Fun Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | 💙📚 #Books #Crafts #Recipes #IndieAuthors #Prizes #SonoranHotDog #CraftMead

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | Welcome

🌵Howdy from the land of sun, saguaros, and snacks!

It’s Friday, and I’m feeling sassier than a lizard on a hot rock. This week’s Friday Finds is hotter than a steering wheel in August—featuring a crash course in Sonoran cuisine (brace yourself, the hot dog is wrapped in bacon), indie reads spicier than salsa at a roadside taqueria, a craft that won’t glue your fingers together (probably), and a Fun Time question that may or may not start a cactus vs. roadrunner debate in the comments.

So kick off your shoes (unless you’re outside—ouch), pour yourself a prickly pear margarita or lemonade, and let’s dig into the good stuff—Arizona style.

Peace, Love & Roadrunner Vibes,
Gina

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | Wrap-up of Book Reviews, Spotlights, Posts

Hive by D.L. Orton – A Fierce and Unforgettable Dystopian Sci-Fi (Madders of Time Book One)

This one is headed to my best-of-the-year list! I love this series so much, but I think it's best to start with the Crossing in Time series, Book 1. Speaking as someone who has read all the books... twice, that would be my recommended starting place.

Enter the Hive Game to learn secrets, solve puzzles, & win prizes!

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Cowboy Watch by Petie McCarty (The Watchers Book 1) ~ Blurb Blitz Tour ~ Win a $15 Gift Card #RomanticSuspense #FallenAngels

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Guest Post from Judith Works, Author of The Measure of Life~ Win a $20 Gift Card 💙📚 #WomensFiction #Rome #LoveAndLoss #BookTravel

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When the past moves in next door, all bets are off. The Perfect Mother is a gripping, twist-filled thriller you won’t forget.

The Perfect Mother by Desiree Moodie ~ Win a Book Club in a Box ~ 4✨~ #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #TwistyReads #AlternateEndings

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Ever wondered what really happens behind the diplomatic curtain at the United Nations?

Surviving the United Nations by Robert Bruce Adolf ~ BookReview & Author Essay ~ 4✨~ 💙📚 #Biography #Memoir #Politics Win a $25 Gift Card

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A moving tale of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances.

Higher Love by Joanne Kukanza Easley – 4.5 ✨~ 💙📚 #FamilyDrama #WomensFiction #LitFic #IndieAuthor #RedemptionStory Win a Signed Copy

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Here's a look back at last week's Friday Finds, in case you missed it

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | Recipe

I'm learning there is a difference between Traditional and Sonoran Mexican food. And that Tex-Mex is a whole different game. For me, it's all about the flavor, not the heat!

Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine is a regional style that emphasizes fresh ingredients, hearty preparation, and the use of flour tortillas. It's known for its simple, well-prepared dishes, often featuring beef, cheese, and beans. The cuisine is particularly popular in Arizona, where the Ranchero culture of the Sonoran desert influences it.

A few popular dishes are: carne asada, carne deshebrada con papas, burritos made with flour tortillas, carne con chile, chorizo de res, machaca and carne seca.

Translation for newbies like me: roast beef, shredded beef with potatoes, burritos made with flour tortillas, beef with chili, beef chorizo, machaca, and dried beef.

I keep hearing that this is the most famous recipe.

Authentic Sonoran Hot Dog

Take a look at this classic book I found on Sonoran Grilling.

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | Fun Time

What symbolizes the American Southwest to you?

Share your answer in the comment section. I can't wait to read everyone's answers.

I always think of the saguaro cactus first. Then my childhood cartoons come into play, and the Roadrunner pops into my head.

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 |Independent Author News

R.J. Gould sent this lovely note:

Team Spirit, my humorous tale of tennis club turmoil, is discounted to 99p/99c during the first week of the French Open, Monday 26th to Friday 30th May. A click on the image below will get you to the Amazon page, so do make a note to access this offer next week.

A big favour if you read the novel, a review would be hugely appreciated. Battling against celebrity writers and the big publishing houses to gain visibility is a challenge for us indie writers, and reviews really do help.

(I'll have a review up soon, RJ!)

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If I missed the author news you sent, remind me! I sometimes receive so many emails daily that things get lost or buried. I am never offended if you check up on what you've sent me, whether it's announcements or review requests.

Friday Finds | 05-23-2025 | Fun Creative Finds

BREW YOUR OWN - Be more than a mead drinker; be a mead maker! This Craft a Brew kit will turn mead lovers into mead brewers and give you all the independence, experience, and fun that comes with brewing your own mead.

If you are feeling exceptionally generous, donations are always welcome.

Donations help support this website and allow me to offer readers prizes and gifts. Let's face it: I'm buying coffee anyway!