Today's Featured Books

The Best is Yet to Come by Tara Alemany

Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

After twelve years of living alone as a single parent, Tara hadn’t expected to find love again. So when Frank unexpectedly came into her life, he turned her world upside down. Four months later, his unexpected death brought it to a crashing halt. Join Tara on her journey as she shares the story of their time together and, more importantly, the lessons she learned as she rode waves of unanticipated love and grief to ultimately come to the strongest place she’d ever been in her life. 4.4 stars, 47 ratings. From $3.99 SHOP NOW


Mr. Ultra Mega Love by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

Romance

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a twisted romance with bad language and a cape. My name is Huff. And after defending my best friend River, I almost die at the hands of her attackers. When I wake up, I'm completely transformed. Big muscles. Strange abilities. Suddenly all the girls are looking at me. Except one. She might actually be afraid of the transformation that saved my life. Just my luck. From $1.99 SHOP NOW


The Salvation Project by Joe Rothstein

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Midwest Reviews says, "Readers seeking thought-provoking political intrigue that operates on both domestic and international soils will relish the approach of the Salvation Project, which embraces elections, murder and conspiracy at the highest levels of office and the heart." 4.5 stars, the second book in the "Tenny Trilogy." - the first is The Latina President. US President Tennyson ("Tenny") runs for reelection unaware her opponent is a front for a murderous international conspiracy bent on taking control and changing the US forever. From $4.99 SHOP NOW


Pearl Fields and the Oregon Meltdown by Drew Faraday

Book of the Day

“A unique and immersive vision of survival.” -Lee Hall. Pearl’s luck as a river merchant went from bad to worse. Bounty hunters tracked her down. Jailers locked her away in a tiny cell. A military court found her guilty of gunrunning. Now she faces her toughest challenge yet—talking her way out of being the next death row inmate hauled out to gallows. “Well-written, gripping, and totally believable. Human nature at its best—and worst.” -Thomas Greenback. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Angelic Realm by Dennis Macy

General Nonfiction

Discovering The Spiritual World and It's Healing Powers. “If you’re looking for direction, inspiration or even comfort; read this book!” -Amazon review. Are you fascinated with the spiritual world? Experience the awe and wonder of heaven and become inspired by the true stories and revelations that are revealed to me to deliver to others. Engulf yourself into a peaceful, uplifting and mystifying read. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Avery's Ghost by Annie Dewell

Science Fiction and Fantasy

When seventeen-year-old Evelyn is accidentally poisoned, her only hope is to sign the curious contract of Hart’s Circus— the same place her brother, Avery, vanished before her birth. When she writes newspaper articles for her hapless father, her investigation turns up questions no carnie will answer… and infuriates the tempestuous Manager Hart. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth— catapulting herself into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Becoming A Druid by Mike Mollman

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Grahme has wanted to be a druid for as long as he can remember. Talented but headstrong, he runs afoul of a despotic, mind-controlling mage during his initiation quest. Intrigue and distrust have turned the druids against him. Haggard and hunted, he must make impossible sacrifices or lose everything. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Free online: Mandy Kahn's Peace Class

Events

Online tonight: Peace Class, a free, weekly Zoom-based gathering presented by the Philosophical Research Society and led by Mandy Kahn. Each meeting is a stand-alone lesson, and people are welcome to drop in for one class or to come for the series. You are also welcome to participate in the interactive aspects of the class or to just observe. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. 

"There are no dead ends." ~Mandy Kahn


The Lives of Diamond Bessie by Jody Hadlock

Book of the Day

Diamonds aren’t always a girl’s best friend… Sixteen-year-old Annie Moore is forced into prostitution to survive and becomes a much-sought-after demi-mondaine. When she suffers the ultimate betrayal by the man that she hoped would be her savior, she doesn’t let her story end there. Inspired by true events, The Lives of Diamond Bessie is a haunting tale of betrayal and redemption that explores whether seeking revenge is worth the price you might pay. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


More Than Pen Pals by Dana Wilkerson

Romance

“Lighthearted, funny, and sweet!” -Bookstagram review. Leslie and Ash were childhood pen pals, but she never told him she was a girl. Find out what happens when the two meet as adults and she’s forced to reveal her identity. This sweet, closed-door Throwback RomCom from NYT bestselling author Dana Wilkerson reads like a contemporary romance, but it’s set in 1988 when dating was a whole different game. Free via KU. From $1.99 SHOP NOW


