It's been a while since my last Western read. Life's little complications can often overshadow the joy of blogging, and my blog, more of a passion hobby than a primary focus, has taken a backseat amid recent events. My father's surgery in late April has been a significant distraction. As he prepares for another operation, my time and energy have dwindled. It has led to a reading slump that’s been quite the unwelcome guest. But here I am, ready to share my thoughts on The Last Ride of the Dirty Creek Gang by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: ghostwriters. The new Johnstone’s books are notorious for the mystery surrounding their authorship, and I can't help but wonder—who’s really behind the pen? If anyone has insights, I’m all ears. This particular book hails from the March 2026 release batch. With the decline of mass-market paperbacks, we’re now treated to a trilogy of titles every other month, albeit at a steeper price and larger format. My local Walmart has stopped carrying these books altogether, squeezing their book section to a mere shadow of its former self, prompting me to turn to Amazon ^[*]. 

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What’s the quirkiest or most unexpected place you’ve ever read a book, and why?

My Answer:

Unfortunately, I lead a rather boring life, and I have never read a book in a quirky location. I usually read at home in a quiet space. Nearly thirty years ago, I would read a paperback instead of eating lunch in the cafeteria during high school. Does that count as quirky? Probably not.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

Is it just me, or did this week fly by way too fast? It feels like I just posted last week's update, and here I am writing another Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books. I guess there's just too much on my mind, and time is slipping away. Once again, reading has been a bit of a slog for me; I'm pushing through The Last Ride of the Dirty Creek Gang, hoping to post my review sometime tomorrow.

Here's a bit of an update on my father: his checkup with the surgeon went well, which is good enough for the doctor to schedule surgery on his left knee for the 18th of this month. Since the surgery is late in the day, he won’t be released from the hospital until the following day. So, if you don’t see me posting a Friday 56 on the 19th, then you’ll know why.

For my Friday 56, I’ve chosen the newly released Skyring Water by Louis L'Amour and Beau L'Amour. I know some of you might be wondering, “Didn’t Louis L'Amour pass away many years ago?” You are correct; he passed away from cancer in 1988. However, this isn’t a case of an estate and publisher trying to profit from a deceased author’s name. The novel is co-written by L'Amour's son, Beau, who manages his father's estate. There’s a postscript in the book by Beau, explaining the history of the original unpublished draft written by his father and the process of collaborating with him both before and after his passing. This isn't just a well-edited version of Louis L'Amour's original draft; it reflects Beau’s vision of how the story of Skyring Water might have unfolded had his father lived longer to finish the tale.

Every reader has their guilty pleasures—authors they turn to for a quick escape, even if they know the stories may not be literary masterpieces. For me, that author is Freida McFadden, the pen name of Sara Cohen. I've read four of her books so far, and without fail, I snatch up every new release, promising myself that I'll read them all eventually. This brings us to her latest thriller, The Divorce ^[*], published by Poisoned Pen Press. I picked it up on release day, not intending to read it right away; it was destined for my Freida McFadden shelf, collecting dust for the foreseeable future. However, boredom struck the following night, and I found myself opening the book. Three-quarters in, and I was hooked, finishing it off the next day. Was it a page-turner? Well, that depends on your definition. I was never bored.

The protagonist, Naomi, wasn’t relatable, but her story was undeniably intriguing. I found myself eager to uncover what would happen next. And true to McFadden’s style, the characters rarely are who they seem. The twists and turns, designed to shock the reader, are part of the ride, but I anticipated one of them. Predictable? Absolutely. Yet, that didn’t ruin the fun; the unraveling mystery was a thrill in itself.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

Does the headline “Must-Read Books” grab your attention?

My Answer:

I often come across articles recommending Must-Read Books, but I rarely find myself reading them. Even when I do, I don't feel compelled to pick up any of the books listed. Many of these articles seem overly polished and lack authenticity, and the titles tend to be repetitive. However, if I find a Must-Read Books list on Goodreads, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble, I might take a look and note down a title or two if they catch my interest.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

For this week’s Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, I’ve chosen the newly released novel The Divorce by Freida McFadden. Although that’s just a pen name and I’m a bit too lazy to look up the author's real name, I have to admit that McFadden's books are not literary classics. They do have their faults and tend to follow a similar formula, but I can't help but enjoy them as guilty pleasures. 

As many of you know, I haven’t been reading much lately, and I wasn’t planning to read The Divorce right away after picking it up on its release day. However, I ended up reading three-quarters of the book on Wednesday night and finished it on Thursday night before writing this post. You can expect my review to come out this Monday. 

The story centers on Naomi, a woman in her forties who is suddenly forced out of her house by her husband. He is demanding full custody of their five-year-old son and claiming that Naomi is unstable. To make matters worse, he already has a much younger girlfriend. Determined to uncover the truth about this girlfriend, Naomi becomes obsessed with reclaiming her old life. True to McFadden's style, nothing is quite what it seems. There are several twists, some of which are somewhat predictable, but overall, it’s an enjoyable, light read.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What do you think about rising prices for hardcovers, paperbacks, and eBooks?

My Answer:

Book prices have been gradually increasing over the years, especially after Covid-19. The recent tariffs seem pointless; they shouldn't have affected prices if the books were printed in the USA. But what do I know? I'm just a book lover. I find myself purchasing fewer new books due to rising prices, and I'm now waiting for deals and bargains. However, if there's a title I really want to read, I might still buy it at full price.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

I hope everyone is doing well! You might be wondering where I’ve been. I’ve been busy with a lot of other things besides reading and blogging, which is why I’ve lagged on posts lately. The weather has been unexpectedly autumn-like for the past few days, following a stretch of hot weather that brought heavy rain and multiple tornado warnings. Thankfully, the house and trees are still standing, although there were a lot of branches down from a storm in late April. Overall, it has just been a lot of rain.

On a brighter note, my father is recovering well from his knee replacement surgery. He no longer needs to use a CPM machine and has been using a cane. He has even managed a few walks, despite the rain. He’s feeling good—good enough that he wants to see The Mandalorian & Grogu. So, this afternoon, we’re planning to catch the Star Wars film at a theater in the next county.

For this week’s Friday 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, I’ve chosen the Western novel Silent Stalker by Lane R. Warenski. It’s the fifth book in the Frontier Scout series. The publisher sent me an eBook to review, so it will be my next read or at least the next one on my Kindle.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

Are you team dog-eared pages or strictly no creases?

My Answer:

I hate finding dog-eared pages in used books. I don't understand why some readers crease the corners; it's much better to use a bookmark or jot down the page number in a notebook. 

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
3. Visit others on the list and leave comments.

(Optional)

• Respond to the prompt in a YouTube vlog.
• Share on Facebook (@coffeeaddictedwriter) and Twitter (@coffeeramblings) with #bookbloggerhop and #coffeeramblings.
• Post the prompt on Instagram, tag me (@coffeeramblings), and include the hashtags.
• Engage with other bloggers on social media.
• Enter your name @YouTube/Twitter/Facebook/Instagram and provide the URL to your posts in the linky.

Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Moving to a new home is often described as one of life’s most stressful experiences. Between packing boxes, updating addresses, and figuring out transport logistics, it can quickly feel overwhelming. That’s why a little planning, a reliable checklist, and even a strong cup of coffee can make a surprising difference when handling a major move.

The good news is that smarter moving habits can help you stay organized, save time, and avoid unnecessary stress along the way.

Why Planning Ahead Changes Everything

The biggest mistake many people make during a move is waiting too long to prepare. Even smaller moves can become chaotic without a clear plan in place. Starting early gives you time to sort through belongings, compare services, and deal with unexpected problems before moving day arrives.

One of the easiest ways to stay in control is by creating a simple timeline. Breaking tasks into smaller weekly goals feels far more manageable than trying to tackle everything at once.

Key Takeaways

• Holistic end-of-life care encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions to enrich quality of life.

• Incorporating spiritual support can improve stability and lower stress for patients and caregivers.

• Therapeutic approaches such as music and massage bring comfort and relief during the final stages of illness.

• Attention to spiritual well-being supports emotional health and strengthens coping mechanisms.

• Palliative care offers a patient-centered, value-driven framework for those with critical illnesses, including heart conditions.

Facing the end of life is a profound journey that demands more than the management of physical symptoms. Patients and their loved ones benefit greatly from a care model that recognizes emotional and spiritual well-being alongside traditional medical interventions. Holistic hospice care practices embody this approach, empowering individuals to find comfort, meaning, and peace through comprehensive support.

The integration of spiritual and emotional care at the end of life provides a critical foundation that not only improves patient outcomes but also alleviates caregivers' burden. This balance can foster moments of connection, enhance communication, and nurture dignity during this sensitive time. As healthcare evolves, more providers are embracing therapies and strategies that address the whole person, not just their disease.

Books are profoundly subjective; what thrills one reader might leave another in a state of dismay. As I wade through Star Trek: Picard: To Defy Fate, my feelings are mixed, teetering on the edge of apathy. On one hand, Dayton Ward’s intricate depictions of the Trek universe resonate with my longtime affection for the franchise, and I typically relish his writing. On the other hand, I can’t shake off that the narrative is a convoluted mess, cluttered with an overabundance of nostalgic references that often feel more like fan service than substance. The dialogues seem awkward and out of character. To make matters worse, the story suffers from a maddening repetitiveness, reiterating events and rehashing explanations we’ve already digested in prior chapters. Sure, 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, but To Defy Fate hardly seems worthy of such a momentous celebration.

Set in 2401, mere weeks after the harrowing attack from rogue Changelings and remnants of the Borg Collective, the story unfolds as the Federation grapples with an arduous recovery process, one that requires rebuilding not just ships, but trust and hope. Newly minted Captain Seven of Nine, alongside her first officer Commander Raffi Musiker, embarks on a tour of the U.S.S. Titan-A, which is mired in a lengthy repair and refit. Yet, amidst their exploration, they succumb to an enigmatic temporal event that leaves them both incapacitated, with Seven slipping into a deep coma.

In an unexpected twist, the familiar faces of Admiral Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher are confronted by Wesley, Crusher’s son, now a quasi-ethereal Traveler traversing the labyrinth of time and space. He brings ominous tidings of unidentified forces intent on unsettling the very fabric of reality. Despite their initial efforts to contain the disturbance, the chaos only escalates, spiraling out of control.

Introduction

In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, countless individuals have discovered assurance and comfort in the message and presence of Jesus Christ. His teachings serve as a guiding light, illuminating paths of hope even in the most trying circumstances. The hope He offers is meaningful and steadfast, nurturing hearts and minds in profound ways. For many, understanding how Jesus is the light of the world brings a new perspective and strength for daily living.

Christ’s invitation is extended to all, whether they are searching for direction, seeking healing, or longing for renewed purpose. His gentle call invites individuals to experience transformation, peace, and the deep joy that only faith can bring. The impact of His hope resonates across generations, offering timeless truths that remain relevant today.

Personal Encounters with Jesus

Throughout Scripture and throughout history, countless lives have been reshaped by personal encounters with Christ. Consider Nicodemus, a respected leader and seeker, who approached Jesus in the quiet of the night because he longed for truth and understanding. Their conversation revealed spiritual insight and new hope for him and for generations after. This account illustrates that honest questions and searching hearts are always welcome, and that reaching out to Jesus brings light where there might otherwise be confusion or darkness.

In modern times, testimonies of personal encounters with Jesus still abound. Many share stories of profound transformation after prayer, moments of quiet reflection, or significant life events that drew them closer to faith. These testimonies encourage others to seek their own connection with Christ, reminding us that every individual’s spiritual journey is unique and deeply valued. Books, sermons, and faith-based communities continue to celebrate how Jesus meets people at their point of need, turning doubt into faith and uncertainty into conviction.