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Hey Reader,

I feel like I am almost back to normal! (whatever that is?) Life is flowing much more smoothly right now. Fingers crossed, it stays that way!

Please read to the bottom for the announcements!

Let me know your favorite find this week in this email or in the Friday Finds website post.

Stay happy & healthy!

Gina

The newest Author of the Month and Trivia Contest winners were announced in the blog post. Did you win?

​This week's web edition covers:

• Independent Author News
• Author of the Month announcement
• Simple recipes to get into the back-to-school groove
• Trivia Contest winner
• Entertaining blogs to visit
• Knitting & Yarn news
• Books
• Trivia Time
• I'm sure I am forgetting something!!

Recipe

Here's your email-only recipe for the week.

Chicken & Pineapple Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• Ground chicken
• Pineapple chunks
• Shredded cabbage
• Soy sauce and honey
• Cooked rice or quinoa

Instructions: Stir-fry ground chicken until cooked through, then add pineapple and cabbage and heat on the stovetop. Drizzle with a mix of soy sauce and honey. Serve over rice or quinoa for a sweet and savory dinner that can be prepped in less than 30 minutes.

I'm sorry, I don't have an image for this recipe. I created it from scratch last week in Wisconsin and forgot to take a picture before we devoured it. Sometimes, my best recipes are created using what I have on hand and how much time I have!

Trivia Time

This week’s trivia question is:

Which type of yarn is made from flax plants' long, strong fibers and is known for being cool and breathable?

Bonus question for email Friday Finds subscribers:

What was the original purpose of the Eiffel Tower when it was constructed in 1889?

Leave your answer in the comment section on the blog or reply to this email to be entered into the monthly trivia contest.

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The answer to last week’s question:

How tall is Helene’s assistant in The Hating Game by Sally Thorne?

5 Feet tall.

Bonus question/answer for the email newsletter only:

Wisconsin is a leading producer of the herb GINSENG in the United States.

Books

What are you reading this week? Here is a suggestion for one I think I will read soon.

​Coal Dust and Dreams: The Story of a Girl and Her Pit Pony in the Coal Mines of Wales (Horses in History) by M.J. Evans​

"Imagine living in a mine 2,000 feet underground, in the damp and the dark, and filled with rats!

Young Bethan is living a peaceful life in a coal mining town in South Wales. But her world crumbles when her father is badly injured after a section of the mine collapses.Setting her dreams aside for the time being, Bethan must help support her family. Defying the laws forbidding it, she goes to work 2,000 feet underground in the dark, damp, and terrifying coal mine. Her only source of comfort comes in the form of Dobbin, the very pit pony who saved her father’s life.

Through this gripping historical fiction novel for pre-teens and teens, you will experience the grueling work, ever-present dangers, and rampant sexism faced by Bethan as Dobbin becomes her strength and guiding light.

For fans of "Finding Fionn" and "The Stallion and His Peculiar Boy," "Coal Dust and Dreams" is a must-read addition to the multi-award-winning series "Horses in History." Don't miss out on this heart-wrenching and inspiring tale."

My Weekly Independent Author News

Check out Cricket Rohman's Fall sale, which includes a FREE children's book, discounted books, and a special giveaway.

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​Gail Ward Olmstead is releasing a new Miranda Quinn Legal Twist book soon. While Miranda ​Fights will be the third Miranda Book, they are all easily read as stand-alone tales. I'll have my review up closer to the release date, but here is a sneak peek if you want to get your copy pre-ordered! (Remember, if the price goes down before release, you will get the discounted price automatically!)

Here are my reviews of the first two Miranda Quinn books:

​Miranda Writes​

​Miranda Nights ​

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Authors! Send me your announcements. I would love to share them!

Your Exclusive Craft Project

​Water Painting w/ Bamboo Brush & Stand for Mindfulness Meditation | Zen Painting & Art Supplies​

A Bit of News

I'm home from Wisconsin and catching up on all the things, along with celebrating our 48th wedding anniversary!

I'm knitting once again on the rainbow sweater. Check out the blog post for pictures of why I'm beginning to believe it's cursed!

This weekend is busy again with fun excursions. What do you have planned?

See you soon for more Weekly Friday Finds Fun!

Gina

Please share the September 6th Friday Finds with your friends and family. It makes my day to get those new subscriber notices!

If you are feeling exceptionally generous…donations are always welcome!

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