Today's Featured Books

 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Tachyon Tunnel, an award-winning work of science fiction involving time-travel and romance from author Michael Gorton. 

★★★★★ "A thoughtful and engaging read that bridges the gap between hard science and deep emotion." ~Literary Titan

Tachyon Tunnel

A thought-provoking tale that challenges our understanding of reality and the human spirit.

Follow Paula, a molecular biologist on the cusp of receiving a Nobel Prize, whose life is abruptly cut short by a tragic accident. Her close friend, Alex, has been developing groundbreaking technology capable of tunneling through spacetime. Driven by grief and determination, Alex embarks on a daring journey using this technology, leading to a planet in Cassiopeia where Alex and Paula confront unforeseen challenges and emotions.

Author Michael Gorton's narrative seamlessly blends elements of adventure, romance, and science fiction, inviting readers to explore profound questions about time, loss, and the lengths one might go to alter destiny.

Author's note: As a scientist, I have always pondered the question of how we will be able to travel through the vastness of space. Many have suggested the use of wormholes, but I have a HUGE problem with using a tunnel created by black holes. To put is simply, we would be completely obliterated even getting close to a black hole. Gravity is fundamental to our 3D space, but I do not think it is how we will solve the problem of interstellar travel, thus...the Tachyon Tunnel.

Praise for Tachyon Tunnel

Literary Titan Gold Award Winner

★★★★★ "Thrilling journey through time & space!" ~Amazon Review

★★★★★ "As intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping." ~Amazon Review

Coming soon...

Tachyon Tunnel 2: The Daklin Empire

Part two of the award-winning Tachyon Tunnel Series is coming March 10, with new twists, great science, adventure, and romance! Alex and the Tranquility team discover the Daklin Empire that has ruled the Galaxy for more than 50 million years. 

New Giveaway: Little People, Big Dreams Collection. We just launched a new giveaway! Enter for a chance to win the Little People, Big Dreams Collection of 10 beginner biography board books for young readers ages 2-6 or a $75 Amazon.com gift card (winner's choice). 

“You can find magic wherever you look.  Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!” ~Dr. Seuss

A single puddle on a highway changed Dinesh Palipana’s life forever. A car accident left him with quadriplegia, but he refused to let it define him. He returned to medical school, becoming Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical intern and only the second in Australia. Despite the challenges, he sees his accident as a turning point, making him a more compassionate doctor and a stronger advocate for disability rights. Now, working in one of Australia’s busiest hospitals, he continues to fight for equitable access, proving resilience and purpose can thrive in adversity. 4.6 stars, 82 ratings. From $7.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Lilla must recruit the biggest and most dangerous army in the Seven Galaxies, but the Teryn emperor won't comply unless Lilla earns the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess Laoise. Dealing with gods is never easy. Lilla must bring the mysterious Heart Amulet to Guardian Goddess Laoise to earn her blessing. Now Lilla is trapped in a strange place with no way out and no idea where to go or how to find the amulet. Book 2 in The Last Lumenian series. 4.3 stars, 900+ ratings on Goodreads. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Two broken souls, one beach house, and a love that could heal them both. Charlotte moved to L.A. to escape her mother’s overbearing control. Jordan's memories of being abandoned by his mother have kept him from making meaningful relationships. With Jordan's deep-seated fears of abandonment and Charlotte's own struggle for independence, can their relationship survive, or will their pasts keep them from the love they so desperately desire? 4.6 stars, 26 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"I love a book with dark humor, sarcasm, dog bonding, and a twist of the paranormal. Your book delivered on all of these." ~Writer's Digest Self-published eBook Contest, Reviewer 1. Bridgette Ampersand—dog mom, coffee addict, and optometrist—is confronted with the demons of her past as she fights to save the people who matter most in the present. Book 1 in the series. 4.5 stars, 46 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Aurora Goldberg Stein is drowning in grief after the sudden loss of her husband, Jake. But when she begins hearing his voice and seeing his ghostly presence, she realizes their story may not be over. Drawn into memories of past lives with Jake, Aurora unravels the deeper meaning behind their connection. She once left her Brooklyn roots to follow Jake to Texas, only to find herself lonely and unfulfilled before tragedy struck. Now, with the help of a spectral guide, she's given a chance to confront the mistakes she's made with Jake across lifetimes. But will she finally get it right this time? From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Leah Branch never expected a record deal—especially after giving up on her dream—but when heartbreak pushed her to Nashville, she took the chance. What she didn’t expect was to be stripped of her name, image, and voice, forced to become someone she didn’t recognize. After one too many humiliations on the road, Leah snaps and flees, leaving behind a shattered career and burned bridges. Now, she must rebuild not just her reputation but her sense of self in this story of resilience, unlikely friendships, and the pursuit of an authentic life. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Haunted by two decades of recurring nightmares and sleep paralysis demons, Meg Bartlett spent her life running—from a childhood in Iowa to a warehouse in Afghanistan. When she finally stopped and listened, she discovered that the nightmares she feared had been guiding her all along. Meg, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, shares her journey of confronting deep-seated fears, childhood trauma, and suicidal ideation to reclaim her life. Part memoir, part guide, this book weaves personal stories, dream interpretations, and tools to help readers unlock the wisdom hidden in dreams and become their own source of healing. From $9.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Two years after an explosion left Vinneta disabled and seemingly took the life of her beloved magic mentor, her mentor reappears—looking inexplicably younger—and Vinneta learns she’s destined to become the Crown Princess. But can she abandon her old life and embrace a royal identity built on deception? Meanwhile, Isbet, a secret seller of magical artifacts, stumbles upon a wild man in the forest who has lost all memories. As they investigate, they uncover a horrifying secret: townsfolk are being transformed into fish through sinister experiments. Can they unravel the truth before more lives are lost? FREE - SHOP NOW / 

