Today's Featured Books

Short essays about everyday life that sparkle with humor, pathos, and optimism. "A mash-up of David Sedaris, Jim Gaffigan and Rick Reilly.” ~The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Whether he's explaining how he lost his two-year-old son at the mall or revealing the real reason he donated a kidney, Sollisch is a master storyteller and a keen observer of human behavior. "An impressive debut. Our verdict: get it.” ~Kirkus Reviews. 5.0 stars, 35 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Discover the extraordinary. Twelve unforgettable emerging writers. Three bestselling authors. Stunning illustrations. Writers of the Future Vol. 41 delivers award-winning sci-fi and fantasy—from dystopia to hopepunk, robot noir to cosmic horror. Perfect for fans of Crichton, Sanderson, Wells, VanderMeer, and Blake Crouch. “Excellent stories. Showcases the vast spectrum of the speculative fiction genre.” ~Library Journal. 4.8 stars, 100+ ratings. From $1.99 - SHOP NOW /

Charlotte London gave up her identity for fame. Nicolas Bell gave up fame for an authentic life. Neither got what they wanted. Now, haunted by each other’s voices, they chase echoes of the same magical place, Sky Lake. As their stories intertwine, they uncover a hidden past, a shared legacy, and a chance to reclaim the truth of who they are. 4.9 stars, 15 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

New release: It's 1946 and Black Lake has been named the worst city to live in, again! Gangsters run the city in cahoots with corrupt officials. Desperate characters try their best to escape a city that nobody can leave. Hitmen, disillusioned boxers, femme fatales, and lowlife hoods all stake a claim to the city. Who will survive, and what will be left of them? From $4.99 - SHOP NOW /

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of The Medicine Man Series from author Karen Kay, a collection of historical romance novels set in the Old West and filled with heroes and heroines who will capture readers' hearts. 

"Karen Kay's passion for Native American lore shines through." ~Publishers Weekly

"Exciting historical romance." ~Midwest Book Review

She Paints My Soul

Can her love heal the medicine man's heart?

In spite of her fear of Indians, Sharon Wells travels from her home in St. Louis to Indian Territory in the northwest, along with her fiancé and her friend Amelia, who is determined to return to Blackfoot Country. An orphan, Sharon yearns to be married and have a family of her own. She’s loyal to her fiancé, even when he carelessly puts her life in danger.

Strikes Fast, of the Crow People, was once on the path to becoming a medicine man, but he has lost his way. When nearly all his family were killed in a Blackfoot raid, he went on the warpath to avenge the ghosts of his murdered family. But he has carried revenge too far, and the blood of innocents has left him feeling no longer human, without empathy or sympathy. But the beautiful white woman, Sharon, ignites a spark in him. When she’s captured in an Indian raid and her fiancé does nothing, Strikes Fast hopes his heroic deed of rescuing her might return him to the good graces of the Creator, from whom all medicine men receive their powers.

Strikes Fast’s handsome masculinity calls out to Sharon, as her beauty and her kindness calls to him. Trapped together in a blizzard, surrounded by danger, and despite the many reasons they shouldn’t be together, their growing love is undeniable. Can they find a way to heal one another and create the family each of them is longing for?

She Brings Beauty To Me

A woman deserted. A troubled warrior. A passion denied.

1855. When eighteen-year-old Czanna Fehér is forced to flee her home in Hungary, she journeys with her younger siblings and her father's manservant to Montana in search of her cousin. Mourning for her recently deceased parents, she sings a prayer to the grand, Montana mountains. From the first moment Stands Strong hears Czanna singing, he is transfixed. 

When the family's hired guide steals their money and runs, her father's servant pursues the man, leaving Czanna desolate and in charge. She and and her siblings cannot survive in this land without help, so when Stands Strong comes to her aid, she realizes she must trust this man.

Lakota born but raised by the Blackfeet, Stands Strong descends from a long line of medicine men. But this legacy seems to have skipped over him, and he has instead become an expert scout. When Czanna attempts to hire Stands Strong as their guide, offering him the "evil gold rock" as payment, he suggests marriage to him instead. Can two people from incompatible cultures come together? Or are their star-guided paths meant only to briefly cross?

She Belongs In My World

Beauty, Treachery, and an Untamed Wild Love

Liliann Varga had been too young the first time she met and fell head-over-heels in love with the Blackfeet Medicine Man, First Rider, the man who saved her father’s life. Besides, he was newly married to a woman of his own tribe. But years later, when Liliann’s husband has committed a terrible aggression against her, First Rider once enters her life.

