Today's Featured Books

New release: A powerful, emotionally rich, and deeply human memoir. Born the eleventh of thirteen children in war-torn Vietnam, Richard Du faced poverty and felt the gravity of loss. From surviving barefoot in the bomb-laced fields of a remote village to arriving in Los Angeles at age eleven without a word of English or a day of schooling, Richard's story is one of unstoppable evolution. Told with vulnerability, wit, and wisdom. From $3.88. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Lily Prentiss wants to ignore her healing magic and Magiste society. When she finds Aidan Marchand evolving into a Mage, her touch stops his pain. The sexy Dom seduces her into submission, and she enjoys it. Aidan has more to fear than his maturing powers—specifically, his blackmailing business partner. Though Lily’s touch eases Aidan's pain, he puts her in danger. How can he let her go? From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on new women's fiction and romance from Baker Book House:

• Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher (released May 2025)
• The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck (coming July 15)
• Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn (coming August 19)

★★★★★ "A wonderful summer read." ~review of Capture the Moment by Mary Ann Hake, author of The Smell of Spring

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Clean Sweet Summer Romance Novel with a Park Ranger and a Wildlife Photographer in Grand Teton National Park

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments. But now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain—and the bears—better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Praise for Capture the Moment
"Fisher weaves a story of love and healing among the wilderness and beauty of the majestic Grand Tetons." ~Rachel Hauck, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Part mystery, sweet romance, & wildlife adventure, this book kept me quickly turning the pages." ~Melissa's Bookshelf review on Goodreads

The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck

A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

Praise for The Sands of Sea Blue Beach
"Hauck pulls out all the stops in this heartwarming novel of perseverance and family." ~Library Journal starred review

"This book is truly a breath of fresh air, all wrapped within a sweet and swoony love story!" ~Liz Isaacson, USA Today bestselling author

Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn

Suitcase Sisters Book #2: Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Italy with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God's nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Praise for Gelato at the Villa
"Readers will be swept off their feet by this faith-forward celebration of friendship." ~Amanda Cox, award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging

"Gunn writes characters who will leap off the page and straight into your heart." ~Liz Johnson, best-selling author of Beyond the Tides

      

Free online: Austin Public Library Book & Movie Club. This month, the club will be reading The Hours, a 1998 Virginia Woolf tribute novel written by Michael Cunningham, and watching the 2002 film adaptation of the same title. Tuesday, June 3, 7 PM CDT. 

"Absorbing, mysterious, of infinite richness, this life." ~Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway

"Funny, casually progressive, and unafraid to be weird as hell." ~Independent Book Review. Alex wants to enjoy her summer break from teaching middle school, but when a science experiment brings God to Earth (and utter chaos along with her), Alex teams up with new friends to undo the experiment. With the fate of humanity at stake (and two demons with a solution helping out), Alex navigates this scientific conundrum, as well as some demons of her own. From 2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Complete Family Guide to Dog Training, Behavior, and Communication. Your go-to guide for raising a well-behaved, happy dog. With expert tips on everything from training puppies to helping rescues thrive, this book uses proven, positive techniques to build trust and tackle common issues. Perfect for the whole family! "Very helpful in understanding your dog and how to create positive behaviors.” ~Amazon Review. 4.7 stars, 32 ratings. From 4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Madeleine Di Luna faces any challenge with an iron head and spirit.  Bold, scrappy, and endlessly adventurous. If you're looking for action-packed stories that'll keep you glued, The Feats of Madeleine is for you. Originally separate but interconnected short stories that together weave an epic tale, now combined in one neat package. These adventures are a perfect read for those who crave a true action-adventure experience.4.4 stars, 38 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

For Andee Nunn, moving out of her comfort zone and breaking barriers produced rewarding results. Her choices morphed her into an award-winning teacher whose path was forever altered by the students who graced her with their presence. Magic in Room 216 generously details a teacher's profound education and inspirational life journey for our era of DEIJ. 5.0 stars, 27 ratings. From $12.99 - SHOP NOW / 

