Friday Finds | August 7, 2026
Some of the best summer days need only a good book, something fresh from the garden, and nowhere else to be.
Welcome to Friday Finds | August 7, 2026
August has a way of reminding me to enjoy the simple things while they're here: a good book, garden-fresh flavors, and a little time to linger over both. This week's Friday Finds has plenty to savor, from two very different reads and a special visit Behind the Book to a fresh summer lunch and a bit of vintage charm for the herb garden. Settle in, and let's see what we found this week.
🪑 From My Reading Chair
This week brought two very different books to my reading chair, and both gave me plenty to think about. I hope you'll find something in them that speaks to you, too.
🌿 On the Blog This Week
Surviving Summer Camp by Paul Breau
Growing up is hard enough without bugs, brothers, raging rivers, and the occasional need for geometry.
Eddy would much rather stay safely indoors than deal with bugs, sports, hiking, and other kids. But what begins as his idea of the worst summer imaginable becomes a fast-paced wilderness adventure filled with sibling squabbles, laugh-out-loud moments, genuine danger, and some unexpected opportunities to discover what he's capable of. Breau keeps the humor front and center while quietly working in themes of responsibility, problem-solving, courage, and family.
Also This Week
The Missing Episode by Tom Hobbs
A character-driven psychological thriller that blends a compelling cold-case mystery with thoughtful exploration of guilt, public scrutiny, and the stories we choose to believe.
What impressed me most wasn't simply the mystery-it was how Tom Hobbs used it to explore guilt, accountability, and the stories people tell themselves to live with difficult choices. The suspense builds steadily, but it was the emotional weight behind the investigation that had me reading well past bedtime.
🌿 Community Corner
Ellwyn Autumn has a wonderful set of Pre-K Through Grade One resources she is offering to all readers on her website or Substack. Many are free, the rest are minimally priced. Please show this long-time GRM reader and author some support for her hard work. Make the learning fun!
🌟 Featured Author Spotlight
Mark J. Engels
In his Behind the Book feature, Mark takes us beyond the pages of the Forest Exiles Saga to share the places, history, research, and personal connections that helped shape the series.
Go Behind the Book with Mark →
Website • Amazon • Goodreads • Author Hub
✨ Have a Behind the Book story to share?
Readers are welcome to suggest an author, and authors may express interest in participating in a future feature.
Send me a note →
🌽 Sip & Savor 🍅
When sweet corn and cherry tomatoes are at their summer best, they really don't need much fussing. This fresh, colorful salad brings them together with red onion, basil, and a light lemon dressing for an easy lunch that tastes like August in a bowl.
🌽 Fresh Corn & Tomato Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 3 ears fresh sweet corn
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Cut the kernels from the corn cobs and place them in a large bowl. If your corn is especially fresh and tender, you can use it raw. Otherwise, blanch the ears for 2-3 minutes, cool, and then remove the kernels.
Add the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
Chill for about 30 minutes before serving, or enjoy it right away.
💛 Gina's Kitchen Note
This is one of those recipes made for August, when sweet corn and tomatoes hardly need any help. Serve it with a thick slice of homemade bread and a cold glass of whatever you're craving-iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, or your favorite summer beverage. Simple, fresh, and just right for lunch on a hot day.
👒 Featured Find
Vintage Silverplate Herb Markers - Set of 5
Vintage charm for the herb garden.
Why I Picked This
I couldn't resist these charming herb markers made from upcycled vintage silverplate. Each one is hand-stamped, one letter at a time, and because the handles vary depending on the vintage pieces available, every set has a little personality of its own.
The set includes five markers, and you can choose your own herb names at no additional charge. I especially love the idea of giving old silverware a new life in the garden-and after today's basil-topped Fresh Corn & Tomato Summer Salad, these seemed like the perfect find. 🌿
💛 Gina's Find Note
These would make such a sweet gift for a gardener, a home cook who grows fresh herbs, or anyone who loves useful things with a bit of history behind them. I'd be perfectly happy finding these tucked among pots of basil, thyme, rosemary, and mint on a sunny kitchen step.
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🤔 This Week's Reader Question
Are you still savoring summer, or are you already secretly ready for fall?
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
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I’m SO ready for fall!
I see so many who are ready for fall and even calling this month “summerween” or something like that! Yikes! Please stay in your own lane! Here in socal our hottest months are August and September! I’m clinging to summer!