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The Urgency of Slowing Down: Biblical Wisdom for Everyday Renewal
If Jesus took time away from the demands of life for stillness, rest, and prayer, shouldn’t His followers do the same?
Yet living in a whirlwind of constant motion is all too familiar. Our many responsibilities and relationships are we want to go to our child’s game and say yes to that assignment at work and help lead that group at church. But when we go, go, go at the world’s pace, the anxiety and burnout start to weigh on our souls.
Laura Smith invites you to pause, exhale, and explore what the Bible says about slowing down. With scriptural insights and relatable personal stories, Laura offers practical habits for resisting the hectic and holding on to the slow. Packed with different ways Christians over the centuries have tapped into the abundant life of Jesus, 24 short chapters lay out spiritual and physical practices such as prayer, Sabbath, saying no, gratitude, decluttering, celebration, and worship.
If you’re tired of the crazy pace of your life but don’t know how to get off the merry-go-round, The Urgency of Slowing Down is for you. Take a few minutes each day to read a chapter so you can learn to slow down right where you are to look for God, listen for His voice, and fill your heart and mind with His presence.
Yet living in a whirlwind of constant motion is all too familiar. Our many responsibilities and relationships are we want to go to our child’s game and say yes to that assignment at work and help lead that group at church. But when we go, go, go at the world’s pace, the anxiety and burnout start to weigh on our souls.
Laura Smith invites you to pause, exhale, and explore what the Bible says about slowing down. With scriptural insights and relatable personal stories, Laura offers practical habits for resisting the hectic and holding on to the slow. Packed with different ways Christians over the centuries have tapped into the abundant life of Jesus, 24 short chapters lay out spiritual and physical practices such as prayer, Sabbath, saying no, gratitude, decluttering, celebration, and worship.
If you’re tired of the crazy pace of your life but don’t know how to get off the merry-go-round, The Urgency of Slowing Down is for you. Take a few minutes each day to read a chapter so you can learn to slow down right where you are to look for God, listen for His voice, and fill your heart and mind with His presence.
- GenresNonfiction
248 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2024
18 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Laura L. Smith
14 books93 followersLaura L. Smith lis a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music,books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 18, 2024
“The goal is simply to get closer to Jesus.”
I’ve been feeling for a couple of years now that I have too many things in my bag, so to speak, and to be honest it has taken a toll on my time with Jesus. I crave a slower pace where I can soak up the Word every day (not just here and there) and have more than a popcorn conversation with Him. But when you’re so overwhelmed with things that need doing that you don’t even know where to start deciding how to lighten the load – nor have the time to stop and try – sometimes it takes a friend pulling up a chair, plunking down a mug of your favorite hot beverage, and saying, “Let’s go through your metaphorical bag together.” This is what Laura L. Smith does for readers in The Urgency of Slowing Down.
Smith’s writing voice feels like a conversation over lunch or pastries where you can glean Biblical and practical wisdom from someone who’s a bit farther than you in her journey toward everyday soul renewal and practicing His Presence. Each chapter is the perfect size to digest in a day, and I think the book in its entirety would make the perfect thing to read intentionally as this year winds down, giving us the right perspective as we head into 2025.
The first half of the book focuses on what we can remove from our schedules, our hearts, our minds, our homes, etc. that are keeping us from living the abundant life God intended for us. The answers are going to be different for each of us, and I love that Smith gives us several possibilities to latch onto but also guides us into a conversation with God to determine what He wants us specifically to let go of, including unnecessary pressure/expectations. It reminded me of Bob Goff’s practice of quitting something every Thursday – how freeing! Because the second half of the book focuses on things we can add (now that we’ve made some room) to help us maximize the joy Jesus wants us to have. Here is where the spiritual practices come into play – solitude/silence, prayer, reading the Bible, fasting, worship, etc. I absolutely loved Smith’s take on our mind wandering during prayer – I will look at this in a whole new light from now on! I also appreciated her emphasis on not bogging these practices down into another to-do list, but rather considering them an opportunity to refuel our souls.
