Today's Featured Books
The Sparkly Bun by Keith Stoeckeler
Serendipity: The Series by Topher Kaler
Friendly Fire by Mark Pawlosky
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
The Last Temptation by Amy O. Lewis
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
FREE - Home from Within by Lisa Maggiore
Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction
New Release: Lady Reaper by Toni Cabell, the final book in the Serving Magic Series!
Congratulations to author Toni Cabell on the release of Lady Reaper, the final installment in the Serving Magic Swords & Sorcery Romantic Fantasy Series.
“This series has everything I love in a good young adult fantasy...a powerful protagonist, a strong plot, dry humor, and a romantic interest that our protagonist resists." ~Readers' Favorite
Lady Reaper by Toni Cabell
NEW RELEASE: April 11, 2023From $0.99
After rescuing thirty people, including Arnesto, from the dark fays, Mara’s physical injuries are healed—but her magic has never recovered—and her ensorcelled sword no longer responds to her touch.
Even worse, Mara’s heart is bruised by Arnesto’s long absences and rambling explanations.
Arnesto, however, has problems of his own. His brother’s spirit—along with many others in the lower realms—can’t cross over to the far shore—and Arnesto blames himself.
Mara must find a way to work with Arnesto despite their differences and misunderstandings. But can she gain admittance to the elven king, find a cure for her magic, and save both worlds—the living and the dead—before time runs out?
Praise for the award-winning Serving Magic Series
"A captivating fantasy adventure with a relatable female protagonist. Highly recommended! ” ~The Wishing Shelf (for Lady Apprentice)
"Airy, fun and brimming with magic…a rollicking fantasy adventure of enchanting proportions.” ~Indies Today (for Lady Spy)
About Toni Cabell
“Skillfully plotted books packed full of magic, mayhem, and a plethora of dark secrets.” ~The Wishing Shelf
An award-winning fantasy author, Toni Cabell writes the “perfect coming-of-age tale with a magical twist.” (Indies Today) Her books feature strong female protagonists, page-turning plots, and relatable characters that spring off the page.
Toni makes her home in a small village along the shores of Lake Michigan with her handsome husband and grumpy miniature schnauzer. A lifelong insomniac, she often writes in the middle of the night, which may explain her wild plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sign up for Toni’s newsletter at ToniCabell.com, and follow Toni on BookBub to receive notices about her new releases and sales.
The Serving Magic Series
LitNuts recently featured Lady Apprentice, the award-winning Book 1 in the Serving Magic Series, and in the days ahead, we will be featuring the entire series in the LitNuts newsletter. Click on the book covers, below, to learn more about each book now!
April 2023 LitNuts Deals
Events LitNuts Deals Spotlight
Welcome to the April 2023 edition of LitNuts Deals: highly rated indie books at big discounts (most are $1 or less!) PLUS the LitNuts Deals Giveaway.
This month, the winner will get to choose a brand new Kindle Paperwhite or a $125 Amazon.com gift card. Enter by April 28 for a chance to win!
The Second Chance Inn by Susan Hatler
Genre: Romance
4.3 stars, 8000+ ratings
FREE!
An emotional homecoming that will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to believe in happy endings.
Wendy vowed never to return to the small coastal town where her parents abandoned her. But when she inherits the family inn at the beach, she must come home and face her past. Will handsome millionaire Max help her heal old wounds and open her heart?
Book 1 in the Blue Moon Bay series. From a New York Times bestselling author, don’t miss the chance to unite with friendships that endure and a love that will last forever.
"Love enough to last." ~Emily Pennington, Vine Voice Review
The Dragon War by Daniel Arenson
Genre: Fantasy
4.4 stars, 1000+ ratings
From $0.99
The Dragon War, an epic fantasy trilogy, tells of civil war in Requiem—an ancient kingdom whose people can grow wings, breathe fire, and take flight as dragons. When a cruel general captures Requiem's throne, a desperate band of rebels struggles to reclaim the kingdom. This collection includes all three Dragon War novels.Book 1: A Legacy of Light. The traitor Cadigus has captured the throne of Requiem. In the wilderness, rebellion brews. The Resistance is small, but its cry is loud: "The tyrant must fall."
