Today's Featured Books

Each year, the Mississippi Book Festival (September 13, Jackson, Mississippi) unites readers and authors via panel discussions, book signings, family-friendly activities, food trucks, live music, and more! The festival is free and open to all who attend in person, but if you're not in the area, you can still enjoy the festival's huge archive of videos from past Mississippi Book Festival events. 

“One place understood helps us understand all places better.” ~Eudora Welty

A practical guide to setting boundaries at work with confidence. Michael Goodman offers clear strategies and scripts to help professionals and leaders say “no” without guilt, avoid burnout, and stop overcommitment. With direct, actionable steps, this book empowers readers to protect their time, focus on what matters, and build healthier, more respectful workplaces. 4.5 stars, 98 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

“Dalrymple has upped her game in this chilling, riveting, compulsively page-turning thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you gasping for breath and desperate for more.” ~Lisa Regan, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Crime Fiction Author. She thought she was safe…but even a continent away is not far enough to hide her from her enemies. Will she be able to evade a killer’s search? 4.6 stars, 68 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

A land once torn by chaos, blood, and storms—transformed by unity into a nation of strength and vision. From scattered tribes in the desert to a people who rose together, this is the untold story of resilience, sacrifice, and the man who united them all. $3.99 - SHOP NOW /

Willa Fairfax is one semester from graduating from culinary school when she inherits The Bent Spoon, a small-town diner with loyal customers but uninspired food. Planning a quick turnaround with her twin brother, she never expects local farmer Dom Calloway to complicate everything. He’s steady, small-town, and proud of his roots—everything Willa insists she doesn’t want. Their clashes spark plenty of tension, but in this sweet small-town romance, love might be the perfect recipe. 4.4 stars, 23 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

"St. Patrick Catholic Church in NW Portland, Oregon, is the scene of an epic stand-off in this literary thriller." ~Two Pirates Press. The standoff takes place in the confessional between Father Luke Scott and retired newspaper reporter Chuck Grayson, who believes Scott killed his father. Veiled threats of gun violence heighten the tension. Will the sanctity of the Church hold, or will the confessional be the scene of a bloody reckoning? 4.7 stars, 29 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Work at a funeral home can be mundane...until you accidentally start bringing the dead back to life. Full of wry humor, paranormal mystery, quirky characters, and piles of pastries, you'll find it hard to pry yourself away from this start to a "hilarious" and "highly recommended" series. Perfect for fans of comic fantasy whodunits by C.K. McDonnell, Kim M. Watt, or Wilkie Martin! 4.2 stars, 1000+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Community Uplift Series of books from Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan, including her newest title, Grieving Our Loss of Democracy.

Bonus #1: Download a FREE copy of the Kindle edition of Grieving Our Loss of Democracy—but hurry: the free download ends September 9!

Bonus #2: Get a FREE “Power Up” Toolkit, exclusive updates, and more when you sign-up to receive news from Rev. Dr. Egan. (Scroll down to "Free Toolkit and Exclusive Updates" to sign up.)

Grieving Our Loss of Democracy

How We Can Navigate Our Grief When Nothing Makes Sense Any More

Do you feel like the world you once knew is falling apart before your eyes?  

Polarization, rising authoritarianism, political chaos, and a constant sense of loss make it harder than ever to find meaning and hope. You may feel angry, confused, or even hopeless. What you are experiencing has a name: grief for our loss of democracy.

This book is your roadmap to move through that grief and rediscover a path toward action, community, and renewed hope. Grieving Our Loss of Democracy not only explains what is happening to us collectively, but also guides you step-by-step through the grieving process—from denial and anger to acceptance and empowerment.

Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan, an experienced pastor, activist, and community leader, blends psychology, spirituality, and practical tools to help you transform pain into strength. In this book, you will discover:

• A new lens on crisis – Understand why you feel a deep sense of loss and how collective grief shapes our lives and communities.
• The five stages of grief, reimagined – Applied not only to personal losses but also to the breakdown of democratic values.
• Inspiring examples and stories – Learn how others have navigated similar challenges, both in history and today.
• Practical tools and reflection questions – To help you turn overwhelming emotions into conversation, growth, and action.
• A path from chaos to purpose – Move beyond helplessness into a grounded sense of agency and communal hope.

Imagine…waking up and no longer feeling anger or despair, but a clear direction forward.

...finding the words to name your pain and share it with others—discovering that it becomes a source of collective strength.

…replacing fear of the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to protect what matters most.

If you feel like nothing makes sense anymore, this book will show you that hidden within the chaos is the way to renewal. Read it to find the strength you need—for yourself, your family, and your community.

