Nation Without Power Book Review

Book Review: Nation Without Power by Robert J. Walker

Publish Date: January 12, 2026 (paperback; various editions including audiobook released February 16, 2026) 

Genre: Post-apocalyptic, survival thriller, speculative fiction. 

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Overview — What the Book Is About

Nation Without Power throws readers into a harsh, electrifyingly bleak world where modern society collapses almost overnight after a devastating electromagnetic pulse (EMP) wipes out the national power grid. The story centers on Ray and Geoff, two friends who originally planned a peaceful off-grid escape deep in the mountains — only to have that refuge turned into a battlefield for survival when the grid goes dark. Cities burn, communication ceases, and life as we know it disappears. 

As they grapple with the loss of technology, safety, and certainty, Ray and Geoff are forced to navigate:

• a lawless new world where resources are scarce,
• threats both human and environmental,
• the unraveling of social order, and
• the raw instinct needed just to stay alive.  

This novel sits squarely in the post-apocalyptic survival genre, blending gritty survival drama with speculative fiction elements grounded in the realistic chaos that would follow a nationwide technological collapse.

Not a normal Tuesday

A Different Kind of Day

Some days just feel different from the moment you walk in the door.

This morning when I got to work, Sherry let us know we would be moving cubicles a day early. That meant no easing into it — it was time to pack up immediately. I logged into my computer, handled what I needed to, and then started going through everything in my space.

And let me just say… it looked like I had moved in permanently.

I had things tucked into every corner — papers, random notes, office supplies, and of course, my Legos. So. Many. Legos.

I carefully packed up all the sets I’ve put together so I can safely get them home and onto shelves. I was honestly surprised at how many I had sitting on my desk and shelf. If you know me at all, you already know this isn’t the end of the Lego collection. I’ll absolutely be looking for another set soon to build between calls. There’s just something so calming about snapping those tiny pieces together while my headset rests for a minute. It’s my little pocket of peace during a busy call center day.

I took off work at 1:00 PM. Originally Luther had a doctor’s appointment, but it was canceled, so my afternoon opened up a bit before my own 4:20 PM appointment with Dr. Angie — my three-month follow-up for lab work. I also planned to address something that’s been bothering me: my face turning red unexpectedly.

Before heading back home, I drove out to Grandpa Kendall’s to pick up money for Aaron, then made my way back to Duncan, Oklahoma. I stopped at Walmart to pick up medicine for Mr. C., supplies to make my travel folder for my upcoming New York trip (which I’m getting more excited about by the day!), and — very importantly — a big tote for all my Legos.

It’s time to get them in one place. Not only will it keep everything organized, but it will also keep the grandchildren from getting into them. And let me tell you, stepping on a Lego is not an experience I ever want to relive. Those things are brutal on bare feet!

By the time I left Walmart, it was around 3:00 PM. Since I was already out, I went ahead and drove over to the doctor’s office and let them know I was early. They actually checked me in ahead of schedule, which felt like a small blessing in a full day.

Dr. Angie saw me fairly quickly. The lab results showed I need to work on my vitamin deficiency and my “bad” fats. So here we are again — refocusing on my diet and making some changes. She also wants me walking at least 8,000 steps a day.

Eight. Thousand. Steps.

Yikes.

It’s doable, but I’m going to have to be intentional about it. That means being more aware of how much I’m moving and finding little ways to build steps into my routine. Maybe pacing during phone calls at home, parking farther away, or even adding a short evening walk. It’s not impossible — it’s just going to take consistency.

On the way home, I stopped at Taco Tico and picked up dinner. I had a taco salad, and Mr. C. got a couple of soft tacos. After a day of running around, it felt nice not to cook.

We ended the evening visiting and watching the news. My heart has been heavy hearing about Nancy Guthrie being missing for ten days now. Savannah Guthrie has made several pleas for the return of her mother. I can’t imagine what that family is going through. It’s one of those stories that just sticks with you and makes you hold your loved ones a little tighter.

All in all, it was a full, different kind of day — part productive, part reflective, and a reminder that life is always moving. Sometimes we’re packing up cubicles. Sometimes we’re organizing Legos. Sometimes we’re making doctor plans and step goals.

And sometimes, we’re just grateful to end the day at home.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. 💛

February Desserts!

Sweet Treats for February (Because We Deserve Them All Month Long)

February may be known for Valentine’s Day, but sweet treats don’t need a special occasion. Sometimes baking is less about dessert and more about comfort—the warmth of the oven, the smell of chocolate, and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Winter baking feels different. It’s slower, softer, and done more for pleasure than presentation. These are the kinds of treats you make on a quiet afternoon, just because.

Here are a few sweet February favorites that are easy, comforting, and always welcome.

Classic Fudgy Brownies

These are rich, simple, and perfect with a cup of coffee or milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (replace oil for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prepare brownies according to package directions, adding butter and vanilla. Bake until just set for fudgy brownies.

Soft Sugar Cookies

Perfect for sharing—or keeping to yourself.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2½ cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla, then mix in dry ingredients. Roll into balls, flatten slightly, and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These are quick, sweet, and don’t require turning on the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

Mix all ingredients, press into a lined pan, and chill for at least an hour before slicing.

Sweet treats in February aren’t about indulgence—they’re about joy. About making something with your hands, enjoying the moment, and allowing yourself a little extra sweetness during the coldest stretch of the year. 

Saturday Reset Cleaning

 

         Saturday Reset Cleaning: Starting the Weekend Fresh

This morning, we decided to switch things up and do our usual weekend reset on a Saturday instead of Sunday evening. The plan was simple: get the house in order today so tomorrow could be reserved for our monthly grocery shopping trip. Honestly, this may become our new normal.

We started our chores right at 8 a.m. and wrapped up by 10 a.m., which felt like a win all on its own. There’s something so satisfying about knocking out housework early and still having most of the day ahead of you.

We began in the kitchen, as we usually do. Counters were wiped down, clean dishes were put away, and the refrigerator got a much-needed cleanout. You know the kind—checking expiration dates, tossing leftovers that had seen better days, and giving the shelves a quick wipe. After that, we swept and mopped the floor, leaving the kitchen fresh and ready for the week ahead.

Next, we headed into the bedroom. We cleaned off our bedside tables (they always seem to collect random things), emptied the trash, dusted, and vacuumed. It didn’t take long, but it made a big difference. There’s something calming about walking into a tidy bedroom at the end of the day.

From there, we moved on to the living room. Thankfully, it hardly ever gets too bad, but it’s always nice to give it a good dusting and vacuum to make it sparkle again. A clean living room just feels more inviting, especially when you plan on spending some quiet time reading or watching TV later.

Our last stop was the dining room. I cleaned off the table and tackled the weekly mail pile. Please tell me I’m not the only one who lets mail stack up throughout the week! I sorted through everything, discarded a lot of unnecessary papers, and organized my medicines. I still need to put them into my daily pill organizer—I tend to do better when all my pills are together. Sometimes I laugh and say my breakfast is my medications. If you know, you know.

By the time we finished, the house felt lighter somehow. Clean, calm, and ready for the weekend. Growing up, Saturday mornings were always cleaning days in my house. My mom would be up early, getting everything done, and doing this reset today brought back some really good childhood memories.

For lunch, we kept things simple and delicious. We made burritos topped with chili, using leftovers from a few nights ago when Mr. C. made chili. It was fast, easy, and surprisingly good—one of those meals that reminds you leftovers can be just as comforting as the original dish.

Later in the afternoon, I headed out to the laundromat. I arrived around 4 p.m. and was finished by 5 p.m., which is always a relief. After that, I stopped to fill up the Jeep with gas since Cherrie and I are heading to Norman, Oklahoma tomorrow for groceries. I also ordered dinner from Subway, making one last stop before heading home. I was back in the house by 6 p.m.

Overall, the day was incredibly productive, but it never felt rushed or stressful. I still had plenty of time to relax, read on my Kindle, and watch a little TV. Most importantly, I was home with my sweet husband, and that’s always the best part of any day.

Getting everything done early made the weekend feel longer and more peaceful. There’s something comforting about a clean home, full bellies, and nowhere you have to be. If this Saturday reset becomes our new routine, I’m all for it.