Friday Finds July 3, 2026 | Books & Summer Discoveries

Happy Friday!

I hope you've had a wonderful week and found a little time to enjoy a good book. My own reading has taken me in several unexpected directions lately, and it's been a delightful reminder that some of the best stories are the ones we never saw coming.

This week's newsletter celebrates that spirit of discovery, with recommendations that span nonfiction, science fiction, LitRPG fantasy, cyberpunk, and cozy mystery. Whether you're looking for something familiar or ready to try a genre that's new to you, I hope you'll find your next great read here.

Thanks for spending part of your Friday with me. Let's see what we discover this week!

"Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else's shoes for a while."
- Malorie Blackman

🪑 From My Reading Chair

One of the things I love most about reviewing books is the chance to explore stories across every genre. This week's Reading Chair reflects that spirit of discovery, with recommendations ranging from science fiction and LitRPG fantasy to cyberpunk and cozy mystery. I hope one of them finds its way onto your reading list!

The Engine in the Sky by V.G. Harrison Professor Meridia Vail returns in the thrilling third Dyson Bridge novel, where alternate worlds, impossible choices, and unexpected family connections create an intelligent science fiction adventure full of heart. Read all three of my reviews.

A Superhero Called Doberman by John and Shami Stovall Discover my 4.5-star review of A Superhero Called Doberman by John & Shami Stovall, a fast-paced superhero fantasy filled with action, heart, and imaginative world-building.

The Awkward Out of Sync Half Life of Funk by Nick Brewster At first, The Awkward Out of Sync Half Life of Funk left me feeling as off-balance as its title suggests. Then everything clicked. What began as a deliberately disorienting introduction transformed into a compelling cyberpunk novella filled with clever twists, believable characters, and an ending that had me wanting to both reread the previous chapter and immediately discover what happened next.

A Little Bird Told Me by Rachael Gray A BBNYA 2025 Second Place Finalist, A Little Bird Told Me by Rachael Gray is a charming cozy mystery filled with village intrigue, memorable characters, and plenty of twists as newcomer Laurel Nightingale finds herself drawn into a murder investigation.

🌿 Community Corner

Congratulations to the latest Community Spotlight winner, Jo Linsdell! Jo is an award-winning author whose warm, engaging stories have delighted readers around the world. If you haven't already, stop by the blog to learn more about Jo, her books, and what makes her writing so special.

I'm also continuing to welcome submissions for my new Behind the Book feature. These occasional author spotlights explore the inspiration, research, and creative journeys behind the books we love. If you'd like to share your own writing journey, I'd love to hear from you.

Behind the Book gives readers a chance to discover the stories behind the stories-and gives authors an opportunity to connect with readers on a more personal level.

👉 Learn more about Behind the Book.

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🌼 Gina's Friday Find

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🌟 Featured Author of the Week - Friday Finds July 3, 2026 - Anne E. Beall, Ph.D

Anne E. Beall, Ph.D

While I feature fiction most weeks, I also enjoy highlighting exceptional nonfiction. This week, I'm delighted to introduce award-winning author and social psychologist Anne E. Beall.

Anne E. Beall, Ph.D. is an award-winning author and social psychologist who explores the emotional undercurrents that shape our lives. Through both research and storytelling, she examines the psychology of relationships-between partners, families, friends, and even the pets who secretly run the household.

The author of eight nonfiction books, including Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After and Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules, Anne uncovers the surprising messages hidden within the stories we've loved since childhood. Her work has been featured in People, The Chicago Tribune, the Toronto Sun, NPR, NBC, and WGN.

Anne is also the founder and editor of Chicago Story Press Literary Journal, a publication dedicated to true stories that encourage readers to see the world from a fresh perspective. She earned her Ph.D. in social psychology from Yale-so yes, she can absolutely overanalyze your childhood.

She lives in Chicago, where she writes, edits, takes long walks, and insists Midwest winters aren't nearly as long as everyone claims.

Books I've Reviewed by Anne E. Beall

• The Compassionate Writer - A thoughtful guide to writing with empathy, authenticity, and emotional honesty.
• Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After - Exploring the hidden messages and relationship lessons found in classic fairy tales.
• Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules - A fascinating look at how fairy tales shape our expectations of love, gender roles, and relationships.
• Embracing Calm - Practical strategies for reducing stress, cultivating mindfulness, and finding greater peace in everyday life.

Explore More by Anne E. Beall
Website | Amazon | Goodreads | Author Hub on GRM

✨ The Featured Author of the Week highlights an author whose work has been featured on the blog and stood out to me or my readers.

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📖 Reading Life Tip

Read one book each season that's outside your usual genre.

You don't have to become a science fiction fan or suddenly love memoirs. But every once in a while, choosing something different can introduce you to a new favorite author, broaden your perspective, or simply remind you why you love reading in the first place. Some of my most memorable reads have been books I never expected to enjoy.

This section rotates between healthy tips, recipes, crafts/patterns, and reading life, so if this week's tip isn't quite for you, there is always something different coming up in a future Friday Finds.

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Enjoying Friday Finds? You can follow along for new reviews, reader favorites, and future Friday Finds posts.

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🌿 Reader Question of the Week

What's a book that surprised you because it wasn't your usual genre?

Hit Reply and tell me about the unexpected read that won you over. I may even feature a few responses in a future Friday Finds!

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Thank you for spending part of your week here with me. I hope you have a peaceful, joy-filled week.

Until next Friday,
Gina