Book 2: A Birthright of Blood. War rages. Fire rains. Requiem, the land of dragons, is tearing apart. When the hosts of Cadigus fly against them, can the resistors save their homeland?
Book 3: A Memory of Fire. Darkness covers Requiem. General Cadigus, usurper of the throne, rules with an iron fist. Bloodied after a long war, the Resistance musters. Rising as dragons, lighting the sky with fire, the resistors fly to their last stand.
Coin for a Dream by Mae Adams
Genre: Memoir, Korean History
4.6 stars, 69 ratings
FREE!
Mae Adams' Coin for a Dream: And Other Korean Tales enchants readers with conversational stories that include unexpected twists and turns from her perspective as a young girl, collecting tidbits and folklore from her grandparents and her life story.Full of colorful characters—including shamans, kings and queens, ginseng boys, grateful ghosts and magpies, and a host of others—the stories entertain while allowing the reader to experience the wonders of ancient rites of Korea. Hear lepers sing for their supper, watch goblins wrestle, feel a tiger’s sorrow, taste snake soup, touch a Taoist Immortal God’s hand, and experience other wonders of Korean culture.
Every tale will inspire different emotions. The myths, legends, and folk tales also include lessons we can apply in our own time and culture, making it an excellent book you can read and reread often.
"A fantastic collection of memorable stories." ~Grady Harp, Amazon Review
Lord, I Don't Want to Die a Christian by Chandrika D. Phea
Genre: Christian Liberation Theology, Christian Commentaries
4.9 stars, 31 ratings
From $2.99
In Lord, I Don't Want to Die a Christian: My Journal and Journey to Freedom, an ordained minister explores how Christianity hinders her experience of God, Life, and Humanity.
After living in China as a Christian missionary, hosting a two-year Bible study for seven curious Chinese freshman college students, my sense of curiosity inhaled and later exhaled when returning to the practice of Western religion. Born into a devoutly religious family, the daughter, niece, and grandchild of Christian clergy, degreed in Biblical Studies, ordained as a reverend of the faith, I now have questions of the religion that raised and readied me. The emittance of questions and resolves thereof have done well in surrendering to me a choice: Christianity or curiosity?
"Bold...honest...authentic...a lifeline to church folk who feel stuck in a form of Christianity that's harming them." ~Brian D. McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt
Redemption by Ed Benjamin
Genre: Memoir, Military Thriller
4.3 stars, 200+ ratings
From $0.99
An orphaned teenager, Harry enters the United States Air Force and quickly rises to become a top fighter pilot. Flying became his life—and he was good at it. When his wingman is shot down in an aerial battle, Harry uses his skills to shoot down three enemy jet fighters in combat.But when the Air Force grounds Harry for medical reasons, his life is turned upside down. He battles loneliness and alcohol while trying to eke out a living as a private detective. Things change when he takes on a missing persons case that involves a Caribbean cruise and a computer geek named Katie.
