✨ Welcome to the Friday Finds – July 18, 2025
It’s time for your favorite weekly book blog roundup—where we blend trending fiction, indie author spotlights, exciting giveaways, tasty recipes, and creative inspiration into one cozy, scrollable post. Whether you’re here to build your TBR, try something crafty, or snag a summer snack idea, there’s something magical waiting for you this week.
So settle in and enjoy the latest edition of Friday Finds—your curated escape into stories, surprises, and creative sparks.
I’m spotlighting an independent author each week this summer.
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📣 Meet J.A. Boulet - Indie Author
This week’s discovery: J. A. Boulet! A Canadian author with Hungarian refugee roots, she weaves heartfelt historical fiction—from the sweeping Olason Chronicles to the evocative Whichever Way the Road Leads and 1956 Love & Revolution. Her stories are steeped in authenticity, family bonds, and survival, and she writes them with a fierce dedication that translates into emotional, nostalgic, and immersive reading experiences.
I've reviewed several of her books and loved every one of them!
📚 Weekly Book Blog Roundup | July 18, 2025 Highlights
A BBNYA 2024 finalist, Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys is a dark, magical YA fantasy about troubled teens, time travel, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. Perfect for fans of coming-of-age stories, found family, and eerie mysteries with a twist of magical realism.
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Discover The Pyjama Boy by Steven Murphy—an emotional memoir of childhood neglect, survival, and transformation. Set in Sydney’s Redfern, this true story reveals how one abandoned boy overcame abuse and poverty to inspire others. Includes an excerpt and $10 Amazon/BN gift card giveaway.
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American Odyssey by Michael De Stefano is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale set in 1970s Philadelphia and rural Pennsylvania. Don’t miss the excerpt, author guest post, and a $10 Amazon/BN gift card giveaway!
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No Bass No Party by Gary Shea is a raw and riveting rock memoir that dives deep into the heart of the 70s music scene. With honesty, grit, and unexpected heart, this creative nonfiction story explores life on and off stage—from jam sessions to band dynamics, and everything in between. A must-read for fans of music biographies, rock history, and memoirs with soul.
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Kill Pocahontas by Ray Anthony Morris is a gripping, reality-rooted thriller that unearths buried truths and historical trauma. With vivid writing, unforgettable characters, and a high-stakes mystery that spans from an Indigenous reservation to the Vatican, this debut doesn’t pull any punches. (A Goddess Fish Promotions Tour)
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A cozy time-slip fantasy with Irish folklore, maternal strength, and a touch of Fae mischief! The White Deer of Kildare by Christy Matheson blends modern motherhood with ancient myth in a charming novella you won’t want to miss. Includes review, excerpt, and a giveaway! ( A Goddess Fish Promotions Tour)
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Join me for a romantic fantasy adventure in Magelight by Kacey Ezell! This review tour stop features a powerful heroine, elemental magic, found-family tension, and a $25 Amazon/BN gift card giveaway. Don’t miss the excerpt, review, and bonus content!
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🎉 Friday Finds July 18 Fun Time Giveaway 🎉
📖 New Question
What’s your ultimate “reading snack”? Sweet, salty, or both?
Answer this week’s question in the comments for a chance to win the monthly prize!
One lucky commenter from any July 2025 Friday Finds post will be randomly selected to win a surprise gift.
🗓️ Entries close July 31st at 5:00 p.m. (CST). Winner announced August 1st!
Mine is definitely salty. I love Ultra-Thin Pretzel Sticks! Perfect to munch on while reading. I have used M&Ms to keep track of things, such as after a chapter or even when knitting a row, but that requires a lot of willpower.
📚 Trending Reads: What Everyone’s Talking About - July 18, 2025
These two titles are flying off the shelves this week—have you added them to your TBR?
🚀 Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian, this sci-fi survival thriller is out of this world (literally). It’s packed with innovative science, unexpected heart, and an unforgettable alien friendship. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or just love a clever underdog story, this one’s worth the hype. Don't just take my word for it; read my trusted blogging friend Carol's review.
🔗Amazon Bookshop
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💼 An Inside Job by Daniel Silva
An Inside Job by Daniel Silva, a contemporary novel, is gaining momentum quickly thanks to its timely themes, engaging pacing, and nuanced characters. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say: secrets, power, and sharp dialogue collide in the best way.
🔗 Amazon Bookshop
📖 Which one are you picking up first—or are you adding both to your TBR stack?
🍴 Foodie Fun
Is it too hot to cook where you are? Check out this fantastic Air-Fryer Chicken Parmesan. It's an easy clean-up and doesn't heat up the kitchen!
Adapted from a crowd-pleasing recipe by Good Housekeeping—crispy, cheesy, and easy cleanup!
🎨 Creative Finds
I haven't featured any quilting or sewing for a while. This find really grabbed my attention! What a great way to use up scraps!
Thanks for joining me for this weekly book blog roundup—your cozy escape into indie authors, trending reads, giveaways, and creative inspiration. I hope something here sparked your curiosity, brightened your TBR, or added a little magic to your weekend.
Until next time—stay cozy, stay curious, and keep finding joy in the little things. 💛
Gina
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[…] 🔁 ICYMI: Friday Finds | July 18, 2025 […]
The books presented here have interesting titles, Gina. Would be reading The Pyjama Boy
If my bookshelf came to life, the troublemaker book would be 23 Minutes in Hell. Talk about scary!!
As for the snacks: probably salty and crunchy..like nuts.
I love both sweet and salty snacks! You use candy as a bookmark? You have willpower! I couldn't do that!
No. I only allow myself to eat one piece per chapter. I didn't word that very well. Lol
Thanks for shouting out my review! Can’t stop recommending this one!
Honestly don't usually eat when I'm reading but if I do my ultimate reading snack is both