Today's Featured Books

The Vietnam War ended decades ago, but its heroes are still here. This collection of short stories will touch your heart and remind you of the real people hidden behind the history. A young boy learns the truth of his father's service in Vietnam. A survivor of Ia Drang Valley contemplates ending his life. A charismatic but troubled vet longs for a woman he can never have. A "tunnel rat" saves a woman from her abusive boyfriend. A Silver Star recipient performs one last act of selfless courage. A Special Forces operative pulls off the heist of a lifetime. 4.7 stars, 58 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

When the Dragon King commands Crux to find a mate, his days of carefree bachelorhood are over. One trip to a psychic matchmaker and he's on the path to his destiny. But it all comes screeching to a halt when he meets a human woman who lights his inner fire and makes him yearn. 4.2 stars, 600+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight the work of RT Dixon, author of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mystery & Romance. In the spotlight are:

• Realities Edge
• Shadows of the Reaper
• The Cost of Silence

Realties Edge

A mind-bending tale that follows the intertwined lives of Tony Danials and David Stevenson across multiple realities. The story kicks off with Tony, an elderly man contemplating suicide, who suddenly finds himself living a different life as a successful neurosurgeon married to his longtime love, Mark. As Tony navigates this new reality, he grapples with the joy of a life he always wanted and the confusion of memories from his original timeline.

The narrative then shifts to David Stevenson, who participates in a quantum consciousness experiment that sends him tumbling through various realities. He experiences life as a happily married man in the 1970s, encounters different versions of his friends and loved ones, and struggles to determine which reality is truly his "home."

Throughout their journeys, both Tony and David explore themes of love, identity, regret, the nature of consciousness, and the roads not taken. 

Shadows of the Reaper

When the line between life and death blurs, what price will you pay to protect the ones you love?

Joey McCreary’s life takes a chilling turn during a mundane night shift at Sunny’s Diner when Death himself offers a deal: an extension of life in exchange for becoming the Reaper’s apprentice. But as Joey collects souls, the weight of his choices grows unbearable, dragging him deeper into a world where morality and mortality clash.

Caught in a sinister web of cosmic balance, Joey must confront his darkest fears and the ultimate sacrifice to redeem himself. Guided by an ancient force of compassion, he discovers that Death is more than an end; it’s a transition...an eternal dance.

The Cost of Silence

James has spent decades torn between desire and loss, haunted by the men who shaped his life. First, there was Ethan, the solder who ignited something fierce inside him during the chaos of War. Their love was wild, dangerous, forged in secrecy amidst gunfire and stolen moments. Then came Adam, the man who found James broken and gave him things he didn’t think he could feel again: comfort and stability.

Through it all, Sara has been by James' side, loyal and mischievous, always there to pick up the pieces. But now, Sara is done watching James wallow in the past. She wants him to see what she sees...that he’s still wanted, still needed. And she’s ready to play matchmaker.

      

Free online: Strange Women, Strange Worlds. Join for a tasting menu of science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. Six authors will each have 8 minutes to tempt and tantalize you with their reading. Thursday, January 16, 6 - 7 PM CST.

“If you want to understand today you have to search yesterday.” ~Pearl S. Buck

A "must read" for anyone who seeks to understand how and why Adolf Hitler came to power. Oskar Maria Graf provides a uniquely satirical insight into the mindset of the German middle classes. The eponymous antihero, Anton, does not welcome Hitler but does nothing to oppose the Nazis either, while his wife, Malwine, actively welcomes and propagandises for the "national" movement. From $25 - SHOP NOW / 

Graf's autobiography covers his early youth growing up in the village of Berg by Lake Starnberg, his cruel abuse by his older brother, his escape to Munich, where he worked as a baker, and then to anarchist communes in Switzerland. Graf is drafted into the army, where he reluctantly serves as a horse-groom on the supply trains. He is discharged as mentally unfit, spends a year in an asylum, then returns to Munich, working in a biscuit factory, starting his literary career, and making money on the black market. From $15.95 - SHOP NOW / 

“Definitely a must-read for anyone into ghost stories with a heart. Don’t miss out on this one!” Mary Jameson communicates with the dead but craves a normal life away from her paranormal past. However, when Detective Jay Santiago seeks her psychic abilities to locate a missing boy, Mary is dragged back into the supernatural realm. Facing immense danger, she must decide if rescuing the boy is worth risking her own life. 4.4 stars, 60+ ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Mave Etherwood returned home to find her husband with another woman. By morning, her sisters discovered her unconscious on the hallway floor, while her husband and his mistress lay dead—leaving Mave with no memory of what transpired. As the wingless humans of their realm begin to suspect the truth, Mave and her sisters struggle to conceal their faerie heritage. At the same time, Mave battles the same illness that claimed her parents, threatening her control over her magic—and raising questions about whether she could truly be guilty of wishful thinking. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW /

Free online: An End of Troubles. Join indie publisher History Through Fiction to celebrate the release of An End of Troubles, an anthology of historical fiction in which diverse characters confront pivotal historical moments, challenging their resilience and sparking transformation. Wednesday, January 15, 12 - 1 PM CST.

“If there’s no meaning in it,” said the King, “that saves a world of trouble, you know, as we needn’t try to find any.” ~Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Roza Hamer wanted to be the best nurse possible. When her brother fled Poland because of the rise in anti-Semitism, Roza remained as a nurse in a general hospital in Poland. When the Germans later invaded Poland, Roza escaped to Russia and was conscripted into the Russian army. There she faced disease, hunger, and sometimes death. This memoir follows Roza's amazing journey through five countries. From $5.16. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

A gripping thriller that tells the tale of four runaway girls who appear like ghosts in the same remote wilderness where Clarissa, a retired Navy specialist, has sought refuge. But Clarissa and the girl she takes in are not alone. They’re being stalked. As more girls mysteriously appear, Clarissa is drawn into a haunting mystery. Can she summon the strength to protect the girls and escape the deadly trap, or will she become another name among the missing? From $3.99 - SHOP NOW / 

A Dark Standalone Mafia Romance. I’m the hitman for the Valetti familia, and I’m damn good at what I do. They want men to talk, and I make them talk. They want men gone—bang, it’s done. It’s as simple as that. Until her. She’s on my list, but I want her. I'll give her a simple choice—die, or be mine. Valetti Crime Family Book 5. 4.4 stars, 1300+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Tixie Chronicles, a four-book Children/YA Fantasy series from author Jack Borden. This coming-of-age adventure features heart-stopping sword fighting action scenes, memorable characters with complex relationships, heroic bravery, and vivid world-building. 

"A powerful educational tool, this rich work is filled with stunning illustrations and fitting dialogue that enhance the reading experience. It will enthrall children and adults alike." ~Feathered Quill Review

The Vultures of Doom

A great darkness is coming to the forest. Avelyn and Killian Lorcan are tixies, a race of tiny beings that live simply in a massive, beautiful forest. But unbeknownst to the tixies, an ancient evil has found them at last.

Separated from their parents, Avelyn and Killian travel across the forest alone, encountering friends and enemies along the way. But when Avelyn recovers an ancient sword of great power, their destinies are forever changed.

★★★★★ "A captivating adventure of courage and destiny." ~Amazon Review

The Keeper of Knowledge

Killian Lorcan doesn’t want to read old scrolls. As a tixie boy of eight summers, all he wants to do is explore the forest floor around his house, fight imaginary monsters, and scare off the occasional spider.

But when Mac, the local Keeper of Knowledge, invites Killian to see his house and read some old scrolls, Killian himself gets caught up in a story of betrayal, violence, and a civilization on the verge of collapse. More importantly, he finds out how his ancient ancestors came to live in the wilds of the forest he calls home.

The Ants of Fire

A couple of days after the defeat of the Vultures of Doom, the peace of the forest is again shattered when an old enemy returns. This time, he attacks the forest with an army of fire-breathing ants that bring chaos and death. The ants scorch everything in their path, leading to a final brutal confrontation with the Woodland Tixies.

"A compelling tale that will shape the landscape of children's literature, thanks to its astute storytelling and graceful prose." ~Feathered Quill

The Lost City

Four summers have flown by since Avelyn and her family won the vicious battle against the Ants of Fire. Now, a mysterious aging sickness is shortening the lives of the tixies.

