Today's Featured Books

Free online: Pour & Explore. Grab a glass of wine and join sommelier Nick Elliott (aka "The Wine Guy") for a virtual journey through the captivating world of wines. Learn how to swirl, sniff, and sip like pros, unlocking the hidden nuances and flavors of different wine varietals. Saturday, July 27, 5 - 6 PM CDT. 

"Wine and love have always been about sharing, living, and feeling." ~Paulo Coelho

"Imaginative high-stakes SF." ~Kirkus Reviews. Which is better, a great peace supported by a lie, or a massacre justified by the truth? In the year 2112, Captain Jerrison's fragile research vessel becomes the first manned spaceship to venture beyond Neptune where he and his crew encounter a scout from the alien Morgi civilization and learn that two Morgi clans will battle for ownership of Earth. If the more powerful clan wins, the Morgi will exterminate unsuspecting humanity. Can an unarmed human tip the balance of power in favor of the weaker Morgi clan? From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Attention all students, researchers, and lifelong learners! Are you tired of keeping up with the endless information you encounter daily? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to transform your note-taking skills from a chaotic mess into a powerful tool that helps you retain information, generate innovative ideas, and ace your exams or presentations. Say goodbye to scattered notes and fleeting memories and hello to a new level of academic and professional success. 4.2 stars, 200+ ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on To Own Two Suns by Fran Tabor, in which a NASA expedition to the edge of the solar system in 2112 encounters a long-hibernating alien. 

"Imaginative high-stakes SF breathes fresh life into the alien-first-contact genre." ~Kirkus Reviews 

To Own Two Suns

Which is better, a great peace supported by a lie, or a massacre justified by the truth?

In the year 2112, Captain Jerrison's fragile research vessel becomes the first manned spaceship to venture beyond Neptune. Jerrison and his crew plan to research exotic Kuiper Belt objects. Instead, the defenseless crew encounters a lone scout from the alien Morgi civilization.

Jerrison learns that two Morgi clans will battle for ownership of Earth. The Morgi scout is from the weaker clan. If the more powerful clan wins, the Morgi will exterminate unsuspecting humanity. 

An unlikely friendship forms. Can an unarmed human tip the balance of power in favor of the weaker Morgi clan? If not, the Morgi scount, his entire clan, and all humanity will die. 

Praise for To Own Two Suns
"In the year 2112, a NASA expedition (a dangerously cut-rate, low-budget one, it turns out) has sent volunteers to explore deep space, with little or no chance of return. The crew, led by Commander Jerry Jerrison, is on the edge of Pluto’s orbit when they make an epochal discovery: a fantastically advanced, shape-shifting alien spaceship, guided by an artificial intelligence and harboring one hibernating occupant... Readers will enjoy the sidelong jabs at human-style colonial imperialism and realpolitik." ~Kirkus Reviews (read the full review HERE)

"Readers gain empathy as both cultures try to adjust to each other... Another appealing aspect of the novel is the humor the author uses when human cultural norms are viewed through the perspective of [alien] values." ~LeighBee, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)

"Recommended to adults and young adults who are lovers of science fiction and also enjoy books about extraterrestrials and space exploration." ~Chuks Ogechukwu Bianca, OnlineBookClub.org (read the full review HERE)

    

Free online: Your Money or Your Life. Join for a discussion of Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin, a highly recommended book on personal finance. You are welcome to join whether you've read the book or not. Wednesday, July 24, 7 - 8:30 PM CDT. 

“Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people that they don’t like.” ~Will Rogers

Chef Jennifer Dove lives an exciting life in London. Then fate throws her life upside down when her beloved uncle back in Australia passes away, leaving her a cryptic message. Meanwhile, cattleman/electrician Calum McGregor saunters into Jennifer’s life with a quirky smile and playful eyes filled with wicked humor. He takes her breath—but damn it, she's not staying in Australia, London beckons. But add broad-shoulders, big trouble in snug jeans, boots, and leather jacket, and rational thought disappears. Book 1 of the Tumble Creek Series. 4.5 stars, 33 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to Laura Katz Olson and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Wrinkled Rebels, the story of six aging radicals from the 1960s who reunite and grapple with past ideals and present struggles over a weekend.

★★★★★ “Badass.” ~Bill Ayers, political organizer, anti-war activist, author

Wrinkled Rebels

Now 80 years old, retirement and advanced age have dissipated the spirit of six college radicals of the 1960s, who jointly had participated in civil rights campaigns and anti-war protests. Having engaged in only periodic communication over the decades, they suddenly receive an invitation to reunite for an extended weekend. Struggling with whether to go, each of them has divergent qualms and expectations for the proposed gathering.

During their three days together, they confront their inner demons, each other, and their future. Does Rebecca, the prime mover of the event, find solace after losing her wife and career? Can Malaika regain her sense of self after stepping down from her successful law practice? Mourning the loss of her youthful athletic prowess and attractiveness, what happens when Deanna faces her old friends?

Struggling with two divorces and a failing marriage, can Russell attain peace of mind? How will Max, an expat living in Canada, manage with his incipient dementia? Will the demoralized Keith recover his idealism?

Wrinkled Rebels is a story of how six people achieve meaningful lives through the struggle for social justice. It is also a tale of love, the bonds of friendship, and growing old positively.

If you enjoyed the following books, you will love Wrinkled Rebels:

• Rebellion, Love, Betrayal by Jack Heinz
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• The Opposition by Todd Gitlin
• Class Reunion by Rona Jaffe
• Tom Lake by Anne Patchett
• Dollbaby by Laura Lane McNeal

Praise for Wrinkled Rebels
★★★★★ “A warm-hearted, engaging novel of the life-shaping force of 60s activism and its enduring aftermath; a rare treat for those who were there and for those who wish they were.” ~David Farber, author of The Age of Great Dreams

★★★★★ “Capture[s] many of the personal nuances and life complications confronting those who sought so urgently to save the world.” ~Paul Buhle, founding editor of the SDS journal Radical America, retired Senior Lecturer, Brown University

★★★★★ “These badass activists reject the temptation to wallow in recitations of an old despond, or any nostalgia for a ship that’s already left the shore.” ~Bill Ayers, political organizer, anti-war activist, author of Fugitive Days: Memoirs of an Anti-War Activist

★★★★★ “A beautifully crafted work of art. Lovingly constructed characters captivated me from page one. Embedded in this novel is a micro history of the 1960s.” ~George Katsiaficas, political activist, author of The Global Imagination of 1968: Revolution and Counterrevolution

★★★★★ “For those who want to learn about the momentous years of social struggle in the 1960s - the civil rights movement; the anti-Vietnam war movement; the women’s liberation movement – Olson gives an engaging and lively flavor of these events through six different relatable characters.” ~Nancy Rosenstock, author of Inside the Second Wave of Feminism

Free online: Story Foolery. Step into the enchanting world of Story Foolery, where you and your partner become the protagonists of captivating tales. Imagine experiencing every thought, feeling, and secret of your character while your partner does the same from their character’s perspective. Whether you become a Femme Fatale, a Private Detective, a Pirate, a Ghost, or a Rock Star, each story immerses you in a way you’ve never experienced before. Monday, July 22, 9 PM CDT.

“Plot grows out of character. If you focus on who the people in your story are, something is bound to happen.” ~Anne Lamott

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on a new children's book from author Daniel Huerga: Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend: A Funny Story of Friendship and Acceptance for Kids, winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize and a glowing 5-star rating from Readers' Favorite.

Not sure you want a book based on a bodily function? Read on and you'll see why Frankie's story is perfect for kids ages 3 - 7. 

BONUS: Visit the website of Mandu Books to download free coloring pages from the book!

Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend

Meet Frankie, the most amiable puff you'll ever encounter! In this charming picture book, Frankie the Fart is on a quest for companionship. Despite his stinky nature, he's full of heart and ready to show that true friends come in all forms.

Why Kids Will Adore Frankie

• Laugh-Out-Loud Fun: Frankie's antics will have kids giggling from start to finish.
• Colorful Characters: Vibrant illustrations capture Frankie's bubbly personality.
• A Message of Acceptance: Learn that everyone has something special to offer.
• A Symphony of Giggles: The story's playful sounds will have readers erupting with laughter, creating a chorus of chuckles

Ideal for Little Ones

• Perfect for ages 3 to 7.
• A captivating read-aloud that encourages interactive storytelling.
• Embrace the Adventure: Join Frankie as he learns that friendship might just be a giggle away. Grab your copy today and let the fun-filled journey begin!

Praise and Recognition for Frankie

• Winner, The Golden Wizard Book Prize
• 5-star rating from Readers' Favorite
• "This book is a real stinker, but in a good way. Its humorous text and illustrations make it a book your whole family will enjoy reading." ~Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery
• "Imagine having Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and Maurice Sendak in a room and asking them to collaborate on a children's book. The result would likely resemble Daniel Huerga's Frankie the Fart Wants a Friend. This book is exactly what a children's book should be...a charming and engaging read that will leave both children and adults chuckling and reflecting on the power of acceptance and friendship." ~Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
• "Get ready to giggle your way through this tale of silly farting situations and friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and the humorous text makes this book a delightful read for children." ~Kidliomag Magazine

  

We are LitNuts are very excited about the focus of this special edition newsletter: Get award-winning urban fantasy and paranormal fiction from L.R. Braden, including the first books of two series for only 99 cents! Read on to learn more. 

BONUS: Sign up for the author's newsletter to get the latest updates on up-and-coming projects, events, special offers, new releases, and more. And if you scroll down on the sign-up page, you will also find links to the first chapters of nine novels that you can read for free! 

Demon Riding Shotgun

Possessed by a demon since she was eleven years old, Mira Fuentes maintains a fragile alliance with the snarky soul who shares her body. Together they hunt down unstable Rifters—demon-controlled humans bent on causing chaos in the mortal realm. But when a routine hunt leads to a powerful Rifter with plans for Baltimore, Mira quickly finds herself in over her head and at the top of the city's Most Wanted.

Recently retired from the PTF after losing his partner, Ty Williams now works for the Baltimore PD and keeps his distance from cases involving magic. But when a person dies of clearly magical causes and the PTF doesn’t have any agents to spare, Ty is the closest thing the department has to an expert. Saddled with a new partner he doesn’t want and a mountain of self-doubt, it's his job to track down a suspect who looks suspiciously like the one-night-stand he brought home from the bar last night.

Mira will have to set her trust issues aside and enlist the help of a man determined to uncover her secrets if she hopes to learn the identity of the demon's host and prevent the human race from becoming meat puppets for the denizens of the Rift.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for Demon Riding Shotgun

• Winner of the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award, Paranormal category
• Finalist in the 2023 Colorado Book Award, Sci-Fi/Fantasy category
• Winner of the 2022 Colorado Authros League Award for Writing Excellence, Fantasy and Paranormal categories
• "A delightfully tormented anti-heroine with the mother of all inner conflicts." ~Hunter J. Skye, author of the Hell Gate Series
• "A great read for every female lead Urban Fantasy enthusiast." ~NetGalley Review

A Drop of Magic

The war isn't over...

With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffic in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae.

Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future.

Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for A Drop of Magic

• Winner of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
• Winner of the First Horizon Award for outstanding debut authors
• Winner of the Imadjinn Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel
• "A thrilling and original fantasy ride.” ~Kate Jonuska, author of Transference
• "A damned fun and original read, with sass, action, hot men, and a whole lot of magic.” ~Diana Pharaoh Francis, author of the Diamond City Magic and Horngate Witches Series

Lies and Illusion

Diplomacy has never been Alex’s strong suit…

When the vampire council puts Alex and James on trial for exposing the species’ existence to the world, Alex's freedom and James's life hang in the balance, though Alex suspects James’s new daywalking ability is the real aim of their inquisition.