Praise for Grieving Our Loss of Democracy
“This is not a book of despair. Grieving Our Loss of Democracy invites readers to honor their grief, find sustenance in shared experiences, and ultimately transform that grief into purposeful resistance.” ~Literary Titan

"A groundbreaking manifesto on social transformation, offering a vision that bends humanity’s arc toward justice...a profound, provocative analysis that illuminates our urgent political and social moment." ~International Review of Books

Building Communities of Hope

How People Are Making Positive Change

Hope? You gotta be kidding me! Are you tired of all the bad news, violence, and stress? There are positive alternatives—practical ways people bring more hope to energize themselves and others. Each of us, deep down, has the spirit and fire within to live in joy. Named one of the 20 Best Community Building Books of All Time by Book Authority, this book is filled with real-life stories about people who are doing just that—living large and making a huge difference. 

★★★★★ "A great book that guides readers toward building a strong community through good deeds. It is also a much-needed resource for self-healing from life’s challenges and advocating compassion, kindness, and love to support one another." ~Literary Titan, Gold Award

Moving Mama

Taking Care of Mother During Her Final Years with Alzheimer's

Did you know 6.7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's? Most of us need help, and this book has a lot to offer. Readers call it an excellent, practical resource for those of us who are caring for a loved one. Reviewers say the book is "a must for someone caring for an elder," "a page-turner," and "a compelling story that touched me deeply." They also said the book was "something I could not put down." It's a book that at its core speaks of hope. Add this to your toolkit! 

★★★★★ "A compassionate guide through Alzheimer's." ~Amazon Vine Voice Review 

★★★★★ "Valuable advice and strategies for navigating the complexities of elder care." ~Amazon Review

Free online: Historical Fiction Book Recommendations. Join Jane Healey on the second Tuesday of each month for 30 minutes of recommendations on the best of historical fiction out there. Jane is author of The Beantown Girls, a Washington Post and Amazon bestseller, and The Secret Stealers, a Historical Novel Society’s Editors’ Choice. Tuesday, September 9, 5:30 - 6:00 PM CDT.

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." ~Mark Twain

Tech startup CEO Madeline gambled with her sanity to get more time by undergoing a controversial procedure to reduce sleep. Now her wildest dreams—and nightmares—are coming true. When her neuroscientist husband suspects something nefarious is afoot, they end up in a bloodshot escapade to prevent reality from slipping away for good. A techno, psychological thriller, this fast-paced and mind-bending novel is Inception meets Dark Matter or Recursion. 4.0 stars, 66 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

The complete Soldiers of Earthrise series, in one box set! Six entire novels, 2,000+ pages of heart-pounding science fiction. From the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. 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. 4.4 stars, 86 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Sakhi’s playful love for puzzles leads her from drawing Rangoli with her mother to tracing constellations in the night sky. With family encouragement and a spark of curiosity, she discovers the magic of creativity and the wonder of the universe. A heartfelt story of dreams, discovery, and reaching for the stars. FREE - SHOP NOW /

From Accra and Mumbai to Milan and New York, a vibrant new generation of activist entrepreneurs turn visionary ideas into impactful realities. Ignite Global Change offers a roadmap for crafting wealth from minimal resources, from ideation to implementation. Its practical, real-world approach provides strategies that will help you overcome challenges, transcend borders, and create sustainable solutions in modern societies across the globe. 5.0 stars, 62 ratings on Goodreads. From $7.99 - SHOP NOW /

If you are looking for a heroine well worth rooting for, look no further than C.R. Hurst's latest biographical historical fiction series. Discover Jeanne Baret, the first woman to sail around the world. Try this first installment of the completed two-part series for free! ~A fascinating read, bringing to life an extraordinary woman who is unique, unconventional, and full of curiosity, courage, and daring." ~Readers' Favorite. 4.4 stars, 51 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

This powerful collection of stories from courageous authors reveals the untold truths women are now courageously sharing—breaking free from isolation, burnout, and the pressure to hustle. With heartfelt stories and practical guidance, Rise invites women to reclaim their identity, find authentic community, and rise together toward healing and empowerment. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /  

When the daughter of a powerful U.S. senator turns up dead, former CIA operative Andy Flint wants answers. But his search for the truth exposes a chilling trail of killings leading to a conspiracy that could shatter the nation. As Flint closes in on a killer with a mission carved in blood, he becomes the next target in a war that’s been brewing in the shadows. 4.4 stars,13 ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

With Russia’s sexist law banning women from working as auto mechanics, Zoya turns to small-time cons. But car repair scams don’t bring in enough to rescue her little brother from their toxic mother, so Zoya agrees to take part in a dangerous heist. Then the mastermind behind the job is murdered. Trapped between a deadly heist, a family tragedy, and a killer in her crew, Zoya must expose the truth before it buries her. 4.9 stars, 28 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

She knows it’s reckless. She knows it’s wrong. But one taste, and Micah makes Linda feel like something she hasn’t felt like in a long time. A woman. "A reverse age-gap romance with plenty of heat and heart." ~Amazon Review. FREE - SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Twin Roses, a new erotic thriller from author D.J. Sumpter, scheduled for release on September 14. You can pre-order copies now—and you can also order Twin Roses: The Signature Collection, a companion book of cocktail/mocktail recipes based on the novel. 

Twin Roses

Obsession blooms where love dies.

In the heart of Paris, behind the gilded walls of Galerie Solé, a woman reigns. She is poised, powerful, and in complete control—until a former lover resurfaces, and a mysterious new intern steps into her world, both bearing secrets too intimate to ignore.

As passion ignites and surveillance tightens, hidden forces move beneath the surface: betrayals cloaked in silk, truths whispered through code, and a presence in red that should not exist. What begins as seduction spirals into a war of masks, memory, and legacy.

Between the twin flames of love and vengeance, only one truth remains: Every rose has a mirror. And not all reflections survive.

For readers of Jacqueline Carey, Gillian Flynn, and Silvia Moreno-García, Twin Roses is a dark, sensual, and psychologically charged debut about the women who don’t just survive power—they become it.

"A seductive blend of erotica and thriller suspense." ~Goodreads Review

Twin Roses: The Signature Collection

Cocktail and mocktail recipe book inspired by the characters, themes, and emotional depth of D.J. Sumpter's erotic thriller, Twin Roses.

This beautifully curated companion blends storytelling and mixology, offering more than 20 original recipes that reflect the seductive, mysterious world of the novel. Each drink is crafted to embody a mood, moment, or character-from the dark elegance of "Velvet Guillotine" to the quiet intensity of "Echoes & Ink."

Featuring lush descriptions, symbolic garnishes, and zero-proof alternatives, this book is perfect for fans of the series, lovers of literary-inspired cuisine, and anyone who enjoys emotional depth in a glass. Whether you're savoring solitude or hosting a night of intrigue, these recipes invite you to taste the story behind every sip. Part art book, part bar guide. Twin Roses: The Signature Collection is a sensory journey through obsession, restraint, and desire.

        

Free online: Imprint. Join this live event celebrating the YouTube release of the award-winning documentary Imprint. a poetic documentary exploring 13 grassroots projects across Sweden that reimagine community, resilience, and our shared future in the age of the Anthropocene. You can see the movie trailer on YouTube now. Saturday, September 6, 10-11 a.m. CDT. 

"What if humans belong to the Earth—and not the other way around?" ~Mattias Olsson, documentary filmmaker

Wilder Crick, the worst presidential candidate in history, is dead. Now his reluctant apprentice, Tom, must carry out his final order: a bizarre, posthumous search for the true, hidden nature of reality. "Some books tell a story," writes Literary Titan. "For people who enjoy satire so sharp it draws blood, philosophy so deep it makes your head hurt, and humor so dark you feel guilty laughing." ~Literary Titan. 4.1 stars, 746 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Somehow, he lost his freedom. Now he belongs to the Academy, and the rules have changed. What started as a game has become a matter of life and death. If he doesn’t think fast, someone will die. At thirteen, you shouldn’t have to face these kinds of issues. But at thirteen, you don’t get to decide The Rules. Book 1 in the series. 4.5 stars, 600+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

An interesting and uplifting story of endurance, inner strength, and the determination to take back control of one's life, with faith serving as a guiding light throughout. Each character develops richly, bringing depth and authenticity to this unforgettable read. "Irene Williams writes with a clear purpose, showcasing the skill and professionalism of a gifted author." ~Midwest Book Review. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW /

An explosion rocks a historic site, exposing skeletal remains—and triggering a deadly search for the truth. Preservationist Samantha Jordan and Detective Nick Ballard are thrust into a perilous vortex of deception, corruption, and murder where evidence vanishes and enemies strike without warning. To survive, they must solve the mystery before a ruthless killer silences them forever. 4.4 stars, 120 ratings. From $0.99. Free via Ku. SHOP NOW /

Aliens are invading, Earth is losing, and I—Jim, starfighter pilot and reluctant hero—just wanted a drink. Instead, I get an alien flight suit, a war between two alien empires, and a crash course in galactic chaos. With snark, explosions, and badass allies, Book 1 in the Crimson Deathbringer Series is a fast, funny space opera thrill ride! 4.3 stars, 979 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /