Today's Featured Books

Our modern world needs some reverence for our daily lives in trying times. Some of our norms have been swept away from a good and healthy life. We can bring back a life of honor and joy. This lovely coffee table book incorporates poetry and illustration, and is about all of the caring, hard work, and thoughts still felt by an aging population. "I hope this book will be a keepsake on a bookshelf to read when someone needs some inspiration or comfort." -Arlene Kinnavy. From $21.45 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is pleased to shine a spotlight on The Jimmy Crikey Series of middle grade fantasy/adventure novels from author Wallace Briggs. Each of these books has received high praise from reviewers, not just the characters and storylines, but also for the lessons the books convey about self-confidence, empathy, respect, and other important values for young readers.

"A beautiful world that meshes fantasy and science fiction for young readers." ~Literary Titan

The Amazing Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Worlds Beneath And Above The Stars 

Beneath the very ground on which you walk and beyond the stars above your head are more worlds than you could ever dream of. There are monsters. Magic wielded by witches and sorcerers. Epic adventures in worlds far across the ocean. And fearsome weapons that threaten to destroy everything.

With a bright red mop of unruly hair, big blue eyes, a small snub nose, pointed ears, and enormous feet, poor Jimmy Crikey is ridiculed by the neighborhood children and runs away in search of a world where he fits in. Following a midnight flight through the forest, he stumbles into a lost, underground world called Roombelow where magic, adventure, danger, and excitement await.

"Conveys a message of self-love and acceptance which is significantly important at this age group level." ~Amazon Review

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in the Sky Islands (and beyond) 

Jimmy Crikey is the orphan alien living on Earth. Because of his strange appearance, Jimmy was bullied beyond endurance.But he saved the underground world of Roombelow from the sleeping spell cast by Matilda, the witch who forgot how to laugh. And now Gemma, the little lady who lived at the bottom of the well, is Jimmy's greatest friend, and Jade (Gemma's tiny niece) is Jimmy’s greatest admirer.

Once freed from the bullies, Jimmy blossomed and developed into a genuine hero. He uses his unique Attalian powers to defend Roombelow from many of the dangers that threaten. Meanwhile, far above Earth, the Sky Islands are invaded by the galactic race of Zylons. It takes the combined power of the four witches, the ancient Weatherman, Jade (an apprentice witch), and Jimmy to save the Sky Islands. 

"One senses a bit of Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the fairy tales of our youth... Full of relevant messages about bullying and how one can overcome and rise above the conflict through courage and self-confidence." ~Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers' Favorite

Jimmy Crikey's Adventures in Parallel Worlds 

When Earth is invaded by an alien species of omnivorous worm, the four guardian witches of Earth are powerless against them. So it falls to Jimmy to seek the help of his technologically advanced friends on Attalia, his home planet in a different dimension.

Jimmy may be an orphan, but he has friends on both sides of the universe, including Jade, the apprentice witch who joins Jimmy on his quest. They escape the worms once and reach the safety of Attalia. But when Jade's life is threatened again, it's up to Jimmy to save the day.

"A highly creative, exciting story for kids that I'm sure plenty of adults will enjoy too." ~Liz Konkel, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: The Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake, the underground home of the Aquamites, is invaded by a flesh-eating, fire-breathing serpent that is impervious to the magic of the four guardian witches. The witches call on Jimmy for help.

Jimmy accompanies Elwinn, witch guardian of everything associated with water, to visit the Emerald Lake. They capture the serpents, but Annison is seriously injured when a serpent takes a big bite out of her tail. All appears lost until Lord Oron reveals his true identity—and a plan that could save Annison's life. 

"An inspiring tale about friends and allies coming together to help each other." ~Pikasho Deka, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Jade, the Youngest Ever Witch 

Jade is approaching the end of her apprenticeship with Witch Matilda, the leader of the Guardians. But there are several challenges to complete before Jade becomes a fully qualified member of the sister's Coven, and Jade cannot accept help from anybody, especially not from Jimmy. 

Things get complicated when the cave world of Lithnia, the Sky Islands, and Roombelow all fall under threat, requiring help from Jimmy and Jade. And things get even worse when an alien race from the Alpha Centauri system risks destroying Earth in order to save their own planet. Can Jimmy help the aliens resolve their plight without bloodshed? And when Witch Matilda is called to a higher realm, who will be appointed as her successor?

GOLD MEDAL, 2023 Global Book Awards

"With all the great elements of a traditional fairy tale brought into the 21st Century, this tale offers both fantasy and realism, setting youthful minds alight while keeping their feet firmly planted on the terra firma of responsible human behaviour, empathy and respect for others. Unreservedly recommended." ~The BookViral Review

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: Radioactive! 

Roombelow is suffering from the aftereffects of the rock-chewing Scarab beatles that undermined the town and the world of the Diamites, and even the water-world of the Aquamites is crumbling.

Unexpectedly, a hole appeared in the centre of the Aquamites’ Emerald Lake. Not only does the lake begin to empty, but thirty Aquamites have been swept away in the flow and end up in the dangerous lake belonging to the Tritians.
Rescue cannot come soon enough because the Tritians live in a radioactive environment that poisons the young Aquamites, and Jimmy’s close friend Annison is in seriously trouble.

"If your child loves witchcraft, aliens, and futuristic tales, then this book will become their new favorite." ~Amy Louise Hill, Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Jimmy Crikey: 6-Book Set 

One of the best values we at LitNuts have seen in a long time: Get the entire collection of critically acclaimed Jimmy Crikey books for less than $6 (free via Kindle Unlimited)!

Free online: Larksong Writers Place First Friday Book Talk & Reading with with Daniel Simon, author of Under a Gathering Sky, a quest narrative that examines the essence of questing itself. Friday, July 5, 12 PM CDT.

"It is a quest of literature throughout the ages to describe the human condition." ~Werner Herzog

New release. Crafted with profound insights and real-life stories, this book delves deep into the heart of change and transitions. It’s not just about coping; it’s about thriving and understanding the emotions, fears, and aspirations that accompany every transition in life. Whether it’s a career shift, a personal transformation, or an unexpected twist in your life story, Be Your Own Rock offers the tools, wisdom, and courage to navigate your path with confidence and grace. "A must-read for anyone striving to become more confident and self-assured." ~Amazon Review. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Looking for a fun summer read? We've got it with the Boozy Book Club Midlife Romance Series of RomComs from author Rose Bak! Each book in the series is a steamy standalone featuring a couple over forty-five, a nosy group of matchmaking friends, and a sweet happily-ever-after ending that proves anyone can find love later in life.

"The author has an amazing ability to draw out all the feelings with her incredible writing and story telling." ~Goodreads Review

Beach Reads

She was supposed to be celebrating her sister’s birthday, not falling in love with some guy she just met!

When her sister invites her on a girls’ weekend to celebrate her fiftieth birthday, Teresa tries her best to get out of it. She’s much too busy to take a vacation, let alone spend time with the charming and sexy bartender at the resort they’re visiting.

Colin never believed in love at first sight, at least until he set eyes on Teresa. The curvy beauty is everything he’s ever wanted in a woman. If he could just convince her to stay…but first, he needs to tell her the truth about who he really is.

It's not just a vacation fling...it's love.

★★★★★ "A sweet and steamy romance, with secrets, intrigue, emotions, and love, which leads to a wonderful beach read." ~Amazon Review

Bubbly & Billionaires

Falling in love with billionaires is only something that happens in romance books, right?

Nurse Emma Edwards is known for her bedside manner. Her quiet confidence and sunny personality can cheer up even the grumpiest patient.

But her latest patient isn’t just grumpy, he’s successful, rich, and incredibly handsome. Wyatt Simmons made a fortune in business, but the widower is also quite lonely—at least until his daughter insists on hiring a nurse to care for him after emergency surgery. He might not want a nurse, but he does want Emma—for the rest of his life.

They come from different worlds, but they’re both old enough to know what they want: love.

★★★★★ "A fun story that will have you smiling as it warms your heart." ~Amazon Review

Martinis & Mysteries

Cops in romance books are always so sweet and protective. Unfortunately, Evie’s life is no romance book.

Bookstore owner Evie Fontenot has a mystery to solve. Someone is messing with her bookstore, and there’s no way someone is going to get away with ruining the successful business she created. Her friends insist she report the issues to the police, but based on her history with the law, she knows they’ll be no help. When she meets the bossy and rigid police chief, she knows she’s right.

Jake Wilson isn’t sure what’s going on at Boozy Books, but there’s one thing he does know: Evie is the woman he’s been looking for his whole life. He doesn’t appreciate Evie’s “girl detective” act or her prickly independence, but he does appreciate her business savvy and generous curves.

At their age, there’s no reason to play games. But Evie had no interest in forever, and Jake is not interested in settling for anything less.

★★★★★ "A wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Evie and Jake and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with humor, suspense, danger and love." ~Goodreads Review

About the Author
Rose Bak has been obsessed with books since she got her first library card at age five. She is a passionate reader with an e-reader bursting with thousands of beloved books. 
​​​​​​​
Rose lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and special needs dogs. In addition to writing, she also teaches accessible yoga and loves music. Sadly, she has absolutely no musical talent, so she mostly sings in the shower.

​​​​​​​Although Rose enjoys writing both fiction and nonfiction, romance novels have always been her favorite guilty pleasure, both as a reader and an author. Rose's contemporary romance books focus on strong female characters over age 35 and the alpha males who love them. Expect a lot of steam, a little bit of snark, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. 