Bottom Line: The Urgency of Slowing Down by Laura L. Smith presents practical instruction, wrapped in Biblical wisdom and delivered as from a friend, for how to slow down and savor Jesus’ Presence and His provision. You’ll be encouraged to lighten your load (and your schedule) to free up space for habits that replenish your joy instead of draining it, practices that help you get closer to Jesus. I am personally camping out on chapters 5 and 6 for a while more, because this is where I know I’m the weakest, but I took something away from every chapter. This will be a book I turn to often, and I plan to make it part of my year-end reading from now on, as a way to make sure I’m aligned with His best for me at the start of each new year. We all need the wisdom on these pages, and I encourage you to add it to your Christmas list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I’ve been feeling for a couple of years now that I have too many things in my bag, so to speak, and to be honest it has taken a toll on my time with Jesus. I crave a slower pace where I can soak up the Word every day (not just here and there) and have more than a popcorn conversation with Him. But when you’re so overwhelmed with things that need doing that you don’t even know where to start deciding how to lighten the load – nor have the time to stop and try – sometimes it takes a friend pulling up a chair, plunking down a mug of your favorite hot beverage, and saying, “Let’s go through your metaphorical bag together.” This is what Laura L. Smith does for readers in The Urgency of Slowing Down.
Smith’s writing voice feels like a conversation over lunch or pastries where you can glean Biblical and practical wisdom from someone who’s a bit farther than you in her journey toward everyday soul renewal and practicing His Presence. Each chapter is the perfect size to digest in a day, and I think the book in its entirety would make the perfect thing to read intentionally as this year winds down, giving us the right perspective as we head into 2025.
The first half of the book focuses on what we can remove from our schedules, our hearts, our minds, our homes, etc. that are keeping us from living the abundant life God intended for us. The answers are going to be different for each of us, and I love that Smith gives us several possibilities to latch onto but also guides us into a conversation with God to determine what He wants us specifically to let go of, including unnecessary pressure/expectations. It reminded me of Bob Goff’s practice of quitting something every Thursday – how freeing! Because the second half of the book focuses on things we can add (now that we’ve made some room) to help us maximize the joy Jesus wants us to have. Here is where the spiritual practices come into play – solitude/silence, prayer, reading the Bible, fasting, worship, etc. I absolutely loved Smith’s take on our mind wandering during prayer – I will look at this in a whole new light from now on! I also appreciated her emphasis on not bogging these practices down into another to-do list, but rather considering them an opportunity to refuel our souls.
Bottom Line: The Urgency of Slowing Down by Laura L. Smith presents practical instruction, wrapped in Biblical wisdom and delivered as from a friend, for how to slow down and savor Jesus’ Presence and His provision. You’ll be encouraged to lighten your load (and your schedule) to free up space for habits that replenish your joy instead of draining it, practices that help you get closer to Jesus. I am personally camping out on chapters 5 and 6 for a while more, because this is where I know I’m the weakest, but I took something away from every chapter. This will be a book I turn to often, and I plan to make it part of my year-end reading from now on, as a way to make sure I’m aligned with His best for me at the start of each new year. We all need the wisdom on these pages, and I encourage you to add it to your Christmas list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 19, 2025
Reading The Urgency of Slowing Down is like sitting across the table from a wise friend who gently pries your white-knuckled fingers off your overstuffed calendar and says, “Let’s breathe.” Laura L. Smith doesn’t scold or shame—she simply invites readers to lighten their metaphorical backpacks and make more room for Jesus, quiet moments, and good coffee. Her book strikes a conversational tone. It walks us through what we can release, like our overcommitments, internal pressure, clutter, and what we can receive in its place: the peace and presence of Christ. And thankfully, she’s not handing out another spiritual to-do list disguised as rest (we've all been there, trying to rest efficiently and ending up more tired). Instead, her reflections are bite-sized and perfect for soaking up in the quiet moments.
