Today's Featured Books

Waltzing with Wallflowers Box Set by Rose Pearson

Romance

Six wallflowers. Six mysteries. Six unexpected romances. When scandals emerge, these overlooked ladies must uncover secrets, mend reputations, and follow their hearts—all while finding love where they least expect it. Charming, heartfelt, and filled with light intrigue, this is a clean Regency romance collection where secrets are unraveled, hearts are mended, and wallflowers find their perfect match. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Everlasting by Sara Fanfarillo

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Kendall's life changes when he suddenly finds himself in a secret world where events mysteriously intertwine. What begins as a series of strange coincidences soon reveals a deeper truth: his destiny is tied to a long-lost dynasty. Under the guidance of the wise old master, Kendall will discover a destiny that will change both worlds forever, leading to a journey across realms and a final confrontation that will test not only his strength, but the very core of who he is meant to be. From $4.50 - SHOP NOW


A Furnace for Your Foe by Matty Dalrymple

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Spirit senser Ann Kinnear is back on Mount Desert Island to take part in a documentary with her colleague and competitor, Garrick Masser. The topic? The recent death of Leo Dorn, head of the Stata Mater research lab, who fell from a cliffside trail on his wife’s estate. Ann has barely unpacked before Dorn’s hiking partner and fellow researcher, Shelby Kim, disappears. Now Ann wonders if Leo’s fall was an accident. Will Ann uncover the secrets of Mount Desert Island, or will this be her fall from grace? 4.5 stars, 99 ratings. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


Waiting for a Girl Like You by Katie Delahanty

Romance

Gwendoline Watson is an undercover bridesmaid who takes a last-minute job at a destination wedding and discovers the groom is her first love who broke her heart. Duncan Avila is a wedding singer whose voice can make any bridesmaid (except the one he really wants) swoon. Between hilarious attempts to matchmake the mismatched bride and groom and swoony schemes with Duncan, is Gwen destined always to be the bridesmaid in life and love? 4.4 stars, 49 ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


When People Leave by Leslie A. Rasmussen

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Three sisters are left reeling after the inexplicable suicide of their single mother. With questions swirling, they move into her home, hoping to unravel the mystery surrounding her death. As they sift through the remnants of her life, they uncover clues about a hidden past filled with secrets, and realize that their mother’s secrets may hold the key to understanding her and some of the choices they have made in their own lives. 4.82 stars, 22 ratings on Goodreads. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


FREE - Anxious Attachment Breakthrough by Caroline Maren

General Nonfiction

Struggling with fear, anxiety, and self-doubt in a relationship? Wondering why a therapy that works well for others did not work for you? This book will not only explain why, but also how to find the right fit for you. It is a compassionate, practical guide to help you heal more holistically through a personalized mix of therapies, exercises, and mindfulness practice. “Easy to understand. Interactive and engaging. I highly recommend this book.” ~Amazon Review. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - Magically Bound by Rachel Medhurst

Science Fiction and Fantasy

My name is Devon, and I’m half warlock, half witch. A mistake has put me in line to become leader of the warlocks, which means I have a choice to make: Leave witchery behind to become a warlock, or lose my warlock magic forever. Meanwhile, someone is trying to destroy the warlock coven, and a handsome witch has exploded into my life, determined to make me see that being a witch isn't just the best option, but the only option. 4.3 stars, 1200 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


The Tempests of Time by Lloyd Jeffries

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

New release: Time Turns Deadly. The world unravels in chaos, and for Emery Merrick and Rhyme Carter, the nightmare deepens when a cursed stranger hurls Emery through time’s shattered veins. A secret society lurks in the shadows, twisting history into a noose. "A mind-bending thriller." ~Reader Views. Perfect for fans of Stephen King and Dan Brown. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW


The Don's Son by Stacy-Deanne

Romance

Farah, a successful criminal defense attorney, can't resist the seductive pull of David, son of an infamous mob boss. Farah stays away because she doesn't want to jeopardize her career, but David is used to getting what he wants. When David falls in love with Farah, she must choose between her feelings for him and the demons of the past that make her so afraid to love. A Spicy BWWM Mafia Romance. 4.2 stars, 100+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Psychology of Survival, Bushcraft, and Mental Toughness by Todd Staples

General Nonfiction

Learn how to survive any crisis—without panic or fear—even if you've never been in the wild. Todd Staples shows why mindset, not gear, is the key to survival. Stay sharp, calm, and prepared when everything goes wrong. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Critically acclaimed historical fiction from Julie McDonald Zander

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the critically acclaimed historical fiction of Julie McDonald Zanderincluding a new release. Read on to learn more!

"Zander intersects history, letters, and experiences to create a rich connection and threads of thought between past and present worlds.” ~Midwest Book Review


Bonus: Sign up for Julie's newsletter and get a FREE copy of Retracing the Oregon Trail in Pictures, a color pictorial of the route traveled by thousands of early pioneers in the 19th century.


Shattered Peace: A Century of Silence

New Release: March 2025
Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical World War I Fiction, 20th Century History of the U.S.
4.8 stars, 10 ratings
From $4.99

A forgotten diary. A century-old secret. A town still haunted by its past.

When former Navy Seabee Colleen Holmes inherits an old house in Centralia, Washington, she sees it as a chance to escape her own ghosts and start anew. But as she peels back layers of history within the home’s walls, she unearths long-buried secrets tied to a dark chapter in the town’s history.

Hidden behind crumbling plaster, a faded diary and a bundle of love letters unveil the struggles of a soldier trapped in the trenches of France and the heartbreak of those left waiting at home. Yet the diary’s brittle pages hold more than just longing—they bear witness to the explosive events of November 11, 1919, when a parade meant to celebrate peace erupted into violence and bloodshed.

As Colleen pieces together the tragic choices that shattered lives and fractured a town, she realizes history is never truly buried. The wounds of yesterday still shape today, and the past is not done with her yet.

Inspired by true events, Shattered Peace is a gripping time-slip novel of love, loss, and the echoes of history that refuse to fade. Perfect for fans of The Alice Network and The Girl You Left Behind, this haunting tale of resilience, redemption, and the pursuit of truth will linger long after the final page.

Praise for Shattered Peace
"A compelling, winning story about a tragedy...that ultimately forges new paths toward peace and understanding in ways readers won’t see coming." ~Midwest Book Review

"A heartbreaking story of families torn apart." ~Melanie Dobson, author of Catching the Wind

"An incredible dual-time story." ~Leslie Gould, A Brighter Dawn

"A white-knuckle historical novel." ~Sandra Crowell, The Land Called Lewis


The Reluctant Pioneer

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Western & Frontier Christian Romance, Christian Historical Romance
4.9 stars, 79 ratings
From $9.99

A pioneer woman’s journey, inspired by a true story.

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?

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

"Captures the tumultuous journey...and unwavering hope of one woman who began the walk to Oregon Territory in 1847." ~Melanie Dobson, 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, Bertie’s War

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


About the Author

Julie McDonald Zander, an avid fan of history, earned a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from the University of Washington. After working two decades as a newspaper reporter and editor, she launched a personal history business to capture and preserve life stories. Her company, Chapters of Life, has published more than seventy-five books. 

Learn more at Julie's website, get a free copy of Retracing the Oregon Trail in Pictures when you sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow Julie online:
 
          


Free online: Mapping the Unmappable

Events

Free online: Mapping the Unmappable. Poets Michelle Latavala and Maya Stein will read their work, using the theme of the reading (mapping the unmappable) as a loose guide for which poems they'll choose to share. Interspersed with the readings will be an informal conversation and Q&A with participants. Wednesday, May 7, 6:00 - 7:30 PM CDT. 

“Literature is not only a mirror; it is a map, a geography of the mind.” ~Margaret Atwood


Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Book of the Day

New release! A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts. Kate arrives in Grand Teton National Park on a mission to capture a one-in-a-million photo of the world's most famous bear. She's ready for adventureisn't she? When a handsome park ranger offers to lend a hand, Kate is grateful, attractedand conflicted. There's the small matter of the unresolved relationship she left back home. 4.1 stars, 20 ratings on Goodreads. From $11.39 - SHOP NOW


The Plains of Abraham by Stephen Parrish

Science Fiction and Fantasy

René Jordan and Father Malcolm Marchand are caught hoarding forbidden books in post-apocalyptic Kebek. They escape to Ellanoy and what appears to be a Utopia. During their stay, Ellanoy is attacked by an army of warriors descended from less fortunate survivors of the poisoned rains. Utopia isn’t so utopian after all. "Parrish's writing shines." ~Amazon Review. The first volume of the Abraham trilogy. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


FREE - Eight Years Gone by Cate Beauman

Romance

A Spicy Small Town Second Chance Romance. After being away for eight years, Jagger comes home. He’ll do whatever it takes to fight for Grace, but proving he still loves her won’t be easy. In his absence, dreams were shattered and trust was broken, but Jagger wants to make things right. When tragedy befalls Grace again, Jagger can help her pick up the pieces. But can Grace forgive the past? "Everything you could want in a second-chance romance." ~Goodreads Review. 4.4 stars, 669 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


She Brings Beauty to Me by Karen Kay

Romance

1855. When 18-year-old Czanna Fehér is forced to flee Hungary, she journeys with her siblings to the American West. Learning of her parent's death in Hungary, she sings a prayer to the Montana mountains. Blackfeet scout Stands Strong is captivated by Czanna's song, as well as her beauty. Yet, they share nothing in common. Can two people from incompatible cultures ever find love? Or are their star-guided paths meant to only briefly cross? 4.4 stars, 268 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Salt Run by p.d.r. lindsay

Children and Young Adult

Travel to historic medieval Japan for a tale of courage, loyalty, and the enduring power of determination. Join Akasuki, bound by oath and duty to protect the four-year-old heir of a powerful daimyo, her lord and commander, on her hair-raising journey of survival and sacrifice to save the little boy. From $2.82 - SHOP NOW


Serum by Paul Baldwin

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Mia’s parents have never supported her—all their attention and praise are reserved for her twin sister, Unity. When a car accident puts Unity in a coma, Mia (who is also an athlete and scientist) finds something surprising and monumental—an experimental drug that promises to upend humanity itself, as well as Mia’s understanding of her own past. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Justice House Shadows by R.H. Nicholson

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Betty Brogan is quite possibly the last Southern Belle. Born unbelievably beautiful into a prosperous family in an otherwise poor Appalachian town, Betty is spoiled, self-involved, entitled, and outrageous. She refuses to follow the rules because the rules are for everyone else. And yet, it’s nearly impossible to not like her because she is so full of life, kind, and generous. Betty is the sun and everyone else simply lives in her orbit. Coming this summer. Special pre-order price: $10. PRE-ORDER NOW


Chrome's Collision by K.L. Barstow

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Chrome is President of the Chicago Chapter of the Demon Dawgs, a motorcycle club he transformed from a crime-riddled gang to a near law-abiding brotherhood. But there's a rat within the ranks, and there's an adversary who believes women are his for the taking—including Cicely, the one woman Chrome craves. With his club on the line and Cicely's safety in jeopardy, can Chrome uncover the traitor within his club, protect Cicely, and maintain his grip on the Demon Dawgs? 4.6 stars, 29 ratings on Goodreads. From$4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


New Giveaway: Win a Jane Austen or Charles Dickens Box Set

Giveaways

The LitNuts Spring 2025 Giveaway is here! But first...congratulations to Betsy K. of Raleigh, North Carolina. Betsy was the winner of the Little People, Big Dreams Giveaway that ended April 30. Thank you to all who entered. 

In the new Spring 2025 Giveaway, the prize options are a Jane Austen Box Set of six novels, a Charles Dickens Box Set of five novels, or a $75 Amazon.com gift card, winner's choice! Earn entry points by visiting the LitNuts.com website, following LitNuts on social media, sharing info about the giveaway, and more.

"There are as many forms of love as there are moments in time." ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park


Thick, Thin, What the Dragon Let In by Doworth Howard

Book of the Day

Ready for a riot? Strap in for a fast, sharp, funny, savory romp from one of America’s underground scribes. With more than 80 original works, this collection offers a bouillabaisse of unconventional stories, poems, lyrics, and ideas. From sad sack vandals, broken down hoods, and an assassin fighting tooth decay to deep sea ventures, breezy lullabies, and enchanting dreamscapes, this captivating and surprising collection will have you bursting with laughter one minute, haunted moments later. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW


Frontier Justice by Michael Cardwell

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Danny Coogan, a freshly minted Montana Fish and Game Officer, and recent Afghanistan veteran, hopes to bury his demons in a simple life in the wilderness around the small town of Darwin. But his life becomes a nightmare when he is shot and left injured and alone in the freezing countryside to struggle for survival. His assailant? A local he had considered a friend. Book1 of the Frontier Series. Perfect for fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box. 4.4 stars, 1950+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Simon's Magical Cowboy Ranch Box Set by Jacie Middlemann

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Books 1-9 of The Stratton Family mystery/romance series. The story about Simon Fountaine’s magical cowboy ranch had been told in their family for more years than she cared to count. Now, Elizabeth Fountaine wondered if there might be a bit of truth to the whimsical fairytale…if it was more than just an elaborate bedtime story to tell children. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The San Francisco Connection by Kelly Allegretti

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Kelsey is embarking on her new career as a detective in her father's agency in San Francisco. Her first case involves finding a family friend who went missing, and Kelsey quickly finds herself in the middle of a case filled with romance, danger, and corruption. Is she really cut out for this? This case will not only test Kelsey's resolve but her dad's as well. Book 1 of The Titoo Family Mystery Series. 4.3 stars, 146 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW