A Review of the Movie The Tomorrow War

I recently watched a movie on Prime video called The Tomorrow War.  Being a fan of science fiction, I was totally enthralled by the scenario.  Great story!  I thought the acting was well done, in addition to the extremely realistic special effects.  Overall, I gave it a 10 out or 10!  Let me tell  you about it......

The Tomorrow War is a Amazon Original Movie that was released in 2021.  It was supposed to be released to theaters, but because of Covid, it was decided to release it straight to Prime Video.  It was the most streamed movie on Prime Video in 2021, and a sequel is in the works!

Main Cast

Chris Pratt as Dan Forester

Yvonne Strahovski as Colonel Muri Forester

J.K. Simmons as James Forester

Betty Gilpin as Emmy Forester

Sam Richardson as Charlie

Jasmine Mathews as Lt. Hart

Edwin Hodge as Dorian

Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Young Muri Forester

Short Summary 

The world is shocked when a group of soldiers, armed to the teeth, appear in the middle of the World Cup to tell the world that in 30 years the earth will be invaded by a hostile alien species.  The soldiers are from the future and have come to ask for our help to turn the tide of the war that they are badly losing against the vicious invaders.

They want to bring people from our time to the future to help fight.  A world draft is instituted and Dan Forester, an ex Green Beret is drafted to go and help save the human race.  What Dan finds in the future is stunning, but it is nothing compared to what he finds when comes back home.

The Trailer:

The below synopsis contains spoilers, please skip if you don't want to know!

Detailed Plot Synopsis

In December 2022 former Green Beret Dan Forester and his wife and daughter are having a home Christmas party.  Everyone is watching the World Cup when a disturbance happens on the field and a group of heavily armed soldiers appear out of nowhere.  They announce that in the year 2048 hostile aliens, called Whitespikes, invade Earth and start killing every living thing on the planet.  For them that was three years ago and now the population of the Earth is almost gone.  The soldiers have come back into the past to ask for help defending our world before the human race becomes extinct.

A worldwide draft is initiated and within a year Dan is drafted.  Upon arrival at the draft office he finds that the term of service is only seven days, but only 30% of people make it back.  The people drafted are sent in with weapons, but almost no training.  Another thing Dan finds strange is that they do not show the draftees a picture of the enemy.  

Dan and his fellow draftees are sent through a device called the Jumplink to the year 2051, but due to a glitch in the system, they are transported to the wrong location high above a skyscraper and the only people that survive are the ones that had the luck to land in the swimming pool on the roof.  Luckily Dan and a couple of his newly made friends do, along with a few others, and they are radioed by Colonel Forester to proceed to a laboratory downtown and to rescue a group of scientists and a toxin they are working on to kill the Whitespikes. While on the way to the lab, the draftees finally get a look at the aliens and it quickly becomes clear why they don't show anyone pictures.  The Whitespikes are the stuff of nightmares!

Image by Ken Barthelmey

Creature & Character Designer | info@theartofken.com

Upon arrival at the lab, the scientists were dead, but Dan is able to find a dozen vials of the toxin.  While trying to flee from the city, the group is besieged by Whitespikes and all but Dan and two of his friends are killed.  An explosion saves them and they wake up in the Dominican Republic in a military camp hospital.  When Dan meets the camp commander, he is shocked to find it is his grown daughter Muri.  Happy to see her, he is puzzled and hurt at her cold attitude and refusal to speak of the past.  

Muri explains that they need to capture the female Whitespike, who is like a queen bee.  After they capture the queen, and transport her to a lab on an oil rig they find that the toxin that kills the males does not work on the female, so work begins on finding a variant that will.  When they finally find a workable toxin to kill the female, the male Whitespikes flood the base to free the female.  During the fight, Muri gets wounded by a poisonous spike and just as she and Dan begin to connect, his seven day term of service comes to an end.  As he is about to transport back to the past, his daughter gives him a vial of the toxin and tells him to mass produce it in the past so they can be ready to use it in 2048.

Back in his own time, Dan tries to give the toxin to the government to produce so he can go back to the future and distribute it when he finds out that the future Jumplink was on the oil rig that was overrun with Whitespikes and damaged so it was no longer functional.  The world goes into panic thinking the loss of the Jumplink means the future war was lost.

Dan and his wife try to figure out where the Whitespikes come from, and they formulate that maybe they didn't come to earth in 2048, maybe they were already here all along.  Since they were first seen around a glacier on Komsomolets Island in Russia, Dan decides that would be the first place to look.  After drafting his two friends Charlie and Dorian from his future group, they go to see Dan's dad, James, who is a prepper and conspiracy theorist.   Of course, James knows someone with a plane who can fly them to Russia where they find the crashed space ship.  They deduce it has been there for over a thousand years.  After finding half a dozen compartments with frozen Whitespikes, they realize that this was where the "invasion" came from.  They were here all along, frozen in the ice.

They begin injecting the Whitespikes with the toxin and it quickly kills them, but also wakes up the others and the mission devolves into a vicious fight to kill the aliens before they escape and start the war early.  They plant explosives to blow up the ship which manages to kill the rest of the males, but the one female gets loose and leaves the ship running out into the snow.  Dan and his father go after her in an all out battle which they finally win and kill her.

Conclusion

I really liked this movie.  If you like science fiction, I believe you will too.  It is more than just a shoot 'em up alien war movie.  The connection between the Forester family members is quite complex with interactions I didn't include in the synopsis.  (I can't tell you everything!) I also loved that it had a happy ending!  I highly recommend this movie!

Unfortunately, this movie can only be seen on Amazon Prime, and cannot be purchased on Amazon.  I have had Prime for years and find it to be more than worth the $139 a year.  A full Movie channel and free shipping on all orders along with other perks......definitely worth it.  If you are interested in subscribing, click here:   Amazon Prime

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Pakitner Safe Cut Can Opener Review

The first title was for this review I had started to type was "The Tale Of Two Can Openers" as the search for the replacement can opener ensued. However, internet seach engine title counts aside, the tale is the truth!

Old very old very old trusty old school can opener had finally met its' demise and the search was on for its' replacement. After reading quite a few reviews I was intrigued by the Pakitner Safe Cut Can Opener which promised a smooth and safe cut edge on the lid.

Safety First

Yes! A smooth edge is obtained on the lid. Delivers as promised. 

Using Lid As A Can Cover

Yes! The smooth edged lid will fit into the can as a top if desired. This is a secondary bonus with the can opener.

Sturdy And Portable

Yes! This a sturdy can opener that feels restaurant quality. There is some weight to the can opener, but the design is minimal and the weight is evenly distributed. The slim and long design does allow the can opener to use less drawer space.

I found the can opener did require a bit of muscle to rotate around the top of the can. Muscle being subjective to each person, but for me ... it was a bit more effort than I had envisioned upon purchase. However, I loved the safety feature and continued using the can opener as the opener does work abit differently and wanted to give a good trial of the opener.

Learning Curve

There is a slight learning curve to navigate this can opener due to how the top of the can opener aligns with the top of the can. But directions are provided and after using the can opener a few times you will understand easily how the can opener works to provide the seamless lid.

Recommendation: If you have the muscle I would recommend the Pakitner as the safety provided by creating a seamless and smooth edge is fabulous. However, if hand or arm strength is a concern I would sadly pass on the Rakitner Safe Cut Can Opener which leads to part two of The Tale Of Two Can Openers.

Next Review: Original Gorilla Grip Can Opener

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Bedroom Mirrors: Are They Lucky or Unlucky?

Mirror placement in the bedroom has always been a topic of intrigue and debate in the world of Feng Shui. If you've ever ventured into the depths of the Internet for clarity on this matter, you're probably feeling as bewildered as a cow on Astroturf. Allow me to guide you through this mystifying realm.

Is It Bad Luck to Have a Mirror in the Bedroom?

So, is it bad luck to have a mirror in the bedroom? The answer, according to Feng Shui, is yes.

Depending on your perspective, there are three fundamental beliefs, myths, or truths regarding mirrors in the bedroom.

1. Mirror and the Soul: A Dance in the Night

First up, we have the notion that a mirror in your bedroom can inadvertently or even intentionally steal your soul while you slumber. This peculiar belief is rooted in the idea that our souls temporarily depart from our bodies when we sleep. With a mirror in the room, the concern is that your soul might get a little confused and choose the mirror over your body. Some folks even argue that this isn't a problem unless you're on the elderly side or gravely ill. 

Like most people, we have mirrors in our bedroom, and if my soul has been stolen, that would explain a lot! (Do I need to add the lol there?)

2. Mirrors and the Peril of Infidelity

Then, there's the belief that having a mirror in the bedroom can spell trouble in the fidelity department. According to this school of thought, a mirror symbolizes a third party in your relationship, essentially inviting trouble into your love life.

3. A Startling Reflection: Midnight Mirror Moments

Last but not least, there's the advice to avoid positioning a mirror where you can catch a glimpse of your reflection from your bed. The reasoning here is that if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night and spot your own reflection, you might startle yourself, suspecting the presence of a ghost or an intruder in the room.

What's the Truth Behind These Beliefs?

Now, the burning question is: are any of these claims true? Well, there's no straightforward answer to that, my friend. Why? Because what's gospel truth to one person is pure fiction to another.

It all comes down to your belief system. If you're a fervent follower of Feng Shui, these points might be cause for serious consideration. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the concept but find it a tad hard to swallow, you might walk away from this article with nothing more than a hearty chuckle, and excessive eye-rolling.

Mirror Dilemmas and Superstitious Solutions

But what if you've never really worried about this mirror business, and now you're feeling a bit spooked? Don't fret. If a touch of superstition courses through your veins and you've already got mirrors in your bedroom, you can always cover them up at night with a sheet or some drapes. The mirrors should ideally have a frame, no beveling, and be a single piece instead of assembled squares.

I get it; I've been there too. In fact, one of my sons has a mirrored closet door in his room, right across from his bed! But I'm not planning to drape those mirrors anytime soon ... So far as I can tell, his soul hasn't been stolen... I think.

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Review of the Zoomigurumi Crochet Craft Books Series

 As we crochet crafters know, Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. Zoomigurumi takes it one step further and concentrates on animals found in the wild or domesticated ones we have as pets. 

This series of twelve craft books features patterns for a wide variety of very cute and clever animals to crochet as huggable soft handmade toys. Each book in the series features from 12 to 15 animal patterns, each one by a different designer. The patterns range from beginner to advanced, so every crochet crafter can find one or more to fit their abilities. The series was produced by AmigurumiPatterns.net, a popular handicraft website. 

The List of the Zoomigurumi Craft Books

Book 1 of 12. Zoomigurumi. 12 designers have teamed up in this first Zoomigurumi craft book to give you patterns for a Baby Bear, a Pig, a Toucan, a Tiger and a Pony, a Monkey and Lil Quack the Duck, a Lemur, a Fox, Dakota the Dog and Eduardo the Donkey, a Moose, a cute Mouse and a Bunny. 

Book 2 of 12. Zoomigurumi 2. This volume has 15 cute and cuddly amigurumi animal patterns for a Turtle, a Cow, a Raccoon, a Beaver, a Kitten and a Dog, a Fox, an Elephant, a Bunny, a cute Skunk, two lovable Lambs, a Lion and a Tiger, Manfred the Mouse and Penny the Piglet. 

Book 3 of 12. Zoomigurumi 3.  This volume has 15 new Amigurumi animal patterns from 12 top designers. The patterns include Henry the Hippo, a darling Fawn, a Penguin, a Husky dog, a Duckling, a  Giant Panda, a Cow, a Hedgehog, a Fox, a cuddly Lamb, a Turtle, a pair of Kangaroos, a Red Panda, a Bird and a Reindeer.

Book 4 of 12. Zoomigurumi 4. This book has 15 new animal patterns created by 13 talented designers from all over the world. Create your very own kitten, dolphin. elephant, giraffe, orangutan, deer, seahorse, and an adorable bumblebee wearing sunglasses. The craft book also contains seven more animal patterns.

Book 5 of 12. Zoomigurumi 5.  Here we have 15 more cute Amigurumi animal patterns. My favorite is the Walrus. And the beautiful peacock on the cover is a darling pattern. There is also a camel to crochet, a flamingo, a rhino, a trout, and a teddy wearing a hoodie.

Book 6 of 12. Zoomigurumi 6. From the red panda on the cover to the owl in a sweater, to a sweet shark, a sloth and a swan, this book of 15 patterns will keep your crochet hook busy! Don't forget to check out the hummingbird, a panda, two dachshunds and Mortimer the Mammoth. 

Book 7 of 12. Zoomigurumi 7.  The mallard duck and babies on the cover will entice you to their patterns, plus some unusual ones such as a seagull, a Llama, a moose, a zebra, a stork, a pony and a chicken on a nest. 

Book 8 of 12. Zoomigurumi 8.  Come and crochet a parrot, a baby seal, a goat, a giraffe and a caterpiller. Don't forget the meerkat, the beaver and the raccoon. Such darling patterns from so many talented designers. 

Book 9 of 12. Zoomigurumi 9. Fifteen more adorable patterns from the friendly horse on the cover to an anglerfish, an otter with his seashell, a sheep, and even a Gecko. From patterns that are beginner-friendly to some suitable for advanced crocheters, they are all accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations. 

Book 10 of 12. Zoomigurumi 10. The kangaroo and  her 'joey' on the cover will keep you from resting that crochet hook. The 'zoomies' in book 10 include a feisty crab, a bouncy kangaroo, a lively squirrel, and a dainty bunny, along with a gorilla, a badger, a koala and Andy Ant! 

Book 11 of 12. Zoomigurumi Endangered Animals. This is a special edition of the Zoomigurumi series featuring 15 of the wild animals on our planet that are threatened. Crochet a collection of these special animals, including a lovable giant panda, a precious monk seal, a gorgeous blue whale and a darling pangolin! There is also a mountain gorilla and her baby, a polar bear, and Cleo the Yellow-Crested Cockatoo

Book 12 of 12.  Zoomigurumi Favorites. This crochet pattern book completes the Zoomigurumi series with 30 of the best-loved patterns from the other books. With Zoomigurumi Favorites. your house may transform into an entire amigurumi zoo! 

The Zoomigurumi series of crochet craft pattern books are all available on Amazon. 

My Zoomis!

A few of my crocheted 'Zoomies'

Here are a few of the cute zoomigurumi animals I have crocheted from this Zoomigurumi series of crochet pattern books.  My favorites, to date, are the wonderful walrus and the Giant Panda Bear. They are currently available in my Etsy Store Coastal Crochet Crafts. I DO so love to crochet and finding these darling patterns was a true delight. 

Happy Crocheting! 

Links to more reviews of crochet craft books:

• A Review of the Crochet Book "Amigurumi Two"
• Easy Crochet Critters Pattern Book Review
• Modern Amigurumi for the Home Craft Book Review
• Adorable Amigurumi
• Funny Amigurumi
• Crobots - An Amigurumi Robots Crochet Craft Book Review

For More Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

For More Craft Reviews, check out ReviewThisCrafts.com 

*Review of the Zoomigurumi Series of crochet pattern books written by Wednesday Elf

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NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A 12V Car Battery Jump Starter Review

Every car or vehicle owner should own a NOCO battery jump starter and keep it in the automobile!  It works on automobiles, motorcycles, ATV, watercraft and more.

When an automobile battery dies, it is often at inconvenient times, in inconvenient places and without warning.  In my 40 years of driving, I have only had one car battery that died at home.  Usually, we are in a store parking lot, traveling, or at work.

We had maintained a AAA membership for decades for just such occasions, but they don't arrive on the scene immediately.  As a matter of fact, we most often have to wait for an hour or two for assistance.  Depending on where we are, the time of day, and the weather, waiting over an hour is rarely reasonable.

We also have jumper cables in every vehicle, but that requires the help of a Good Samaritan with a vehicle.  Sadly, when you are stranded and a car pulls up next to you, it isn't immediately obvious if you are about to be greeted by a kind soul or a criminal.  

Therefore, the NOCO battery jump starter is a necessity for every car.  You charge it when you first purchase it and put it in the vehicle, ready for use when needed. 

Being able to jump start your vehicle without assistance from anyone else, or any other vehicle, is truly fabulous! 

NOCO GB40 Car Battery Jump Starter

 NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Jump Starter Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel EnginesIt takes less than 3 hours to charge the jumper starter when you first purchase it and you charge it in the safety of your own home, at your convenience.  Then, simply put it in your vehicle to use when needed.  It will last for up to 20 jump starts before it needs to be recharged.

It also has a built-in flashlight with multiple flash modes including a strobe light or SOS. 

• Safely connect to any 12v vehicle
• Water Resistant
• Use in any climate
• Heavy duty booster clamps 
• Portable Power Bank with USB port for charging cell phone, tablet, or other USB device 
• Microfiber storage bag included
  
• 2.4 pounds
  

Another notable benefit of having the NOCO battery jump starter is that regardless of where or how you are parked, you can get to your vehicle battery without having to pull another vehicle into position to assist with jump starting.  Most of us pull straight into a parking place which limits access.

This car battery jump starter is very easy to use.  The easiest way to see that, is to watch this very short video.

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What is the best Wood for a Cigar Humidor

I enjoy relaxing with a good cigar, and since I don't smoke my cigars in the house, that only leaves me the time to enjoy my cigars in the warmer weather.

Pictured here is my fine collection of cigars in my humidor. A good cigar can be quite expensive so, you need a humidor to keep your collection fresh.

What is a Humidor:

A cigar humidor is basically a wood box to store your cigars. Its main function is to maintain a constant temperature and humidity level to keep your cigars in top condition. Not storing your cigars properly can affect the flavor in the future.

Cigars will last a very long time if stored properly in your humidor. I have had some of the cigars you see in the photo for many years.

I always wondered what types of wood were used for the inside of a humidor and why. So, I did a little research to find out, and here is what I found.

Basically, there are three types of wood used to line the inside of a humidor.

• Spanish Cedar (By far the most popular)
• American or Canadian red cedar
• Honduran mahogany

Spanish cedar is by far the most popular, and is used as the wood lining in most humidors, and here is why.

Spanish cedar offers high humidity absorption, which helps maintain a stable climate and prevents mold. This also helps the flavor of the cigars as they age, and the odor quality of the wood offers protection from tobacco worms. 

Tobacco worms can destroy every cigar in your humidor. Over the years I have never had the problem of tobacco worms in my humidor.

Actually, Spanish Cedar is really not cedar, it just smells like cedar. It is grown in the Northern regions of South America.

When you buy a humidor it will generally be equipped with a humidifying system and a hygrometer to gauge the humidity.

Cigars are best stored at a temperature between 64 and 70 degrees and 70 to 72 percent humidity.

I learned a lot of useful information by doing this research. It has certainly helped me maintain my precious collection of cigars.

Humidors are a wonderful gift idea for anyone who loves a good cigar.

Mantello Cigars Humidor, Glass-Top Cigar Humidors, Humidor Box for 25-50 Cigars, with Hygrometer & Divider, HumidorsMarvero Handcrafted Cigar Humidors Box, Cedar Wood Cigar Humidor for 150 Cigars with Digital Hygrometer, 3 Large Drawers, 3 Humidifiers and 10 Cedar Wood Spills. Gift for Men and Aficionados

 

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Winning the Endgame ~ A Book Review

 

Get used to it, the Population of the world is aging and aging quickly.  Let's clarify, it is still aging one day at a time, but there aren't as many young ones coming up in the ranks to fill our shoes and our responsibilities to our family's and society as a whole.

Gone are the days when your children would look after you when you were no longer able to do it yourself.  Today we need to make our own plans for what our future looks like and there is no better time to start than right now!

Aging is something that we really don't give too much thought to.  It's a topic that really doesn't interest us until we are at that "AGE" when our bodies and maybe our minds start to slip a little.  \

I can remember vividly during my 40's and early 50's never needing a phone book!  I could remember peoples' faces and names and yes their phone numbers as well.  Then all of a sudden one day I could not remember a friend's phone number that I would have called at least twice a week.

What was going on with me?  

It was time to take a good hard look at the aging process and understand what was happening to my mind as well as my body.

No one has the magic pill that will keep these things from happening to us, but we can and do have tools that will make life (and aging) that much easier.

First and foremost, get used to writing things down.  You will NOT remember! ( Or you might remember two weeks later )  Get used to it!

Don't give in though!  Reading and using your mind to do puzzles, crosswords, math problems like SUDOKU, will help to keep your mind sharp.  So don't just sit back and let nature take it's course without giving it a hard time.  Using the brain cells will help to keep it active.  

Join some groups that will teach you new skills.  Maybe something that you have been wanting to do for a long time, but never had the opportunity or time to pursue.  Painting, quilting, needlepoint, card playing, fitness classes ( for seniors of course), sitting in on some university courses or listening to podcasts on any topic you enjoy, will help to keep your mind and even your body moving.

Take the time to do some reading about aging, what to expect and how to win at the "End Game"!

We will all do this at some point in our lives, so let's do it our way!

This book might be the help you need to get you started!

With a little humour and lots of honesty, this time in your life could be the best that ever was!  Winning the Endgame is an easy read and just might get you on the road to looking at the rest of your life with open eyes and a willingness of spirit.  

May we all live our lives well and smile at everything that we have experienced during our voyage around the sun!

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Reviewing The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman

The Forgetting by Hannah Beckerman was a beautifully crafted book and a real page-turner. It is about two women and they tell their stories in alternating chapters. Let me tell you about them; first, there is Anna who we meet when she wakes up in a hospital bed in London and has amnesia. She doesn't even remember her husband, Stephen.

When Anna is discharged to move home it's like her house is a stranger's home. Stephen takes her to a few places that they used to frequent, but it doesn't jog any memories. She really can't even enjoy her favourite novels. She is feeling trapped and quite disorientated in her life.

The author writes so well that you can feel Anna's frustration at not being able to remember. I also didn't like her husband Stephen and felt very suspicious of him. I was glad when she met a new friend as her life was so insular and it seemed strange that there was no one except Stephen to help her remember her past.

Next, we meet Libby who is a new mum to baby Leo and is looking at returning to work. She lives in Bristol and is close to her parents and sister and is newly married to Dominic. Her husband is definitely gaslighting her and I will admit to being frustrated at her blind loyalty to him. I really wanted to shake some sense into her!

Dominic's controlling behaviour did make me think that his stories about his parents were probably not the whole truth and I was looking forward to getting to the bottom of that mystery when his mother turned up. The book was so well written that I got extremely agitated when he put his career ahead of Libby's chance at a promotion - I wanted to reach into the book and tell her to snap out of the spell he had over her!

I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it up until I was finished. I did guess the twist, but it took me a little longer than it generally does. 

I was very happy to see that Hannah Beckerman has written other books and I'm keen to read them too. Have you read The Forgetting or any of her other novels?

This book came up as recommended for me in my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I thoroughly recommend downloading it when you have a few hours free, curl up with your favourite cup of tea, grab a snack (like these delicious protein cookies) and enjoy!

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The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon Book Review

A newborn was abandoned in a small town laundry. He was left in a basket and found on the verge of death. His story made the news and he was named Moses. Unlike the biblical babe left in the basket and placed in the river, this Moses was a crack baby. Crack babies, due to being exposed to drugs before their birth, are expected to have many physical and mental difficulties. In some ways, Moses followed a similar trajectory as many children born with drug exposure and with absent parents.  He was passed from home to home, had difficulty in school, and was thought to have seizures and hallucinations. However, he is also very different than those similar children in a way that can either be considered a blessing or a curse - depending on how you look at it. 

"People love babies, even sick babies. Even crack babies. But babies grow up to be kids. Nobody really wants messed up kids."

I was lost in Amy Harmon's The Law of Moses. From the prologue that warned of heart-breaking loss to the last few words I was hooked. I fell in love with Georgia and Moses. We join their lives as they are in their senior year of high school. 

Moses eventually comes to live with Kathleen, his great-grandmother. He is turning 18 and will be aging out of the system. He is a very talented mural painter, painting his graffiti where he shouldn't and he sometimes knows people he shouldn't.  Kathleen lives next door to Georgia's family and has made arrangements for Moses to work on their farm. 

Georgia was the youngest child, born years after her own siblings. But she had grown up with many children as her parents were foster parents. As the story begins, her family is running an equine therapy program. While Georgia has seen Moses previously, during his visits with Kathleen when he was younger, this is the first time she's getting to know him. Or trying to get to know him. While most everyone else is suspicious or afraid of Moses, Georgia is drawn to him. But he's one of those "troubled" kids that most people avoid. Even the horses want to remain far from him. But Georgia can't stop herself. 

"Whatever it was, when Moses came to Levan, he was like water-cold, deep, unpredictable, and, like the pond up the canyon, dangerous because you could never see what was beneath the surface. And just like I'd done all my life, I jumped in head first, even though I'd been forbidden. But this time, I drowned."

The story continues over the next several years as Georgia and Moses go through some very difficult times, with and without each other, moving into adulthood. They are faced with adult problems and adult decisions.

My review does not do this story justice. I almost didn't write a review because I cannot describe it adequately without spoilers. Amy Harmon's writing is beautifully descriptive. It is easy to imagine the horses, scenery, and breath-taking murals. The characters are unique. Georgia and Moses are independent, strong, very different from each other, and both are very stubborn. This is described as a young adult and/or a coming of age romance but it is far from being confined to those genres.  It includes the mysterious disappearances of young ladies, beautiful murals being painted on buildings and overpasses of people who are missing or passed away, and a "different" young man who everyone blames for some of the bad things that happen. This story also has a paranormal aspect. I hadn't known that before I chose to add this book to my Kindle. If I had known, I probably would have passed the book by. I feel that most books with a paranormal bend seem contrived and difficult to believe. But Amy Harmon introduces and proves Moses' special abilities in a way that seems possible. Georgia and Moses are flawed characters who might not be easily likable but who won't be easily forgotten. 

See additional reviews and get your copy of The Law of Moses on Amazon here. 

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

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Couch Cushion Seat & Back Cover Protectors Look Great - 5 Star Review

Recently, I've had to protect the light-colored furniture in our newly created TV room upstairs.

We have family staying for a while, and the beige sofa and chairs need a little extra protection. As most of you know, my mom recently passed away; this furniture is from her living room. Needless to say, I'm a bit overprotective of it.

There Are Many Couch Protectors and Slipcovers Styles, So Why Did I Choose These? (Scroll Down to View the Photos)

• My mom's couch and chairs have skirts on the bottom, so purchasing the ones that slip over the entire couch would not work. These particular slipcovers have elastic that grabs at the bottom and that would crinkle up the skirts.
• If you look closely at the photos of the full slipcovers provided by verified purchasers, I found the crinkled look sloppy.
• A few people complained of slipcovers coming off, especially with pets and people just sitting on the couch.

The Couch Seat Covers I Selected are Not Water Resistant

• I debated purchasing a water-resistant cover, but after researching, some comments said they made a bit of noise when you sat on them. No thanks.
• Since I wasn't purchasing the protectors for pets, I chose the comfy-cozy ones I selected below.

Why I Approve of These Seat Covers:

• They're soft
• They slip on easily
• They stay on perfectly when you sit on them
• They fit the back cushions on the sofa as well
• They're elegant-looking
• They do come in many colors
• They're machine washable (I haven't had to wash them yet)
• The price was acceptable
• It solved the problem of protecting the couch

What You Should Be Aware of With These Couch Cushion Covers:

• They come in packs of  2 or 3
• They come in three size choices
• They come in many colors
• Measure your sofa seat length, width, and height first
• They are relatively thin, so if you need them to provide a liquid barrier, these aren't the ones to choose

Here Are Some Photos of the Cushion Covers (Notice I Was Able to Place Them on the Back Cushions as well):

I've since added these matching arm covers and pillow covers as well.

Note: The chairs are not covered in these photos.
They have since been covered with the same product.

Here's a fun side note: When I backpacked through Europe in 1978, I picked up those three photos on the back wall from the streets of Paris - they were in my mom's upstairs hallway from 1978 to 2021, now they're in my home. The needlepoint deer was made by my grandmother (my mom's mom, and when mom passed, it came to me) - The furniture is also my mom's, so we affectionately refer to this little tv room as "The History Room." There's a cabinet with more photo memories and a tv on the other wall.

★★★★★ - 5 Stars from me. Purchaser approved.

 You Can Find These Lovely Cushion Covers on Amazon Here

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

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