Today's Featured Books

In this special edition of the LitNuts newsletter, the focus is on romance. Specifically, on the Tumble Creek Series from Louise Forster, four books that focus on the importance of family and friends as the protagonists overcome past regrets and new discoveries that challenge everything they hold precious.

★★★★★ "A beautiful story packed with emotion, misunderstanding, and love. A must read for any romance lover. Definitely checks all the boxes." ~BookReader Review

Home Truths in Tumble Creek

Tumble Creek is keeping a secret. Jennifer and Sofie have no idea the revelation will involve them.

Chef Jennifer Dove lives an exciting life in London. Then fate throws her life upside down. Back in Australia, her beloved uncle passed away, leaving her a cryptic message. Then Jennifer and her sister, Sofie, learn of unsettling news regarding their uncle’s estate.

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.

Rescued: Tumble Creek

Art teacher Sofie is in trouble. Police officer Brock discovers that he’ll risk everything to keep the woman he's fallen in love with out of court.

Sofie Dove wants to know what’s up with Brock Stewart. Everything about the ex-soldier-turned-police-officer screams passion—and it’s all for her. Sofie knows Brock has a past that still keeps him up at night, so she is trying to understand why he gives her mixed messages

After a scary incident destroys Sofie’s house, Brock insists he’s the only one who can keep her safe. He’s determined to find who’s out to get her. But an unexpected arrival in town has the potential to derail their budding relationship.

Promises In Tumble Creek

In a small town secrets aren’t kept for long. Adele must find a way to leave her past behind.

Adele Valentin knows she looks strong, capable, and unflappable from the outside. But when she loses everything, she can only think of one thing to do: run.

A friend’s house in the small rural town of Tumble Creek is a ready-made sanctuary, and Adele flees the big city without ever looking back.

The timing has never been right for Takumi Edwards to express his feelings for Adele, the beautiful, mysterious woman who visits occasionally but haunts his dreams nightly. But now she’s here to stay—at least for a while—and he will never have a better chance. But Adele struggles with both past decisions and how vulnerable Takumi makes her feel. When her past follows her to Tumble Creek, Takumi is the only one who can help resolve both what came before and what could be ahead—if Adele is only strong enough to ask.

Tumble With Me

Where secrets and quirky characters all find a home.

Ex-pole dancer Ava Bennett is ready for a change, even though the idea of moving to Lawson Grady’s hometown freaks her out. Aside from dancing, Ava is a skilled cabinetmaker and intends to build her own home. The biggest obstacle Ava needs to overcome is her private fear—one she’s reluctant to admit to herself, let alone share.

Ex-soldier Lawson, who has a few secrets of his own, is a gentle, kind-hearted guy who’s always ready to listen. Helping people and animals is in his blood. Lawson’s instinct tells him Ava is hiding something. But his efforts to help her come clean are in vain—until there’s no avoiding it.

    

You work long hours, run errands, manage the household, prepare meals, and so much more. Yet at the end of the day, it feels like you've accomplished nothing. How do you make progress when there is so much to be done? 

Introducing Your Time, Your Way: Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived by Carl Pullein, a book that sets forth a revolutionary approach to redefining your relationship with time.

★★★★★ "Clear, concise, and practical." ~Amazon Review

Your Time, Your Way: Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived

Is it actually possible to do more in less time?

The answer is yes, if you know how to make the system work for you instead of the other way around.

Your Time, Your Way sets forth a revolutionary approach to redefining your relationship with time. Written by author, coach, and Time Management Guru Carl Pullein, this productivity handbook presents an innovative, meticulously crafted time management system that will work for you.

Carl introduces the "Time Sector System," an incredibly user-friendly system designed to help you master the art of time management. Carl, a true time tamer with a career spanning 20+ years, has helped not just individuals but global brands like KIA utilize their time efficiently and effectively. And now he's here to help you.

With Your Time, Your Way, you will learn how to:

• Prioritize tasks by importance, not urgency. Focus on what truly matters to you.
• Avoid common pitfalls. Another calendar app won't save your schedule. Plan your day in a way that feels organic, not overwhelming.
• Master the art of time management. Turn your intentions into actions and spend more time doing the things you love doing.
• Implement the Time Sector System: a fresh method to divide your tasks into areas of focus and to structure your goals in a way that is easy to maintain.

