Today's Featured Books

Congratulations to author Mark deMeza on the recent release and great reader reviews of The Thirteenth Child, a World War II historical novel based upon a heart-wrenching true story. Readers moved by Schindler’s List, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will be touched by this gripping story.

★★★★★ "Enthralling, harrowing, educational, beautifully written." ~Amazon UK Review

The Thirteenth Child

Inspired by the true story of the author’s ancestors, this enthralling WWII novel tells of the Kisch family’s heart-wrenching struggle against Nazi oppression.

When the Nazis invade the Netherlands in 1940, the Jews of Amsterdam know nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. As the measures imposed by the cruel SS become ever more repressive, sister and brother, Rachael and Hendrik, join the Dutch Resistance. Meanwhile, their parents, Franck and Elizabeth, strive to keep their younger brother, Hannes, safe. But time is against them all, as every day more and more Jews are being deported to unknown camps in Eastern Europe. Will the family be able to stay together and survive?

Praise for The Thirteenth Child

Bonus: Sign up for Mark's newsletter and get a free copy of the Four Seconds collection of short stories that take you from the Golden Gate Bridge to Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, and from a tense dining-room to a graffiti-covered underpass.

    

Free online: Earth Week Speaker Series. Earth Day is April 22, and the SWBR design firm is sponsoring a weeklong speaker series on such topics as architecture, sustainability policy, community planning, and more. April 22 - 26. 

"Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known." ~Carl Sagan

In humanity's last city, you're either consumed by a monster or you become one. Sheltered in their fortress, the last humans are assailed from without by alien invaders and from within by a disease mutating every citizen. After her best friend’s death, Ward Chief Iazmaena Delgassi vows to restore safety by running for magistrate. If Iaz fails, humankind will be a thing of the past. Mutagen Deception Book 1. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

An explosive tale of love and survival. "Heart-pounding." ~Publishers Weekly. Rhyme Carter has a problem: she’s married to the Antichrist, but her heart belongs to Emery, a man who wakes in a hospital to find the woman he loves betrayed him. Swept away on a drug-fueled tsunami of madness and mayhem, Emery plummets further into addiction, misery, and the machinations of immortal madmen. But Rhyme has plans to thwart her evil husband and reclaim her life. Can a former librarian save the planet and the man she loves? BookLife Prize Semi-Finalist. 4.6 stars, 32 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of J Rose Black, author of romantic comedy and romantic suspense, including three RomComs that are currently either 99 cents or free!

• Losing My Breath: A Marine never says die. Neither does his princess.
• Chasing Headlines: Baseball is her family’s business. But it’s his whole world.
• Off the Record: On the record, she's the world's most annoying reporter. Off the record, she's the one he can't let get away.

Losing My Breath

A Marine never says die.

Neither does his princess.

Battle lines are drawn when sheltered debutante Meridian Daly moves across the hall from grumpy veteran Marine Callan Brand. Situated a bit closer than advertised to "crime alley," Meridian’s neighbor finds himself grudgingly guarding the pampered princess out of habit. But with her sharp wit and killer curves, he can’t help but surrender to temptation…

When their relationship evolves from casual courtship to something more, Callan finds that Meridian has already discovered his closely guarded secret. But can he let go of his pride and tell her the whole truth of who he is and what he’s done—in the name of honor and country?

As Callan’s scars start to reveal themselves, his life spirals beyond the careful control that's helped him survive—and kept those he cares about safe.

From him.

Praise for Losing My Breath

• "A powerful and emotionally resonant story that will leave you breathless. It's a tale of love, sacrifice, and the battle against one's own demons, ultimately culminating in the discovery of hope and redemption." ~Literary Titan
• "It is very rare to read a love story that does not have a rinse-and-repeat cycle, but Losing My Breath is far from the normal romantic tale." ~Readers' Favorite

Chasing Headlines

Baseball is her family’s business.

But it’s his whole world.

When Breslin Cooper's major league dreams go up in flames, he's left with his backup plan: college baseball in Vanquer, Texas. But his public altercation with a reporter saddles him with mandated community service, therapy, and a toxic "Storm Cooper" reputation.

Liv Milline’s family name is practically synonymous with baseball. Yet despite her love for the game (the tight pants aren't bad, either) and her dreams of becoming a baseball scout, her father holds one ironclad rule: No baseball for Olivia. (The corollary: no baseball players for Olivia is just downright mean.)

Her one loophole? Playing beat reporter for Texas State Tech.

Chasing similar dreams, Liv attempts to befriend Breslin. But the amazingly talented pain-in-her-aperture has only two words to say whenever she's around: No comment.

But the troubled ballplayer’s running on overload. Still emotionally wounded from his mother’s death, the only time Breslin seems close to "okay" is on the ballfield. Liv and Breslin's new teammates can’t seem to get through.

When a lapse in judgment catches Breslin in a real-world rundown, jeopardizing his parole and his baseball scholarship, his only choice may be to rely on Liv—the aggravating, attractive, not-even-human reporter.

Can they find common ground, or will the last flame of Breslin’s life-long dream flicker out?

FREE - Off the Record

On the record, she's the world's most annoying reporter.

