Gina Rae Mitchell

Friday Finds – January 10, 2020, finds us ending the first full week of the new year. Are you back in the swing of post-holiday life yet? I know I’m not. Due to an expected trip over Christmas, I’m just now back at home & still have to celebrate Christmas with my Illinois family. What a whirlwind it’s been. I’m confident by next Monday; I’ll be ready to tackle the new year. Please, Fates, do not take this statement as a challenge!

The website needs a bit of an overhaul, and one of my goals for 2020 is to get my review request list under control, so I have my work cut out for me. I have a few gifts/free materials in the pipeline for email subscribers, too. How about you? Do you have a solid plan for what you want to accomplish soon? Let me know; maybe we can keep each other motivated.

 

If you are a blog follower, but not on the email list, you are missing bonus material available exclusively to email list subscribers. I strive to make both valuable to you, the reader.

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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!

 

Friday Finds – January 10, 2020 – Books

Child Advocacy:

  Moms of the Missing: Living the Nightmare by Stephan Hou

I previously reviewed, Deprived, Innocent on Death Row by Stephan Hou. I find his work to be in-depth, thought-provoking, and well worth the time to read. His empathy for each subject comes through in every word.

Moms of the Missing investigates ten abduction cases. Through personal and heartbreaking interviews with the victims, it describes how parents maintain their hopes of one day finding their children, some of whom were taken by a stranger, a family member, or human traffickers. And two survivors tell what it is like to be held captive, tortured, and raped, but also how they have restored life after being rescued.

Moms of the Missing explores the principal types of abductions, and not of least importance who’s most likely to become a victim of the epidemic of missing children, but also how to prevent abductions.

Moms of the Missing puts focus on:
* CHILD PROTECTION
* FAMILY ABDUCTIONS
* STRANGER ABDUCTIONS
* INFANT ABDUCTIONS
* HUMAN TRAFFICKING
* THE SEX OFFENDERS
* DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
* THE MOST LIKELY VICTIM
* LONG-TERM MISSING
* THE PROFILE OF AN ABDUCTOR
* THE IMPACT OF DNA
* POLICE MISCONDUCT

 

Psychological Fiction:

 Dear Edward: A Novel by Ann Napolitano

Twelve-year-old Edward is the sole survivor of a notorious plane crash. Edward’s story captures the attention of the nation, but he struggles to find a place in a world without his family. Edward continues to feel that a part of himself has been left in the sky, forever tied to the plane and all of his fellow passengers. But then he makes an unexpected discovery—one that will lead him to the answers of some of life’s most profound questions: When you’ve lost everything, how do you find the strength to put one foot in front of the other? How do you learn to feel safe again? How do you find meaning in your life?

Dear Edward is at once a transcendent coming-of-age story, a multidimensional portrait of an unforgettable cast of characters, and a breathtaking illustration of all the ways a broken heart learns to love again.

The AudioBook version is available.

 

Travel/Historical Fiction – YA:

 A Shifting of Stars by Kathy Kimbray

A squandering emperor.
A handsome stranger.
A reluctant heroine.
And the ancient magic that will capsize a kingdom.

Seventeen-year-old Meadow Sircha is arrested as punishment for her impulsive tongue. Meadow finds herself caught up in the kind of danger she’s always tried to avoid. After a chance meeting with an enigmatic boy, she’s propelled on a perilous trek across the outer lands. But she soon unearths a staggering secret: one that will shift her world—and the kingdom—forever.

Filled with action and heart, mystery, and wonder, A SHIFTING OF STARS is an epic fantasy adventure brimming with plot twists that’s perfect for fans of AN EMBER IN THE ASHES, RED QUEEN and SHADOW AND BONE.

 

Children’s:

Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright

B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm-up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire–and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again–and make him feel “just right.” Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.

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Friday Finds – January 10, 2020 – Food

Adding a cookbook to this section was a popular feature last week, so I am making it a regular for now.

Ultimate Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone [American Measurements] by Jamie Oliver

Jamie Oliver, one of the bestselling cookbook authors of all time, is back with brilliantly easy, delicious, and flavor-packed vegetable recipes.

This edition has been adapted for the US market. It was originally published in the UK under the title Veg.

From simple suppers and family favorites to weekend dishes for sharing with friends, this book is packed full of phenomenal food – pure and simple.

Whether it’s embracing a meat-free day or two each week, living a vegetarian lifestyle, or just wanting to try some brilliant new flavor combinations, this book ticks all the boxes.

 

Broccoli Cheese Tots from Instrupix

 

Italian Deli Roll-ups from Mantitlement

 

Do you ever get the urge for a quick dessert? Try this Healthy Banana Bread in a Mug from The Curious Frugal. It only takes 90-seconds, and it’s gluten-free.

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Friday Finds – January 10, 2020 – DIY

 Gratitude Art Journal: A Daily Practice with Mou Saha

 

These crochet  Amamani Puzzle Balls are absolutely adorable! Amamani is short for Amigurumi Amish Puzzle Animals. They are based on the traditional Amish puzzle ball and, as such, come apart into three segments or rings, which are assembled to form the animal.

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Thanks for reading this week’s edition. Below are shopping links for some of the items listed above. Thanks for supporting this blog!

 

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Moms of the Missing: Living...Shop on Amazon Dear Edward: A Read with Je...Shop on Amazon A Shifting of StarsShop on Amazon Sneezy the SnowmanShop on Amazon Siixu Colorful Blank Notebo...Shop on Amazon Lion Brand Yarn 860-111 Van...Shop on Amazon