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The Beach House #1
The Beach House
The first release in The Beach House series is the story of four women, friends from childhood, who reunite to celebrate their fortieth birthdays. After the distance of time and geography, they look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and the escape from everyday life as they stay at a San Diego beach house.
When thoughts and discussion turn to the history of their friendship, will problems of the past threaten to overtake the present?
The quest for understanding, identity, faith, and friendship provides a universal thread in this tender and charming story from Sally John that will connect with women from all walks of life.
348 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
85 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Sally John
34 books97 followersSally John is the best-selling author of twenty novels, including the Side Roads series, the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 8, 2013
It takes a lot for me to rate a book (especially a novel) 5 stars. To me, the Scriptures (God's words) are 5 stars, so for anything else to rate 5 stars for me, it would have to be on par with the word of God in that it changes my life/thinking profoundly.
At first, I thought this would be a cheery, light read. It IS called 'The Beach House', after all. I soon realised that this book wouldn't be what I expected. Jo, Char, Molly, and Andie are 4 very REAL characters: real women with real issues they are facing. At first, I didn't even LIKE one of the characters. (She does eventually redeem herself, though!) The dialogue was good, too . . . honest and real about God and Jesus wanting to be involved with even the minor details in our lives, without being too heavy-handed.
The real clincher for me though, was wisdom imparted from a character that wasn't even technically in the book: Andie's Grandmere Babette. She was a mother figure to all 4 women when they were growing up, and told the girls that whenever someone does something seemingly uncharacteristic of themselves, you need to 'look for the hurt'. That line changed my whole way of thinking. When I am frustrated with the way someone is acting, or am hurt by their actions, I need to turn it around . . . look for THEIR hurt . . . and try to minister to it.
What a light-bulb book this turned out to be for me! :)
At first, I thought this would be a cheery, light read. It IS called 'The Beach House', after all. I soon realised that this book wouldn't be what I expected. Jo, Char, Molly, and Andie are 4 very REAL characters: real women with real issues they are facing. At first, I didn't even LIKE one of the characters. (She does eventually redeem herself, though!) The dialogue was good, too . . . honest and real about God and Jesus wanting to be involved with even the minor details in our lives, without being too heavy-handed.
The real clincher for me though, was wisdom imparted from a character that wasn't even technically in the book: Andie's Grandmere Babette. She was a mother figure to all 4 women when they were growing up, and told the girls that whenever someone does something seemingly uncharacteristic of themselves, you need to 'look for the hurt'. That line changed my whole way of thinking. When I am frustrated with the way someone is acting, or am hurt by their actions, I need to turn it around . . . look for THEIR hurt . . . and try to minister to it.
What a light-bulb book this turned out to be for me! :)
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY:
The first release in The Beach House series is the story of four women, friends from childhood, who reuniteto celebrate their fortieth birthdays. After the distance of time and geography, they look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and the escape from everyday life as they stay at a San Diego beach house.
When thoughts and discussion turn to the history of their friendship, will problems of the past threaten to overtake the present?
The quest for understanding, identity, faith, and friendship provides a universal thread inthis tender and charming story from Sally John that will connect with womenfrom all walks of life.
REVIEW: I could totally identify with this novel as I have several BFF's who, no matter the distance between us, can always pick up right where we left off and are always there to support one another. We keep in touch via Facebook and always room together whenever there is a high school reunion (and our 50th is coming up in June). I loved the fact that the characters were so realistic with their strengths, weaknesses, and struggles with their faith. Julian and Zeke were great assets to the story as sounding boards for the friends as well as faith supporters. My favorite of the four girls was Molly as I struggle too with feeling like I have to do it all and often forget to lean on God and others.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "No, her friend and the stranger were not angels. Just wounded souls like herself in need of a touch from the One who hung on a cross."
The first release in The Beach House series is the story of four women, friends from childhood, who reuniteto celebrate their fortieth birthdays. After the distance of time and geography, they look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and the escape from everyday life as they stay at a San Diego beach house.
When thoughts and discussion turn to the history of their friendship, will problems of the past threaten to overtake the present?
The quest for understanding, identity, faith, and friendship provides a universal thread inthis tender and charming story from Sally John that will connect with womenfrom all walks of life.
REVIEW: I could totally identify with this novel as I have several BFF's who, no matter the distance between us, can always pick up right where we left off and are always there to support one another. We keep in touch via Facebook and always room together whenever there is a high school reunion (and our 50th is coming up in June). I loved the fact that the characters were so realistic with their strengths, weaknesses, and struggles with their faith. Julian and Zeke were great assets to the story as sounding boards for the friends as well as faith supporters. My favorite of the four girls was Molly as I struggle too with feeling like I have to do it all and often forget to lean on God and others.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "No, her friend and the stranger were not angels. Just wounded souls like herself in need of a touch from the One who hung on a cross."
August 24, 2012
light, easy
Multiple characters meet at a lovely old house in Nantucket. Made me want to go to Nantucket.
Petty, I'm sure, but I was annoyed by the fact that despite all the characters being American, the author frequently slipped in British terms, like "they got on well" or "I fancy" such and so, among others. If you're writing about American characters, then make sure they use American lingo.
Keep it real.
Now I'm ready for something a little more serious again.
Multiple characters meet at a lovely old house in Nantucket. Made me want to go to Nantucket.
Petty, I'm sure, but I was annoyed by the fact that despite all the characters being American, the author frequently slipped in British terms, like "they got on well" or "I fancy" such and so, among others. If you're writing about American characters, then make sure they use American lingo.
Keep it real.
Now I'm ready for something a little more serious again.
January 29, 2013
Four 40 year old girlfriends reunite in a San Diego beach house to examine their relationships and reassess their lives. I found it to be asaccharine sweet novel with 4 very boring self obsessed women characters and totally aneamic and underdeveloped ale roles.
May 2, 2024
Not my cup of tea
October 14, 2010
The exact summary from Amazon, "The first release in The Beach House series is the story of four women, friends from childhood, who reunite to celebrate their fortieth birthdays. After the distance of time and geography, they look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and the escape from everyday life as they stay at a San Diego beach house. When thoughts and discussion turn to the history of their friendship, will problems of the past threaten to overtake the present?"
Ummmm... where is the overly religious theme mentioned? Nowhere. Apparently, everybody goes to church, according to this book. Or, everybody is struggling with their relationship with God. Not for me.
To make matters worse, the characters are mere cardboard cut-outs with absolutely no depth. I only finished the book because I never leave a book half (or one-quarter) read. I would have given it less than one star if that was an option.
And because I accidently downloaded Book 2 of this series thanks to my impatient Kindle clicking, I'll suffer through that too. Who knows, maybe the author will have learned to write real people...but I'm not holding my breath.
Ummmm... where is the overly religious theme mentioned? Nowhere. Apparently, everybody goes to church, according to this book. Or, everybody is struggling with their relationship with God. Not for me.
To make matters worse, the characters are mere cardboard cut-outs with absolutely no depth. I only finished the book because I never leave a book half (or one-quarter) read. I would have given it less than one star if that was an option.
And because I accidently downloaded Book 2 of this series thanks to my impatient Kindle clicking, I'll suffer through that too. Who knows, maybe the author will have learned to write real people...but I'm not holding my breath.
April 7, 2018
Nothing in the description of this book indicated how religious it is. Mentions of God on every page are not my cup of tea and the plot and the writing weren’t good enough to keep me reading despite all the religious references. I couldn’t finish the book.
July 30, 2019
The Beach House by Sally John is a poignant read about four friends coming together after a decade of being apart.
Jo, Molly, Char and Andie were a tight-knit team in their younger years, but with careers, marriage and children the four slowly slipped away from each. When Jo starts to question her life choices she yearns to re-connect with her friends after more than a decade of seeing each other. When Jo contacts each of her friends and offers a beach vacation in California the four are a little apprehensive, but decide a reunion might be what each of them need.
Char's marriage has hit a dry spot. She feels invisible to her husband and her teenage children are trying at best. Molly is wife to a pastor and four children she dearly loves, but as of late yearns to be seen other than a wife and a mom. Andie has know for years her husband has been unfaithful and his constant criticisms has left her fearful of everything. At this time her only saving grace are her two sons. And Jo is having doubts about her successful medical career and longs to give everything up to help those less fortunate, but the lifestyle she has grown accustomed to has her doubting her every decision.
As the women come together for a week each will voice their fears and frustrations and depend on each other to have the courage to change. Friendships are strengthened and hearts are lifted as these four best friends unite in faith and hope to face their futures.
I really enjoyed this book. What I liked most is the love and support these friends gave each other after being apart for many years. It really proved that true friendships can stand the test of time. I liked all the characters, but particularly liked Andie. A one-sided marriage had beat her down for so many years. It was really satisfying to see her embrace her fears and finally come out of her shell. It took a lot of courage on her part, but it was all for the best. All the women made changes for the better and all came away with a new perspective of how much they all really meant to each other. All in all a great book about faith and love and the bonds of friendship. A really good read.
Jo, Molly, Char and Andie were a tight-knit team in their younger years, but with careers, marriage and children the four slowly slipped away from each. When Jo starts to question her life choices she yearns to re-connect with her friends after more than a decade of seeing each other. When Jo contacts each of her friends and offers a beach vacation in California the four are a little apprehensive, but decide a reunion might be what each of them need.
Char's marriage has hit a dry spot. She feels invisible to her husband and her teenage children are trying at best. Molly is wife to a pastor and four children she dearly loves, but as of late yearns to be seen other than a wife and a mom. Andie has know for years her husband has been unfaithful and his constant criticisms has left her fearful of everything. At this time her only saving grace are her two sons. And Jo is having doubts about her successful medical career and longs to give everything up to help those less fortunate, but the lifestyle she has grown accustomed to has her doubting her every decision.
As the women come together for a week each will voice their fears and frustrations and depend on each other to have the courage to change. Friendships are strengthened and hearts are lifted as these four best friends unite in faith and hope to face their futures.
I really enjoyed this book. What I liked most is the love and support these friends gave each other after being apart for many years. It really proved that true friendships can stand the test of time. I liked all the characters, but particularly liked Andie. A one-sided marriage had beat her down for so many years. It was really satisfying to see her embrace her fears and finally come out of her shell. It took a lot of courage on her part, but it was all for the best. All the women made changes for the better and all came away with a new perspective of how much they all really meant to each other. All in all a great book about faith and love and the bonds of friendship. A really good read.
July 6, 2023
What I did not like about this book:
Char’s character. Has Sally John ever heard a southerner speak in this era? ESP one less than 70 years old? By the way she wrote her character, probably not.
All of the girls. The overly formal way they spoke to each other. these women are supposed to be turning 40. 40 is not old! Why do they all sound like 1950’s empty nester, aging, house wives?
In short: the dialogue drove me nuts.
What I loved about this book:
Their prayer life. Their growth and trust in God. It was sweet. These women struggled with unbelief, abandonment, unfaithfulness, fear, and uncertain futures. Yet, through it all they found a. Way to pray themselves through it. And although God may not answer in the way we want Him too, he does know what is best for us. If we put our trust in Him, we will be ok. This book tho, EVERYTHING turned out perfect. I don’t think God works that way.
This did fine for a beach read.
Char’s character. Has Sally John ever heard a southerner speak in this era? ESP one less than 70 years old? By the way she wrote her character, probably not.
All of the girls. The overly formal way they spoke to each other. these women are supposed to be turning 40. 40 is not old! Why do they all sound like 1950’s empty nester, aging, house wives?
In short: the dialogue drove me nuts.