In a realm gripped by eternal winter, a cursed knight known as Death and a witch marked by fate must unite to end the darkness. Bound by prophecy and hunted by forgotten gods, their union could restore life—or doom the world forever. This dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast weaves magic, sacrifice, and forbidden love into a tale where the cost of salvation may be their hearts…or their lives. 4.7 stars, 24 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

New release: A YA Urban Fantasy. I never asked to be a Viator—gifted with the powers of the angels and destined to protect humanity from the shadows. I definitely didn’t ask for a mate bond to someone I barely remember. Now, I’m being hunted by the Paladin Order’s ruthless leader, a man who will stop at nothing to control our power. In this world where alliances are tested, bonds are forged, and destinies collide, one question haunts me: will my light burn bright enough to outshine the shadows? From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New Release: Young Dannilee Bennett seemed to always make the right moves and avoid the wrong ones. In fact, she was the luckiest kid anyone ever knew. But her high sense of clairvoyance wasn’t always a good thing. One man took notice of her special talent—and he knew exactly how to use it. Soon, Dannilee found herself on the run and thousands of miles from home. She had to learn quickly to choose friends from enemies, lovers from friends, and how to harness a power she never wanted! From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

If you like brooding billionaire bosses, sassy younger heroines who don't back down, steamy island encounters with silver foxes, and surprise pregnancies that change everything, then you will love this new release. An Opposites Attract, Age-Gap, Surprise Pregnancy Romance. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Free online: Poetry for National Creativity Day. Join some of the most creative voices in contemporary poetry for a burst of imagination and invention! Featuring: Julie Stevens, Mark Antony Owen, Sarah Reeson, Beth Brooke, Maggie Mackay, Nina Parmenter, Sarah Doyle, Martin Kennedy Yates, and Corinna Board. Saturday, May 31, 1:00 - 2:30 PM CDT. 

"The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it." ~Dylan Thomas

A haunting tale of family, feud and betrayal. A family living on a Hebridean island, the only inhabitants, are torn apart by jealousy, resentment, and hostility. The father a bully, the mother submissive, one boy like the father, the other crippled and sensitive. The hostility leads to murder. Cain kills Abel. From $5.16. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New release! A powerful collection of true stories that highlights Black trailblazers who shaped American history and opened doors for future generations. Designed for readers from middle school through adulthood, the book blends historical accuracy with accessible storytelling that inspires, informs, and uplifts. Whether you're an educator, parent, student, or lifelong learner, this book invites you to connect with the past—and discover the greatness within. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

America is $37 trillion in debt—and the clock is ticking. This book offers bold, practical solutions to restore economic sanity, pay off the national debt, and revive the American Dream. Drawing from history, free-market principles, and cutting-edge tech, this powerful reform plan cuts through political noise with clarity and courage. If you're tired of partisan bickering and want real answers, this is the book for you. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Have you ever wondered about the origins and evolution of Christian beliefs? Whether you are a lifelong believer, a seeker of truth, or just curious about the intricacies of Christian faith, this fact-filled, scripturally rich book will transform your perception of Christianity. Gain a deeper understanding of its core beliefs, expand your spiritual awareness, and open your mind to new perspectives with this meticulously researched, thought-provoking work. 4.6 stars, 92 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Juliette Valentine is a cunning, complex, and pathological child prodigy. At just fourteen years old this elite gymnast manages to weaponize the family dog, create a rabies panic in her small town, initiate a CPS investigation into her own mother, and successfully hunt, capture, trap, and tame Jonathon, the boy next door. The reader will get to know both Juliette and Jonathon through their own unique perspectives and by way of various flashbacks of their traumatic childhoods. 4.8 stars, 38 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

My magic sucks. I might be the worst sorcerer ever. But I have a chance to improve. Maybe. Mageright Academy and Fallsview Finishing School are hosting a camp, and I was accepted. If they can’t help me, no one can. But something’s wrong at camp. Mages keep going into comas, and dark magic keeps appearing in my dorm. If I don't figure out what’s happening, the dark magic might get me next. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Helene Gaudet finds the perfect Dom in an internet chat room. He's Devlin Marchand who years ago betrayed her to a dark sorcerer. At first fearful of Devlin, Helene finds passion so intense she can't bring herself to leave. As Devlin's guilt over the past grows, will he be able to heal Helene or will their enemies succeed in tearing them apart? Contains explicit love scenes of the paranormal kind, including magical sex toys, potions, bondage, and more. 4.1 stars, 26 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the poetry of three authors published by Harbor Lane Books, an indie press that publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry:

• Between These Bones by Freya Sharp
• Ashes and Embers by E.V. Nova
• Lilacs and Roses by Cheryl and Christie Leigh Babirad

★★★★★ "Beautiful and meaningful." ~Amazon Review of Between These Bones

Between These Bones: A Collection of Poetry

Between These Bones is a relatable and intimate collection of bite-sized poems that take the reader on a journey with Freya through trauma, the struggles that come with surviving abusive relationships, heartbreak, mental illness, finding oneself, healing, and opening up to new love.

★★★★★ "Raw and emotional." ~Goodreads Review

Ashes and Embers: Poems

Ashes and Embers includes After The Ashes and Reignite The Embers by E.V. Nova. After the Ashes is a collection of poems depicting the emotional journey through the darkness of grief, heartbreak, and betrayal, and into the first glimpse of hope and light that comes with healing. Reignite the Embers is a collection of poems portraying the beautiful, and sometimes confusing, journey of new beginnings. 

Perfect for fans of Kate Baer, Melody Godfred, and Courtney Peppernell.

Lilacs and Roses: A Poetry Collection

This compilation of poems--a collaboration between mother and daughter, Cheryl and Christie Leigh Babirad--unites distinct voices of two generations, unveiling timeless passions and emotions as they delve into the subjects of love, peace, nature, heartbreak, and hope.

Lilacs and Roses also includes mother and daughter interviews with each other as they ask questions that will inspire readers to connect with their loved ones and take notice of the beautiful ties that bind generations.

      

Free online: Join the Academy of American Poets for the 2025 Blaney Lecture on "Poetry and Spirituality" delivered by acclaimed poet Kaveh Akbar, author Pilgrim Bell (Graywolf Press, 2021) and Calling a Wolf a Wolf (Alice James, 2017). He is also the editor of The Penguin Book of Spiritual Verse: 100 Poets on the Divine. His first novel, Martyr! (Knopf, 2024), was a New York Times Bestseller. Thursday, May 29, 6-7 PM CDT. 

“Bewilderment is at the core of every great poem.” ~Kaveh Akbar

They came from beyond. From beyond the galaxy. From beyond human understanding. They came with one mission. To kill us all. From the shadows of despair, heroes will rise. Heroes will sound the cry of our world, the prayer of our people. "Hear, O Earth! We will live!" From the USA Today bestselling author of Starship Freedom comes A Prayer for Earthrise. Read Book 1 for free! 4.4 stars, 100+ ratings on Goodreads & Amazon. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Small town, big dreams. A poignant coming-of-age story about three beautiful teenage sisters and the young boy who comes to spend the summer with them. And So We Dream is about stepping into a world of beauty, wonder, longing, and, ultimately, transformation. “A lucidly described coming-of-age tale [with] a mysterious, almost mythic feminine glamour.” ~Kirkus Reviews. 4.5 stars, 186 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Emilia Draper races to save a young girl from a fatal disease. Navy SEAL Hawke Turner will put it all on the line to protect her from the enemy set to destroy her. He’ll take a bullet, face any threat. If the pain in his heart is love, so be it. A friends-to-lovers military romance full or heart-pounding suspense! 4.3 stars, 1000+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /