Welcome to the twenty-second book review of fifty-three. As you know, I used to provide freelance book reviews to several review companies. It was a great experience that 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.
Egg Monsters from Mars
Author is R. L. Stine
Published in October 2024
The publisher is Scholastic Paperbacks
Available in Audiobook, eBook, Library Binding, and Paperback (144 pages)
Action & Adventure for Children (Books)
If we were having coffee, I would share a couple of pictures from last weekend’s fun fair event.


If we were having coffee, I would also share a writing update with you. Writing Sparkle Books is releasing Dug Up on June 26, 2026 (eBook and print). Everything for that title is set up and ready to go. IndieReader’s review of Dug Up is available for viewing: review. I have submitted my middle-grade manuscript to my editor for a manuscript evaluation, and I have started outlining a second book for that series.
If we were having coffee, I would share that my photography challenge (sharing a daily picture) is going well. I’ve had a lot of fun with it. I have shared 185 photographs with a goal of 365. Here is one of my favorites from last week.

Here is the coffee bean grinder. How was your week?
(Please leave your link in the comment section so I can return your visit.)
By Shari Marshall (2026)

Hi Shari, I love looking at how you set up your table. It looks wonderful, as do you. Congratulations on your new book. I also love your dandelion. I don’t have your photo challenge listed on my page of challenges. Would you like it included on the page and in my new book, The Quiet Power of Blogging: Why Blogging Still Matters in a TikTok World?
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Hello, Marsha. Thank you for the kind words. My table setup has been a work in progress, and I’m pleased with it.
My photo challenge isn’t run through my blog. I’ve just been sharing pictures on my social media platform and occasionally an update about it here. So, I’m not sure if it fits the parameters for your blog or book. Thank you for the invite, though. Your book title is intriguing and powerful.
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I think it will be. Every day I get side tracked because it is about blogging, I end up making changes to my own blog to match some of the things I’m suggesting that new bloggers do, and I haven’t done! LOL. I’m on my last chapter, in which I’m trying to combine three chapters because there is a lot of repetition. Its refusing to cooperate. 🙂
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Those stubborn chapters. Hang in there, you’ll smooth it out, and it will be wonderful.
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Thank you, Shari. It’s smoothing. I’m looking for major repetitions right now. ad I found a huge one in Chapter 3 repeated in Chapter 15. It’s like listening to someone with Alzheimer’s ! Yikes, you mean I already told that story? (Only about 5 tines since we sat down ten minutes ago.)
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There is something satisfying about editing and making that final version of a manuscript shine. I try to focus on that when I’m working through those rounds of editing where I want to shake my head and ask myself what I was doing. Haha. It’s going to be wonderful, Marsha.
Happy Thursday.
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Thank you so much, Shari. Do you edit your own manuscripts?
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The photo from the fair is great! You are getting some good practice at public events and book signings, that is exciting!
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Thank you, Maria. It’s a lot of fun getting out there and chatting books with people.
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I remember reading and loving RL Stine books when I was in school! That photo is lovely.
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Right? He’s a popular, longstanding author.
Thanks for stopping in, Joanne. Happy Saturday.
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Well done with your book signing, writing and photography challenge! Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Thanks, Natalie.
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Oh, kids love R. L. Stine. I met him at the Texas Book Festival, and he dresses all in black—he’s as spooky as his books. Love your photos of your table!
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Oh my goodness, Deb. What an amazing experience! I’m happily jealous (haha).
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This sounds like such a warm and engaging “Weekend Coffee” share ☕. A lovely mix of book reviewing, writing progress, photography, and real-life moments—it really gives a sense of creativity growing steadily day by day. Reaching 185 photos is impressive, and it’s great to see a consistent passion like that continuing so well.
Wishing you even more inspiration, joyful writing, and beautiful captured moments ahead 😊
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Thank you for the kind words, Virtual Friend!
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You’re the most welcome 🤗
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