Off the record, she's the one he can't let get away.

Breslin Cooper worked his whole life for a chance to play in the big leagues. On the fateful day of his Major League Baseball debut, the talented rookie is reunited with the one who got away: Olivia Milline, a woman with big dreams of her own...

“So, tell me, on the record,” Olivia crossed her arms and turned to face him. Her short white skirt glowed in the sunlight. Her sleeveless top gapped at the neck, unbuttoned to just above her breasts. And I didn’t think this day could get any better.

“What are your team's chances this season with Rodriguez out and you at third?”

He glanced down at her long, tan legs. Give it up, Cooper. You know better. He shook off the question and started toward the locker room again.

She matched his stride.

Saw that coming. You know she won’t give up. He sighed. “Off the record. Tell me why you’re here?”

About the Author

      

Free online: The Back Room. LitNuts often recommends The Back Room events because of their unique format: Each event starts with a short introduction to a panel of four authors. The audience is then divided into four breakout rooms. Everyone’s video is turned on and their mics are unmuted, allowing for informal, face-to-face discussion. It’s all very relaxed and casual and fun—like a virtual cocktail party! This week's authors are Rene Denfeld, Paul Doiron, Nick Medina, and Robin Peguero. Sunday, April 21, 6 - 8 PM CDT.

"Hear no evil, speak no evil, and you won’t be invited to cocktail parties." ~Oscar Wilde

A collection of stories about life, making a living, and living life to the fullest. It's also a reminder that it is in the little moments that we impact a person's life. From early days in rural America, to an unusual friendship as a young man with a woman old enough to be his grandmother, to an account of rising through the ranks in his chosen profession, these stories introduce an interesting cast of characters and a heart-warming look at what the world can bring you if you work hard and stay open to the unexpected. 4.9 stars, 27 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Starship Freedom is just a museum ship. Until the aliens attack! Get the Starship Freedom super box set: Four complete novels of military science fiction and space opera from the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. For fans of Battlestar Galactica and Starship Troopers. "Nonstop action!" ~Vine Voice Review. 4.3 stars, 589 reviews. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Kinley Black is dying to get back into the music industry. She gets her chance when her interview with Quinn Mayne, lead singer of her favorite band, Viciöus, goes off the rails. If she can beat up a pervy roadie, she can have his job. Kinley has no problem with hard work or being one of the guys. But fighting her attraction to Quinn is a bigger challenge. For his part, Quinn can't help being impressed by Kinley's determination, nor can suppress his urge to make her his. 4.3 stars, 299 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Few adventurers have ever gone missing in the Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness Area and lived to tell us their story. How does one become so hopelessly lost? Find out in this true tale of despair and perseverance. From the onset of this ill-fated walkabout, you will see what the author sees and feel what he feels. Heaton is not likely to make it out of the desert alive, but you will find yourself hoping against hope that he does. 4.3 stars, 173 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New release! Congratulations to author Marian L. Thomas on the release of Saving Raine, a profound tale of resilience and redemption. Read on to learn more!
 
"Thomas's potent voice and unique perspective have solidified her place in the literary world." ~Midwest Book Review

Bonus: Saving Raine includes discussion questions for book clubs!

Saving Raine

Raine Reynolds stands at the crossroads of despair and opportunity.
 
When the life you've built crumbles and the past refuses to release its grip, sometimes you need a fresh start—a new beginning that promises hope and redemption.
 
Once a celebrated author, Raine's life unraveled, sending her fleeing to the picturesque streets of Paris to escape the tormenting heartache that threatened to consume her. Yet, no matter how far she traveled, the pain remained her unwelcome companion.
 
Returning to bustling Atlanta as a senior VP for an ad agency, Raine is forced to confront a city steeped in memories she'd rather forget. But as life would have it, an old friend resurfaces, offering a glimmer of healing in the midst of her turmoil. Can she summon the courage to trust once more?
 
In a world where everyone yearns for the saving grace of love, Raine is no exception. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a reminder that a path to love can be found even in the face of the darkest storms.

Praise for Saving Raine

• "Thomas delivers smooth, evocative storytelling, portraying the raw realities of challenging experiences while also capturing the healing power of love." ~Kirkus Reviews
• "The author holds the reader's attention right to the last page of this book, with an unexpected ending. It was a joy to read this inspirational story. This book is well worth more than one read." ~B. Longu, Readers' Favorite
• "A powerful tale that follows one woman's journey as she faces a difficult crossroad, unsure of which path to take. Through determination, perseverance, and a little luck, she discovers her true purpose and the strength to overcome any obstacle. Marian L. Thomas is a fantastic author who has created a story that shows one woman's hardships. This book is a testament to her talent as a writer. You'll be captivated from the first page and taken on a ride full of intense emotions that will leave you breathless.." ~Midwest Book Review

          

Free online: Strong Women, Strange Worlds. Join this First Friday/Third Thursday event, which is essentially a "tasting menu" of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. Each session features six authors who will each have eight minutes to tempt and tantalizing you with their reading. Thursday, April 18, 6 - 7 PM CDT. 

"Certain places seem to exist mainly because someone has written about them." ~Joan Didion