What I loved about this book:
Their prayer life. Their growth and trust in God. It was sweet. These women struggled with unbelief, abandonment, unfaithfulness, fear, and uncertain futures. Yet, through it all they found a. Way to pray themselves through it. And although God may not answer in the way we want Him too, he does know what is best for us. If we put our trust in Him, we will be ok. This book tho, EVERYTHING turned out perfect. I don’t think God works that way.
This did fine for a beach read.
April 30, 2023
This is a story about four women who have been friends ever since they were thirteen-years-old attending school together. Through the years they have kept in touch with annual Christmas card messages, and attended one another's weddings. Now they are celebrating their fortieth birthdays. Jo (short for Josephine) decided it is time for them to gather together in person for a week long vacation. She rents a house on the beach in San Diego for their reunion. Each woman has a problem she is dealing with. They open up, one by one, sharing their struggles and secrets as they reconnect and think about what is really important in their lives.
Some parts of the plot were a bit contrived, but overall I did like this book. It was just the kind of story I was looking for when I was searching the bookshelves for my next read.
Some parts of the plot were a bit contrived, but overall I did like this book. It was just the kind of story I was looking for when I was searching the bookshelves for my next read.
November 23, 2017
This book was ok, I enjoyed it and stayed interested. If you aren't a Christian, you probably won't enjoy it or fully get it - so I probably wouldn't recommend this to you. But if you are a Christian then you'll probably like it and find some encouragement in it. I did think it was a slower paced drama with comedy thrown in. I'm glad I read it but there are probably a ton of books I'd recommend before this one but if you're just looking for some easy-going reading about friendships and family, then this one works!
July 1, 2018
Good redemptive story. Worth reading. It took me awhile to be able to remember who was who amongst the main characters. I had a difficult time keeping up with the storyline for the first 1/3 of the book but I pushed through, the story came together for me and I'm glad that I stayed with it. Book 2 in the series was easier for me to follow.
October 1, 2020
This is an excellent book. I am still thinking about the women who visited the beach house. It is thought provoking and definitely convicting. Each person has their own set of issues. The author picked 4 that the women were dealing with. I’m sure readers will relate to the women and either have the same issues or know people who do. I have recommended this book to several friends.
March 9, 2023
This book was a pleasant surprise. It caught my attention in my church library. Might it have something to do with the title and my love for the beach? It's about four childhood girlfriends who, after 12 years, reunite at a vacation beach house to reconnect and renew their friendship and faith. I kinda wish I spent the week with these ladies on the beach!
January 22, 2018
The beach House by Sally John wasn't as good as I thought it would be. Just wasn't holding my attention. There were also way to many religious quotes and stuff for my liking. I just tried to skip over those.
March 10, 2022
This story was fun to read. Four life-long friends come together to rekindle friendships and rediscover themselves as individuals. They each arrive at the beach with issues from home, but by the end of the vacation they have a better sense of what is truly important in their lives.
May 21, 2017
I love this author. This is the first of her books that I have read and will definitely read more!
June 28, 2018
The proselytizing got to me finally. The answer to each and every problem was prayer. I was looking for an occasional the Lord helps those whose help themselves.
September 16, 2019
This is an excellent book. So easily relate-able. I suggest everyone reads this book. I can't wait to start book #2.
February 3, 2020
This book kept me reading. Characters were real - changed as God changed them throughout the story. Good situations to muddle through. Friends a theme for sure.
January 27, 2021
I remember some of this book. It was a great read. Friends go to the beach house to celebrate their friends birthday. I remember it being a good book!
June 1, 2022
The summary does not mention it, but it is a very religious book. I don’t mind a mention of God or prayer sometimes in a book, but this was just about every page. The story did not hold my interest.
June 15, 2022
Interesting characters but a l ittle too much religion for my taste.
June 17, 2022
The Beach House was a really great book about four friends who meet again twelve years later. I laughed and cried along with them! Great Christian fiction by Sally John
April 15, 2011
What was it about the beach house?
Jo, Char, Mollie, and Andie grew up together, sharing the secrets of their lives. Eventually, careers and marriages pulled them in different directions and they drifted apart. Twelve years after they were last together, Jo invites them all for a week on the beach. Each woman travels with more luggage than just her clothes. As they begin to catch up with each other, their personal issues and struggles are revealed. Will the ties of friendship hold? Will faith in God come through?
This book was excellent! The characters were well written, the setting was realistic, and the plot interesting. It wasn't hard to find something of myself in each of the four main characters, thus feeling a personal connection with their storyline. This is not a book where the characters get easy answers to their problems. They have real issues and must work through them just as real people must. Cliches are not solutions to real problems, nor are they offered as such in The Beach House. I had a hard time putting this book down and would have read through if I had less responsibility. I think I neglected things a bit as it was. Life isn't always fun and pretty, but with the right people around us, it is better! This book gets five out of five pieces of bacon!
Sally John writes across a broad spectrum. She has written novels, computer software manuals, and magazine articles. She is a speaker at conferences about writing and family issues. She has worked independently and collaborated with others. In the past she also taught. Sally John is a mother, grandmother, and wife.
The Beach House was written by Sally John, published by Harvest House Publishers.
And right there, in the middle of the Chicken Pie Shop while ordering cherry pie a la mode, Jo made up for the dozen years she had not wept.
Jo, Char, Mollie, and Andie grew up together, sharing the secrets of their lives. Eventually, careers and marriages pulled them in different directions and they drifted apart. Twelve years after they were last together, Jo invites them all for a week on the beach. Each woman travels with more luggage than just her clothes. As they begin to catch up with each other, their personal issues and struggles are revealed. Will the ties of friendship hold? Will faith in God come through?
This book was excellent! The characters were well written, the setting was realistic, and the plot interesting. It wasn't hard to find something of myself in each of the four main characters, thus feeling a personal connection with their storyline. This is not a book where the characters get easy answers to their problems. They have real issues and must work through them just as real people must. Cliches are not solutions to real problems, nor are they offered as such in The Beach House. I had a hard time putting this book down and would have read through if I had less responsibility. I think I neglected things a bit as it was. Life isn't always fun and pretty, but with the right people around us, it is better! This book gets five out of five pieces of bacon!
Sally John writes across a broad spectrum. She has written novels, computer software manuals, and magazine articles. She is a speaker at conferences about writing and family issues. She has worked independently and collaborated with others. In the past she also taught. Sally John is a mother, grandmother, and wife.
The Beach House was written by Sally John, published by Harvest House Publishers.
And right there, in the middle of the Chicken Pie Shop while ordering cherry pie a la mode, Jo made up for the dozen years she had not wept.
July 9, 2015
"Can old friends still be honest with one another?" This is a VERY GOOD book. I totally enjoyed it. It made you think about many things.
When four women reunite to celebrate their fortieth birthdays in San Diego, past meets present, and the future is changed forever.
On her fortieth birthdy, Dr. Josephine Zambruski sits in her office gazing at a photograph of herself and her three best friends. The women laughing in the picture are 28 years old, and a wedding wsa the last time they were all together. Unexpected tears well up in her eyes. Somehow, in the past 12 years, only annual Christmas letters have kept their friendship from fading away completely.
An irresistible desire for the closeness they use to share prompts Jo to invite Char, Molly, and Andie to California. The women look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and escape from everyday life, but inevitably, relaxation turns to reflection, and each guest must face the struggles and decisions she brought along with her sandals and sunglasses.
What's in this house by the sea that helps four old friends reconnect? If they give each other a week to be transparent with one another, will long-hidden secrets finally be revealed? Will they find the answers together they have struggled to find alone?
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
When four women reunite to celebrate their fortieth birthdays in San Diego, past meets present, and the future is changed forever.
On her fortieth birthdy, Dr. Josephine Zambruski sits in her office gazing at a photograph of herself and her three best friends. The women laughing in the picture are 28 years old, and a wedding wsa the last time they were all together. Unexpected tears well up in her eyes. Somehow, in the past 12 years, only annual Christmas letters have kept their friendship from fading away completely.
An irresistible desire for the closeness they use to share prompts Jo to invite Char, Molly, and Andie to California. The women look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and escape from everyday life, but inevitably, relaxation turns to reflection, and each guest must face the struggles and decisions she brought along with her sandals and sunglasses.
What's in this house by the sea that helps four old friends reconnect? If they give each other a week to be transparent with one another, will long-hidden secrets finally be revealed? Will they find the answers together they have struggled to find alone?
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 20, 2012
Four women reunite to celebrate their 40th birthdays at a beach house in San Diego. They brought lots of baggage including their clothes. Each have turned a corner, dealt with their situations, family and husbands in a different manner, but God is there for all four. You have Jo, the single doctor, Molly, the pastor's wife with 4 kids,
Andie, two boys and a husband who has expectations, and Char, the wife of a dentist with two kids and a neighbor.
The best is Grandmere Babette's List.
Phrases I enjoyed:
"get out of the pile"
"yours is always been the voice I'd rather ignore"
"the question is do you give a hoot?"
A special part in the book for me is when Andie gets brave enough to ride a roller coaster the advice she gets is: All you have to do is let go. I'm glad I'm finally enjoying roller coasters!
346 pages
Andie, two boys and a husband who has expectations, and Char, the wife of a dentist with two kids and a neighbor.
The best is Grandmere Babette's List.
Phrases I enjoyed:
"get out of the pile"
"yours is always been the voice I'd rather ignore"
"the question is do you give a hoot?"
A special part in the book for me is when Andie gets brave enough to ride a roller coaster the advice she gets is: All you have to do is let go. I'm glad I'm finally enjoying roller coasters!
346 pages
June 2, 2010
It took me a while to really get into this book, but once I did I was excited to see the characters grow. I'm looking forward to reading the second (and I think final) in the series. I am surprised I enjoyed the book as I did, since it's more of a serious book about women in their 40s.
One of the characters is from my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin so it was fun to see the city name in print. That's about all that's mentioned about Madison, though, besides trips to Milwaukee and Door County.
I like how the women leaned on each other and God to come to conclusions about their future and what they want out of life. It's also encouraging to see people at 40 making major life changes. It makes me think my major life changes are not so bad!
One of the characters is from my hometown of Madison, Wisconsin so it was fun to see the city name in print. That's about all that's mentioned about Madison, though, besides trips to Milwaukee and Door County.
I like how the women leaned on each other and God to come to conclusions about their future and what they want out of life. It's also encouraging to see people at 40 making major life changes. It makes me think my major life changes are not so bad!
August 24, 2012
The first release inThe Beach House series is the story of four women, friends from childhood, who reuniteto celebrate their fortieth birthdays. After the distance of time andgeography, they look forward to the camaraderie of old friends and the escapefrom everyday life as they stay at a San Diego beach house. When thoughts anddiscussion turn to the history of their friendship, will problems of the pastthreaten to overtake the present? The quest forunderstanding, identity, faith, and friendship provides a universal thread inthis tender and charming story from Sally John that will connect with womenfrom all walks of life.
January 26, 2014
I have to admit, I was suspicious this book would be just more chick-lit fluff. But I took it on vacation to Florida (the beach of course), and was pleasantly surprised!
This is a very good story of four reuniting friends, their care and love, and helping each other through tough situations in their lives. It's about the passage of time, and how we sometimes get stuck in a rut, and need help to see it, and get out of it. Maybe it's because 40 is not too far off for me, but I could really relate to these characters, especially Andie, who struggled with fear and people-pleasing.
This is a very good story of four reuniting friends, their care and love, and helping each other through tough situations in their lives. It's about the passage of time, and how we sometimes get stuck in a rut, and need help to see it, and get out of it. Maybe it's because 40 is not too far off for me, but I could really relate to these characters, especially Andie, who struggled with fear and people-pleasing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews