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Berlin Butterfly #3
Release
A reluctant spy. Two worlds. One inevitable collision course.
Treachery, heartache, and loneliness drove Ella Kühn to accept her first alcoholic drink ten years ago. Survival in the shadow of the Berlin Wall takes on a new face as her resulting addiction turns toxic. While memories of her past haunt her future, the butterfly tattoo concealing the gunshot wound to her right shoulder becomes a physical and emotional reminder of Stefan's absence—now spanning twelve years.
Trust remains a fragile ally as the Communist Bloc begins to crumble twenty-two years after the emergence of the wall. As Ella’s involvement in the rising opposition and underground punk movement intensifies, her risks turn dangerous. She is followed, watched, and hunted . . . but by whom? An old enemy? The Secret Police? Or her new employer?
In Release, the third and final installment of the Berlin Butterfly Series, Ella battles her inner demons as she struggles to survive the ever-growing darkness in the Deutsche Democratic Republic. Will she regain her former strength and find a way to flee the thinning borders to join Anton and Josef? Or will ties to her precarious past keep her bound in East Berlin?
Fans of Historical and German war fiction will love this extraordinary twentieth-century political drama.
Treachery, heartache, and loneliness drove Ella Kühn to accept her first alcoholic drink ten years ago. Survival in the shadow of the Berlin Wall takes on a new face as her resulting addiction turns toxic. While memories of her past haunt her future, the butterfly tattoo concealing the gunshot wound to her right shoulder becomes a physical and emotional reminder of Stefan's absence—now spanning twelve years.
Trust remains a fragile ally as the Communist Bloc begins to crumble twenty-two years after the emergence of the wall. As Ella’s involvement in the rising opposition and underground punk movement intensifies, her risks turn dangerous. She is followed, watched, and hunted . . . but by whom? An old enemy? The Secret Police? Or her new employer?
In Release, the third and final installment of the Berlin Butterfly Series, Ella battles her inner demons as she struggles to survive the ever-growing darkness in the Deutsche Democratic Republic. Will she regain her former strength and find a way to flee the thinning borders to join Anton and Josef? Or will ties to her precarious past keep her bound in East Berlin?
Fans of Historical and German war fiction will love this extraordinary twentieth-century political drama.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2019
125 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Leah Moyes
31 books185 followersLeah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 2, 2020
This has been a tough road for Ella that ties back to the fateful decision to stay with her father as the fence was going up between West and East Berlin. As the years pass separated from her brother Josef and her dear friend Anton, she was able to find love with Stefan, but that too didn't last, and thus she turned to alcohol to drown out the pain of all that she has lost. If she doesn't quit drinking she might just end up incredibly sick or worse. There's good in store for Ella, she just has to become present in her life to realize it.
I don't want to spoil how this book turns out because there's so much happening over the years here in Release. But Ella does find herself again, Ella the fighter, the one who has only wanted to see the wall come down and to be reunited with her family. That fighting spirit will help her in this book, but it also puts her in dangerous situations, as anyone that goes against the Stasi isn't safe. She needs to learn to rely on her gut, to rely on her friendships and her hope for the future that things really can change.
Reading The Berlin Butterfly trilogy has been such an emotional journey. Moyes has done a wonderful job in the research to create a fantastic story steeped in actual events and movements that sprung up all over Germany during this time. This is a great blend of historical fiction and romance, with vividly rich characters. I'm a little sad to see this series go but I look forward to what Moyes has in store for her readers, and I'm grateful to have been a part of this journey.
I don't want to spoil how this book turns out because there's so much happening over the years here in Release. But Ella does find herself again, Ella the fighter, the one who has only wanted to see the wall come down and to be reunited with her family. That fighting spirit will help her in this book, but it also puts her in dangerous situations, as anyone that goes against the Stasi isn't safe. She needs to learn to rely on her gut, to rely on her friendships and her hope for the future that things really can change.
Reading The Berlin Butterfly trilogy has been such an emotional journey. Moyes has done a wonderful job in the research to create a fantastic story steeped in actual events and movements that sprung up all over Germany during this time. This is a great blend of historical fiction and romance, with vividly rich characters. I'm a little sad to see this series go but I look forward to what Moyes has in store for her readers, and I'm grateful to have been a part of this journey.
January 10, 2021
Amazing series!
I could not stop reading these books! I read all three this week. Elias story was so well written! Hope everyone enjoys!
I could not stop reading these books! I read all three this week. Elias story was so well written! Hope everyone enjoys!
June 30, 2020
Excellent ending to a well written and well researched series surrounding the Berlin Wall. I absolutely loved all 3 books and look forward to other works from this author.
November 9, 2019
Incredibly written
I have read the first two books in the Berlin Butterfly series, and I was looking forward to reading this one. This book is another remarkable story from Moyes. It's a powerful story of survival, and the haunting past, and also living in the shadow of the Berlin wall. Moyes definitely writes a raw and ingenious story. I really liked this story, and found many of the scenes powerful and real. I look forward to reading more by this author. This is a definite recommendation from Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
November 9, 2019
Readers of historical fiction and historical romance will enjoy this book. The long awaited finale of The Berlin Butterfly series, Berlin Butterfly Release is here. Ella's story continues as she is struggling with her new reality. She has been shot, her plan of escaping to the West ruined, her hope of Stefan returning to her a haunting memory. She is alone, believing there is no hope of ever seeing Anton and Josef again, no hope of escaping, and her Stefan is truly gone, out of her life forever. Her decision to use alcohol to numb the pain has escalated putting her very life at risk until a friend from her past shows up unexpectedly needing help and a place to stay. This is a book of redemption, of finding a purpose, of taking risks, of reconnecting the pieces of the past and of perseverance, hope, and love. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. If you are new to the series start with Berlin Butterfly Ensnare to read Ella’s story from the beginning.
November 24, 2019
Intense Emotions
As the series comes to an end in this final installment, there are so many intense emotions.The pain and raw emotion of living in the shadow and confinement of the Berlin Wall becomes a reality that you are experiencing. Ella's trials and joys become yours as you get lost in the world of oppressed East Berlin. So much so that your own eyes start moistening at the corners without notice until you feel tears sliding down your cheek for Ella's experiences quickly becoming yours. Hats off to the author for the amazing voice, style, and craft.
As the series comes to an end in this final installment, there are so many intense emotions.The pain and raw emotion of living in the shadow and confinement of the Berlin Wall becomes a reality that you are experiencing. Ella's trials and joys become yours as you get lost in the world of oppressed East Berlin. So much so that your own eyes start moistening at the corners without notice until you feel tears sliding down your cheek for Ella's experiences quickly becoming yours. Hats off to the author for the amazing voice, style, and craft.
January 10, 2020
Freedom is precious
What a wonderful series of books. I really enjoyed reading this series and what an education this was. We tend to believe at times that we have so little, until we come across someone who has less. I am so happy the wall is down and the people are free of oppression. A must-read !
What a wonderful series of books. I really enjoyed reading this series and what an education this was. We tend to believe at times that we have so little, until we come across someone who has less. I am so happy the wall is down and the people are free of oppression. A must-read !
October 6, 2020
A wonderful ending
I loved this book the best of all three snd especially loved the ending. Thank you. I remember when the wall came down. I think the entire world rejoiced. This was an excellent telling, though fiction, of that story.
I loved this book the best of all three snd especially loved the ending. Thank you. I remember when the wall came down. I think the entire world rejoiced. This was an excellent telling, though fiction, of that story.
October 25, 2020
Absolutely Wonderful Series
This Author outdid herself on her first books...keep watching her she is gonna be an award winner. This series was suberb and so much emotion. Don't miss this wonderful story!
This Author outdid herself on her first books...keep watching her she is gonna be an award winner. This series was suberb and so much emotion. Don't miss this wonderful story!
November 16, 2019
History, Suspense, Drama and Romance
History, Suspense, Drama and Romance...This should be a tv series or movie. It has it all. Please give me more!
History, Suspense, Drama and Romance...This should be a tv series or movie. It has it all. Please give me more!
March 28, 2021
Berlin Butterfly: Release: Berlin Butterfly Series Book 3 is by Leah Moyes. This third book starts out a little weaker than the others do and it takes a little longer to get into it; but it is still great.
Ten years have passed and Ella has still not heard from Stefan and has finally seemed to accept the information that she got from some friends, that the red line through his name on his records did mean he was dead. Otherwise, she knew he would be with her as soon as he could. In her despair, Ella did the one thing she had never done before, she turned to drink. She became an alcoholic and a drunk. She lost her jobs and ignored all her friends, even Mari. No matter how much she drank, she could not forget Stefan. She even lost touch with her brother and Anton who were in the West. Finally, she got to the point where she was dying of alcohol poisoning. Then, she found herself in the hospital with Edmund, Katherine’s husband, as her doctor. He had been there when she was brought in unconscious and with alcohol poisoning. He pumped her stomach and with lots of help, brought her back. She had no idea how she had gotten there nor who had paid her rent so she could keep her apartment. However, she was sober now and she intended to stay that way.
When she gets out of the hospital, Mari was there to move in with her. Mari had been turned out of the orphanage and she had no where to go and no idea what to do. The orphanage had not prepared her to go out into the world, they had just sheltered her. Mari and Ella began their lives anew with Mari helping keep Ella sober. Unfortunately, Ella was unable to get a job in a restaurant because she had no references. The only person willing to hire her wanted her to make sketches of different people for him. He was suppling information as to spies either for or against the regime. It wasn’t a great job; but it was hers. When she realizes just what her boss does with the sketches, she tried to find a way to stop; but seems to get in deeper. She is being followed and doesn’t know by whom or why. Who is following her?
Ten years have passed and Ella has still not heard from Stefan and has finally seemed to accept the information that she got from some friends, that the red line through his name on his records did mean he was dead. Otherwise, she knew he would be with her as soon as he could. In her despair, Ella did the one thing she had never done before, she turned to drink. She became an alcoholic and a drunk. She lost her jobs and ignored all her friends, even Mari. No matter how much she drank, she could not forget Stefan. She even lost touch with her brother and Anton who were in the West. Finally, she got to the point where she was dying of alcohol poisoning. Then, she found herself in the hospital with Edmund, Katherine’s husband, as her doctor. He had been there when she was brought in unconscious and with alcohol poisoning. He pumped her stomach and with lots of help, brought her back. She had no idea how she had gotten there nor who had paid her rent so she could keep her apartment. However, she was sober now and she intended to stay that way.
When she gets out of the hospital, Mari was there to move in with her. Mari had been turned out of the orphanage and she had no where to go and no idea what to do. The orphanage had not prepared her to go out into the world, they had just sheltered her. Mari and Ella began their lives anew with Mari helping keep Ella sober. Unfortunately, Ella was unable to get a job in a restaurant because she had no references. The only person willing to hire her wanted her to make sketches of different people for him. He was suppling information as to spies either for or against the regime. It wasn’t a great job; but it was hers. When she realizes just what her boss does with the sketches, she tried to find a way to stop; but seems to get in deeper. She is being followed and doesn’t know by whom or why. Who is following her?
February 1, 2022
As the third book in the Berlin Butterfly series, Release continues the saga of Ella Kuhn. Just as the East German country deteriorates under the oppressive government, Ella succumbs to the curse of alcoholism and comes near to death. Stephan never returned to her. She feels she has nothing to live for. For nine years, she has not communicated with her brothers in the West. She also cut off communications with her friends, Lena and Katharina.
After a stint in the hospital, Ella decides to quit drinking. Mari, the young girl Ella and Stephan had rescued from the gutter, is now grown and comes to live with Ella. Mari finds a job, but no one wants to hire a recovering alcoholic named Ella.
Finally, Ella finds a job with subversive group as a courier. She is in constant danger if caught by the Stasi. When her artistic talent is noted by her boss, she is assigned the task of attending concerts and gatherings and then sketching portraits of anyone(s) who look out of place. She is spotting Stasi spies, or their citizen accomplices.
With so many private citizens spying on their friends and family, the Stasi had an enormous reach into private lives. After she spots a man dressed in black watching her on multiple occasions Ella starts to panic that she may be arrested at any time.
