Today's Featured Books

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Furry Princess series of books from author Vicki Crain and illustrator Christopher Scott Bell...beautifully illustrated books for young readers that convey valuable lessons about self-confidence, family, and more.

Bonus: Learn about the origins of Sasha (aka, The Furry Princess), her friends, her quest and future, and why she is cool!

The Furry Princess

Book 1 in The Furry Princess Series
Genre: Children's Books
Price: $18

A full-color, 40-page, illustrated children's picture book following the journey of a shy, clumsy tiger named Sasha as she gains self-confidence by taking ballet classes.

Sasha, the youngest in a royal family of tigers, is going to be presented to the kingdom. As she prepares to receive her tiara publicly, her insecurities come out. She’s shy, awkward, and clumsy (and she has really big feet!).

Her best friend, Cami, convinces her to take ballet classes, where she finds self-confidence, makes new friends, and learns to believe in herself. Follow Sasha's journey as she becomes The Furry Princess.

The Furry Princess: Mona's Memory

Book 2 in The Furry Princess Series
Genre: Children's Books
Price: $18

Book 2 in The Furry Princess series is a full-color, 40-page, illustrated children's picture book continuing Sasha the tiger's journey to become a princess while bonding and learning lessons with her friends.

Mona is a mischievous monkey. She likes to have fun in ballet class, which sometimes gets her in trouble. She’s not (always) grumpy; she’s just misunderstood. Her moodiness is attached to a memory she holds dear from long ago. What could it be?

Follow along as Mona shares her memory with her friends, Sasha and Cami, and finds out the true meaning of family.

About the Author and Illustrator
Vicki Crain is a freelance writer who received her B.A. in English from the University of Illinois (Springfield). As a former dancer and teacher, she has translated her love of dance into a career as an arts and culture writer and children’s book author. Her publishing company, Qua Publishing LLC, launched in 2024. She lives in Chicago with her dog, Mabel. Learn more at VickiCrain.com.

Christopher Scott Bell is a freelance illustrator who received his B.A. in Illustration from the American Academy of Art, Chicago. Chris has been an artist his entire life, but collaborating on The Furry Princess Series has been the catalyst for him to pursue his love of illustration as a career. He lives happily with his husband, cat Lily, and 15 chickens in Ocean Park, Washington. Learn more at cbellillustrations.com.

Free online: Authors Discuss Addictions/Compulsions. Pen Parentis Literary Salons feature short readings by writes who are also parents, followed by moderated, audience-driven chat surrounded a curated theme. Tuesday, April 8, 6-7 PM CDT. 

"It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~T.S. Eliot

Shaye Archer’s life effectively began the night police found her in an alley with no memory of the previous 15 years. Now, she's a PI who gets answers for her clients and maybe for herself. When new client Emma claims she’s being stalked, Shaye is determined to help. Emma knows her stalker, but the problem is, she killed him a month ago. "A gem." ~Vine Voice Review. Book 1 of the Shaye Archer Series. 4.4 stars, 23,000+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

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. 4.4 stars, 1800+ ratings. From $3.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Inventors, Explorers, and World Changers. When the Wright Brothers, Marie Curie, Leonardo Davinci, and others set out to change the world, a chicken was there. Over the course of twenty-five short stories, these eyewitnesses to history will show you history as you've never seen it before. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

When combat veteran Brendan Murphy is wounded stopping an attack on an alien diplomat, he finds himself whisked aboard one of their ships and given medical aid. This rare opportunity finds him walking a tenuous line between new friendships and secret agendas that will test his loyalties in ways he can't begin to imagine. 4.2 stars, 99 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Great news for sci-fi fans: The next chapter of the Rare Earth Trilogy is here! To celebrate, you can get INHERITANCE, the critically acclaimed first book in best-selling author Lou Iovino’s epic sci-fi trilogy, for free! 4.3 stars, 142 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Ever feel like everyone in the room is judging you? Don't know how to join a conversation at a party without feeling awkward? Struggling to make friends who truly understand and appreciate you? Most teens navigating social interactions feel the same way, but that can change when you apply the practical, empowering methods in this book. 4.8 stars, 57 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

No evil acts alone. After a brutal truth is revealed, Detective Aaron Remalla finds solace as a stranger in a quaint town where he can drink instead of think—only to find himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit. With the help of his partner, Detective Gordon Daniels, Remalla looks for answers and uncovers even darker mysteries that involve deception, murder, and haunted woods that (according to town lore) harbor an evil responsible for the disappearance of four people. 4.6 stars, 372 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

With great power comes your past incarnations and future self playing chess with your existence. Kylie thought she was an average honors high school student, but when she discovers she’s the reincarnation of an ancient magic kingdom’s crown princess, people she’s never met want her dead. Now she must learn how to survive while maintaining the façade that nothing’s changed. Forget making A’s; how will Kylie survive to the end of the year when she’s constantly looking over her shoulder? From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Reborn in Shadows, a new release from author Maya Fisher that tells a gripping tale of survival, identity, and second chances.  

★★★★★ “Heartbreak, victory, and mystery rolled up into a digestible package that I didn’t want to put down.” ~Goodreads Review

Bonus: Visit the One-Legged Woman’s Emporium, A Store for Those Who Live on Their Own Terms, where you can purchase signed hardcover and paperback copies of the book, as well as unique buttons and prints. 

Reborn in Shadows

Book 1 of The Ryder Chronicles
Genres: Organized Crime Thrillers, Transgender Romance
4.84 stars, 19 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $2.99

A thriller about bravery, reinvention, and finding love in the face of darkness.

Miriam Ryder—a sharp-witted, chain-smoking, transgender woman and recent amputee—isn’t looking for trouble. She’s looking to survive. After a near-fatal encounter with a powerful crime family, she’s forced into witness protection, finding refuge in the quiet Appalachian town of Jasper Hill. But small towns have long memories, and some secrets refuse to stay buried.

As Miriam struggles to rebuild her life, she finds herself torn between bigotry, lurking threats, and an undeniable connection with a fiery art teacher who sees past her defenses. But danger is never far behind, and in a town where whispers can turn deadly, safety is just an illusion.

With her past closing in, Miriam must ask herself: How far is she willing to go to protect the fragile new life she’s built—and the woman who makes her want to stay?

Selected for inclusion in the Library of Congress, Reborn in Shadows has been recognized as a novel of significance, preserving a powerful and underrepresented voice in fiction.

Praise for Reborn in Shadows
"Fisher’s unflinching approach to difficult subjects—transphobia, violence, disability, and isolation—is balanced by moments of unexpected beauty and connection." ~Bookshelfie

★★★★★ "Inspiring tale about being reborn." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A complex tapestry of action, thriller, mystery, romance, and cozy." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A gripping testament to survival, identity, and second chances." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author
Maya Fisher is an author and founder/owner of One-Legged Woman Publishing. As a transgender woman and a below-the-knee amputee, she is the one-legged woman behind the name, and she has dedicated herself to promoting inclusivity, sharing diverse voices, and telling stories that show strength and creativity. Learn more at AuthorMayaFisher.com, and be sure to follow Maya online:

            

April is National Poetry Month, and the Poetry Near You page of Poets.org has a great calendar of poetry readings, workshops, festivals, conferences, and more. Search by zip code to find an in-person event near you or select an online event that you can join from the comfort of your own home.

"There is no money in poetry, but then there is no poetry in money, either." ~Robert Graves

A gripping thriller of survival, identity, and second chances. Miriam Ryder—a sharp-witted, chain-smoking transgender woman and recent amputee—lands in witness protection after a violent event nearly ends her life. She seeks refuge in a quiet town, but finds bigotry, danger, and an undeniable connection with a fiery art teacher. With her past closing in, how far will she go to protect the life she’s built? Selected for Library of Congress inclusion! From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

"A little fantasy and history all rolled up in one." Embark on a journey of bravery, loss, and redemption with a forgotten warrior determined to save a kingdom. Stripped of everything he holds dear, Gerald becomes a reluctant hero, facing enemies old and new, all for the future of the realm. "An amazing story that begins a legendary series, full of danger, battle, and hope." 4.5 stars, 800+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