Any hope of talking their way out of hot water evaporates when one of the council members is found murdered...with James standing over the smoldering corpse. With every vampire looking to claim Alex’s power for themselves, she will have to team up with an unlikely ally, push her magic to its limits, and match wits against a powerful new foe if she hopes to come out unscathed.

Read Chapter 1.

Praise and Recognition for Lies and Illusion

• "An intricately woven tale of hope, betrayal, deceit and love." ~NetGalley Review
• "A brilliant and powerful addition to the series." ~Amazon Review

          

Max's War

"Hellmann expertly marries heaps of historical detail with a thoughtful illustration of the dangers of nationalism. This ranks with the author's best work." Publishers Weekly

A sweeping World War 2 saga in which a young German Jew flees Europe, emigrates to America, and joins the Army to fight Nazis

As the Nazis conquer Europe, Jewish teen Max and his parents flee persecution in Germany for Holland, where Max finds true friends and a life-altering romance. But when Hitler invades in 1940, Max must escape to Chicago, leaving his parents and friends behind. When he learns of his parents' deportation and murder, Max immediately enlists in the US Army. After basic training he is sent to Camp Ritchie, Maryland, where he is trained in interrogation and counterintelligence.

Deployed to the OSS as well, Max carries out dangerous missions in occupied countries. He also interrogates scores of German POWs, especially after D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, where, despite life-threatening conditions, he elicits critical information about German troop movements.

Post-war, he works for the Americans in the German denazification program, bringing him back to his Bavarian childhood home of Regensburg. Though the city avoided large-scale destruction, the Jewish community has been decimated. Max roams familiar yet strange streets, replaying memories of lives lost to unspeakable tragedy. While there, he reunites with someone from his past who also sought refuge abroad. Can they rebuild their lives…together?

This epic story about a Ritchie Boy is Libby Hellmann’s tribute to her late father-in-law who was active with the OSS and interrogated dozens of German POWs.

Sure to captivate readers of Kate Quinn and Kristin Hannah, Max’s War echoes modern-day decisions made during periods of conflict and explores what happens when hate seems to be winning.

Praise for Max's War
"Another engrossing and powerful historical novel from award-winning author Hellmann. Max's War moves quickly with memorable characters and vivid descriptions." ~BookReporter

"It's a story everyone should know, everyone should read." ~John Lawton, author of the Joe Wilderness series

"Hellmann's novel informs as its story surges ahead, through tragedies and breathless escapes, and the personal cost of vengeance." ~BookLife

Get a Free Gift!
Libby gave a lot of thought to the gift she gives you in return for joining her monthly newsletter, and we love her idea: A collection of seven short stories intended to help you get to know her style and her voice as a writer, which may in turn help you decide which novel of hers you will want to read next!

About Libby Fischer Hellmann

Libby Fischer Hellmann is a critically acclaimed crime writer loved by readers the world over for her compulsively readable thrillers and strong female characters. Her fast-paced crime fiction spans 17 novels and 25 short stories. She also writes historical fiction standalones and edited the evergreen crime fiction anthology Chicago Blues. Doubleblind, her newest PI Georgia Davis thriller, #6 in the series, was released in March 2022.

Libby's richly varied novels have won numerous awards, and Libby has also served as the National President (2005-2006) of Sisters in Crime, a 4,000+ member organization dedicated to strengthening the voice of female mystery writers.

Libby started out in broadcast news, beginning her career as an assistant film editor for NBC News in New York before moving to DC to work with Robin MacNeil and Jim Lehrer at N-PACT, the public affairs production arm of PBS. Retrained as an assistant director when Watergate broke, Libby helped produce PBS's night-time broadcast of the hearings. She moved to Chicago to work for public relations firm Burson-Marsteller in Chicago, and then later created Fischer Hellmann Communications.

Originally from Washington, D.C., Libby earned a BA in History from the University of Pennsylvania, and then a Masters Degree in Film Production from New York University. She's lived in Chicago more than forty years now, has two kids and a cat.

Learn more at LibbyHellmann.com, get seven free short stories by signing up for Libby's newsletter, and be sure to follow her online: