Today's Featured Books

When Laura’s husband, Tom, dies suddenly, the shocking autopsy results and the theft of documents detailing Tom’s research into his employer’s Iraqi operations, raise disturbing questions. Laura’s search for the truth, leads her through a treacherous landscape where the lines between trust and betrayal blur, and embroils her in deadly conspiracy involving organized crime and corruption. 4.0 stars, 22 ratings on Goodreads. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

A gripping psychological thriller. "Riveting." ~Kirkus Reviews. Author Alexa Wainwright is losing her mojo. She vows to get back to being number one, and with a bolt of lightning, she is transported to a universe where her characters come alive, and she meets media mogul, publisher, and possibly the devil himself, King Blakemore, who offers her a book contract. But Alexa comes to realize that this might be a contract for more than just a book. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Mora Hytich is a nineteen-year-old villager from the heartland of Augstia. Unlike her peers, she is not proficient in magic. Instead, she enjoys a simple life with her mom. One day she and her best friend Cassel are walking to school when things go awry. Now she must embark on a twisted journey across the country while facing some uncomfortable truths, including those about her family, her country, and herself. 4.6 stars, 31 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

A gritty crime thriller set in Colombia’s sprawling and treacherous capital city. Investigator Rafael Alvarez is an agent of the feared and mistrusted Colombian law enforcement agency, the Fiscalía. Brought back from obscurity to lead an unwanted murder investigation Rafael’s efforts lead him into contact with the enigmatic Muisca Indian cult and a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to protect its interests. 4.4 stars, 14 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Complete Family Guide to Dog Training, Behavior, and Communication. Your go-to guide for raising a well-behaved, happy dog. With expert tips on everything from training puppies to helping rescues thrive, this book uses proven, positive techniques to build trust and tackle common issues. Perfect for the whole family! "Very helpful in understanding your dog and how to create positive behaviors.” ~Amazon Review. 4.7 stars, 32 ratings. From 4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Thirteen years ago, Beauty lost her mother to the Beast. Now the strongest in her village, she seeks revenge but her actions put her brother and father in danger, forcing them to become Lord Beast's "interns." Can Beauty learn how to fight and protect her village before the real menace arrives? A new teen/YA fantasy adventure for readers of all ages. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Abusers like to hide in plain sight, especially in churches. They pick out the vulnerable and weak and try to exploit them. Wolves Among Us offers practical guidelines and Biblical support for you to call them out for bad behavior and manipulative techniques. 4.5 stars, 22 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

A comedy satire set in the corner cafe where one of the regulars is an author of fantasy sci-fi and extra-terrestrial erotica. He works on his masterpiece in the cafe while the baristas try to deal with his quirky mannerisms. Douglas Adams meets William Faulkner meets Ted Kaczynski meets Penthouse Forum. From $1.00. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on several recent and forthcoming releases from History Through Fiction, an independent publisher of high-quality historical fiction. 

Special Offers: Get a free e-book edition of The Rhino Keeper, a highly rated recent release, and order new titles direct from the publisher to get your copies in advance of official release dates.

The Rhino Keeper by Jillian Forsberg

Based on the true story of a Dutch sea captain who traveled with an Indian rhinoceros called Clara across 18th century Europe.

2022 – College student Andrea Clarkson uncovers a historical mystery while studying abroad in Holland. From hidden desk drawers come unusual historical documents featuring a rhinoceros. On a lichen-covered eighteenth-century grave, the same animal is carved. When an expanding river forces exhumation, what she finds buried there is life-changing. Andrea faces her nightmares to retrieve what a grave robber steals: valuable proof of a long-forgotten history.

1740 – Ship captain Douwemout van der Meer has something not seen in two hundred years: Clara, the only rhino in Europe. Douwemout and Clara tour Europe, enthralling peasants and queens, hoping to change popular views that rhinos are man-eating beasts. But when a priest sees idol worship and becomes hell-bent on destroying Clara, the lives of Douwe, Clara, and her caretakers are at risk.

The Rhino Keeper evokes both the thrill of discovery in the archives and the wonder felt by a world in which no European had seen a living rhinoceros. 

