Friday Finds - May 22, 2026 | Memorial Day Reflections, Outdoor Gatherings & Weekend Reads

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, I've been thinking a lot about the moments that quietly bring people together - outdoor dinners that stretch long after sunset, stories shared around the table, favorite recipes passed through generations, and the simple comfort of spending time with people we love.

This week's Friday Finds leans into that softer side of the holiday weekend with thoughtful books, meaningful stories, cozy outdoor inspiration, and a few simple ways to create a warm gathering space of your own.

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📚 Worth Reading This Week

This week's stories brought together family stories, emotional journeys, quiet mysteries, and a few books that linger after the final page. Here are four worth revisiting as we head into a long weekend.

Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis The Oregon Trail comes alive through hardship, hope, sacrifice, and the quiet moments that shape who we become.	Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell is a fast-paced domestic thriller packed with betrayal, secrets, and deadly suspense in the forests of Tennessee.
Nokomis Hospital by Jay B. Greene A gritty investigative thriller blending hospital corruption, whistleblowers, and 1980s healthcare politics, Nokomis Hospital by Jay B. Greene delivers a tense, realism-driven mystery with strong moral stakes and compelling characters.	The Secret Cottage by Kate Ellington A charming historical romance filled with hidden longing, misunderstandings, family expectations, and a slow-burning connection.

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🌟 Indie Author of the Week - Friday Finds May 22, 2026

Larry A. Freeland

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, I've found myself thinking a lot about the stories families carry forward - the sacrifices remembered, the traditions preserved, and the people who continue shaping us long after they're gone.

That made this week feel like the perfect time to introduce a new-to-me author whose work left a strong impression on me.

Recently, I reviewed Legacy of Honor: The Descendants, a story that blends history, family legacy, and emotional reflection in a way that feels both heartfelt and deeply personal. Rather than focusing only on battles or military action, the novel explores the lasting impact service can have across generations and the responsibility families carry in remembering those stories.

I love the balance between honor and humanity. The story never loses sight of the people behind the history - their relationships, struggles, and hopes for the future. That emotional grounding made the story feel especially meaningful this time of year.

If you enjoy historical fiction that explores family connections, courage, resilience, and the enduring echoes of the past, Larry A. Freeland is definitely an author worth discovering.

History, family, sacrifice, and memory come together in a story that feels especially meaningful this time of year.

Read My Review

Explore more from 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.

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💐 Create a No-Stress Backyard Gathering Table

You don't need a perfect Pinterest setup to make a holiday weekend feel special. A simple table with a pitcher of lemonade, easy snacks, folding chairs, and a few favorite people can become the moments everyone remembers most.

Bonus points for:

• mismatched bowls
• paperbacks nearby
• citronella candles
• music playing softly in the background

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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🌿 Reader Extras

A few simple finds to help make outdoor gatherings feel a little cozier this weekend - from soft lighting and relaxed patio touches to easy comforts perfect for lingering outside a little longer.

Warm Outdoor String Lights for Summer Evenings These warm solar string lights add an easy cozy glow to patios, porches, and backyard gatherings all summer long. Perfect for slow evenings outside with good food, conversation, and a favorite book nearby.	Covered Summer Pitchers for Backyard Gatherings These covered pitchers are perfect for lemonade, iced tea, or fruit-infused water during outdoor gatherings. I especially love the lids for keeping drinks fresh during long summer evenings on the porch or patio.
Natural Citronella Candles for Summer Evenings These simple citronella candles add a soft glow to outdoor gatherings while helping keep summer evenings comfortable and relaxed.	Summer Fruit Throw for Porch & Patio Evenings This lightweight woven throw adds a cheerful summer touch to porches, patios, and outdoor reading corners. Perfect for cool evenings, lemonade nearby, and lingering outside a little longer.

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🌿 Reader Question of the Week

What's one simple thing that instantly makes an outdoor gathering feel special to you?

🗓️ 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.

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As always, thank you for spending part of your week here with me.

Whether your weekend is filled with family gatherings, quiet reflection, good books, backyard meals, or simply a little extra time outdoors, I hope you're able to slow down and enjoy a few meaningful moments along the way.

Until next Friday,
Gina