"An inspiring and turbulent emotional journey." ~International Review of Books
"This book has it all: super-authentic flying segments, a story of someone dealing with great loss, and an engaging detective story." ~Amazon Review
The Mad Ramblings of a Joker by Brandon Dillon
Genre: American Poetry
4.9 stars, 71 ratings
From $0.99
Brandon Dillon is an award-winning poet who writes from the soul about his life as a child born into poverty, his travels around the world as a U.S. Marine, love won and love lost, and the trauma that life brings. The Mad Ramblings of a Joker is a brutally honest collection, full of metaphor and vibrant imagery. His work covers topics such as PTSD, depression, and heartbreak, and softer moments of hope and reflective peace. His poetry is deep and unforgettable, a beacon for a dark world that needs a friend to say, “I’ve been there. I understand.”"Dillon's voice is honest and resonates with others who have experienced trauma, loss or PTSD." ~Andreana Binder, MFA, Faculty, Writespace
"A glimpse into what it looks like to live on the other side of survival." ~Xach Blunt, poet, spoken word artist
Bigger Better Braver by Nancy Pickard
Genre: Self-Esteem
4.6 stars, 55 ratings
From $0.99
Bigger Better Braver: Conquer Your Fears, Embrace Your Courage, and Transform Your Life is a proven, step-by-step guide for uncovering and putting into action the vision we each have in our hearts to live the life we are meant to lead. Provided with clarity and enhanced with inspirational client and personal stories, the book is a journey in itself, as Nancy lays out time-tested tools to identify, face, and overcome shadow beliefs from childhood that hold us back, get free of the limits of our comfort zone, come to terms with and cultivate fear as a driving force for change, and discover the courage we already have to take bold steps into the future.Foreword Reviews Award Winner. Chanticleer 1st Place and Finalist. International Book Awards Winner and Finalist.
"A warmly written…pep talk for living your 'big' life now." ~Kirkus Reviews
"A self-help companion designed to unearth hope and help it to grow." ~Foreword Reviews
Welcome to the Zipper Club by Bruce Ballister
Genre: Cardiology, Heart Disease
4.5 stars, 34 ratings
From $0.99
Are you or a loved one facing cardiac surgery? There’s nothing more frightening than when your heart isn’t functioning the way it’s supposed to—except possibly when the heart of someone you love is in trouble. It's natural to want information before surgery, but much of what is on medical websites is incomprehensible jargon.Whether you’re preparing for heart surgery yourself or you’ll be supporting someone else, Welcome to the Zipper Club: Surviving Heart Surgery and Beyond will explain what to expect and how to survive beyond the surgery, including:
- What to expect as you prepare for your surgery.
- How it feels to have had your chest cracked open.
- Why a support team is so important for your recovery.
- How to transition back home as smoothly as possible.
- And most importantly, what you need to do to avoid a repeat performance.
Joyous Leadership by John Mark Watson
Genre: Business Mentoring & Coaching
5 stars, 55 ratings
From $2.99
W
hat is joyous leadership and why should it be practiced? In Joyous Leadership: Stories of Learnings Along the Way, Mark Watson makes the case through pivotal personal stories that joyous leadership is not about short-term profit or prestige. It is a long-term endeavor to enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. Joyous Leadership shows that we all have plain or sometimes ugly personal stories that, like a prism examined in the light, transform into something that may surprise ourselves and inspire others."A must-read for any aspiring leader." ~Lee C. Banks, Vice Chairman & President, Parker Hannifin Corporation
"A precious gift!" ~Dr. Robert Fisher, President, Belmont University
The Sword and the Sunflower by Mark Bradford
Genre: Metaphysical Fantasy, Coming-of-Age Fantasy
4.5 stars, 24 ratings
From $1.00
A father who lost his heart, a traveler who lost his love, and a girl who lost everything.In an epic fantasy set 1,000 years from now, the world resembles the Dark Ages of Medieval times rather than the future, and a father who is grieving the death of his daughter takes one last job—to assassinate a man he’s never met. But when he meets the young daughter of his intended victim, he ends up taking her under his wing and they are both taken on an epic journey.
This fantasy adventure explores the aftermath of catastrophe, in a new world distant yet familiar to us. It examines duty, family, and beliefs—all through the eyes of three strangers who have no business coming together.
"An epic fantasy journey that is closely connected with our own world. Highly recommended." ~K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ciscoe's Dance by Marion Hill
Genre: Black & African American Fantasy Fiction
4.5 stars, 67 ratings on Goodreads
From $0.99
Ciscoe and his wife, Latisha, are dannzas—professional dancers who specialize in performing to Guanamamma music in upscale nightclubs. But their way of life is threatened when Piccanta, a new type of music and dance, becomes fashionable. In love with the dannza life once taught by his father, Ciscoe is determined to save Guanamamma music and dance.In a world where music and dance are akin to religion, the story comes to read like an allegory on modern cancel culture: when a canonized artist is judged without context, the suggestion is that it's the culture, not the artist, who suffers.
"A lively fantasy novel...the book examines the greater impact that an artist's choices can have on a culture." ~Katerie Prior, Clarion Reviews
Building Your First Website by John Rhea
Genre: Web Site Design, Web Programming
4.1 stars, 43 ratings
FREE!
Ever think you could enjoy learning code?Forget those insomnia cures and non-apocalypse-ending books. Building Your First Website (While You Thwack Zombies with HTML and CSS) makes learning HTML and CSS fun, plus you get to put the smackdown on the undead hordes. It has all the content and direction you need to build that first website, plus enough silly jokes and zombie slaying to keep you interested the whole time. Grab this book and stop the Apocalypse today!
"Funny and informative." ~Amazon Review
Flavors of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain): A Culinary History in Poetry and Recipes
Free online this weekend: Flavors of Al-Andalus, A Culinary History in Poetry and Recipes. Al-Andalus (or Muslim Spain) brought together peoples and influences from three continents—Africa, Asia, and Europe—in a legendary time of peaceful coexistence. Join author and poet Shadab Zeest Hashmi and food and travel writer Yvonne Maffei in their celebration of the culinary history and remarkable heritage of Al-Andalus. Sunday, April 16, 8:00 a.m. CDT.
"Many of the traits on which modern Europe prides itself came to it from Muslim Spain: Diplomacy, free trade, open borders, the techniques of academic research, of anthropology, etiquette, fashion, various types of medicine, hospitals." ~Charles, Prince of Wales
FREE - Lady Apprentice by Toni Cabell
Kingsrise by Anne Mattias
"Mattias did an excellent job of mixing magic and mystery into one unforgettable story... The adventure of a lifetime." -The Faerie Review. Two stabbings. The victims: a man named Arthur and a mysterious knight. Detective Inspector Niamh Khalid finds herself drawn into a world of myth, magic, and betrayal. Can she solve an impossible case and keep her brother safe? "A wonderful read, combining mystery, fantasy, and legend seamlessly." -Goodreads review. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
FREE - Instead of Harmony by Sara Adrien
The Secret by Topher Kaler
When their home planet is destroyed, a group of young teens has to grow up very quickly. Led by the charismatic Samantha, a thirteen-year-old with a thirst for adventure, they leave everything they have ever known behind to escape on the newly built spaceship, not knowing if they will ever see their families again. Thrown headlong into a series of tests that push them to their limits, Samantha and her crew come through triumph, terror, and tragedy to discover a secret so shocking, it will turn the entire history of humanity on its head. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
Edge of Sundown by Jennifer Worrell
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
When dystopian fiction becomes real…Once spoilers from novelist Val Haverford’s conspiracy theory are leaked, he discovers his fictional extremists are not only real, they believe his book is an exposé designed to take them down. They intend to make sure the project never hits the shelves, but will he make the right choice? Or will it be too late? Edge of Sundown is a provocative story that shows how the desperation of lost opportunity can lead to drastic and unexpected consequences. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh
Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction
"Pitch-perfect: this Jane Austen-inspired novel echoes the master herself." -Publishers Weekly. In this magical prequel to Austen's Lady Susan, the beautiful, capricious sixteen-year-old Susan is taken under the wing of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. But is London society ready for the young Susan? "An intelligent prequel packed with enjoyable Austen references… McVeigh displays a brilliant command of Austen’s diction and tone." -Kirkus Review. 4.5 stars with hundreds of reviews on Amazon. An Indie B.R.A.G. medallion winner. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
Fight Disease with a Powerful, Natural Seed by Terry Lemerond and Dr. Ajay Goel
Today, we are shining a spotlight on Fight Disease with a Powerful, Natural Seed, a collaboration between natural health expert Terry Lemerond and Dr. Ajay Goel, founding chair of the new Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics at the City of Hope.
Fight Disease with a Powerful, Natural Seed
E-book: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)Paperback: $7.99
Are you ready to fight and prevent disease with a powerful, natural seed? Many people have come to accept that aging means the likelihood of getting cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and ending up with dementia. With this book, you can stop these myths for good. Now you have the scientifically validated details for creating a long, healthy life with French grape seed extract and its powerful and safe components.Exciting new research shows how this amazing botanical attacks cancer in a variety of ways like no other known treatment—natural or pharmaceutical. French grape seed extract is also your answer to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Complete with a special letter you can share with your health professional, Fight Disease with a Powerful, Natural Seed is your new resource to approach a vibrant, healthy life!
About the Authors
Terry Lemerond is a natural health expert with more than 50 years of experience helping people live healthier, vibrant lives. A much sought-after speaker and accomplished author, Terry shares his wealth of experience and knowledge in health and nutrition through his educational programs, including the Terry Talks Nutrition® website, newsletters, podcasts, webinars, and personal speaking engagements. He has also hosted the Terry Talks Nutrition radio show for the past 30 years. Terry continues to author and co-author books with dedication, energy, and zeal around his ongoing mission—to help everyone improve their health.
Dr. Ajay Goel is committed to developing better methods for the early detection and precision treatment of cancer. He joined City of Hope in June 2019 as founding chair of the new Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics and founding director of Biotech Innovations at Beckman Research Institute. Dr. Goel is also the associate director of basic science for the comprehensive cancer center and is a fellow of the American Gastroenterology Association.
Booked with the Cook: Buttermilk Biscuits
Free online: Booked with the Cook. Join Rachel Simmons, archivist at the Winter Park (Florida) Library, to learn how to make buttermilk biscuits and hear stories of how these beloved baked goods came to be one of the fundamental dishes of the American South. Thursday, April 13, 9 - 11am CDT (and via video replay).
“Never forget who gave you biscuits when you were hungry.” ~Charmaine J. Forde
Fight Disease with a Powerful, Natural Seed by Terry Lemerond and Dr. Ajay Goel
Are you ready to fight and prevent disease with a powerful, natural seed? Now you have the scientifically validated details for creating a long, healthy life with French grape seed extract and its powerful and safe components. Exciting new research shows how this amazing botanical attacks cancer in a variety of ways like no other known treatment—natural or pharmaceutical. French grape seed extract is also your answer to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Free via KU. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /
365 Daily Affirmations by Franklin N. Nyiawung
Breaking "My Self-Erected" Mental Chains. Our rise and fall are dependent on our mental state. This daily guide of affirmations can support your self-transformation journey with the goal of helping you see more opportunities rather than challenges; love instead of fear; humanity instead of morality; progress instead of movement. "Very well written, easy to read and affirmations are very thoughtful." -reader review. From $3.99 SHOP NOW /
Layman Lessons from Simple Tales and Fables by T Dilip Kumar
Hidden Marvels of Time Management, Leadership, and Happiness Tips from Age Old Tales. Uncover connections between modern life lessons and fables told to the author as a child. Each short story explores themes and provides lifestyle tips for several real-life scenarios such as managing a tough boss, conducting meetings, clearing your mind, and more. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /
Revolutionary Anna by Tracy Lawson
Based on a true story of the American Revolution. Hannah asked, "Grandma, will you tell us a story from when you and Grandpa were young?" Grandpa chuckled as he folded his newspaper. "Yes, Anna, tell them about the time you saved General Washington's job and made sure we won the American Revolution!" Hannah's eyes got as big as saucers. "Grandma, did you meet George Washington? How did you save his job? Did we really almost lose the Revolution?" "This is a great addition to my classroom library. My 3rd grade students enjoyed it!" -reader review. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /
Highest Bidder by K.C. Crowne
Deliver Them From Evil by Amanda DuBois
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
A mother turns to lawyer Camille Delaney for help investigating a top Seattle doctor after tragedy strikes the delivery room. "A ‘cannot put [it] down’ medical/legal novel written by a talented and gifted author." -NetGalley review. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /
The Fae Princes by Nikki St. Crowe
A Plan in Case of Morning by Phill Provance
Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction
"A little myth with a Midwestern twang." -Diane Seuss. A reimagining of what it is to be a man today that is simultaneously memoir, poetry, and verse novel. A contemporary hero tale that is at once radically experimental and wholly grounded in tradition. "Here is a book that deserves a cordial welcome." -Alfred Corn. "This collection of poems is just as dynamic in its last poem as in its first and rich with form." -Jacinda Townsend. From $2.99 SHOP NOW /
Spotlight on: Were You Close? by Anne Pinkerton
Congratulations to Anne Pinkerton and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Were You Close?, a book that challenges the cultural notion that the bereaved can or should simply “get over” their losses.
“A masterful guide to loving and losing the extraordinary among us.” ~Mary E. Plouffe Ph.D., author of I Know It in My Heart: Walking through Grief with a Child
Were You Close? by Anne Pinkerton
NEW RELEASE: April 11, 2023From $6.49
A successful radiologist and elite athlete, Dr. Dave tended to the blistered feet of strangers on racecourses and gave away many of his trophies. He was appreciated for his generosity and camaraderie with family, friends, colleagues, and adventure-racing teammates, the latter of whom usually accompanied him on excursions. But he embarked on his final pursuit alone—an attempt to summit all fifty-four of the fourteeners in Colorado—and made an unknowable error that caused him to fall two hundred feet to his death. When people learned that he had died, they often asked his sister, the only girl and the baby of the family, “Were you close?” The question, seemingly straightforward, haunted her and begged for a deeper answer, requiring an exploration that took a decade. She invites the reader along on her own journey as she searches for a greater understanding about who her brother was, why his passions were worth risking everything, and how to carry on in the world and in her family without him, ultimately becoming even closer to him in death than in life.
Were You Close? challenges the cultural notion that the bereaved can or should simply “get over” their losses, illustrating that integrating these experiences can actually help a mourner not just heal, but move forward with clarified purpose.
Praise for Were You Close?
“An achingly candid debut memoir...written with tenderness and reverence.” ~Melanie Brooks, author of A Hard Silence
“Challenges such misconceptions [of grief] by bringing her brother, David, and the pain of his death to the page, illuminating just how enormous this loss is.” ~Ann Hood, author of Comfort: A Journey Through Grief
“With the energy, skill, muscle, and bravery that powered her beloved late brother as an elite extreme adventurer, Anne Pinkerton's Were You Close? is as much map as memoir illustrating how the author scaled her personal mountain range of grief.” ~Suzanne Strempek Shea, author of Songs from a Lead-Lined Room: Notes—High and Low—from My Journey through Breast Cancer and Radiation
About the Author
Anne Pinkerton studied poetry at Hampshire College and received an MFA in creative nonfiction from Bay Path University. Her writing often focuses on making sense of challenging life experiences; significant themes include loss, illness, grief, and coping. She has been published in Modern Loss, Hippocampus Magazine, Entropy, Ars Medica, Lunch Ticket, The Bark, the anthology The Pandemic Midlife Crisis: Gen X Women on the Brink, and elsewhere. Were You Close? was a semi-finalist for the 2019 River Teeth Book Prize. Pinkerton lives in western Massachusetts where she works as a marketing communications professional. Visit AnnePinkertonWriter.comAbout the Publisher
Vine Leaves Press likes to blur the line between commercial and experimental works. They publish book-length vignette collections, writing reference books, short story collections, memoir/autobiography, and character-driven novels with a literary bent. Subscribe to the Vine Leaves Press newsletter to receive FREE advanced review copies of upcoming new releases, news about their authors and subscribers, and/or to read the monthly opinion column, SPILL IT! or a daily dose of 50-word stories. Learn more at vineleavespress.com.