🍋Friday Finds 15 August 2025 | Shami Stovall Spotlight, Bookish Fun, Labor Day Food & Décor
👋 Welcome, Friends!
It’s time for another sip of summer at my virtual lemonade stand. This week’s Friday Finds is bubbling with bookish goodness — from meeting the endlessly creative Shami Stovall, to discovering fresh reads in the weekly roundup, to getting a head start on Labor Day cookout ideas (with a free printable set!). Plus, our Fun Time Giveaway is back with a “Season Vibes” twist — will you choose ☀ Endless Summer or 🍂 Cozy Fall? Pour yourself something refreshing, get comfy, and let’s dive in.
I’m spotlighting an independent author each week this summer.
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📣 Meet - Shami Stovall: Indie Author
Shami Stovall is a multi-award-winning author of fantasy and science fiction. Before that, she taught history and criminal law at the college level and loved every second. When she’s not reading fascinating articles and books about ancient China or the Byzantine Empire, Stovall can be found playing way too many video games, especially RPGs and tactics simulators, or hugging John.
Connect with Shami ⤵️
Here are my reviews:
Knightmare Arcanist #1 Words of Power
The Final Decree Academy Arcanist (Astra Academy #1)
The Nexus Games #1 Chronos Warlock (Chronos Chronicles #2)
Please give a warm welcome to this week's Indie Author!
📚 Weekly Book Blog Roundup |8 through 15 August 2025
As part of Friday Finds 15 August 2025, this week’s book blog roundup includes interviews, giveaways, and some must-read new releases. (Click on the image for more giveaway information.)
Magic, danger, and romance collide in The Boat on the Lake of Regret by Christy Matheson, book five in The Castle in Kilkenny Fairy Tales series.
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Spotlight: Spartan & the Green Egg: World Explorer Family Cookbook by Nabila Khashoggi—a family-friendly tour of global flavors with easy recipes, cultural tidbits, and gorgeous photos. Meet the series, explore the cookbook, and don’t miss the iRead Book Tours giveaway.
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In “A New Life” (Reflections of Michael Series #4), two friends carry grief and love from America to Paris, finding healing, hope, and chosen family. Read my 5-star review and enter the $20 Amazon/BN giveaway.
#GoddessFish #LJAmbrosio #FilmValor
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👗✨ From neon ‘90s flair to groovy ‘70s vibes and rockin’ ‘50s style—every outfit tells a story.
When Maggie, Millie, & Merrie head to Florida to visit Grandma, they expect sun and fun. But a trip to the attic unlocks trunks of vintage clothes that whisk them into the past. Each era is full of mystery, friendship, and magical fashion moments in the Magical Fashion Show Contest by Rosie Russell.
(This is the prize Rosie chose from her July Funtime Drawing win, a jump up to the top of the blog schedule!)
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Ghosted by Lori Matsourani, a second chance at love comes with old wounds, new risks, and a touch of mystery. Read the excerpt, meet the author, and enter the giveaway!
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📅 Previously on Friday Finds…
Missed last week’s post? Here’s what readers loved:
Last week, we met indie author Chevron Ross, took a whirlwind tour through the weekly book blog roundup, and uncovered an under-the-radar gem you won’t want to miss. Our Fun Time Giveaway had everyone sharing creative answers, while the Loaded Baked Potato Casserole recipe tempted taste buds. And for the crafty among us? We got a jump start on spooky season with a Halloween-themed project perfect for early planners.
🎉 Friday Finds 15 August 2025 Fun Time Giveaway
Season Vibes – Pick one:
☀ Endless Summer 🍂 Cozy Fall
💬 Reply in the comments with your choice (or the perfect GIF)
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Answer this week’s question in the comments for a chance to win the monthly prize!
One lucky commenter from any August 2025 Friday Finds post will be randomly selected to win a surprise gift.
🗓️ Entries close August 28 at 5:00 p.m. (CST). Winner announced September 5!
I'm planning my theme for September. The lemonade stand was fun in August. Do you have any cool suggestions for me? Bonus entries for all who play along!
📚 This Week's Under-the-Radar Gem
I'm not sure this qualifies as under the radar, but it is certainly intriguing. I love getting in on book 1 of a series.
🍴 Foodie Fun - Labor Day
It's time to start thinking about Labor Day parties and celebrations.
I'm creating a small freebie for subscribers featuring several recipes, table decor ideas, and some printables. I thought it would be ready today, but alas, life got in the way. It's been a crazy few days!
However, here is one recipe from the booklet that I can share with you. Simple but sweet! This should give you an idea of what is included in the booklet.
Here's a link to my favorite Balsamic Glaze!
🍋 Craft Corner – Buffet Table Signs
These are as crafty and creative as you want to make them. I do love me some chalk art!
Love what I do? You can always support the blog via Ko-fi or just by sharing your favorite finds with a friend.
💛 Thanks for stopping by!
I hope this week’s Friday Finds added a little sparkle to your Friday — whether it was a new book to add to your list, a creative project to try, or a recipe to share with friends. Don’t forget to drop your Season Vibes choice in the comments (GIFs encouraged!) for a chance to win the monthly prize. And if you’re hosting a Labor Day gathering, stay tuned for the free recipes and printables to make your table as inviting as your menu. Until next week, happy reading, happy creating, and may your days be filled with good books and great company.
🍋 Gina
📌 Save this Friday Finds post to your favorite Pinterest board—perfect for when you need weekend reads, indie author gems, or summer buffet recipes!
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[…] Last week’s edition was packed with variety! Here’s what we explored together: […]
I left you a GIF for a cozy fall on Twitter. I think a county fair theme would be great for September.
I loved Magical Fashion Show contest with all the fun time travel!
Autumn is my favorite season. Especially after the first frost comes and goes. No more sweating profusely outside and NO MORE BUGS.
The bugs have been particularly vicious in the Midwest this summer!
My suggestions for your theme for September is either do something with back to school whether it's elementary, high school, college, or any of there activities or since Fall officially starts September 1, 2025 you could do something with a Fall theme but I'm already visualizing in mind something for each of these themes