Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Reluctant Pioneer by Julie McDonald Zander, a work of historical fiction that was inspired by the true story of a pioneer woman’s journey.

"A must-read for fans of historical fiction and of strong women.” ~Dawn Shipman, award-winning author of the Lost Stones of Argonia Series

The Reluctant Pioneer

Matilda Koontz cherishes her life as a wife and mother on a Missouri farm, but her hardworking husband wants to claim free farmland in the Pacific Northwest. When he suggests selling the farm to trek two thousand miles across the Oregon Trail, Matilda balks, but in the spring of 1847, Matilda and Nicholas Koontz and their sons embark on a grueling journey westward on the Oregon Trail.

With new struggles at every turn, Matilda wonders how she can protect her sons on such a perilous journey. Fresh graves attest to dangers of disease, accidents, starvation, and a multitude of hazards threatening her family and her beloved’s dream. Will they reach the trail’s end? Will the babe growing inside her womb survive?

When tragedy strikes, the question changes: How can she possibly continue?

This pioneer woman’s journey is inspired by a true story.

Praise for The Reluctant Pioneer
"Inspired by the true story of Matilda Koonz Jackson, this engaging historical novel brings readers to tears and, at other times, to the edge of their chairs." ~Sandra Crowell, author of The Land Called Lewis

"Captures the tumultuous journey...and unwavering hope of one woman who began the walk to Oregon Territory in 1847. If you enjoy reading Jane Kirkpatrick’s fiction or other historical novels about women who overcome tremendous hardship for the sake of their family, you’ll love The Reluctant Pioneer." ~Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Where the Trail Ends

"A heart-rending, beautiful tale inspiring us to relate to the courage, heartbreak, and joys of an amazing woman.” ~Barbara Tifft Blakey, author of Bertie’s War

"Captures not just experience, but the motivations and relationships that impacted Oregon Trail riders." ~Midwest Book Review

Bonus: Sign up for Julie's newsletter and get a FREE copy of Retracing the Oregon Trail in Pictures.

About the Author

          

Free online: The Art of Journaling. Journaling can be enjoyable and enlightening. It can deepen your self-awareness, and help you gain clarity and add a sense of calm. Join to explore the why, the how, and the art of journaling. Tuesday, November 26, 12 PM CT. 

"In the journal, I am at ease." ~Anaïs Nin

Hidden in the Northern California woods, a remote hunting cabin conceals a horrifying secret that could upend FBI Special Agent Sadie Gray’s life. Grass Valley, a quiet community with dark undercurrents, was the site of Sadie's abduction nearly twenty years ago. Now, as a gruesome discovery ignites a murder investigation tied to a prolific serial killer dubbed “The 34 in the Floor,” Sadie must confront her past and delve into the mind of a murderer to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. 5.0 stars, 18 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Professional athletes are fed up with new league mandates requiring them to attend annual educational seminars unrelated to sports. When one athlete spots an ad for the S.E.S. Trash Talk symposium, it seems like a perfect fit—until they realize the S.E.S. stands for the Sarasota Environmentalist Society. What follows is a hilarious collision of two worlds as trash-talking athletes meet passionate environmentalists at an event destined to spark laughter, misunderstandings, and unexpected connections. From $1.99 - SHOP NOW / 

This Sunday, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Prepared Heart by Bryan Harr, a transformative guide that invites readers on a life-changing journey.

★★★★★ "Practical, thoughtful, simple. Profound." ~Amazon Review

The Prepared Heart

A transformative guide that invites readers on a life-changing journey.

Imagine living each day with unshakable peace, purpose, and joy. Through powerful personal testimonies and biblical wisdom, The Prepared Heart explores the core principles of faith, showing how to break free from fear, overcome the pull of sin, and build an intimate relationship with God. Whether you're just beginning your spiritual walk or seeking deeper connection, The Prepared Heart reveals practical steps to transforming your heart and soul.

Each chapter unpacks essential topics like forgiveness, prayer, holiness, and surrender, offering readers the tools to face life’s challenges with grace and confidence. Overall, The Prepared Heart empowers you to let go of doubt and distraction, fully embracing a faith that guides every decision and defines every moment.

Praise for The Prepared Heart
★★★★★ "Relatable, challenging and encouraging." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Packed with wisdom but easy to follow and stay engaged." ~Amazon Review

About the Author

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Mylas Grey Mysteries, a clean, character-driven mystery series with touches of humor and romance from author Luana Ehrlich.

★★★★★ "Mylas is a character who stays with you long after you finish the book." ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Sign up for Luana Ehrlich's newsletter and get a free copy of the e-book edition of One Step Back (4.5 stars, 200+ ratings on Goodreads), the prequel novella to the 10-book Titus Ray Thrillers series.

One Day Gone

Mylas Grey is a private investigator, but don’t call him a private detective. That title belongs to his father—not to him.

Mylas is the Chief Investigator for Senator Davis Allen, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. His job is to do background investigations for the President’s judicial nominees, and that’s the only kind of investigation he’s interested in doing. But then Lizzie, the Senator’s daughter, goes missing from her campus apartment. And suddenly, Mylas finds himself back in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri, investigating her disappearance. 

If you enjoy an engaging, multilayered mystery with a vulnerable, endearing hero, you’ll love One Day Gone.

Praise for One Day Gone
★★★★★ "An enthralling mystery that I could hardly put down." ~D.L. Wood, author of Unintended Target

★★★★★ "Delightful mystery." ~Amazon Review

Two Days Taken

Two days. That's all it was supposed to take.

Mylas Grey is looking forward to photographer Whitney Engel's visit to Washington...wondering if the spark between them will ignite into a roaring fire. But first, he has to take a trip to Baltimore to spend a couple of days investigating a matter for a senator. He wasn't anticipating having an encounter with a psychopath that sets off a series of events that puts his own life, as well as Whitney's, in grave danger.

Praise for Two Days Taken
★★★★★ "Mystery, action, and a thread of sweet romance." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "This author never disappoints." ~Amazon Review

Three Days Clueless

Mylas gets involved in an intriguing case of murder with no clues.

When Mylas arrives in his hometown to spend time with Whitney, he agrees to help his father, a local private detective, examine the files of a politician who was murdered in cold blood. There’s just one problem. The killer left no clues behind. As Mylas examines the politician’s files, he comes across a single set of initials that could be the clue that unlocks the killer’s identity. In the meantime, Mylas is also clueless about Whitney. When he finally realizes something’s going on with her, it may be too late. 

Three Days Clueless is a clean mystery that delves into family relationships, romantic misconceptions, and a man’s desire to do the right thing.

Praise for Three Days Clueless
★★★★★ "A fast-paced, totally captivating mystery." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Excellent Christian P.I. suspense, romance." ~Goodreads Review

Seven Days Off

Mylas has strict orders to take seven days off.

There’s just one problem: Mylas doesn’t know how to take time off. An ex-con gives Mylas information about a missing female counselor from the Red Shield Academy, immediately thrusting Mylas into dangerous circumstances with ominous overtones. Meanwhile, as Whitney prepares to move to Washington, Mylas questions if he’ll be able to keep her safe, if she’ll be happy, and if her new job will change their relationship. When decisions have to be made, when doubts come, when answers aren’t there, Mylas' faith becomes his only hope.

Praise for Seven Days Off
★★★★★ "Great story, great plot." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Another great book from a favorite author." ~Amazon Review

About the Author

    

Free online: Lovestruck Books presents Love Stories Live - a Virtual Romance Roundtable. Grab some popcorn (or a glass of wine) and join for conversation with six incredible romance authors: Sarah Hogle (author of Old Flames and New Fortunes), Hannah Whitten (The Nightshade Crown), Lish McBride (Uncanny Romance), Casey Blair (Diamond Universe), Lana Harper (The Witches of Thistle Grove), and Amanda Bouchet (The Kingmaker Chronicles). Sunday, November 24, 3:00 - 4:40 PM EST. Tickets are free, but sales end soon, so reserve your spot today.

“Love is the emblem of eternity; it confounds all notion of time; effaces all memory of a beginning, all fear of an end.” ~Anne Louise Germaine de Staël, Corinne

In a society where babies are a commodity and laws strip citizens of basic rights, women lose the freedom to choose their partners, pregnancies, or raise their children. Jane faces forced marriage after an unplanned pregnancy. Angelica loses her job and love. Millie, after years of trying to conceive, must prioritize her injured husband. And teen artist Wendy faces unspeakable trauma. Sentenced to the same pregnancy prison, their lives intertwine in a way that could dismantle the baby auction system. Together, they might ignite a revolution. 4.4 stars, 487 reviews. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Despite her fear of Indians, Sharon Wells leaves her home in St. Louis to journey to Indian Territory.  An orphan yearning for a family, Sharon stays loyal to her fiancé, even as he repeatedly puts her in harm's way. Strikes Fast, a Crow warrior haunted by vengeance, has strayed from his path as a medicine man. When Sharon is captured and her fiancé abandons her, Strikes Fast sees rescuing her as a chance to redeem himself and reconnect with his spiritual purpose. As they face danger together, they confront their differences and discover if love can bring them healing and a new future. Rated 4.6 stars on Goodreads. From $5.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In 1512, Francisca dreams of becoming a painter. She is inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s bold ideas, but the weight of societal expectations—and a looming marriage—pulls her down. When tasked with assisting a renowned artist at Seville Cathedral, she encounters Isabel, a captivating muse whose flamenco singing sparks a forbidden passion. Amid the splendor of the Renaissance and the looming threat of the Inquisition, Francisca must confront buried family secrets and decide whether to submit to her fate or fight for her art, her freedom, and her love. 4.7 stars, 18 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Dating can feel like a never-ending cycle of choosing the wrong guy, only to realize he’s a total "Pig." You try to change him, but it backfires, leaving you frustrated and heading back to the dating pool for yet another disappointing round. But there’s hope! Michael Coogan and William Burton reveal how men’s minds, like a Pig’s, follow simple, predictable patterns. With their guidance, you’ll learn to understand, train, and manage your partner effectively—creating a fun-loving, loyal, and well-behaved companion who’s just the right fit for you. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two novels that serve as prequels to the Spirit Song Saga, an epic fantasy adventure series from authors Ross Hightower and Deb Heim: 

• Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story
• Desulti: An Epic Fantasy

"Expertly spun fantasy adventure." ~Kirkus Reviews

Bonus: Start your reading adventure by downloading a free sample chapter of Desulti.