A fake marriage to my billionaire boss seemed harmless. But now I'm pregnant and there's no faking this. Ben Blackwood has a body built for sin and a charm as lethal as his temper. He drives me insane in every way—grumpy, brooding, and too damn sexy for his own good. Pretending to be Mrs. Blackwood should've been all business—play the perfect wife, close the deal of the century. But one lie turned into one night, and now there's no going back. I'm pregnant with his baby and in his ruthless world, secrets like this destroy everything. 4.4 stars, 58 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Congratulations to author Linda Oatan High and Red Chair Press on the release of Somebody's Someone, a new work of juvenile fiction for readers ages 10 - 14 that blends humor, love, and friendship in the story of a twelve-year-old with a mentally ill parent.

"An uplifting narrative journey."  ~Kirkus Reviews

BONUS: Get a free preview of a sample chapter of Somebody's Someone and other books from Red Chair Press!

Somebody's Someone

NEW RELEASE: March 4, 2025
Author: Linda Oatman High
Illustrator: Yayira Dzamesi
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Available in hardcover, audiobook, and e-book from $9.99



 

12-year-old Ruby Bean has become an Accidental Expert on Missing Mothers. When Ruthie, her mother goes missing again due to mental illness and addiction, Ruby and her aunt leap into action to search for Ruthie.

A jewelry store robbery and unexpected kindness from the victim bring more twists to the journey. From Georgia to Washington to New York City Ruby, discovers that sometimes even the worst events can bring the best surprises into one’s life.

Note: Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.

Praise & Recognition for Somebody's Someone
1st Place Winner, Children & YA Writing, Bookshelf Awards

"Heart-wrenching and profoundly moving." ~Bookshelf Review

"A real treat for young readers, blending humor, love and friendship." ~Barbara Binns, award-winning author of Courage

"A must read to understand the effects of mental illness on all family members." ~Linda Appleman Shapiro, psychotherapist and author of She's Not Herself

"A gem! A superbly written character-led novel for 10-14 year olds." ~The Wishing Shelf Awards

"A compassionate novel exploring the lifeforce of a child's love." ~Independent Book Review

"A beautifully illustrated, soul-stirring story." ~The Praries Book Review

"A tender exploration of the complexities of familial bonds and the enduring nature of hope" ~Literary Titan

About the Author

Linda Oatman High is an award-winning author of books for children and teens. She also teaches writing workshops. Linda holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Learn more at lindahigh.com.

About the Illustrator

Yai Dzamesi is an illustrator & storyteller who is passionate about creating stories that dive deep and push hard. Her work is marked by warm hues that both comfort and challenge readers. Learn more at yayiradzamesi.com.

About the Publisher
One Elm Books is an imprint of Red Chair Press, an indie press committed to learning and literacy (and laughter!). Founded in 2009, Red Chair Press has been dedicated to publishing series to engage children in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. By working with only the highest-quality artists from around the world, Red Chair Press ensures that their books will appeal to a wide range of readers. Learn more at RedChairPress.com, and be sure to follow them online:
 

    

Free online: Hill Writers Reading Series. Join for a cozy evening of storytelling and poetry with authors Willie Edward Taylor Carver and Amy Le Ann Richardson. Presented by Hill Writers: A Southern Writers' Collective. Saturday, March 1, 6-8 PM EST.

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~William Wordsworth

A girl drawn to a song, a Guardian seeking redemption, and a world on the brink of collapse. When Ria follows an eerie melody through a mysterious door, she steps into a strange new world and a destiny she never expected. Cedar Jal, a Guardian who escaped imprisonment using forbidden magyc, must protect their land from demons while grappling with a prophecy that names Ria as the key to everything. As the world teeters between salvation and destruction, their choices will determine whether they are its saviors or mere pawns in a greater game. 4.5 stars, 48 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree! A scrap of prophecy, an old sword, and a girl who can’t do anything right... Linden is the worst mage apprentice in her school—maybe in the whole country. Yet all the prophecies predict she’s the girl with the answers. But if Linden can’t master a basic shape-shifting spell without starting a fire, how can she take on the darkest sorcerer in generations? 4.3 stars, 497 reviews. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Keres longs for a normal life, but the dark magic in her veins makes that impossible. Living under the protection of her best friend, Hez, and his witch coven, Keres pretends to be one of them though she knows her power is something far more dangerous. When she's arrested for forged citizenship papers, the High Priestess offers her a deal: retrieve a list of ancient artifacts or lose the fragile life she's built. As she hunts for the artifacts, she uncovers a shocking revelation: someone else possesses magic just like hers. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Unleash your full potential with this powerful guide to breaking limits and achieving peak performance. Written by Michael and Kelsey Sylvara, experts on physical and mental conditioning, this book blends personal stories and elite athlete insights to help you build unmatched strength and agility. Complete with jump programs and workouts, it’s your ultimate playbook for transforming both body and mind. From $9.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"Am I good enough?" ask the three-leaf clovers of themselves. Go on this journey and find the answer to this question. A thoughtful book presented in a fun way to explore the meaningful concept of loving others and accepting them. "A great book for teaching young children about self esteem." ~Amazon Review. 4.2 stars, 84 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Journalist Cleo Krol relocates to Washington, D.C. and is drawn into a real-life mystery when her friend and neighbor, Rae, suffers a psychotic break and takes her own life. Cleo's search for the truth leads her into the tangled web of Rae’s love life and a covert Chinese spy program. With Detective Scott Fisher as an unexpected ally, Cleo follows the trail of secrets, hoping to solve the mystery of Rae’s death while also revising her own career. Fans of slow-burn mysteries will be hooked on this gripping investigation. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Free online: An Evening of Poetry from the Hudson Valley Writers Center, featuring new poetry from Tiana Clark, Shanta Lee, Ruben Quesada, Ruth Ellen Kocher, and Matthew Johnson. Wednesday, February 26, 7 PM ET. 

"Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history." ~Plato

A powerful collection of interconnected stories exploring generational trauma, resilience, and the quiet strength that carries families forward. From famine-ravaged villages to modern struggles with identity, these poignant tales follow characters like Erin, battling self-doubt; Nora, an expectant mother clinging to hope; and Maria, fighting for her family’s survival against impossible odds. With lyrical prose and raw honesty, Bound reveals how trauma lingers across generations and how love and resilience endure. From $4.99 - SHOP NOW / 

Wild hearts can't be tamed. She was the one to break his heart and five years later, she realizes he's still the only one. But is five years enough to forgive someone? Just because she wants him back doesn't mean he wants the woman who broke him like a wild stallion. 4.1 stars, 18 ratings. From $0.99 - SHOP NOW / 

When the rules turn deadly, winning is everything. Effie and Ben May have everything. Success. Beauty. Glamour. But beneath the charming smiles and expensive clothes, a twisted game is in progress. While they scheme and manipulate those around them, they fail to notice their carefully cultivated façade crumbling away. The perfect couple soon turn the game on each other, breaking all the rules. But when the stakes are life and death, losing isn’t an option. 4.3 stars, 190 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

"Raw and funny." ~Joel Stein, Time Magazine. Dina's grandparents were alcoholics, her father was an alcoholic, she is an alcoholic and pill addict, and all three of her daughters struggle with alcohol and drug addiction. Meanwhile, Dina is trying to make it as a stand-up comic so she can quit her job as a grocery store clerk. Through it all, she does her best to hold her family together and maintain her sense of humor. "Like a maelstrom." ~Foreword Reviews. 4.4 stars, 600+ ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on three new releases from Vine Leaves Press, an indie press that publishes books that push boundaries, celebrate individuality, and amplify unique voices. February new releases include Literary, Sci-Fi, and Thriller titles:

• Woman in the Abbey by Mike Maggio
• Bell Tower by Raphael Pond
• Stigmaplay by Andrew Verlaine

Read on to learn more!

Woman in the Abbey

In a world where darkness reigns and escape is only an illusion, a young woman flees an abusive father and stumbles upon an abandoned abbey on the edge of a haunted forest. But what she finds there is far worse than anything she left behind. In this gothic tale of love, betrayal, and unholy retribution, nothing is what it seems.

Praise for Woman in the Abbey
★★★★★ "Packed with horror, romance, and beautifully overwrought emotion." ~Norah Vawter, author and editor

★★★★★ "A chilling, frenetic gothic ride from beginning to end." ~Steve Zettler, Two for the Money

"A magnificent blending of horror, fantasy, romance and suspense." ~Midwest Book Review

Bell Tower

The battle for the mind has begun—and the line between healing and manipulation is dangerously thin. In a Glow Dome-driven world, Sasha Sumzer’s Solosis meditation unlocks healing through soul connections. As followers uncover its secrets, they face a dangerous battle against tech giant Axiom, blurring the line between healing and control in a fight for liberation.

Praise for Bell Tower
★★★★★ "A rollicking sci-fi adventure with memorable characters...takes the timely theme of device addiction to its logical conclusion." ~Andrew Verlaine, author of Stigmaplay

"A smartly plotted thriller set within a well-imagined dystopian future. Highly recommended!" ~The Wishing Shelf

"Masterfully explores themes of technology’s grip on creativity, the power of empathy, and the search for purpose in a fractured world." ~Kathryn Dare, Portland Book Review

Stigmaplay

In a future that's closer than we might like to think, a groundbreaking virtual reality promises to redefine our understanding of mental health—but at what cost? June is tasked with testing the new VR, but as lines between reality and simulation blur, dark secrets emerge, revealing empathy's dangerous cost.

Praise for Stigmaplay
★★★★★ "A wild, satirical and confrontational ride, where trauma and tech form a new and foreboding machine." ~Carson Winter, author of The Psychographist

★★★★★ "An immersive and ambitious piece of experimental fiction. Shocking and compelling in equal measure." ~Annalisa Crawford, author of One Tuesday, Early

★★★★★ "American Psycho crossed with the latter half of A Clockwork Orange, but pitched into the 21st Century." ~David Butler, author of Fugitive