Friday Finds June 26, 2026 | Books, Summer Gatherings & Family Fun

Welcome to this week's Friday Finds!

Whether your plans include a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or simply gathering around the table with family, Independence Day is also a wonderful opportunity to slow down and create lasting memories. Here are a few simple ideas that put the emphasis on time together rather than spending money.

• Read a favorite picture book together before the festivities.
• Share family stories from previous Fourth of July celebrations.
• Start a patriotic puzzle or family board game.
• Have everyone recommend a favorite summer read.
• Visit a local historical site or museum.
• End the evening with a good book on the porch before the fireworks begin. Families often celebrate with picnics, barbecues, parades, and community gatherings, making the holiday as much about time together as the festivities themselves.

"Family is not an important thing. It's everything." - Michael J. Fox

🪑 From My Reading Chair

Some weeks my reading naturally settles into one genre. This wasn't one of those weeks! My reading chair has been occupied by detectives, historians, songwriters, and Regency ladies, proving once again that the best reading adventures come in all shapes and sizes.

Here are four books that kept me turning pages for very different reasons. I hope you'll discover one that speaks to you, too.

Breakthrough Lies by Jay B. Greene a gripping investigative thriller that explores corruption, abuse, and the cost of looking the other way. Read my 5-star review of this standalone-friendly Jack Kendall Mystery.	A Soul on Trial by Robin R. Cutler A Soul on Trial by Robin R. Cutler explores a remarkable true story of family legacy, military history, and a mother's relentless search for answers. Read my review and guest post from the author.
Stolen: The Orion Sessions by Cheryl DaVeiga When Orion's songwriting is stolen at music camp, she must find the courage to stand up for herself and reclaim her voice. Stolen: The Orion Sessions #2 by Cheryl DaVeiga is an uplifting middle-grade story about friendship, resilience, kindness, and perseverance.	Romance at Ridgeford Hall by Kate Ellington A charming Regency romance filled with friendship, family secrets, and second chances. Read my review of Romance at Ridgeford Hall by Kate Ellington and discover why this sweet historical romance was such an enjoyable palate cleanser.

🌿 Community Corner

I'm excited to share that I'll soon be launching a new occasional feature called Behind the Book.

These author spotlights will go beyond the usual biography to explore the inspiration, research, creative process, or fascinating stories behind a book. My goal is to help readers discover not only great books, but also the people and experiences that bring them to life.

I'm currently accepting applications for a limited number of upcoming features. If you're an author with a story you'd love to share, I'd be delighted to hear from you. You can learn more through my Work With Me page or simply reply to this newsletter.

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🌟 Featured Author of the Week - Friday Finds June 26, 2026 - Frederick J. Burns

Frederick J. Burns

Frederick J. Burns first visited the blog a few years ago, but his story-and his beautiful children's book-have stayed with me ever since.

Frederick J. Burns is an author, illustrator, and lifelong creative whose work celebrates kindness, imagination, and the connections that unite us. A former trial attorney, he now channels his storytelling into children's literature, creating books that encourage empathy, friendship, and an appreciation for the natural world.

Entirely self-taught as an artist, Frederick works across a variety of mediums, from pen and ink with watercolor washes to oil painting, sculpture, and woodworking. His intricate tree illustrations have drawn comparisons to the whimsical styles of Arthur Rackham and Maurice Sendak, while his artwork has appeared in juried exhibitions, public spaces, and on the cover of musician Dave Brinnel's album Alone.

His award-winning picture book, And the Trees Talked Back, invites readers of all ages to see beyond differences and discover the beauty of understanding one another. Frederick lives in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts with his wife, Heather, and their two dogs, where he continues to explore new artistic projects and develop future books.

This week's featured selection is a refreshed review of And the Trees Talked Back.

More about the author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads

✨ 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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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert | 🍓 Summer Recipe Pick

No summer picnic feels quite complete without Strawberry Pretzel Dessert. Part side dish, part dessert, and entirely delicious, this classic recipe has earned its place at backyard barbecues, family reunions, and Fourth of July celebrations. Keep this one in your recipe box-you'll be reaching for it all summer long.

Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

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 one family tradition you look forward to every summer?

🗓️ Contest closes June 30, 2026 at noon CST.

If your entry arrives after the deadline, it will be added into next month's drawing.

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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