Welcome to book review four of fifty-three. As you are aware, I provide freelance book reviews to several review companies. It has been a great experience that has introduced me to new authors and their wonderful books. Each week this year, I’m opening my Weekend Coffee shares with a link to a review I’ve provided. Reviews are three stars or higher. The genres range from picture books to fiction and nonfiction titles.

Knights, Pancakes & Dragons
Author C. L. Stinton 
Published in March 2024
The publisher is C. L. Stinton Available in Audiobook, eBook, and Paperback (143 pages)Children’s Fantasy | Children’s Sci-Fi | Middle-Grade Readers

If we were having coffee, I would share about all my projects. First, I’m looking into taking Reiki classes. These would be after my mediumship class finishes. I’m interested in energy. So, Reiki seems like a logical step. My illustration course is going well. I’m really excited about the final project, which we will work on throughout the entire course. I’m working on my Tarot deck. The goal is three finished Tarot card images. I’m going to design The Fool, The World, and a card from either the Cups or Pentacles suit.

If we were having coffee, I would share that I finished my round of edits on my manuscript and I’ve resubmitted it to my editor. I’m excited about this story. It was my first time writing a cozy, and the change presented writing challenges that I wasn’t expecting. I’m happy with the story and the experience of writing it. I’m going to try a different cover option this time. Instead of creating it myself, I think I’ll reach out to have someone else create it for me. I’ll share about that process as it unfolds.

If we were having coffee, I would share some wrap-up points about puzzles and the weather. Although the weather has been snowy, puzzling hasn’t happened much this week. I sorted out the edge pieces, but that’s it. I’ll say that it’s become apparent to me that completing a 3000-piece puzzle requires me to change my usual puzzling process a bit. The snowstorms created school bus cancellations multiple times this week. So, the house has been active more than I’m used to during the school days. My older son used some of this time to sit and draw with me, which was lovely.

Well, virtual friend, here is the coffee bean grinder. How was your week? Please feel free to leave your Coffee Share link in the comment section so I can pop in for a virtual java.

By Shari Marshall (2026)