Welcome! I'm the book reviewer behind GinaRaeMitchell.com, where I help readers discover memorable books—especially indie gems, historical fiction, mysteries, middle grade, and uplifting stories that stay with you long after the final page. Every Friday, I send Friday Finds, a warm roundup of new reviews, featured authors, reader resources, seasonal inspiration, and a few bookish surprises. More than 400 readers already receive Friday Finds each week. I'd love for you to join us.
Friday Finds: Books, Summer Gatherings & a Sweet Treat
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Good morning (afternoon, or evening)! I hope you've had a wonderful week and have something relaxing planned for the weekend. Around here, summer is in full swing, which means longer evenings, family gatherings, and (if we're lucky) plenty of time to curl up with a good book. This week's Friday Finds has a little bit of everything. 📚 Four new reviews take us from investigative suspense and inspiring history to middle-grade fiction and a charming Regency romance. 🌿 I also refreshed one of my favorite children's book reviews and am featuring Frederick J. Burns as this week's Author of the Week. His beautifully illustrated story, And the Trees Talked Back, is a reminder that kindness, curiosity, and empathy never go out of style. ✨ In Community Corner, I'm sharing a little news about an upcoming feature I'm especially excited about. Behind the Book will introduce readers to the stories, research, and creative journeys behind the books we love, and I'm beginning to accept a limited number of author applications. 🍓 You'll also find four family-friendly summer favorites, including one tote bag I couldn't resist, along with a classic Strawberry Pretzel Dessert recipe that's perfect for picnics and backyard barbecues. Finally, I'd love to hear from you! What's one family tradition you look forward to every summer? Simply hit Reply and tell me. I truly enjoy reading your stories, and many of them inspire future Friday Finds. Thank you, as always, for spending a little part of your Friday with me. Whether you're heading to a cookout, watching fireworks, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a good book, I hope your weekend is filled with joy, laughter, and a few wonderful stories. Happy reading, Gina 👉 Read this week's Friday Finds: |
Hi, I’m Gina!
Welcome! I'm the book reviewer behind GinaRaeMitchell.com, where I help readers discover memorable books—especially indie gems, historical fiction, mysteries, middle grade, and uplifting stories that stay with you long after the final page. Every Friday, I send Friday Finds, a warm roundup of new reviews, featured authors, reader resources, seasonal inspiration, and a few bookish surprises. More than 400 readers already receive Friday Finds each week. I'd love for you to join us.
Hello Reader, Some weeks my reading stays fairly close to one genre, and then there are weeks like this one. I bounced from children's books to space opera to knitting patterns—and I loved every minute of it. I've always been a reading lane hopper. Give me an interesting story, an intriguing character, or simply something I'm curious about, and I'm willing to wander outside my usual shelves. I think that's part of the fun of being a reader. We never quite know what we'll discover next. This...
Hello Reader, August always makes me want to hold onto summer just a little longer. The sweet corn and tomatoes are at their best, there are still plenty of warm afternoons for reading, and I’m not quite ready to start talking about falling leaves and pumpkin spice. (Although I know some of you are!) This week’s Friday Finds turned into a celebration of those simple late-summer pleasures. 📚 From My Reading Chair, I’m sharing two very different books. Surviving Summer Camp by Paul Breau is a...
Hi Reader, This week's Friday Finds has a particularly cozy feel. I found myself thinking about the kinds of stories that linger long after the last page, paired with simple summer comforts like blackberry muffins and a favorite cup of tea. I also had the chance to shine a spotlight on an author whose books have become reliable companions over the past few years. Whether you're looking for your next read or just a relaxing few minutes with fellow book lovers, I think you'll enjoy this week's...