Of course, not everyone may find the pacing or focus ideal. While Smith shines when weaving scripture into her reflections and offering insight on aligning daily life with Jesus' teachings, there are stretches where her personal stories take center stage, and the theological depth takes a break. For readers expecting a more doctrine-driven guide to Christian rest, it might feel like they’ve walked into a memoir when they were looking for a Bible study. Still, even amidst the anecdotes about family life, golden nuggets of spiritual encouragement surface. They remind us that God’s presence isn’t limited to the pulpit but is found in the carpool lane, at the dinner table, and yes, even in that line at the DMV (which sometimes feels like government mandated slowing down time).
What really works about this book is its practicality. Smith doesn’t demand monastic silence or three-hour prayer vigils; she offers tools that are realistic for real people. From rethinking fasting to setting boundaries and ditching the doom scroll, each chapter helps you reframe your habits in ways that are spiritually life-giving. She consistently reminds us that God's grace isn’t measured in how many spiritual boxes we check. As one might say: this isn’t a Fitbit for your faith. There is no pressure to hit 10,000 prayers a day.
Ultimately, The Urgency of Slowing Down is a gentle nudge to reorder our lives around the presence of God rather than the tyranny of the urgent. Whether you’re feeling spiritually frazzled, emotionally drained, or just tired of saying “I’m fine” when your soul is screaming “I need a nap and Jesus,” this book might be the mug of soul-warming encouragement you didn’t know you needed. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It simply asks, "what if slowing down wasn’t laziness, but faith?" Let’s be honest, if God can rest on the seventh day, maybe it’s okay if we slow our roll once in a while as well.
Of course, not everyone may find the pacing or focus ideal. While Smith shines when weaving scripture into her reflections and offering insight on aligning daily life with Jesus' teachings, there are stretches where her personal stories take center stage, and the theological depth takes a break. For readers expecting a more doctrine-driven guide to Christian rest, it might feel like they’ve walked into a memoir when they were looking for a Bible study. Still, even amidst the anecdotes about family life, golden nuggets of spiritual encouragement surface. They remind us that God’s presence isn’t limited to the pulpit but is found in the carpool lane, at the dinner table, and yes, even in that line at the DMV (which sometimes feels like government mandated slowing down time).
What really works about this book is its practicality. Smith doesn’t demand monastic silence or three-hour prayer vigils; she offers tools that are realistic for real people. From rethinking fasting to setting boundaries and ditching the doom scroll, each chapter helps you reframe your habits in ways that are spiritually life-giving. She consistently reminds us that God's grace isn’t measured in how many spiritual boxes we check. As one might say: this isn’t a Fitbit for your faith. There is no pressure to hit 10,000 prayers a day.
Ultimately, The Urgency of Slowing Down is a gentle nudge to reorder our lives around the presence of God rather than the tyranny of the urgent. Whether you’re feeling spiritually frazzled, emotionally drained, or just tired of saying “I’m fine” when your soul is screaming “I need a nap and Jesus,” this book might be the mug of soul-warming encouragement you didn’t know you needed. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t pretend to be. It simply asks, "what if slowing down wasn’t laziness, but faith?" Let’s be honest, if God can rest on the seventh day, maybe it’s okay if we slow our roll once in a while as well.
February 12, 2025
A book built for examining your life practice of living intentionally and more slowly in order to focus on Jesus, his good gifts to us here on earth. Reflective questions end each chapter and personal examples are scattered throughout the book. I think it’s worth a revisit to learn new practices for life change away from frantic living!
November 26, 2024
I was excited to read *The Urgency of Slowing*, gifted by NetGalley, as the premise sounded refreshing and deeply meaningful. Unfortunately, while the book had moments of brilliance, it didn’t fully meet my expectations.
The author has a gift for weaving scripture into her writing—these parts were beautifully written and truly resonated with me. When the focus shifted to Jesus and how His teachings can be applied to our lives, the book was insightful and inspiring. However, much of the content felt overly personal, centering on the author’s family and life anecdotes without enough connection to a broader, Christ-centered message.
While personal stories can enrich a faith-based book, in this case, I found they often overshadowed the spiritual depth I was hoping for. It felt more like a memoir with scattered verses rather than a guide to slowing down in a way rooted in faith.
