Today's Featured Books

The Murder Next Door by Sarah Bell

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

“An unputdownable murder mystery filled with twists and turns with a stunning sapphic romance at its heart.” ~Rachel Bowdler. In 1912 England, a couple investigate their neighbor’s murder, but what they uncover leaves them questioning whether this is a mystery best left unsolved. “Before reading, I’d never spent one second of my life thinking about Edwardian Leeds. This book made me feel like I was actually there and like I knew Louisa and Ada and the people around them.” ~Cat Sebastian. Book 1 in the series. 4.1 stars, 65 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


10 Mentors Of Mental Toughness by Wisdom University

General Nonfiction

No challenge is ever insurmountable. Don’t believe us? Maybe you’ll believe these TEN awe-inspiring icons. Get closer to inspiring figures and feel less lonely in an isolating world. Join the league of unyielding spirits, and let the stories within inspire your journey toward mental toughness. A #1 new release in Personal Success in Business. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Abroad by Greyson Bryan

Literary Fiction and Poetry

Love and heartbreak interlace this “powerful and moving" coming-of-age story about clashing cultures and complicated relationships. "Supremely readable..." Abroad follows three twentysomethings as they explore new experiences and navigate romantic loves and friendships during the cultural upheaval and sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s. Bittersweet stories for fans of Sally Rooney. 4.1 stars, 66 ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - The Skull Keeper by Mariëtte Whitcomb

Mystery Thriller Crime and Horror

Best friends on social media, Allysa and Morgan share a love of three things: thriller novels, true crime, and keeping secrets from each other. Allysa has never believed her brother simply left town without saying goodbye. Once they learn he’s the last known victim of a serial killer, they decide to do what the police couldn’t – bring the killer to justice. When the hunters become the hunted, only one question remains: Do you know your friend well enough to save her life? 4.2 stars, 37 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


Six by Tamsen Schultz

Romance

Exploitation, greed, and murder… Violetta “Six” Salvitto will go to any length for her friends. When her friend Jeremy Wheaton dies mysteriously, US attorney Six suspects foul play. Her quest intertwines with Gavin Cooper, a paralegal with secrets, who's been observing her closely. As they probe into the hit-and-run, danger escalates from Boston to Indonesia. Confronting hitmen and unveiling crimes against humanity, Six and Gavin race to solve Wheaton's death, battling to stay alive and finish what Jeremy began. 4.5 stars, 300+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Spotlight on YA Fiction from Rebecca Rook

Spotlight

Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on two young adult fiction titles from author Rebecca Rook: 

False Haven (new release!) - a chilling YA horror novel where Holes meets The Haunting of Hill House

The Penance of Valentine Cash
Neil Gaiman’s American Gods meets Jennifer Mason-Black’s Devil and the Bluebird in this modern adaptation of the Greek legend The Twelve Labors of Hercules for YA fantasy readers


False Haven

NEW RELEASE: February 13, 2024
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Horror, Teen & Young Adult Ghost Stories, Teen & Young Adult Fantasy & Supernatural Mystery
Ebook: $4.99  



A young adult horror novel for fans of Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake, Asylum by Madeleine Roux, and Fiendish by Brenna Yovanoff.

Seventeen-year-old Vivienne Barston’s life has fallen apart.

With her mother recently dead, her father disappears into his grief – leaving Viv to deal with her sadness and anger alone. Viv turns to destructive behaviors like petty vandalism, but after a disturbing stint in a juvenile detention center frightens her, Viv agrees to a court mandated service opportunity designed to expunge her record. The deal: work for six weeks with a trail conservation crew in the rural woods of southern Oregon, and she’ll be free with a clean slate.

She knows it’s her last chance to fix her life.

When Viv arrives at the small town of Hard Luck, Oregon, she meets her motley crewmates, all with troubles of their own. The unusual group travels to Grafton Stake, a remote and derelict former asylum with a haunted history–and now Viv must face the ghosts of the past while fighting for her future.


