Friday Finds July 10, 2026
Welcome!
This week brings two very different adventures-an award-winning middle-grade fantasy filled with music and magic, and a gripping dystopian thriller set in a vividly imagined future. Along the way, we'll celebrate a favorite historical romance author, discover a few bookish treasures, and finish with a refreshing recipe perfect for summer reading.
Thanks for spending part of your day with me. Let's see what we discover this week!
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
― Albert Einstein
🪑 From My Reading Chair
Sometimes the biggest victories have nothing to do with books. This week I finally tracked down the mysterious Google "pills" that had been appearing across my website. It wasn't glamorous, but it felt like solving a detective novel-and now I can get back to what I love most: reading, reviewing, and sharing great books with you.
🌿 On the Blog This Week
BBNYA Winner: Fiona and the Forgotten Piano
Fiona and the Forgotten Piano combines the wonder of classic children's fantasy with a contemporary voice, inviting readers into a world where music is more than art-it's the doorway to magic. As Fiona ventures into an enchanted forest filled with mystery and discovery, young readers are encouraged to embrace curiosity, courage, and the unexpected.
Winner of the 2025 Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA), this imaginative adventure offers a blend of whimsical world-building, heartfelt storytelling, and memorable characters.
Also This Week
The Below by Scott T. Miller
Like watching a movie unfold in your mind, The Below pulls readers into a vividly imagined future where every clue-and every choice-matters.
Scott T. Miller blends cyberpunk, dystopian fiction, mystery, and thriller into a fast-moving story that feels both cinematic and deeply personal.
🌿 Community Corner
One of my favorite parts of being a book blogger is discovering what other readers are excited about. Carol's annual Summer Blogger Extravaganza has returned, bringing together recommendations from eighteen book bloggers around the world. I'm delighted to be one of the participating bloggers, and I hope you'll discover a few new favorites while you're there. If you're looking for your next great summer read, you're sure to find a title-or several-to add to your TBR. It's become a highlight of my summer in the book blogging community.
Is your next favorite on this list? →
🌼 Gina's Friday Find
Take Your Summer Reading Anywhere
Summer Reading Canvas Tote Bag
Whether you're headed to the beach, the park, your favorite coffee shop, or simply the backyard, a roomy book tote is one of those little luxuries that makes reading on the go easier-and a lot more fun.
This charming canvas tote celebrates some of literature's best-loved classics with a sunny summer twist. It has plenty of room for your current read, a notebook, sunglasses, and maybe even a cool drink.
Because every great summer adventure begins with a good book.
This section may contain affiliate links, which help support the blog at no extra cost to you.
🌟 Author of the Week
Historical Romance Author
Featuring six reviews and spotlights on GinaRaeMitchell.com
Kate Ellington discovered her love of historical romance at just eleven years old after a teacher challenged her to choose a library book by an author she'd never read before. That simple assignment sparked a lifelong passion for stories filled with history, hope, and happily-ever-afters.
Raised in a wooded New England town where long summer days were spent by the lake, Kate now calls the Pacific Northwest home. Her novels transport readers to elegant estates, charming villages, and unforgettable moments where love blossoms amid family secrets, second chances, and richly imagined historical settings.
I've enjoyed featuring several of Kate's books on the blog, and her stories consistently offer the kind of heartfelt historical romance that invites readers to slow down, settle in, and savor every page.
📚 Featured on GinaRaeMitchell.com
See all six Kate Ellington features →
✨ The Featured Author of the Week highlights an author whose work has been featured on the blog and whose stories have resonated with me and my readers.
🍓 Sip & Savor
This Week's Recipe
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Nothing pairs with a good book quite like a refreshing summer drink. This easy strawberry basil lemonade is bright, lightly sweet, and perfect for sipping on the porch, by the pool, or with your latest read.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼-⅓ cup honey or simple syrup (to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
- Ice
- Lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs for garnish
Directions
Blend the strawberries with the lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the honey (or simple syrup) and cold water. Add the basil leaves and let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving over ice. Garnish with fresh basil and lemon slices.
Perfect with a good book and a shady spot.
💬 Reader Question
Where's Your Favorite Summer Reading Spot?
Every reader has that one special place where it's easiest to lose track of time with a great book.
- 🌿 On the porch?
- 🏖️ At the beach?
- 🌳 Under a shady tree?
- ❄️ Curled up indoors with the air conditioning?
I'd love to hear where you enjoy reading most during the summer. Share your favorite spot in the comments or simply reply to this newsletter!
📜 More Friday Finds
Missed a week? Browse previous editions of Friday Finds for more book reviews, author spotlights, reader favorites, and bookish 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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Favorite reading spot: stretched out on the couch in the a/c ... not big on oppressive heat, humidity & bugs!
Loved everything about this post but really liked Albert Einstein's quote. Always like your posts because usually find new authors, see great quotes and mouth watering food not t to mention sometimes even crafts by talented people.
My answer to your Reader's Question Is: My Favorite Summer Reading Spot is curled up indoors with the air conditioning.
Thanks Crystal!