That said, the sections focused on scripture were powerful and made the book worth finishing. I appreciated those moments of reflection, but overall, I wished the balance had been tilted more toward Jesus and less toward the author’s personal narrative.
A solid 3 stars for its potential and the beautifully written spiritual insights.
The author has a gift for weaving scripture into her writing—these parts were beautifully written and truly resonated with me. When the focus shifted to Jesus and how His teachings can be applied to our lives, the book was insightful and inspiring. However, much of the content felt overly personal, centering on the author’s family and life anecdotes without enough connection to a broader, Christ-centered message.
While personal stories can enrich a faith-based book, in this case, I found they often overshadowed the spiritual depth I was hoping for. It felt more like a memoir with scattered verses rather than a guide to slowing down in a way rooted in faith.
That said, the sections focused on scripture were powerful and made the book worth finishing. I appreciated those moments of reflection, but overall, I wished the balance had been tilted more toward Jesus and less toward the author’s personal narrative.
A solid 3 stars for its potential and the beautifully written spiritual insights.
May 15, 2025
Life seems to move at a faster pace every single day. Laura Smith helps a step back and realize the importance of slowing down and being intentional with our time. This is not necessarily how to book, but there are definitely some practical points shared here. But even more she walks through why we need to slow down and how this lines up with what God wants for our lives. She also helps us see the slowing down doesn’t mean giving up everything we want to do or being unproductive. It means being selective and intentional, and allowing God to set the pace.
April 16, 2025
I greatly benefited from this book. The author gave twenty-four short readings with tips for creating space in our lives and enjoying the gifts God has given us. Each chapter was short and manageable to read in one sitting, but also very practical. I especially appreciated the questions at the end of each section to encourage greater reflection. I recommend this book as a tool to help evaluate your life and seek ways to focus on the most important things.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2024
One of the things I love about Laura L. Smith’s books is how practical and nonjudgmental they are. Her advice is very much in the lane of “do what works for you” rather than placing value on a particular scripted way of life.
For example, she talks about the spiritual practice of fasting but reminds readers to talk to a doctor or consider the needs of their body and mental health as well. She acknowledges that a food fast can be dangerous for some of us and encourages readers to be safe and well. She offers suggestions for other ways to fast, including giving up a non-food activity or habit, such as social media or electronics.
A lot of the tips are simple and practical, which is exactly what I need. A lot of them are things you could do in ten minutes, which is excellent.
Each chapter of the book focuses on a particular aspect of life, such as setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and spending time in prayer. She’ll share a personal story about lessons she’s learned about each topic and a scripture that relates. Then the chapter closes with some thoughtful questions that really helped me dig deeper with these ideas.
I think this would be a great book to work through with a journal in January as a “New Year” project. It’s set up to do one individual chapter at a time, and I think that’s the most effective way to use it. I read through the whole thing and bookmarked chapters that resonated with me so I can revisit them later.
If you’re looking for a gentle book to guide you into a more restful Christian faith practice, this is a good one.
For example, she talks about the spiritual practice of fasting but reminds readers to talk to a doctor or consider the needs of their body and mental health as well. She acknowledges that a food fast can be dangerous for some of us and encourages readers to be safe and well. She offers suggestions for other ways to fast, including giving up a non-food activity or habit, such as social media or electronics.
A lot of the tips are simple and practical, which is exactly what I need. A lot of them are things you could do in ten minutes, which is excellent.
Each chapter of the book focuses on a particular aspect of life, such as setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and spending time in prayer. She’ll share a personal story about lessons she’s learned about each topic and a scripture that relates. Then the chapter closes with some thoughtful questions that really helped me dig deeper with these ideas.
I think this would be a great book to work through with a journal in January as a “New Year” project. It’s set up to do one individual chapter at a time, and I think that’s the most effective way to use it. I read through the whole thing and bookmarked chapters that resonated with me so I can revisit them later.
If you’re looking for a gentle book to guide you into a more restful Christian faith practice, this is a good one.
