🍋 Friday Finds – 22 August 2025 | Indie Author D.H. Schleicher, Hidden Gem, Labor Day Recipes & Crafts

👋 Welcome, Friends!

I’m so glad you’re here for another edition of the Friday Finds! Each week, I round up indie author gems, bookish fun, seasonal goodies, and a sprinkle of creativity to brighten your weekend. This week, I’m spotlighting one of my favorite returning authors, D.H. Schleicher, along with some under-the-radar reads, Labor Day foodie inspiration, and a crafty find you’ll want on your holiday decor list. Jump right in, there's a lot today!

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Each week this summer, I’m spotlighting an independent author. I usually pull names from my list, but I love getting nominations too! Tell me your favorite Indie Author on my website — you can find all my past spotlights ➡️ HERE.

📣 Meet - D.H. Schleicher: The 22 August 2025 Indie Author of the week

🎥 D.H. Schleicher, master of thought-provoking tales and macabre storytelling.

This week, I’m shining the spotlight on one of my absolute favorites here on the blog — D.H. Schleicher. If you’ve visited before, you already know his work has made quite an impression on me. His stories are thought-provoking, often walking the shadowy line between the ordinary and the macabre, and always leaving me turning the last page with plenty to ponder.

D.H. Schleicher has a remarkable talent for peeling back the layers of human nature, revealing the secrets, regrets, and hidden darknesses that shape our lives. His writing lingers with you — not just because of the eerie twists, but because of the questions it stirs about fate, choice, and what it means to truly live.

D.H. Schleicher has a remarkable talent for peeling back the layers of human nature, revealing the secrets, regrets, and hidden darknesses that shape our lives. His writing lingers with you — not just because of the eerie twists, but because of the questions it stirs about fate, choice, and what it means to truly live.

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“D.H. Schleicher peels back the layers of human nature, revealing the regrets, secrets, and choices that haunt us all.”

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Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several of his works:
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several of his works:

🕯️ Then Came Darkness
– A haunting journey into war, morality, and survival.

📖 And Then We Vanish
– A collection of short stories exploring the fragile spaces where reality blurs.

🌆 West Falls Revisited
– A return to a small town full of buried secrets and unsettling truths.

💔 When We Come Back
– A poignant and darkly beautiful reflection on grief, memory, and the past that refuses to stay buried.

Each review was a journey into his creative world, and I love how his books balance eerie unease with striking humanity. If you’re new to his writing, prepare for stories that are equal parts chilling and contemplative — the kind you’ll want to discuss long after you’ve finished them.

D.H. isn’t just an author I recommend; he’s one I return to again and again. And if you enjoy fiction that challenges, unsettles, and resonates, he should absolutely be on your reading list.

Please give a warm welcome to this week's Indie Author!

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📚 Weekly Book Blog Roundup | 15 through 22 August 2025 

This week’s book blog roundup includes interviews, giveaways, and some must-read new releases. (Click on the image for more information, including raffle entry.)

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Spotlight on The Passenger by Joie Lesin, a historical fantasy set in 1940s California wine country. This atmospheric novel blends ghostly encounters, family secrets, and romance. Includes an excerpt, author bio, and a $25 Amazon/BN gift card giveaway.

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Unbowed by M.G. da Mota is a dark psychological thriller that blends obsession, family secrets, and danger. A celebrated conductor faces a stalker, a mysterious ancestor, and a diamond ring that could unravel everything. $25 Gift card giveaway.

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Hear Me by Lynn Crandall is an urban fantasy romance where love and danger intertwine. Ainsley and Keegan must use their gifts of seeing and hearing what others cannot to stand against the rising darkness threatening their city. And yet another $25 giveaway!

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Spotlight: The Rebellious Countess by Helene Matheson – A historical romance filled with scandal, spies, and passion. Read an excerpt and enter the $10 Amazon/BN gift card giveaway hosted by the author.

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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!

🌟 Under-the-Radar Gem

Book Title by Author:
And the Trees Talked Back by Frederick J. Burns

🕮 Why It’s a Gem:
This beautifully illustrated story captures both the magic of childhood imagination and the timeless lessons of empathy, kindness, and respect for nature. With Amanda’s gift of speaking to trees, young readers are invited into a world that’s both enchanting and thought-provoking, reminding us of the delicate balance between good and evil and the importance of the choices we make.

💡 Under the Radar Because:
As a debut, independently published book, And the Trees Talked Back hasn’t had the wide exposure of mainstream children’s titles. Yet its heartfelt message, striking black-and-white illustrations touched with color, and ability to engage readers across generations make it a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by families, classrooms, and libraries alike.

📚 Where to Find It:
Amazon    |    BookShop (Support Local)    |    Author Website

👉Read my full review here → https://ginaraemitchell.com/and-the-trees-talked-back/

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🍴 Foodie Fun - More Labor Day Goodies

Campfire Hot Dog Skewers from Delish

Skip the chicken skewers or basic hot dogs in a bun—if you're looking for the most creative grilled recipe or a way to get even the kids excited, then turn to these hot dog skewers. In this recipe, we layer cut up hot dogs, bell peppers, pineapple, and onions on skewers before basting with a homemade sweet-tangy BBQ sauce and grill until charred and caramelized. The result is a slightly sweet, summer-worthy skewer made to be served at any BBQ, camping trip, or casual summer dinner.

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Delish Cherry Puff Pastry Pies 

Store-bought puff pastry = best cherry pie shortcut ever.

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🍋 Craft Corner – Interchangeable Holiday Decor 

13 Pcs Seasonal Interchangeable Diamond Art

Interchangeable Diamond Art: our diamond art welcome sign brings a touch of shiny; The set includes 1 truck decor hanging sign, 12 interchangeable seasonal signs, 1 tool kit, 1 pack of diamonds, and 1 metal chain; Each can be decorated with exquisite acrylic diamonds that shimmer in colors; Ideal for many celebrations such as summer, fall, halloween, thanksgiving, etc.

I can't wait to try this set. I have a thing for any art with old farm trucks. I have them in many colors of pillows with matching painted pickle jar vases. This is my summer set.

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Love what I do? You can always support the blog via Ko-fi or just by sharing your favorite finds with a friend.

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💛 Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks so much for joining me for this week’s Friday Finds! I hope you discovered a new book, recipe, or creative project to spark your imagination. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway and share your answer in the comments — your participation always makes this community so much fun. 💛 Until next time, happy reading, crafting, and celebrating the last sweet days of summer.

🍋 Gina

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📌 Save this Friday Finds post to your favorite Pinterest board—perfect for when you need weekend reads, indie author gems, simple home-cooking recipes, and crafts.

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