First Rider has come to heal Liliann, not to seduce her. But his reaction to the grown-up Liliann, the little girl who used to be his shadow, is entirely masculine and sensual. He nearly lost his mind after his first wife was captured and killed by an enemy tribe. Could Liliann be his second chance at love?

Enacting a “scout’s revenge” against Liliann's cruel husband would leave the man alive but broken, and it would also set Liliann free. But just as their love deepens, a report emerges: First Rider's wife is still alive. To discover the truth or lies of the rumor, they embark on a dangerous journey through the Backbone-of-the-World Mountains. Can they survive the treacherous journey and find a world where they both belong?

    

Free online: Rogue Reads, a fun online event where authors discuss their latest novels. Tonight's line-up includes Isabella Maldonado and Jeffery Deaver, authors of The Grave Artist; Lou Berney, author of Crooks; and Alyssa Maxwell, author of Murder at Arleigh. Monday, September 15, 7 p.m. EST.

"The mystery of life isn't a problem to solve, but a reality to experience." ~Frank Herbert, Dune

New release in contemporary fiction: Reverend Wesley Aames, untested as a spiritual leader, finds himself entangled in church intrigue and the repercussions of a teen suicide. With tensions simmering and his own personal crisis on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. Wesley must confront both his inner demons and external threats, or risk losing everything. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW /

It started with a million dollar bid for a night alone with him. He's dark, commanding, and the most desirable older man I've ever met. In fact my mysterious bidder had me wanting to do things I'd never admit. And I did them willingly, secure in the thought I'd never see him again. Boy was I wrong. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Antonov bratva, four bratva billionaires ruling their city and captivating the hearts of their women. 4.4 stars, 4200+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

New Release: An Age Gap, Arranged Marriage Romance. I’m not his bride. I’m his property. Our marriage is a contract—signed in blood, paid for in power. Dima Petrov, Bratva royalty, claims without asking. I’m meant to bear his heir, stay out of his way, but his touch makes me crave him. When enemies take me, Dima hunts them down. I’ll be his, body and soul. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

"Heartrending and humorous." ~Kirkus Reviews. A Hoffer Award Grand Prize Finalist. In the tradition of Frank McCourt and Angela's Ashes, Donald Dempsey chronicles one boy's ordeals with poverty, religion, and physical and mental abuse as he attempts to come of age with only his street smarts and sense of humor to guide him. 4.4 stars, 300+ ratings. From $1.79 - SHOP NOW /

Free online: Poetry Lit! Festival. Join for a full day of poetry with multiple readings and panel discussions throughout the day. Saturday, September 13, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT. 

“Whatever you do, don’t be boring.” ~Anne Sexton

Practical Philosophy for a Life Without Limits. Unlock the power of philosophy in everyday life—gain clarity of thought, live with intention, and face challenges with wisdom and strength. 5.0 stars, 23 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

The Crimson Deathbringer Series of nine novels blends breathtaking action sequences with mischievous humor. If you enjoy Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and space opera sagas, this series is for you, full of nerve-wracking space battles, memorable characters, formidable antagonists, and Game of Thrones style twists. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

A fresh new fantasy adventure novel based on actual historical events and characters, this coming-of-age tale celebrates friendship, imagination, mythical worlds, and self discovery that readers are finding both inspirational and life-changing. In the tradition of classics like Alice in Wonderland but full of new wonders, twists, and unforgettable characters, and as warmly nostalgic as a down comforter. 5.0 stars, 13 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

Relatable Anecdotes from a Once-Frazzled Parent. Winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for nonfiction, this collection is filled with parenting stories to make readers laugh out loud. “Perfect for exhausted moms who need reassurance that they’re not alone, dads who could use a reminder that yes, this happens to everyone, and even soon-to-be parents who have no idea what they’re getting themselves into.” ~Literary Titan. From $2.16. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /

New York Times Bestseller. "Vincent's poignant decision to donate Maya's organs will resonate with even hard-boiled readers." ~Booklist. Eleanor Vincent raised Maya and Meghan as a single parent. Then at age 19, Maya mounts a horse bareback on a dare, falls, and is left in a coma. Ultimately, Eleanor chooses to donate Maya's organs. Years later, she is able to hear Maya's heartbeat in the chest of the heart recipient. "Powerful prose with a meaningful and memorable message." ~Lee Gutkind, Founder, Creative Nonfiction Magazine. 4.3 stars, 494 ratings. From $6.99 SHOP NOW /

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