Today's Featured Books— Spotlight
New release: One Tuesday, Early - speculative fiction from Annalisa Crawford and Vine Leaves Press
Congratulations to Annalisa Crawford and Vine Leaves Press on the release of One Tuesday, Early, a work of speculative fiction that has been described as "both familiar and nightmarish."
"An intriguing and haunting story about a woman, a man, and a decades-old mystery." ~Alison Moore, author of The Retreat
One Tuesday Early
NEW RELEASE: May 14, 2024Genre: Speculative Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99
You’re on your own and you shouldn’t be. Your partner is missing. The streets are empty. Even the birds have disappeared. What do you do?
It’s 6:05am one Tuesday morning, and Lexi Peters is alone. Her partner, her friends, her neighbours have all vanished without a trace. The entire town is deserted. Gathering every ounce of courage, she sets out to explore the streets, seeking any sign of life. Her only companions are a coy black cat and a lurking fog that seems to follow her every step.
On the same morning, her partner Finn awakens to an empty house. Recalling the blazing argument they had the night before, he assumes Lexi has snuck off somewhere to cool down. But she doesn’t return.
Time passes. Or not. Lexi is stranded on that Tuesday morning, while Finn hurtles through the years at increasing speed.
Can Lexi and Finn be reunited, or is it already too late?
Praise for One Tuesday, Early
"A spooky and impossible situation that steals up on you until you’re questioning your own life choices." ~Roz Morris, author of Ever Rest
"From its beguiling opening to its heart-stopping conclusion, One Tuesday, Early gently leads us into a world both familiar and nightmarish. Eerie, atmospheric and immediately gripping, there's as much delight to be found in what's held back as there is in what's revealed." ~Charlie Carroll, author of The Lip
About the Author
Annalisa Crawford lives in beautiful Cornwall, in the UK, with a good supply of beaches and moorland right on her doorstep to keep her inspired. She writes dark contemporary fiction with a hint of paranormal. These are mostly character-driven stories dealing with the confusion, deceit, surprise and joys of life. She is fascinated by the things people hide from each other.Over the years, Crawford has won several competitions, had many short stories published in small press journals and online. Highlights include winning 3rd prize in the Costa Short Story Award 2015, winning a Silver Medal in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2023, and being shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award 2023. She is the author of five short story and novella collections, and two novels, with plenty more to come. To learn more, visit annalisacrawford.com and get free short stories when you sign up for her newsletter.
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.
Spotlight on author K.T. Raine and the Huckleberry Ridge Romance Series
Author K.T. Raine is known for writing "sweet and clean romance with a dollop of suspense." Today, LitNuts is pleased to feature the first three books of the Huckleberry Ridge Romance Series:
Read on to learn more about each of these fun reads and the author.
Bonus: Visit K.T. Raine's website to read a free excerpt of Tell Me Another Lie, Book 4 in the Huckleberry Ridge Romance Series!
A Country Kind of Love
Book 1 in the Huckleberry Ridge Romance SeriesGenre: Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.5 stars, 82 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
Ebook: FREE!
After single mom and reporter CeCe Bixby has her name leaked in connection with a dangerously controversial story, she and her young son flee 400 miles from Boise to small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho, for a fresh start.
But life’s never simple, and CeCe is dismayed to find her troubles have followed her. Help may come in the form of her handsome, state-trooper landlord Shane Wickham and his surprisingly supportive family. But does she dare share the truth with him?
Praise for A Country Kind of Love
"I LOVED this book! It’s like wearing your favorite pajamas and a cup of hot chocolate." ~Ann M Diener, BookSirens
"Such a sweet romance with realistic characters." ~Amazon Review
Big Love in a Small Town
Book 2 in the Huckleberry Ridge Romance SeriesGenre: Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.4 stars, 14 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
Ebook: $1.99
Sweet and gregarious Penny Barron was just sure handsome Gus Amherst was finally “the one.” But once his protective streak evolves to controlling and then abusive, she decides enough is enough.
When her childhood friend, CeCe, gets in an accident and needs some temporary care, Penny figures this is her chance. She leaves Gus a goodbye note and flees Boise for small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho, to be near CeCe and make a fresh start.
When Gus decides he’s not ready to let Penny go and shows up in Huckleberry Ridge unannounced, CeCe’s neighbor, police officer and confirmed bachelor Josh Wickham, comes to her rescue. Both are surprised by the spark of attraction that steadily grows between them. But Penny is carrying a secret guaranteed to wreck any new relationship…which is exactly what happens when she finally reveals it to Josh.
Is there still a shot for love to bloom? Or has Penny’s deception ruined her second chance forever?
Better Late than Never
Book 3 in the Huckleberry Ridge Romance SeriesGenre: Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.8 stars, 16 ratings
Paperback: $10.99
Ebook: $3.99
Kara Grissom has spent twenty years in hiding. Ever since suffering a severe facial burn the night after her college graduation, her only refuge has been the childhood home she shares with her mother. She’s long since given up on any possibility of finding love, so when a handsome stranger suddenly invades her safe place, she’s stunned by the sudden awakening of desires she thought had died long ago.
Dawson Wickham loves life as a bachelor. He has everything he needs with his own home, a great family, and the perfect job. But he also loves mysteries, so when he stumbles across the reclusive Kara and she flees from him, her bizarre reaction is a puzzle he just has to solve.
Kara knows that no man who sees her face could ever love her, so she does her best to rebuff Dawson’s interest. But he’s not the type to give up easily, especially once he begins to fall for her charm, wit, and intelligence. But will his love be enough to break through Kara’s phobia of rejection and convince her to trust him? Or is she destined to live out her days alone?
About the Author
K.T. Raine loves penning clean and sweet romance. She is also an established middle grade author with several books for young readers under a different name. Her first novel, A Smidgen of Sky, was chosen as an ABC Indie-Bound New Voices Pick, and her third novel, A Million Ways Home, was awarded both the Kansas William Allen White Children’s Book Award, as well as the Missouri Mark Twain Children’s Book Award. Learn more about her middle grade novels.
When K.T. is not reading or plotting her next novel, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and soaking in her hot tub during the cold months. If you want to know more, visit KTRaineRomance.com, and be sure to follow her online:
The Shimmering Circus: secrets & magic in a gilded age
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Shimmering Circus from author Annie Dewell, a series that throws readers into a macabre world of secrets and magic, set against the evocative backdrop of a Gilded Age circus.
If you've ever wondered what it was really like to travel with carnies or fall in love under a big top, then the Shimmering Circus series is for you. Perfect for fans of Caraval, Miss Peregrine, and The Night Circus.
"A glistening, deliciously dark page-turner." ~Laura J., Bookstagrammer
Avery's Ghost
Book 1 in The Shimmering Circus seriesGenre: Historical Fantasy
4.4 stars, 44 ratings
Paperback: $8.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
The circus keeps its secrets.
When seventeen-year-old Evelyn is accidentally poisoned, her only hope for an antidote is to sign the curious contract of Hart's Circus—the same place her brother vanished.
As she investigates her new canvas home, she’s consumed by questions no carnie will answer: why do the performers lie about their uncanny performances? What caused the “hideous” scars of Essence, the sideshow freak who draws portraits so vivid they nearly leap from the page?
Terrified into attempted escape by the tempestuous Manager Hart, Evelyn is stopped by paralyzing pain. Undeterred, she’ll cajole and blackmail her way to the truth behind the circus mysteries and her brother's disappearance—truths that will uncover long buried secrets and catapult her into the crossfire of a plot with explosive consequences.
Praise for Avery's Ghost
"A literary-fiction style of puzzle box." ~Goodreads Review
"Vivid characters, an evocative setting, and a twisting narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat." ~laura.j_official, Bookstagrammer
"If you love melting pots of genres, you will surely enjoy it. Avery's Ghost is at the same time a history novel, a fantasy novel and a mystery novel." ~@ablueboxfullofbooks, Bookstagrammer
Avery's Rings
Book 2 in The Shimmering Circus seriesGenre: Historical Fantasy
4.4 stars, 9 ratings
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A new season, a new mission...
It is 1913, and Evelyn has spent the winter testing the boundaries of her newly complicated relationship with her mother—while trying to pry from her the secret to reaching her homeland. Determined to break the binding on the circus and free her fellow travelers, she finds an unexpected ally in enigmatic mentor Eptzeig Whitley, who informs Evelyn that she’s been offered a job as secretary to the mysterious circus manager.
But like everything at the circus, the perilous and painful crossing is not as simple as it seems; the portal lies between two continents in her mother's world, and the circus manager is presenting his own set of challenges. As she embarks on a tour across the Midwest, Evelyn must prepare both her body and mind for a long-distance swim, all while testing the boundaries of her new magical abilities, making new allies, and navigating some very confusing feelings for a fellow performer.
Avery's Trinket
Book 3 in The Shimmering Circus seriesGenre: Historical Fantasy
Ebook: $3.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A world to discover… an impossible heist…
Evelyn has reached Kasiit, and now faces her most daunting challenge yet: a formal dinner with the family of her beau.
But she and her friends are soon forced to flee this relative safety for the capital of Birandii, where they’re embroiled in a scheme involving rival newspaper moguls, bitter ex-spouses, and the theft of one of the most valuable necklaces of the new world—an artifact with unique magical properties which just may be the key to their safe return home.
Third in the Shimmering Circus series, Avery’s Trinket plunges readers into an awe-inspiring but treacherous new world, illustrated in the style of turn-of-the-century Yellow Journalism comics.
Avery's World
Book 4 in The Shimmering Circus seriesGenre: Historical Fantasy
New release: April 26, 2024
Ebook: $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
The samarinh has begun...
Evelyn kicks off the religious festival with a brand-new face, fresh identity, and singular mission: to coerce the elected monarch into releasing the circus binding.
Thrust into a world of lavish dinner parties, masquerade balls, and dangerous duplicity, she navigates the complex social code of upper crust society while struggling with recent trauma and crippling social anxiety—and sharing a titillating bed with her fiancé for their political "Tour of Beds."
But someone is poisoning politicians, and colored rain falls in random spurts—bizarre occurrences that may herald the Apocalypse. As their task grows nearer, Evelyn begins to wonder whether she is saving the circus…or dooming the world.
The Shimmering Circus Series
Genre: Historical FantasyEbook: $15.96 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Get the complete four-book series! The Shimmering Circus series is a labor of love, the result of countless hours of historical research. Full of quirky detail drawn from real circus history, as well as the edgy, extravagant world of the wealthy elite, The Shimmering Circus will delight history enthusiasts.About the Author
Annie Dewell is an illustrator, avid armchair historian, and author of The Shimmering Circus series, which details the adventures of seventeen-year-old Evelyn Earle in a mysterious 1912 circus. Annie has a love of the turn of the century aesthetic and atmosphere in writing, and has spent years slowly giving herself arthritis by drawing the world's most detailed circus posters. All artwork within the Shimmering Circus series was hand drawn with watercolor pencil.Learn more at The Shimmering Circus website. For updates on the series and Annie's work, please join The Shimmering Circus mailing list. And be sure to follow Annie online:
Western-style historical adventure from Jason B. Baker
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Jason B. Baker, a history-buff-turned-author who has been praised for his Western-style historical adventure novels. Read on to learn more!
Special Offer: The e-book edition of The Ace's Bounty is free through May 10 and the newly released The War Remains is only 99 cents. Get both of these Civil War era Western-style adventures for less than $1!
