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Today's Featured Books

Free online Sunday: Keeping It Short

• Events

Free online: Keeping It Short, a special edition of The Back Room reading series focused on short stories. Join for a discussion with authors Michael Bracken, Kristopher Zgorski & Dru Ann Love, Wendy Walker, and Stacy Woodson. Sunday, November 17, 7 PM ET. 

“A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick–a couple of thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart.” ~Neil Gaiman

The God Fix by Chad Alexander

• Book of the Day

A gripping coming-of-age novel set in early 2000s Greater Manchester, following Matt, a boy from Surrey, through a series of visits to his relatives. As he uncovers unsettling truths about his family, Matt is compelled to confront deep questions about life, faith, morality, revenge, and mortality. "A profoundly unsettling and intricately layered novel." ~Literary Titan. 4.2 stars, 19 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Strange Beer by Richard Randon

• Science Fiction and Fantasy

In this delightfully absurd sci-fi romp inspired by Douglas Adams, Rich Bstssrd, a former hyper-jump pilot turned beleaguered soda tycoon, is on a chaotic mission to save his collapsing empire, B.E.L.C.H. With his stock tanking thanks to a strange beer from the planet GᎆቂᆯᕎልᆿᕁᄯRey, Rich scrambles to stay afloat, enlisting a tipsy alien crew, launching a sketchy virus at his rivals, and careening through the galaxy to evade irate investors and vengeful Venusians. Nothing—and no one—is quite what it seems in this cosmic adventure. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Fate's Unseen Shadow by Palmer Jones

• Romance

New release: Billionaire Elizabeth "Ella" Cassin has nowhere left to turn. Framed for the murder of her stepbrother and hunted by the FBI, Ella is on the run, surviving out of her car and clinging to one last hope: ex-Marine Damon Vargas, a private investigator who has built his life around protecting the vulnerable. But when Ella shows up desperate and out of options, Damon must decide whether to risk everything to help this dangerous beauty or walk away before her secrets pull him under. $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Universe 333: The Baptism of the Zees by Louis-Olivier ST-Pierre

• Science Fiction and Fantasy

New release: The first thing that life does when it arises is to fight everything else. Every inch of resource is eventually struggled over. This is why we are here, to see those encounters, to enjoy the brawls. We started with the Omnitians; they were doing well, spreading slowly across solar systems. Until one of the ships sent to reinforce the colony in the Outer-31 system deviated from its course. Soon stranded, the survivors are faced with an obvious choice: accept their fate, or fight brutally for survival. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Shadows and Secrets: A Detectives Daniels and Remalla Omnibus, Books 1 - 3 by J.T. Bishop

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

When investigations turn deadly and dark secrets conceal powerful enemies, trust is their only weapon. Meet Daniels and Remalla, two detectives who’ve got each other’s backs in the face of danger, psychopaths, and the unexplained. In this omnibus edition, they’ll face killers with unique abilities, battle terrifying evil, and risk their safety and sanity for the ones they love. And when survival is on the line, their only hope is to rely on each other. $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Rookie Spellslinger by Patricia Harrington-Duff

• Children and Young Adult

“Great Read! Spellslinger had me spellbound.” -Amazon Review. The Lightning Thief meets The School for Good and Evil in this fast-paced fantasy adventure. Alexandra’s plan to escape her monster-magnet reputation might be just crazy enough to work: unlock the long-sealed workshop of the legendary wizard Corsair. But Corsair is less dead than advertised—and more treacherous. Will succeeding in her quest be a monstrous mistake? 4.8 stars, 9 ratings. From $1.99 SHOP NOW / 

And Then There Was One by Patricia Gussin

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Nine years ago, Katie and Scott Monroe’s lives were complete with their identical triplets, Sammie, Alex, and Jackie—a picture-perfect family of five. But when the girls go to a movie, only Jackie emerges from the theater; Sammie and Alex vanished without a trace. As the Monroes grapple with fear, grief, and the suspicion that the abduction wasn’t random, they must fight to hold their family together while clinging to the hope of bringing their daughters home. 4.1 stars, 772 ratings. From $1.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Then They Came for Harry by Gary A. Campbell