The Penance of Valentine Cash

Recent Release: January 16, 2024
Genres: Teen & Young Adult Fantasy, Teen & Young Adult Mythical Creatures, Teen & Young Adult Greek & Roman Myths & Legends
Paperback: $16.00
Ebook: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)



The young and the ancient, the tangible and the mythical, collide in this tale of redemption, connection, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

Valentine Cash is dead.

When she dies in an accidental collision she caused on the cusp of musical fame, Valentine is offered a deal: Complete a series of difficult tasks to get her life back. Fail, and she dies a final, everlasting death. Guided by Route 66 the Mother Road of America on her quest, she tackles one herculean task after another, giving up a piece of herself with each trial.

Valentine begins to understand that the fame she once sought won’t bring her happiness or belonging – and if she fulfills the penance, she must decide what’s more important: Her old life or restoring the lives of the strangers who died alongside her.

Praise for The Penance of Valentine Cash

"A unique and wonderful book." ~Amazon Review

"Incredible storytelling." ~Goodreads Review

"The gods would be pleased." ~Amazon Review


About the Author
Rebecca Rook is a hard of hearing person who designs tabletop games, manages a little free library dedicated to sequential art and comics, and lives in the Pacific Northwest with two wonderful dogs. A 2021-2022 Hugo House Fellow in Seattle, WA, she also attended the 2021 Tin House YA Fiction Workshop in Portland, OR. Prior to this, she completed the wonderful Yearlong Workshop for Young Adult and Middle Grade Fiction at Hugo House. She writes young adult fiction in the fantasy, thriller, and horror genres. Learn more at byrebeccarook.com, and follow Rebecca online:
 
    


Free online: Visit the Louvre on Valentine's Day!

Events

Free online: Visit the Louvre. Paris is considered by many to be The City of Love, but you don't have to go on a honeymoon to enjoy one of its most famous attractions. The Louvre offers free virtual tours that allow you to visit the museum rooms and galleries, admire the palace architecture, and enjoy the views! (Be sure to also take the tour of the Louvre's Masterpieces.)

"To love another person is to see the face of God." ~Victor Hugo


The Way of Water by Toni Cabell

Book of the Day

The desert kingdom of Toresz is dangerous if you're a woman with a witchy skill or a man in love with the wrong kind of woman. When a princess arrives at the palace with an old legal claim, Solace and Rhees part on bitter terms. As Solace travels homeward, she’s hailed as the true Water Witch Queen. But when tragedy strikes, will Solace fight for King Rhees one last time? Don’t miss the exciting sequel to The Lightness of Water, Wishing Shelf Book Awards Winner, Global Book Awards Winner, and B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Violet Archer and the Case of The Purple Martin by Matt Naylor

Children and Young Adult

We lose pictures in kids' books far too young! Finally, a chapter book with color illustrations! Kid Detective Violet Archer and her dog Baba aren't new to solving mysteries. But when the duo heads to Violet's grandparents' house for the weekend, they find themselves caught in a plot-twisting puzzle of a case. It all starts with unexplained noises in the night. Then, Baba's favorite chew toy (The Purple Martin) goes MISSING! It's a race against time to rescue "Marty" before the weekend is over and not everything at this house is as it seems. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


God's Eyes by Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan

Memoir and Creative Nonfiction

On sale! Gold Award Book. Get spiritual recharging during these challenging times. Called " captivating," "a profound journey," it shares insights about spiritual experiences that offer guidance. One reader shared that "this book comes alive... giving me greater understanding, helping me on my difficult journey." For comfort, peace, hope, try it. 4.8 stars, 13 ratings. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


The Meaning Of Mischief Night by R. Van Brabant

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Every kingdom has pests: rats, locusts, flies, and the like. But Zora's kingdom of Piosanto has a different level of pests that must be endured yearly: ghosts. These ghosts cause no end of trouble for the people of Piosanto and have left the orphanage where Zora grew up in ruin. After a failed experiment attempting to push the ghosts back, Zora is given a mission from her queen to travel to the Ghost Realm to obtain the means to destroy the ghost king. But she discovers some secrets that will change both realms forever. From $4.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Snowed In on Valentine's Day by Alana Highbury

Romance

Realizing she’s a serial dater, Hazel vows to take a break from dating and focus on reinventing herself in her career—and putting down roots for once in her life. But when the jerk from her best friend's wedding moves in next door, Hazel can’t believe her bad luck, especially when a massive blizzard forces her to take shelter at his house. The icy tension between them starts to thaw as they get to know each other, but when they’re still snowed in four days later—on Valentine’s Day—tempers flare as passions rise. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Dragonfire Rain by Daniel Arenson

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Dragons. Beasts of legend and wonder. Since ancient times, they ruled the sky. But now a dark goddess invades. Dragonfire cannot burn her. Claws cannot cut her. Only Princess Fira, a young red dragon, can stop her. This box set contains the complete Dragonfire Rain trilogy, a saga set in the bestselling world of Requiem. (Since 2011, the Requiem novels have captivated readers, selling more than 500,000 copies!) 4.6 stars, 121 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


The Invisible Red String by Peter Berlin and Ann Zachariah

Romance

The Invisible Red String is a soulful odyssey where an invisible red thread of destiny weaves a tapestry of love, growth, and transformation across continents. 4.6 stars, 54 ratings. From $2.99 SHOP NOW


Of Courage And Sacrifice by Matt Hartle

Science Fiction and Fantasy

The world is a deeply troubled place—years of crippling unemployment, a collapsed economy, and rampant crime have left people feeling desperate, but Adam Wesley and his friends don't care about that. They've finished classes for the final time and are looking forward to a carefree summer of parties, camping, and enjoying their first authentic taste of freedom after high school! "A deftly crafted dystopian science fiction action/adventure novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality and a compelling, entertaining, and narrative-driven approach to storytelling..." ~Midwest Book Review. 4.4 stars, 58 ratings. From $0.99 SHOP NOW


Boss's Surprise Baby by Josie Hart

Romance

Note to self: If you accept a job offer from your brother’s best friend, don’t sleep with him. And definitely DON'T get pregnant. Eli Whiss is the big bad boss. I’m the little sister who comes equipped with a “DO NOT TOUCH” sign from big bro. One minute I’m the model employee, the next I’m misbehaving. Oh, and the cherry on top of it all? This bachelor boss will soon be a daddy. 4.4 stars, 1000+ ratings. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


Baby Makes 7 by Kai Lesy

Romance

Before meeting Kellan, Fallon, and Luke, I was a homeless single mother, escaping an abusive ex and with two small children to feed. The gorgeous men of my dreams offered more than just shelter in their spectacular mansion; they gave me love, a sense of belonging, and a beautiful baby boy. Yet just when I find peace my younger sister goes missing. She's caught up in a dark world that threatens to swallow her whole - and anyone who gets in the way. Can our newfound happiness withstand this storm that threatens to tear us apart? 4.5 stars, 26 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


New Release: Study in Hysteria from Kathleen Collins and Vine Leaves Press

Spotlight

Congratulations to Kathleen Collins and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Study in Hysteria, a psychological portrait of a woman who senses that there is a better life for her somewhere else.
 

★★★★★ “Compelling, surprising, and witty... an exquisite novel about the painful consequences of repressing emotions, the deep rifts caused by the fear of revealing ourselves, and the unexpected ways the heart finds to heal. A heartbreakingly beautiful debut.” ~Sandra A. Miller, author of Wednesdays at One


Study in Hysteria

NEW RELEASE: February 13, 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99  



In the middle of 1974, Flora is privileged and middle-aged in a liberation-hued America, and feels both compelled by and left out of the women’s movement. She finds it difficult to activate her limited supply of empathy as she contends with a clandestine and unlikely friendship, a worrisome health scare, a domineering and philandering psychiatrist husband, or her own distant daughter.

Flora's secret foray into psychotherapy does nothing to halt the sense that there is a better life for her somewhere else, in some parallel existence. Through the continuum of psychological diagnoses, she is lost in the murky place between contentment and discontentment, normal and abnormal.

Is her state of mind a clinical, diagnosable condition, or common malaise? Perhaps she'll find out if she stops resisting to share herself with those who love her.

Praise for Study in Hysteria
★★★★★ “A nuanced psychological portrait of an indelible character and the complex era that shapes her... [an] intelligent, engrossing book.” ~Heidi Diehl, author of Lifelines

★★★★★ “In shimmering prose, Kathleen Collins gives us Flora, a woman who spends nearly a lifetime meeting–or not meeting–everyone's expectations without ever realizing she has deeply-held expectations of her own.” ~Stephanie Gangi, author of Carry the Dog and The Next

★★★★★ “Collins’s elegantly woven prose reads like a brocade of one woman’s feelings in a sexist world, a woman for whom silence is rebellion. Collins's psychological acuity manages to feel both classic and thoroughly contemporary.” ~Jason Tougaw, author of The Elusive Brain


About the Author
Kathleen Collins’s nonfiction books include Watching What We Eat: The Evolution of Television Cooking Shows, Dr. Joyce Brothers: The Founding Mother of TV Psychology, and a memoir, From Rabbit Ears to the Rabbit Hole: A Life with Television. Study in Hysteria is her first novel. She is a professor and librarian at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and lives with her husband near the forest in the northernmost tip of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Learn more at katcoindustries.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: Galena LitFest

Events

Free online: Galena LitFest - Indie Author Panel. Hear from five winners of the Soon to be Famous Illinois Indie Author Award about writing, how to market your book, and indie publishing! Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 PM CST.

"Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere." ~Jean Rhys


Loden's Children by Paul Chandler

Book of the Day

Riley Callen is a private investigator. While working on a kidnapping case, she’s introduced to a secret AI named Molly. With the AI’s help, she successfully solves the case. When asked to take on a 30-year cold case, Riley accepts it. If she can get permission to use Molly again, she knows she’ll have a shot at cracking it. 5.2 stars, 20 ratings. From $2.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - Heart-Dreamer by Cheryl Melody Baskin

General Nonfiction

Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams - No Matter What is an entire life coaching experience in one award-winning book. It is designed for anyone who has a dream, forgot their dreams along the way, or never knew how to dream. I am here to help you discover and honor the dreams in your heart, believe in yourself, and step into your full potential, no matter how messy life becomes. Breathe in all the support I am here to give you as we bring every word in Heart-Dreamer to life. 4.5 stars, 65 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


FREE - Keva Meets a Kitty by Eva and Keva Myrick

Children and Young Adult

Keva meets a Kitty is a whimsical tale about middle-school aged, Keva and her spicy, orange feline, Phineas. The former is an optimistic, bright-eyed adventurer while the latter is cautious and pragmatic. For intermediate and advanced readers. 4.7 stars, 22 ratings. FREE - SHOP NOW


Brett Wilson and De Leon's Well by John V Suter

Children and Young Adult

Brett Wilson ventures into a hidden world where lost civilizations still thrive. Brett and her best friend Natalie are sent on a quest to find the source of knowledge, De Leon's Well. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones searching for the mystical waters. From $0.99. Free via KU. SHOP NOW


FREE - Emotional Beauty and the Limits of Human Intelligence by Thomas L. Atwood

General Nonfiction

Take a stimulating, fresh new look at how our emotions battle with our intellect for control of our behavior. Emphasizing our kinship with animals and exploring what it means to be intelligent, this book casts what you already know about yourself in an entirely new light. FREE - SHOP NOW


Free online: Reading Love Letters

Events

Free online: Reading Love Letters. Hear famous (and some not-so-famous) love poetry and prose, discuss writing about love, and write love letters! No writing experience is required; participants do not need to share their work (unless you want to!) Sunday, February 11, 10-11 AM CST. 

“You are so busy being you that you have no idea how utterly unprecedented you are.” ~John Green, The Fault in Our Stars