My Canvas Bag by Lucas Kinkaid

Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

“The book is very emotional; it is well-written, and you actually feel like you're going through the emotional turmoil yourself.” -reader review. Mark’s parents drink too much and he’s often forgotten. He escapes this by spending time in the woods with items he keeps in a canvas bag. Mark gets angry and makes mistakes in his life. He works hard to overcome them. He discovers his ability to write, and his life is changed forever. From $2.99 SHOP NOW


The Secret by Topher Kaler

Children and Young Adult

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


Living Green and the Smoke by Florian Bushy

Children and Young Adult

A story about air pollution, global warming, and teamwork. "Wonderful illustrations and an inspiring message." -Tonya B, Educator, Netgalley. The award-winning book “Living Green and the Smoke” is an adorable book that teaches children about teamwork, nature and conservation, global warming, and climate change. At the beginning of time, when the planet Earth was so new, pure, and clean, our heroes Mrs. Florence and Mr. Florian met for their daily chat. But the forest was dark, hot, and full of smoke. Where was that pollution coming from? “A heartwarming children's book.” -Sue, Goodreads. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 


Her Keeper by Quinn Marlowe

Romance

An investigation she didn't want. A weakness he didn't need. And an alliance that will rock them both to the core. From $2.99 SHOP NOW


My Sister Wants an Elephant by Lynne Podrat

Children and Young Adult

Randy’s sister wants a WHAT?!? And his Mom isn’t flat-out saying no?! My Sister Wants an Elephant is the true story of two siblings who team up to convince their mother to let them own a couple of wild animals as pets and a mother who just might be persuaded. Full of humor and fun, this book is a good lesson in not giving up on your dreams, no matter how truly wild they may be! From $7.99 SHOP NOW


A World of Dinosaurs by Daniel Arenson

Science Fiction and Fantasy

A dinosaur adventure for fans of Jurassic Park! From the USA Today bestselling author of Earthrise. Dinosaurs. Majestic giants. They’ve captured our imagination for generations. On planet Mintari, they live again. Mintari is far from Earth. Wild. Pristine. A world where Triceratops herd across grasslands, pterosaurs soar over golden mountains, and T-Rex prowls the misty forests. But these magnificent beasts might soon disappear. And only one man can save them. Book 1 in the Mintari Series. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Spotlight on: Love Like This by Cynthia Newberry Martin

Spotlight

Congratulations to Cynthia Newberry Martin and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Love Like This, a novel that weighs the value of sticking with the familiar versus the value of venturing into the unknown.

“An astonishment…an exploration of the utter unpredictability of love.” ~Steve Almond, author of All the Secrets of the World


Love Like This by Cynthia Newberry Martin

NEW RELEASE: April 4, 2023
From $5.99  

For the first time in a lifetime, Angelina and Will can choose again. After twenty-two years with children at home, she has no idea what she wants and is counting on the empty house to figure it out.

But he already knows—he wants her, all to himself.

Nine days into their child-free life, he quits his job and announces he’s home to stay. So Angelina announces she’s returning to nursing, this time in home health care.

In his new basement workroom, Will enjoys making boxes, but the quiet house sends him in search of music, where he meets Stella who reveals more than the magic of iPods.

Meanwhile, Angelina's first patient is an unpredictable woman named Lucy who reveals a particular magic of her own, as does her billboard-painting son, John Milton. As Angelina and Will’s life together becomes increasingly tense and their days apart become increasingly comfortable, it looks like Will may be the one to get the empty house.

Love Like This drops you inside a long-term marriage, where you’ll be screaming either stay or go—as you weigh the value of sticking with the familiar versus the value of venturing into the unknown.
 