• Literary Fiction and Poetry

Albrecht was a small, quiet town that welcomed visitors. Its residents were friendly people who took life slow and easy. Except for the time he had spent in Vietnam fighting for other people's freedom, Harry Blake was a lifelong resident of Albrecht. He was a Marine, and he was proud of his country. From an early age, Harry hated bullies. When the Cancelers and neo-Woke started to invade Albrecht, they thought the town was theirs for the taking. Then they poked the bear. A bear named Harry Blake. The interlopers had no idea what was to come. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Spotlight on Sleeping with Ghosts: Poems & Musings from Jennifer Payne

• Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Sleeping with Ghosts: Poems & Musings by Jennifer A. Payne, an intimate exploration of memory and meaning. 

"Beautifully crafted and luminous, these poems take the reader on an intimate and unforgettable journey of love found and lost, the joys of creativity, and the power of memory." ~Judith Liebmann, Ph.D., author of Ekphrasis, Poet Laureate of Branford, Connecticut

Sleeping with Ghosts: Poems & Musings

Genres: Poetry, Memoir
New release: September 2024
182 pages, 5.5" x 8.5"
Print edition: From $18.60


AN INTIMATE EXPLORATION OF MEMORY AND MEANING

Known for her meditations and musings about our outside world, Connecticut writer Jen Payne takes readers inside this time…into the heart and mind of a poet, where memories wander, hearts break, and ghosts appear in dreams. Those ghosts—her lovers, soulmates, and muses—reveal themselves slowly, one at a time, in this wistfully reflective, time-traveling memoir.
 

Praise for Sleeping with Ghosts
"A poignant meditation on a life of love confronted." ~Mary O'Connor, author of Say Yes! to Your Creative Self

"Catalogues the ghosts of relationships...with hard-earned honesty bereft of self-pity, wonderful imagery and, somehow, a lightness of touch...through good times and hard with a poet's kind of vision and language and a perspective equal parts wise and whimsical." ~Nancy Fitz-Hugh Meneely, author of Letter from Italy, 1944

"These poems...remind us to revisit our own past, to honor our own scars, and maybe to find a bit of poetry there, too. Whether you’re someone who loves looking back with nostalgia or you’re more of a 'move forward' type, there’s something here that speaks to the heart." ~Kaecey McCormick, 2023 Connecticut Poetry Award Winner

About the Author

Jen Payne is a poet, author, photographer, and artist. She is inspired by those life moments that move us most—love and loss, joy and disappointment, milestones and turning points. Her writing serves as witness to these in the form of poetry, creative non-fiction, flash fiction, and essay. When she is not exploring our connections with one another, she enjoys contemplating our relationships with nature, creativity, spirituality, and our inner lives. 

Learn more at 3ChairsPublishing.com where you can also sign up for email updates. If you are in the New Haven, CT, area, you can meet Jen in person at these upcoming events. And finally, be sure to follow Jen and Three Chairs Press online:
 
          

About the Publisher

Three Chairs Publishing was inspired by a quote from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden: “I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.” It speaks to the connections we can make—for ourselves, for our friends and loved ones, and in our community—through creative efforts like writing, art making, and photography. Learn more at 3chairspublishing.com.

Free online tonight: What's New in Historical Fiction

• Events

Free online tonight: What's New in Historical Fiction, a panel series featuring historical novelists with new and upcoming titles. Moderated by Colin Mustful, founder of History Through Fiction, tonight's panel includes: Adriana Allegri, author of The Sunflower House; Monica Chenault-Kilgore, author of The Jewel of the Blues; Susan J. Morris, author of Strange Beasts; and A.D. Rhine (Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson), authors of Daughters of Bronze. Wednesday, November 13, 7-8 PM CT.

