Friday Finds | Eclectic Reads & Tiny Libraries

"Every book we finish leaves something behind, whether it's a new perspective, a memorable character, or simply the desire to begin another story."
- Gina Rae Mitchell

Welcome to Friday Finds | August 14, 2026

This week's reading has been a little bit of everything, and that's exactly how I like it. I think curiosity is one of the best things we can bring to our reading lives. Wandering outside our usual genres introduces us to different ideas, experiences, and ways of seeing the world-and perhaps helps make us a little more well-rounded along with being well-read.

This week's Friday Finds celebrates a bit of that variety. Let's see what we discover this week.

🪑 From My Reading Chair

This week, my reading chair took me everywhere from children's books to space opera to knitting patterns. These are some of my favorite reading weeks. With such an eclectic mix waiting for me, there's never much chance of getting bored.

These two reviews offer a little sample of that variety, but there are more on the home page that might suit your tastes better.

🌿 On the Blog This Week

She Who Breaks Gods by R.L. Balladrael

She Who Breaks Gods by R.L. Balladrael takes the Chronicles of Kesperen into full space-opera territory with imaginative worlds, high-stakes rebellion, difficult choices, unexpected humor, and a satisfying slow-burn romance.

Kiara remains incredibly easy to cheer for. She's facing much bigger stakes this time, but what interested me just as much as the action was watching her and the other characters wrestle with mortality, their beliefs, and those uncomfortable questions about what is right when none of the choices are particularly good. There are plenty of external battles here, but some of the most important ones are internal.

Read the Review →

Also This Week

The Tale of the Prince and the Spider by Sasha Hopkins

The Tale of the Prince and the Spider by Sasha Hopkins is a powerful modern fairytale of fear, courage, resilience, and hope. This emotional children's story is especially meaningful as a shared reading experience that can open the door to heartfelt family conversations.

The Tale of the Prince and the Spider is more than a children's fairytale. It is an emotional story of courage, resilience, and hope that can entertain young readers while opening the door to meaningful conversations with the adults they trust. I especially recommend it as a shared reading experience for families who are comfortable exploring some of life's more difficult feelings through the safety of a fairytale.

Read the Review →

📚 A Little Community Reminder

The Surviving Summer Camp giveaway from author Paul Breau is still open! One reader will receive a paperback copy of this middle-grade adventure. Enter for a book to enjoy with a young reader, tuck away as a gift, or donate to a classroom, school library, or Little Free Library.

Prize: One paperback copy of Surviving Summer Camp
Eligibility: United States and Canada
Ends: August 21, 2026
Enter the Giveaway →

🌟 Featured Author Spotlight

💭 My Reflections

I enjoy Jay's knack for combining intriguing mysteries with likable characters and an easygoing storytelling style. His books are simply fun to read. His background as a longtime newspaper journalist comes through in storytelling that feels direct and grounded, while his mysteries keep me curious about what's really going on and where the story will lead next.

I've especially enjoyed following the Jack Kendall Mystery series, and it's always a pleasure to see what new trouble Jay has waiting for Jack.

📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews

• Breakthrough Lies → Review
  A gripping investigative thriller that explores corruption, abuse, and the cost of looking the other way.
• Nokomis Hospital → Review
  A gritty investigative thriller blending hospital corruption, whistleblowers, and 1980s healthcare politics.

See all my Jay B. Greene features →

✨ Featured Author Spotlight introduces readers to authors whose work has been featured on the blog, along with my personal reflections and a few recommended places to begin.

🍹 Sip & Savor

Key Lime Cooler

A little taste of Florida sunshine.

Bright, fizzy, and wonderfully refreshing, this Key Lime Cooler is an easy summer drink with just the right balance of tart citrus and sweetness. It's simple enough to mix up whenever you need a cool afternoon pick-me-up.

Serve it over plenty of ice with a few fresh lime slices for an extra splash of tropical flavor.

☕ Featured Find

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❓ This Week's Reader Question

Do you jump happily between genres or tend to stay in one reading lane?

If you've visited here for a hot minute, you know I am a lane hopper.

One of my favorite parts of Friday Finds has been watching the conversations grow in the comments. Let's share.

📜 More Friday Finds

Missed a week? Browse previous editions of Friday Finds for more book reviews, author spotlights, reader favorites, recipes, and discoveries.

Browse the Friday Finds Archive →

Thank you for spending part of your week with me. I hope you have a peaceful, joy-filled weekend filled with good books and little moments to savor.

Until next week's Friday Finds,
Gina