Today's Featured Books
FREE - The Guardian by A T Kalynowych
FREE - Young Boss by Isabelle Guarino
"Enchanted Ever Afters" - YA Fantasy from Sutton Scott
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the first two books of the Pentacoven Chronicles, a new YA Fantasy series about courage, embracing our unique talents, and the powerful magic of friendship from author Sutton Scott:
- The Cusp: A Prequel - FREE!
- The Pact - From $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
The Cusp: A Prequel (Pentacoven Chronicles Book 1)
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Wizards & Witches Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Action & Adventure4.4 stars, 30 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $7.99
Ebook: FREE
Five young witches. An ancient prophecy. A summons that cannot be ignored.
Can five young witches, bred for the sole intent of saving a realm they never knew existed, find the magic within to save the country of Macornia? Or will the evil Faborian witches destroy them before they can fulfill their true destiny?
Fueled by vengeance against the evil witches who took my mother's life, I stumble upon a hidden truth in a sealed historical tome. Within its pages is a revelation that could save my cherished country and everyone I love from the powerful, evil witches of Faboria.
The catch? We must interfere in the realm of humans. Forbidden spells must be cast upon innocent mortals so that the five predicted to save us are born with magical powers.
With Faboria promising to kill or enslave us, the survival of our world teeters on the edge. These young, unsuspecting young witches are our last hope. But will they agree to carry out what they were born to do?
Praise for The Cusp
★★★★★ "Intended audience is YA, but I believe the storyline will capture the imagination of a fantasy lover of any age." ~Goodreads Review
The Pact (Pentacoven Chronicles Book 2)
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Wizards & Witches Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Action & AdventureNew Release: October 26, 2023
4.6 stars, 17 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $14.95
Ebook: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
All I want in life is to survive the bullies in high school and get out of the depressing town where I’m being raised by my grandmother.
All that changes when Gran passes away—after she tells me the truth about who I really am: A witch. A witch with mind-reading abilities. A witch meant for greatness.
Before I know it, I’m swept away to a magical realm I never knew existed and enrolled at Moonstone Academy. Once there, I’m told I’m one of five girls bred for the sole purpose of saving the country of Macornia from the evil witches of Faboria. We have only a few weeks to learn how to use our magic or the enemy will eliminate or enslave the entire population of Macornia, witches and creatures alike.
A bond quickly develops between the five of us. For the first time, I begin to understand the power that can come from friendship. Courage and commitment to one another are the only way through the perils of this bewildering magical world.
If we can stay alive.
Praise for The Pact
★★★★★ "You'll be rooting for the 16-year-olds learning to trust in themselves and the power of not only their brains, but their hearts." ~Big Time Book Junkie, Goodreads
Coming soon: Books 3, 4 & 5 of the Pentacoven Chronicles
About the Author
Sutton Scott is the mother of four humans and two spoiled kitties. They live in a house on a small lake with tons of wildlife. On any given day there are coyotes, bears, deer, crows, bobcats, squirrels, and countless birds. All of which give Sutton tons of inspiration for her fictional creatures.
Sutton was one of those kids who always had her nose in a book. She remembers being so immersed in a story that she couldn’t hear her mother calling her for dinner. Her greatest joy is creating stories for smart, kind, and curious young people who are as obsessed with books as she was and still is! Sutton says many of her stories come to her in dreams, proving there’s magic in each of us.
Learn more at SuttonScott.com and be sure to follow her online:
Free online: Realms of Imagination - Essays from the Wide Worlds of Fantasy
Free online: Realms of Imagination. Join the Centre for Fantasy and the Fantastic at the University of Glasgow to celebrate the launch of Realms of Imagination: Essays from the Wide Worlds of Fantasy, recently released by British Library Publishing as a companion volume to the Fantasy: Realms of Imagination exhibition. Thursday, December 14, 12:00 - 1:30 PM CST.
"Almost dead yesterday, maybe dead tomorrow, but alive, gloriously alive, today." ~Robert Jordan, Lord of Chaos
Homecoming Chaos by D. W. Brooks
FREE - Becoming Fearless by Brenda E Smith
Memoir and Creative Nonfiction
Plato's Wisdom Handbook by Wisdom University
FREE - Kings of Ruin by Daniel Arenson
Oblivion's Triumph by Dylan McFadyen
Dreams of Winter by Christian Warren Freed
Ballast Point Breakdown by Corey Lynn Fayman
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Cooking Greek: A Classic Greek Cookbook for the At-Home Chef
Spotlight on A Penguin's Quest by Scott McDermott (author) and Christine Anderson (illustrator)
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on A Penguin's Quest, a beautiful children's picture book with an entertaining and educational story from author Scott McDermott and illustrator Christine Anderson.
"A beautifully illustrated and appealing animal tale that underscores defying odds and helping others." ~Kirkus Reviews
A Penguin's Quest
Genres: Children's Humor, Children's Action & Adventure Books, Children's Animals BooksPrint length: 40 pages
Hardcover: From $17.59
Take a journey with Ingrid the penguin as she ventures from her home in Antarctica in search of a mythic place where it’s said a penguin can learn to fly.
Ingrid the penguin is on the verge of a discovery that could rock the penguin world. On the advice of some seriously lost pigeons, the little penguin sets out to accomplish something never imagined before for a penguin. Along the way we meet some surprising and colorful characters, making this a truly engaging adventure about chasing a dream.
Learn more at APenguinsQuest.com where you can also sign up to receive info about news, events, and more.
Praise for A Penguin's Quest
"An uncommon, spirited picture book in which an unconventional penguin’s daring decisions inspire her friends." ~Foreword Reviews (read the full review)
"All about believing and the determination to follow a dream no matter how difficult it might appear. This story will enthrall young readers of all ages." ~Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
"McDermott’s engaging story features commendable instances of following a passion, learning from new friends, and embracing rewarding challenges. Anderson’s lovely illustrations offer realistic renderings that emphasize unusual textures, shades, and tones." ~Kirkus Reviews (read the full review)
"Entertaining, motivational, and educational...highly recommended for your children." ~Foluso Falaye, Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review
"Intended for children but I purchased this for my son who will be heading out to college in a big city. Very sweet/sentimental for both age groups." ~Amazon 5-Star Review
"Engaging, with deft characterization and low-key humor... Recommended to anyone who knows a curious child—or just likes penguins and enjoys a good story." ~Francis Mont, Readers Favorite 5-Star Review
About the Author and Illustrator
Scott McDermott grew up in Switzerland, backpacked through the American West, and trekked the Himalayas before spending the last 25 years as a commercial photographer and filmmaker in New York City. He has photographed many of the most influential figures in Hollywood, the music industry, business and government, along with directing a feature film and many commercials. Scott recently started writing children’s fiction, inspired by the stories he made up to tell his own children. He is also learning to play bass guitar, primarily to back up his son on lead guitar. Follow Scott on Facebook and Instagram.
Christine Anderson is a senior level illustrator and surface pattern designer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. She received a BFA in Graphic Design/ Illustration from Drake University and has worked in commercial design for more than twenty years. Though she had a successful career as a muralist and furniture designer, she longed for her drawing board. She decided to refocus and get back to her true love, illustrating, with children’s books being part of her journey. To Christine, art is a creative process that is ever changing, growing, and without end.
Free online: What's New in Historical Fiction
Free online: What's New in Historical Fiction, a panel discussion about new and upcoming historical fiction titles. This week's panel features Emily Bleeker, author of When We Were Enemies; Sean Lusk, The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley; Katherine Vaz, Above the Salt; and Katherine Howe, A True Account. Hosted by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction. Wednesday, December 13, 4-5 PM CST.
"How can we live without our lives? How will we know it’s us without our past?" ~John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
Christmastime 1939 by Linda Mahkovec
Every Silent Thing by Alan Brenham
Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror
Utopia Falling: A Darkness Rises by R.C. Vielee
Winner of an American Writing Award and recognized with a Literary Titan Book Award, Utopia Falling is a fast-paced, epic fantasy. The Great Destruction brought Earth to its knees. As centuries passed, one group of survivors grew into a near-utopian civilization devoted to free love and the worship of Nature. Meanwhile, another group carved out a dark, brutal realm. Only one can survive. "Riveting and imaginative." ~Amazon Reviewer. From $1.99 SHOP NOW /
Baking Baklava: Classic and Inspired Recipes from Around the World
The Write Rules by Joan Ramirez
Christmas with an Alaskan Man by Evangeline Kelly
Dirty Whispers by Missy Terrell
Spotlight on The Unbelievables by K.C. Tansley
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Unbelievables series from K.C. Tansley, a set of award-winning and critically acclaimed YA time-travel murder mystery novels that will appeal to young adult and adult readers alike.
"K.C. Tansley’s magical ghostly adventures take the reader on one exciting ride after another. Her characters will touch your heart, and their stories will stir your soul." ~Paige Shelton, New York Times bestselling author of The Farmers’ Market Mystery Series and the YA novel Clockwork
The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts
Book 1 in The Unbelievables series4.4 stars, 462 ratings
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
She tried to ignore them. But some things won’t be ignored.
Kat Preston doesn’t believe in ghosts. Refusing to believe is the only way to protect herself from the ghost that tried to steal her life. Kat’s disbelief keeps her safe until her junior year at McTernan Academy, when a research project for an eccentric teacher takes her to a tiny, private island off the coast of Connecticut.
The site of a grisly mystery, the Isle of Acacia is no place for a girl who ignores ghosts. Accompanied by her research partner, Evan Kingsley, Kat investigates the disappearance of the bride and groom on their wedding night in 1886. Evan’s scientific approach to everything leaves Kat on her own to confront ancestral curses, powerful spells, and her strange connection to the ghosts that haunt Castle Creighton.
Everything changes when Kat and Evan travel through a magic portal and awaken in 1886 with their souls trapped inside the bodies of two wedding guests. Together, Kat and Evan race to stop the wedding-night murders and find a way back to their own time—and their own bodies—before their souls slip away forever.
The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts combines time-traveling, paranormal, and gothic mystery genres to weave a tale full of ancestral curses, powerful spells, strange connections, and inherited surprises. The novel is sure to delight fans of K.M. Shea's Magiford Supernatural City books and Joanna Reeder's In Her Dreams trilogy.
Praise for The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts
- "The novel's murder mystery is intriguing and grows more complex as its supernatural elements are unveiled." ~Kirkus Reviews
- "A neat spin on conventional ghost story motifs." ~Publishers Weekly
- "A compelling, magic-tinged mystery that spans generations." ~Chris F. Holm, author of the Collector Trilogy
- "A fascinating blend of mystery, romance, time travel, and ghosts." ~Page Morgan, The Beautiful & The Cursed
- "A sublime, engaging YA paranormal story." ~Readers' Favorite
- 2017 EPIC’s Ebook Award Finalist
- 2016 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Gold Winner
- 2016 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Judges’ Choice Awards Winner
- 2016 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist
- 2016 International Book Awards Finalist
- 2015 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards Finalist
The Girl Who Saved Ghosts
Book 2 in The Unbelievables series4.8 stars, 67 ratings
Paperback: $13.24
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
She tried to ignore them. Now she might risk everything to save them.
After a summer spent in a haunted castle, Kat is looking forward to a totally normal senior year at McTernan Academy. Then the ghost of a little girl appears, and it soon becomes clear that an evil force wants Kat dead.
Searching for help, Kat leaves school for the ancestral home, accompanied by her friend, Evan. With the assistance of Kat's eccentric great aunts and a loyal family ghost, Kat soon learns that she and Evan can only fix the present by traveling into the past.
As Kat and Evan make their way through nineteenth-century Vienna, the Dark One stalks them, and Kat must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to save a ghost.
Praise for The Girl Who Saved Ghosts
- "A sweeping blend of action and thought-provoking insights that crosses genres between a mystery, a supernatural thriller, and a timeslip saga." ~Midwest Book Review
- "An entertaining read that will appeal to young adults and adults who enjoy a fast-paced supernatural tale." ~Foreword Clarion Reviews
- "Tansley gives the reader a lot to think about in this decidedly different and very readable fantasy novel." ~Readers' Favorite
- "Maintains the intrigue and complexity of the first as it further develops the ancient ties among the four families." ~Kirkus Reviews
- "A memorable supernatural tale of lies, murder, and flirt-worthy romance." ~K.R. Conway, author of The Undertow series
- 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in YA Mystery/Horror
The Girl Who Loved Ghosts
Book 3 in The Unbelievables series4.6 stars, 34 ratings
Paperback: $13.32
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
She’d do anything to save her friends and family. But will that mean sacrificing the ghosts she’s grown to love?
Kat is trying to settle back into her senior year at McTernan Academy. Meanwhile, Evan struggles with his coursework, a flirty new housemate, and his daunting responsibilities as the Kingsley heir and new owner of Ravenhurst manor. But Evan knows it’s only a matter of time before he and Kat have to travel into the past again.
An attack by a mysterious entity on campus proves that the only place they’ll both be safe is Dumbarton, the ancestral home of the Langley family...and Kat is in mortal danger every minute they wait to retrieve the last amulet they need to defeat the Dark One.
As her normal life slips further away, Kat must face the terrible cost that comes with time travel. Completing her quest in the present requires changing the past. She knows that the results of her actions can be disastrous—because the ghosts of her ancestors tell her of their tragic fates. A trip to eighteenth-century Connecticut might change everything as Kat tries to protect everyone she loves, but risks destroying every relationship that matters to her.
Praise for The Girl Who Loved Ghosts
- "A spellbinding tale with family curse, a vanished amulet, time travel, an evil entity, a missing heir, and valiant witches." ~Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader, Vine Voice Top 500 Reviewer
- "Tansley's writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into a world where the past and present intertwine...a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, making it a must-read for fans of young adult paranormal fiction." ~Readers’ Favorite
About the Author
K.C. Tansley lives on a hill somewhere in Connecticut with her guardian Shih tzus, Bentley and Akira, who alert her to every squirrel and delivery person who dares to enter their domain. She tends to believe in the unbelievables—spells, ghosts, time travel—and writes about them. As Kourtney Heintz, she also writes award winning cross-genre fiction for adults. Learn more at KourtneyHeintz.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter and receive two unpublished short stories and the inside scoop on new releases, sale days, free book deals, giveaways, and behind-the-scenes info. Be sure to also follow her online:
Free online: Larksong Speedwriting & Reading Party
Free online: Larksong Speedwriting & Reading Party. Kick off the holiday season with this writing/reading party from Larksong Writers Place. The format is simple: 5-minute readings alternated with 15-minute mini writing workshops that start with a craft talk and end with a writing prompt. Five readings and four workshops followed by a Q&A with writers and other participants. Saturday, December 9, 10 AM CST.
"Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." ~E. L. Doctorow