Today's Featured Books

Equip Yourself With Timeless Insights That Will Help Guide You In These Modern Times. Influencers…social media gurus…they come and go. Plato has been trending for the last 2,000 years. Why? Learn about Plato’s life and works, and discover parallels to modern life. Lift Plato’s advice off the page and leverage it to be a critical thinker, problem solver, and leader. #1 New Release in in Greek & Roman Philosophy. 4.4 stars, 12 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Enter a world of sand and splendor. Game of Thrones meets Spartacus in this epic fantasy series. Delve into an ancient world of gladiators, desert warriors, and forbidden magic. Read the first book in the Kingdoms of Sand series for free, then grab the sequels at deep discounts. "Dynastic politics, magic, and violence...Arenson's world is deeply imagined and inspired by historical events, even as it is infused with magic." ~The Huffington Post. 4.1 stars, 579 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Oblivion's Galaxy Trilogy complete collection featuring Oblivion's Cloak, Oblivion's Blade, and Oblivion's Triumph. Nine hundred years after the end of the world, a troubled human mercenary awakens Earth's last surviving son from cryosleep. Now she must protect him, both from the callous alien powers that have enslaved humanity and the ruthless human fanatics that fight them. "Skillfully written ambitious space opera with some serious twists." ~Amazon Vine Voice Review. From $1.99 SHOP NOW / 

In a space fantasy spanning thousands of years, the Forgotten Gods want their universe back and will burn it down to get it. 3,000 years have passed since the gods almost destroyed the universe. Humans rose from the ashes and established a vast empire spanning more than 700 planets. To protect them from the return of the gods, the Conclave was established, and Senior Inquisitor Tolde Breed's job has taken him to the depths of depravity, culminating with his hunt for the most hated of the three sons of the fallen god-king. Book 1 in the series. 4.5 stars, 19 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

In this fourth installment of the award-winning series, guitar-playing detective Rolly Waters investigates a friend's suicide, connecting it to punk bands, dolphin science, Navy SEALS, animal-rights protests, and a harmonica-playing derelict. A music-themed murder mystery for fans of old-fashioned gumshoes, vivid characters, and twisty, layered stories. "A pitch perfect murder mystery featuring an eccentric detective." ~Foreword Reviews. 4.4 stars, 93 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Discover how to cook some of the most popular, authentic Greek recipes. A visually beautiful cookbook with more than 200 pages of flavorful and delicious classic Greek recipes presented in a simple and easy-to-follow manner for all level of at-home chefs. Greek cuisine can seem intimidating, but chef Pemi makes it easy. The perfect cookbook for foodies and a great gift for any occasion. 4.7 stars, 100+ ratings. From $9.99 SHOP NOW / 

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

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A Penguin's Quest

Genres: Children's Humor, Children's Action & Adventure Books, Children's Animals Books
Print 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

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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, 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

A charming story of a Christmas awakening on the eve of WWII. Set in New York City, the young widow Lillian Hapsey and her two sons struggle through an uncertain Christmas season. But Lillian is determined to give her sons a happy Christmas. Rediscovering her touchstone just might be the key to unlocking the excitement and magic of Christmas. "Charming, heartwarming...whimsical and pleasingly old-fashioned throughout" ~Kirkus Reviews. Book 1 in The Christmastime Series. 4.4 stars, 840+ ratings. From $1.99 SHOP NOW / 

Shy and deaf, twenty-three-year-old Claire Deveraux has her dream job as a foreign service officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Yet her idyllic life is shattered when she finds a woman in a restroom dying from a gunshot wound. The woman gives Claire a thumb drive and three code words—the keys to the location of proceeds from a bank robbery. And now the killer is after Claire. "An intoxicating mix of mystery, murder and mayhem." ~BestThrillers.com. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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 / 

From chef Pemi Kanavos and Worldwide Greeks, this stunning 100-page, 27-recipe, high-quality cookbook is a perfect handbook for bakers and baklava lovers alike. The Baking Baklava cookbook pays tribute to baklava, a renowned delicacy treasured in many countries around the world, with simple and easy-to-follow baklava recipes for all skill levels. Also included are more than a dozen delicious dessert recipes inspired by the flavors and textures of baklava. $17.99 SHOP NOW / 

"This book gives clear writing guidelines—keep it concise and simple." ~Kelly, professional engineer. "A fine communications guide. If you're looking for a concise reference to help you with your verbal and written communication skills, The Write Rules is for you." ~Steven, French teacher. This writing handbook was developed to meet the needs of Engineering, Technical, and English as Second Language professionals. It will enhance your written and verbal communication skill sets. Also a great holiday gift! From $3.99 SHOP NOW / 

