Finally catching up on some winter reading during the summer. Yep, that’s me, the procrastination king. While the world basked in sunshine, enjoying picnics and fireworks, I dove into Cold Zero, a military thriller by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen, published by Atria/Emily Bestler Books back in February. It had been languishing in a pile of ARCs, gathering dust, until I decided to blow off the grime, sit down, and read the damn thing.

So, what’s it all about? It unfolds like a MacGuffin story, starting with the audacious disappearance of Hemisphere Airlines Flight 777, the most advanced jetliner ever built. The aircraft vanishes without a trace over the North Pole, succumbing to sabotage and crash-landing on the icy wasteland. The surviving passengers find themselves in a chaotic, frigid landscape, but the real tempest is yet to come. Hidden in the wreckage is the prototype of a groundbreaking technology capable of tipping the scales of global power. Now, Washington, Moscow, and Beijing are racing against one another to seize it—whatever the cost. Caught in the eye of this storm are CIA operative Kasey Sheridan and Brett Sharpe, a former fighter pilot turned first officer. With enemy forces closing in, they must navigate the perilous Arctic terrain, escorting both the device and its creator to safety before rival superpowers turn the frozen expanse into a war zone. As the clock ticks and temperatures plunge, the fate of the free world hangs in the balance at the top of the globe.

The Watering Hole, Issue #3

Sunday Post, what I call The Watering Hole, is hosted weekly by Caffeinated Reviewer.

The Editorial

It’s been a while since my last Watering Hole post, and honestly, there are numerous reasons for that. Life has been a whirlwind of commitments, and I’ve often found myself too burnt out to muster the energy for an extra blog entry. With my plate so full, even managing to publish one book review a week has felt like a Herculean task. Remember, blogging is a passion project for me—at best, a hobby. But the tide is turning. I’m setting my sights on reviewing more books each month and possibly sprinkling in a few movie critiques as well. My pile of ARCs looms large, and there's a daunting stack of TBR titles I've been itching to get into.

For those who catch my Friday 56 posts, you’ll know that my seventy-year-old father recently underwent knee replacements—his right in late April and the left just three weeks ago. Thankfully, he’s on the mend and recovering well.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What book would make a killer soundtrack, and what would that soundtrack sound like?

My Answer:

Many of my favorite books have already been adapted into films with accompanying soundtracks or musical scores. However, I would like to focus on Six-Horse Hitch, a 1969 Western by Janice Holt Giles. Unfortunately, none of her works have been adapted into films, although this particular book nearly had a chance in the past. Since it is a Western, it wouldn’t require modern lyrical music; instead, it would benefit from an epic musical score. One could dream of a score composed by John Williams, but he is in his mid-90s and only comes out of retirement for Steven Spielberg. If only Spielberg would direct a film adaptation of Six-Horse Hitch, then perhaps I could get that John Williams score. But for now, it remains just a dream.

〜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! 

This week, my Friday 56 pick, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, is Cold Zero by Brad Thor and Ward Larsen. It's an ARC that I've had for a while, so I'm finally pushing myself to read it. I suppose I can call it my 4th of July read.

The story is about a jetliner that disappears over the North Pole and crash-lands on the ice. The survivors must battle the frigid cold and chaos. There’s an advanced prototype inside the wreckage, and now Washington, Moscow, and Beijing are racing to retrieve it at any cost.

Key Takeaways:

• Vinyl records have experienced a significant resurgence, with sales surpassing $1 billion in 2025.

• Physical media offers a tangible and immersive experience that digital formats often lack.

• Collectors and younger generations are driving the renewed interest in vinyl and other physical formats.

Introduction

The digital age has revolutionized how music is consumed, but a surprising shift has taken the industry by storm. Vinyl records and other forms of physical media are making an impressive comeback, attracting not just nostalgic listeners but a new generation of audiophiles. This shift is more than a fleeting trend; it reflects a growing desire for deeper, more hands-on engagement with music. The rediscovery of physical formats also taps into a sense of identity and personal expression as people seek out ways to create your own vinyl and curate collections unique to their tastes.

For many enthusiasts, the act of collecting, handling, and playing tangible records has become a meaningful ritual that digital streaming cannot replicate. It is this tactile experience that is turning heads and reigniting interest from collectors and first-time buyers alike, signaling the start of a broader cultural movement.

Recent years have seen major artists and indie bands alike release albums as limited-edition records and physical box sets, further cementing the allure of these classic formats. Fans often regard the process of hunting for rare pressings or exclusive artwork as a hobby, if not a form of self-expression. This new wave of engagement marks a distinctive break from the convenience and intangibility of pure digital listening experiences.

Record stores and online retailers are also seeing increased interest as more consumers begin their own musical journeys or revisit cherished favorites in analog form. The idea of owning, displaying, and listening to music in its physical state has regained a sense of prestige and familiarity, especially among those who want to escape the fleeting nature of streaming playlists and digital files.

Today, I’m unpacking The Familiar Stranger, a posthumous collaboration by Steve Kelton and John Bradshaw, which marks the fifth entry in the "Hewey Calloway" series started by the late Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) in 1978 with The Good Old Boys. This series has seen a gradual evolution over the years, with The Smiling Country following in 1998 and Six Bits a Day in 2005. Elmer's son, Steve, wrote the fourth entry, The Unlikely Lawman, pub. in 2022. Tragically, Steve Kelton was in the midst of writing The Familiar Stranger ^[*] when he passed in March 2022, and his wife, Karen, entrusted John Bradshaw with completing the manuscript.

The plot revolves around Hewey Calloway, who intended to breeze through Durango, Colorado, on his way to a friend’s place northeast of the city. A year out from his home range with a herd of young horses, he expected a straightforward journey: deliver the horses, pocket the payment, and head home. However, fate plays a different hand, and a year later, Hewey finds himself still in Durango, sensing the pull to explore new territory rather than returning south.

It isn't long before his path leads him to a cabin amidst a biting rain. Inside, he encounters a sickly young man who desperately tries to shoo him away. This man, battling smallpox, ends up caring for Hewey when he himself contracts the disease. Just as Hewey starts feeling better, the young man vanishes, and the next morning, a Pinkerton detective arrives with a posse on the hunt for a wanted bank robber.

Key Takeaways

• Regular oral hygiene practices are essential in preventing dental problems.
• Early detection and treatment can mitigate the progression of dental issues.
• Professional dental care complements daily oral hygiene routines.

Understanding common dental issues is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing more serious oral health complications. Problems such as cavities, gum disease, tooth sensitivity, and enamel erosion can develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Learning how these conditions occur and recognizing preventive measures can help individuals protect their teeth and gums for the long term.

Preventive care, including regular dental checkups, proper brushing and flossing, and a balanced diet, plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of dental problems. In some cases, when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or poses a threat to surrounding teeth, extractions may be necessary to preserve overall oral health. Understanding these treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions and maintain optimal dental wellness.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

Do you prefer writing long, detailed reviews or quick, punchy ones?

My Answer:

The length and depth of my book reviews depend on three main factors: the book itself, the timing, and my mood. If I have strong feelings about a book, whether positive or negative, I tend to write longer and more passionate reviews. Conversely, if a book is just average, my review may be shorter. 

Timing also plays a significant role; if I'm pressed for time due to a deadline, my review will likely be quick and perhaps a bit punchier. Finally, my writing mood can affect the review process. If I’m not in the mood to write, that will impact the quality and length of my review.

〜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.

Key Takeaways

• Clear aligners are nearly invisible, making them ideal for adults seeking discreet orthodontic care in Orland Park.

• Removability allows adults to maintain oral hygiene routines and enjoy their favorite foods.

• Technological advancements now enable clear aligners to treat a range of orthodontic concerns, not just mild ones.

• Adults of any age can successfully achieve lasting improvements in their smile and oral health with aligners.

Orthodontic treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, providing solutions that accommodate both aesthetic preferences and modern lifestyles. Among adults seeking a more discreet approach to teeth straightening, Invisalign Orland Park has become a popular option due to its nearly invisible appearance and flexibility. Clear aligners offer an alternative to traditional metal braces, using advanced technology to improve dental alignment gradually. As more adults explore ways to enhance their smiles with minimal disruption to their daily routines, providers such as Sonneveld Orthodontics have helped expand the accessibility of clear aligner treatment in the Orland Park community.

Clear aligners are transparent trays custom-fit to each individual’s teeth. Adults are turning to this innovative option because the aligners offer flexibility, convenience, and subtlety that seamlessly integrate with professional lives and social occasions. For many in Orland Park, these aligners are more than a cosmetic upgrade. They support long-term oral health and well-being while addressing the unique challenges adults face when considering orthodontic treatment.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

I’m back in the saddle. For those who don’t know, my dad recently underwent knee replacement surgery on his left knee last Thursday. Thankfully, the procedure went smoothly, and he was released from the hospital the very next morning. Now it’s a familiar routine we’re navigating, much like his previous surgery on the right knee: he’ll be using a CMP machine three times a day for at least three weeks, alongside outpatient physical therapy three times a week. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re making progress. 

For my Friday 56 pick, hosted by My Head is Full of Books, I’ve chosen The Familiar Stranger, a 2024 Western co-written by Steve Kelton and John Bradshaw. This little Western caught my eye at the library; it’s a brisk read, just under 200 pages. I plan to read it and have my thoughts posted by Sunday.

One would usually expect that having a reading habit means having an hour or two alone in a cozy, quiet room at home with an empty desk, a cup of hot coffee and a nice book. However, real life does not provide one with these possibilities – there are some dirty dishes in the sink, some reminders on the phone, unfinished daily tasks, tired eyes, and mind which needs some relaxation. This is the reason why people buy books and keep them on their wish list for months – reading is not the issue here. It is the issue of time available.

The idea behind digital reading is precisely that it allows people to take advantage of the small openings which are not enough for doing anything else but perfect for reading a book. A site like bookmate.com can perfectly fit into the routine of such a reader – as soon as he finds himself with a few minutes of leisure, he just needs to click on the next chapter or choose a new book from the library without losing any time.

The Quiet Power of Unfinished Minutes

Hidden within pockets of time normally not accounted for are many hours of potential reading: The wait time while the water is boiling. The time in the parked car arrived ahead of schedule. Standing in a queue. Resting between work calls. These moments look too small for a book, so they often get handed over to scrolling. The strange thing is that scrolling does not always feel easier. It often leaves the mind more scattered than before.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

If you could pick any fictional character to live with, who would it be, and how would they change your daily life?

My Answer:

I'm scratching my head over this week's question, which happens to be my own. I primarily read Westerns, horror, mysteries, and military thrillers, and I can't seem to think of any character I would want to be roommates with. The only character that comes to mind is Sookie Stackhouse from the Southern Vampire Mysteries (True Blood). However, since she is a telepath, it might be best if she didn't know what I was thinking. Honestly, I can't imagine any specific character I would want to live with.

〜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.

After a successful theatrical run that sparked discussions in faith, science, and culture, The Story of Everything is now available for digital purchase on Amazon Prime Video!

Spanning 101 minutes, this cinematic documentary delves deep into the cosmos, unveiling the intricate patterns and hidden forces that shape our universe. From the exacting laws governing celestial bodies to the complex designs found within living cells, the film meticulously gathers evidence of intentional design threaded throughout the natural world. Whether it’s the ethereal beauty of star-forming clouds or the spiraling elegance of DNA, viewers are invited to contemplate a consistent signature woven into the very fabric of existence.

Drawing inspiration from Stephen C. Meyer’s bestselling book, Return of the God Hypothesis, the film dares to ask one of humanity's most profound questions: Does our universe exist solely due to chance, or is there compelling evidence of purpose and design?