When shy but determined 16-year-old Avelyn's beloved mother suddenly ages 100 summers before her eyes, Avelyn is paralyzed with sadness. But Killian, her more outgoing little brother, discovers a way to save their mother and the other tixies, leading Avelyn and Killian to make an epic journey across dark and dangerous lands in search of a sacred Magic Dust that is rumored to give creatures long life.

★★★★★ "A well-written thrilling YA fantasy adventure filled with danger, magic, and mystery." ~Goodreads Review

      

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Christina Leonard, author of two fantasy and coming-of-age books for Teen/Young Adult readers and booklovers of all ages:

• Farewell: 4.5 stars on Goodreads
• Tragon Moon: 4.33 stars on Goodreads

"Leonard’s storytelling is both compelling and evocative." ~Goodreads Review

Farewell

Genre: Teen & Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook starting at $3.20
 

Wendy Mitchell is not having the college experience she always thought she would. When she first arrived at Gladstown College, she thought she would make friends and go to parties. But here she is, three and a half years later, with no friends on campus and failing grades.

While cleaning lab supplies for extra credit one afternoon, Wendy noticed the closet door swing open all on its own. She investigates the odd happening, only to find herself locked in the closet as the ground rumbles. 

When she steps out of the closet, she finds herself somewhere in the middle of a forest with a bow being pointed directly at her by a strange man dressed like he’s ready for combat. According to him, she has been dropped somewhere on the outskirts of the Farewell Kingdom.

Tragon Moon

Genres: Coming of Age Fantasy, Magical Realism
Available in hardcover, paperback, e-book and audiobook starting at $3.20
 

Raena and Abby have relied on one another for as long as they can remember. Never knowing their parents and being shuffled through the foster care system, they quickly came to realize they are the only people they can count on. But when Abby doesn’t come home from work one night, Raena is left to take care of her nephew, Jaxon. She believes she has everything under control until her landlord tells her she must pay three months' worth of back rent before the end of the month, or she and Jax will be out on the street.

Then Raena meets King Wade of Maranetta, who invites Raena to work for him and promises to take care of her and Jax in return. Raena accepts, but what she doesn’t know is the world of powers and long-kept secrets that await her around every corner of King Wade’s palace and the deeply rooted connection she has to the family who lives there.

About the Author
Christina Leonard was born and raised in Southern New Jersey, where she lives with her family and four cats. After graduating in 2022 with her masters degree in Publishing from Pace University in New York City, her masters thesis was published in Publishing Research Quarterly. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, including her five nieces and nephews. Learn more at AuthorChristinaLeonard.com and be sure to follow her online:
 

      

Free online: Wine and Wishes - a Virtual Vision Board Party. Join Wine and Wishes for an uplifting virtual event designed to help you visualize your goals while connecting with a community of dreamers and doers. This interactive experience combines creativity, intention-setting, and relaxation in a fun, supportive atmosphere—all from the comfort of your own space. Saturday, January 11, 6 - 8 PM CST.

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." ~Peter Drucker

Tales woven from the threads of diverse imaginations. Dive into a world of captivating short stories that will leave you spellbound. This collection includes 30 gripping tales, each a journey into the depths of human emotion and imagination. Explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience via vivid characters that will stay with you long after reading. Perfect for both quick reads and deep reflection. Experience the power of storytelling as you uncover hidden truths, face unexpected twists, and lose yourself. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In an enchanted forest brimming with wonder and danger, Snowflake and her seven dwarf companions are trapped by a sinister curse that threatens to destroy their home. Joined by adventurers Holly, Ben, Ava, and Tico, they embark on a quest to uncover the origins of the dark magic and break its hold. As eerie creatures and cryptic challenges test their courage, the group must confront hidden truths and make sacrifices to save their world. 4.6 stars, 11 ratings. From $1.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Cora hates her power to detect missing things. When it leads her to a dead woman, can she find the killer before she’s the next one to disappear? With no clues to the culprit, Cora allows the victim’s fiancé to persuade her to help him dig up evidence. But when she discovers the handsome man is not what he seems, the sensitive tracker fears the only thing her talent will lead her to is her own unmarked grave. 4.4 stars, 750+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /