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Hollywood's Garden of Allah #9
Closing Credits
Sometimes the end is only the beginning.
Kathryn Massey thought a long-forgotten secret was dead and buried—just like the 1950s are about to be—but when a mysterious list circulating Screenland ignites salacious rumors about the gossip columnist, it’s her life that now falls under the magnifying glass.
Marcus Adler is a rare survivor of the Hollywood blacklist. Beset by writer’s block, he’s intrigued by an abandoned box in the basement of the Garden of Allah Hotel. Its contents could rejuvenate his career—but cost him his reputation.
Gwendolyn Brick stumbled into the blossoming television industry. No fan of the spotlight, she’s conflicted by the opportunities coming her way. Things are about to change, and when she teams up with Lucille Ball, she won’t let the network stop the rapid march to progress.
On busy backlots and in quiet basements, secrets and lies dance with fame and failure amid Hollywood’s dying golden era. Nobody knows how this movie’s going to end . . . but it’ll be one for the ages.
"Closing Credits" is the ninth and final installment in Martin Turnbull’s Hollywood’s Garden of Allah saga. ent)
Kathryn Massey thought a long-forgotten secret was dead and buried—just like the 1950s are about to be—but when a mysterious list circulating Screenland ignites salacious rumors about the gossip columnist, it’s her life that now falls under the magnifying glass.
Marcus Adler is a rare survivor of the Hollywood blacklist. Beset by writer’s block, he’s intrigued by an abandoned box in the basement of the Garden of Allah Hotel. Its contents could rejuvenate his career—but cost him his reputation.
Gwendolyn Brick stumbled into the blossoming television industry. No fan of the spotlight, she’s conflicted by the opportunities coming her way. Things are about to change, and when she teams up with Lucille Ball, she won’t let the network stop the rapid march to progress.
On busy backlots and in quiet basements, secrets and lies dance with fame and failure amid Hollywood’s dying golden era. Nobody knows how this movie’s going to end . . . but it’ll be one for the ages.
"Closing Credits" is the ninth and final installment in Martin Turnbull’s Hollywood’s Garden of Allah saga. ent)
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
104 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Martin Turnbull
22 books241 followersMartin Turnbull has worked as a private tour guide showing both locals and out-of-towners the movie studios, Beverly Hills mansions, Hollywood hills vistas and where all the bodies are buried. For nine years, he has also volunteered as an historical walking tour docent with the Los Angeles Conservancy. He worked for a summer as a guide at the Warner Bros. movie studios in Burbank showing movie fans through the sound stages where Bogie and Bacall, Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, and James Cagney created some of Hollywood’s classic motion pictures.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
From an early age, Martin was enchanted with old movies from Hollywood’s golden era–from the dawn of the talkies in the late 1920s to the dusk of the studio system in the late 1950s–and has spent many, many a happy hour watching the likes of Garland, Gable, Crawford, Garbo, Grant, Miller, Kelly, Astaire, Rogers, Turner, Welles go through their paces.
When he discovered the wonderful world of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs, his love of reading merged with his love of movies and his love of history to produce a three-headed hydra gobbling up everything in his path. Ever since then, he’s been on a mission to learn and share as much as he can about this unique time.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Martin moved to Los Angeles in the mid-90s.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 17, 2019
Oh, my heart! With this, the final novel, in the Garden of Allah series, readers bid adieu to Marcus, Kathryn, and Gwendolyn. Not since Marilyn Harris's "Eden" series have I enjoyed or felt closer to a group of characters. And there's tons to enjoy here with the usual appearance of infamous faces sprinkled throughout. While still hoping for the one love to complete his life, Marcus finds himself nose deep in a publishing situation that may or may not have dire consequences to his career. Gwendolyn is riding high on the creation of a new talk show that will undoubtedly make history. And Kathryn puts the kabash on a shady character who is trying to ruin some of the most illustrious stars in the industry. Through a span of 9 novels, and 32 years, Martin Turnbull has created an epic that any film lover will treasure. Yes, I cried a bit at the end, but what I love about these novels is that, although there are some handkerchief-reaching moments, the author never strays into melodrama. Overall, this entire series ranks five stars.
P.S. Mr Turnbull, if you're reading this and you ever decide to add a 10th novel, this fan won't hesitate to swoon in anticipation.
P.S. Mr Turnbull, if you're reading this and you ever decide to add a 10th novel, this fan won't hesitate to swoon in anticipation.
November 1, 2018
I bought this book from Amazon. I bought every book in the series the minute it came out and none of them disappointed me. Reading this last book of the series was bittersweet. I was happy to start reading the book and very happy that everything worked out well for Marcus, Gwendolyn, and Kathryn but very sad to see that they were each going their separate ways and in different directions. I absolutely LOVED all the reviews of the memories acquired at the Garden of Allah Hotel and the final party. It brought back so many memories of the previous books in the series. I'm going on 62 years old and I know that "all good things must come to an end" and so it is with this series. I also know that for every end there is another beginning and that for every door that closes another opens. :) In April of this year my brother had a major massive heart attack and the left side of his heart died. He was given a 3% chance to live and was on an hour by hour death watch in the ICU. Through the miracle of modern medicine, he now has an LVAD (Left Vertical Assist Device) that does the work of the left side of his heart. He suffered kidney failure and little or no blood to his legs. He was in a coma for a month and a half and then had a long road to recovery. When he was admitted and in the ICU (a full month), I knew I needed to read or reread books that could take my mind away for a while and so I took all the Garden of Allah series that I had (which was all that had been published at that time) and reread them. Marcus, Gwendolyn, and Kathryn kept my worry from becoming unbearable and took my mind off the fact (for short periods of time) that I might lose my "baby" brother. For this, I give thanks for this series. I don't think any other series or books could have done that for me. Thank you, Mr. Turnbull for writing these books.
January 16, 2021
I must admit to something--I put off reading this book because it was the very last one in Martin Turnbull's 'Garden of Allah' series. I did not want it to end! After nine books, Gwendolyn, Kathryn, and Marcus had grown into old friends. The series started in the Roaring Twenties with the opening of Alla Nazimova's hotel and ending with its being tore down in 1959. The three main characters lived in hotel villas for the duration. But the Garden of Allah was more than just another hotel. It was the fabled home to many of Hollywood's greatest actors, writers, directors, etc. In between the storylines of Gwendolyn, Kathryn and Marcus, we met a wealth of Hollywood icons from Louis B. Mayer to Clark Gable to Bette Davis to Humphrey Bogart. This last book wrapped up the storyline nicely, but oh the adventures that happened along the way. Author Turnbull knows his Hollywood history and he seamlessly wove the story of Tinseltown into the various plot twists and turns. Gwendolyn, Kathryn, and Marcus were so likeable--you delighted in their successes and felt their pain when they encountered trouble. The final volume also coincided with the end of Hollywood's golden era and so the story came full circle. No doubt the Garden of Allah must have been a spectacular place to hang your hat and hobnob with the greatest stars ever to grace the silver screen. Thank you, Martin, for bringing the Garden of Allah back to us and giving us a glimpse of what it must have been like. No doubt, Madame Nazimova would be pleased!
October 31, 2018
Perfect!
Closing Credits is the perfect finish to the amazing tale of Hollywood and the three delightful main characters and their struggles and triumphs. I couldn't put the book down! I cried at the end because of the incredible friendship the trio have developed over the years but also because the story is over. It was a most satisfying end but I'm left wanting more and hope, perhaps this very creative author will someday write the next chapter in the lives of his unforgettable characters. Thank you for this amazing collection! I know I will read it many more times!!!
Closing Credits is the perfect finish to the amazing tale of Hollywood and the three delightful main characters and their struggles and triumphs. I couldn't put the book down! I cried at the end because of the incredible friendship the trio have developed over the years but also because the story is over. It was a most satisfying end but I'm left wanting more and hope, perhaps this very creative author will someday write the next chapter in the lives of his unforgettable characters. Thank you for this amazing collection! I know I will read it many more times!!!
November 2, 2021
Closing Credits delivers with one hell of a finale
It is with tears running down my face that I finished the last book of The Garden of Allah series. To describe this book As "good" or "well written" doesn't give enough credit to author Martin Turnbull
Nor to his incredible storytelling skills. This book, this fantastic tale of three people who love and support each other throughout the historic age of hollywood, makes me yearn for that simpler age, where friendships stay true and loyalty can be found among only a few. The research done for this book is amazing, particularly during the 1950's blacklisting of Writers, actors and directors. I loved every page in this book and was so happy for Marcus when he got back together with his lover, Ray. Thank you, Mr Turnbull for writing this series!
It is with tears running down my face that I finished the last book of The Garden of Allah series. To describe this book As "good" or "well written" doesn't give enough credit to author Martin Turnbull
Nor to his incredible storytelling skills. This book, this fantastic tale of three people who love and support each other throughout the historic age of hollywood, makes me yearn for that simpler age, where friendships stay true and loyalty can be found among only a few. The research done for this book is amazing, particularly during the 1950's blacklisting of Writers, actors and directors. I loved every page in this book and was so happy for Marcus when he got back together with his lover, Ray. Thank you, Mr Turnbull for writing this series!
September 3, 2020
I am so sad that this was the last book in the series. It gives everyone a happy ending, but there are of course some bumps along the way.
Kathryn finds herself pitted against another religious holy roller who threatens to expose a secret of hers from decades in the past. She also becomes frustrated with the fact that women seemed to be paid less than men at the Hollywood Reporter and eventually leaves her long-time employer. She ends up accepting a job that she is far better suited to and marries Nelson.
Marcus finds success writting errotic gay novels by using scripts abandoned by a former Garden Resident, and even sees one of his novels turned into a movie. Things work out with the original author signing away his rights to the work, and Marcus wins an Oscar. He has a hopeful ending with Rex, who he meets in this book.
Gwendolyn stumbles into the daytime talk show genre and builds a successful show that even is able to feature African American performers which is not something that was done in that day and age. She is engaged and on her way to a successful tv career while selling her famous perfume again.
The Garden is sold and is to be torn down, so that is the end of the series. I'm sad to see it end, but am happy with the way everyone ended up.
Kathryn finds herself pitted against another religious holy roller who threatens to expose a secret of hers from decades in the past. She also becomes frustrated with the fact that women seemed to be paid less than men at the Hollywood Reporter and eventually leaves her long-time employer. She ends up accepting a job that she is far better suited to and marries Nelson.
Marcus finds success writting errotic gay novels by using scripts abandoned by a former Garden Resident, and even sees one of his novels turned into a movie. Things work out with the original author signing away his rights to the work, and Marcus wins an Oscar. He has a hopeful ending with Rex, who he meets in this book.
Gwendolyn stumbles into the daytime talk show genre and builds a successful show that even is able to feature African American performers which is not something that was done in that day and age. She is engaged and on her way to a successful tv career while selling her famous perfume again.
The Garden is sold and is to be torn down, so that is the end of the series. I'm sad to see it end, but am happy with the way everyone ended up.
January 1, 2019
After the tears
Like saying goodbye to an old friend, I finished the final chapter in the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah series with tears in my eyes. Martin Turnbull brought his wonderful series to a close the same way he kept me riveted to all nine books, with a love and fascination for the glorious days of Hollywood. Kathryn, Marcus, and Gwendolyn continue as the main characters in Closing Credits, surrounded by well-known and fictional Hollywood players like Lucille Ball and Bette Davis. All good things must come to an end, however, so it was with the real Garden of Allah Hotel, and thus farewell to our favorite characters in residence.
Like saying goodbye to an old friend, I finished the final chapter in the Hollywood’s Garden of Allah series with tears in my eyes. Martin Turnbull brought his wonderful series to a close the same way he kept me riveted to all nine books, with a love and fascination for the glorious days of Hollywood. Kathryn, Marcus, and Gwendolyn continue as the main characters in Closing Credits, surrounded by well-known and fictional Hollywood players like Lucille Ball and Bette Davis. All good things must come to an end, however, so it was with the real Garden of Allah Hotel, and thus farewell to our favorite characters in residence.