The Ace's Bounty: The Barber Brothers' First Adventure
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Style Historical Adventure4.3 stars, 154 ratings
Paperback: $11.95
Ebook: FREE through May 10!
In the aftermath of the Civil War, brothers Elijah and Moses Barber return home, haunted by shadows of the past.
Once fierce cavalrymen, their transition to civilian life is marred by poverty, loss, and a hostile reception from a town that remembers their wartime deeds with mixed emotions. With their farm failing and prospects dwindling, the Barbers possess little more than a set of lethal skills—horseback riding, sharpshooting, and tracking the lawless.
Their fate takes a twist when an enigmatic, one-armed U.S. Marshal offers them a perilous opportunity. For Moses, it's a chance to harness their deadly talents and secure a livelihood; for Elijah, it's a desperate attempt to leave their past behind. But when they discover their target is a criminal from their own haunted history, the mission becomes a dark journey fueled by justice and an unquenchable thirst for revenge.
Now, as the brothers grapple with their complicated relationship, reconcile with a childhood mentor, and question the true identity of the mysterious U.S. Marshal, they must traverse treacherous terrain, both external and within, to find the peace and prosperity that has eluded them since the war's end.
Praise for The Ace's Bounty
"This novel captures the reader from the first paragraph. Traditional Western readers should love this novel with its good pacing, plenty of action, and a hint of romance." ~Ron Schwab, bestselling author of Old Dogs and The Accidental Sheriff
"Pure historical adventure...between two brothers set in the Civil War time period. The historical realism truly brings this story to life." ~Amazon Review
The War Remains: The Barber Brothers' Next Adventure
Genre: Historical Fiction, Western Style Historical AdventureNew release: May 9, 2024
Paperback: $11.95
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
In the shadow of a nation's rebirth, two brothers ride against the echoes of war.
In this sprawling Western saga of renewal, justice, and revenge, readers can gallop back into the gritty world of the Barber Brothers. In the raw aftermath of the Civil War, America labors to mend its divided heart, but in Omaha, the peace Elijah and Moses Barber worked so hard to achieve is razed by a vengeful blaze.
As the transcontinental railroad pioneers a new frontier, echoes of war give rise to a brutal gang hell-bent on keeping the past's violent embers alight. The brothers, alongside an eclectic posse—including a formidable woman claiming her legacy, a hardened Confederate sniper, and a resolute Black Union veteran—must carve their own justice in the untamed wilderness of Nebraska.
Faced with lawlessness that no badge can tame, the Barber Brothers must forge their own path to justice. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey through the untamed West, confronting the ghosts of their pasts. As they traverse this rugged landscape, they are tested to their limits, their bonds of loyalty and survival put to the ultimate test.
The War Remains is a tale of grit, brotherhood, and the quest for justice that fans of Ron Schwab, CJ Petit, and Robert Vaughan will love. Ride once more with the Barber Brothers as they confront the unforgiving wilderness of the American West and the turbulent tides of history that refuse to be tamed.
About the Author
Jason B. Baker is a celebrated author whose passion for the Civil War era breathes life into his classic Western-style adventure and mystery novels. An Illinois native, Jason has penned notable works such as Chicago To Appomattox, a non-fiction exploration of the Civil War, as well as fiction titles. His meticulously researched narratives weave tales of justice and daring escapades and plunge readers into the richly detailed settings of America’s transformative years just before and after the Civil War.As a career military officer, Jason brings a unique perspective to his writing, infusing his stories with authenticity and vivid historical insights. And as a member of the Western Writers of America, Jason is deeply committed to honoring the legacy of America’s past. He is also a proud Color Bearer Donor to the American Battlefield Trust, helping preserve the battlefields where history was made—a passion reflected in his work’s historical fidelity.
Jason currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and two young sons, where he continues to explore the rugged landscapes of history through his writing. Learn more at the Jason Baker website, sign up for The Scribe's Saloon to get the history behind the stories, and be sure to follow Jason online:
History Through Fiction: New & recent releases!
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on recent releases from History Through Fiction, an indie press focused on high quality historical fiction. Read on to learn more.
Bonus: Sign up this month to receive news from History Through Fiction and get a chance to win a print edition of HTF's newest release, The Aziola's Cry.
The Aziola’s Cry: A Novel of the Shelleys by Ezra Harker Shaw
New release: May 7, 2024Genre: Historical Fiction
4.0 stars, 21 ratings on Goodreads
From $9.49
Love, tragedy, and the pursuit of literary greatness intertwine in a tumultuous journey that defies societal norms and tests the resilience of Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
In the year 1814, Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, a gifted teenager born into a family of literary brilliance, falls deeply in love with the youthful rebel, Percy Bysshe Shelley. Defying societal conventions, they embark on a daring escapade, accompanied by Mary's step-sister Claire, leaving behind their respective families and Percy's wife and children. However, their journey proves to be far from an idyllic romance, for it is fraught with tumultuous challenges.
In their quest for freedom and expression, Mary and Percy immerse themselves in experimental notions of free love and join forces with the enigmatic and infamous Lord Byron. Amidst these thrilling encounters and adventures, the young lovers are confronted by heart-wrenching tragedies that test their resilience and resolve.
Driven to elude the strict laws of England, which threaten to separate them from their own children, Mary and Shelley embark on a nomadic existence, wandering through the captivating landscapes of Italy while constantly evading their haunting past. As their circumstances become increasingly dire, their shared passion for writing emerges as the sole lifeline that binds them together. Through their literary endeavors, they become each other's guiding force, ultimately crafting timeless masterpieces that will etch their names into the annals of literary history.
Praise for The Aziola's Cry
"Eloquent narrative driven storytelling...truly memorable and deftly crafted." ~Midwest Book Review
"Shows us the terrible joy of life lived on the very precipice of love and art's volcano." ~Jonathan Gibbs, author of The Large Door and Randal: Or the Painted Grape
South of Sepharad: The 1492 Jewish Expulsion from Spain by Eric Z. Weintraub
Release date: February 20, 2024Genre: Historical Fiction
4.7 stars, 28 ratings
From $9.49
Fleeing death by the Spanish Inquisition, a Jewish doctor makes an impossible choice between home and faith, then struggles to lead his family on a journey for a new life.
GRANADA, SPAIN, 1492. Vidal ha-Rofeh is a Jewish physician devoted to his faith, his family, and his patients. When Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand conquer Granada they sign the Alhambra Decree, an edict ordering all Jews convert to Catholicism or depart Spain in three months’ time under penalty of death.
Against his wife’s belief that converting is safer than exile, Vidal insists they flee. Unwillingly leaving behind their oldest daughter with her Catholic husband, Vidal’s family joins a caravan of 200 Jews journeying to start their lives anew across the sea in Fez. On the caravan, Vidal struggles to balance his physician duties of caring for the sick while struggling to mend strained relationships with his family. At the same time, his daughter back home finds herself exposed to the Spanish Inquisition living as a converso in a Christian empire.
Presenting readers with a painful but important part of Jewish history, South of Sepharad is a heroic, heart-breaking story of a father who holds tightly to his faith, his family, and his integrity all while confronting the grief of the past and the harsh realities of forced exile.
Praise for South of Sepharad
"An epic, historical novel which brings readers directly into the lives of 15th century Jews during their expulsion from Granada, Spain." ~John W. Jarrett, author of The Dark Prairie
"An insightful, compelling, and poignant fictional recreation of the trials of displacement and what it meant to be expelled from or forced to leave one’s home." ~Teofilo F. Ruiz, author of Spain's Centuries of Crisis: 1300 - 1474
"Weintraub personalizes history, bringing heart and humanity to Renaissance geo-politics." ~Jordan A. Rothacker, author of The Pit
Reclaiming Mni Sota: An Alternate History of the U.S. - Dakota War of 1862 by Colin Mustful
Release date: October 10, 2023Genre: Historical Fiction
4.3 stars, 24 ratings
From $9.49
Two cultures met in Minnesota—one striving to maintain its homeland and traditions, another trying to create a life of freedom, prosperity, and abundance.
Samuel Copeland was just a teenager in 1859 when he and his family left Vermont for the promise of a new life in Minnesota. But life is harder and more dangerous than he expected. Devastated by the loss of his father at the hands of Indians and seeking to protect his brother, Samuel joins the Union army believing he’d be safe on the frontier.
WaabiskiMakwa was still a boy in 1850 when his father perished at Sandy Lake because of the negligence of U.S. government officials. Seeing his way of life crumbling around him, WaabiskiMakwa leaves his home to mourn his father and seek a new way, one that includes his lost-love, Agnes.
Seeking their own solutions, neither Waabi or Samuel could see the collision course their paths had been set upon by a world in conflict. War was in their future and it was inevitable. But when war breaks out, and their cultures collide, so do their individual paths. Though they can’t stop the war, maybe they can help each other.
Fueled by years of mistreatment and seeing the opportunity provided by the War with the South, Dakota spokesman Little Crow and Ojibwe leader Bagone-giizhig, join forces in an effort to reclaim their Native lands. Spurred by early victories over Fort Ridgley and New Ulm, the Dakota-Ojibwe Alliance heads north to Fort Snelling, the beacon of American strength in the region. Once thought impenetrable, the fort and its small group of volunteer militia fights to hang on when a new enemy arrives from the West.
In Reclaiming Mni Sota, the true and lasting results of history are challenged. What if the defeated became the victors? What would that mean for the world today and how would that illuminate the wrongs of the past?
Praise for Reclaiming Mni Sota
"Brings one of the most tragic events in Minnesota's history to life in this carefully researched book." ~Stephen E. Yoch, author of Becoming George Washington
"Inspires contemplation about what could have happened and what did." ~Linda Ulleseit, author of The River Remembers
"An imaginative and intriguing story of what might have happened...leaves the reader pondering race relationships today." ~Candace Simar, author of the Spur-Award winning Abercrombie Trail Series
About the Publisher
History Through Fiction seeks to provide readers with compelling narratives that also act as valuable historical resources. HTF, though fictionalized, include important primary and secondary source materials that are disclosed to readers through a variety of traditionally nonfiction elements such as footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography. This way, readers may enjoy a fictional narrative while also examining the historical foundation upon which that narrative is based. By combining elements of fiction and nonfiction, HTF authors provide readers with an immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational.Learn more at HistoryThroughFiction.com. Also, be sure to sign up for HTF's newsletter and to follow History Through Fiction online:
Tales of Fantasy, Horror & the Paranormal from David W. Thompson
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of David W. Thompson, author of fantasy, horror, and paranormal stories and novels that can be described as habitually dark, sometimes bloody, and always original. Read on to learn more about his writing and his background.
★★★★★ "There is a darkness that whispers through the narrative, a sense of the tragic that is both unsettling and attractive...gripping and pulsating." ~Reader's Favorite on Sister Witch
Sister Witch
Book 1 in the Legends of the Family Dyer seriesGenre: Historical Fantasy, Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
4.4 stars, 111 ratings on Goodreads
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Moll Dyer prays she can leave her troubles behind when she immigrates to the new world, but a paranormal threat grows, and soon follows her across the ocean to Maryland.
Colonial life in the Old Line state was tough on both man and woman. Hunger, disease, Indian attacks, and drought tested the resolve of the settlers daily. But troubles for the Dyers included the threat of a succubus on a mission! Will the demonic call initiated by her family prove too much to resist as she labors to rebuild her life in a distant land?