      

This edition of LitNuts brings you the heat with these steamy science fiction and paranormal western titles:

• Tabitha Prime
• The Kepler Incident
• Justice Rides

Read on to learn more!

Tabitha Prime

The year is 2109. Tabitha, a devious vengeful clone of Bill Jones’ long-dead ex-wife, has developed a powerful weapon that can destroy stars, along with their planetary systems. With it, she secured her position as a Prime Director in the Mr’rk Interstellar Corporation.

But her obsession goes far beyond absolute power or fabulous wealth. She wants revenge for the death of Bull Travers, the man she cuckolded Bill with years ago on the USS Armstrong. In addition to killing Bill Jones, she seeks to destroy the entire Solar System so she can plunder Earth.

Fast forward five years. Bill Jones is promoted and given tactical command of the task force sent to stop Tabitha and her evil plan. But he has other issues, like a drug-addicted mentally unstable Admiral who also has an axe to grind with Bill, a starship upgraded with barely tested alien technology, and the off-chance of starting Earth’s first interstellar war.

Can Bill and the Enterprise stop Tabitha in time?

The Kepler Incident

In 2108, the faster-than-light science vessel USS Kepler suddenly went missing. An intense search found nothing, and the ship, with all 50 hands, was listed as "missing."

Four years later, a single communications packet from the doomed ship arrived at Starbase One, in orbit over Earth. After verifying the signal source, Star Fleet Command dispatched the USS Enterprise, commanded by Captain Bill Jones, to investigate the situation.

Upon arrival at Wolf 437, a red dwarf star with two planets, Enterprise found Kepler's damaged drive section. Hoping that Capt. Stewart, the commanding officer of Kepler, had somehow managed to land the rest of his crippled ship on a nearby planet, Capt. Jones sets out.

What he and the Enterprise find on the planet, labeled Gliese 486c, surprises everyone.

Justice Rides

Shot dead at the battle of Brown's Mill in 1864, Elijah Jones, a sergeant in the 8th Regiment of Indiana Cavalry, learns that he has been recruited by an immortal being named Adrestia Rhamnousia to help dispense justice in a dark world.

As part of his preparation and training, Eli spends five years with the Texas Rangers, riding with Captain Bill McDonald, one of the greatest Ranger Captains of all time. He deals with the worst humanity has to offer, including robbers, carpetbaggers, crooked lawmen, and the owner of a notorious New York speakeasy.

Justice Rides is not just a story of illicit sex, cheating, and retribution. It is a story of hope, family, romance, and eternal love that spans over 75 years of US history. Saddle up and enjoy the ride as Eli Jones makes the transition to the avenger known as Justice O. Peace.

Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on the work of Abby Greyson, author of sweet-and-swoony romances novels:

• I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend
• I'd Never Date my Best Friend...Again
• Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother

★★★★★ "Abby Greyson cleverly mixes romance and humor, and shows how two seemingly completely different people can complement each other perfectly." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Sign up for Abby's newsletter and get a free copy of Second Chance with my Bad Boy Ex. 

I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend: A Small Town Sweet Romantic Comedy

A movie star, a grump next door, and a dating experiment gone awry.

My brother’s best friend has always been a gorgeous thorn in my side. He’s the famous Sean O’Connell, rom-com celebrity, owner of a smile that can melt even the coldest of hearts. He’s one of the happiest people I’ve ever met, and to be honest, it’s annoying. I don’t have to be happy or like people. I’m good, thank you very much.

But Sean thinks I need to be happy, so he recruited my best friend and my brother to put the Get-Jessica-A-Man plan into action. A makeover and some speed dating were absolutely not on my social calendar. But there’s no stopping Sean once his mind is made up.

As Sean’s sunny disposition starts to rub off on me, I feel myself falling. But for the wrong guy. Is it possible the thorn in my side is actually the rose I’ve been longing for?

★★★★★ "Sweet friends to lovers story." ~Amazon Review

I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend...Again: A Second Chance Sweet Romantic Comedy

A long-awaited homecoming, a runaway bride, and a second chance.

When I decided to join the Army, I never in a million years believed it would cost me the girl I loved. A decade later, I’m home, and Penny is starting the life we dreamed of…with another man. At least she was until I found her hanging from a cliff on her wedding day.

Still in love with me, she left her fiancé at the altar. But I’m no longer the man who left Willow Falls and joined the military. I’m broken and unworthy of Penny and the love she has to offer. I would never let her settle for less than she deserves. But how do I walk away from the one person my heart beats for? The one and only woman I’ve ever loved?

★★★★★ "Abby Greyson’s writing is both poignant and humorous, capturing the essence of a romcom while addressing serious issues faced by veterans and those they love." ~Goodreads Review

Accidentally In Love with my Best Friend's Brother : A Sweet, Enemies-to-Lovers, Football RomCom

My best friend’s annoying brother, some spilled tea, and a crazy proposition.

Josh Owen’s is the top receiver in the NFL, with a bad boy reputation. He’s click bait fodder for any, and all, gossip columns.

A newly released video shows us “kissing,” and the news is spreading like wildfire. Now me, "good girl" Brie, is in the rumor mills with him.

His agent sees this as a golden opportunity for Josh to get on better terms with his team. I think it’s crazy, but Josh needs help. So in spite of our love-hate relationship, I agree to be his “girlfriend." But as fake kisses begin to feel more real, I start to wonder: Can the bane of my existence be the one who’s had the key to my heart all along?

★★★★★ "Clean romance content that doesn't skimp on the swoon." ~Amazon Review

        

Free online: SORTES 18 READING. Presented by SORTES Magazine, this event will feature readings from SORTES contributors Charles Albert, Daniel Rabuzzi, Dipti Anand, Greg Beckman, Jake Sheff, Julia Yong, Mark Russ, Marte Carlock, Michael Thériault, and/or Robert Pope. Sunday, July 7, 7 PM ET.

"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." ~Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Falling in love with billionaires is only something that happens in romance books, right? Nurse Emma Edwards is known for her bedside manner. Her quiet confidence and sunny personality can cheer up even the grumpiest patient. But her latest patient isn’t just grumpy; he’s successful, rich, and incredibly handsome. Wyatt Simmons might not want a nurse, but he does want Emma—for the rest of his life. "A fun story that will have you smiling as it warms your heart." ~Amazon Review. Book 2 in the Boozy Book Club Midlife Romance Series. 4.7 stars, 17 ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Our modern world needs some reverence for our daily lives in trying times. Some of our norms have been swept away from a good and healthy life. We can bring back a life of honor and joy. This lovely coffee table book incorporates poetry and illustration, and is about all of the caring, hard work, and thoughts still felt by an aging population. "I hope this book will be a keepsake on a bookshelf to read when someone needs some inspiration or comfort." -Arlene Kinnavy. From $21.45 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on The Jimmy Crikey Series of middle grade fantasy/adventure novels from author Wallace Briggs. Each of these books has received high praise from reviewers, not just the characters and storylines, but also for the lessons the books convey about self-confidence, empathy, respect, and other important values for young readers.

"A beautiful world that meshes fantasy and science fiction for young readers." ~Literary Titan

The Amazing Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Worlds Beneath And Above The Stars 

Beneath the very ground on which you walk and beyond the stars above your head are more worlds than you could ever dream of. There are monsters. Magic wielded by witches and sorcerers. Epic adventures in worlds far across the ocean. And fearsome weapons that threaten to destroy everything.

With a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears, and enormous feet, poor Jimmy Crikey is ridiculed by the neighborhood children and runs away in search of a world where he fits in. Following a midnight flight through the forest, he stumbles into a lost, underground world called Roombelow where magic, adventure, danger, and excitement await.

"Conveys a message of self-love and acceptance which is significantly important at this age group level." ~Amazon Review

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in the Sky Islands (and beyond) 

Jimmy Crikey is the orphan alien living on Earth. Because of his strange appearance, Jimmy was bullied beyond endurance.But he saved the underground world of Roombelow from the sleeping spell cast by Matilda, the witch who forgot how to laugh. And now Gemma, the little lady who lived at the bottom of the well, is Jimmy's greatest friend, and Jade (Gemma's tiny niece) is Jimmy’s greatest admirer.

Once freed from the bullies, Jimmy blossomed and developed into a genuine hero. He uses his unique Attalian powers to defend Roombelow from many of the dangers that threaten. Meanwhile, far above Earth, the Sky Islands are invaded by the galactic race of Zylons. It takes the combined power of the four witches, the ancient Weatherman, Jade (an apprentice witch), and Jimmy to save the Sky Islands. 

"One senses a bit of Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the fairy tales of our youth... Full of relevant messages about bullying and how one can overcome and rise above the conflict through courage and self-confidence." ~Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers' Favorite

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in Parallel Worlds 

When Earth is invaded by an alien species of omnivorous worm, the four guardian witches of Earth are powerless against them. So it falls to Jimmy to seek the help of his technologically advanced friends on Attalia, his home planet in a different dimension.

Jimmy may be an orphan, but he has friends on both sides of the universe, including Jade, the apprentice witch who joins Jimmy on his quest. They escape the worms once and reach the safety of Attalia. But when Jade's life is threatened again, it's up to Jimmy to save the day.

"A highly creative, exciting story for kids that I'm sure plenty of adults will enjoy too." ~Liz Konkel, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: The Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake, the underground home of the Aquamites, is invaded by a flesh-eating, fire-breathing serpent that is impervious to the magic of the four guardian witches. The witches call on Jimmy for help.

Jimmy accompanies Elwinn, witch guardian of everything associated with water, to visit the Emerald Lake. They capture the serpents, but Annison is seriously injured when a serpent takes a big bite out of her tail. All appears lost until Lord Oron reveals his true identity—and a plan that could save Annison's life. 

"An inspiring tale about friends and allies coming together to help each other." ~Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Ever Witch 

Jade is approaching the end of her apprenticeship with Witch Matilda, the leader of the Guardians. But there are several challenges to complete before Jade becomes a fully qualified member of the sister's Coven, and Jade cannot accept help from anybody, especially not from Jimmy. 

Things get complicated when the cave world of Lithnia, the Sky Islands, and Roombelow all fall under threat, requiring help from Jimmy and Jade. And things get even worse when an alien race from the Alpha Centauri system risks destroying Earth in order to save their own planet. Can Jimmy help the aliens resolve their plight without bloodshed? And when Witch Matilda is called to a higher realm, who will be appointed as her successor?

GOLD MEDAL, 2023 Global Book Awards

"With all the great elements of a traditional fairy tale brought into the 21st Century, this tale offers both fantasy and realism, setting youthful minds alight while keeping their feet firmly planted on the terra firma of responsible human behaviour, empathy and respect for others. Unreservedly recommended." ~The BookViral Review

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Radioactive! 

Roombelow is suffering from the aftereffects of the rock-chewing Scarab beatles that undermined the town and the world of the Diamites, and even the water-world of the Aquamites is crumbling.

Unexpectedly, a hole appeared in the centre of the Aquamites’ Emerald Lake. Not only does the lake begin to empty, but thirty Aquamites have been swept away in the flow and end up in the dangerous lake belonging to the Tritians.
Rescue cannot come soon enough because the Tritians live in a radioactive environment that poisons the young Aquamites, and Jimmy’s close friend Annison is in seriously trouble.

"If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite." ~Amy Louise Hill, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: 6-Book Set 

One of the best values we at LitNuts have seen in a long time: Get the entire collection of critically acclaimed Jimmy Crikey books for less than $6 (free via Kindle Unlimited)!

Free online: Larksong Writers Place First Friday Book Talk & Reading with with Daniel Simon, author of Under a Gathering Sky, a quest narrative that examines the essence of questing itself. Friday, July 5, 12 PM CDT.

"It is a quest of literature throughout the ages to describe the human condition." ~Werner Herzog