"In history lies all the secrets of statecraft." ~Confucius

Rumours and Repercussions by Stephanie May

• Book of the Day

In the summer of 1979, Kylie Gardner and her best friends, The Sunsets, are set for another season of carefree adventures—until Kylie falls for the local bad boy, and a dark secret unravels, forever changing their lives. Decades later, Kylie returns to her hometown, confronting the haunting memories and buried truths of that fateful summer. Rumours and Repercussions is a story of friendship, lost innocence, and the enduring bravery of friends willing to protect each other, no matter the cost. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Of All Faiths & None by Andrew Tweeddale

• Literary Fiction and Poetry

In 1910, famed architect Edwin Lutyens is commissioned to design Castle Drogo on Dartmoor, a project that captures the spirit of a Britain on the brink of change. His daughter, Celia, dreams of heroism, especially after meeting Sir Julius Drewe’s honorable son, Adrian. When war erupts in 1914, Christian Drewe, an artist wary of enlisting, meets nurse Rose Braithwaite, sparking a romance complicated by class and duty. As the war rages, their lives and loves intertwine across battlefields and home fronts, challenging their faith, love, and ideals. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

The Chambers Files by Charles R. Rogers

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Detective Bobby Chambers is used to handling crime in Lake Ridge, Virginia, but as Washington, D.C.'s criminal activity begins spilling into his community, he finds himself facing an escalating wave of cases. When his niece moves to Wyoming, Bobby becomes increasingly aware of the national web of crime connections. Follow Detective Chambers as he uncovers and solves cases stretching from Northern Virginia to Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Wyoming. From $9.49 - SHOP NOW / 

FREE - The Last Lumenian by S.G. Blaise

• Science Fiction and Fantasy

Lilla must learn to control her powers and defeat the dark archgod before he finds her - the last Lumenian. Does this princess-turned-rebel have what it takes? "An absolutely stunning blend of sci-fi and fantasy! Couldn’t put it down." ~Amazon review. 4 stars, 558 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

FREE - Kronnus 13 by James Sharkey

• Children and Young Adult

A fatal virus that kills children when they turn thirteen has swept the globe. A distant planet holds the cure, but few children are selected to travel. Teenagers fly or die. Death or Kronnus 13. Zak Connors is about to become a teenager and is selected to fly to Kronnus 13. During his first night on "new Earth," he has a vision of his mother who disappeared without a trace when he was five years old. He then discovers he has special gifts and uses them to uncover the secrets of his mysterious new world. 4.0 stars, 13 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW /

New Release - Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage from Eleanor Vincent & Vine Leaves Press

• Spotlight

Congratulations to Eleanor Vincent and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage, a memoir that examines the obstacles that neurodiverse couples must overcome to keep their love alive.

★★★★★ “A brave, compassionate, & necessary memoir about love on the spectrum." ~Lee Kravetz, author of The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. 

Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage

NEW RELEASE: November 12, 2024
Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49  



In a late-life romance, Eleanor marries Lars, a brilliant database expert, believing their fairytale love will last forever. But just months later, Eleanor finds herself in COVID lockdown with her new husband as he loses his job and pulls away from her with angry outbursts. Day by day, their marriage fractures.

As Eleanor’s fears about Lars’ autistic profile are heightened, she struggles to understand him and their growing conflict. Even as both partners are diagnosed with cancer, Eleanor fights for what she hopes is possible in their marriage and encourages Lars to do the same.

That is until Lars refuses to work with an autism coach to improve their communication and Eleanor must decide whether she will give up her dream of happiness and, if so, how.

Disconnected will resonate with anyone who struggles to grasp how even the closest bonds can break, and then must create a new life. This memoir will resonate with you if you enjoyed any of the following books:

  • The Art of Leaving by Ayelet Tsabari
  • Liars by Sarah Manguso
  • Splinters by Leslie Jamison
  • This American Ex-Wife by Lyz Lenz
  • Blow Your House Down by Gina Frangello

Praise for Disconnected
★★★★★ “Will resonate with many neurodiverse couples and relationship counsellors.” ~Tony Atwood, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and co-author of Neurodiverse Relationships

★★★★★ “A powerful testimony about the ways neurodiverse couples can cause each other unintentional hurt.” ~Mona Kay, MSW, Ph.D., host of the “Neurodiverse Love” podcast

★★★★★ “I read this in one gulp. Wow. This is an important book.” ~Julia Scheeres, NYT bestselling author of the memoir Jesus Land

★★★★★ “This unflinching portrait of a marriage will change the way you look at love.” ~David W. Berner, author of Daylight Saving Time

★★★★★ “A vivid, courageous narrative...and a deep exploration of the reverberating effects of loss and love.” ~Caroline Paul, author of Tough Broad

★★★★★ “Filled with hope and longing.” ~Maxine Aston, MSc, author of The Autism Couple’s Workbook

★★★★★ “Shows us how to be resilient and still tender no matter what life brings.” ~Linda Joy Myers, president, National Association of Memoir Writers, author of Don’t Call Me Mother

About the Author
Eleanor Vincent is a memoirist and essayist whose work has been recognized by the Feminist Writers’ Guild and published in numerous journals and anthologies. Her previous memoir, Swimming with Maya: A Mother's Story (Dream of Things, 2013), has twice been on The New York Times bestseller list and was a finalist for the Independent Publisher of the Year Award. Her essays have appeared in anthologies by Creative Nonfiction and This I Believe, the literary magazines 580 Split and Dorothy Parker’s Ashes, as well as shorter pieces in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Sacramento Bee, and Generations Today.

Eleanor has an MFA in creative writing from Mills College and is a member of the Author's Guild, the San Francisco Writers Grotto, and Left Margin Lit. She has taught creative nonfiction seminars at Mills College as a visiting writer and been awarded residencies at Hedgebrook, the Vermont Studio Center, and Between the Vines. She lives in Walnut Creek, California. Learn more at EleanorVincent.com
About 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.

Free online: B&N Book Club presents Louise Erdrich

• Events

Free online: B&N Book Club. Join Barnes & Noble as they welcome Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich for a live, virtual event to discuss the October B&N Book Club pick, The Mighty Red, Erdrich's most stunning novel yet. Tuesday, November 12, 3 PM ET.

"Sorrow eats time. Be patient. Time eats sorrow." ~Louise Erdrich

The Missing by Dave Maruszewski

• Book of the Day

New release in children's fantasy: After a grueling battle with an army of the undead, Raven, Romda, and Ravai are ready for a simpler mission. But when the king assigns them a missing persons case in the old town of Ashton, they find a third of its residents have vanished without a trace. As they investigate, the quirky locals reveal no obvious suspects, yet a dark mystery looms, threatening to engulf the entire kingdom. "Plenty of engaging action and some fun, silly, kid humor." ~Blue Ink Review. From $3.99 - SHOP NOW / 

The Black River Chronicles: Level 1 by Michael Wills

• Science Fiction and Fantasy

While studying at Black River Academy of Swordcraft and Spellcraft, Durren is stunned to learn he’ll be assigned to a party. But there’s a catch: Durren has a secret that could hold him back, and his teammates have serious problems, too: Areinelimus, a wizard, fears her own magic. Tia, the rogue, can barely tolerate anyone. Hule, the warrior, well…let’s just say he’s not the sharpest sword in the armory. But they’ll have to learn to work together because they are about to face dangers no level one adventurers should ever encounter. 4.1 stars, 460+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

FREE - St. Lucifer's School for Girls by AnnMarie Caplan

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

New release: A humorous horror story. The flock of swearing crows is normal. The earthquakes and serial murders are not. To graduate from St. Lucifer's School for Girls, Mettie Eastey will have to get to the bottom of the escalating insanity and avoid being the next victim; not so easy when your grandmother is behind the satanic panic. If you like dark themes, clever twists, and gruesome laughter, then you’ll love A.M. Caplan’s gory imaginings. 4.2 stars, 120+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

FREE - A Dog in my Yard by Tricia DellAnno

• Children and Young Adult

A charming, lyrical picture book that celebrates the joy of friendship, unconditional love, and perseverance. In this humorous sequel to No Dog in My Yard, Millie turns Jonathan’s life upside down, chewing on his clothes, interrupting meetings, and leaving unexpected “gifts” around the house. When re-homing Millie becomes a possibility, Jonathan is determined to find a way to keep her, making this heartfelt story a delightful read for children, parents, and teachers alike, while teaching essential life skills. 4.9 stars, 25 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Barrier Falls by Abigail Rose

• Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

The Veridian People have been in the Amazon rainforest for a thousand years. Illegal logging companies have damaged an Anchor stone, and the veil that hid and protected the Veridian people is now gone so the world knows they're here. Princess Victoria is fourth in line to the Veridian throne, and she's been selected by the King to introduce the Veridian people to the world. But the world wants what the Veridian have. Can Victoria broker a peace deal before the world invades? Or will the world discover the Veridian's gifts and leave them all fighting for their lives? From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Spotlight on She Steals My Breath, Book 1 of The Medicine Man Series

• Spotlight


Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on She Steals My Breath, Book 1 of The Medicine Man historical romance series from author Karen Kay. 

"Ms. Kay never fails to capture the pride, the passion. and the spirit of the American Indian." ~Reviewer Suzanne Tucker

She Steals My Breath (The Medicine Man Book 1)

Genres: Historical Romance, Native American Literature, Western & Frontier Romance
4.2 stars, 396 ratings
From: $0.99

Her Beauty Takes His Breath Away. Only She Can Restore It

Eagle Heart of the Blackfoot Nation has not come to the for Union trading post to trade, but to find his missing brother. The medicine man has never seen a white woman, but, when Laylah McIntosh walks into the room, her beauty steals his breath.

Laylah has assets besides beauty that make her valuable to her father, the fort's trader: her skill with numbers, her photographic memory, and her knowledge of the sign language used by all the tribes. But, when she’s injured and caught in a fierce blizzard, it is Eagle Heart who rescues her.

Forced into each other's company, their attraction deepens. But a union between them is forbidden in both their worlds. Can their love find a way to survive? Or will their differences separate them forever?

Warning: Sensuous historical romance with a strong paranormal element could cause a gal to go West in search of love and adventure.

Praise for She Steals My Breath
★★★★★ "A blend of historical romance and today's headlines." ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A beautifully told American Indian love story." ~Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "A culture-busting romance." ~Amazon Review

The Medicine Man Series

Get the entire four-book series!

  • She Steals My Breath (Book 1):
    4.2 stars, 396 ratings
  • She Captures My Heart (Book 2):
    4.3 stars, 257 ratings
  • She Paints My Soul (Book 3):
    4.5 stars, 299 ratings
  • She Brings Beauty To Me (Book 4):
    4.3 stars, 210 ratings
About the Author
Karen Kay is the author of American Historical Romance novels. Her great grandmother was Choctaw Indian, and she is adopted Blackfeet. Ms. Kay has been praised by reviewers and fans alike for bringing insights into the everyday life of the American Indian culture of the past. She is honored to be able to write about the American Indian culture. 

“With the power of romance, I hope to bring about an awareness of the American Indian’s concept of honor, and what it meant to them to live as free men and free women. There are some things that should never be forgotten.” ~Karen Kay

Learn more at novels-by-karenkay.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow her online: 
 
    

Free online: Speculative Sundays

• Events

Free online: Speculative Sundays, a poetry reading to celebrate Speculative Poetry Month. Speculative poetry is humanity’s primordial literature. Nearly everyone knows some speculative poetry—from nursery rhymes, to Edgar Allen Poe, to Puff the Magic Dragon, it’s been here all along. Join for a reading featuring poets Mary Soon Lee, Brandon O’Brien, and Vivian Faith Prescott. November 10, 7 to 8 pm ET.

"Mainstream poetry deals with the rendering and exploration of the here and now, reality as we know it, internal and external. Speculative poetry has more to do with imagination, the world of dreams, and the world as it could be." ~Bruce Boston, speculative poet