Argren Blue: A Spirit Song Story

A narrative of heroism and consequence set against the backdrop of a nation on the brink of change.
 
Rebellion isn’t easy. Learning to fight back against a corrupt empire is hard enough. Throw in an imperial witch with her own agenda, an assassin from a mysterious order, foreign mercenaries out for profit, and a corrupt imperial governor…the inquisition may be the least of the young rebels’ problems.

Praise for Argren Blue

• Winner, Coming of Age, Firebird Book Awards 2023
• Finalist, OZMA Book Awards 2023
• Runner-Up, General Fiction, Beach Books Festival 2023
• Honorable Mention, Coming of Age, San Francisco Book Festival 2023
• Literary Titans Silver Award
• "A gripping fantasy tale filled with resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom." ~Literary Titan
• "A fast-paced, five-star fantasy adventure that will remain in your thoughts long after the last page is turned." ~Sublime Book Review
• "An expertly spun fantasy adventure featuring magic, combat, and art appreciation." ~Kirkus Reviews
• "Reminiscent of epic fantasy such as Shannara or the Dragonlance saga...definitely worth a read for lovers of fantasy!" ~Reedsy Discovery

Desulti: An Epic Fantasy

A compelling tale of impossible odds, intrigue, betrayal, and sapphic romance. 

A ruthless invading Empire. An outmanned rebel force. An alliance of women determined to defy patriarchy. Fierce female characters. Welcome to Desulti and the world of Argren. 

The tyranny of the Vollen Empire is written in the scars on Tove’s face. But a chance encounter with Brie, a Desulti assassin, awakens a hunger in Tove. When Brie offers Tove a chance to be the first Alle’oss woman to join the Desulti, she can’t believe her luck. But the secretive order of women is not the haven she expects. Can Tove find what she seeks, or is she a pawn in a scheme that could end her life and destroy the Alle’oss rebellion?

Praise for Desulti

• "Highly recommended for fantasy fans who appreciate a winning blend of sweeping world-building description, epic events, manipulation, and proactive female characters whose growth is at the heart of all experiences." ~Midwest Book Review
• "Tove is an incredibly charismatic character who is a joy to follow through her trials and tribulations, and the romance that builds between her and another Desulti is one of the sweetest and most natural relationships that I have read in recent years." ~Reedsy Discovery
• "More than just epic fantasy. It’s a powerful exploration of women’s rights and the fight for independence... A beguiling tale of intrigue, betrayal, romance, and action." ~Sublime Book Review
• "A fully textured world that feels immersive and alive." ~Readers’ Favorite

    

    

Free online tonight: Poetry Reading at the Hudson Valley Writers Center. Join via Zoom for an evening of new poetry with Diane Seuss, Christian Gullette, and Richie Hofmann. Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 - 8:30 PM ET.

“Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” ~Robert Frost

After my divorce, I walked away with three spirited daughters, a food truck, and just enough in the bank to start over—barely. Two hundred dollars got us three tanks of gas, but we needed four. Stranded in a blizzard, the last person I expected to rescue us was Finn Hollister—my first love, the heartbreaker I’d sworn off forever. Judging by the three mini versions of him now glaring at me, it seems I should also call him "Dad." A standalone novel in the Sweet Christmas Kisses series. 4.8 stars, 142 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In Victorian England, 1861, Esther Hardy refuses to accept the limited choices of marriage or servitude as a governess. When a dying woman with a dark past appears on her doorstep, Esther is thrust into a dangerous mystery, battling ruthless villains and the secrets of the elite to unmask a killer, and she finds herself drawn to an enigmatic gentleman whose role in the intrigue is unclear. In a city shrouded in deception and danger, she must risk everything to protect her family and prove herself as a detective—or lose it all. 4.4 stars, 11 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Lilla must recruit the biggest and most dangerous army in the Seven Galaxies, but the Teryn emperor will not comply unless Lilla earns the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess Laoise. Dealing with gods is never easy. Guardian Goddess Laoise’s condition for bestowing her blessing is for Lilla to bring her the mysterious Heart Amulet. Now Lilla is trapped in a strange place with no way out, no idea where to go or how to find the amulet. Book 2 in The Last Lumenian series. 4.3 stars, 900+ ratings on Goodreads. FREE - SHOP NOW /