Friday Finds | September 4, 2026
"And all at once, summer collapsed into fall."
- Oscar Wilde
Welcome to Friday Finds | September 4, 2026
September has arrived, bringing that lovely in-between time when summer hasn't quite packed its bags, but little hints of fall are beginning to sneak in. This week's finds seem to have developed a bit of a fantasy streak all on their own, with dragons, devils, free speculative reads, and plenty of adventure. We also have a mystery-writing Featured Author, a sweet-and-salty snack for the reading chair, and a fun little find for anyone who can never have too many bookmarks.
Let's see what we discover this week.
🪑 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
The Last Rift Dragon by Shami Stovall
Book one of a brand new series from Shami Stovall
Dragons are nearing extinction, enemies are closing in, and Bridgehaven needs its knights. Read my 5-star review of The Last Rift Dragon by Shami Stovall, an immersive YA fantasy filled with inventive magic, loyal friendships, humor, treachery, and unforgettable dragons.
Also This Week
The Fallen Devil by Kenneth B. Andersen
Discover The Fallen Devil, a dark fantasy exploring good and evil, identity, choice, redemption, and the consequences of the decisions we make.
Return to Hell with Philip in The Fallen Devil, the sixth and final book in Kenneth B. Andersen's Great Devil War series. This dark, emotional finale explores identity, choice, redemption, and the complicated balance between good and evil.
🌿 Community Corner
Free Sci-Fi & Fantasy Reads
R. L. Balladrael recently shared a couple of September book promotions that I thought my fantasy and science-fiction readers might enjoy. There are two collections to browse-Science Fiction & Dystopian September Free Books and Free Adventures in Science Fiction & Fantasy. If you're looking to fill up your e-reader and perhaps discover a new-to-you indie author, take a peek!
As always with promotional collections, availability and pricing can change, so double-check before downloading.
Do you have news to share with the community? Pass it along to me and I'll see if it fits a future edition.
🌟 Featured Author Spotlight
💭 My Reflections
I've had the pleasure of reading both books in Clive Fleury's Detective Ryan Murder Mystery series, and what stands out to me is how easily he blends the investigation with the people behind it. Off Season introduced me to Detective Ryan and his world, while All Or None gave me the chance to return to a character I'd already enjoyed and see both his professional and personal story develop. Clive keeps the mysteries moving without losing sight of the characters, which is exactly the balance I enjoy in a good detective story.
If you're new to Clive's work and enjoy character-driven mysteries with plenty of suspense, I'd start with Off Season and meet Detective Ryan from the beginning. Then you'll be ready to follow him straight into All Or None.
📚 Start Here: My Featured Reviews
- Off Season → Review
Detective Ryan Series, Book 1 - All or None → Review
Detective Ryan Series, Book 2
See all my Clive Fleury 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 Snack Mix
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a little cozy, this easy Maple Pecan Snack Mix is perfect for early September-when we're starting to think about fall flavors even if the weather hasn't gotten the message yet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the pretzels and pecans in a large bowl.
- Stir together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour the maple mixture over the pretzels and pecans and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Let the mixture cool completely, then stir in the dried cranberries and golden raisins.
- Pour into a bowl, grab your book, and try not to eat all the pecans first.
🍂 Gina's Easy Swap: Walnuts or almonds can stand in for some of the pecans, and you can use any favorite combination of dried fruit.
☕ Sip & Savor Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It's also an easy snack to portion into little containers for lunches, road trips, or afternoon reading breaks.
🔖 Featured Find
📚 One Fun Find: I Love Cozy Reads Bookmark Box
If you're forever looking for the bookmark you know you had five minutes ago, here's a fun way to replenish the supply! The I Love Cozy Reads Bookmark Box includes 24 bookmarks with 12 different bookish designs, giving you plenty to tuck into your current reads-or share with another book lover.
I especially like that there are two of each design. Keep one, give one away...or strategically place bookmarks everywhere you tend to leave a book. No judgment here.
This section may contain affiliate links, which help support the blog at no extra cost to you.
🤔 This Week's Reader Question
What makes you pick up a book you've never heard of before-the cover, the description, a recommendation, the author, or something else?
One of my favorite parts of Friday Finds has been watching the conversations grow in the comments. Let's share.
📜 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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I usually pick up a book based on a recommendation or if I get it for free during a promotional period. I love free stuff!
If it's not a surprise book by am author I enjoy, then it must be the cover and then a description that hooks me.
Have a great weekend!