Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Welcome
Whew, what a week! I had some fantastic spotlights and thoughtful reviews roll in, and yes—there were prizes (because who doesn’t love a little giveaway magic?). From time-traveling Highlanders and heart-wrenching memoirs to a seriously helpful AI toolkit for authors, this week’s finds were all over the map—in the best possible way. Plus, I’ve got a breakfast casserole lineup that’ll make your weekend mornings shine, and a few sweet surprises tucked in at the bottom (you know I love to keep things interesting). I also have an announcement about emails and blog posts.
Let’s jump into this week’s Friday Finds and see what all the buzz is about!
PS. Any and all clicks on the blog or my affiliate links are appreciated. No purchase necessary!
Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Book Reviews, Spotlights, Posts
I had some excellent spotlights and reviews this week, with special prizes:
Emily Was SO Embarrassed by Michelle Olson
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Tasgall, Immortal Highlander Clan McKeran, Book 1 by Hazel Hunter
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Being Broken: Tales and Essays of Survival and Death from Narcissistic Parental Abuse by Geoffrey R. Jonas ~ $10 Gift Card
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The Author’s AI Toolkit: From Concept to Publication by Hank Quense - 5 Copy Giveaway
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Stone of Doubt by Margaret Izard (Stones of Iona Series 5) Book Swag Giveaway
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Smoke & Mirrors: Pulling Back the Curtain on Emotional and Spiritual Abuse by Joanie Olson ($10 Gift Card) #Memoir
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The Half-Life Empire by Shami Stovall | #11 BBNYA 2024 Finalist Tour
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Here's a look back at last week's Friday Finds, in case you missed it
Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Recipes
Today, I have three simple Breakfast Casserole dishes for you. These are great for weekends, holidays, or everyday meals.
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Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Announcements
I've decided to pair up my email list with the blog subscribers. I'm finding it hard to maintain two separate "Finds" lists. So, from now on, the Friday email will simply be a list of highlights from the blog post with appropriate links to remind you to look for the Friday Finds.
I plan to use the ConvertKit email list to provide you with more timely notices. Occasionally, I have news of importance that comes in during the week that shouldn't wait until the next Friday. I promise I won't be spamming you with emails. I don't have time for that nonsense. lol
Here is a peek at the latest hit recipe from the email notice.
Remember that you can subscribe to the blog in the sidebar or at the bottom of any page, and you will be notified whenever I share a new blog post. I've reached the point where I am paying for newsletter subscribers who do not open the email. I'll be purging that list soon.
Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Fun Time
This week is a bit different. I am very close to 1000 blog subscribers. I hope to reach that milestone this week. So, if you haven't already subscribed, please do so.
If you are a blog subscriber (long-time or new), let me know in the comments, and I'll add your name to the next drawing.
Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | For YourBook Shelf
The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward by Melinda French Gates
In a rare window into some of her life’s pivotal moments, Melinda French Gates draws from previously untold stories to offer a new perspective on encountering transitions.
The audiobook is narrated by the author.
“You don’t get to be my age without navigating all kinds of transitions. Some you embraced and some you never expected. Some you hoped for and some you fought as hard as you could.”–Melinda French Gates
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The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods. An enchanting and escapist novel for 2025 from the internationally bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop
Friday Finds | 04-11-2025 |Independent Author News
Kristie Booker: I'm thrilled to finally announce that Summer in the Moon Garden will be released this July! After countless revision sessions and cups of coffee, my latest story is almost ready to find its way into your hands. This novel has been a labor of love, and I can't wait for you to meet the characters who have been living in my imagination for so long.
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Friday Finds | 04-18-2025 | Fun Creative Finds
News from Texas Gabi. One loom and one skein of yarn are all you need to make this Easter bunny, a travel-friendly, fun, and quick last-minute project. Here are the links to the supplies:
- Original TURTLE Loom™ R "regular sett" - Hexagon Pin Loom
- 12mm Plastic Safety Eyes
- Stuffing Material
- One Weaving Needle
The pattern is free on her blog.
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Donations help support this website and allow me to offer readers prizes and gifts. Let's face it: I'm buying coffee anyway!
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See you next week for more Friday Finds Fun!
Gina
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The bunny is so cute! I just subscribed to your blog. I guess I thought I already was since I was on your email list.
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to you, too!🐣
Congratulations on 1000 subscribers - although we are the lucky ones. Happy Easter!
Thanks so much Gary. I appreciate your support.
Always lots of good stuff in your Friday Finds. Congratulations on 1000 subscribers.
Thanks, Carla!
Thank you for the shout out, Gina! The cover reveal for Summer in the Moon Garden is coming soon! Congrats on hitting 1,000 subscribers!! Happy Easter!
So excited for you, Kristie! Let me know if you need bloggers for a cover reveal.
Dear Gina,
I wish I had that bunny pattern last week before I attempted the Easter gift for my sister. She said she loves it, but I think she's being nice.🙂(I should stick to writing.) Lol. Shared your post on X and Bluesky. ♥️