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Her Chance at Family
She needs all the help she can get.
Will she accept it from him?
Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner—but neither was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian possible, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just be able to heal her heart, too. Except Sean’s got a secret…and revealing it could throw a wrench in their happily-ever-after.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
[HEARTLAND SWEETHEARTS]
Book 1: His Sweet Surprise
Book 2: Her Chance at Family
Will she accept it from him?
Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner—but neither was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian possible, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just be able to heal her heart, too. Except Sean’s got a secret…and revealing it could throw a wrench in their happily-ever-after.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
[HEARTLAND SWEETHEARTS]
Book 1: His Sweet Surprise
Book 2: Her Chance at Family
- GenresChristian Fiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
5 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Angie Dicken
19 books194 followersAngie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. You can connect with her
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 14, 2024
2.5 stars. I did not care for Elisa at all. I loved Blythe though.
January 8, 2024
What a fantastic book! It's about forgiveness, second chances and love! This is the first book that I've read by Angie Dicken, but it won't be the last!
The characters are relatable and easy to like! Elisa has suffered from heartache and loss. She is determined to provide a good life for her orphaned nieces. Sean is known for being a good guy! He's helpful, compassionate, and reliable! I really like Blythe too! She's a lot like her brother, Sean, always willing to lend a hand!
The setting of Rapid Falls is picturesque! There's a real sense of community! I especially liked Sweet Lula's and could easily imagine myself eating a delicious pastry there!!
The love story is very sweet! It's a little bit complicated because Sean has a huge secret, but it works out in the end!
I was provided a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are relatable and easy to like! Elisa has suffered from heartache and loss. She is determined to provide a good life for her orphaned nieces. Sean is known for being a good guy! He's helpful, compassionate, and reliable! I really like Blythe too! She's a lot like her brother, Sean, always willing to lend a hand!
The setting of Rapid Falls is picturesque! There's a real sense of community! I especially liked Sweet Lula's and could easily imagine myself eating a delicious pastry there!!
The love story is very sweet! It's a little bit complicated because Sean has a huge secret, but it works out in the end!
I was provided a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2024
What a sweet story and a treat to be back in Angie Dicken's quaint Rapid Falls, Iowa!
Elisa Hartley is an interior designer who is just coming off of two very difficult situations, she was left at the altar on her wedding day, and later her brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident and named Elisa as the legal guardian of their two sweet little girls.
Elisa had remodeled a beautiful Victorian home in Rapid Falls intended as a surprise for her ex-fiancee. She moves the girls here for a fresh start and meets Sean and Blythe Peters, a brother/sister duo, the landscaper and the babysitter. They have their own losses they are coping with, but bring a lot of fun and support to Elisa and the girls. Lottie is a friendly and feisty 4 year old and sweet Ava is two, both add a lot to the story.
A wonderful uplifting story of forgiveness, healing and hope. I highly recommend Her Chance at Family for lovers of clean stories of love and friendship.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Elisa Hartley is an interior designer who is just coming off of two very difficult situations, she was left at the altar on her wedding day, and later her brother and sister-in-law died in a car accident and named Elisa as the legal guardian of their two sweet little girls.
Elisa had remodeled a beautiful Victorian home in Rapid Falls intended as a surprise for her ex-fiancee. She moves the girls here for a fresh start and meets Sean and Blythe Peters, a brother/sister duo, the landscaper and the babysitter. They have their own losses they are coping with, but bring a lot of fun and support to Elisa and the girls. Lottie is a friendly and feisty 4 year old and sweet Ava is two, both add a lot to the story.
A wonderful uplifting story of forgiveness, healing and hope. I highly recommend Her Chance at Family for lovers of clean stories of love and friendship.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2025
First half I was engaged but stalled a bit .. angsty .. quick syrupy ending. HEA.
That secret of Sean’s just was not a big deal imho.
Good book.
That secret of Sean’s just was not a big deal imho.
Good book.
February 9, 2024
Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
Book 2 of 2: Heartland Sweethearts
She needs all the help she can get.
Will she accept it from him?
Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner—but neither was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian possible, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just be able to heal her heart, too. Except Sean’s got a secret…and revealing it could throw a wrench in their happily-ever-after.
This is Sean Peters and Elisa Hartley and Lottie and Ava's story. her two orphaned nieces.
“Hey, there.” A deep voice materialized into a tall figure from the shadowy fence line, sending Elisa’s entire frame into a rigid ready-to-flee mode as she reached for the handle of the car. “Didn’t want to startle you.”
Too bad, bud, you already did.
The man stepped into the fading wintry light. Twilight glinted off his wire-framed spectacles. His lips parted as if he were going to speak, but he didn’t. He just stared at her.
Elisa took a step back, balling her hands into fists by her side. “Can I help you?”
He pushed back the fur-lined hood of his winter coat. His sandy brown hair stuck up in a boyish mess, and a five-o’clock shadow dusted his strong jaw. “You’re the owner here?”
I recommend this book.
Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Angie Dicken .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
[HEARTLAND SWEETHEARTS]
Book 1: His Sweet Surprise
Book 2: Her Chance at Family
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
Book 2 of 2: Heartland Sweethearts
She needs all the help she can get.
Will she accept it from him?
Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner—but neither was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian possible, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just be able to heal her heart, too. Except Sean’s got a secret…and revealing it could throw a wrench in their happily-ever-after.
This is Sean Peters and Elisa Hartley and Lottie and Ava's story. her two orphaned nieces.
“Hey, there.” A deep voice materialized into a tall figure from the shadowy fence line, sending Elisa’s entire frame into a rigid ready-to-flee mode as she reached for the handle of the car. “Didn’t want to startle you.”
Too bad, bud, you already did.
The man stepped into the fading wintry light. Twilight glinted off his wire-framed spectacles. His lips parted as if he were going to speak, but he didn’t. He just stared at her.
Elisa took a step back, balling her hands into fists by her side. “Can I help you?”
He pushed back the fur-lined hood of his winter coat. His sandy brown hair stuck up in a boyish mess, and a five-o’clock shadow dusted his strong jaw. “You’re the owner here?”
I recommend this book.
Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Angie Dicken .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
[HEARTLAND SWEETHEARTS]
Book 1: His Sweet Surprise
Book 2: Her Chance at Family
June 15, 2024
Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner, nor was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just heal her heart too. But Sean has a secret that could jeopardize their budding relationship. Elisa, struggling to move on from her past, meets Sean, a landscape architect with his own hurts to overcome. As Sean works on her yard, he sees Elisa's strength and resilience, and their growing bond is tested by her lingering fears and his hidden secret. Sean’s patience and kindness help Elisa open up to the possibility of love and a new family. Set in the picturesque small town of Rapid Falls, IA, the story is enriched by a strong sense of community, charming characters, and heartwarming moments. Elisa’s transformation from an introvert to a community member and Sean’s journey of forgiveness and trust are beautifully portrayed. The book also features delightful supporting characters, including Sean's sister and a matchmaking knitters club, adding depth to the narrative. 'Her Chance at Family' is a touching story of love, loss, and second chances. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is hope for a brighter future. With themes of forgiveness, trust, and letting go, this book is a wonderful journey to happiness that will bring tears and joy. If you enjoy sweet love stories with heartfelt endings, this book is a must-read.
December 30, 2023
Her Chance at Family is book #2 in Angie Dicken's Heartland Sweethearts. It was so nice to be back in small town Rapid Falls, IA. I love this small little town. Elisa Hartley thought she and her new hubby Chad would love it too when she bought a house there that she helped design. Plans changed though when her wedding never happened. Then tragedy struck and she became the guardian of her two young nieces. She and her nieces moved into the house instead. Landscape architect Sean Peters comes to help fix up her back yard, but he might be able to help her fix heart too. Though secrets are deadly things and he has a big one. Can their fragile relationship survive when it comes to light?
This was a wonderful story about forgiveness, trust, and learning to let go. I loved watching Elisa the introvert become part of the community that she never knew she longed to belong to. I loved watching Sean learn to forgive and learn to trust again. These two broken individuals had lots of healing to do and it brought a few tears as I read about their journey to happiness. I also adored the two little girls, Sean's sweet optimistic sister, and the matchmaking knitters club. Plus, it had an epilogue and it thrilled my soul. If you want a sweet story that will help you feel all things then pick this one up. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I was given a copy but all opinions are my very own.
This was a wonderful story about forgiveness, trust, and learning to let go. I loved watching Elisa the introvert become part of the community that she never knew she longed to belong to. I loved watching Sean learn to forgive and learn to trust again. These two broken individuals had lots of healing to do and it brought a few tears as I read about their journey to happiness. I also adored the two little girls, Sean's sweet optimistic sister, and the matchmaking knitters club. Plus, it had an epilogue and it thrilled my soul. If you want a sweet story that will help you feel all things then pick this one up. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I was given a copy but all opinions are my very own.
January 17, 2024
Her Chance at Family is the second book in the Heartland Sweethearts book series. The first book in the series is His Sweet Surprise which I have also read and loved.
Taking place in the heartland of Iowa in fictional Rapid Falls. My daughter lives in Iowa so it was so nice to see this series takes place there.
This is the lovely story of Elisa Hartley, getting left at the alter wasn't exactly in her plans. Life must move forward she think to herself as she receives custody of her two orphaned nieces.
Adjusting to a new home isn't easy but she must do the best she can when she has her nieces to think about. Helping her to make the adjustment is landscape architect Sean Peters, who helps her with odd chores needing done. He's afraid to get too close to her though as he has something he's hiding. Uplifting and encouraging story filled with hope, faith and love.
Expected publication January 23, 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Taking place in the heartland of Iowa in fictional Rapid Falls. My daughter lives in Iowa so it was so nice to see this series takes place there.
This is the lovely story of Elisa Hartley, getting left at the alter wasn't exactly in her plans. Life must move forward she think to herself as she receives custody of her two orphaned nieces.
Adjusting to a new home isn't easy but she must do the best she can when she has her nieces to think about. Helping her to make the adjustment is landscape architect Sean Peters, who helps her with odd chores needing done. He's afraid to get too close to her though as he has something he's hiding. Uplifting and encouraging story filled with hope, faith and love.
Expected publication January 23, 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 11, 2024
It was such fun to return to Rapid Falls, Iowa for another of Angie Dicken’s sweet inspirational stories. I love small-town settings and their friendly, realistic, and charming characters, which this author creates so well. The main characters, Elisa Hartley and Sean Peters, are engaging and endearing, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and change. When Elisa gains guardianship of her two adorable nieces, she brings them to the house she purchased and is remodeling in Rapid Falls. Landscape architect Sean is hoping to retain the job of doing the landscaping of the house. The two nieces, Lottie and Ava, are a delightful addition to the story.
This is a wonderful, clean and wholesome tale of healing, forgiveness, and hope. While it is somewhat predictable as to the ending, there are enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and entertaining. I recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary inspirational romance. I’m looking forward to more from this talented author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This is a wonderful, clean and wholesome tale of healing, forgiveness, and hope. While it is somewhat predictable as to the ending, there are enough twists and turns to keep it interesting and entertaining. I recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary inspirational romance. I’m looking forward to more from this talented author.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2024
I'm so happy to return to Iowa for the second in Angie Dicken's Heartland Sweethearts series, Her Chance at Family.
Elisa Hartley never thought she'd return to Rapid Falls after getting left at the altar on what was supposed to be her wedding day. The Victorian house she bought and remodeled - meant for her and Chad - has sat empty since. But after a tragedy within her family, she's now guardian to her two young orphaned nieces. She realizes this house is where the girls need to be, at least for now.
Sean Peters is a landscape architect, working on Elisa's yard. He's got a secret, though, and it gets harder and harder to reveal it as he and Elisa grow closer.
Can the Lord work to unburden them of the weeds in each of their hearts, and allow for something wonderful to grown and flourish between them? You will want to find out, plus it has by favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Elisa Hartley never thought she'd return to Rapid Falls after getting left at the altar on what was supposed to be her wedding day. The Victorian house she bought and remodeled - meant for her and Chad - has sat empty since. But after a tragedy within her family, she's now guardian to her two young orphaned nieces. She realizes this house is where the girls need to be, at least for now.
Sean Peters is a landscape architect, working on Elisa's yard. He's got a secret, though, and it gets harder and harder to reveal it as he and Elisa grow closer.
Can the Lord work to unburden them of the weeds in each of their hearts, and allow for something wonderful to grown and flourish between them? You will want to find out, plus it has by favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
January 8, 2024
This is a sweet story of Elisa, having been left at the altar and becoming the guardian of her two nieces. She moves to a newly renovated house and brings along her sweet nieces. She meets Sean, a landscaper working on her property. This was a very enjoyable book for me. I love the location because I grew up "across the street" from the Iowa border. It's nice to bring back the small town feel memories of my youth. I enjoyed the interaction of the characters and there is always something that changes the storyline to keep your interest. Elisa needs lots of help as she tries to juggle and balance family life and work life. I recommend this great read and really look forward to more books from this writer. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 17, 2024
I absolutely loved "Her Chance at Family" by Angie Dicken! Fictional small-town Rapid Falls is the adorable setting for this story.
My favorite place is the house Elisa bought for her upcoming marriage. An amazing Victorian home. The problem was: her fiance jilted her at the altar, and she suddenly became the guardian for her two young nieces when her brother and wife died in an accident. So not her original plan.
But the two adorable littles bring life to Elisa's sorrow. They also convince her to accept help from local landscape artist Sean. The builder of the coveted playset in the backyard. Between her interior design career and his landscape business, there is a lot that can blossom between the pages.
This small-town tale with wonderful characters and vibe, including the knitting club, bring a luster of warm reading to a chilly winter day.
Highly recommend.
My favorite place is the house Elisa bought for her upcoming marriage. An amazing Victorian home. The problem was: her fiance jilted her at the altar, and she suddenly became the guardian for her two young nieces when her brother and wife died in an accident. So not her original plan.
But the two adorable littles bring life to Elisa's sorrow. They also convince her to accept help from local landscape artist Sean. The builder of the coveted playset in the backyard. Between her interior design career and his landscape business, there is a lot that can blossom between the pages.
This small-town tale with wonderful characters and vibe, including the knitting club, bring a luster of warm reading to a chilly winter day.
Highly recommend.
January 22, 2024
When Emily Hartley gains custody of her 2 orphaned nieces, she moves to the house she thought she would share with her husband in Rapid Falls. Unfortunately, her fiancé had stood her up at the wedding.
Sean Peters is the landscape architect hired to revamp Emily's backyard. Both have been hurt and neither is looking for romance and love. Sean has a secret that could destroy his relationship with Emily. He drove the car that took her back to her parents' house away from the church and the failed wedding. Should he tell her?
This is book 2 in the Heartland Sweethearts series.
Sean Peters is the landscape architect hired to revamp Emily's backyard. Both have been hurt and neither is looking for romance and love. Sean has a secret that could destroy his relationship with Emily. He drove the car that took her back to her parents' house away from the church and the failed wedding. Should he tell her?
This is book 2 in the Heartland Sweethearts series.
January 30, 2024
I felt that this has been one of my favorite contemporary inspirational romances that I have read in a long time. I laughed and cried through this story. I loved Elisa, Sean, Lottie and Ava. I think my favorite character was Blythe. I loved her spirit. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
January 1, 2024
Her Chance at Family is a sweet, heartwarming story full of second chances, falling in love, hope, forgiveness, faith and learning to trust again. I love the wonderful characters. I couldn't put this story down. A must read.
February 6, 2024
What a beautifully written story of love and faith. Elisa has had a difficult past. Perhaps with her two orphaned nieces and a new start, life might improve. Will her heart get involved in romance , time will tell. Can’t wait for more by this outstanding author.
March 1, 2024
Her Chance at Family is a sweet, clean romance. Elisa needs to heal. Sean is keeping a secret that could kill a budding romance. And two sweet orphans needs a family.
I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it!
February 21, 2024
Her Chance at Family by Angie Dicken！ What an amazing and inspirational romance that will keep you reading and turning the pages。 When Elisa is left with her two nieces Lottie and Ava after her brother and sister-in-law die in a car accident Can she repair her heart from being left stood up at the alter and move on with her life！ As she meets her landscaper Sean Peters and his sister Blythe can she move on again to trust with her heart again to make a home for Her two nieces and herself! I highly recommend this book it is one you won't be disappointed! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
January 23, 2024
Her Chance at Family is book #2 in Angie Dicken's Heartland Sweethearts. It was so nice to be back in small town Rapid Falls, IA. I love this small little town. Elisa Hartley thought she and her new hubby Chad would love it too when she bought a house there that she helped design. Plans changed though when her wedding never happened. Then tragedy struck and she became the guardian of her two young nieces. She and her nieces moved into the house instead. Landscape architect Sean Peters comes to help fix up her back yard, but he might be able to help her fix heart too. Though secrets are deadly things and he has a big one. Can their fragile relationship survive when it comes to light?
This was a wonderful story about forgiveness, trust, and learning to let go. I loved watching Elisa the introvert become part of the community that she never knew she longed to belong to. I loved watching Sean learn to forgive and learn to trust again. These two broken individuals had lots of healing to do and it brought a few tears as I read about their journey to happiness. I also adored the two little girls, Sean's sweet optimistic sister, and the matchmaking knitters club. Plus, it had an epilogue and it thrilled my soul. If you want a sweet story that will help you feel all things then pick this one up. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I was given a copy but all opinions are my very own.
This was a wonderful story about forgiveness, trust, and learning to let go. I loved watching Elisa the introvert become part of the community that she never knew she longed to belong to. I loved watching Sean learn to forgive and learn to trust again. These two broken individuals had lots of healing to do and it brought a few tears as I read about their journey to happiness. I also adored the two little girls, Sean's sweet optimistic sister, and the matchmaking knitters club. Plus, it had an epilogue and it thrilled my soul. If you want a sweet story that will help you feel all things then pick this one up. It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. I was given a copy but all opinions are my very own.
January 11, 2024
"Her Chance at Family" by Angie Dicken is a heartwarming story about Elisa, a woman who was left at the altar and is now taking care of her orphaned nieces. Elisa is struggling to move on from the pain and disappointment of her past, but things start to change when Sean Peters comes into her life. Sean is a landscape architect, who has some past hurts of his own to overcome, hired to fix up Elisa's backyard. As he works alongside her, he starts to see the strength and resilience that Elisa possesses.
As they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other. But with her past still haunting her, Elisa is hesitant to let anyone get too close. As the story unfolds, we see how Sean's patience, kindness, and understanding begin to help Elisa heal and open up to the possibility of love and a new family.
"Her Chance at Family" is a beautifully written story that explores the themes of love, loss, and second chances. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
As they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other. But with her past still haunting her, Elisa is hesitant to let anyone get too close. As the story unfolds, we see how Sean's patience, kindness, and understanding begin to help Elisa heal and open up to the possibility of love and a new family.
"Her Chance at Family" is a beautifully written story that explores the themes of love, loss, and second chances. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
January 26, 2024
Angie Dicken gives readers another chance to visit Rapid Falls, Iowa, and I'm thrilled to return! Her Chance at Family is a realistic story brimming with emotions: hurt, disappointment, family separation, and failed love affairs, but it's NEVER a downer! It is, instead, a heartwarming tale overflowing with hope, second chances, and love!
I loved the friendship that developed between Elisa Hartley and Sean Peters! Both had experienced broken hearts, and both were invested in providing a stable home for their younger relatives. It was very likely that Elisa's stay in Rapid Falls was temporary, and it didn't help that Sean had a secret that could instantly sever their bond of friendship. How could there possibly be a happy ending?
Her Chance at Family is a great addition to the Heartland Sweethearts series and the epilogue is especially satisfying! It's the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys family, small communities, and sweet contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I loved the friendship that developed between Elisa Hartley and Sean Peters! Both had experienced broken hearts, and both were invested in providing a stable home for their younger relatives. It was very likely that Elisa's stay in Rapid Falls was temporary, and it didn't help that Sean had a secret that could instantly sever their bond of friendship. How could there possibly be a happy ending?
Her Chance at Family is a great addition to the Heartland Sweethearts series and the epilogue is especially satisfying! It's the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys family, small communities, and sweet contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
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January 3, 2024Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Heartland Sweethearts (Book #2)
Miniseries
Heartland Sweethearts (Book #2)
Read
January 3, 2024Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Heartland Sweethearts (Book #2)
Miniseries
Heartland Sweethearts (Book #2)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews