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 | Memorial Day Reflections, Cozy Reads & Outdoor Gatherings
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Gina's Friday Finds | May 22, 2026 Hi Reader, As Memorial Day weekend approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the moments that quietly bring people together — outdoor dinners that stretch long after sunset, favorite family recipes, stories shared around the table, and the simple comfort of spending time with people we love. This week’s Friday Finds leans into that softer side of the long weekend with thoughtful books, meaningful reflections, cozy outdoor inspiration, and a few simple ideas for creating a warm gathering space of your own. This week’s featured reads include: 📚 Along the Trail by Kaci Curtis — a moving story of hardship, hope, and the quiet moments that shape who we become. 📚 Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell — a fast-paced thriller full of betrayal, secrets, and deadly suspense. 📚 Nokomis Hospital by Jay B. Greene — a gritty investigative mystery with strong moral stakes and compelling characters. 📚 The Secret Cottage by Kate Ellington — a charming historical romance filled with hidden longing and slow-burning connection. I’m also featuring Larry A. Freeland as this week’s Indie Author of the Week. His novel Legacy of Honor: The Descendants explores family legacy, sacrifice, and the stories families carry forward across generations — a theme that felt especially meaningful this time of year. Alongside the books, I’ve included a cozy outdoor gathering tip, reader extras for slow summer evenings, and this week’s Reader Question: 🌿 What’s one simple thing that instantly makes an outdoor gathering feel special to you? You can read the full Friday Finds here: https://ginaraemitchell.com/friday-finds-may-22-2026/ However you spend the weekend — with family, friends, good books, backyard meals, or a little extra quiet time outdoors — I hope it brings a few meaningful moments your way. Warmly, |
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.
📚 Friday Finds is here! This week's edition celebrates discovering books beyond the bestseller lists. Inside you'll find: ✨ Two thoughtful featured reviews 🌟 A new Author Spotlight featuring Kirsten Weiss 📖 Self-Published Author Appreciation Week 📚 Gina's Bookish Find 🍓 A simple summer dessert 💬 A reader question I'd love you to answer Come discover something unexpected. 🔗 Read the full post here! Thank you for spending part of your Friday with me. I hope this week's discoveries inspire your...
Hey Reader, Some weeks seem to fly by, while others invite us to slow down and savor the little things. With summer heat settling in across much of the country, this felt like the perfect week to share stories that encourage us to pause, pour something refreshing, and spend a little time getting lost in a good book. I'm especially excited because this edition introduces a newly updated recurring feature: Author Spotlight. Each week, I'll highlight an author whose work has left a lasting...
Hi Reader, I hope you've had a wonderful week. Mine included one of those small victories that feels surprisingly satisfying—I finally solved the mysterious Google "pills" that had been appearing all over my website! With that mystery behind me, I was able to focus on something much more enjoyable: putting together this week's Friday Finds. Inside you'll discover an award-winning middle-grade fantasy, a gripping dystopian thriller, my newest Author of the Week feature, a fun summer reading...