Praise for The Rhino Keeper
"A historical mystery and a tale of old-world adventure, reminding us that even the wishes we take to our grave may someday come true after all.” ~Sarah Penner, NYT Bestselling Author of The Lost Apothecary

“A charming page turner perfect for animal and history lovers alike.” ~Diana Giovinazzo, author of Antoinette’s Sister 

"A masterful tale of mystery, love, and the magic of discovery.” ~Elizabeth R. Andersen, author of The Alewives

The Boy with the Jade by Charles Bush

A young aristocrat's quest for identity amid love, loss, and betrayal in 18th-century China.

In the opulent world of 18th-century China, where wealth and power reign supreme, Baoyu, heir to the illustrious Jia family, is born with a jade pendant in his mouth—a symbol of his destiny.

Amidst his family's splendor, Baoyu shares a deep, intellectual connection with his cousin, Daiyu, and engages in intense liaisons with Amber, his main maid. But Baoyu's life spirals after a severe beating from his father, Amber's death, Daiyu's illness, and the loss of his jade pendant.

Seeking enlightenment, Baoyu turns to Taoist and Buddhist philosophies, finding guidance from mystical mentors who help him reclaim his jade and hope. But with expectations to excel at the Imperial Examination and continue his lineage, Baoyu craves freedom and makes a bold escape, embarking on a transformative journey.

Drawing inspiration from Hong Lou Meng, Bush's novel weaves a rich narrative of love, grief, and self-discovery, exploring the intricate human quest for meaning, transcending both time and culture.

Praise for The The Boy with the Jade
"A compelling, soap-opera-like portrayal of one of China’s most famous families." ~Terese Tse Bartholomew, Curator Emeritus, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

"Filled with psychological drama and the vivid splendor of the Qing Dynasty's golden age." ~Larry Feign, author of The Flower Boat Girl

"Reads like a letter from imperial China to our modern era." ~Laurie Dennis, author of The Lacquered Talisman

The Porcelain Menagerie by Jillian Forsberg

In a world where ambition is as fragile as porcelain, two lives are shaped by a king's dangerous obsessions.

In 18th-century Dresden, the dangerous whims of King Augustus the Strong shape the court and the lives of those held captive, both people and animals.

Johann Kändler, a talented young artist, is drawn into the world of King Augustus, whose relentless desire for a lifelike porcelain menagerie could make or break Johann's future. As Johann works to meet the king's impossible demands, he finds unexpected allies in former royal mistress Maria and her daughter Katharina. 

Decades earlier, another story unfolds. Fatima, a Turkish handmaiden, is chosen to replace Augustus's discarded mistress. As she tries to create a menagerie of exotic animals and navigate the intrigues of an unpredictable court, Fatima must learn to survive in a world that values beauty and power above all. 

Two timelines, bound by a king's obsessions...art and survival intertwine in a world where ambition can be as fragile as porcelain.

Praise for The Porcelain Menagerie
"An engrossing, page-turning historical novel which plumbs the depths of possession, resistance and survival." ~Jess Armstrong, USA Today best-selling author of The Curse of Penryth Hall

"A must-read for those interested in thoughtfully exploring issues of the past that still resonate today." Laurie L. Dove, author of USA Today Bestseller Mask of the Deer Woman

"Historical fiction at its most evocative." ~Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Blue

About the Publisher

          

Free online Friday: Larksong Writers Place First Friday Book Talk & Reading with spoken work poet Jewel Rodgers, 2025 - 2029 State Poet of Nebraska. Friday, June 6, 12 PM CDT. 

"Be revolutionary." ~Jewel Rodgers

New Release: In a kingdom of magic, it is sometimes difficult to tell man from beast. A good king and a rambling youth have intertwined fates. When their paths cross, everything comes undone. Will the past tear it all down, brick by brick, smothering the king's magic flames, plunging Artnaus into darkness? Will Nal accept his destiny, even if it means losing someone he loves? Great Lights, protect us! Part of the Realm of Light Series. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

When the Inquisition holds its first public execution in Barcelona, it draws a Catholic heiress and a Jewish navigator into a secret alliance to smuggle would-be targets to safety by sea. As the rescue mission unfolds, a forbidden love blooms between them. Will their heart-stopping escape plan outfox the vicious regime, or will it cost their lives? 4.4 stars, 250+ ratings. Book 1 of the Lost Tales of Sepharad. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Get all three books of this thrilling horror trilogy in one complete ebook. Newlyweds Lisa and John’s summer drive through the Oregon wilderness ends when they are trapped by an unexpected blizzard. They hike to a town untouched by the blizzard, but soon realize that the town is a prison and the storm is a trap. As night falls, a deadly entity claims victims and leaves ice statues in its wake. Lisa and John must unravel the town's dark secrets—or become the next frozen monuments. $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

A gripping, dark Southern saga. Winner of The BookFest Psychological Thriller Award and PenCraft Award for Intrigue. In a 90s-era Kentucky fueled by sex, drugs, and violence, the Cunninghams will stop at nothing to find The Temple, a place of unimaginable wealth and glory. Meanwhile, in the 1970s, a young Bill Cunningham embarks on a violent rise to power, foreshadowing the horrors in Bill’s family’s future. Two timelines. One family. One destiny. 5.0 stars, 37 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New release: A powerful, emotionally rich, and deeply human memoir. Born the eleventh of thirteen children in war-torn Vietnam, Richard Du faced poverty and felt the gravity of loss. From surviving barefoot in the bomb-laced fields of a remote village to arriving in Los Angeles at age eleven without a word of English or a day of schooling, Richard's story is one of unstoppable evolution. Told with vulnerability, wit, and wisdom. From $3.88. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Lily Prentiss wants to ignore her healing magic and Magiste society. When she finds Aidan Marchand evolving into a Mage, her touch stops his pain. The sexy Dom seduces her into submission, and she enjoys it. Aidan has more to fear than his maturing powers—specifically, his blackmailing business partner. Though Lily’s touch eases Aidan's pain, he puts her in danger. How can he let her go? From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on new women's fiction and romance from Baker Book House:

• Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher (released May 2025)
• The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck (coming July 15)
• Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn (coming August 19)

★★★★★ "A wonderful summer read." ~review of Capture the Moment by Mary Ann Hake, author of The Smell of Spring

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

A Clean Sweet Summer Romance Novel with a Park Ranger and a Wildlife Photographer in Grand Teton National Park

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments. But now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It's the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain—and the bears—better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

Praise for Capture the Moment
"Fisher weaves a story of love and healing among the wilderness and beauty of the majestic Grand Tetons." ~Rachel Hauck, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Part mystery, sweet romance, & wildlife adventure, this book kept me quickly turning the pages." ~Melissa's Bookshelf review on Goodreads

The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel Hauck

A Beach Small Town Contemporary Clean Romance with Family Drama by the author of The Wedding Dress

Emery Quinn finds herself at a crossroads between her career and complex family dynamics. Struggling to connect with her blended family and ready for a fresh start, Emery accepts the position of editor-in-chief at the Sea Blue Beach Gazette. Upon her return to the Sands Motor Motel, she is flooded with bittersweet memories of her late mother and past regrets from a long-ago summer.

Architect Caleb Ransom has returned home to Sea Blue Beach, a place filled with cherished memories and potential opportunities. He means to make a difference for his family and his hometown by caring for his troubled sister's son and preserving the history of the town as the leader of the new Main Street initiative. He certainly never expected to run into Emery Quinn, the girl who captured his heart sixteen summers ago.

As Emery and Caleb revive their friendship, they find themselves facing a bitterly divided town. Together, they navigate family challenges, professional setbacks, and a high-stakes royal visit to discover how forgiveness and love can reshape their hearts and their destiny.

Praise for The Sands of Sea Blue Beach
"Hauck pulls out all the stops in this heartwarming novel of perseverance and family." ~Library Journal starred review

"This book is truly a breath of fresh air, all wrapped within a sweet and swoony love story!" ~Liz Isaacson, USA Today bestselling author

Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones Gunn

Suitcase Sisters Book #2: Contemporary Women's Fiction Book Set in Italy with Female Friendship, Sisterhood, and International Travel

Grace and Claire have formed a close friendship over their love of reading. After many years and many books that provided armchair adventures, the time has come for them to go somewhere instead of only dreaming of someday.

