Friday Finds - May 15, 2026 | Thoughtful Reads, Outdoor Living & Spring Celebration
Happy Spring, friends!
This week's Friday Finds are inspired by thoughts of Spring and relaxing outdoors. If it's not Spring where you are reading this, I'm so sorry. It is gloriously Spring here. If we're lucky, it might last a couple more weeks before we need the air conditioner. The flowers are blooming and the garden is mostly planted, which certainly makes me happy.
I hope you enjoy today's Friday Finds as much as I loved finding them all. Let's get right to it.
📚 Featured This Week on the Blog - Friday Finds May 15 2026
If you missed anything this week, here's a catch-up of the latest reviews and features on the blog, including a colorful children's book, a gripping mystery, historical romance, and a BBNYA finalist.
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by Jenna Jaxon A witty and emotionally satisfying Victorian romance filled with scandal, forced marriage tension, charming banter, and strong chemistry between two unforgettable characters. |
by Eva Legre Zigre A bright and colorful children's board book that introduces young readers to family-friendly attractions throughout Temecula, California while encouraging curiosity, conversation, and exploration. |
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by Y. R. Liu An atmospheric YA fantasy filled with secrets, rituals, and eerie island mysteries, The Whisperer in White by Y. R. Liu is a 2025 BBNYA finalist worth discovering. |
by Clive Fleury A review of Off Season by Clive Fleury, an Australian police procedural featuring Detective Ramesh Ryan, cold cases, murder, and coastal crime. Detective Ryan Mystery #1 - See where it all started. |
🌟 Indie Author of the Week - Friday Finds May 15, 2026
Kyrie Wang
This week's Indie Author of the Week is Kyrie Wang, author of immersive young adult historical fantasy filled with action, heart, and richly imagined worlds.
Based in Quebec, Canada, Kyrie Wang works as a physician while also crafting fantasy stories inspired by medieval history, resilience, and the courage of ordinary people. She has been writing fiction since childhood and also enjoys drawing concept art, playing guitar, and biking with her family.
"I have a passion for crafting stories where people find their authentic selves, goodness prevails, and the forgotten and voiceless rise as heroes."
📚 Featured Book:
Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1)
Originally published under a different title before being expanded and refreshed into its current edition, Healer's Blade later went on to become a BBNYA 2024 semifinalist. This vivid medieval fantasy delivers strong character development, fast-paced adventure, and emotional depth that makes it difficult to put down.
Explore more reviews by Kyrie Wang on GinaRaeMitchell.com
✨ 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: A calming little creative project for slow afternoons.
Authentic Shell Decoupage Trinket Dishes from Cass & Pearl
Do you ever feel like setting aside a little quiet time for something creative?
This coastal-inspired craft kit feels like the kind of project made for slow afternoons, a favorite playlist, and a cup of tea nearby.
The clam shells are hand-picked from the beaches of South Jersey, giving each piece an authentic coastal touch. The included napkin patterns come in a variety of colors and styles. I'm partial to the calming blues, but there are plenty of options depending on your mood and decor style.
Even better, the kit includes everything you need in one beautifully packaged box, making it perfect for gifting or simply treating yourself to a creative afternoon.
If you decide to make these, I'd love to see your finished creations. One of my favorite parts of Friday Finds is seeing readers connect with something that sparks a little joy.
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.
Want a heads-up when a new review or Friday Finds goes live?
Follow along for post updates.
🌿 Reader Extras
Spring seems to have quietly settled into this week's Friday Finds, so I gathered a few extras inspired by reading outdoors, fresh air, and slower afternoons.
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This hammock is perfect for relaxing outside on a beautiful afternoon, beverage nearby and a book in hand. |
There's something peaceful about watching butterflies drift through the garden. Between the pollinator plants and butterfly bushes, this little shelter feels like a thoughtful addition to any outdoor reading space. |
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A soothing lavender and eucalyptus candle for when you need to escape chores for a day of reading. |
30 pieces plus a storage bag-I'm in. Never be caught without your utensils again. |
💬 Reader Contest Question of the Week
⭐ Join the conversation: What's your favorite way to relax outdoors once the weather finally turns nice again?
- 📚 Reading in a hammock
- 🌿 Gardening
- 🔥 Grilling with friends
- ☕ Sitting quietly on the porch
- 🚶 Taking long walks
Or maybe something completely different? I always love hearing the little routines and rituals that help readers slow down and enjoy the season.
(Though honestly, this week's Friday Finds may have quietly turned into my own Spring shopping list.)
🗓️ Contest closes May 31, 2026 at noon CST.
If your entry arrives after the deadline, never fear! It will be added into next month's drawing.
🌿 Closing Notes
Thank you for spending part of your Friday with me. I hope you get a chance to relax a bit this week. I plan to enjoy a little more of that myself while the weather is still this beautiful.
Until next time, may your rest be peaceful, and the perfect book make its way to you!
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Gardening for me! I need to get outside more!
Gardening for me! I need to get outside more and forget about this online stuff! It's driving me nuts!
It can get overwhelming for sure, Jessica. I hope you can find a balance so you can enjoy your gardening time.
Reading on a lawn chair in the shade of a tree on a sunny afternoon. Ahhhhh.
We bought a small country house with a large piece of land earlier this year and it's fast become my happy place. Sundays are now BBQ days with friends and family. I'm finding a new passion in gardening now and love being outdoors. I can't wait for summer! I honestly think I want all four of your readers extras items.
Me too, Jo! Some people only include things they can personally recommend. Me... If I’m thinking about buying it, I figure my readers will love it too. Your place in the country sounds lovely.
If I can I like to take brief walks and see what's new around me like flowers and animals and who knows what else that is my answer to Question of the Week
Hello! My favorite activity is sitting quietly on my porch reading a book.
A good week here, Gina.
RJ's Adventures sounds like a really sweet read, but The Whisperer in White really caught my eye as did your author of the Week, K Wang. I live her book cover!
I'm also curious about the candle for readers you showcase here.
As for relaxing when the weather is good I love to walk and listen to nature sounds - bird chirping, branches cracking underfoot, the quiet.
Best wishes.
PS I wrote you an emailland.
Thanks for stopping by, Patricia. I finally got your email answered. I got woefully behind this week. But, I spent the entire morning catching up on emails.
A pleasure to read your Friday Finds, Gina. And than you so much. I appreciate it. 🙂 Have a peaceful weekend.