December 5, 2024
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the #gifted book!*
Title: The Urgency of Slowing Down
Author: Laura L. Smith
Genre: Nonfiction/Christian Living
Review: “Does your life feel too full? Like you couldn’t possibly add one more thing? Like you’re tired or frazzled all the time? Jesus is giving you permission to rest.” It’s so easy for us to get caught up on the busyness of this world, but is that the life that Jesus really calls us to? Laura Smith dives into the topic of slowing down with Scripture, real-life examples, practical tips. You’ll learn about removing things from your life and replacing them with good habits! I really enjoyed that there are a lot of ideas for how to slow down and how to put them into practice. Each chapter also comes with ideas for extra study and reflection questions. My only negative is how frequently The Message is used as a Bible translation; I would suggest using other versions. But I think this book would be great going into the New Year when you’re feeling pressured to set a bunch of goals—this coming from a goal planning lover! If you’re looking for a book to help you slow down in the hustle and bustle of life, definitely give this one a try!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
QOTD: What is your favorite way to slow down a little bit? And since it’s bookstagram, I’ll say other than reading!
I think movement is mine. A quick workout video or a walk always seem to help me refocus a little bit 🤍
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Title: The Urgency of Slowing Down
Author: Laura L. Smith
Genre: Nonfiction/Christian Living
Review: “Does your life feel too full? Like you couldn’t possibly add one more thing? Like you’re tired or frazzled all the time? Jesus is giving you permission to rest.” It’s so easy for us to get caught up on the busyness of this world, but is that the life that Jesus really calls us to? Laura Smith dives into the topic of slowing down with Scripture, real-life examples, practical tips. You’ll learn about removing things from your life and replacing them with good habits! I really enjoyed that there are a lot of ideas for how to slow down and how to put them into practice. Each chapter also comes with ideas for extra study and reflection questions. My only negative is how frequently The Message is used as a Bible translation; I would suggest using other versions. But I think this book would be great going into the New Year when you’re feeling pressured to set a bunch of goals—this coming from a goal planning lover! If you’re looking for a book to help you slow down in the hustle and bustle of life, definitely give this one a try!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
QOTD: What is your favorite way to slow down a little bit? And since it’s bookstagram, I’ll say other than reading!
I think movement is mine. A quick workout video or a walk always seem to help me refocus a little bit 🤍
*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 7, 2025
It was definitely an emotional journey with this book. I was very curious because I don't have much experience with this type of book, and I can honestly say it was both motivational and educational.
The biggest advantage? The author shows us how we can integrate the Bible into our everyday lives, which can sometimes be difficult. Moreover, each chapter includes questions that might be helpful.
The book also emphasizes how important it is to slow down, to take a step back from the chaos of life, and truly connect with God. It also reminds us that in our fast-paced world, we often forget the inner need for reflection and what's the most important time with Jesus.
I can imagine this book may not be for everyone, but if you need some light in your life or are struggling to find time for Jesus, you should read it!
The biggest advantage? The author shows us how we can integrate the Bible into our everyday lives, which can sometimes be difficult. Moreover, each chapter includes questions that might be helpful.
The book also emphasizes how important it is to slow down, to take a step back from the chaos of life, and truly connect with God. It also reminds us that in our fast-paced world, we often forget the inner need for reflection and what's the most important time with Jesus.
I can imagine this book may not be for everyone, but if you need some light in your life or are struggling to find time for Jesus, you should read it!
January 4, 2025
The Urgency of Slowing Down was a great book to read in December and prepare for the new year. I feel that I am doing better by not overscheduling my life, but this book offered me more advice on how to prioritize my time.
Our Daily Bread published this book, but it is not a daily devotion as many of their publications. It is an easy read of 24 chapters that all women will find help in slowing down their lives. For me, it was the reminders that decluttering results in less for us to need to care for and that God gave asks us to take a Sabbath because we were made to rest.
This is a great book for all women as the new year starts. I hope to use the given advice at home and work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Net Galley, but all opinions are my own.
