Friday Finds Nov 13, 2026 | Indie Books & Holiday Gifts
"Some of life's loveliest moments are found in a good story, a thoughtful gesture, and the simple joy of sharing both."
- Gina Rae Mitchell
Welcome to Friday Finds | November 13, 2026
November has a way of reminding me to appreciate the little things: a good book, a warm kitchen, and the kindness that connects us through the stories we share. With the holidays approaching, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate the authors, readers, and small businesses that make our bookish community so special.
This week, I'm revisiting the historical fiction and supernatural romance of featured author M. F. Jones, sharing two very different reading discoveries, and exploring simple ways to support the people behind the books we love. And because holiday baking season is getting underway, there's a batch of Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies waiting in Sip & Savor!
Let's see what we discover this week.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🪑 From My Reading Chair
This week's reading discoveries take us in two very different directions: a family mystery filled with unanswered questions and an imaginative fantasy adventure featuring a most unusual companion. Both offer plenty for readers to explore!
🌿 On the Blog This Week
Under Red Skies by Samantha Roman
Family secrets, second chances, and a mystery that refuses to stay buried.
In Under Red Skies, the third installment of Samantha Roman's Honeybrook High series, Leslie faces troubling questions about her family's past while Candy struggles with challenges of her own. I appreciated the stronger mystery in this installment, although I recommend reading the series in order to get the most from the continuing story. My review also includes a guest post from Samantha about writing characters whose influence continues long after they're gone.
Read the Review & Guest Post →
✨ Also This Week: BBNYA 2026 Spotlight
Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
A grieving girl, a mysterious magical creature, and an ancient curse.
My latest BBNYA 2026 semi-finalist spotlight introduces Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy, a middle grade fantasy about friendship, courage, and discovering where you belong. When thirteen-year-old Lianna meets a mysterious birdlike creature with a secret mission, an unexpected alliance leads to adventure, family secrets, and an ancient danger. Stop by the spotlight to discover more about the story and its author!
Explore the BBNYA 2026 Spotlight →
🌿 Community Corner
📚 A Little Bookish Giving Goes a Long Way
As the holiday season approaches, I've been thinking about all the wonderful authors, readers, and small businesses that make our bookish community so special. This time of year offers plenty of opportunities to show them a little extra love, and it doesn't always involve spending money.
Sharing a favorite book recommendation, leaving a thoughtful review, requesting an indie author's book at your local library, or telling a friend about a small bookshop can make a meaningful difference. Those simple gestures help good stories find new readers and remind the people behind them that their work matters.
And if you're shopping for holiday gifts, consider browsing an independent bookstore, choosing a book from an indie author, or supporting a small creative business. You can even shop for books online through Bookshop.org, which helps support independent bookstores. A thoughtfully chosen book or handmade treasure can carry so much more meaning than its price tag.
I'd love to hear how you support your favorite authors and bookish businesses. Maybe we'll inspire each other with a few new ideas this season!
🌟 Featured Author of the Week - M. F. Jones
💭 My Reflections
One of the things I appreciate most about M. F. Jones's writing is her ability to bring history to life without losing sight of the people at the heart of the story. Her novels weave together historical detail, romance, mystery, and supernatural elements in ways that feel surprisingly natural.
In Stones River, I was particularly drawn to the richly described Tennessee setting and the tender, sometimes bittersweet relationship between Jessie and Lem, a Civil War soldier whose unfinished business reaches far beyond his lifetime. The historical research impressed me, but it was the emotional connection between the characters that made the story memorable.
With Soldier's Joy, Mimi brings those historical connections into a more contemporary setting, exploring the lasting effects of military trauma, survivor's guilt, and the difficult journey toward healing. I especially appreciated the authenticity of her research and the way she allowed her characters to be imperfect while remaining compelling.
I've also enjoyed welcoming Mimi to the blog for guest posts. From her reflections on writing and knitting to the personal experiences that inspired her Civil War research, she offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the creativity and dedication behind her novels.
If you enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth, memorable characters, and a gentle supernatural thread, Mimi's books are well worth exploring. I recommend beginning with Stones River before moving on to Soldier's Joy, although the second book can also be enjoyed as a standalone.
📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews
- Stones River → Review
Book One of The Sentinel Heart Trilogy. A haunting Civil War romance about love, sacrifice, and a soldier whose unfinished mission reaches across generations. Includes Mimi's guest post about writing and knitting. - Soldier's Joy → Review
Book Two of The Sentinel Heart Trilogy. An emotionally layered story connecting Civil War history with a modern veteran's struggle to heal. Includes an author guest post with personal photographs and historical inspiration.
See all my M. F. Jones features →
Website • Amazon • Goodreads • Author Hub
✨ Featured Author Spotlight introduces readers to authors whose work has been featured on the blog, along with my personal reflections and a few recommended places to begin.
🍪 Sip & Savor
Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
There's something especially comforting about a homemade shortbread cookie during the holiday season. These Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies combine rich butter, toasted pecans, and a hint of maple sweetness for a treat that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon spent reading.
As part of our holiday baking and entertaining series, this week's recipe is all about keeping things simple. The slice-and-bake dough can be prepared ahead of time, making it easy to have homemade cookies ready for guests, gift trays, or a little treat just for yourself.
🍁 Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Makes: Approximately 30-36 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: At least 90 minutes
Bake time: 15-18 minutes per batch
Oven temperature: 325°F (163°C)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon maple extract (optional, for stronger maple flavor)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans, cooled
Optional Maple Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons milk, as needed
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the pecans: Spread the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently for approximately 3-5 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from the heat and allow them to cool completely.
- Cream the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid whipping in too much air.
- Add the flavorings: Mix in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional maple extract until combined.
- Prepare the dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Fold in the cooled toasted pecans. The dough may look slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Shape and chill: Divide the dough in half. Shape each portion into a log approximately 2 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 90 minutes, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the cookies: Using a sharp knife, cut the chilled logs into rounds approximately 1/3 inch thick. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. If the dough softens while slicing, refrigerate the rounds briefly before baking.
- Bake: Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, checking toward the end. The cookies should look set with lightly golden edges. Baking time may vary with thickness and oven temperature.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the optional glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Add a little more milk if needed to create a drizzle consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and allow the glaze to set before storing.
🍴 Gina's Kitchen Note
One of the best things about slice-and-bake cookies is how easily they fit into a busy holiday schedule. Prepare the dough logs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 3 days, or freeze them tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen logs in the refrigerator until they're firm but sliceable, then bake as directed.
For gifting, let the glaze set completely before arranging the cookies in a decorative tin with parchment paper between the layers. They're lovely alongside a few tea bags or a packet of favorite coffee for a simple homemade holiday gift.
🎁 Featured Find
I've wrapped up a little holiday surprise for this week's Featured Find! It's something especially delightful for book lovers, but I'm not giving away the secret just yet.
Can you guess what's hiding inside the gift box?
Take your best guess before revealing this week's bookish discovery!
🎄 Ready for the Reveal?
Reveal This Week's Find: A Bookish Christmas Ornament on Etsy →
My discovery is a Year of Books Christmas ornament, a charming gift idea for readers who love celebrating their favorite stories. Visit the Etsy listing to see the actual ornament, available options, and customization details. The seller releases a limited number of ordering spots daily during the busy holiday season, so availability may vary.
Did you guess correctly? Let me know in the comments. And be honest... Santa's listening! 🎅
This section contains an affiliate link, which may help support the blog at no extra cost to you.
💬 Let's Chat!
Books have a wonderful way of connecting people, whether we're sharing a favorite story, recommending a new author, or choosing a special gift for someone we love.
Do you enjoy giving books as gifts, or do you prefer letting the book lovers in your life choose their own?
I'd love to hear how you handle bookish gift-giving in the comments!
📜 More Friday Finds
Missed a week? Browse previous editions of Friday Finds for more book reviews, author spotlights, reader favorites, recipes, and discoveries.
Browse the Friday Finds Archive →
Thank you for spending part of your week with me. I hope you have a peaceful, joy-filled weekend filled with good books and little moments to savor.
Until next week's Friday Finds,
Gina
Get Friday Finds + Bookish Extras
Join me for Friday Finds, cozy reads, and bookish discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
Only books I give as gifts is Bibles but love getting books as gifts