This is another historically accurate thriller by Moyes. Simply being set in the former East Berlin creates suspense because during the cold war East Berlin was a hotbed of Stasi control and danger. This story could very well have been true. Across the trilogy, Ella's journey evolves much like that of the government. In Book I, she struggled with the sudden entrapment, poverty, and uncertainty. In Book II, she her hopes for a future with Stephan fade and she starts to think of escape. By Book Three, she struggles to maintain hope, becomes very paranoid and fears the future.
I highly recommend this trilogy both because the story is riveting but also to better inform the reader about the horrific life behind the Wall.
After a stint in the hospital, Ella decides to quit drinking. Mari, the young girl Ella and Stephan had rescued from the gutter, is now grown and comes to live with Ella. Mari finds a job, but no one wants to hire a recovering alcoholic named Ella.
Finally, Ella finds a job with subversive group as a courier. She is in constant danger if caught by the Stasi. When her artistic talent is noted by her boss, she is assigned the task of attending concerts and gatherings and then sketching portraits of anyone(s) who look out of place. She is spotting Stasi spies, or their citizen accomplices.
With so many private citizens spying on their friends and family, the Stasi had an enormous reach into private lives. After she spots a man dressed in black watching her on multiple occasions Ella starts to panic that she may be arrested at any time.
This is another historically accurate thriller by Moyes. Simply being set in the former East Berlin creates suspense because during the cold war East Berlin was a hotbed of Stasi control and danger. This story could very well have been true. Across the trilogy, Ella's journey evolves much like that of the government. In Book I, she struggled with the sudden entrapment, poverty, and uncertainty. In Book II, she her hopes for a future with Stephan fade and she starts to think of escape. By Book Three, she struggles to maintain hope, becomes very paranoid and fears the future.
I highly recommend this trilogy both because the story is riveting but also to better inform the reader about the horrific life behind the Wall.
January 31, 2022
In my first reading binge of 2022, I gobbled up the three novels that make up the Berlin Butterfly series starring Ella Kuhn in East Berlin. Release takes place from the early 1980s to the early 1990s. Again, due to a horrific end in the second novel, "Deception," Ella is facing the world alone and this time she has lost her faith in humanity. People care about her, but she has abandoned everyone. She becomes unreliable and unemployable until she takes on a risky job and her artistic ability becomes the asset that keeps her fed and sheltered. Again, threaded throughout, is a lot of intrigue and she is drawn more to the resistance. As she pulls out of her rock bottom situation, she has to reinvent herself for about the fifth time in this series. Now, it is a matter of survival. Again, to avoid spoilers, this is vague, but Ella learns more about herself and her ability to make it on her own as well as about how friends and families of choice can help you make it through this world. She then is ready to take on love again, an older but much wiser person. This political period is fascinating as it includes the day the wall comes down. Having never remembered a time without the wall in Berlin, I did not realize it was erected when I was seven. It was always there and always terrible. I have a friend who escaped. My sisters had friends who escaped. They also traveled to East Berlin as tourists. To read this evocative trilogy, so beautifully told was a real pleasure. Thank you!
December 25, 2023
Ella
Although many of the books we read are all sunshine and butterflies for the main characters, this author gave her butterflies but little sunshine. It makes the story real and this book has the feel of real life. These may be fictional characters but they played out real life with different names in east Berlin. This is such a sad tale of hardship and then the strength and resilience is inspiring.
I really hate reviews that tell people all about what the book was about. That’s not a review, that’s a synopsis. My reviews are whether I liked the book and why. So if anyone reads this and wants a thought provoking read where the characters live a rough life but hang tough during a season in time that was horrible and hard to imagine could have really existed, and not that long ago for that matter, then this is one for you. The whole series is spectacular and quick because you will want to find out more so you won’t want to put the book down. Keep writing them Mrs. Moyes because you have talent.
Although many of the books we read are all sunshine and butterflies for the main characters, this author gave her butterflies but little sunshine. It makes the story real and this book has the feel of real life. These may be fictional characters but they played out real life with different names in east Berlin. This is such a sad tale of hardship and then the strength and resilience is inspiring.