The legend of Moll Dyer originated in earliest colonial Maryland. Despite 300 years of civilization, and scientific reason, Moll's name is still often heard there, especially around campfires late at night, or as a warning to misbehaving little people. Her spirit is often seen as a wisp of unnatural fog in the swampy woodlands near her homestead, with her half wolf companion at her side. This is her story.
Praise for Sister Witch
"A story that powerfully demonstrates the irresistible pull of evil and allows the reader to follow one woman's journey as she struggles to find a suitable response to her family's evil and mysterious legacy." ~Readers' Favorite
"Engaging prose with a suitably historical feel." ~TCK Review
Call of the Falconer
Genre: Science Fiction, Mythology & Folk Tales, Dystopian Science Fiction4.0 stars, 21 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $5.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
You knew this was coming. I guess we all did...
In a post-apocalyptic world, teen-aged Jeremy comes of age even as the addict Morgan tries to reclaim his lost manhood...and his forgotten humanity.
Jeremy's younger sister Alicia holds a teddy bear in her arms...and the heart of a lion beating in her chest. The monsters are real, both the human ones and the perversions of man. In the old world's rubble, an ancient legend inspires a new hero to rise, but will our intrepid trio survive until his emergence?
Call of the Falconer is a dystopian novella creating a new mythology, as the forgotten of society become its heroes.
Praise for Call of the Falconer
"A dystopian novella for young and old alike." ~Twisted Quill Press
'Possum Stew
Genre: Fantasy Anthologies & Short Stories, Dark Fantasy Horror4.5 stars, 18 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $16.99
Ebook: $6.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
This collection of short stories begins with the New Year and follows the seasons through all the major holidays. From dark tales inspired by ancient mythology to those flavored with cutting-edge technology, these stories are impossible to forget or put down.
Brace yourself for a journey back in time to face a Native American Wendigo! Or let the creatures hidden in the dark woods stir your blood. Fairies are sweet, gentle creatures...right? Perhaps the terrors of day-to-day life are enough. (You'll find them here too.) 'Possum Stew is the sure cure to quench your thirst for dark adventure.
Praise for 'Possum Stew
★★★★★ "Dark poignant short stories with holiday themes." ~Amazon Germany Review
About the Author
David W. Thompson is an award-winning author, an Army veteran, and a graduate of the University of Maryland, University College. He is a member of the Horror Writers' Association, the Mystery Writers of America, and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association. He lives in picturesque southern Maryland, blessed with nearby family and dear old friends. When he isn't writing, Dave enjoys time with his family, kayaking, fishing, hiking, archery, gardening, winemaking, and woodcarving. Learn more at dthompsonwrites.com.
Spotlight on The Bourbon Books: A "charming and steamy" RomCom series from Allison Martine
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on The Bourbon Books, a fun romantic comedy series from author Allison Martine. To make the series even more appealing, you can purchase each title in e-book format for only 99 cents (free via Kindle Unlimited)! Read on to learn more about the series and the author.
★★★★★ "Realistic romance with sexy moments and delicious humor." ~Amazon Review of dibs, Book 1 of The Bourbon Books
dibs
Book 1 in The Bourbon Books seriesGenre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance
4.23 stars, 137 ratings on Goodreads
4.2 stars, 130 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Not tonight, Olivia.
Olivia’s ex-husband shut her down so many times before the cheating bastard left her that Olivia lost count. She didn’t realize she’d also lost the ability to banter, interpret body language, or accept that a man could find her desirable. None of that should matter when she leaves for a two-week training for her new job with the Ranchers, an outdoorsy nonprofit, but when her co-worker adds ‘halter top’ and ‘bikini’ to the official pack list, she has no idea what to expect on this trip.
It certainly wasn’t a perky blonde roommate who thinks their training is like spring break, but with a paycheck. It wasn’t the after-hours hot tub. It absolutely wasn’t the man with a rumble for a laugh who shows up on her flight and introduces himself as the colleague she didn’t know would be her companion for the next two weeks.
When blondie calls dibs on that same colleague, Olivia just wants to stay out of her way, but her colleague has ideas of his own. Ideas which involve Olivia, the hot tub, and shared sips of bourbon.
Praise for dibs
- Best RomCom, N.N. Light Book Award
- Finalist - Romance, Kindle Book Awards
- "A romance novel that will make you smile and swoon." ~Reedsy.
- ★★★★★ "Cute contemporary romance!" ~Goodreads Review
- ★★★★★ "A Hint of spice, a dollop of barbeque sauce, and a glass of good bourbon." ~Amazon Review
Since September
Book 2 in The Bourbon Books seriesGenre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance
4.29 stars, 49 ratings on Goodreads
4.3 stars, 44 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $13.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Most brides dream of planning every last detail of their wedding. Not Olivia Markham. She’d been down the aisle once already and regretted that decision, along with every other judgment call connected with her unfaithful ex. But she also never planned on falling for Adam Burkhardt, who proposed sooner than anyone could have guessed.
When Adam suggests letting their mothers suss out the particulars for their big day, Olivia agrees, hoping it will assuage their mothers’ trepidation towards their upcoming union. She even relents to having a bachelorette weekend, for the sake of her friends. Olivia shall endure more nuptial nonsense and play bride once again.
They should have eloped.
Praise for Since September
- ★★★★★ "A fun-filled, delightful, and swoon-worthy sequel!" ~Amazon Review
- ★★★★★ "An amusing and easy read romance tale." ~Bedside Book Review
Move On, Melinda
Book 3 in The Bourbon Books seriesGenre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance
4.62 stars, 21 ratings on Goodreads
4.7 stars, 25 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
There are worse things than being a bridesmaid at your best friend’s wedding. Hitting on the groom? Ancient history. Hitting on the best man? Regrettable but forgettable. Getting pawned off on some random guy who came as his mom’s date? Could be worse. But more happened the night of the Burkhardt wedding than Melinda is ready to admit.
Now, Melinda is determined to move forward and leave all that behind. She just has to survive the Ranchers’ All Staff Retreat, carpooling with her meddling boss, the fresh-from-their honeymoon newlyweds, and a certain unexpected passenger she’d hoped to avoid for the weekend—and the memories he stirs up.
Praise for Move On, Melinda
- ★★★★★ "A charming, well-written modern romance." ~Goodreads Review
- ★★★★★ "The Bourbon Books keep getting better and better...and sexier and sexier!" ~Amazon Review
Climb the Salmon Ladder
Book 4 in The Bourbon Books seriesGenre: Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Workplace Romance
4.69 stars, 16 ratings on Goodreads
4.6 stars, 17 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Jamie Wallace was settled, not settling. Good job, great friends, and a glass of wine was all she needed for her little slice of heaven. Sure, everyone around her was pairing off like they’d just announced it was time to board Noah’s Ark, but Jamie never minded a little rain. But when a curveball out of left field blindsides her, knocking her long game out the window, she’ll have to scramble—and pack her bags.
Bolstered by unlikely allies, she’s got to prove herself, and keep her eye on the prize. That same eye needs to stop wandering to check out the competition. She’s come to fight for the life she’s earned, not share after-hours Malbec in her hotel room.
She’ll summon everything she has—from her no-nonsense attitude to her years of true leadership—to manifest her destiny. No matter what. Even if she’s no longer sure what that destiny should be.
Praise for Climb the Salmon Ladder
- ★★★★★ "The best installment in this romance series yet." ~Amazon Review
- ★★★★★ "Heart, humor, and just enough heat to make us impatiently wonder when the next book will drop." ~Goodreads Review
The Bourbon Books
Get the entire series of four books for Kindle for $3.96!
About the Author
Allison Martine is a multi-genre novelist. She hosts the literary podcast, TO THE MOON, ALLISON, and co-hosts the live weekly video podcast, VOX VOMITUS, interviewing bestselling authors and other creatives. Learn more at afictionalhubbard.com, sign up for her newsletter, and be sure to follow Allison online:
New release: The Sister Knot from Ann S. Epstein & Vine Leaves Press
Congratulations to Ann S. Epstein and Vine Leaves Press on the release of The Sister Knot, a poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the enduring strength of the ties that bind.
★★★★★ "A moving, thorough, and entrancing novel about how two orphaned young Berlin women become each other’s family during and after the Holocaust." ~Simone Yehuda, contributing author of The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust
The Sister Knot
NEW RELEASE: April 30, 2024Genre: Historical Fiction
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99
In the heart-wrenching tapestry of The Sister Knot, an enthralling tale unfolds, weaving the resilient bond of a female friendship against the backdrop of history. Set amidst the shadows of World War II, Liane and Frima, survivors of Holocaust trauma, find solace and strength in each other. Through cunning, theft, and prostitution, they navigate the unforgiving streets of Berlin and post-war existence.
Brought to the United States by a Jewish refugee agency, their destinies diverge, yet the unbreakable thread of their connection persists. Frima, the adopted sister, seemingly lives the American dream—excelling in academics, a prestigious college, a successful husband, intelligent children, and a fulfilling teaching career. On the other side of fate, Liane, thrust into a group home, rejects the conventional path, embracing a life of dead-end jobs, relinquishing a daughter for adoption, and finding solace in her art even amidst the struggles that lead her to prison.
Through six decades marked by drifting apart and fierce reunions, their trajectories reverse, challenging preconceived notions about destiny.
The Sister Knot beckons with its poignant exploration of friendship, resilience, and the enduring strength of the ties that bind. Join Liane and Frima on their journey through the tapestry of time, where the echoes of the past resonate in the unspoken language of sisterhood.
Praise for The Sister Knot
★★★★★ "A rich exploration of how individuals can emerge from challenging beginnings, finding strength and comfort in each other, despite the different paths their lives take... beautifully written and emotionally charged." ~Deepak Singh, author of Yaad Mohalla
★★★★★ "Liane follows a difficult path that includes an out-of-wedlock child and jail. Her close friend, Frima, is adopted into a loving family looking for a traditional daughter to bring them joy and grandchildren... The arc of their story will remain with readers long after the last page." ~Beth Kirschner, author of Copper Divide
★★★★★ "A painting of the intense, complex, difficult and joyful rhythms and layers of women’s relationships to one another." ~Rusty Allen, author of Ella’s War
About the Author
Ann S. Epstein writes novels, stories, memoir, poems, and essays. Her awards include a Pushcart Prize nomination for creative nonfiction, the Walter Sullivan prize in fiction, an Editors’ Choice selection by Historical Novel Review, and St. Lawrence Book Award Finalist nomination. Ann’s fiction credits include the novels On the Shore, Tazia and Gemma, A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve., The Great Stork Derby, and One Person’s Loss. Her work also appears in North American Review, Sewanee Review, PRISM International, Ascent, The Long Story, and elsewhere. In addition to writing, she has a doctorate in developmental psychology, a Master of Fine Arts in fiber, and certification as an end-of-life doula. To learn more, visit asewovenwords.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.
Spotlight on The Thirteenth Child by Mark deMeza
Congratulations to author Mark deMeza on the recent release and great reader reviews of The Thirteenth Child, a World War II historical novel based upon a heart-wrenching true story. Readers moved by Schindler’s List, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas will be touched by this gripping story.
★★★★★ "Enthralling, harrowing, educational, beautifully written." ~Amazon UK Review
The Thirteenth Child
Released on January 24, 2024 to commemorate World Holocaust DayGenre: Historical Fiction
4.4 stars, 213 ratings on Goodreads
4.3 stars, 371 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Inspired by the true story of the author’s ancestors, this enthralling WWII novel tells of the Kisch family’s heart-wrenching struggle against Nazi oppression.
When the Nazis invade the Netherlands in 1940, the Jews of Amsterdam know nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. As the measures imposed by the cruel SS become ever more repressive, sister and brother, Rachael and Hendrik, join the Dutch Resistance. Meanwhile, their parents, Franck and Elizabeth, strive to keep their younger brother, Hannes, safe. But time is against them all, as every day more and more Jews are being deported to unknown camps in Eastern Europe. Will the family be able to stay together and survive?
Praise for The Thirteenth Child
★★★★★ "A stunningly good first novel, based on Mark deMeza’s shocking recent discovery of what happened to his family in wartime Amsterdam and their transportation to the Nazi death camps. The author skillfully interweaves a harrowing account of the fates of the fictional Kisch family with the historical events, places and main characters of the era (a compelling mix of the best and worst of humanity)." ~Amazon UK Review
Bonus: Sign up for Mark's newsletter and get a free copy of the Four Seconds collection of short stories that take you from the Golden Gate Bridge to Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia, and from a tense dining-room to a graffiti-covered underpass.
About the Author
Born in Manchester but now living in Cheshire with his wife and daughter, Mark deMeza wrote his first draft novel when he was 17 years old. Like many other aspiring authors, he fell in step with a "steady" career and income, but the yearning to write gurgled away in the pit of his stomach.When a shaft of light presented itself in his busy life, he started writing short stories and was lucky enough to have many published or praised in competitions.
In May 2022, a convenient break in his steady career appeared, and, at the same time, he discovered the dreadful truth about his Jewish ancestors’ plight under the Nazis in the Netherlands. He then embarked on his first full-length novel, The Thirteenth Child, a piece of historical fiction, but with the experiences of his ancestors permeating every word.
Silently supported by his black-and-white cat and often distracted by his ADHD, Mark published The Thirteenth Child in January 2024. He is now working on a sequel to be released later this year. Learn more at markdemeza.co.uk., sign up for his free newsletter, and be sure to follow Mark online:
Spotlight on RomComs from author J Rose Black
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of J Rose Black, author of romantic comedy and romantic suspense, including three RomComs that are currently either 99 cents or free!
- Losing My Breath: A Marine never says die. Neither does his princess.
- Chasing Headlines: Baseball is her family’s business. But it’s his whole world.
- Off the Record: On the record, she's the world's most annoying reporter. Off the record, she's the one he can't let get away.
Losing My Breath
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Humor, Feel-Good Fiction4.4 stars, 1000 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
A Marine never says die.
Neither does his princess.
Battle lines are drawn when sheltered debutante Meridian Daly moves across the hall from grumpy veteran Marine Callan Brand. Situated a bit closer than advertised to "crime alley," Meridian’s neighbor finds himself grudgingly guarding the pampered princess out of habit. But with her sharp wit and killer curves, he can’t help but surrender to temptation…
When their relationship evolves from casual courtship to something more, Callan finds that Meridian has already discovered his closely guarded secret. But can he let go of his pride and tell her the whole truth of who he is and what he’s done—in the name of honor and country?
As Callan’s scars start to reveal themselves, his life spirals beyond the careful control that's helped him survive—and kept those he cares about safe.
From him.
Praise for Losing My Breath
- "A powerful and emotionally resonant story that will leave you breathless. It's a tale of love, sacrifice, and the battle against one's own demons, ultimately culminating in the discovery of hope and redemption." ~Literary Titan
- "It is very rare to read a love story that does not have a rinse-and-repeat cycle, but Losing My Breath is far from the normal romantic tale." ~Readers' Favorite
Chasing Headlines
New release: Coming December 3, 2024Genres: Humorous American Literature, Women's Humorous Fiction
Ebook: $0.99
Baseball is her family’s business.
But it’s his whole world.
When Breslin Cooper's major league dreams go up in flames, he's left with his backup plan: college baseball in Vanquer, Texas. But his public altercation with a reporter saddles him with mandated community service, therapy, and a toxic "Storm Cooper" reputation.
Liv Milline’s family name is practically synonymous with baseball. Yet despite her love for the game (the tight pants aren't bad, either) and her dreams of becoming a baseball scout, her father holds one ironclad rule: No baseball for Olivia. (The corollary: no baseball players for Olivia is just downright mean.)
Her one loophole? Playing beat reporter for Texas State Tech.
Chasing similar dreams, Liv attempts to befriend Breslin. But the amazingly talented pain-in-her-aperture has only two words to say whenever she's around: No comment.
But the troubled ballplayer’s running on overload. Still emotionally wounded from his mother’s death, the only time Breslin seems close to "okay" is on the ballfield. Liv and Breslin's new teammates can’t seem to get through.
When a lapse in judgment catches Breslin in a real-world rundown, jeopardizing his parole and his baseball scholarship, his only choice may be to rely on Liv—the aggravating, attractive, not-even-human reporter.
Can they find common ground, or will the last flame of Breslin’s life-long dream flicker out?
FREE - Off the Record
Genres: Romantic Comedy, Humor, Feel-Good Fiction4.1 stars, 24 ratings on Goodreads
Ebook: FREE!
On the record, she's the world's most annoying reporter.
Off the record, she's the one he can't let get away.
Breslin Cooper worked his whole life for a chance to play in the big leagues. On the fateful day of his Major League Baseball debut, the talented rookie is reunited with the one who got away: Olivia Milline, a woman with big dreams of her own...
“So, tell me, on the record,” Olivia crossed her arms and turned to face him. Her short white skirt glowed in the sunlight. Her sleeveless top gapped at the neck, unbuttoned to just above her breasts. And I didn’t think this day could get any better.
“What are your team's chances this season with Rodriguez out and you at third?”
He glanced down at her long, tan legs. Give it up, Cooper. You know better. He shook off the question and started toward the locker room again.
She matched his stride.
Saw that coming. You know she won’t give up. He sighed. “Off the record. Tell me why you’re here?”
About the Author
J. Rose Black weaves stories about obsession, redemption, and the transcendental power of love. From her early days writing fanfiction for a passionate following of international readers, to crafting novels with her own characters, Rose has always been drawn to broody protectors and plucky, no-nonsense women ready to fight for what they believe in. Learn more at JRoseBlack.com. Also, sign up for her VIP newsletter via her website or when you download a free copy of Off the Record. Finally, be sure to follow her online!
New release: Saving Raine by Marian L. Thomas
New release! Congratulations to author Marian L. Thomas on the release of Saving Raine, a profound tale of resilience and redemption. Read on to learn more!
"Thomas's potent voice and unique perspective have solidified her place in the literary world." ~Midwest Book Review
Bonus: Saving Raine includes discussion questions for book clubs!
Saving Raine
New release: April 16, 2024Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, Family Life Fiction, Women's Domestic Life Fiction, Black & African American Literary Fiction, Contemporary Literary Fiction, Clean & Wholesome Romance
Hardcover: $24.99
Paperback: $15.99
Ebook: $3.99
Raine Reynolds stands at the crossroads of despair and opportunity.
When the life you've built crumbles and the past refuses to release its grip, sometimes you need a fresh start—a new beginning that promises hope and redemption.
Once a celebrated author, Raine's life unraveled, sending her fleeing to the picturesque streets of Paris to escape the tormenting heartache that threatened to consume her. Yet, no matter how far she traveled, the pain remained her unwelcome companion.
Returning to bustling Atlanta as a senior VP for an ad agency, Raine is forced to confront a city steeped in memories she'd rather forget. But as life would have it, an old friend resurfaces, offering a glimmer of healing in the midst of her turmoil. Can she summon the courage to trust once more?
In a world where everyone yearns for the saving grace of love, Raine is no exception. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a reminder that a path to love can be found even in the face of the darkest storms.
Praise for Saving Raine
- "Thomas delivers smooth, evocative storytelling, portraying the raw realities of challenging experiences while also capturing the healing power of love." ~Kirkus Reviews
- "The author holds the reader's attention right to the last page of this book, with an unexpected ending. It was a joy to read this inspirational story. This book is well worth more than one read." ~B. Longu, Readers' Favorite
- "A powerful tale that follows one woman's journey as she faces a difficult crossroad, unsure of which path to take. Through determination, perseverance, and a little luck, she discovers her true purpose and the strength to overcome any obstacle. Marian L. Thomas is a fantastic author who has created a story that shows one woman's hardships. This book is a testament to her talent as a writer. You'll be captivated from the first page and taken on a ride full of intense emotions that will leave you breathless.." ~Midwest Book Review
About the Author
Marian L. Thomas wouldn’t say that her first career choice was writing novels. She saw herself working as a journalist for a local newspaper. In college, she served as a sports editor for the student paper, and later as the news editor. But Marian’s writing path took a detour when she drafted her first completed manuscript. Now, she can’t imagine not crafting stories for women that bring characters to life—characters who face real obstacles, cross difficult barriers to find love, and discover all the wonderful possibilities that life can offer.Marian has been featured on NBC, CBS and Fox television, and in many print and online publications, including USA Today. Originally from Illinois, Marian currently resides in Atlanta with her husband, enjoys a big bowl of popcorn every night, and believes that pasta should be a vegetable. Learn more at marianlthomas.com, and be sure to also follow her online:
New Release: Ashes, Ashes from author Fredrick Soukup & Vine Leaves Press
Congratulations to Fredrick Soukup and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Ashes, Ashes, a heartbreaking murder mystery for readers who enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, There, There by Tommy Orange, or Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley.
★★★★★ "Unflinching acknowledgement of society's unseen. You may be uncomfortable watching, but you won't look away." ~David R. Roth, author of The Femme Fatale Hypothesis
Ashes, Ashes
NEW RELEASE: April 16, 2024Genre: Psychological Thriller
Paperback: From $17.99
Ebook: From $5.99
Dorian is carving a life for himself in Minnesota’s Northwoods. White-knuckle sober, haunted by the memories of his tumultuous childhood and adolescence. He owes his reformation to the wisdom and love of Miss Bonnie, a foster mother to him and so many others—though shame and painful memories have kept him from returning to thank her. After learning of her sudden passing, he resolves to pay his respects. However, what he discovers back home will alter the course of his life forever.
Upon returning to his childhood home, Dorian reunites with Heath, a brother bound to Dorian not by blood, but by the years they spent together under Miss Bonnie’s roof. When Heath unburdens himself of a horrifying secret—that the local police covered up her murder—Dorian sets out to discover the truth and bring the killer to justice.
Laying bare the struggles foster children experience in their pursuit of identity, belonging, and love, Ashes, Ashes a unique and essential tale.
Praise for Ashes, Ashes
★★★★★ "Edgy. Smart. Exhilarating. This breathtaking thriller of small town intrigue demonstrates the heartbreak and redemption that can rise from the ashes of a pillaged youth." ~Martha Engber, author of Winter Light
★★★★★ "Soukup perfectly captures how growing up with trauma leads to harsh choices and, ultimately, a kind of grace." ~Dan Kopcow, author of Prior Futures and Madcap Serenade
★★★★★ "Fredrick Soukup returns to familiar territory—rural Minnesota and its disenfranchised—capturing the abject despair of foster care youth while at the same time offering up a heartbreaking murder mystery." ~Janet Goldberg, author of The Proprietor's Song
★★★★★ "Soukup offers up a heartfelt and genuine slice of life. His characters jump from the page with crackling dialog that transports the reader into an intoxicating, though often terrifying, world. Truly gripping." ~Steve Zettler, author of Two for the Money and Careless Love
★★★★★ "Soukup conducts a chorus of seductively unreliable first-person voices to relate a heartbreaking coming-of-age parable that delves into the depths of human despair and celebrates the redeeming power of compassion." ~David R. Roth, author of The Femme Fatale Hypothesis
About the Author
Fredrick Soukup’s works include Bliss (2020) and Blood Up North (2022). He’s been named an IPPY Bronze Medalist, a semifinalist for the American Short Fiction Prize, and a finalist for both the Erik Hoffer Book Award and the Minnesota Book Award. Blood Up North won the NYC Big Book Award for Literary Fiction and Ashes, Ashes was longlisted for the Petrichor Prize. He lives in Saint Paul with his brilliant wife, Ashley, and daughters/muses, Clare and Nora. To learn more, visit Fredrick-Soukup.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
Spotlight on Romantic Comedy & Cozy Mystery from Valerie Taylor
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Valerie Taylor, author of the What's Not series of romantic comedies and A Whale of a Murder, a new cozy mystery coming April 23. Read on to learn more!
"Valerie Taylor’s characters face a tangle of events and emotions that keep the reader turning pages!” ~Joan Cohen, author of Land of Last Chances
What's Not Said
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.2 stars, 240 ratings
Paperback: From $11.59
Ebook: From $0.99
Kassie O’Callaghan’s meticulous plans to divorce her emotionally abusive husband, Mike, and move in with Chris, a younger man she met five years ago on a solo vacation in Venice, are disrupted when she finds out Mike has chronic kidney disease—something he’s concealed from her for years. Once again, she postpones her path to freedom—at least, until she pokes around his pajama drawer and discovers his illness is the least of his deceits.
But Kassie is no angel, either. As she struggles to justify her own indiscretions, the secret lives she and Mike have led collide head-on, revealing a tangled web of sex, lies, and DNA. Still, mindful of her vows, Kassie commits to helping her husband find an organ donor. In the process, she uncovers a life-changing secret. Problem is, if she reveals it, her own immorality will be exposed, which means she has an impossible decision to make: Whose life will she save—her husband’s or her own?
Praise for What's Not Said
- “In this dramatic tale of love, lust, and lies, author Valerie Taylor crafts an entertaining and gripping story...a shocking novel full of secrets, twists, and turns, but it also has elements of pure humor and deep love.” ~Readers' Favorite
- “Highly recommended for women who look for not just stories of marital relationships, but the unexpected revelations that revolve around life purpose and the immortality of love.” ~Midwest Book Review
- “Taylor’s dialogue is snappy and contemporary... A witty and often amusing marriage drama.” ~Kirkus Reviews
- 2021 CIBA Chatelaine Book Awards First Place Winner
- 2021 Firebird Book Awards Winner in Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit, Contemporary Novel, & Marriage
- 2021 Literary Titan Book Awards Silver Winner
- 2021 Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Literary & Women’s Fiction
- 2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist in Women's Fiction
- 2021 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Women’s Fiction
- 2020 Canadian Book Club Awards Finalist in Fiction
What's Not True
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.3 stars, 93 ratings
Paperback: From $12.70
Ebook: From $2.99
With the court date set for her divorce and the future she’d planned with a younger man presumably kaput, Kassie O’Callaghan shifts attention to reviving her stalled marketing career. But that goal gets complicated when she unexpectedly rendezvous with her former lover in Paris. After a chance meeting with a colleague and a stroll along Pont Neuf, Kassie receives two compelling proposals. Can she possibly accept them both?
Kassie’s decision process screeches to a halt when her soon-to-be ex-husband has a heart attack, forcing her to fly home to Boston. There, she confronts his conniving and deceitful fiancée—a woman who wants not just a ring on her finger but everything that belongs to Kassie. In the ensuing battle to protect what’s legally and rightfully hers, Kassie discovers that sometimes it’s what’s not true that can set you free.
Praise for What's Not True
- “Compelling, real, and utterly enjoyable.” ~Readers’ Favorite 5-star review
- “An engaging story of love, honesty, tangled family relationships, jealousy, and ambition.” ~Midwest Book Review
- “A dramatic, comedic telenovela of a women’s fiction about infidelity and fickle hearts...with spicy characters and drama galore.” ~Reedsy
- 2022 Best Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Literary & Women's Fiction
- 2022 Maxy Awards Winner in Romance & Women's Fiction
- 2022 Literary Titan Book Awards Gold Winner
- 2022 Independent Press Awards Distinguished Favorite in Romantic Comedy
- 2021 Firebird Book Awards First Place Winner in Series, Chick-Lit, Contemporary Fiction, & Marriage
What's Not Lost
Genre: Romantic Comedy4.3 stars, 124 ratings
Paperback: From $14.06
Ebook: From $4.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
What would you do if you discovered your fiancé's ex-girlfriend is having his baby?
Kassie O'Callaghan is searching...for herself and for answers. With her husband six feet under and an engagement ring on her finger, Kassie is convinced managing a company merger in Paris will complete her quest for recognition on her own terms. When she learns her fiancé's ex-girlfriend is pregnant, Kassie's dreams come tumbling down. At least for the moment.
Through the eyes of an overachiever, the schemes of a homewrecker, the magic of a bottle of wine, and a cat, award-winning author Valerie Taylor propels this captivating and heart-warming romance to an unpredictable and delightful conclusion.
Praise for What's Not Lost
- "Juicy, gripping, and so much more than a simple romance. It's about self-discovery, complicated modern family relationships, redefining happiness, and conflicting roles. The writing is fantastic, incredibly sharp, and realistic." ~Readers' Favorite, 5-star Review
- "A story of growth, acceptance, and evolution. Book club readers will find plenty of entertainment value alongside numerous topics of debate." ~Midwest Book Review
- 2023 Literary Titan Book Gold Award Winner
- 2023 International Book Awards Finalist in Fiction: Romance
- 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in Chick Lit Fiction
- 2022 Firebird Book Awards Winner in Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit, Contemporary Novel, & Series
A Whale of a Murder: A Venus Bixby Mystery
Genre: Cozy MysteryNew release: Coming April 23, 2024
Book 1 in the new Venus Bixby Mystery series
Paperback: From $16.69
Ebook: From $4.99
Sea breezes and fireworks fill the air in cozy Chatham Crossing, the peaceful and historic whaling town situated between Providence and Cape Cod.
Venus Bixby, owner of the forever popular music store Oldies & Goodies, is counting on the festivities over the Fourth of July weekend to propel her to a position on the prestigious Town Committee. After years of living in the shadow of her late husband, Venus will finally be the center of attention this holiday weekend: starting with her fiftieth birthday celebration and ending as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Faster than a cookie crumbles, her dream collapses on the morning of her party when she trips over orange platform shoes in the gardens of the Sofia Silva Whaling Museum and breaks her thumb. When it’s discovered the shoes are attached to the body of the manager of the museum’s gift shop, Venus becomes both a suspect and a sleuth in Chatham Crossing’s first murder in decades.
Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Katie Gayle, or Ellery Adams.
About the Author
Valerie Taylor is a novelist and book reviewer who was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. She had a thirty-year career in the financial services industry as a marketer and writer, including stints in Boston and Seattle. When she retired, she resettled in her home state to be near her two grown children and granddaughter.Valerie is a published book reviewer with BookTrib.com and a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. She enjoys practicing tai chi and being an expert sports spectator. Learn more about Valerie and her work at ValerieTaylorAuthor.com, sign up for email updates from Valerie, and be sure to follow her online:
New release! Working on Me: A Memoir by Nikki Patin
Congratulations to Nikki Patin and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Working on Me, a memoir that explores what it means to work on oneself to heal and break patterns of harm and violence.
★★★★★ "A book about everything—transcendent creativity and generational hurt, relentless pain and effervescent joy, elusive trauma and remorseless triumph... This book is a fearless, voiceful, middle finger of joy." ~Jaed Coffin, author of A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants
Working on Me: A Memoir
NEW RELEASE: April 9, 2024Genre: Memoir
Paperback: From $17.99
Ebook: From $6.49
Working on Me chronicles the dysfunction and lore of a Black Russian Jewish interracial family on the far south side of Chicago, and the resulting trajectory of its prodigal child: multifaceted, multidisciplinary artist, performer, and sexual and domestic violence survivor Nikki Patin.
A meditation on the biomythography genre defined by Audre Lorde, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Joy Harjo, Working on Me lyrically dances in and out of different voices and perspectives in order to get to something like the truth. Patin’s prowess as a poet and a songwriter is reflected in prose that is brutal, beautiful, and brave.
Working on Me is about what it means to work on oneself to heal and break patterns of harm and violence and what makes the healing necessary in the first place: all the forces beyond our control that work on us.
Praise for Working on Me
★★★★★ “World-splitting. Fast, crucial, intimate, high, deep, it has the undeniable shine of a brilliant being finding her way in a world that cannot handle her shine.” ~cin salach, author of When I Am Yes
★★★★★ “A captivating blend of humor, wisdom, depth, and beauty, offering readers a profound exploration of bravery and self-acceptance. Nikki Patin’s words resonate as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path toward a stronger, more authentic self.” ~Dr. Ni’Cola Mitchell, Entrepreneur, Author, Executive Producer for Lifetime Movie Network, Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story
★★★★★ “If writing is emotional excavation, then Working On Me is like the unearthing of the Roman city of Pompeii. Even covered with dust, dirt, and grime, this gem of a book can’t help but shine.” ~Tracy Baim, Cofounder, Windy City Times and former Publisher, Chicago Reader
★★★★★ “Nikki Patin sings into the darkest corners of her story, infusing her trauma with a vibrant, urgent light. She refuses to be invisible—every inch of her, every word of this book, demands to be fully seen.” ~Penny Guisinger, author of Postcards from Here
About the Author
Featured in The Guardian, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, on WBEZ, WTTW, FoxSoul, and on international television and radio, Nikki Patin has been writing, performing, educating, and advocating for more than two decades throughout the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. Patin is the Executive Director of Calling All Crows and the founder of Surviving the Mic, a trauma-informed, survivor-led organization that holds brave and affirming space to support the writing and performances of survivors of sexual harm. Nikki Patin holds an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from the University of Southern Maine. Learn more at NikkiPatin.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.
20th Anniversary Sale: Swimming with Maya
Today is the 20th anniversary of the publication of Swimming with Maya by Eleanor Vincent, a memoir that has twice earned recognition as a Best Seller by The New York Times.
Swimming with Maya has been hailed by booklovers and professional reviewers alike, with nearly 500 reader reviews on Amazon, more than 600 on Goodreads, and dozens of reviews from authors and industry publications, including Booklist and Creative Nonfiction Magazine:
- "Vincent's poignant decision to donate Maya's organs will resonate with even hard-boiled readers." ~Booklist
- "Powerful prose with a meaningful and memorable message." ~Lee Gutkind, Founder, Creative Nonfiction Magazine
Swimming with Maya Turns 20: Celebrating Grief Recovery and Organ Donation
By Eleanor Vincent
When my 19-year-old daughter Maya died after a freak fall from a horse she was riding bareback, the universe handed me the biggest writing assignment of my life. That was on April 6, 1992. Twelve years later I published Swimming with Maya: A Mother’s Story (Capital Books, 2004), a memoir about love, loss, and organ donation. Like Maya herself, the book has exceeded my expectations. Republished by Dream of Things in 2013, the memoir has sold more than 20,000 copies and made The New York Times Best Sellers list twice. Nearly 500 people have reviewed it on Amazon and countless more have become organ donors because of our story.
My decision to donate allowed us to navigate through grief knowing that a miracle had emerged from a tragedy. April is National Donate Life Month. Each year, I write about the importance of choosing to become an organ and tissue donor. I do this to honor Maya, to help others experience the miracle of donation, and to celebrate the recipients of our gift. Please sign a donor card and tell your loved ones about your decision. Visit Donate Life America to learn more about organ donation and to register to become a donor..For the next week, Swimming with Maya will be on sale. Help increase awareness of organ donation and grief recovery by buying a copy for yourself or a friend and reviewing the book on Amazon, Goodreads, or your Substack or website. To learn more about my work, please visit EleanorVincent.com.
Swimming with Maya
Genre: Memoir, Creative NonfictionPrint edition sale price: $12.50
Ebook sale price: $0.99
Swimming with Maya demonstrates the remarkable process of healing after the traumatic death of a loved one. Eleanor Vincent raised her two daughters, Maya and Meghan, virtually as a single-parent. Maya, the eldest, was a high-spirited and gifted young woman. As a toddler, Maya was an angelic tow-head, full of life and curiosity. As a teenager, Maya was energetic and independent - and often butted heads with her mother. But Eleanor and Maya were always close and connected, like best friends or sisters, but always also mother and daughter.
Then at age 19, Maya mounts a horse bareback as a dare and, in a crushing cantilever fall, is left in a coma from which she will never recover. Eleanor's life is turned upside down as she struggles to make the painful decision about Maya's fate.
Ultimately Eleanor chooses to donate Maya's organs. Years later, she is able to hear Maya's heart beat in the chest of the heart recipient. Along the way, Eleanor re-examines her relationship with her daughter, as well as Eleanor's traumatic life as a child and young woman. In a story that has been called "heartbreaking and heart-healing," Eleanor Vincent illuminates the kind of courage, creativity, faith, and sheer tenacity it takes to find one's balance after unthinkable tragedy.
Praise for Swimming with Maya
"An important addition to the literature of loss and restoration." ~Maxine Kumin, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author of Inside the Halo and Beyond: The Anatomy of a Recovery
"Heartbreaking and heart healing, this compelling story of surviving the death of a child will stay with you long after you've closed the book." ~Ellen Bass, author of The Courage to Heal and The Human Line
"Every reader who has had to deal with traumatic loss will find wisdom and healing in these brave pages.'' ~Chana Bloch, author of Mrs. Dumpty and Blood Honey
"Riveting, poignant, and utterly honest... It shows that one can recover from the loss of a child.'' ~Judy Tatelbaum, author of The Courage to Grieve and You Don't Have to Suffer
"Eleanor Vincent chronicles her grief and the healing that came with helping others." ~Carol Lin, CNN
"Blows the reader away with its clarity, its unstinting honesty, and the searing accuracy of its vision of the medical and emotional complexity surrounding the tragic death of a young woman. Highly recommended.'' ~John Ruark, MD, FACP, author of Dying Dignified
"Thoughtful, honest and beautifully written... a fabulous story about what it means to be a mother.'' ~Wendy Lichtman, author of Blew and the Death of the Mag and Secrets, Lies and Algebra
"Life trumps death in this beautiful memoir." ~Linda Joy Myers, author of Don't Call Me Mother--A Daughter's Journey from Abandonment to Forgiveness and Power of Memoir
Cover reveal! The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel
Best-selling author Jonathan Sendel has been murdered.
Now, his clone must solve the mystery.
Today, LitNuts is happy to be participating in the "cover reveal" of The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel, a new release coming soon from author Jeffrey Ashkin and Ink Smith Publishing. Read on to learn more!
The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel
Coming soon!
In the near future when someone is murdered, a clone of the victim can be commissioned to help police solve the crime. This process is costly, tedious, and not always successful. Memory lapses, mental implosions, and rouge clones are not uncommon. It's risky, but Jonathan has the money, the fans, and the means, and so his clone must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of secrets to reclaim the life stolen from him and put his murderer behind bars.
Before his untimely death, Jonathan was stuck in a rut. His marriage was failing, writer's block had his Jim Starlight series at a deadend, and his affair with a college student was about to go public. When his charred remains are found inside his remote cabin, it's clear that the murderer is someone in his inner circle.
His clone only has a few days to unravel the mystery before he loses the vast fortune he spent his entire life, the first one, building. As he uncovers his previous life's transgressions, the people he trusted most may have some unsavory opinions about clones. Jonathan must take his investigation into his own hands to have a chance at life.
The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel is a twist-filled murder mystery that examines the life of a beloved celebrity tarnished by scandal and the painful process of coming to terms with one’s own demons.
Follow author Jeffrey Ashkin and Ink Smith Publishing via the links below to be the first to hear when this new novel is released!
About the Author
Jeffrey Ashkin’s literary journey began with penning plays for local and state competitions. Even before college, he had seen two of his plays come to life on stage.After college, Jeffrey segued into writing films and short stories. He dove into science fiction and wrote and directed the sci-fi/mystery film Technical Support, which screened at San Diego Comic-Con in 2012. His subsequent films continued to captivate audiences at San Diego Comic-Con in both 2022 and 2023.
In addition to writing, Jeffrey enjoys hosting convention panels that delve into storytelling. He also likes playing trivia at O’Brien’s Pub in Santa Monica. During the week, he teaches special education in Los Angeles. Learn more by following Jeffrey online:
About the Publisher
New Release! Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story, an award-winning new release for young readers from author Aaron Derr, illustrator Gary LaCoste, and Red Chair Press.
"Readers follow Luis as he learns leadership skills in a smooth, well-paced narrative that models good communication and perseverance. A wonderful narrative for readers who love baseball that also offers valuable lessons to those who don’t." ~Kirkus Reviews
Bonus
Get the free discussion guide on topics like moving to a new town, being the new kid at school or on a team, leadership, teamwork, peer pressure, self-esteem, and more!
Building a Team: A Baseball Buddies Story
NEW RELEASE: April 2, 2024Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Children's Books on Peer Pressure, Children's Baseball Books
Reading age: 8 - 12
Hardcover: From $15.80
Audiobook: From $4.77
Ebook: From $9.99
When Luis joins his new baseball team, the Manatees, things seem hopeless at first. Some of his new teammates—including "loud and obnoxious" home-run slugger Jimmie—are mean to him or to each other.
The new coach doesn’t tell the players everything to do like the old coach did. And some of the Manatees seem more interested in goofing off than in sportsmanship or working hard.
Then Coach Joe makes Luis team captain. Will Luis rise to the challenge? Can he get the Manatees to balance working hard and having fun? Will he help his teammates learn to be friends rather than compete with each other?
Baseball Buddies explores the power of working together, what it takes to build a team, and the lasting friendships that form on the baseball field.
Praise for Baseball Buddies
- 2024 Mom's Choice Gold Award
- Readers' Choice Silver Award & 5-Star Rating
- Parent and Teacher Choice Award Winner 2024
- "An uplifting story of accepting differences, coming together, and learning the value of cooperation and competition." ~Midwest Book Review
- "A heartwarming story that will make even older readers long to take their glove out and find the nearest baseball diamond." ~Independent Book Review
- "If your child loves baseball, they will want to read this book. It shows perfectly how a team grows, how friendships are formed, and the proper way to behave in the sport—or any sport for that matter! Great images, too!" ~Kameron Brook, Reedsy Discovery
About the Author & Illustrator
Author Aaron Derr is a writer based just outside of Dallas, Texas. He has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing magazines and books for kids of all ages for Red Chair Press, Time For Kids, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and the Boy Scouts of America. When he’s not reading or writing, Aaron enjoys watching and playing sports with his wife and two kids. He’s learned a lot from his home team about being a good sport and building teams.
Illustrator Gary LaCoste started his career 20+ years ago working on game board and toy designs for clients including Hasbro, Nickelodeon, and LEGO. About 10 years ago his focus shifted to include children's publishing. Gary has since illustrated more than 25 books and is a regular contributor to many kids' magazines, including Highlights, Time for Kids, Jack and Jill, and Clubhouse Jr. He lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and daughter. About the Publisher
Red Chair Press is 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:
Spotlight on Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer by Randall Silvis
If you are a writer, this book belongs on your desktop alongside On Writing by Stephen King, The Art of Fiction by John Gardner, and Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. If there is an aspiring writer in your life, this book would be a much-appreciated (and quite possibly, a much-needed) gift.
"Randall Silvis is an author's author. Those who write for a living (or aspire to do so) could hardly do better than to study his significant body of work, which has been critically acclaimed and recognized throughout the world." ~BookReporter
Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer
New release: February 2024Paperback: $16.39
The Art, Craft, Business, and Teaching of Creative WritingEvery year, thousands of aspiring writers are duped by how-to-write books and MFA Creative Writing programs into sacrificing time and money in pursuit of the secret path to bestsellerdom. Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer was written as an antidote to those false promises. Bestselling author Randall Silvis pulls no punches in his assessment of creative writing programs, the American educational system in general, and the publishing industry.
This is not some slim volume of writing tips; this is 350+ pages of insights and advice based on a successful writer's personal experience. In a series of essays chronicling his forty years as a critically acclaimed writer, Silvis explores a wide range of topics, including:
- Why Write
- Ten Easy Steps to Becoming a Writer
- Ten Writer's Rules Begging to be Broken
- A Writer's Life
- Profit and Loss
- When Less is More
- The Writer's Obligation
- Act Like a Professional Writer Now
- Financial Planning for Adjuncts
- A Writer's Education
- Reading, Writing, & Teaching Fiction
- And much more.
“Randall Silvis is a masterful storyteller.” ~The New York Times Book Review
Additional works by Randall Silvis:
The Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series
The literary and emotionally propulsive Ryan DeMarco Mystery novels, including Hammett Prize Nominee Two Days Gone, plus Walking the Bones, A Long Way Down, No Woods so Dark as These, and When All Light Fails. "Hard-edged and smartly plotted...DeMarco is an interesting character: not just your typical ex-cop-with-a-past, but rather a vividly realized, robust, and abundantly human character." ~Booklist
The Deepest Black
A crime novel unlike any you've ever read―based on true events. Where does the line blur between fact and fiction? Author Randall Silvis is looking for a story―any story to follow up the books of The Ryan DeMarco Mystery Series that catapulted him to success. But when a stranger tips him off about a series of murders in a small Pennsylvania town, Silvis finds himself embroiled in a world of corruption that shatters his sense of reality. A profoundly thoughtful, unsettling read.
From the Mirror
The first installment of what is to be a four-part autobiography, this book contains more than three hundred brief reflections and observations, none longer than a single typed page, on creative writing, fatherhood, academia, politicians, introversion, the afterlife, solitude, romantic love, and more. A must-read for lovers of life, literature, and the pursuit of happiness.About the Author
Randall Silvis is
the multi-genre author of two dozen books, including critically acclaimed novels, short story collections, and works of creative nonfiction. He is a past winner of the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, and his work has been published in more than a hundred editions in several languages. Learn more at RandallSilvis.com, and be sure to follow Randall online:
Spotlight on Hearts of the Hall series of Georgian, Regency, and Victorian Romance!
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the Hearts of the Hall series, three books by three authors spanning the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian generations of the Derringer family:
- Finding Miss Giles by Philippa Jane Keyworth (set in 1780)
- Engaging Miss Shaw by Rachel Knowles (set in 1815)
- Restoring Miss Hastings by Edwina Kiernan (set in 1850)
Bonus: Get free book club discussion questions for all three books at HeartsoftheHall.com.
Finding Miss Giles by Philippa Jane Keyworth
Book 1 in the Hearts of the Hall seriesGenre: Regency Romance, Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.4 stars, 57 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $8.31
E-book: $2.99
Bath, 1780: Without family or fortune, Miss Araminta Giles must rely on her wit alone.
Engaged by Mr. Derringer to be companion to his sister for the Bath Season, Ary views this position as merely another in a line of employments necessary to her survival.
So when she finds herself warming to Charlotte, and shivering under the intense gaze of Mr. Derringer, she is surprised to find herself hoping for more than just a roof over her head. But a series of intriguing encounters in polite Society cause Ary to realise her position with the Derringers may not be the fruit of her own labours after all. As she tries to make sense of the revelations, she is forced to consider what she really wants.
Will she keep going through life relying only on herself? Or is she willing to take a chance on a home, family and…love?
★★★★★ "A delightful tale about the subtle love between hero and heroine." ~Goodreads Review
Engaging Miss Shaw by Rachel Knowles
Book 2 in the Hearts of the Hall seriesGenre: Regency Romance, Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.5 stars, 65 ratings on Amazon
Paperback: $7.12
E-book: $2.99
He’s desperate for a governess. She needs to escape her matchmaking sister.
Bath 1815: John Derringer doesn’t need a wife, and he certainly doesn’t need children. Devoted to studying ancient Rome, all he wants after the death of his brother is to disappear into his research. But now he must take on the family estate and care for his orphaned nephew.
Unable to see past his grief, John cannot face the boy, and leaves him to a succession of governesses who fail to tame the unruly youngster.
Evelina Shaw is resigned to staying unmarried. With no dowry and little beauty, the only men she has attracted are widowers wanting a capable woman to look after their children—and she refuses to settle for that.
When she hears of Mr. Derringer’s desperate need for a governess, Evelina seizes the opportunity to escape from her sister’s futile matchmaking.
But on arriving at Duriel Hall, Evelina can see hurt and misunderstanding everywhere she looks. As she helps bring healing to the Derringer family, her life becomes entwined with theirs, and neither John nor Evelina can predict the consequences…
★★★★★ "A fabulous storyline with twists, transformations and tender romance." ~Amazon Review
Restoring Miss Hastings by Edwina Kiernan
Book 3 in the Hearts of the Hall seriesGenre: Regency Romance, Christian Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance
4.2 stars, 46 ratings on Goodreads
Paperback: $12.99
E-book: $2.99
Devastated by loss…a stranger takes her in. But will her presence ruin his plans to restore all he’s lost?
Harriet Hastings has nowhere left to turn: after losing both her parents within a few months of each other, she is penniless and alone. So when a distant relative makes arrangements for her future, Harriet faces another loss—leaving the place she calls home to go and live with strangers.
Edmund Derringer’s on a mission: to restore the family heirlooms he pawned to cover the debts of his failed speculation. The last thing he needs is to be saddled with his cousin’s ward—a friendly chatterbox who intrudes on his time, distracting him from the task at hand.
But when outside forces threaten their burgeoning fondness, each will be compelled to re-examine what they really believe about one another, and what their most important goal for the future truly is…
Immersed in faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.
★★★★★ "An amazing story of two people struggling to make their lives better." ~Goodreads Review
About the Authors
Philippa Jane Keyworth, also known as P. J. Keyworth, writes historical romance and fantasy novels. She loves strong heroines, challenging heroes, and backdrops that read like you’re watching a movie. She creates complex, believable characters you want to get to know and worlds that are as dramatic as they are beautiful. Learn more at PhilippaJaneKeyworth.com and get a free copy of A Dangerous Deal, a Georgian Romance, when you sign up for Philippa's mailing list. 
Rachel Knowles writes faith-based Regency romance. She first read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at the age of thirteen and fell in love, not only with Mr. Darcy, but with the entire Regency period. Since 2011, she has been blogging about her research on her website, RegencyHistory.net. She also writes historical non-fiction based on her extensive research. Rachel lives in the beautiful Georgian seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, on the south coast of England, with her husband, Andrew. Learn more at RegencyHistory.net.
Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the award-winning novel Ruby’s Redemption. An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination, and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. Learn more at EdwinaKiernan.com and get a free copy of first chapter of Ruby's Redemption when you sign up for Edwina's mailing list. New release: Houdini's Last Handcuffs
Congratulations to Charlie and Cheryl Young and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Houdini's Last Handcuffs, a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and fantasy set in 1950s Manhattan.
★★★★★ "The great Houdini book the world has been waiting for. A perfect escape." ~John Kelly, Detroit Free Press
Houdini's Last Handcuffs
NEW RELEASE: March 26, 2024Genre: Historical Fantasy
Hardcover: $24.99
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: $5.99
A riveting journey into a world where magic meets science, tantalizing readers with every twist and turn.
On the 30th anniversary of Houdini's death, three young friends who were gifted a mystical Ouija Board by the enigmatic writer Walter Gibson, find themselves thrust into a world of wonder.
While adults attempt to reach Houdini in a séance at his former residence, the children unknowingly call upon the great magician, not through the Ouija board or séance but via an enigmatic pair of handcuffs from their father's magic collection.
Houdini, in dire need of their aid, reveals a hidden notebook filled with scientific formulas coveted by both benevolent and malevolent secret circles. This notebook is a puzzle, locked behind Houdini's cryptic code.
The unexpected unfolds, setting off a thrilling chase, where the pursuit of Houdini's notebook holds the key to secrets, mystique, and adventure.
Praise for Houdini’s Last Handcuffs
★★★★★ “A lovingly crafted mix of fact and fantasy featuring famous faces from the 1958 New York magic scene, including Houdini himself! Part reminiscence and part high adventure, this is a tale that will make you believe.” ~John Cox, author of the "Wild About Harry" blog
★★★★★ “A compelling historical novel with a strong cast of characters. Highly recommended!” ~The Wishing Shelf
★★★★★ “A rewarding work of fervid and fertile imagination” ~Joseph Caldwell, author of In the Shadow of the Bridge
★★★★★ “There are few authors more qualified to craft a story about Houdini than the Youngs, who quite literally grew up amidst the lore and legends surrounding the world's most famous magician.” ~Gabe Fajuri, Founder of Potter and Potter Auctions, author of Mysterio's Encyclopedia of Magic and Conjuring
About the Authors
Charlie Young has been active as a physician/eye surgeon, writer, artist, vice president of the music company Denton and Haskins, creator of the radio podcast series Unheard of Jazz, and most recently writer of the historical fiction Houdini's Last Handcuffs which he co-authored with his sister.
Houdini’s Last Handcuffs is Cheryl Young's debut novel co-authored with her brother. Raised and educated in Manhattan, she earned an MBA from Columbia University. In addition to a career in finance, Cheryl is also a board member of the Finch College Alumni Foundation Trust, which focuses on awarding grants to tri-state area community college women continuing on for a four-year degree. Cheryl divides time between the cosmopolitan life of Miami and rural life in Essex Connecticut.Visit them at musicmagicandmore.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.
New Release! Age of Rust: Retribution by Thaddeus Yeiser and Conrad Bair
New release! Congratulations to authors Thaddeus Yeiser and Conrad Bair and to Ink Smith Publishing on the release of Age of Rust: Retribution.
It has been 700 years since the end of the Golden Age of Man. Now a medieval war ravages the land once known as America. The story began with Age of Rust and continues with Age of Rust: Retribution.
★★★★★ "A gripping tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where a medieval war rages." ~Goodreads Review
Age of Rust: Retribution
New Release: March 22, 2024Book 2 in the Age of Rust series
Genre: Dystopian Fiction, War Fiction, Military Fantasy
Paperback: $16.99
E-book: $5.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
Having survived a battle with the Western warlord Kayzitt, Seneca and Tavin lead the survivors South out of the thawing northern wilds. They must seek out the Chancellor of the East, who has been directing their campaigns from a distance, and determine the future direction of the war and thus, their lives.Meanwhile, Kayzitt and Oil’ib play cat-and-mouse in the desolate wilds, their survival unbeknownst to their friends. Oil’ib longs for revenge at any cost, but Kayzitt will not allow himself to be beaten so easily.
Chiara tries to maintain the hospital that Seneca was forced to leave for the service—all while patients pile in and physicians continue to be drafted away. When the situation reaches a harrowing breaking point, she will put her life on the line to save her home.
When the Agents of the Chancellor finally meet their leader, they learn that there may be a way out of the war: a long lost tool or the Golden Age of man, which may give them the advantage needed to dispel the invaders from their land. But the mission will require a high-risk journey to the New England territories, where the influence of the Eastern Republic is weak and their enemies closer than they could have dreamed.
Age of Rust
Book 1 in the Age of Rust seriesGenre: Dystopian Fiction, War Fiction, Military Fantasy
4.6 stars, 29 ratings
Hardcover: $24.99
Paperback: $15.99
E-book: $3.99 (free via Kindle Unlimited)
No records show how it happened, though everyone has their beliefs as to why the golden age of man fell seven hundred years ago. Since, humanity has managed to rebuild a modest civilization from the ruins. Now a medieval war begins to ravage the land once known as America.The lives of six young men become ensnared in the violence as they serve the Eastern army. Chief among them are Tavin, the son of a respected general, and Seneca, a physician drafted away from his studies. Loved ones left at home are threatened when Kayzitt, the zealot Western officer, leads his marauders behind enemy lines. His cruel methods devastate every community he encounters, and the East seems doomed to fall under its own weight as he makes a name for himself in the legends of the militaristic West.
But the six heroes notice that something has changed inside themselves. Their minds are subtly connected in a way that cannot be explained but lends them increased prowess on the battlefield. Inevitably, their skills place them on a collision course with Kayzitt that will shape the future of the nation.
Age of Rust is a tale of displaced youth, the struggle for life, and the peril of love in war-time. It is an ode to masculine vainglory and the valor in conflict as it bridges with the feminine witness of human corruption and loss of innocence.
★★★★★ "A thought-provoking take of wartime woes." ~Amazon Review
★★★★★ "Beautifully explores themes of displacement, the struggle for survival, and the complexities of love in times of war." ~Goodreads Review
About the Publisher
Spotlight on Crime, Action & Adventure from author Michael Cardwell
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Michael Cardwell, author of the “Frontier” books, a best-selling series following Game Warden Danny Coogan in Montana, and The Rough Stuff, a powerful collection of short stories. Read on to learn more!
Frontier Justice: A Coogan Mystery
Genres: Mystery, Crime, Action, Adventure4.4 stars, 1339 ratings
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Danny Coogan, a freshly minted Montana Fish and Game Officer and recent Afghanistan veteran, hopes to bury his demons in a simple life in the wilderness around the small town of Darwin. But his life becomes a nightmare when he is shot and left injured and alone in the freezing countryside to struggle for survival. His assailant? Edmund Goodrunner, a local Native American Danny had considered a friend.
Thus begins a brutal battle of lies, deception, and revenge with drug runners, weapons dealers, kidnappers, and killers. Danny finds himself thrust into an FBI investigation and forced to juggle the threats of a dangerous domestic terrorist group that threatens every aspect of the community he loves and has vowed to protect.
Danny, along with his surrogate father, Senior Game Warden Ben Whitetail, and the local Tribal Police Chief, instill the rich flavor of rural America through poignancy and down-home humor as they struggle, each in their own way, to bring peace back to their snowy town.
Fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box will love this outstanding first novel as the author draws on his military experience and deep love of rural America to produce this action/adventure. If you like mysteries and crime stories with resilient heroes, slam-bang conflict, and nail-biting suspense seasoned with a splash of wilderness humor, then you’ll love Frontier Justice.
★★★★★ "Great start to a new series." ~Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "Modern Western with action and heart." ~Amazon Review
Frontier Outlaws: A Coogan Mystery
New Release!Genres: Crime, Action, Mystery, Adventure
4.6 stars, 155 ratings
Paperback: $14.99
Ebook: $2.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Eight months after the showdown with the domestic terrorist group that nearly cost him his life, Danny Coogan, a Montana Fish and Game Officer, faces a new threat to his community—and his career. It starts with a dead steer. Which happens to be near the body of a dead rancher. Both of which are on the Dead Horse Indian Reservation.
Soon, Danny, the Tribal Police, the local Sheriff’s Department, and a U.S. Marshal are pressed into action. Danny’s connections to the Rez draw him into the murder case and plant him firmly in the crosshairs of the killers. Another victim is discovered, tortured, and murdered—but why? What secret painted a target on these locals?
Along with fellow Afghanistan veteran Matt Bringloe from the Tribal Police, Danny is determined to uncover the truth. Then, a connection is made to a decades-old cold case, revealing hidden motives and secret agendas. Now, Danny must pull together the clues before someone else dies.
Cattle rustling, a magic mushroom drug operation, and unsolved murders result in a shoot-out at a remote ranch, a race against time to a ghost town, and a final stand in the most unlikely location.
With the flavor of a down-home yarn and the intensity of a high adventure, Frontier Outlaws offers Craig Johnson and CJ Box fans a thrilling ride that delivers a bronco-busting punch.
★★★★★ "The humor and realistic action make for a rip-roaring story." ~Amazon Review
★★★★★ "An excellent sequel to Frontier Justice." ~Goodreads Review
The Rough Stuff: Stories of Men in Hard Circumstance
Genres: Action & Adventure Short Stories, War & Military Action FictionPaperback: $7.99
Ebook: $0.99 (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
The Rough Stuff is a powerful collection of short stories. Filled with unforgettable characters, it is a mix of action-filled fiction and reflective morality tales about the truisms of life, its spectacle, its inherent dangers, and its frustrating uncertainty. Whether in the mountains of Afghanistan, on a farm in Indiana, or in a lake cabin in Idaho, Cardwell tells brutally honest stories about the lives of decent, hard men in America.
★★★★★ "Short stories about struggles in life that our true heroes face every day." ~Amazon Review
About the Author
Michael Cardwell retired after thirty-two years in the U.S. Army. Along the way, he studied creative writing at Indiana University and published poetry and prose in reviews, journals, and magazines.In retirement, he lives with his wife Roni in the Midwest and spends time brewing coffee, writing short stories and novels, chasing dogs, and enjoying his eight grandchildren.
Learn more at Michael's website, sign up for free e-mail updates, and be sure to follow him online:
Free eBook: Bridge of Kings by Logan D. Irons
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on a free novella from author Logan D. Irons:
Bridge of Kings, an Oaths of Blood Saga novella
The Oaths of Blood Saga is a dark historical fantasy series. Book 1 is coming in May with more books in the series to follow. Get started on this new series with the free Bridge of Kings novella!
Bridge of Kings
Genre: Dark Historical FantasyEbook price: FREE download!
Two Kings. Two Warriors. A single crown.
Some men hold secrets that are far darker than war. An old oath obligates Ulf Bodvarsson to join King Harald Hardrada’s army of Norsemen, seeking to assert his claim to the English crown. Yet near Stamford Bridge, enemies await, seeking to fulfill their own oaths of blood. The struggle that awaits them all will decide who rules the isles and who dies.
The Oaths of Blood Saga promises to be perfect for fans of George R.R. Martin, Bernard Cornwell, Joe Abercrombie, John Gwynne, and Mark Lawrence. The free Bridge of Kings novella will whet their palette for the release of Oaths of Blood, Book 1 of The Oaths of Blood Saga, coming in May 2024.
“Akin to acclaimed grimdark author Joe Abercrombie's The Heroes, Irons' Bridge of Kings covers an entire skirmish between two forces, presenting a grim and bloody view of war through the perspective of an anti-hero berserker hell-bent on destroying anything and everything he comes across.” ~Readers’ Favorite 5-star review
"Thoroughly imaginative and visceral. Five stars." ~Eric Schumacher, author of God’s Hammer
Coming Soon
About the Author
Logan D. Irons has traveled to more than 50 countries for both work and pleasure. He lifted weights in Arnold’s childhood gym in Austria, asked his wife to marry him in an abandoned castle in Ireland, bartered for jewelry in a Kuwaiti souk, drank beers and sang quite poorly German songs at Oktoberfest in Munich, and burned a Viking ship during Hogmanay in Edinburgh. Fantasy, historical fiction, and history novels dominate his library. In particular, the works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, and Robert Jordan inspire his work. He currently resides in Virginia, a place with enough history to keep him busy until the end of time, with his wife, son, and a dog named Ronin the Barbarian.
If he has free time, which is rare, Logan throws axes (usually at targets), is physically active, and loves taking his family on adventures. And he’s convinced his nieces he’s a werewolf…
Learn more at logandirons.com, sign up for his free newsletter, and be sure to follow him online:
Books to enrich your personal, community & spiritual lives from Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan
Today, LitNuts is shining a spotlight on the work of Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan, author of books that can help enrich your personal, family, community, and spiritual lives.
"Hope is real. In these times, we can and we must find ways to fuel our belief in one another and make positive change together."
~Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan
Meet the Author
Anne is a high energy community building consultant and retired Presbyterian Minister and mindfulness practitioner. She has lived and traveled all over the world, and has found something special in the many cultures she has experienced. Anne’s books have received many rave reviews from readers, Gold Star Awards, and excellent editorial reviews. They have been called "a great read," "compelling," "inspiring and motivational," and "eye opening."
Reviewers say reading Anne’s books is like having a conversation with her in her living room. Anne welcomes those conversations. Her books are about hope and making a positive difference in the world.
"Together, we can make a difference," says Anne—and that sentiment comes through loud-and-clear in her books:
- Moving Mama is about how she and her family cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s. It took a village.
- Building Communities of Hope is full of stories about how people can and do make positive change.
- God’s Eyes is about a series of visions and God’s loving gift of pathways for all of us. "No matter where we live or our religious or spiritual practice, God has a path home for each of us," says Anne.
Read on to learn more about each of Anne's books.
Moving Mama: Taking Care of Mother During Her Final Years with Alzheimer's
Genres: Eldercare, Aging Parents, Gerontology Social Sciences, Memoir4.6 stars, 43 ratings
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: ON SALE FOR $2.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Did you know 6.7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's? Most of us need help, and this book has a lot to offer. Readers call it an excellent, practical resource for those of us who are caring for a loved one. Reviewers say the book is "a must for someone caring for an elder," "a page-turner," and "a compelling story that touched me deeply." They also said the book was "something I could not put down." It's a book that at its core speaks of hope. Add this to your toolkit!
★★★★★ "A compassionate guide through Alzheimer's." ~Amazon Vine Voice Review
★★★★★ "Valuable advice and strategies for navigating the complexities of elder care." ~Amazon Review
Building Communities of Hope: How People are Making Positive Change
Genres: Spiritual Self-Help, Happiness Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality4.8 stars, 73 ratings
Paperback: $11.99
Ebook: ON SALE FOR $2.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Hope? You gotta be kidding me! Are you tired of all the bad news, violence, and stress? There are positive alternatives—practical ways people bring more hope to energize themselves and others. Each of us, deep down, has the spirit and fire within to live in joy. This book is filled with real-life stories about people who are doing just that—living large and making a huge difference. Rave reviews from more than 70 readers and editorial reviewers. Given a Gold Award from Literary Titan, and called one of the 20 Best Community Building Books of All Time by Book Authority.
★★★★★ "A great book that guides readers toward building a strong community through good deeds. It is also a much-needed resource for self-healing from life’s challenges and advocating compassion, kindness, and love to support one another." ~Literary Titan, Gold Award
God's Eyes - A Vision for Us: Presence, Promise, and Power
Genres: Spiritual Self-Help, Motivational Self-Help, Religion & SpiritualityNew Release: November 21, 2023
4.8 stars, 14 ratings
Paperback: $9.99
Ebook: ON SALE FOR $2.99 FOR A LIMITED TIME (Free via Kindle Unlimited)
Considered a transformative guide, God’s Eyes shares the author’s experience of a powerful vision in which she saw the world and its promise through God’s perspective. Great for seekers, those on a spiritual path, out-of-the-box thinkers, and all who want greater focus and purpose in their lives. This award-winning new release already has rave reader and editorial reviews. It is called a “great work,” “much needed in our world,” and “inspirational and enjoyable!"
★★★★★ "A thought-provoking book that invites us to embrace the mystery of divine encounters, live in the slipstream of divine guidance, and contribute to a more compassionate world through small acts of kindness." ~Goodreads Review
★★★★★ "Tremendous help on my journey." ~Amazon Review
New release: Saving Face from Effy Redman and Vine Leaves Press
Congratulations to Effy Redman and Vine Leaves Press on the release of Saving Face, a memoir that pays tribute to anybody who has ever felt like an outsider
★★★★★ “When you own this book, you acquire the miracle that is both the human who embodies it and her art.” ~Catherine Filloux, award-winning playwright
Saving Face
NEW RELEASE: March 19, 2024Genre: Memoir
Paperback: $17.99
Ebook: From $6.99
What's in a smile? Or the absent smile? Saving Face is Effy Redman's thought-provoking answer.
Born with a rare condition of facial paralysis called Moebius Syndrome, Redman's grit and eye for beauty help her survive childhood bullying and adolescent doldrums. Her physical transformation at age thirteen via plastic surgery eviscerates her concept of image, just in time for her and her family to immigrate from hardscrabble Manchester, England to America's disorientingly scenic upstate New York. Not until diagnosis in young adulthood with bipolar disorder does Redman come out of the closet as a lesbian, finally claiming her most inherent identity.
Saving Face is a searing personal tribute to anybody who has ever felt like an outsider. This memoir honors the grace of a face that stands out in a crowd, defying societal beauty norms. Disability meets transcendence, suffering becomes hope, and the individual expands into community. The inability to smile, in Redman’s book, lights a window onto the human capacity for redemption.
Praise for Saving Face
★★★★★ "The unfurling of a highly entertaining and shocking memoir in which we are asked to face what happens when we are deprived of what we take most for granted." ~Catherine Filloux, award-winning playwright
★★★★★ "A profoundly beautiful, enthralling, and emotionally stirring tale." ~Goodreads Review
About the Author
Effy Redman’s writing investigates the intersection of disability and identity. She has work published in The New York Times, Vice, Ravishly, Chronogram, Berkeley Poetry Review, and Iron Horse Literary Review, among other places. She holds an MFA in Memoir from CUNY: Hunter College, where she received an Honorable Mention for the Helen Gray Cone Fellowship, and a BA in Literature/Drama from Bennington College, where she was an Ellen Knowles Harcourt Scholar and a Bennington Scholar. Learn more at EffyRedman.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.