Praise for Love Like This
“My heart was stolen by Lucy and her son, John Milton, characters whose lives are unusual and compelling. I will reread the billboard scene many times.” ~Alice Elliott Dark, author of Fellowship Point and In the Gloaming

“Intimate, brutal and compelling.” ~Pam Houston, author of Deep Creek, Finding Hope In The High Country

“Renders the subterranean longings of women and men in midlife and midstream…and rediscovering parts of yourself you thought were lost.” ~Samantha Dunn, author of Not By Accident and Failing Paris

About the Author
Cynthia Newberry Martin's first novel, Tidal Flats, won the Gold Medal in Literary Fiction at the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Award for Fiction. Her website features the How We Spend Our Days series, more than a decade of essays by writers on their lives. She grew up in Atlanta and now lives in Columbus, Georgia, with her husband, and in Provincetown, Massachusetts, in a little house by the water. Her third novel, The Art of Her Life, will be published in June of 2023. To learn more, visit her website.
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


April...a time for new books, poetry, and new life

Events

In the northern hemisphere, April comes with thoughts of renewal and rebirth...a great time to look ahead to sunny days and summer reads. April is also National Poetry Month and National Donate Life Month in the United States. Find ways to celebrate words at Poets.org and learn about saving lives at DonateLife.net

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T.S. Eliot


Bright Expanse by Daniel Zeigler

Book of the Day

Are we alone in the universe? Everyone wants to know—until truth is staring them in the face. The ExPAnSE Project will answer huge questions. Are there millions of inhabited planets? Or is Earth terrifyingly alone? Nat Kurt has it all: brilliant career, gifted wife, charismatic personality. As head of ExPAnSE, he has celebrity status. But as he nears his goal, Nat’s life begins to implode. Will he choose to betray the truth or love it? Answers to big questions come at a price. Some cost everything. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


FREE - Potion Voyages Book 1: Castle & Conceit by Jeremy Dwyer

Science Fiction and Fantasy

A vain prince and his advisor construct castles to plunder their rivals. They capture a magic music scholar in one town. She sings a song to seek higher knowledge, starting a series of dangerous discoveries. Listen to the magic music - and all the supernatural songs from the entire series - for free! FREE - SHOP NOW

 


Morphosis by Aj Saxsma

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

In 1987, Ollie starts anew on a farm with his children from a previous marriage and Dwayne, his current romantic partner. Ollie takes a job as a local deputy, leaving Dwayne to care for the children…and with AA, an illness, and homophobic attitudes from locals. Meanwhile, Ollie’s involvement in a murder case keeps him too busy to notice his family spinning apart. The result is a tense and unsettling queer character study that examines narcissism, codependency, and self-worth. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Well-Mannered Horse by Meredith Hill

General Nonfiction

Developing an Ideal Equine Buddy. Working with your very own horse can be one of the most wonderful parts of your day… until it’s not. In The Well-Mannered Horse: Developing an Ideal Equine Buddy, Meredith Hill shares insight on how to deal with some of your horse’s less enjoyable behaviors. Does your horse pin its ears frequently? Are you afraid to actually get on your horse for a ride? Has handling your horse become dangerous? From $0.99 SHOP NOW


FREE - Red Sin by Aleatha Romig

Romance

Red is the color of blood, sacrifice, danger, and courage. It’s also associated with heat, passion, and sexuality. When two people meet unexpectedly with an inexplicable attraction that defies common understanding...it can be called RED SIN. Julia and Van found one another in a shaken snow globe. Stranded in a blizzard, they embraced being two individuals with no last names. The plan was to walk away from each other with no regrets—until that plan changed. Book 1 in the Sin Series. 4.4 stars, 2600+ ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


Crossfire by R.D. Nixon

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Hogmanay 1987, and a prank robbery has fatal consequences. Five years later, and Highlands town Abergarry is shaken by the seemingly gratuitous murder of a local man. The case is unsolved. Now it is the present day, and ten-year-old Jamie, on holiday in Abergarry with his mum, overhears a conversation. To him, it is all part of a game. But this is no game and the consequences are far more serious than Jamie ever imagined... From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Swimming with Maya by Eleanor Vincent

Literary Fiction and Creative Nonfiction

New York Times Bestseller. "Vincent's poignant decision to donate Maya's organs will resonate with even hard-boiled readers." -Booklist. Eleanor Vincent raised Maya and Meghan as a single parent. Then at age 19, Maya mounts a horse bareback on a dare, falls, and is left in a coma. Ultimately, Eleanor chooses to donate Maya's organs. Years later, she is able to hear Maya's heartbeat in the chest of the heart recipient. "Powerful prose with a meaningful and memorable message." -Lee Gutkind, Founder, Creative Nonfiction Magazine. 4.5 stars, 240 ratings on Amazon. From $0.99 SHOP NOW