The Friday Finds – February 21, 2020 edition is here with all kinds of goodies. Book recommendations, St. Patrick’s Day recipes, plus a couple of fun holiday crafts. This post is for you, the reader. Leave a comment and tell me what you like the best.
Don’t miss out on the Friday Finds Friends email bonus. Sign up now at the bottom or side of this post!
To view the books on Amazon, please click the picture, title link, or the shop now buttons at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
*There are affiliate links within this post. If you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small referral fee.*
Friday Finds – February 21, 2020 – Books
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
From the bestselling author of Everything I Never Told You, a riveting novel that traces the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and the enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives.
In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is planned—from the layout of the winding roads to the colors of the houses to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules.
Enter Mia Warren—an enigmatic artist and single mother—who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenaged daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past and a disregard for the status quo that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community.
When old family friends of the Richardsons attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town—and puts Mia and Elena on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Elena is determined to uncover the secrets in Mia’s past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs.
Little Fires Everywhere explores the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood—and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
The Shapeshifter’s Fate (Deathsworn) by Chris Africa
Chassy, Nita, and Andrev have really stepped in it this time…
Spring fever has struck after a snowy winter in Death’s End. The friends head out on a risky mission in Lyesfare, a known hotbed of activity by the malevolent Wizards of the True Faith.
Loaded up with enchanted artifacts, revived energy, and last summer’s experience to aid them, they are joined by allies new and old. Prophecies will be fulfilled, and heroes will rise on the side of magic.
In a perfect world, all endings would be happy. But Ayzwind is not a perfect world.
You will enjoy this book if you like:
- Chaotic shapeshifting druidic sorcery
- Teens pulling crazy magical stunts gone awry
- Daring rescue and recovery operations
- Accidental necromancy
- True heroes suffering fame, betrayal, and loss
Good Days Start With Gratitude: A 52 Week Guide
Good Days Start With Gratitude is a 52-week guide to cultivate an attitude of gratitude! It is a self-exploration journal designed to focus on being thankful for what we have, the big things in life, as well as the simple joys. Each well designed weekly spread contains an inspirational quote, space to write 3 things you are thankful for each day of the week, and a weekly checkpoint. If you start each day by writing down three things you are thankful for – a good cup of coffee, the smell of rain, starting a good book – you begin each day on the right note.
Do it daily and make it a habit to focus on the blessings you have been given! Grab a copy for a friend and share the journey together!
Mission From Venus: Book I by Susan Plunkett
Higher-dimensional light beings from Venus incarnate as humans to save Earth from a takeover by the Dark Lords of Orion… The dark side has infiltrated many governments and much of the world of finance. The mission from Venus threatens their planned takeover of Earth. Failing a takeover, the dark lords will cause the planet’s destruction through nuclear war, to prevent Earth from ascending to the fourth dimension on the path of light. The volunteer wanderers are all that stand in the way.
In case you missed it!!
This week I gave away a free digital book to a subscriber in the Release Day post for Murder Bytes by Gayle Carline. I reviewed Tribbs, The Very Handsome Cat by Faye Rapoport DesPres on National Love Your Pet Day. The cross-genre book Eyes of Amber by Anya Stassiy is a hit with fans of historical fiction, mystery, and world war two stories. I reviewed a very special story, Silent Heroes by Patricia Furstenberg. Pat writes a heartfelt story about the war in Afghanistan and its many heroes. These heroes include the children growing up in a war zone, the US Marines fighting in hostile territory, and the beloved K-9 soldiers.
Friday Finds – February 21, 2020 – Recipes
Starting this week, my thoughts are turning to St. Patrick’s Day and traditional Irish recipes. Here are a few I found delicious looking.
Irish Apple Cake with Custard Sauce from Kayley of The Kitchen McCabe
Veggie Trio on Sweet Mash from the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen
Shamrock Cupcakes from The Woman’s Day Staff. The trick to making these cute cupcakes is amazingly simple!
Friday Finds – February 21, 2020 – Creative Projects
This No-Sew Gnome kit comes in lots of variations. I think it would be a fun project for all ages
Add a fun little Easter bunny to your Easter baskets with this felt candy holder from DIY Party Mom. I know it feels early to talk about Easter crafts, but you might want to make several of these & need a head start.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What’s on your mind for reading, cooking, and making this week? Leave a comment & let me know!
All the best,
Gina
Shopping links for books mentioned this week:
Little Fires Everywhere: A ...Shop on Amazon 
Good Days Start With Gratit...Shop on Amazon 
The Shapeshifter's Fate (De...Shop on Amazon 
Mission From Venus: Book I ...Shop on Amazon
Hi Gina. The Friday Finds this week is really great. Love the Irish apple cake recipe. Should taste like a dream. The No-Sew gnome kit is really lovely too.
Thanks. I can’t wait to try the apple cake too. I better wait till I have company coming so I’m not tempted to eat the whole thing!
I like the variety in the books you presented! Also those recipes look delicious
Thanks Jenny.