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Monday, December 30, 2024

Reviewing My New Top Fin 10 Gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

My Top Fin All-In-One Aquarium Starter Kit was quick and easy for me to set up. I am enjoying the beauty and relaxation fish bring to my home again. If you would like to have fish, in a tank larger than a fish bowl but small enough to be easy for one person to set up and care for, this aquarium may be a great choice for you. This is a perfect size tank for offices, small homes, classrooms, and children's first fish tanks.

Top Fin 10 gallon All-in-One Aquarium Starter Kit

The Top Fin brand is easy to find in some big, chain pet stores. Because of that quantity, I assume, I stumbled upon a sale that brought this $80+ tank down to $53. So I snagged it, even though I had been looking for a couple of other brands.

I was concerned that I was purchasing a low-quality item just because of the tempting price tag and that I'd regret the purchase. But after I put it together and started it with a few fish I decided that this is a great starter tank.

Included Items:

10 gal glass aquarium, column shape
Small footprint: 12.5" L x 12.5" W x 19.5" H
Hood with feeding door
bright white LED light in the hood
thermometer
50w heater
water test vial
Top Fin PF10 Power Filter with cartridge replacement and a PF-S Silentstream Filter Cartridge
4" Nylon Net

This aquarium was small enough and light enough for me to place where I wanted it. I filled with with substrate, rocks, and plants (purchased separately). With the small size of the tank, I was able to fill it with water fairly quickly. And I was able to reach in and move the rocks and plants as I wanted. In the past, larger tanks made it difficult to reach the bottom and larger tanks take a longer time to fill or empty.

I was relieved that everything worked well. And very pleased that the water filter was extremely quiet! When I had aquariums many years ago, the water pumps were noticeably loud. This one is not.

My Personal Thoughts and Fish Tank Needs

After visiting my son and grandchildren, I knew that I wanted to resume keeping tropical fish. I hadn't had an aquarium for a couple of decades. Unlike my family, who were doing really well with keeping gorgeous salt water tanks, I knew I'd start with fresh water. I wanted larger than a gold fish bowl. But I live in a small home and knew I didn't want a large aquarium on a stand. I fell in love with my son's 15 gallon Cube shaped aquarium and started my search for a 10 to 15 gallon desktop tank.

My desire is to have a community tank; a variety of nano fish and creatures that can live in the same tank. I do not want just one betta or goldfish in a bowl. My preference is to have a somewhat naturalized underwater scene. Yes, I know that Neon Tetras (the first fish I purchased with this adventure) aren't the most natural looking. But they are a schooling fish and remind me of schools of minnows in fresh water lakes.

Nano Fish - fish that grow less than 2" long and are suitable for aquariums as small as 10 gallons.

This Top Fin 10 gallon column, desk-top tank has been a great purchase. It was easy on the budget and better quality than I had expected. I highly recommend it for beginning fish-keepers, current tropical fish enthusiasts who might need extra space for baby fish, or a gift for someone. This is a great size of tank for children to have their first pets.

If you are not able to find the Top Fin brand in your area, there are many other small cube and nano aquariums available on Amazon.

In my local area, I found the Top Fin brand at Petsmart.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Sunday, December 29, 2024

Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug for Your Home Office

When it comes to designing a home office, one element that often gets overlooked but plays a huge role in functionality and aesthetics is the area rug.

Having spent countless hours experimenting with layouts and designs, I've discovered a few strategies to help you select a practical and visually appealing rug. Let's dive into my personal tips for making the right choice.

Positioning Your Home Office Rug: Setting the Stage for Productivity

The placement of your rug can make or break the flow of your workspace. Here are a few considerations to help you position your rug effectively:

Anchor Your Desk and Chair: I recommend placing the rug directly under your desk and chair to define your workspace. Make sure the rug is large enough so that when you pull your chair back, it stays on the rug. This creates a comfortable zone that enhances both form and function.
Balance the Room: If you have additional furniture like bookshelves or a filing cabinet, consider how the rug interacts with these pieces. Centering the rug in the room or aligning it with your furniture can create a cohesive and balanced look.
Keep It Clear: Avoid placing the rug where it might obstruct doorways or high-traffic areas. A well-placed rug should enhance the room's flow, not hinder it.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions

Picking the right size rug is essential for maintaining harmony in your home office. Here's how I approach this:

For Small Setups: If your office space is compact, opt for a smaller rug that fits neatly under your desk and chair. A 5x7 or 6x9 rug is typically ideal for tighter spaces.
For larger spaces, I Recommend a rug large enough to accommodate multiple furniture pieces in a bigger office. Rugs measuring 8x10 or 9x12 can anchor the entire room, making it feel more unified.
Think Beyond the Desk: Sometimes, a larger rug that extends beyond your desk can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. This works exceptionally well in open-concept spaces.

Color and Pattern: Setting the Mood

Your rug's color pattern significantly impacts the vibe of your home office. Here are a few ideas based on my experience:

Neutral Tones for Focus: Rugs in neutral shades like beige, gray, or soft blues create a calm and professional environment. They're versatile and pair well with most décor styles.
Bold Hues for Creativity: Try a vibrant red or emerald green rug to energize your space. These colors can inspire creativity and make your office feel more dynamic.
Patterns for Personality: Don't be afraid to choose a patterned rug to add character. Whether geometric, floral, or abstract, a well-chosen pattern can bring texture and depth to your workspace. Just keep the rest of the room's déroom's mind to avoid clashes.

My Wool-Patterned Office Area Rug is 30 Years Old! It was purchased in 1994. Here's a Photo. Yep, I Prefer Patterns.

My 30 year old area rug in top condition

For You:

Here is a collection of wool area rugs,

which you can view here.

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Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

Author Michael Crichton, famous for such works as Jurassic Park, ER and Twister, had a work he was passionate about before his untimely death in 2008. His wife, knowing how important this work was to him, kept the notes and partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it. She found that author in James Patterson.

The end result was a book published in 2024 and is called “Eruption”.

Synopsis of Eruption

Eruption: Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano located on the Big Island of Hawaii, last erupted in November of 2022.

In Eruption, the new book begun by Michael Crichton and finished by James Patterson, Mauna Loa is close to erupting again. The story is set just slightly in the future - the spring of 2025.

The early part of the larger story about this volcanic eruption of Mauna Loa became classified information just days after it happened in 2016 at the Hilo Botanical Gardens. It remained highly classified until recently when Mauna Loa once again became active.

As Chapter One begins, the action is on the beach in Hilo, Hawaii. The date is stated (April 24, 2025) and the time to eruption: 116 hours, 12 minutes, 13 seconds, is listed.

As the story proceeds throughout the chapters, we are kept informed of the time left until eruption.

Eruption’s main character is John MacGregor, a geologist who heads the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. We follow him and his team as they count down the hours and prepare for the eventual eruption of Mauna Loa. They know this will be a history-making event.

Meanwhile, a dangerous situation becomes known to MacGregor that could mean the end of life as we know it. The U.S. Military has made a terrible mistake ~ a secret held for decades ~ that is far more terrifying than any volcano.

Summary

Michael Crichton, master of the techno-blockbuster and James Patterson, popular storyteller and master of the modern thriller, have combined forces in this epic thriller. Eruption is so fast-paced you won’t be able to put it down until the last exciting sentence.

For more book reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com.

This Book Review of Eruption was written by Wednesday Elf for ReviewThisReviews.com

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Friday, December 27, 2024

BarksBar Pet Water Resistant Front Seat Cover for Automobiles Review

Years ago, I purchased our first BarksBar pet padded front seat cover for my 2 door car so our mature golden retriever could sit in the bucket seat next to me.

Like most pups, she never wanted to be left behind and she enjoyed riding the few blocks to my parents house to visit. Because it is a two door vehicle, getting her in the backseat was hard on both of us. I moved the passenger seat back as far as it would go, strapped the seat cover in place, and let her hop in for the ride. She loved every minute of it! I left that seat cover in place for convenience, only removing it when it needed to be washed. Afterwards, anyone who rode in my car got to enjoy sitting on her seat cover.

We recently moved her cover to the passenger seat in our SUV to use for an adult who had surgery. Being able to fully cover the seat with a water resistant cover made everyone feel more comfortable knowing the seat would not be stained or require cleaning. The seat cover slips right off for washing.

Whether you are a pet parent or not, everyone should have one of these seat covers handy when needed to protect the fabric on car seats.

None of the fabric on our car seats have been torn by rough paws or claws, or soiled by bodily fluids since we started using this water resistant seat cover.

BarksBar Pet Front Seat Cover for Cars, Trucks & SUVs

BarksBar Pet Padded Front Seat CoverCheck PriceThere are several reasons I selected the BarksBar front seat cover. Mostly, I needed a seat cover that could easily be removed and washed.

It has been my experience that "waterproof" fabric may claim to be washable, but it doesn't maintain it's waterproof properties after washing without reapplying a waterproof spray or wax. Therefore, I will opt for a tightly woven fabric that is naturally water resistant. If needed, I could put a waterproof disposable pad under the BarksBar seat cover. Thus far, the additional pad has not been necessary for damp paws or slight incontinence.

The built-in rubber non-slip backing helps hold the seat cover in place. Even when my 95 lb pup would leap into the seat, the cover did not move.

The seat cover is also held up and in place with multiple straps. One goes around the head rest, one around the center of the seat back and one across the back of the bottom of the car seat. Plus, the fabric skirt have elastic along the bottom to also keep the cover in place which adds a bit of protection to the sides of the seat.

This fabulous removable, washable seat cover protects your car seat against messy hands, dirt, drips, drool and scratches.

Pet Related Reviews

BarksBar Pet Padded Water Resistant Front Seat Cover for Automobiles by:

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Thursday, December 26, 2024

Reviewing Short Stories for the Holidays

Holiday Decorations by mbgphoto

I love to read but, in the hustle, and bustle of all of the holiday preparations sometimes I just don't feel like getting into a full-size novel. This year instead, I read three short stories with holiday themes. This really worked well for me, and I enjoyed the short stories which were light reading. All of these books were ones that I downloaded to my Kindle from Amazon and because I am a Prime member they were all free to read from Prime Reading. They are also available to purchase in either paperback books, audio books, or digital books.

Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel

This book was written by Rebecca Raisin and can be ordered from Amazon at Christmas at the Little Paris Hotel . What can be better than a delightful story taking place in Paris during the holidays? In this story Anais receives an unwelcome surprise in her divorce settlement. It is a run-down hotel in Paris. She needs the money desperately but what is she to do with this run-down hotel.

She would really like to sell it and move on with her life, but this does not prove to be a viable option. Her next thought is to turn it into a beautiful place and open by Christmas. But is this even possible? This is a must-read story full of romantic comedy and mystery! Something for everyone.

Paris at Christmas (AI generated)

The Christmas Book Hunt

This book was written by Jenny Colgan and can be found at this link The Christmas Book Hunt. The setting for this story is London and small towns in the UK.

The main character, Mirren is on a hunt to find a rare book for her Aunt Viola, who is dying. Viola remembers this book from her youth and her dying wish is to once again see this book before she dies. The book is rare and hard to find because the author Robert Louis Stevenson had teamed up with a famous author who did illustrations for the one book.

Mirren is determined to find this book for her aunt and her search takes her to several small towns that have lots of rare book shops. Along the way she runs into a handsome stranger who, unknown to Mirren is searching for the same book for his uncle's rare book shop. All of this is taking place in the days leading up the Christmas.

Holiday Hideaway

Mary Kay Andrews, the author of over 30 award winning novels, wrote this delightful short story. You can find it at the following link. Holiday Hideaway

In this enchanting story, Tilly is not very happy about the upcoming holidays. She is recently divorced and down on her luck, so she is staying in one of her companies unoccupied rentals until her new apartment is ready. All is going along until the owner, George, shows up to sell his granduncles house. He is staying in the house so Tilly hides out in the attic. Fun ensues as Tilly tries to avoid running into George.

This story is taking place just before Christmas and you will need to read it to find out what Christmas magic happens.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year

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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas to All : From the Heart!

Christmas Day is here! All the build up has come to it's climax! Hopefully everyone is now relaxed and playing or using their gifts in ways that will bring them joy!

Joy is the result we are all looking for!

May the days that follow Christmas morning bring you Joy! Joy at the sight of family and friends! Joy at the wonder in the eyes of the children. Joy in the singing of Christmas carols and Joy in the delight of a wonderful Christmas dinner shared with loved ones.

2024 is coming to an end very quickly, so take the time to make some wonderful memories that will hopefully start 2025 on the right note.

May you all be Blessed this Christmas with Peace, an abundance of Love and Joy for you to take with you into the New Year. From all of us here at ReviewThisReviews.com, this is our wish for you all!

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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

A Review Embracing Nature And Gratitude On Christmas Eve

Gold and white baubles on green Christmas tree

I always think Christmas Eve is a magical time, filled with anticipation and joy. It is one of my most favourite days over the Christmas period.

While it is often a busy day, it's lovely to take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around us, especially the wonders of nature, and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and remember those for whom this time is difficult.

The Beauty of Nature on Christmas Eve

Life and events and all the preparations for Christmas can be very hectic. By the time we reach Christmas Eve we may try to find a moment to rest, to find peace.

I love to take photographs to capture the particular beauty of the season. Appreciation will be different for everyone, it may be the crisp winter air, the beautiful blanket of snow in the garden, rain on a window pane when you are warm and cosy, or the distant stars in a dark sky.

Nature reminds us of the simple beauty of our world. Whether you're in a snowy landscape or a milder climate, taking a moment to step outside and appreciate the natural surroundings can be a grounding and peaceful, even profound, experience.

Finding Gratitude in the Little Things

Christmas Eve is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and acknowledge the things we are grateful for. Sometimes life is lovely, other times it can be very hard and I am among those this year that have lost loved ones and miss them, this first Christmas without them. I am also grateful that they were in my life and what we meant to each other and that love never dies.

When life is hard, or even when it isn't, we don’t have to look to the big things to be grateful for. Especially at this time of year there can be many small day to day special moments.

The warmth of a cosy fire, good food, the laughter of loved ones, the look of wonder in a child's eyes, a call or message from a friend or family member.

We may find comfort in our faith, connecting with friends across the world, watching birds in the garden, listening to a lovely piece of music, carol singers, a starry night sky, or the quiet stillness of a winter night are all things we can be thankful for.

Winter Trees Against Blue Sky
by RaintreeDesigns

Connecting with Nature

One way to appreciate our Christmas Eve experience is to connect with nature.

This could be as simple as taking a walk in a nearby park appreciating the red and yellow winter berries and shapes of the trees branches against the sky. We might find a scented shrub with tiny flowers and a powerful perfume to amaze us.

It might be listening to the sounds of the night, an owl maybe or birds singing during the day. We may like to feed the birds and watch their appreciation or help at an animal sanctuary. Reindeers and Donkeys are of course also intrinsically linked to the Christmas story in their different ways.

Even going out on a clear night to watch and maybe identify the stars and constellations. These activities can help us feel more connected to nature and a sense of our place in it.

Who knows some of us may even see Santa and his Reindeers running across the night sky with the sleigh!

We also like to collect pine cones, berries and Holly in our garden and on our walks to decorate and bring nature in to our home.

Practicing Gratitude

Often it is easier to recall all the things that have not gone right and I am guilty of that too. However it is healthy to practice gratitude when we remember.

We might write a list of things we have been thankful for this year or give someone close to you a genuine compliment to show them how much they mean to you. We might like to help at a charity for children or older people who need support or a listening ear or give local people who helped you a simple Thank you card or small gift.

It can be useful to spend a few moments in quiet reflection thinking over the year that has gone, the good, the difficult, the special and the ordinary times. How we handled it all and how we have grown with the experiences.

Expressing gratitude in this way can improve our wellbeing, support our relationships, and enhance our well-being.

Snowdrops In Snow Thank You Card
by RaintreeDesigns

A Grateful Heart On Christmas Eve

As you celebrate Christmas Eve, whether we are with family, friends, alone or with our animal companions, a couple, single or part of a big family, working or at home, this day can be special to us.

However you spend your day whether it is busy or quiet, whether you attend any religious or other celebrations or not, let the beauty of nature fill your heart with joy and peace.

It is lovely and fun to give gifts at Christmas and for many of us is a key part of the celebrations. The best part of the spirit of the season is in the love and connections we share with other people, animals and nature and the appreciation for the world around us.

May your Christmas Eve be a special time filled with the wonder of nature with love and joy and peace in your heart.

Monday, December 23, 2024

The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows Review

Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.

I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows.

The Voice

Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites.

Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells, The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.

Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.

The Sets

By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)

At Home With Andy

One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.

Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?

Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.

Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.

More Free Streaming Services

Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.

Kanopy offers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.

Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.

Freegal offers music of every genre.

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Sunday, December 22, 2024

Discovering the Power of Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory"

As someone who thrives on personal growth and exploring transformative ideas, I was thrilled to learn about Mel Robbins' new book, The Let Them Theory.

I've pre-ordered my copy and, in the meantime, have been soaking up the principles through her podcast episodes and short, impactful clips featured on social media and episodes on YouTube.

What's incredible is that without realizing it, I'd been applying aspects of this theory to my life for years. But now, hearing Mel Robbins articulate it with such clarity has allowed me to truly embrace and delve deeper into this outstanding, life-changing approach to navigating relationships and everyday challenges.

I have to add that I use this theory daily! As a mom who thinks ten steps ahead for her husband, grown children, and life situations, I've learned to erase that from my mind and "let them." Of course, primary health and financial obligations get the attention they need when needed. Still, I'm also practicing the let them theory for minor issues related to those topics as well.

What is The Let Them Theory?

At its core, The Let Them Theory is about radical acceptance and releasing control.

Mel Robbins explains that much of our frustration and disappointment in life comes from trying to control others or shape situations that are fundamentally out of our hands. The theory encourages us to simply "let them" — let people be who they are, let events unfold as they will, and let go of our need to intervene in things beyond our influence.

This mindset shift isn't about indifference or apathy; it's about embracing the reality that the only person you can truly control is yourself. By letting others act according to their values and decisions, you conserve your energy for your growth, well-being, and authentic connections.

The principle can be distilled into three key elements:

Acceptance: Understand that people are who they are, and trying to change them often leads to unnecessary tension and frustration.
Non-attachment: Release the expectation that things or people need to align perfectly with your preferences. This principle is also known in Buddhism.
Empowerment: Use the energy you'd spend trying to control others to focus on improving your own life and reactions.

What Life Situations You Could Use The Let Them Theory For

One of the most exciting aspects of The Let Them Theory is its versatility. Here are five practical examples of where you can apply these principles in your life:

Minor Daily Issues: Have you ever had someone cut you off in traffic or an email go unanswered longer than you'd like? Instead of stewing in frustration, let them. Recognize that their actions reflect their choices, not your worth. Shift your focus back to what you can control—your reactions.
Romantic Relationships: Many of us have been tempted to "fix" or "improve" our significant other. The Let Them Theory reminds us that we can't change other people. Instead, we can choose to accept them as they are or reassess the relationship. This principle fosters healthier, more authentic partnerships.
Family Dynamics: Families can be a source of love and, at times, frustration. Whether it's a sibling who always runs late or a parent who gives unsolicited advice, "let them" means understanding their quirks without letting them disrupt your peace.
Friendships: If a friend drifts away or doesn't reciprocate the effort you put into the relationship, let them. Friendships ebb and flow, and clinging to expectations can often create unnecessary tension.
Workplace Challenges: Dealing with difficult colleagues or supervisors? Let them. Instead of trying to change their behavior, focus on how you can adapt, set boundaries, or move toward solutions that empower you.

Why The Let Them Theory Resonates

Practicing The Let Them Theory has been a game-changer for me. The more I integrate this mindset, the more freedom and clarity I feel. I apply it to even the smallest annoyances.

It's incredible how much energy is reclaimed when you stop fighting battles that were never yours to begin with.

Mel Robbins has given a name and structure to something I intuitively practiced but hadn't fully embraced until now.

If you're ready to transform your approach to life and relationships, I highly recommend diving into this theory—starting with her podcasts, social media, and, of course, the book itself.

I can't wait to receive my pre-order and continue this journey of letting go and living fully.

Here's a YouTube Episode For You

There is some profanity in this episode.

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The Forest of Lost Souls - Book Review

A Dean Koontz suspense thriller novel published in 2024.

Synopsis

Raised in the wilderness, Vida knows the forest well.

The Forest of Lost Souls: A Novel

She was brought to the forested mountains by her great-uncle after becoming orphaned at the age of five. As a result, she has developed a special affinity for nature and for the animals who call it home. Her life has been filled with hard experiences and loss, but shaped by love and by the prophecies of a fortune teller.

All Vida ever wanted was to live her life peacefully in her simple home. She would have willingly shared it with the love of her life, local hero Jose Nochelobo, except he dies in what, at first, appears to be a tragic accident.

Eventually, Vida learns that nearby Kettleton County has powerful men who are determined to proceed with a plan that will only benefit them financially, and Jose was standing in the way.

Vida is determined to discover the truth, but now these men of power want her to disappear forever.

As these men begin to come for her, one by one, prepared to see their plans through, Vida prepares for them.

Summary

Vida has goodness and hope in her favor and the help of her knowledge of the forest and its animals. The wolves, especially, have become her friends and will play a role in her survival. Her determination will help her prepare to defeat evil brought to the area by powerful and greedy men and restore the natural order of life in her world.

Another spellbinding thriller by Dean Koontz!