Friday Finds Roundup | April 23 – 2021
Welcome to this week’s roundup. What a week it’s been. I read on the deck in 70-degree sunshine (21C). The next day we had an inch of snow. The great thing about Spring snow is that you know it won’t be around long. We are supposed to be back into the upper 70s by next week. Gotta love Spring in the Midwest!
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I have several new subscribers this week, so if this is your first time visiting, check out this important info.
I always run a contest in the Friday Finds post. If you leave a comment at the bottom of this page, I’ll enter you in a drawing to win a prize. So far, winners have been awarded a spot as the featured author of the week in my BookShop, the Blogger/Author of the Week spot on the sidebar of my website, a chance to jump to the top of my review list, and the ever-useful Amazon gift card. Naturally, if contests like this are not your thing, you don’t have to accept any prize. However, I still love to chat with each & every one of you in the comment section.
If you subscribe to the newsletter, there is sometimes bonus information that is not available here. (See the sidebar to sign up.)
Speaking of the drawing, Kimberly of My Bookish Bliss is this week’s winning comment. You can find her on the sidebar of my website for the next week or so. Please give her a visit and mention you saw her on here!
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In other news, I am powering through my TBR list this spring. If you are waiting on a review from me, please check in with me to make sure you are on the list. The spreadsheet gods seem to have shuffled things around. Excel & I are not the best of friends some days. Alternatively, shoot me an email, and I’ll confirm a time frame for you.
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My planner, which runs my personal and blogging life ends on June 30th. I currently use this one. Do you have a favorite? I am in the “searching for one” that suits me a bit better phase. I have loved this year’s, but it has a lot of features I don’t use. Let me know your favorite!
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Now let’s move on to the Finds for this week.
Thanks for reading,
Gina
Friday Finds Roundup | April 23 – 2021 | Books on my TBR
For Better or Worse by E B Roshan
Boris and Anna’s first baby is due any day, but the thought of raising a child in the war-torn city of Dor fills Anna with dread. Because Boris is so focused on keeping his struggling business afloat, he brushes her fears aside.
When White Horse gangsters attack his illegal employee, Boris’s attempt to protect him puts his own family in danger. Will doing the right thing cost him more than he’s willing to pay? Will Boris and Anna live to see their second anniversary?
Shards of Sevia: Book Four (Can be read as a standalone!)
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout
Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.
A Maiden…
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.
A Maiden…
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
A Duty…
The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor-bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.
A Kingdom…
Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.
The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor-bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.
A Kingdom…
Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.
Book One of the Blood & Ash series.
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
The hilarious #1 New York Times bestselling picture book about a chimpanzee in a very bad mood–perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing feelings.
Jim, the chimpanzee, is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.
Jim Panzee is back and grumpier than ever in Grumpy Monkey: Party Time and Grumpy Monkey: Up All Night!
Friday Finds Roundup | April 23 – 2021 | Recipes
Sheet Pan Sausage & Vegetables
Sheet Pan recipes have been a hit lately on my blog. I think this one sounds great for every day, but especially once garden veggies are plentiful.
Easy Jam Bars from Smuckers
I love bar cookies. This recipe looks like a good one to try.
Friday Finds Roundup | April 23 – 2021 | Creative Projects
DIY Bird Feeder Kit
This kit will be so fun to do with children or as a group project. I might even try by myself first, just to see how it goes.
Friday Finds Roundup | April 23 – 2021 | News & Notes
My latest book reviews can be found HERE!
The Book Trigger Warnings site run by my friends Jen & Rob is growing by leaps & bounds. It’s such a valuable asset and a labor of love for them. Why invest your time & money in a book if you are going to run into something in the book that upsets you. Obviously, if you don’t need it, don’t visit the site. But please refrain from dismissing other readers’ desires to utilize the site. Kindness is always key around here!
I had a note from a newsletter subscriber that her latest book, Mae’s Big Adventure by Wanda Etheridge, is now available for purchase. It’s the second in the series, is told in limerick style, and gives you more of what you love about Mae who was introduced last summer in “The Funny List” which was well received! Be on the lookout for a review from me soon!
Do you have news or an announcement to share with my readers? I also have openings to feature books and websites on the sidebar. Shoot me an email and we can talk about it.
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That wraps up this week’s edition. Be sure you scroll down to reply and let me know your favorite find this week.
I also share many of my reviews on the following websites:
- Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up (Not limited to audiobooks)
- The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
- Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda
- Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Monthly Link Party
- Esme’s Salon Monthly Link-up
[…] comment contest winner from last week’s Friday Finds is Theresa Boedeker. She will be the featured blogger on my sidebar for the next week. Please visit […]
Gina, I read you first paragraph and wondered if you lived in the Midwest. Where else is it 70 degrees and then snowing? It’s where I live too. The book that is calling to me is Grumpy Monkey. Just the title makes me smile. I may be way older than a child, but I do enjoy a good picture book. I just finished the novel, The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan, about 4 ladies in England cooking for a contest during WWII and dealing with the rations. It was so good.
Yes indeed Theresa! Central Illinois. It’s warm with beautiful sunshine today……except the wind is so strong you can’t enjoy the outdoors. I think our Spring storms are supposed to begin mid week. But, some of the garden is planted and flowers are up, so I’m happy. I believe adults can learn a lot from children’s books. I’ll have to check on that book, it sounds good.
I am delighted to see your finds today. Visiting from the inspire me monday link up.
Thank you for stopping by. Come back soon.
Thank you Gina for the shout out. I had a book reading/signing today at a local bookstore (Indie Bookstore Day) and had a great time – sold 25 books and a custom doll that looks like my main character.
You are welcome, Wanda. That sounds like a lovely day.
Thank you Gina! I am honored to be included in your sidebar. HUGS
Lately I’ve been feeling like a grumpy monkey!
The birdfeeder looks so cute!
Have a great weekend!
Love it! Tweeted!
Congrats to Kimberly! 🙌🎉 I don’t have a fav blogging calendar…I just grab one at the end of the year! I know I like big squares! Lol 😂 and I like a 5×7 size so it’s easy to tuck in my purse.
Thank you Carol. 🙂