Welcome to the twenty-fourth 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.
Spooksville: 3-Books-in_1!
Author is Christopher Pike
Published in September 2015
The publisher is Aladdin
Paperback (352 pages)
Fantasy for Children |Action & Adventure for Children (Books)
If we were having coffee, I would share that I learned a new version of solitaire this week called Canfield. It’s a challenge, and I’m enjoying playing it. It helps that I’m using my Alice in Wonderland card deck. Do you play any version of solitaire?
If we were having coffee, I would share that I started writing book two in my middle-grade fantasy series. I also accidentally (I say “accidentally” because I had no intention of doing this) started writing a new urban fantasy. I woke up in the middle of the night, and this idea wouldn’t leave me alone. So, I was pounding away on the keyboard at six in the morning.
If we were having coffee, I would share that my Reiki teacher attuned both my dogs to level 1. So, they can give Reiki using their paws, tail, or eyes.
By Shari Marshall (2026)
Brewing Coffee, Twisting Words & Breaking Pencils 
Your accidental urban fantasy writing sounds a lot better than writer’s block. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
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Cute, cute, cute photo of your dog!
My Sunday Salon: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2026/06/sunday-salon-home-from-our-trip-by.html
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Thank you, Anne. Thank you for your link as well.
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Awesome that you started writing not one, but two books. It’s fun when inspiration strikes out of the blue. Your dog is adorable.
Olivia at Bemused and Bookish
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Yes, I agree, Olivia, and there is a mystical and magical feel to it.
Thank you, Riggs is a funny dog.
Thank you for stopping in .
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I wish I listened more when the mood to write strikes me. I used to play solitaire on the computer all the time. It’s always fun to try to master a new version.
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It can be challenging to fit writing time in; life gets so busy.
I like shuffling the cards in my hands, so I’m not using my computer. I know a lot of people who love to play on their iPads. My father-in-law plays a round or two on his iPad with his morning coffee.
Thank you for stopping in, Deb.
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The best writing ideas just comes to us! I love it! Best of luck with the writing.
I used to play some version of solitaire growing up, but not anymore. If I play cards it is usually with my daughter, and we play whatever she fancies at the moment.
Have a great week!
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It is true. Those writing ideas sneak up. Haha.
I love playing board and card games with my boys, but lately, they’ve been busy. So, solitaire will suffice for now.
Have a great week, Maria.
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Don’t you just love it when inspiration hit like that!? I’ve had inspiration spark twice for me in the last week and had to pull up my Notes App before the words flew away. There are surely worse things 😉
Your pup is the best. Those eyes!!!
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Yes, I agree that it’s wonderful when unexpected things trigger the writing reflex.
Riggs looks like a sweetheart, but he’s a handful. He keeps us on our toes.
Thanks for stopping in, Melissa. I hope you had a lovely week.
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