Jazmine Campbell is a therapist, but that doesn’t mean she never struggles with sharing her feelings. In fact, there’s one thing she never told anyone because admitting it is too painful. Clay Drover may look like a mountain man, but he has a few surprises up his sleeve, one being he owns a huge house and is financially set for life. When Jazmine flies to Alaska for her cousin’s Christmas wedding, she and Clay are thrown together. Will Clay be able to convince her to lower her guard? Or will her secret divide them once and for all? 4.6 stars, 600+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

I was fired in front of a client for being late for a meeting. The client happens to be my dream-worthy one-night-stand who I ditched. As despair sets in, he hires me. Although it happened in high school, Jason hasn’t forgiven me. He controls and owns the company. And anything he touches. Including me. But we must work together and keep our hands and lips off each other. Book 1 of the Awakeners series. 4.4 stars, 24 ratings. $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

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

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The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts

Book 1 in The Unbelievables series
4.4 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

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The Girl Who Saved Ghosts

Book 2 in The Unbelievables series
4.8 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

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The Girl Who Loved Ghosts

Book 3 in The Unbelievables series
4.6 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

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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. 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

Dive into current topics in integrative, functional, and alternative medicine. In Part One, the book investigates topics and practices related to health maintenance and personalized medicine, including genetic testing, supplements, nutrition and diet, and brain health. In Part Two, the author critically examines the COVID-19 pandemic. This book seeks to engage readers in solutions rooted in understanding the significance of unconventional approaches to health. From $8.49 SHOP NOW / 

Running a business can be discouraging, overwhelming, and lonely. Everything looks good from the outside, but on the inside, you’re struggling to take your business to the next level while still living your best life. What you need is a holistic strategy for running a stable company that makes money and allows you to sleep well at night. Fulfilled: The Passion & Provision Strategy for Building a Business with Profit, Purpose & Legacy provides a framework that offers you the dream with the means of implementation. 4.8 stars, 87 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

In the aftermath of the global pandemic, we were left devastated and in need of stable and reliable healthcare. Dr. Eric Fethke offers a prescription to improve the health of our nation: kindness, acceptance, and equality. Through personal anecdotes, patient stories, and thoughtful insights, we see behind the curtain to the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of caring for the sick or broken. With humility, patience, and genuine sensitivity, Dr. Fethke challenges us to change a broken system so that others without care may finally receive that which they so desperately need. 5.0 stars, 19 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW / 

Terrorized by a man who won’t leave her alone, federal prosecutor Nicole Strickland doesn’t know what to do. Her brother, FBI Agent Cash Strickland, wants to help, but there’s no actionable proof to stop the man who’s hunting her. Cash turns to former Chicago PD cold case detective Emily Tizzano for help, but Cash and Emily have unfinished business—and Emily is suspicious of Cash's motives and of Nicole's job as a prosecutor. Is Cash really worried about his sister's safety, or is it a setup? 4.4 stars, 1250+ ratings. From $1.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

Film producers live a wild, exhilarating “in the NOW” life of absolutely embracing chaos. Through the crazy memoirs of producer J.D. James, discover the spiritual power of resilience, adaptability, and leadership told as an entertainingly humorous guide to living, crying, and learning from the unpredictable adventures that life throws our way. Learn about the faults, failures, and successes of a real-life movie producer, and appreciate how movies are made…without using the producer's own money! From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW / 

An autobiographical novel about a singer-songwriter and her development as she rebels against her strict suburban upbringing to join the counter-culture in hopes of fulfilling her dream to make it in the music business. Her quest lands her in a series of dangerous situations and narrow escapes. Along the way, she also meets two important guides who help her sort her priorities, take herself seriously, and develop her considerable talents. All inform the heroine's lyrics and narrative voice as she learns to believe in herself, discipline her talent, and turn heartbreak into song. 4.3 stars, 11 ratings. From $4.99 SHOP NOW / 

A time travel mystery with a twist of horror. Ellie Johnson has never seen anything quite as strange as the twisted pathways keeping her trapped on a hill in the middle of the night. Do they have something to do with the bizarre plume of light that has landed in the forest? Are they an effect of the Northern Lights distorting the world around her? Or do they have to do with the strange creatures lurking in the woods that are linked to her ability to dance through time? Book 1 of the Medusa Chronicles. Also available: The Time Slider, Book 2 in the series. From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Can a tough, fabulous broad and her southern-fried Barbie bestie handle being Earth’s first contact? When Blleburbk (renamed Billy Bob) lands on their truck, Bongo and Delilah embrace his mission to save his planet and convince Earth to help. With a creepy dude chasing them, they’re out of time. Help, in the form of an Elton John impersonator, a shrimp boat captain, and local drag queen Vivian Vavoom may not be enough as Mr. Creepy closes in—and this time, he’s not farking around. It’s Space~Snark~Booze time! 4.6 stars, 28 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW /