Friday Finds April 3, 2026

Hi friends - welcome to this week's Friday Finds.

I'm just getting home from a few days with my youngest grandchildren, and my heart is still full. We saw a movie, shared lots of snuggles, played games, and simply enjoyed being together. I may be running a little behind today, but it was more than worth it.

This week's finds lean into that same feeling-making space for connection, cozy moments, and the simple joys that make a reading life feel just a little more meaningful.

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✨ Cozy Find of the Week

This week's find made me pause mid-scroll… the kind of piece that feels like it belongs in a reader's life, not just on a wishlist.

A personalized Ex Libris book stamp that turns an ordinary home library into something a little more personal, a little more beautiful, and just a little bit magical.

Browse this find on Etsy

Featured This Week on the Blog

A few of this week's posts, paired with cozy little finds that match their mood.

I'll Be Seeing You by Jana Richards If you're in the mood for something heartfelt with a touch of magic, this time-travel romance blends WWII history, trust, and second chances in a way that quietly pulls you in. Pair it with: a personalized Ex Libris stamp to make your own reading collection feel just as meaningful.	Miss Bennet's Dragon by M. Verant Regency charm meets fantasy in this spotlight on a story where Elizabeth Bennet can speak to dragons, giving a familiar world a clever magical twist. Pair it with: a miniature book locket or whimsical charm bookmark for a little extra literary magic.
Mancala Moon by Asa Bowers This one leans more literary and introspective, blending magical realism, symbolic storytelling, grief, and healing into a reflective reading experience. Pair it with: a pressed flower resin bookmark for a soft, thoughtful reading moment.	Tiggy Diggy Wiggy Diggy by Craig T. Feigh A warm, affirming picture book about early speech development, family connection, and those first efforts at communication that mean more than perfect words ever could. Pair it with: a cozy handmade gift bundle or another gentle find that turns storytime into a shared moment.

Unplugged Family Time

One of my favorite finds this week isn't a reading accessory at all-it's a simple way to make more room for reading.

Family Time Electronics Box This simple wooden box is designed as a place to set aside phones and devices, creating a small but meaningful pause in the day. It's one of those ideas that feels almost too simple… but also incredibly effective. Whether it's during dinner, before bedtime, or as part of a weekend reset, it helps shift the focus back to conversation, connection, and yes-maybe even a shared reading moment. View on Etsy

It's a gentle reminder that sometimes the best way to create more reading time… is simply to make space for it.

Small Handmade Joys

Sometimes the smallest details make a reading moment feel just a little more special.

Pressed Flower Resin Bookmark This one feels like a tiny piece of preserved nature tucked between the pages. Each bookmark is made with real pressed flowers, so no two are exactly alike-something I always love in handmade pieces. The soft floral tones and gift-ready box make it especially lovely for spring or for anyone who enjoys those small, beautiful details that make reading feel just a little more intentional. View on Etsy

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Indie Author of the Week

✨ Stories worth discovering, one indie author at a time.

Hayley Reese Chow

Hayley Reese Chow is the award-winning author of Odriel's Heirs, which earned top honors including the 2024 YA IndieReader Discovery Award, the Florida Author Project Award, and multiple international literary recognitions. She is also the author of the Into the Churn series (Whimsical Publishing), with short and flash fiction featured in publications such as Lite Lit One, The Drabble, Bewildering Stories, and Teleport Magazine.

Before turning to writing, Hayley wore many hats-engineer, USAF veteran and reservist, four-time All-American fencer, ultramarathoner, triathlete, and world traveler. These days, she lives in Florida, where she dodges hurricanes alongside two small book dragons, her long-suffering husband, and a miniature ragehound.

If you enjoy richly built fantasy worlds and character-driven storytelling, this is a great place to start.

Read My Review of Odriel's Heirs

Explore More from the Author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads

✨ 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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Friday Finds April 3, 2026 Tip of the Week

A Simple Mediterranean Snack Plate

If you're planning a cozy reading night or a little unplugged family time, a Mediterranean-style snack plate is one of the easiest ways to make it feel just a bit more special.

There's no real recipe here-just a mix of simple, flavorful ingredients arranged on a plate and shared at your own pace.

• Hummus or a favorite dip
• Fresh vegetables (cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers)
• Olives
• Cheese (feta, mozzarella, or cubes of your favorite)
• Pita bread or crackers
• Fresh fruit (grapes or sliced apples work well)
• A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of herbs for finishing

It's the kind of low-effort, high-reward option that works just as well for a quiet evening with a book as it does for sharing around the table.

Sometimes the simplest things-good food, a good story, and a little time set aside-are more than enough.

This section rotates between healthy tips, recipes, patterns, and crafts, so if this week's tip doesn't quite fit where you are right now, there is always something different coming up in future Friday Finds.

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Reader Question

⭐ Join the conversation today.

This week's finds all center around creating a cozy, intentional reading life-and I'd love to know which one stood out most to you.

If you had to choose just one favorite, which would it be?

• The personalized Ex Libris book stamp
• The unplugged family time box
• The pressed flower bookmark
• The Mediterranean snack plate idea
• One of this week's book picks

Or feel free to choose something else from the post-I'm always curious what catches your eye.

Let me know in the comments!

🗓️ Contest closes April 30, 2026 at noon CST.

If your entry arrives after the deadline, it will be added into next month's contest.

The March winner of the GRM reader contest will be announced in next week's Friday Finds.

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🌿 Closing Notes

This week's finds felt a little more personal than usual-less about adding things to a list and more about creating moments to enjoy them.

Whether it's setting aside your phone for a while, sharing a simple snack plate, or adding a small, beautiful detail to your reading time, I hope you found something here that fits into your own version of a cozy day.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me. 💕