I really hate reviews that tell people all about what the book was about. That’s not a review, that’s a synopsis. My reviews are whether I liked the book and why. So if anyone reads this and wants a thought provoking read where the characters live a rough life but hang tough during a season in time that was horrible and hard to imagine could have really existed, and not that long ago for that matter, then this is one for you. The whole series is spectacular and quick because you will want to find out more so you won’t want to put the book down. Keep writing them Mrs. Moyes because you have talent.
April 2, 2024
Rather than reviewing each individual novel in the Berlin Butterfly series I have chosen to just do one review at the conclusion of my reading. Firstly, let me say that Moyes conveyed throughout all her novels how connected she was personally to her characters. Through the good times, and especially through the bad times you could read the author's empathy to the plight of her characters. Secondly, the choice of the backdrop of this story was also handled with a deft touch. Moyes showed us what it was like living with a wall separating a city. It separated families, it separated ideologies, it separated so many things. The author's story begins with the closing of the border between East and West Berlin, the erection of the wall and decades later finally the Fall of the Berlin Wall. Interwoven into her story were escape attempts and the fatal consequences of trying to escape from the East into the West. If you want to learn more about the time in German history when the Iron Curtain separated the two Germanies than this is a must read.
February 7, 2021
Berlin Butterfly Release
- This is the third book in the series of The Berlin Butterfly 🦋, and it definitely does not disappoint the reader. There is a lot of intrigue with all the horrid things caused by the Stasi. The revenge of the folks living under that regime is understandable as no one knew who was on which side. The folks who lived in East Berlin had a bond, but were still apprehensive of their neighbours, as to who might be an informant. Their main goal was to one day have freedoms as the Western nations appreciated. The heroine of the book went through things most average folks couldn’t survive. Definitely worth the read.
- This is the third book in the series of The Berlin Butterfly 🦋, and it definitely does not disappoint the reader. There is a lot of intrigue with all the horrid things caused by the Stasi. The revenge of the folks living under that regime is understandable as no one knew who was on which side. The folks who lived in East Berlin had a bond, but were still apprehensive of their neighbours, as to who might be an informant. Their main goal was to one day have freedoms as the Western nations appreciated. The heroine of the book went through things most average folks couldn’t survive. Definitely worth the read.
December 28, 2021
While I hate that the pain portrayed was reality for many, I very much appreciate that this trilogy wasn't a simple, tidy, happy story. Though I remember when the Berlin wall fell, I did not know much about life behind the wall other than what I could imagine. I am not an emotional person, so I could not relate to the intense and frequent outward displays by the main character, but I do appreciate that the raw, painful, often gutting account Moyes has created reflects what was probably experienced by many people, and my heart goes out to those oppressed and tortured by communism. Highly recommend.
4.4/5 for the trilogy.
4.4/5 for the trilogy.
June 1, 2022
I've been to Berlin four times, twice while the wall was up in 1968 and 1988 and twice after reunification. All four times I was in both the East and West and stayed with Berliners so I have a fairly good understanding of what life was really like and I think this series is very believable. Historically, I think this series was very well written, but Ella's emotional collapses became too much. I think they actually detracted from the story, were not necessary, and that is the reason for my three star rating.
July 12, 2022
The three books were very well written. I enjoyed the story, and the characters were well drawn and kept my interest. The biggest problem I had with the series was the length, particularly the second book. I believe Ella's story could have been shortened some, possibly cutting this down to two slightly larger books because the second book started to lose me. Nevertheless, I learned a lot about East Berlin after World War II, which I had never known before, and found that information very enlightening. I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
July 12, 2021
Ella's life in East Berlin.
The historical factors of all 3 books held my interest. I struggled with the constant falling to the ground covered in tears and the incredible poor decisions. This was over used but Ella kept getting back up that kept my interest. The word countenance was used too many times to the point of frustration and Josef was spelled Joseph a few times. I read all 3 books in 4 days and I recommend the series even though a few things bothered me.
The historical factors of all 3 books held my interest. I struggled with the constant falling to the ground covered in tears and the incredible poor decisions. This was over used but Ella kept getting back up that kept my interest. The word countenance was used too many times to the point of frustration and Josef was spelled Joseph a few times. I read all 3 books in 4 days and I recommend the series even though a few things bothered me.
April 23, 2024
Surprising 😱
Really enjoyed the trilogy. Twists and turns in profusion left me guessing, and thrilled with some outcomes, but slightly deflated when the storyline didn't quite match my anticipation. Ella was very believable; and well researched as a character. The story itself matched the times and emotions of an unimaginable period in World History. I will likely read them again!
Really enjoyed the trilogy. Twists and turns in profusion left me guessing, and thrilled with some outcomes, but slightly deflated when the storyline didn't quite match my anticipation. Ella was very believable; and well researched as a character. The story itself matched the times and emotions of an unimaginable period in World History. I will likely read them again!
September 2, 2024
I LOVED this series. The characters are so real and interesting. The author has researched the era this takes place in. It is about a young orphan who was adopted by a loving family. The setting is East Berlin. The wall is constructed and residents are trying to leave. Ella ends up working for a wealthy family. She meets characters who play a pivotal role in her life.
If you like historical fiction, don't miss this!!!!
If you like historical fiction, don't miss this!!!!
May 11, 2020
Amazing final book to this incredible series. This series is a must read as you can see from all the other reviews. Moyes is a great story teller. The life of Ella likely mirrors real stories from East Germany and we see her/their strength to persevere through a brutal time in history. Looking forward to more from author Moyes.
July 20, 2020
A must to read!!
I love stories about Germany and the amazing strength so many had against all odds. I also loved that I was able to have three books in the series to read. Couldn't put it down. Tormented life in so very many ways and yet survival, love and family that a wall separated an yet managed to bring friends as loyal has family.
I love stories about Germany and the amazing strength so many had against all odds. I also loved that I was able to have three books in the series to read. Couldn't put it down. Tormented life in so very many ways and yet survival, love and family that a wall separated an yet managed to bring friends as loyal has family.
July 16, 2022
Fantastic & Unpredictable
This author tells a fantastic story! There were so many unexpected storylines within this page turning book I gave up trying to guess what would happen next. A very thorough tale that continues to follow Ella and her experiences over a couple decades.
I loved it, it is so well written and I highly recommend.
This author tells a fantastic story! There were so many unexpected storylines within this page turning book I gave up trying to guess what would happen next. A very thorough tale that continues to follow Ella and her experiences over a couple decades.
I loved it, it is so well written and I highly recommend.
August 30, 2020
I Liked The History
I really enjoyed reading the history. But the love angst just went on & on through all 3 books. Ella’s knees went weak & her legs gave out on her so many times I just had to roll my eyes. This is the first book I’ve read about East Berlin & learned a lit
I really enjoyed reading the history. But the love angst just went on & on through all 3 books. Ella’s knees went weak & her legs gave out on her so many times I just had to roll my eyes. This is the first book I’ve read about East Berlin & learned a lit
March 16, 2021
3 stars out of 5 but slow going! Too much emotional baggage and dwelling on "feelings" in proportion to character development or interesting interactions. Most definitely falls within the "chicklit" category which was oddly out of character for the story's environment.
January 10, 2022
Life and history
The reading of journey thru all three books was intended in its history and more the characters lived through it. I cried, I laughed I learned.
Powerful in its emotion and depth.
You learn to understand each character
The reading of journey thru all three books was intended in its history and more the characters lived through it. I cried, I laughed I learned.
Powerful in its emotion and depth.
You learn to understand each character
February 5, 2022
I'm spent...ahhh...
Such a trio of books! I don't know quite what to say about this last one. With the exception of, be prepared for chaos, then happy chaos. Then happy. Then 'its about damn time!' happy. In our years of Covid its good to be reminded its not so bad. Good books.
Such a trio of books! I don't know quite what to say about this last one. With the exception of, be prepared for chaos, then happy chaos. Then happy. Then 'its about damn time!' happy. In our years of Covid its good to be reminded its not so bad. Good books.
July 22, 2022
Very good!
I was very surprised to love the second and third book as much as the first! Very good read. Kept me on he edge of my seat nearly the entire time, just like the last 2 did! Can't wait to see what the next book holds!
I was very surprised to love the second and third book as much as the first! Very good read. Kept me on he edge of my seat nearly the entire time, just like the last 2 did! Can't wait to see what the next book holds!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews