Friday Finds | October 23, 2026
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
- L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Welcome to Friday Finds | October 23, 2026
Happy Friday, book friends!
Isn't there something wonderful about these last days of October? The trees are showing off their autumn colors, there's a chill in the air, and suddenly a cozy sweater, a warm drink, and a good book sound like the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Halloween is sneaking up on us, too! I'm not sure where October disappeared to, but I'm determined to enjoy every last bit of it. Maybe I'll even take a little inspiration from this week's Featured Find and officially declare that reading good books is an autumn requirement!
This week, we're heading to Arizona to visit the romantic world of Karen Baney and her Vargas Ranch cowboys. I've also got three wonderful books waiting in the Reading Chair, a celebration of indie authors through BBNYA, and a ridiculously cute Halloween snack that requires absolutely no cooking.
So grab your favorite fall beverage, settle into a comfortable spot, and let's see what Friday has in store for us!
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.
🐴 Featured Author of the Week - Karen Baney
Explore Karen's books and my reviews →
💭 My Reflections
What I've enjoyed most about Karen's Vargas Ranch series is the combination of heartfelt romance, family connections, and vivid Arizona settings. Each Vargas brother brings a different personality and set of challenges to the story, while faith, forgiveness, and second chances remain at the heart of the series. There's something comforting about returning to a familiar ranch and discovering another love story along the way.
If you're new to Karen's books, the Vargas Ranch series is a wonderful place to begin. I've reviewed the first four numbered novels, and the series has grown considerably since then!
📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews
- Falling for a Real Cowboy → Review
Book 1 - A city romance writer meets a cowboy determined to keep love out of his life. - Falling for a Shy Cowboy → Review
Book 2 - A shy cowboy, a single mother, and a heartfelt chance at love. - Falling for a Bossy Cowboy → Review
Book 3 - A bossy rancher and a professional tennis player discover that opposites really do attract. - Falling for a Smart Cowboy → Review
Book 4 - Family secrets, new dreams, and an unexpected romance at Vargas Ranch.
Explore all my Karen Baney reviews →
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.
🪑 From My Reading Chair
Every book has a story beyond its plot. These are the ones that stayed with me this week.
🌿 On the Blog This Week
Cowboy Watch by Petie McCarty
Small-town secrets, second chances, and a touch of the supernatural.
Petie McCarty blends romantic suspense, family secrets, and unexpected twists into a heartfelt story of healing and second chances. With an intriguing mystery and just enough paranormal intrigue, Cowboy Watch keeps readers guessing while giving them characters worth rooting for.
Also This Week
Candidate for Murder by Lauren Carr
Politics, murder, and another mystery for Mac Faraday to unravel!
Lauren Carr brings Mac Faraday back for another entertaining mystery packed with suspicious characters, political intrigue, and plenty of twists. Candidate for Murder delivers the clever plotting, engaging personalities, and touches of humor that make this series such an enjoyable escape.
And one for families
Amazing Answers for Curious Kids: Space Edition
by Ross Austin
Blast off on a curiosity-filled adventure through space!
Ross Austin makes exploring the universe fun with 84 fascinating questions, surprising facts, and real photographs that encourage young readers to think before discovering the answers. Amazing Answers for Curious Kids: Space Edition is a wonderful choice for curious kids ages 6-12, families, and educators who love making learning an adventure.
🍂 Sip & Savor - Halloween Pretzel Broomsticks
A little Halloween magic, straight from the snack tray!
With Halloween just around the corner, I couldn't resist adding a little whimsy to this week's Sip & Savor. These adorable Pretzel Broomsticks are made with just three ingredients, require no cooking, and are almost too cute to eat!
They're perfect for Halloween parties, family movie nights, or a cozy afternoon curled up with a slightly spooky book. Best of all, you can put together a whole batch in about 15 minutes!
🧹 Halloween Pretzel Broomsticks
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Yield: 12 broomsticks
Ingredients
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 thin pretzel sticks
- 12 fresh chive strands
Instructions
- Cut each string cheese stick in half crosswise.
- Carefully slice thin fringes into one end of each cheese piece, stopping about halfway up to create broom bristles.
- Gently insert a pretzel stick into the uncut end to form the broom handle.
- Wrap a chive strand around each cheese broom, just above the fringes, and tie a small knot.
- Arrange on a festive platter and serve!
Gina's Tip: Make these shortly before serving so the pretzel handles stay nice and crunchy. You can prepare the cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble.
Sometimes the simplest treats bring the biggest smiles. And really, who couldn't use a little kitchen magic this time of year?
🌿 Community Corner - BBNYA 2026
Celebrating Indie Authors with BBNYA 2026!
There's something special about a community of book lovers coming together to champion independent authors, and that's exactly what the Book Bloggers' Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is all about!
Now in its seventh year, BBNYA brings together book bloggers from around the world to read, evaluate, and celebrate novels by self-published authors and small independent presses. I'm delighted to be participating again this year, both as a judge and by sharing spotlight features that introduce readers to some wonderful indie books.
This Week's Spotlight
Yesterday, I featured An Absence of Artificers by Emma Bradley, an intriguing YA fantasy where Molly, a workshop owner and part-time spy, investigates mysterious disappearances inside a dangerous Faerie citadel. With secrets to uncover and enemies closing in, there's plenty here to tempt fantasy lovers!
And the discoveries continue! My next BBNYA spotlight, Child of the Dragon, arrives Saturday, October 24.
If you enjoy discovering books beyond the usual bestseller lists, I hope you'll follow along as we celebrate these talented indie storytellers!
🍁 Featured Find - Cozy Autumn Rules Metal Sign
Wear a sweater. Drink hot coffee. Light the candles. Read good books. Enjoy fall moments.
Now those are autumn rules I can happily follow! This charming vintage-style metal sign celebrates everything I love about the season, from cozy sweaters and warm drinks to candlelight and a good book. Its rustic colors and nostalgic illustrations would add a welcoming touch to a reading nook, kitchen, or favorite cozy corner.
And honestly, any decoration that reminds me to read good books deserves a spot in Friday Finds!
See the Cozy Autumn Rules Metal Sign on Amazon →
This section may contain affiliate links, which help support the blog at no extra cost to you.
💬 Let's Chat!
The Cozy Autumn Rules sign has me thinking about all the little things that make this season special. A favorite sweater, a warm mug in my hands, a candle flickering nearby, and a good book? That sounds like a pretty perfect afternoon to me!
If you could pick just one cozy autumn rule to follow today, which would it be?
- 🍁 Wear a favorite sweater
- ☕ Enjoy a warm drink
- 🕯️ Light a cozy candle
- 📚 Curl up with a good book
Or would you add a completely different rule to the list?
I'd love to hear what makes autumn special for you. Tell me your favorite fall ritual 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
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curl up with a good book
read Candidate for murder and it was an excellent book loved book