The 12 May 2023 Friday Finds are here with spring book recommendations, recipes, and a plea for craft inspiration!
Hello, my friends & welcome to the 12 May 2023 edition of the Friday Finds.
In case you missed it, this week’s email-only bonuses were an audiobook deal and a secret recipe!
I hope you enjoy this week’s post, and be sure you leave a comment below voting for your favorite find of the week.
Peace & Love
Note: I will share purchase links on all recommended items if possible. Every purchase made through my links helps support this blog.
Friday Finds | 12 May 2023 | Author News
Hey Indie Author! Do you have a new book releasing soon, a special promotion coming up, or any other news I can share with my readers?
In the reported book and author news this week…
Mim Eichmann’s Whatever Happened to Cathy Martin is featured in a Goodreads Giveaway from May 06 – May 29, 2023.
Kathy Reichs meets Sherlock Holmes in this gothic thriller set in rural Indiana in 1978 that seeks to unravel a deadly tangled web of lies surrounding three former friends, one of whom has been missing for over a decade … but which one? And why?
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Friday Finds | 12 May 2023 | Books
The Sparkly Bun by Keith Stoeckeler
Digital Edition is Free on Amazon through Monday, May 15, 2023!
“The Sparkly Bun” is a captivating children’s book that encourages imagination, self-esteem, self-expression, and self-discovery. It tells the story of Emme, a girl who loves fashion and has a passion for her favorite item, her sparkly bun.
However, when Emme wears her favorite clothing to school two days in a row, her classmates make fun of her. This causes Emme to question if being different is a good thing. Throughout the book, Emme learns that it takes courage. Still, it’s essential to be true to oneself, express one’s individuality, and that being different makes us all special and gives us our own identity.
This children’s book emphasizes the difference between fitting in and being true to oneself and how creativity and imagination can help children embrace their uniqueness, all through a creative and unique approach — food.
With its charming illustrations and heartwarming story about empowerment and confidence, “The Sparkly Bun” is a must-have for any child’s library. It encourages children to embrace their identity, pursue self-expression, and celebrate self-discovery.
Watch for my review soon.
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So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Unlikely road trip companions form an unexpected bond in an uplifting novel about the past―lost and found―by the New York Times and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author.
Lewis Madigan is young, gay, out of work, and getting antsy when he’s roped into providing end-of-life care for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, Chester Wheeler. Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation, just the money. The only requirements: run errands, be on call, and put up with a miserable old churl no one else in Buffalo can bear. After exchanging barbs, bickering, baiting, and pushing buttons, Chester hits Lewis with the big ask.
Lewis can’t say no to a dying wish: drive Chester to Arizona in his rust bucket of a Winnebago to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years―for the last time: one week, two thousand miles. To Lewis, it becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man he’s finally beginning to understand. A neighbor, a stranger, and a surprising new friend whose closure on a conflicted past is also just beginning.
So Long, Chester Wheeler is an uplifting novel about looking deeper into the heart and soul to form bonds with the last people we’d expect―only to discover that they’re the ones who need it most.
I plan to review this one in early summer.
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The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece by Tom Hanks
From the legendary actor and best-selling author: a novel about the making of a star-studded, multimillion-dollar superhero action film…and the humble comic books that inspired it. Funny, touching, and wonderfully thought-provoking, while also capturing the changes in America and American culture since World War II.
Part One of this story takes place in 1947. A troubled soldier, returning from the war, meets his talented five-year-old nephew, leaves an indelible impression, and then disappears for twenty-three years.
Cut to 1970: The nephew, now drawing underground comic books in Oakland, California, reconnects with his uncle and, remembering the comic book he saw when he was five, draws a new version with his uncle as a World War II fighting hero.
Cut to the present day: A commercially successful director discovers the 1970 comic book and decides to turn it into a contemporary superhero movie.
Cue the cast: We meet the film’s extremely difficult male star, his wonderful leading lady, the eccentric writer/director, the producer, the gofer production assistant, and everyone else on both sides of the camera.
Bonus material: Interspersed throughout are three comic books that are featured in the story—all created by Tom Hanks himself—including the comic book that becomes the official tie-in to this novel’s “major motion picture masterpiece.”
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The Sparkly Bun: A children...Shop on Amazon 
So Long, Chester Wheeler: A...Shop on Amazon 
The Making of Another Major...Shop on Amazon
Friday Finds | 12 May 2023 | Recipes
This slow-cooker chicken with pineapple has a hint of ginger and sesame and is made with simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry! Look for fresh pineapple that’s been peeled and cored already to make assembly even easier. Serve with brown rice to sop up the sweet and savory sauce. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020
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Gluten-Free Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes for Two
Make two little cakes with a mini version of the classic dessert. It’s made with simple ingredients and sweetened with a bit of honey for a healthier treat with the sweet flavor you love.
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Spring Veggie Board with Dips from My Moonstone Kitchen
Isn’t this the most beautiful veggie tray…ever? Pop over to My Moonstone Kitchen to check out Haley’s delicious recipes.
Friday Finds | 12 May 2023 | Creative Projects
I’m not feeling very crafty lately. Maybe it’s because I have craft deadlines hanging over my head, but I need some inspiration. Please share in the comments what project you love the most right now.
These bright & pretty yarn balls are for my next two sweater projects. I feel happier just looking at them. Do they speak to you? What would you make from them? You can click the images to find out more about the yarn.
Friday Finds | 12 May 2023 | Gina’s Blog Roundup
What are some of your favorite blogs to visit each week? I love surfing through an eclectic mix of blogs. It’s a rabbit hole I fall into frequently!
Last week, Raina shared that she loves to visit the Pro Story Builders website. This was a new one for me, but I enjoyed my visit.
If you missed one of my reviews in the past week, here’s an easy link to find them all, or click on the image & links below. Be sure you check out the giveaways. There are some great prizes this week!
If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come by Jen St. Jude | The Write Reads Ultimate Tour ~ Release Date: May 9, 2023
Limelight by Joshua Crosson | Book Review ~ #Crime #Thriller #Suspense ~ 4 Stars
Give My Regards to Nowhere: A Director’s Tale by Richard Engling | 4-Star Book Review
Heart of Fire ( Dragon-Mage #1) by Raina Nightingale | Book Review
Hold On Tight by Jerry Harwood | Book Review ~ Excerpt ~ $10 Gift Card Available
Babe in the Woods by Jude Hopkins | Book Review ~ Excerpt ~ $15 Gift Card
Straight Expectations by Calum McSwiggan | Ultimate Book Tour ~ 4-Star Book Review
BBNYA Winner’s Tour: #4 ~ Inheriting Her Ghosts by SH Cooper | Book Review
What would you like to see in next week’s Friday Finds?
Thanks for reading this week. Peace & Love!
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Hi, Gina! Speaking of WIP’s, I have a 10-stitch blanket on my needles that I pick up when I need something mindless to work on. Have you every made one? Addicting! I’m also attempting to learn brioche/fisherman’s knit knitting, and so far have ripped out my work about 40 times! Frustrating, but I won’t give up!
Martha! It’s so good to hear from you. I was just thinking about you yesterday. I saw a piece on the art shops of Fair Hope. I thought you were near there?
I haven’t done a 10-stitch blanket but i’ve heard they are quite addictive in their simplicity.
Great books, and yes, that is the prettiest veggie tray I’ve ever seen!
I know right, Eve! Almost to pretty to eat.
Gina – Have a Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks, Mim. Same to you