Book 1 of the Louisiana Murder Mysteries. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


Dessa’s Crossing: A Novel and Other Stories by Atanas Radenski

Literary Fiction and Poetry

What if keeping a promise meant losing yourself? Bound by a vow to her late twin brother, mountain rescuer Dessa Sinich helps raise his son alongside his widow. But that promise has trapped her in a life she never chose. Freedom means crossing borders—from the misty Cascades to Bulgaria's wilderness. "Radenski's prose is lyrical yet precise…a quiet urgency that lingers long after the final page." ~Goodreads Review. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


A Player's Guide to Catching Feelings by Ava Wakefield

Romance

Avery: It's bad enough I'm working doubles at Clearway Park to raise my baseball-obsessed brother. The last thing I need is Nash Fontaine, Chicago's most entitled athlete, as his new mentor. Nash: I'm one scandal away from losing my contract renewal. Living with Benji and his sister, Avery, wasn't part of the plan. But I realize I've caught the one thing I wasn't prepared for: Real feelings. 4.6 stars, 166 ratings on Goodreads. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Fragments of Time by Jan Lloyd

Literary Fiction and Poetry

It's 1964, and Jen’s world is unravelling. Two years after the devastating loss of her parents and her dreams of becoming a doctor, she’s stuck in an abusive marriage with no way out. Everything changes when she meets Tommy, a young soldier, at the old regimental church in Hamptonbury. He insists the year is 1914. Drawn to his warmth and integrity, Jen discovers a rare love with Tommy and finds hope and healing in a way she never imagined. 4.5 stars, 10 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Free online Saturday: International Author's Expo

Events

Free online Saturday: International Author's Expo, a celebration of literature and creativity from around the world. This event is designed to connect published authors and readers in a virtual setting to explore new books, attend workshops, participate in author Q&A sessions, and more. Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT. 

“Life is not what happened to you but what you remember and how you remember it to retell it.” ~Gabriel García Márquez


The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

Book of the Day

"A propulsive medical thriller" ~USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Bird. On a cruise ship sailing across the Atlantic, Dr. Peter Palma expects to treat passengers for minor ailments. But when a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and with the morgue overflowing, Peter must fight his delirium to neutralize the threat. "Claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp" ~Readers' Favorite. 4.8 stars, 67 reviews. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Be Still My Racing Heart by Madison Love

Romance

Blake: Groomed to take over my father’s company, I dream of racing instead. While helping kids chase their dreams, I wait for fate to decide mine—until a crash with Ryder jolts me into taking control. Ryder: One collision with my rival turned everything upside down. Now stuck with community service and paying for my reckless choices, I didn’t expect her to walk in—and now, all I want is to win her heart. 4.7 stars, 160 ratings. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - The Price of Truth by Polly Letofsky

Children and Young Adult

Teen/YA Romantic Mystery. After a grand opening party, seventeen-year-old Karis Russo wakes up bloody and bruised with no memory of what happened. Her investigation takes a surprising turn when she learns Mason Whitman has harbored a crush on her for years. His charm and their undeniable chemistry throw her into a tailspin. But the deeper she digs into the mystery of that fateful night, the darker the truth becomes, and Karis realizes the price of truth may cost more than she’s willing to pay. 4.8 stars, 29 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


Write Yourself Happy by Sally Dickson

General Nonfiction

Writing Short Fiction for Clarity, Creativity, and a Happier Life. Whether you're scribbling on napkins, whispering into your phone, or filling notebooks with quiet ideas, this book shows you how writing short fiction—300 to 3000 words at a time—can become a powerful, healing habit. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spotlight on The Taggarts fantasy series (including free e-book!) from Hunter Davis

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Taggarts by Hunter Davis, a series of Teen/Young Adult fantasy action/adventure novels that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages:

FREE! The e-book edition of Iron Runes, the newly released prequel to The Taggarts Series, is currently available as a free download.

Iron Runes

Prequel to The Taggarts Series
New release: June 2025
Genres: Action & Adventure Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy Short Reads
Paperback: From $5.99
E-book: FREE!

A gripping prequel to The Taggarts Series, Iron Runes unveils the origins of the fabled Power Bracelets and the choices that shaped their legacy.

Adin has always been an outcast—a dwarf boy shunned by his own kind, searching for a place to belong. But when he uncovers a secret that could change the fate of an entire kingdom, he is thrust into a perilous quest that will test his courage, his resolve, and his very destiny.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the adventure, this tale will sweep you into a world of danger, discovery, and one unlikely hero’s fight to stand tall.

★★★★★ "The perfect book for the 9- to 12-year-old fantasy enthusiast or, if you’re like me, the 30-year-old fantasy enthusiast." ~Amazon Review


The Wanderer: A Nation Begins

Book 1 of The Taggarts Series
4.7 stars, 16 ratings
Genres: Action & Adventure Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
Paperback: From $9.99
E-book: From $2.99

An epic tale of betrayal, survival, and an unstoppable fight for justice.

The epic saga of the Taggarts begins with Bar, a dwarf who uncovers the dark reign of King Ellon and becomes entangled in a world-shaking struggle. As shadows of betrayal deepen and the king’s wrath grows, Bar discovers ancient powers long buried and forgotten—forces that may tip the scales of fate. 

Meanwhile, the Taggarts don’t just challenge the forces of evil—they reshape the fate of Asteria itself. Time and again, they face impossible odds, saving their world with valor and cunning. As their deeds grow legendary, the Taggarts transform from a hidden family to a nation forged in heroism, destined to stand as the beacon of hope for generations.

★★★★★ "A well-crafted tale of survival, ambition, and destiny." ~Goodreads Review


The Northern Woods

Book 2 of The Taggarts Series
Genres: Action & Adventure Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery Fantasy
Paperback: From $12.95
E-book: From $5.99

A tale of heart, courage, and adventure that builds on the foundation of The Wanderer with greater stakes and deeper secrets.

Return to the captivating world of the Taggart Series in The Northern Woods, a gripping sequel that takes readers deeper into the lives of Bar, the wandering dwarf, and Tami, the royal elf.

On a desperate journey to escape King Ellon's relentless pursuit, the newlyweds and their loyal companions venture toward the vast northern woodlands. But survival is far from simple. Unforeseen challenges force Bar, Tami, and their friends to confront life-altering choices that will test their bonds and resolve. Along the way, the discovery of the enigmatic Bracelets of Power sets into motion events that will shape their destinies and unravel ancient mysteries bound to the series.

★★★★★ "Book one was good, but this is even better." ~Amazon Review


About the Author

Hunter Davis was enthralled by tales of adventure and heroism as a child, but it wasn't until a college English assignment—where he penned the origins of Antar the Dwarf—that Hunter realized his gift for weaving fantastical worlds. Today, Hunter’s work spans from epic fantasy to Christian study books, offering readers clean and uplifting stories that resonate with all ages. Learn more at asteriaboo.com, where you can also sign up for his newsletter and a chance to win a free e-book. (Scroll to the bottom of the "About" page to sign up.) Finally, be sure to also follow Hunter online: 
 
    


P&W First Fiction 2025 Reading and Celebration

Events

Free online: First Fiction 2025 Reading and Celebration. Join Poets & Writers as they present authors of five of this summer’s best debut novels. The event will include readings from the authors and a conversation about their debut books, their influences, and their inspirations. Thursday, July 24, 7-8 PM EDT. 

"Every moment is a fresh beginning." ~T.S. Eliot


Blackwells Requiem by Zephryniah Dark

Book of the Day

Seventeen-year-old Vega Blackwell has always been on the run. But she can't run anymore. Instead, she must use her powers to prevent her mentor's past pupil from pursuing a mystical weapon that can tear into the fabric of reality. Vega, along with her friends and her mentor, must work together to save her city and uncover secrets of her past. From $16.50 - SHOP NOW


Fore-Ever Yours by Bella Greene

Romance

Matthew: All I wanted was a quiet few days. Instead, I get coffee poured on me, a gossip scandal, and a fake girlfriend. My agent insists this PR stunt will boost my career. Fine. The more we fake this, the more I forget it’s not real. Beth: One spilled coffee and now I’m the leading lady in a sports romance I didn’t sign up for. When Matthew offers me the perfect job, I can't say no. I need clients! But when the contract ends, what happens to us? 4.6 stars, 150+ ratings. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Stormproof by Allie Shad

Literary Fiction and Poetry

She was holding the world together—but who was holding her? She thought she had it under control. Until the storm hit. Stormproof is an emotionally gripping coming-of-age story about inner strength, healing, and rising through adversity. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, unseen, or uncertain of your next step—this story will remind you that you are not alone. Perfect for fans and readers who love emotionally driven fiction with a hopeful twist. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Twice a Broken Breath by Lisette Brodey

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

When Liam learns that his wife has left him for a former love and taken their eight-year-old daughter with her, Liam leaves his NJ home to search for them in New York City. With only 24 hours before they flee the country, he goes on a wild, unforgiving, frantic search through rain-soaked Manhattan. 4.5 stars, 61 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Huntress: A Fairy's Tale by Shelley Cass

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Kiana hunts the creatures that Krall's Sorcerer sends sneaking into Awyalkna. When she saves two young men from becoming a Krall beast's meal, they convince her to join them in the biggest hunt of her life. A hunt for an end to the Sorcerer of Krall altogether. In this fantasy adventure, readers will find friendship, light romance, fairy tale figures in an Army for the World, and a quest for understanding between all people. Book 1 in the series. From $1.30 - SHOP NOW


Two-Spirit Rising by Leander West

Romance

Cody Greystone, a Native American teen and gifted actor, lands a breakout film role that catapults him into the spotlight. Offstage, he battles anxiety, identity, and the weight of expectation—from his dad, the love of his life, and himself. Just as he begins to believe in his newfound fame, tragedy strikes, and life becomes fragile. An emotional coming-of-age story about love, loss, and the courage it takes to live authentically. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spotlight on the Louisiana Murder Mysteries of Jim Riley

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Louisiana Murder Mysteries, a new series from Jim Riley, veteran author of 50 murder mysteries:

Bonus: Jim is a lifelong resident of Louisiana. If you're in Louisiana and looking for some great Cajun cooking or seafood, check out Jim's Favorite Restaurants.

Murder By the Bayou

Book 1 of the Louisiana Murder Mysteries
Genre: Murder Thriller, Psychological Thriller
New release: June 30, 2025
From $2.99

A Louisiana murder mystery that unravels a perilous web of deceit and greed in a culture known for its crawfish and jambalaya.

Lucky Stryker's decision to skip school to go fishing takes a deadly turn when he and two friends witness the body of Louisiana's wealthiest man being dumped into the bayou.

With millions at stake, the man's wife—significantly younger than her children—has plenty of motives. The kids, with secret lives of their own, have ample reasons to benefit from Caleb Glover's death.


Murder Encrypted

Book 2 of the Louisiana Murder Mysteries
Genre: Conspiracy Thrillers, Organized Crime Thrillers
New release: July 6, 2025
From $3.99

A high-stakes mystery where justice is anything but guaranteed.

After private investigator Niki Dupre receives an encrypted message, she learns that it came from a high school friend, now dead under suspicious circumstances. Soon, Niki herself becomes a target.

Attacked in her home and pursued across state lines, Niki uncovers a criminal network connected to Mississippi’s underworld. With her partner, Donna Cross, at her side, decoding the message becomes crucial for their survival.


Murder and Needles

Book 3 of the Louisiana Murder Mysteries
Genre: Vigilante Justice Thrillers, Serial Killer Thrillers
New release: July 13, 2025
From $3.99

Needles have been used for centuries. Sometimes for good. Sometimes not.

When men along the South Louisiana bayous die with needle marks, Niki Dupre is called to unravel the mystery. With her partner, Donna Cross, in the killer’s sights, Niki races against time.


About the Author

J​​​​​​​​​​im Riley was born on the banks of the Cane River in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the heart of the southern cotton patch. Growing up in this rural setting. Jim developed his love and passion for the outdoors and the wildlife he hunted. After graduating from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jim worked in the oilfield for more than twenty years. Now he is happy at home with his wife. Learn more at JimRiley.net, and be sure to follow Jim online:
 
            


Free virtual tours of the Centre Pompidou

Events

The Centre Pompidou in Paris is the largest museum for modern and contemporary art in Europe and the second-largest in the world. The museum has more than 12,000 pieces of artwork on display, including works by Kandinsky, Dalí, and Valadon. The Centre's YouTube channel has dozens of videos available that provide walk-throughs of the museum and explanations of its most important works. Free online on demand!

"If you play the genie, you become it." ~Salvador Dalí