Traveling to Venice, Florence, and Bellagio, the Suitcase Sisters find themselves immersed in the magnificent works of art, scrumptious gelato flavors, and endless pasta variations of Italy. And they discover a vulnerability to disclose their struggles in ways they never did at home. As Grace experiences a newfound freedom and confidence in who she is, Claire wrestles with painful memories of her teen years.

A special dinner party brings unexpected revelations about faith and God's nearness. Then a life-changing moment on the shores of Lake Lugano causes Grace and Claire to discover they are not just tourists but pilgrims on a path to becoming all God created them to be.

Praise for Gelato at the Villa
"Readers will be swept off their feet by this faith-forward celebration of friendship." ~Amanda Cox, award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging

"Gunn writes characters who will leap off the page and straight into your heart." ~Liz Johnson, best-selling author of Beyond the Tides

      

Free online: Austin Public Library Book & Movie Club. This month, the club will be reading The Hours, a 1998 Virginia Woolf tribute novel written by Michael Cunningham, and watching the 2002 film adaptation of the same title. Tuesday, June 3, 7 PM CDT. 

"Absorbing, mysterious, of infinite richness, this life." ~Virginia Woolf, Mrs. Dalloway

"Funny, casually progressive, and unafraid to be weird as hell." ~Independent Book Review. Alex wants to enjoy her summer break from teaching middle school, but when a science experiment brings God to Earth (and utter chaos along with her), Alex teams up with new friends to undo the experiment. With the fate of humanity at stake (and two demons with a solution helping out), Alex navigates this scientific conundrum, as well as some demons of her own. From 2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Complete Family Guide to Dog Training, Behavior, and Communication. Your go-to guide for raising a well-behaved, happy dog. With expert tips on everything from training puppies to helping rescues thrive, this book uses proven, positive techniques to build trust and tackle common issues. Perfect for the whole family! "Very helpful in understanding your dog and how to create positive behaviors.” ~Amazon Review. 4.7 stars, 32 ratings. From 4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Madeleine Di Luna faces any challenge with an iron head and spirit.  Bold, scrappy, and endlessly adventurous. If you're looking for action-packed stories that'll keep you glued, The Feats of Madeleine is for you. Originally separate but interconnected short stories that together weave an epic tale, now combined in one neat package. These adventures are a perfect read for those who crave a true action-adventure experience.4.4 stars, 38 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

For Andee Nunn, moving out of her comfort zone and breaking barriers produced rewarding results. Her choices morphed her into an award-winning teacher whose path was forever altered by the students who graced her with their presence. Magic in Room 216 generously details a teacher's profound education and inspirational life journey for our era of DEIJ. 5.0 stars, 27 ratings. From $12.99 - SHOP NOW / 

In a realm gripped by eternal winter, a cursed knight known as Death and a witch marked by fate must unite to end the darkness. Bound by prophecy and hunted by forgotten gods, their union could restore life—or doom the world forever. This dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast weaves magic, sacrifice, and forbidden love into a tale where the cost of salvation may be their hearts…or their lives. 4.7 stars, 24 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

New release: A YA Urban Fantasy. I never asked to be a Viator—gifted with the powers of the angels and destined to protect humanity from the shadows. I definitely didn’t ask for a mate bond to someone I barely remember. Now, I’m being hunted by the Paladin Order’s ruthless leader, a man who will stop at nothing to control our power. In this world where alliances are tested, bonds are forged, and destinies collide, one question haunts me: will my light burn bright enough to outshine the shadows? From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

New Release: Young Dannilee Bennett seemed to always make the right moves and avoid the wrong ones. In fact, she was the luckiest kid anyone ever knew. But her high sense of clairvoyance wasn’t always a good thing. One man took notice of her special talent—and he knew exactly how to use it. Soon, Dannilee found herself on the run and thousands of miles from home. She had to learn quickly to choose friends from enemies, lovers from friends, and how to harness a power she never wanted! From $2.99 - SHOP NOW /