Learn more at AuthorRoseBak.com, get a free e-book when you sign up for Rose's newsletter, and be sure to follow her online:

           

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on books of the Nite Fire Series from C.L. Schneider, an immersive mash-up of urban fantasy and murder mystery with shapeshifters, dragons, and parallel worlds.

"Prepare to be sucked in by this gritty, dark, urban fantasy. One helluva ride!" ~Readers' Favorite

Nite Fire: Flash Point

A single act of compassion turned her from assassin to fugitive in the blink of a dragon’s eye.

For nearly a century, Dahlia Nite has protected humanity with her shapeshifting abilities. She hunts what lurks in the dark, concealing the existence of monsters, burying the secrets that threaten to destroy everything.

But when a supernatural serial killer sheds light on what should remain in the shadows, Dahlia's limits are tested. Ancient conspiracies are in danger of being exposed, awakening humans to a reality steeped in myth and legend—one more terrifying than they could ever imagine.

As the mystery deepens, Dahlia partners with the local police. She straddles the line between solving the crimes and hiding their shocking circumstances. But each new murder only lifts the veil higher. Each new clue leads her to the one place she thought to never go again: home.

Praise for Nite Fire: Flash Point
"Intense action, engaging characters, and slow, nuanced, nicely-layered worldbuilding." ~Fantasy Faction

"One of the unbelievably fantastic urban fantasies we've had the pleasure to read in a very long time." ~Chick Lit Cafe

"A wildly enjoyable gripping novel that will keep you hooked until the last page." ~Redheaded Book Lover Reviews

"A well-written, original urban fantasy that is a welcome addition to the genre. Bad-ass action scenes, great dialogue and terrific character and worldbuilding." ~Uncaged Reviews

Winner of multiple awards, including Book of the Year from the Independent Author Network, a Silver Medal in Urban Fantasy from the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards, and recognition from New Apple EBook Awards, Top Shelf Book Awards, Book Excellence Award, and others.

Nite Fire: Chain Reaction

Murder, mystery, mayhem, dragons—and mutants!

If anyone can tell the difference between monsters and humans, it's Dahlia Nite. For nearly a century, she's hunted one to protect the other; safeguarding humanity from the creatures that slip through the torn veil between the worlds—creatures like her. But the lines are blurring. As people begin mutating and combusting on the streets, Dahlia realizes a strange affliction has descended upon Sentinel City. The mysterious ailment strikes all walks of life, from the posh, high-end nightclub district to the homeless community. 

Assigned to the case, Dahlia and her human partner, Detective Alex Creed, investigate the deaths. But all they have are questions and bodies, and a public on the verge of panic. Working behind the scenes with her self-appointed sidekick, Casey Evans, Dahlia struggles to discover what, or who, is behind the alarming transformations. 

Praise for Nite Fire: Chain Reaction
"Mixes detective thriller with a buddy cop movie and gives it all a paranormal punch. I am loving this series." ~K.S. Marsden, author of the Northern Witch Series

"An urban fantasy series with a strong female lead." ~Behind the Pages

"If you like dragons, paranormal creatures with lots of action on almost every page then you are going to love Chain Reaction." ~Nancy Allen, The Avid Reader

Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors

She knows monsters are real because she is one. But how long can she hide the truth?

Secrets are a dragon's best friend. Deception is a close second. Both provide a sturdy armor, allowing half-dragon shapeshifter Dahlia Nite to live undetected among the humans. Walking in two worlds, belonging in neither, she wraps herself in a shroud of lies to hide in plain sight. But nothing stays hidden forever.

When dismembered bodies of multiple species are dumped on the riverbank, the case falls to Dahlia and Detective Alex Creed. Backed by Sentinel City's new task force, the pair find themselves urged along by clues that seem too good to be true. Bouncing from one crime scene to the next, they hunt for a clear motive in a murky sea of conflicting evidence. 

As the dots connect and worlds collide, Dahlia struggles to shield her friends from the truth. But secrets can be deadly. And Dahlia is not the only one who keeps them.

Praise for Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors
"I am absolutely in love with this series. The characters come alive, and the story has twists and turns that keep you fascinated." ~Naomi Valkyrie, author of the Life is Hell Series

"Full of action from shapeshifters to creatures that lay hidden in the night, this story will keep you turning pages." ~Goodreads Review

The Nite Fire Series

           

Free online: Speaking Crow is an open mic poetry event sponsored by by the Winnipeg International Writers Festival. Tuesday, July 2, 8:30 PM CDT. 

"Poetry is a sword of lightning, ever unsheathed, which consumes the scabbard that would contain it." ~Percy Bysshe Shelley