September 12, 2025
All good things must come to an end, and "Closing Credits" is a wonderful conclusion to Martin Turnbull’s Garden of Allah series. Turnbull ties together the journeys of Kathryn, Marcus, and Gwendolyn with nuance and heart, giving longtime readers a truly satisfying farewell. What I admire most is how seamlessly he blends meticulous historical research with vivid, character-driven storytelling, making the Golden Age of Hollywood feel alive on every page. I’m so glad I discovered this series, and I’m grateful to Turnbull for preserving Hollywood’s past through imagination, memory, and dedicated scholarship.
November 10, 2018
How can you be thrilled and sad at the same time? I am thrilled to give this book (in fact, the series) five stars but, oh so, sad that this is the last book! All I can say is, thank you, thank you, Martin Turnbull, for transporting readers to the glory days of Hollywood when the likes of Harry Cohn, Samuel Goldwyn, Louis B. Mayer, etc. were “Kings” of the movies. We will never see the like again. I feel like Gwendolyn, Kathryn and Marcus were my neighbors; I went through their ups and down with them and I will miss them! “Here’s looking at you kid”! I will dearly miss you!
February 4, 2019
As many have said reading this book was bitter-sweet with the joy of continuing the joirney of Gwendolyn, Katherine, and Marcus and disappontment at having the it end. The setting became even more interesting as the years reached an era with which I am more familiar. Turnball has done an excellent job with historical research and the character develooment that allowed me to feel a close attachment to the three main characters. The end may have been a little more neatly sewn up than I normally like in a book, but in this case it fit.
May 29, 2019
Excellent
I loved the entire series. I have two brilliant best friends who both love Old Hollywood and are walking encyclopedias of knowledge. Me, not so much. I stumbled across the first book in the series and was hooked. I fell in love with the characters and their relationship. I've learned things about the Golden Age of Hollywood I had no idea of, I've watched old movies because they were mentioned in these books. I am so sad to say goodbye to Marcus, Gwendolyn and Katherine. I hate to have their story and but thank you for hours of entertainment.
I loved the entire series. I have two brilliant best friends who both love Old Hollywood and are walking encyclopedias of knowledge. Me, not so much. I stumbled across the first book in the series and was hooked. I fell in love with the characters and their relationship. I've learned things about the Golden Age of Hollywood I had no idea of, I've watched old movies because they were mentioned in these books. I am so sad to say goodbye to Marcus, Gwendolyn and Katherine. I hate to have their story and but thank you for hours of entertainment.
January 8, 2020
Martin , once again your book has held my attention....fully.I loe your timing for suspense and titillation in the stories.Bravo! It ard to find anytype
of entertaitainment that isnt vulgar or violently disturbing just tp elicit some type of emotional or visceral response.
I love reading your stories without having a sense of dreador meloncolia afterwards.You bring me up and make me happy.
Because you ended CLOSING CREDITS at 1960, Iwas happy Marilyn .onroes passing was nt included.You wrapped it up nicely.Thank you well done.
of entertaitainment that isnt vulgar or violently disturbing just tp elicit some type of emotional or visceral response.
I love reading your stories without having a sense of dreador meloncolia afterwards.You bring me up and make me happy.
Because you ended CLOSING CREDITS at 1960, Iwas happy Marilyn .onroes passing was nt included.You wrapped it up nicely.Thank you well done.
November 17, 2018
Amazing
There have been so many times that an author has failed to deliver when ending a series. Not so with Martin Turnbull's Closing Credits. His story stayed solid and his characters remained believable and so wonderfully flawed as most of us are. I am sad as I say goodbye to these friends....especially Marcus, Gwendolyn & Katherine. Thank you, Mr. Turnbull, for giving me a glimpse into the history of Hollywood with all of its glory, drama & tragedy. Well done.
There have been so many times that an author has failed to deliver when ending a series. Not so with Martin Turnbull's Closing Credits. His story stayed solid and his characters remained believable and so wonderfully flawed as most of us are. I am sad as I say goodbye to these friends....especially Marcus, Gwendolyn & Katherine. Thank you, Mr. Turnbull, for giving me a glimpse into the history of Hollywood with all of its glory, drama & tragedy. Well done.
November 26, 2018
Severely Addictive. Hard to put down.
From the first chapters of the first book I was hooked. It's a wonderful world to get lost in, and you miss it until the next one. The last book in the series leaves you satisfied but sad, because those people and places are a pleasure to spend time with. These would make great movies if they were done right. Hoping another Hollywood series follows.
From the first chapters of the first book I was hooked. It's a wonderful world to get lost in, and you miss it until the next one. The last book in the series leaves you satisfied but sad, because those people and places are a pleasure to spend time with. These would make great movies if they were done right. Hoping another Hollywood series follows.
December 29, 2018
I can't believe it's over
I tried to extend this as long as I could. I have enjoyed this ride so much. A great ending to a wonderful series, thank you, Martin.
This ending ties up the futures of our three friends in a nice red bow. There were things I did not expect and things I wanted. I am not going to tell you anything except pick up the first book and get started. Any fan of Old Hollywood will not be sorry.
I tried to extend this as long as I could. I have enjoyed this ride so much. A great ending to a wonderful series, thank you, Martin.
This ending ties up the futures of our three friends in a nice red bow. There were things I did not expect and things I wanted. I am not going to tell you anything except pick up the first book and get started. Any fan of Old Hollywood will not be sorry.
April 16, 2019
End of an era
I put off reading this book as I hated to say goodbye to its characters after all of their adventures over nine books. I stretched reading it out as long as I could. Now that it’s finished I’m sad to see them go but thrilled I found this series. If you’re a lover of old Hollywood or just enjoy a well written story, I can’t recommend this book or the ones that proceeded it enough.
I put off reading this book as I hated to say goodbye to its characters after all of their adventures over nine books. I stretched reading it out as long as I could. Now that it’s finished I’m sad to see them go but thrilled I found this series. If you’re a lover of old Hollywood or just enjoy a well written story, I can’t recommend this book or the ones that proceeded it enough.
April 22, 2019
Never have I ever started crying with 10 pages left in a book..crying because it’s hitting me...not only is this book over in 10 pages But the end of an era, the end of 8 years of reading this series about 3 incredible characters whom I’ve grown to know and love! Never had I read a series where I cried at the end of it. If you haven’t read this series yet...What are you waiting for?! You Need to!
June 9, 2019
I must say that I really enjoyed this series, but 'Closing Credits' was my least favorite. While I was happy to see things turn out well for Gwendolyn, Marcus, and Kathryn, I just felt the ending was just a bit unreal. Having Gwendolyn pair off with someone rarely mentioned in earlier books who randomly resurfaced was a bit too pat for me. Having said that, I must also say that is my only complaint about the entire series. I was sorry to come to the end of it!
March 30, 2021
Sorry it ended!
This is the last of nine books in a series, and each one was an exciting new story about the three main characters who lived at the Garden of Allah. The series followed their careers from the end of silent movies into the 1960s and the coming of age of television. The books are well written, and the characters come alive as you follow their success and failures through the years.
This is the last of nine books in a series, and each one was an exciting new story about the three main characters who lived at the Garden of Allah. The series followed their careers from the end of silent movies into the 1960s and the coming of age of television. The books are well written, and the characters come alive as you follow their success and failures through the years.
September 22, 2021
NOW WHAT?
You have just taken me on a long journey of remembrance and interest. I,m eighty three and all the characters and movies I have seen in those years are in my memory bang …favorites, not so good, fantastic stories and a cast of thousands. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wholeheartedly recommend this series of books to any fan of celluloid and the early pathfinders to today for their contributions to fulfilling our dreams.
You have just taken me on a long journey of remembrance and interest. I,m eighty three and all the characters and movies I have seen in those years are in my memory bang …favorites, not so good, fantastic stories and a cast of thousands. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wholeheartedly recommend this series of books to any fan of celluloid and the early pathfinders to today for their contributions to fulfilling our dreams.
December 18, 2022
I learned so much about old Hollywood
I love these novels about old Hollywood and the Garden of Allah . They are informative , fun and entertaining . I became very invested in the characters . I have just read the last book in the Allah series and feel sad that it ended . However I know
the author has written more books and can’t wait to read those . I highly recommend these books . Transports you back to a different time and era of glamour and places to be seen !
I love these novels about old Hollywood and the Garden of Allah . They are informative , fun and entertaining . I became very invested in the characters . I have just read the last book in the Allah series and feel sad that it ended . However I know
the author has written more books and can’t wait to read those . I highly recommend these books . Transports you back to a different time and era of glamour and places to be seen !
October 29, 2020
I am sad to see this series end. It would make a great miniseries and I would binge. I have been in the Garden of Allah with Marcus,Katherine and Gwen from the 30’s Hollywood beginnings through the 1950’s. The character have grown, prospered, failed and succeeded. Through it all, friendship and support for each other never stopped. I feel as if I am leaving my friends.
December 28, 2021
Unfortunately the last installment in this series. I hate to end but couldn't wait to see how things ended as I feel like the characters of Gwendolyn, Kathryn, and Marcus are close friends. I would love to see this series made into a television show so that I could binge watch. I highly recommend these works by Martin Turnbull.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this series…..I’m so bummed that this is the last book & i rarely say that about a series. I felt as if I was living at the Garden right alongside Marcus, Kathryn & Gwendolyn. I loved how the 3 of them were still friends after all those years. I didn’t want the series to end. We could really use a 10th book….just saying!
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June 10, 2023Garden of Allah
The Garden of Allah was amazing from book one through book nine. I am actually going to miss the three main characters! The author, Martin Turnbull, was able to mix fiction and actual events in a way that at times I'd forget it wasn't all true. I wish there was more books!!
The Garden of Allah was amazing from book one through book nine. I am actually going to miss the three main characters! The author, Martin Turnbull, was able to mix fiction and actual events in a way that at times I'd forget it wasn't all true. I wish there was more books!!
February 29, 2024
If I could…
If I could award this series 10 stars I would! Absolutely fell in love with the main characters and the delicious gossipy tidbits about the actors in Hollywood. I was so impressed with how Turnbull eased us into the progression of the decades. these books filled me with joy. The only sorrow was reading the last page.
Can’t wait to start his next series!
If I could award this series 10 stars I would! Absolutely fell in love with the main characters and the delicious gossipy tidbits about the actors in Hollywood. I was so impressed with how Turnbull eased us into the progression of the decades. these books filled me with joy. The only sorrow was reading the last page.
Can’t wait to start his next series!
December 27, 2024
Farewell to the Garden of Alla
I enjoyed spending hours in the Garden through all nine books. Closing Credits was a sad but wonderful good bye to the Garden and all the incredible residents from the 20's through the 50's. I miss them already.
Thank you Martin for this enchanting saga!
I enjoyed spending hours in the Garden through all nine books. Closing Credits was a sad but wonderful good bye to the Garden and all the incredible residents from the 20's through the 50's. I miss them already.
Thank you Martin for this enchanting saga!
November 2, 2018
As always, a Terrific book.
This is the kind of story you don't want to end. But with the tearing down of Th Garden of Allah, it had to.
I can't wait to see what Martin's next project is.
This is the kind of story you don't want to end. But with the tearing down of Th Garden of Allah, it had to.
I can't wait to see what Martin's next project is.
November 12, 2018
Fabulous!!!!!
Love, love, love these stories. The 3 main characters are so real and they fit in with the real old Hollywood. Can't wait to see what Martin will give us next. Thank you
Love, love, love these stories. The 3 main characters are so real and they fit in with the real old Hollywood. Can't wait to see what Martin will give us next. Thank you
December 29, 2018
Superb
A sublime ending to a world of wonderful characters and friends. I will continue to inhabit this world by reading the series all over again, as i can't bear the thought of leaving it all behind.
A sublime ending to a world of wonderful characters and friends. I will continue to inhabit this world by reading the series all over again, as i can't bear the thought of leaving it all behind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews