Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 | Welcome
Hey friends—happy Friday (or maybe Saturday by the time you're reading this)! ☀️ I’m running a bit behind this week, but it’s vacation-late—the kind where time slows down in the best way. We’ve been soaking up sunshine, exploring new places in the mornings, and relaxing by the pool in the afternoons. Evenings are all about snacks, laughs, and loosely planning the next day’s route.
We’re hoping to find a favorite spot to come back to this winter—if you’ve ever picked a home-away-from-home, I’d love to hear your tips or stories! What’s your idea of the perfect vacation day? Drop it in the comments—I just might try it tomorrow. 😊
Now, on to this week’s Friday Finds! From heartfelt reads and fantasy heists to frozen pie and creative stress relief, there’s a little something for everyone. Let’s dive in…
Peace & Love,
Gina
Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 | Wrap-up of Book Reviews, Spotlights, Posts
One Term Left by C.M. Francis is a heartfelt YA novel about friendship, change, and growing up. Includes review and thoughtful discussion questions.
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🐶✨ Meet Bella in Sticking Together: A Dog’s Tale—a pup whose rule‑breaking antics turn into heartwarming lessons about choices and consequences!
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If you love magical heists, clever heroines, and richly imagined fantasy worlds, The Thief of Farrowfell by Ravena Guron is the perfect middle-grade read to add to your shelf.
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Only in September by Cynthia Flowers is a tender story of second chances, set on a tranquil New England island. When Jacqueline’s life takes an unexpected turn, she finds solace—and a spark of new hope—in the most unlikely of friendships.
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The Dream Lives On by Valeriya Goffe is a deeply moving story about starting over when everything familiar has been lost. Viktor, a widowed father from war-torn Ukraine, arrives in Washington, D.C., with his children, hoping to piece together a new life.
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Father of One by Jani Anttola is a gripping tale of survival, love, and the brutal cost of war. As Maka escapes the fall of Srebrenica, he risks everything to find his wife and the son he’s never met.
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Here's a look back at last week's Friday Finds, in case you missed it
Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 | Recipe
What could be better than Margaritas and Pie? Check out this Frozen Margarita Pie from FiveHeartHome!
Frozen Margarita Pie from FiveHeartHome
Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 | Fun Time
My brain is sun-baked. Can you share one thing you love about summer?
Share your answer in the comment section. I can't wait to read everyone's answers.
If you don't want your answer entered in the drawing, include the initials NOE at the end of your answer.
I think mine is getting the whole family together for swimming and a cookout. Following in a close second is relaxing in summer silence after everyone leaves.
Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 |Independent Author News
It's almost that time again! The lovely Jodie of Witty and Sarcastic Book Club organizes this fantastic tribute. I hope you will find a way to participate this year!
Announcement: Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week 2025
This is a weeklong celebration of great self-published books.
Guess what? Anyone can participate! That includes YOU!
This year, Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week will run from July 21st to 27th. There are many ways to get involved: Read self-published books, review self-published books, and shout about great self-published authors on your various platforms. You’re welcome to use the above banner (please credit me with its creation), and if you tag my blog (https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog), my Bluesky (@wsbookclub.bsky.social), or my Threads account @ws_bookclub_ (hopefully. I’m still figuring that one out), I will share your posts. Social media hashtags are: #SPAAW, #SuperSP, and #AwesomeIndies.
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Friday Finds | 05-16-2025 | Fun Creative Finds
I'm feeling just a tad stressed this afternoon. At least that's my excuse. I just happened to bring along a couple of pin looms. They are small and take up very little room, so I packed a couple of projects for days like this.
I think everyone has woven on one of the basic potholder looms sometime in their life.
This is the best potholder loom for beginners.
This is another favorite for 4x4 pin looms.
Next, you'll be ready to experiment with these looms from BlueBonnetCrafters. Seriously, none of them are as complicated as you might think!
Hexagon Pin Loom from BlueBonnetCrafters
It's genuinely one of the best addictions.
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With gratitude and sunshine,
Gina 🌞
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question for author-What personal experiences or observations influenced your writing?
After our cold winter, we are loving this spring and almost summer weather. Getting outside, family fun activities, baseball, cooking out...I could go on and on.
Great blog post as always, Gina.
Thank you!
Rosie
Since I'm a musician as well as writer, I love playing outdoor gigs in the summer -- fests, farmers markets, restaurant patios, parties, garden walks ... unless it's too hot!
Where are you traveling to Gina? I am leaving on Monday to drive East to visit my daughter in Nova Scotia. I love having people over to swim whether it's family or friends. I try and get in the pool everyday, super exercise.
Yay, for visiting family! We’re road-tripping through the US Southwest. Got tired of hotels so we rented a house for home base that is central to everything we plan to explore for a while. Then we are going to meander back home.
Sounds wonderful. I haven't seen my daughter since the end of August 2024, so I am really excited.
Glad the sun is following you around Gina. I'm here in So Cal and I'm cold! 😆Anyway, following you on FB as Baba Chanel.♥️
I rarely get on FB. But, I’ll look for you.
I bet! I hope you have a wonderful visit.
Sorry for the duplicate comment. Please delete one. 😊
Thanks, 💕
I live in Southern California and I've been freezing! Lol Glad the sunshine is following you around Gina! 🥰BTW, in case you didn't know my Facebook page is Baba Chanel.
Yes to family swim parties! We have one scheduled for Memorial Day 😎🏊💦
Ours is early June for family birthdays. 🔫🍉🎂