Friday Finds July 24, 2026

"If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking."
- Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

Welcome to the Friday Finds, July 24, 2026 Edition!

Every week, I hope to introduce you to at least one story, author, or bookish treasure that wasn't on your radar before. Sometimes it's a new release, sometimes it's a hidden gem, and sometimes it's simply a reminder that our next favorite read is often found where we least expect it.

Let's see what we discover this week.

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🪑 From My Reading Chair

Every book has a story beyond its plot. These are the ones that stayed with me this week.

🌿 On the Blog This Week

Soccerwild by Craig Wells

Can an unconventional writing style deepen an emotional story? In Soccerwild, Craig Wells explores grief, healing, and resilience through the eyes of a young boy whose unexpected friendship with a coyote pup helps him begin finding hope again.

Read the Feature →

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Also This Week

Icara's Flight by R.L. Balladrael

When paradise is built on lies, the search for truth becomes the greatest act of courage.

Science fiction isn't just about futuristic technology or distant planets-at its best, it asks timeless questions about human nature. Icara's Flight by R.L. Balladrael does exactly that, weaving together mystery, political intrigue, and expansive world-building into a story that explores the tension between comfortable illusions and difficult truths.

Read the Review →

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🌿 Community Corner

It's time for #SPAAW once again. #SPAAW stands for Self-Published Author Appreciation Week.

This week bloggers and reviewers are celebrating great self-published books. Make sure to take a look at the Self-Published Authors Appreciation Week 2026 Hub and discover your next favorite book!

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🌟 Author Spotlight

Kirsten Weiss is an Amazon bestselling author whose paranormal cozy mysteries blend clever whodunits with folklore, magic, and richly imagined settings. From tarot readers and witches to haunted museums and quirky small towns, each of her series offers its own unique world while delivering satisfying mysteries filled with humor, heart, and just a touch of the extraordinary.

One of the things I appreciate most about Kirsten's writing is that no two series feel alike. Whether she's exploring intuition, ancient legends, or delightfully unconventional amateur sleuths, every mystery has its own personality while remaining true to the cozy genre. She's become one of those authors I know I can recommend to readers looking for something a little different.

If you're new to Kirsten Weiss, the books below are wonderful places to begin. I look forward to discovering many more of her mysteries in the years ahead.

📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews

• Legacy of the Witch → Review
  The beginning of the Mystery School series.
• The Metaphysical Detective → Review
  An intriguing introduction to the Riga Hayworth mysteries.
• War of the Squirrels → Review
  A delightfully quirky paranormal cozy adventure.

See all my Kirsten Weiss features →

✨ Author Spotlight introduces readers to authors whose work has been featured on the blog and whose stories have stayed with me long after I turned the final page.

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📚 Gina's Bookish Find

This section may contain affiliate links, which help support the blog at no extra cost to you.

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🍓 Sip & Savor: No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Cups

Summer berries are at their peak, making this an ideal treat for warm afternoons and leisurely reading sessions. These creamy, no-bake cheesecake cups come together in about 20 minutes (plus chilling time) and can easily be customized with your favorite seasonal berries.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Cheesecake Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Topping

• 1 cup strawberries, sliced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries or blackberries
• Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Divide evenly among six small dessert glasses or jars and gently press into the bottoms.
2. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and creamy.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
4. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts.
5. Top with the fresh berries and garnish with mint, if desired.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Make It Your Own

• Layer a spoonful of lemon curd between the cheesecake filling and berries for a bright citrus twist.
• Drizzle with raspberry sauce or blueberry compote just before serving.
• Swap the graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies.
• For holiday gatherings, use strawberries, blueberries, and a dollop of whipped cream for a festive red, white, and blue dessert.

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💬 This Week's Reading Question

What's the most unexpected book you've ever loved? Was it a genre you rarely read, an author you'd never heard of, or a recommendation that surprised you? Share your answer in the comments or hit reply-I'd love to hear about the hidden gems you've discovered.

One of my favorite parts of Friday Finds has been watching the conversations grow in the comments. Your recommendations often become someone else's next great read.

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📜 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 →

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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