Friday Finds - June 12, 2026 | Books, Family Gatherings & Summer Discoveries
Welcome
June seems to be the season of gathering. Between birthdays, graduations, Father's Day celebrations, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal outdoors, many of us are spending time with family and friends this weekend. Whether you're hosting a crowd or simply looking for your next great read, I hope you'll find a little inspiration in this week's collection.
🪑 From My Reading Chair
This week's bookish travels took me from Regency-era England to a fascinating look at the people working to protect the world's future food supply, one seed at a time.
Here are four books that made this week's journey especially memorable.
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by Robert Hoffman Small-town secrets, buried truths, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried. A thoughtful family mystery that explores DNA, identity, and long-buried secrets. In Taken to the Grave, Robert Hoffman gradually unravels a complex web of family truths, creating tension through discovery rather than dramatic twists. Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries and stories about trust, family, and the search for answers may find much to appreciate here. |
by Miles Hillmann Can science help secure the future of our food supply? The Super Seeders by Miles Hillmann explores the researchers, seed banks, and genetic innovations working to protect crops from climate change, disease, and growing global demand. A fascinating look at the people working to preserve the seeds that may one day save our food supply. |
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by Shami Stovall Magic, time, and high-stakes adventure from one of indie fantasy's most reliable storytellers. A retired warlock private investigator returns to a world of magic and danger when a young witch asks for help solving her mother's murder. Time-Marked Warlock combines inventive worldbuilding, found-family themes, and a compelling supernatural mystery into an engaging start to The Chronos Chronicles. |
by Pamela Gibson A Regency romance filled with secrets, intrigue, and second chances. A Regency marriage begins in scandal, but hidden truths, growing trust, and unexpected danger may bring two reluctant partners closer together. Discover Unmasking the Marquess by Pamela Gibson, a historical romance featuring a marriage of convenience, family loyalty, and a touch of suspense. |
🌿 Community Corner
Several authors reached out this week with kind words about recent reviews and features. Those messages always remind me how much work goes into bringing a book into the world. And I do love hearing back from authors, readers, and even publishers when my words resonate with them.
One author even shared that a recent review helped new readers discover their book, which is always rewarding to hear.
✨ Weekend Finds for Family Gatherings, Summer Celebrations & Shared Tables
Whether you're celebrating Father's Day, attending a graduation party, hosting a family cookout, or simply gathering with friends on the patio, these finds are designed to make summer get-togethers a little easier-and a little more memorable.
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TableTopics Family Conversation CardsLooking for a way to keep conversations flowing? These family-friendly question cards encourage storytelling, laughter, and meaningful discussions around the dinner table, making them a fun addition to family reunions, cookouts, and holiday gatherings. |
Coleman Collapsible CoolerPerfect for picnics, graduation parties, and summer gatherings, this collapsible cooler folds flat when not in use and pops open when you need extra cold storage. Lightweight and easy to carry, it's a practical addition to any outdoor celebration. |
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Outdoor Lantern Bluetooth Speaker SetAdd both music and ambiance to your next gathering with these Bluetooth speakers featuring a realistic flame-effect lantern design. Ideal for patios, porches, and evening celebrations, they provide soft lighting while streaming your favorite playlists. |
Portable Side TableWhether you're relaxing at a campsite, outdoor concert, picnic, or backyard gathering, this portable table keeps drinks, phones, and small essentials within easy reach. Compact and easy to transport, it's one of those simple ideas that quickly proves its usefulness. |
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🌟 Indie Author of the Week - Friday Finds June 12, 2026 - Merida Johns
Merida Johns
This week's featured indie author is Merida Johns, who has visited the blog several times.
Merida writes emotionally layered fiction that explores courage, discovery, resilience, and the quiet moments that shape our lives. Her character-driven stories focus on ordinary people facing difficult choices, personal loss, uncertainty, and the search for connection and meaning.
In a recent guest post for my blog, Merida shared her thoughts on The Art of Revision. I think whether you are an author or a reader, you'll find it fascinating.
Before turning to fiction, she authored textbooks on health informatics and leadership. Merida later worked as a leadership coach, helping others develop their personal and professional potential - experiences that continue to influence the emotional insight and reflective themes woven throughout her fiction.
If you enjoy literary fiction with a strong character-driven storyline, you should take a look at more of her work.
This week's featured selection is A Proof of Love, a heartfelt small-town novel about grief, friendship, memory, and the people who shape our lives.
More about the author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads
✨ Indie Author of the Week highlights an author whose work has been featured on the blog and stood out to me or my readers.
Tip of the Week: Deviled Egg Dip for Summer Gatherings
If you're feeding a crowd this season, consider swapping traditional deviled eggs for a creamy deviled egg dip. You get all the classic flavor without spending half the afternoon piping filling into egg whites. Serve with crackers, vegetables, or toasted baguette slices and watch it disappear.
If hard-boiling eggs is your least favorite part, here's my tried-and-true method for making easy-peel eggs in the Instant Pot: Instant Pot Eggs.
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.
Enjoying Friday Finds? You can follow along for new reviews, reader favorites, and future Friday Finds posts.
Follow along for post updates.
🌿 Reader Question of the Week
What's one dish that always appears at your family gatherings?
🗓️ Contest closes June 30, 2026 at noon CST.
If your entry arrives after the deadline, it will be added into next month's drawing.
Last month's winner is Jo Linsdell. She'll be featured in the Community Corner and on the website sidebar soon.
Thank you for spending part of your week here with me. I hope you find a few quiet moments to enjoy a good book, a favorite hobby, or simply a chance to recharge.
Until next Friday,
Gina
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When I was little my mom always made baked corn for our family reunions. We don't have those anymore. They stopped doing them the year after my mom died.
Now when I get together with my family, we usually just have pizza.
And thank you for introducing me to Merida Johns. I love character-driven fiction.
The easy-peel egg is much appreciated 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend! Your week was certainly full on wonderful moments.
That one best-loved dish must be chicken-mayo with veggies and pickles. Everything is chopped small, mixed with mayo, mustard and chutney but making sure the sauce is not o empowering , just enough to hold. Served cold. We call it boeuf salad (can be made with beef also).
Reader Question Of The Week: One dish that appears at my family gatherings is Macaroni Salad