Our Daily Bread published this book, but it is not a daily devotion as many of their publications. It is an easy read of 24 chapters that all women will find help in slowing down their lives. For me, it was the reminders that decluttering results in less for us to need to care for and that God gave asks us to take a Sabbath because we were made to rest.
This is a great book for all women as the new year starts. I hope to use the given advice at home and work.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Net Galley, but all opinions are my own.
November 14, 2025
This is a wonderfully written book that inspires each reader to truly pause, and let the anxiety and stress of the world go, in order to let the peace of God, calmness and gratitude, along with celebration and worship enter in. From the young woman who just beginning a career, marriage or parenthood, this is a very timely guideline to establishing boundaries on the demands that come into every aspect of life. It also has definite impact on those who have already done those things and in the second half of life are being pulled in so many directions, whether, home, family, grandchildren or volunteering. Laura Smith shows us a better way to live, with our focus on God. It’s an absolutely riveting book for anyone!
December 15, 2024
Such a good read! Very Christian. What I needed right now ... so thankful to have the opportunity to read The Urgency of Slowing Down ... especially at this Christmas season. So much to do and rushing around. So important to take some moments and just thank God for the day and to look for the beauty in it and to appreciate the good and great things that have happened in the day.
There is a chapter on fasting. It is why Catholics fast at Lent. :)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Urgency of Slowing Down in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended! Approx 248 pages.
There is a chapter on fasting. It is why Catholics fast at Lent. :)
Many thanks to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of The Urgency of Slowing Down in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended! Approx 248 pages.
December 21, 2024
I received this book as a gift from the author when we attended the same retreat and boy what a gift! I took my time reading this one so I could really sit with each chapter. This is a much-needed message for women (and men) today. Each chapter is short and easy to read with great reflection questions and real, practical steps we can take to slow down the pace of our lives. With solid biblical foundations, Laura shows us how Jesus models an unhurried pace for us and how Father God wants us to thrive when we live at His pace. I will definitely be recommending this book to all my friends!!
December 20, 2024
This book started out a bit slow, which perhaps was on purpose, but that picked up as the book went on. The author adds a personal touch (though at times it felt a bit too much) to the story, which makes it more relatable. The reader is given lots of opportunities to pray and reflect, and there are numerous tips on how to slow down. This is a book that will likely resonate with many readers. The chapters are short, so that makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
August 18, 2025
“When we slow down enough to celebrate, we remember how good God is and what He provides, and we allow ourselves to more fully experience His goodness. We let the good thing—the step forward, the award, the fresh start—truly sink in.”
Solid read about the importance of prayer, fasting, giving thanks, slowing down.
It was a slower start but in the end I’m so glad I read this book.
Solid read about the importance of prayer, fasting, giving thanks, slowing down.
It was a slower start but in the end I’m so glad I read this book.
December 9, 2024
I ordered a few copies for Christmas gifts, but read mine early. It's full of slow-simmered wisdom told through stories and Bible passages. And while it encouraged me to slow down, it also gave me immediate action (or inaction) to take right away.
February 12, 2025
What a great way to start the year off! Smith made the mundane4, meaningful for me. What seemed obvious, was revisited and applied to this new season, where I am intentionally going slower and leaning in to all the wisdom and blessings around me.
June 30, 2025
Great read! Laura writes, clearly, and with many references to scripture. In addition, she asks practical questions within each chapter of the book. I recommend this book to anyone…..especially those who are busy.
January 31, 2025
We all need to slow down and this book gives practical advice to do that. By slowing down, we can experience the unforced rhythms that Jesus shows us can bring us rest and peace.
May 17, 2025
Great read about the importance of rest, refuel, and resetting.
June 4, 2025
I think that the premise of this book was very good and something this current culture needs. For me personally, it felt like I got good content from the first few chapters but then the same underlying message just kept repeating. It wasn't a bad message, but just made the last half of the book take me longer to finish because I was kind of over it. Overall, a really great and important topic and would recommend to those in seasons where you need to reevaluate priorities.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews