Friday Finds April 17, 2026 | Cozy Reads, Creative Ideas, and Magical Finds

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Welcome to this week's Friday Finds. I found myself drawn to pieces that feel a little more magical than usual-things that turn an ordinary corner into something cozy, creative, and just a bit enchanting. Maybe it's the mood I'm in, or maybe it's time to bring a little more of that feeling back into everyday life.

📚 Featured This Week on the Blog - Friday Finds April 17 2026

If you missed anything this week, here's a calm catch-up of what's new on the blog-this mix leans a little magical, a little thoughtful, and a little cozy.

Soul Fraud by Andrew Givler A darkly clever take on the afterlife with a sharp sense of humor and a surprisingly thoughtful edge. This one stood out for how well it balances satire with deeper questions. ⭐ 2025 BBNYA 8th Place	Zog's Big Question by Adam Rice A thoughtful and imaginative story that invites young readers to explore big ideas in a gentle, approachable way. This one lingers in the best sense.
Mother's Day Gift Guide Curated by Gina A cozy collection of gift ideas for book lovers, filled with thoughtful finds that celebrate reading, comfort, and a little everyday joy.	Wonder in the Garden by Talia Aikens-Nunez A warm and colorful picture book that blends play, language, and family connection into a joyful reading experience for younger readers.

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🌟 Indie Author of the Week - Friday Finds April 17, 2026

Missy Tarantino

This week's Indie Author of the Week is Missy Tarantino, author of the charming Granny Appleton Cozy Mystery series. Her stories blend lighthearted humor, small-town intrigue, and just the right touch of suspense-perfect for readers who enjoy a cozy mystery with personality.

A full-time teacher in Northern Colorado, Missy works with students who are learning English and come from all over the world. The stories, cultures, and perspectives she encounters in the classroom have helped shape her writing in meaningful ways, adding warmth and authenticity to her work.

When she's not teaching or writing, you'll likely find her outdoors hiking in the Rocky Mountains or at the racetrack, where she and her husband share a love of autocross racing. That same sense of curiosity and energy carries into her stories-sometimes with a duck or two adding to the mystery.

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📚 Featured Book: Duck Down

This first book in the series introduces Granny Appleton and her delightfully quirky world, where even a mystery involving ducks can lead to unexpected twists. It's a welcoming place to start if you're in the mood for something cozy, clever, and just a little different.

If you enjoy this one, you can also explore more in the series, including Robber Ducky and Quacking the Case.

✨ Indie Author of the Week highlights an author whose work has been featured on the blog and stood out to me or my readers.

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🧵 From the Craft Room

This week, I found myself thinking about all the years of creativity tucked into my craft room-and how much I've missed sharing that side of things here.

There's something a little magical about working with your hands again-like stepping into a quieter, more creative version of your day.

So instead of a full project, I'm leaning into something simple: a tiny creative reset.

• Pull out a small container of supplies-beads, yarn, paper, anything you already have.
• Set a timer for 10-15 minutes.
• Make something small with no pressure for it to be useful or perfect.
• Stop when the timer ends, even if you could keep going.

Sometimes the hardest part is just starting again, and this is an easy way to reconnect with that creative spark without turning it into a full project.

The "From the Craft Room" feature will rotate in now and then as I slowly work through my craft room, rediscover old favorites, and share small, manageable ways to bring creativity back into everyday life.

This section rotates between healthy tips, recipes, crafts/patterns, and reading life, so if this week's tip isn't quite for you, there is always something different coming up in a future Friday Finds.

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⭐ A Cozy Creative Find

Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

If the craft room section sparked a little inspiration, this is a simple tool that pairs beautifully with using up those small bits of yarn and creative leftovers.

A small pin loom is an easy way to turn leftover yarn, thread, or fabric scraps into something finished. It's simple to use and works beautifully for small, low-pressure projects like bookmarks or mini woven pieces.

Check this one out.

I've used this kind of loom to make simple bookmarks like this-just small, satisfying projects using materials I already had on hand.

See My Handmade Bookmarks

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💬 Reader Contest Question of the Week

⭐ Join the conversation: What makes a space feel cozy or a little magical to you?

• A favorite reading nook or comfy chair
• Lighting like candles, lamps, or fairy lights
• Books, blankets, and soft textures
• Something creative or handmade

I'd love to hear from you-this is one of my favorite parts of the week.

🗓️ Contest closes April 30, 2026 at noon CST.

If your entry arrives after the deadline, never fear! It will be added into next month's drawing.

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🌿 Closing Notes

This week's finds felt just a little more magical than usual, and I think I needed that. A quiet corner, a good book, and a small creative moment can go a long way toward making everyday life feel a bit more special.

I hope you found something here to add to your reading stack or your weekend plans.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me. I always enjoy putting these together and sharing them with you.

I'll be back next week with more cozy finds, creative moments, and stories worth discovering.