It’s been five years since CIA agent Travis Bishop walked away from his career. But then a man shows up on his doorstep claiming a female agent has gone dark and is nowhere to be found. Worse yet, the CIA believes her to be a traitor. Now it’s Travis’s mission to find the agent and uncover the truth. Perfect for fans of authors like Steven Konkoly, Jason Kasper, and J. B. Turner. Book 1 in a series. 4.4 stars, 1900+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Featuring never-been-told stories from the King family and contributions from celebrities and thought leaders—including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Jay Shetty, Julia Roberts, Yara Shahidi, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Sanjay Gupta—it’s an extraordinary road map for finding genuine connection, bringing us closer to Dr. King’s dream of a Beloved Community. 5.0 stars, 22 ratings on Goodreads. From $2.99 - SHOP NOW / 

She's raising two daughters on her own. He’s a police officer and a confirmed bachelor. Then their paths cross… Blindsided by her husband’s demand for a divorce, Grace vows that raising her older teenage daughters must come first. So she throws herself into her teaching job and puts romance on the back burner. Enter Doug, a local bachelor by day and a heroic police officer by night who finds himself drawn to the soft-spoken single mom. Book 1 in a series. 4.3 stars, 463 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

“Will break hearts.” ~Publishers Weekly. Abused and silenced, 14-year-old Samantha flees her family farm and dives headfirst into the dangerous glamour of 1970s LA. Blind Pony is her raw, unforgettable memoir of survival, reinvention, and grit. “About learning from one's past.” ~IndieReader. 4.3 stars, 3000+ ratings on Goodreads. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

In this collection of fifteen curious and delightful short stories, you never know who you’re going to meet or where you’re going to end up. But you can be certain that you’ll always find yourself smack dab in the middle of some befuddling predicament of existence. Using humor and horror, satire and allegory, fabulism and realism, these stories take you for an extraordinary ride, submerging you in spaces where anything is possible, especially transformation. 4.6 stars, 20 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

An unexpected and enchanting blend of light science fiction and contemporary romance that follows Dr. Perry Roberts and Beverly Bowen as they race against the unrelenting persistence of time. "Exceptionally well-written." ~Amazon Review. 4.4 stars, 157 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

She used to write self-help books. Now she’s living one—with fae, fire magic, and a battle to save the mortal realm. Perfect for readers who like enchanted villages, slow-burn romance, journeys of self-discovery, and fierce women over 40. Book 1 in The Rowanswood Crones paranormal women’s fiction series. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Join Beckett Monahan in her small hometown in 1985. The 28-year-old is a church secretary, and she has one ear on the local grapevine and the other on the rotary phone. She’s working a wedding with the local lothario as the best man, when she stumbles upon his dead body, leading Beckett to attempt to clear her aunt of the crime and uncover the real killer. Is it one of the man’s many conquests? The town busybody? A former friend? Beckett is determined to find out! 4.6 stars,72 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

In a desolate world, a veteran monster hunter must recover a new specimen for the corporate elites. But when Mercer learns his target is not a mutant but a teen girl, his moral compass spins sideways, leading him to wonder which side to fight for. From award-winning author Ingrid Moon comes an action-packed dystopian novel with crazy twists, a pinch of humor, and all the blood and violence of an edge-of-your-seat action movie. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

A Christian Small Town RomCom. Merdy’s influencer career may have taken a nosedive, but now she’s using her platform for good. When Hunter asks her to promote his equine therapy center, she’s reluctant because she can’t stand to watch him risk his life for a thrill. As Merdy battles her own downfall, she pushes Hunter away, fearing she’ll lose him, too. After tragedy strikes and their bond is tested, each must decide if they’re a team worth fighting for. 4.9 stars,56 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

When Jason Miles is accused of masterminding a massive tax fraud scheme, he is forced to go on the run—jeopardizing everything he knows and everyone he loves. As his pursuers close in, a shocking betrayal leaves Jason alone to either win or die. Book 1 in the Cigar City Thriller series. 4.6 stars, 56 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW /