Friday Finds November 6, 2026 | Books, Baking & More
"The best discoveries are the ones that give us something worth sharing."
- Gina Rae Mitchell
Welcome to Friday Finds | November 6, 2026
November has arrived, bringing cooler days, cozy reading opportunities, and the beginning of holiday baking season!
This week, I'm sharing two memorable reads that explore resilience, secrets, and the unexpected paths life takes us down. I'm also celebrating indie author R. L. Balladrael, whose latest newsletter reminded me how much joy and connection the book community brings.
In Community Corner, a lovely surprise from Daniela Alibrandi shows how stories can cross borders and languages. And in Sip & Savor, I'm kicking off holiday baking with cranberry orange blondie bars that look perfect for sharing.
Of course, there's a little something special for book lovers in Featured Find, too!
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
Two books, two very different journeys. Here's where my reading has taken me.
🌿 On the Blog This Week
The Kauai Refuge: After the Wave by K. A. Jarvis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When the world falls apart, sometimes hope has four paws.
Survival takes on a whole new meaning in this gripping post-apocalyptic story. Sarah and her loyal dog, Koa, face danger, betrayal, and impossible choices as they navigate a world forever changed. What stayed with me most was their extraordinary bond and the hope that persists even in the darkest moments.
Also This Week
Every Silent Thing by M. R. Madonna ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some secrets don't stay buried. They echo through generations.
Family secrets, tangled timelines, and choices that echo across generations make this an emotionally layered mystery. I found myself questioning what I knew as the characters' complicated pasts slowly came into focus. It's the kind of story that keeps you thinking long after the final page.
🌿 Community Corner
Sometimes a book review travels farther than I ever imagined!
This week, I'm sharing a lovely moment from author Daniela Alibrandi, who recently featured an Italian translation of my review of "Cold Hands" in her article, "When Recognition Comes from Beyond Borders."
It's a wonderful reminder of the connections books create across languages, countries, and communities. Supporting authors has brought some unexpected and meaningful moments into my blogging journey, and this is certainly one of them.
🌟Featured Author: R. L. Balladrael - Stories, Family, and a Little Bookish Magic
💭 My Reflections
One of my favorite things about following indie authors is getting a glimpse of the people behind the stories. This week, R. L. Balladrael reminded me exactly why I love those connections.
I've already had the pleasure of reading and reviewing both books in her Chronicles of Kesperen duology, Icara's Flight and She Who Breaks Gods.
In her November newsletter, R. L. shared news about her latest writing adventures, including querying her romantic fantasy novel, When Enemy Sorcerers Dream Together, and revisiting its sequel.
But the moments that really made me smile were about her children. Her four-year-old announced that she wanted to be a writer just like Mom, while her one-and-a-half-year-old triplets have discovered that books are even better for reading than eating!
And there's something for readers, too. R. L. has organized her first free-book exchange featuring human-written genre fiction. She's also sharing two additional collections of free science fiction and fantasy ebooks throughout November.
It's a wonderful reminder that the book community is about more than individual stories. It's about sharing discoveries, supporting fellow authors, and celebrating the joy of reading.
📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews
- Icara's Flight (Chronicles of Kesperen, Book 1) → Review
When an immortal young woman discovers her father's impossible second death, her search for answers uncovers dangerous secrets. An imaginative sci-fi adventure blending mystery, rebellion, and a touch of slow-burn romance. - She Who Breaks Gods (Chronicles of Kesperen, Book 2) → Review
The adventure expands across the stars as Icara and her unlikely allies fight to prevent a devastating conquest. Filled with strange worlds, impossible choices, and heartfelt romance, this thrilling sequel brings the duology to a satisfying conclusion.
See all my R.L. Balladrael 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: Cranberry Orange Blondie Bars
Holiday baking season is almost here, and I'm kicking things off with a treat that looks as festive as it sounds! These Cranberry Orange Blondies combine sweet, chewy bars with tart cranberries and a bright hint of citrus.
They're a lovely addition to a holiday dessert tray, cookie exchange, or afternoon coffee break.
This week's recipe comes from Lynne Feifer at 365 Days of Baking, where you'll find the complete ingredients and baking instructions.
Get the Cranberry Orange Blondies Recipe →
🍪 Holiday Baking Tip: Want to get a head start on your holiday treats? These blondies freeze well. Slice them, wrap each piece individually, and store them in an airtight freezer container. Thaw before serving, and you'll have one less thing to prepare on party day!
💐 Featured Find
Illustrative graphic. View photographs of the actual product on Amazon.
A little sunshine, a shelf full of stories, and flowers that never fade.
Why I Picked This
I couldn't resist this cheerful bookish suncatcher! Featuring a colorful collection of books topped with bright flowers, this genuine glass decoration would make a lovely addition to a sunny reading nook, home library, or favorite window.
The stained-glass-inspired artwork is printed on real glass, bringing a little color and literary charm to any space. What a sweet gift for a book lover, librarian, or anyone who enjoys surrounding themselves with books and beautiful things!
View the Books & Flowers Suncatcher on Amazon →
💬 Let's Chat!
With holiday baking season approaching, I've been thinking about the recipes and little traditions that make this time of year special.
What's one cookie, dessert, or family recipe that always brings back wonderful memories?
Maybe it's a recipe passed down through generations, a treat you make every December, or something you remember from childhood.
I'd love to hear about it in the comments! And if you have a favorite holiday baking tradition, please share that, too.
📜 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
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Mom's Homemade Orange Cookies and Sherbet