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A Winter's Wish
Can they put aside their differences to work together?
Sam Tipping always shunned the wealth into which she was born. Instead, she’s worked hard to set up The Crash Pad, a shelter for homeless young Londoners – but she’ll need a Christmas miracle to keep it running.
Having grown up in foster care, Jamie Lawson has no time for heiresses. Until his job as a journalist requires him to befriend Sam in order to expose her city banker brother for financial irregularities.
As he spends more time with Sam, Jamie realises she’s not the spoiled brat he assumed she’d be – in fact, she’s starting to melt the ice around his heart. But he'll need to betray Sam’s trust if he's ever to get his big career break...
Sam Tipping always shunned the wealth into which she was born. Instead, she’s worked hard to set up The Crash Pad, a shelter for homeless young Londoners – but she’ll need a Christmas miracle to keep it running.
Having grown up in foster care, Jamie Lawson has no time for heiresses. Until his job as a journalist requires him to befriend Sam in order to expose her city banker brother for financial irregularities.
As he spends more time with Sam, Jamie realises she’s not the spoiled brat he assumed she’d be – in fact, she’s starting to melt the ice around his heart. But he'll need to betray Sam’s trust if he's ever to get his big career break...
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2021
19 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Corbett
18 books81 followersTracy grew up in Berkshire as part of a large and noisy family. She now lives in a small village in Surrey with her motorbike-loving partner and her little rescue dog, Poppy. Prior to becoming an author, Tracy worked for the charity Citizens Advice for over twenty-five years. She held various different roles in her time there, including advising prisoners, representing clients in the County Court, and managing a local office. She worked with an amazing group of volunteers, who gave up their time freely to help their community. She also found it a great avenue for ‘people-watching’, something that as a writer, provided endless inspiration for character development and story ideas.
Since the age of eleven, Tracy has been actively involved in amateur dramatics and she’s acted in many productions, written sketches, and directed shows. Her first role was in Aladdin. She played a jewel in the genie’s cave and was told to ‘stand there and sparkle’ – not exactly taxing stuff. While most teenagers spent their free time obsessing with fashion, make-up, pop music and boys, Tracy would often be found prancing around the stage pretending to be Miss Muffet, Bessie the Milkmaid, and her personal favourite, Aurora the Goose. Adulthood brought with it more serious roles, such as Nora in The Dolls House and Maggie in Hobson’s Choice. She’s also played Viola in Twelfth Night and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her favourite role was Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley.
Tracy started writing in her late twenties, song lyrics, sketches for pantomimes, before discovering her love for novel writing. Over the years she’s written numerous short stories, a number of which have been published in My Weekly magazine. She’s also been short-listed for several writing competitions, and won 1st prize in the Southern Daily Echo Feature Article competition. In 2024, Tracy’s novel Only For Christmas won the prestigious RNA Festive/Holiday Award.
Tracy describes her writing style as modern tales of romance, with engaging quirky characters, who overcome adversity, grow as people, and conclude in a satisfying optimistic ending.
Since the age of eleven, Tracy has been actively involved in amateur dramatics and she’s acted in many productions, written sketches, and directed shows. Her first role was in Aladdin. She played a jewel in the genie’s cave and was told to ‘stand there and sparkle’ – not exactly taxing stuff. While most teenagers spent their free time obsessing with fashion, make-up, pop music and boys, Tracy would often be found prancing around the stage pretending to be Miss Muffet, Bessie the Milkmaid, and her personal favourite, Aurora the Goose. Adulthood brought with it more serious roles, such as Nora in The Dolls House and Maggie in Hobson’s Choice. She’s also played Viola in Twelfth Night and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her favourite role was Geraldine Granger in The Vicar of Dibley.
Tracy started writing in her late twenties, song lyrics, sketches for pantomimes, before discovering her love for novel writing. Over the years she’s written numerous short stories, a number of which have been published in My Weekly magazine. She’s also been short-listed for several writing competitions, and won 1st prize in the Southern Daily Echo Feature Article competition. In 2024, Tracy’s novel Only For Christmas won the prestigious RNA Festive/Holiday Award.
Tracy describes her writing style as modern tales of romance, with engaging quirky characters, who overcome adversity, grow as people, and conclude in a satisfying optimistic ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 12, 2023
so cute !! wasn’t what i was expecting at all, but this was so sweet & heartfelt :)
November 16, 2021
This was my first book by this author and won’t be the last was a brilliant read from the first page you got hooked and totally engrossed. It’s got great characters and the plot is very good and full of romance full of lies and heartbreak and forgiveness. Also finding out who you really are. A perfect winter read.
Sam has lived in a family of wealth but she’s always shunned it and she sets up a place called the crash pad which is for young homeless people in London to stay and she’s worked hard to set it up and got friendly with the people who stay at the shelter. Then you have Jamie who is a journalist and wants a big story to get his boss happy and he’s grown up in care himself. He’s asked by his boss to go undercover to get his big story and he agrees so he goes to the shelter to volunteer to get inside info on sams brother who is suppose to be doing financial irregularities and Jamie agrees. He goes to the shelter abs the more time he spends there he realises Sam isn’t the spoiled brat he thought and he does start to melt and warm to her and take her to his heart but what will happen when Sam learns the truth can she forgive him or will she never trust him again will he get his big break for the right reasons or not.
A warming read.
Sam has lived in a family of wealth but she’s always shunned it and she sets up a place called the crash pad which is for young homeless people in London to stay and she’s worked hard to set it up and got friendly with the people who stay at the shelter. Then you have Jamie who is a journalist and wants a big story to get his boss happy and he’s grown up in care himself. He’s asked by his boss to go undercover to get his big story and he agrees so he goes to the shelter to volunteer to get inside info on sams brother who is suppose to be doing financial irregularities and Jamie agrees. He goes to the shelter abs the more time he spends there he realises Sam isn’t the spoiled brat he thought and he does start to melt and warm to her and take her to his heart but what will happen when Sam learns the truth can she forgive him or will she never trust him again will he get his big break for the right reasons or not.
A warming read.
December 12, 2021
This book wasn’t what I expected, I was expecting a light hearted Christmas story with a bit of drama and a HEA. What I got was a sweet story with a lot of depth. Seeing Sam build The Crash Pad up from scratch and the obstacles she faces along the way. The insight in to the foster system and how it works and fails for different kids. All the emotions surrounding Jamie’s past and how it catches up with his future. All these things lead to an emotional read, and I definitely tested up a little a long the way! I loved all the side characters too, my favourite being Emily. Her story is one that works really well into the story.
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future!
December 31, 2021
When I started this book, there was no way I anticipated it would be a 5* read. I expected a light fluffy enjoyable romance. This wad so much more. It is well written, perfectly paced with believeable characters that I genui nely cared about. It importantly raises awareness of teenage homelessness. All are not criminals, drug addicts and hopeless cases. This is the first book I have read by tbis authorbut certainly not the last.
January 9, 2024
By the end of this one you will have one winter's wish rooting for Sam and Jamie. They made me constantly smile by the end. How much they have helped each other and the crash pad. Opposites attract surely applies with these two. Sam from a wealthy upper-class family. Jamie was brought up in care until the love of Peggy.
Brought together by the crash pad. It is more than something to get one up on her parents to Sam. It becomes more than a story to Jamie. This is a heartwarming read dealing with homelessness and insider trading when two worlds collide they might not be so far apart as many think.
The love between Sam and Jamie is believable, raw and unperfect making it perfect. It is love to hate hate to love and back in a circle once again. The swimming pool and rooftop were highlights.
Other characters worth mentioning. Max, Emily, Norah, Peggy, Harold and Alfie. They all made this a fantastic read.
The epilogue ended it well too sometimes that falls flat. This one made it perfect without being soppy perfect. 5 stars easily.
Brought together by the crash pad. It is more than something to get one up on her parents to Sam. It becomes more than a story to Jamie. This is a heartwarming read dealing with homelessness and insider trading when two worlds collide they might not be so far apart as many think.
The love between Sam and Jamie is believable, raw and unperfect making it perfect. It is love to hate hate to love and back in a circle once again. The swimming pool and rooftop were highlights.
Other characters worth mentioning. Max, Emily, Norah, Peggy, Harold and Alfie. They all made this a fantastic read.
The epilogue ended it well too sometimes that falls flat. This one made it perfect without being soppy perfect. 5 stars easily.
January 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, the two main characters are very likeable and the story is very real and makes you think. The secondary characters are sweet and vulnerable and have you rooting for them.
November 26, 2023
I read this book in one day as part of a read-a-thon. I really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline around the homeless shelter that was the setting. I would read more books by this author.
December 30, 2021
Loved reading this book so much! It was much alike a traditional romance in one aspect yet antithetical in another. This book touched upon far greater issues than that of the hearts conflict; it explored the depths of homelessness within young people. It was a thought provoking read and I highly recommend!
November 18, 2023
A good read but a little bit predictable ending
December 12, 2023
this book is presented as a “heartwarming christmas story”. where was the christmas??
December 28, 2024
such a wholesome story that has so many ups and downs with the classic miscommunication trope alongside the (sort of) enemies to lovers. the ending had me grinning and throughout the book had me develop emotional connections to the characters in the book. the book was written from 3 of the main different povs however focused more on the two main characters and love interests; jamie & sam. the emily pov had me confused and conflicted at first as i wasn’t sure how it would fully fit into the story whilst still letting the flow be dynamic and impacting however tracy managed it perfectly as it gave us more insight and understanding to certain plot points alongside developing different characters more fully. overall an easy read that left me glad i read the book.
November 5, 2022
I picked up this book, so I could satisfy my need for a wintery book, but I didn't want anything about Christmas.
I expected a light fluffy winter romance but what I got was a whole lot more.
It was heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. It gave a rare insight into teen homelessness and shone a light on all the ways that people end up sleeping rough.
My heart belongs to Harold ❤️
I highly recommend this book. It's phenomenal.
I expected a light fluffy winter romance but what I got was a whole lot more.
It was heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. It gave a rare insight into teen homelessness and shone a light on all the ways that people end up sleeping rough.
My heart belongs to Harold ❤️
I highly recommend this book. It's phenomenal.
August 30, 2021
I love a good christmas story. This is the movie equivalent of a rom-com. It was an enjoyable read.
Not my normal book preference but I was feeling whimsical and this hit the spot nicely.
It's a very light story but the undertones are of a more serious nature. The author did a reasonable job of highlighting them.
Hey, this book gave me some christmas spirit something that has been lacking. So for me it did its job.
Enjoy!
Not my normal book preference but I was feeling whimsical and this hit the spot nicely.
It's a very light story but the undertones are of a more serious nature. The author did a reasonable job of highlighting them.
Hey, this book gave me some christmas spirit something that has been lacking. So for me it did its job.
Enjoy!
December 10, 2022
CAWPILE 7.00
Really enjoyed this Christmas romance, the community spirit, the charity work, the economic issues and homelessness in teens- it felt modern, it felt relevant and I really enjoyed the writing style.
A bit cheesy in places but had a honest good feeling about it.
I would read from Corbett again
Really enjoyed this Christmas romance, the community spirit, the charity work, the economic issues and homelessness in teens- it felt modern, it felt relevant and I really enjoyed the writing style.
A bit cheesy in places but had a honest good feeling about it.
I would read from Corbett again
December 21, 2022
When I first picked this book up I was expecting a light-hearted, fluffy Christmas story, what I got was a heartwarming story full of depth. I found myself caring about these characters and rooting for them throughout.
December 29, 2025
3,5*
A very sweet story about an interesting subject matter. The main characters are appealing.
I waited a year to read it, because I thought it would be more "Christmas/Winter" focused, but that was not the case...
A very sweet story about an interesting subject matter. The main characters are appealing.
I waited a year to read it, because I thought it would be more "Christmas/Winter" focused, but that was not the case...
December 19, 2022
Although the writing was abysmal and the plot and characters were twee and immature, I found it enjoyable and engaging. I’m not sure what this says about me.
August 16, 2021
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - always plenty of reviews like that out there!
This was a warm, uplifting easy read, with more substance to it than I expected. The novel delves into the heartbreaking existence of young homeless people and those who try to help them. The characters - nice and not so nice - are well written, and the relationships and interplay between them feel authentic.
Another issue explored by this novel is what I can only describe as the "fallout" experienced by some (maybe all) children who are taken into care - even when they have been fostered by great people, they still have many issues to deal with as adults, and I felt the subject was treated with sympathy and understanding.
An enjoyable read - despite some sad sections - with an uplifting vibe.
Looking forward to reading more by Tracy Corbett.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
This was a warm, uplifting easy read, with more substance to it than I expected. The novel delves into the heartbreaking existence of young homeless people and those who try to help them. The characters - nice and not so nice - are well written, and the relationships and interplay between them feel authentic.
Another issue explored by this novel is what I can only describe as the "fallout" experienced by some (maybe all) children who are taken into care - even when they have been fostered by great people, they still have many issues to deal with as adults, and I felt the subject was treated with sympathy and understanding.
An enjoyable read - despite some sad sections - with an uplifting vibe.
Looking forward to reading more by Tracy Corbett.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
December 13, 2022
This was an amazing book. So uplifting and thought provoking.Athough the story is fictitious it brings the plight of the homeless(which is very real in society) to your attention. I loved the way the story was written with great sensitivity and from several different angles. I would highly recommend it.
December 31, 2023
“A gorgeous and heartwarming Christmas romance” WHERE?! DID ANYONE INFORM THE AUTHOR!!??
July 19, 2023
Described as a ‘feel-good festive romance’ I was looking forward to a light christmassy read, especially after the last heavy-going non-fiction book I just read. I have very mixed feelings about 'A Winter’s Wish'. This was not a light read. Not. At. All. I felt it was more of a social commentary on the harsh realities of teenage homelessness. Other themes, include: class divides, polite society, social care, snobbery, overcoming adversity, death, violence, drugs, family, loneliness, social discrimination and injustice, to name just a few. The weaker themes, for me, were romance and Christmas.
Although I found the characters likeable, relatable and very believable, I also found their state of affairs, or circumstances, very, very sad. They all have heartbreaking stories. I was deeply moved by the plight of the characters. I cried more than once. I love Peggy. We all need a Peggy. I didn’t like the f-bomb language of Jamie’s boss. It’s probably fitting for his characterisation, but I wasn’t expecting it. I thought the book would be a bit ‘cleaner’. There’s the realism again. I know that life isn’t ‘clean’ but that’s why I love to escape into romance novels, and Christmas. I’m a Hallmark movies kind of girl.
Whilst reading, I was engaged and involved. However, for me, it just wasn’t a feel good, or christmassy romance and if I had bought the book, I’m sorry to say that I would have been disappointed; based on the description. I felt sad throughout. And I’m haunted by the realism. Homelessness is such a huge issue. How many Alfie’s and Harold’s are out there? It was very hard-hitting. I know there are good people, like Peggy, Sam, Emily etc. too.
There is some romance. Mainly at the end of the book. I’m glad I stayed with it. I love my happy endings and I wasn’t disappointed. Just really sad about one of the minor characters. You’ll have to read the book to understand; I don’t want to spoil the story. It has got me thinking about what differences I can make, in terms of helping charities. I don’t shy away from any of these issues. But I was expecting to read a Christmas romance novel …
Although I found the characters likeable, relatable and very believable, I also found their state of affairs, or circumstances, very, very sad. They all have heartbreaking stories. I was deeply moved by the plight of the characters. I cried more than once. I love Peggy. We all need a Peggy. I didn’t like the f-bomb language of Jamie’s boss. It’s probably fitting for his characterisation, but I wasn’t expecting it. I thought the book would be a bit ‘cleaner’. There’s the realism again. I know that life isn’t ‘clean’ but that’s why I love to escape into romance novels, and Christmas. I’m a Hallmark movies kind of girl.
Whilst reading, I was engaged and involved. However, for me, it just wasn’t a feel good, or christmassy romance and if I had bought the book, I’m sorry to say that I would have been disappointed; based on the description. I felt sad throughout. And I’m haunted by the realism. Homelessness is such a huge issue. How many Alfie’s and Harold’s are out there? It was very hard-hitting. I know there are good people, like Peggy, Sam, Emily etc. too.
There is some romance. Mainly at the end of the book. I’m glad I stayed with it. I love my happy endings and I wasn’t disappointed. Just really sad about one of the minor characters. You’ll have to read the book to understand; I don’t want to spoil the story. It has got me thinking about what differences I can make, in terms of helping charities. I don’t shy away from any of these issues. But I was expecting to read a Christmas romance novel …
July 29, 2021
A Winter's Wish - Tracy Corbett
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Sam Tipping always shunned the wealth into which she was born. Instead, she’s worked hard to set up The Crash Pad, a shelter for homeless young Londoners – but she’ll need a Christmas miracle to keep it running.
Having grown up in foster care, Jamie Lawson has no time for heiresses. Until his job as a journalist requires him to befriend Sam in order to expose her city banker brother for financial irregularities.
I thought that this was a sweet storyline with an interesting concept. It is a light-hearted book, with great characters. I found this to be a quick and easy book to read and would recommend this to be on your list of books to read this winter.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Canelo and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Sam Tipping always shunned the wealth into which she was born. Instead, she’s worked hard to set up The Crash Pad, a shelter for homeless young Londoners – but she’ll need a Christmas miracle to keep it running.
Having grown up in foster care, Jamie Lawson has no time for heiresses. Until his job as a journalist requires him to befriend Sam in order to expose her city banker brother for financial irregularities.
I thought that this was a sweet storyline with an interesting concept. It is a light-hearted book, with great characters. I found this to be a quick and easy book to read and would recommend this to be on your list of books to read this winter.
Rating 4/5
December 23, 2022
Sam Tipping opens a place called the Crash Pad and Jamie, a reporter decides to ‘volunteer’ to get dirt on her brother Max to see if he’s doing insider trading.
This book was off to a very slow start and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to finish it.
It did end up picking up the pace and got a little bit more interesting.
The relationship between Jamie and Sam is very strained at first because he got the wrong impression of her, but to no fault of his own.
Their relationship is very cute once it starts to unfold and we learn so much about Jamie and Sam. We also learn about Emily and Alfie who are just as cute and I couldn’t be happier for them.
This just wasn’t the book for me, there was conflict, but not a lot of it and it was just dull and slow. It is very well written, do not get me wrong. It just isn’t going to be a very memorable one for me.
This book was off to a very slow start and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to finish it.
It did end up picking up the pace and got a little bit more interesting.
The relationship between Jamie and Sam is very strained at first because he got the wrong impression of her, but to no fault of his own.
Their relationship is very cute once it starts to unfold and we learn so much about Jamie and Sam. We also learn about Emily and Alfie who are just as cute and I couldn’t be happier for them.
This just wasn’t the book for me, there was conflict, but not a lot of it and it was just dull and slow. It is very well written, do not get me wrong. It just isn’t going to be a very memorable one for me.
January 6, 2023
Such a cute ending! I definitely thought I had predicted exactly what would happen but there were a few added cute bonuses that wrapped up the book beautifully!
Only things that does not match (imo), Is the title and the cover, I didn’t get a winter/ Christmas vibe from this book at all besides the few mentions of a tree set up or winter coats. I feel like this book would have such a better appeal with a diff name ljke “the crash pad” and a different illustration. Also the story follows Emily and Alfie but the cover only has 2 people (Jamie and Sam) this story is definitely a year round sort of book but I picked it up originally thinking it would be a Christmas hallmark vibe. Pleasantly surprised just don’t understand the direction with the title at all.
Overly a great read! Would recommend!
Only things that does not match (imo), Is the title and the cover, I didn’t get a winter/ Christmas vibe from this book at all besides the few mentions of a tree set up or winter coats. I feel like this book would have such a better appeal with a diff name ljke “the crash pad” and a different illustration. Also the story follows Emily and Alfie but the cover only has 2 people (Jamie and Sam) this story is definitely a year round sort of book but I picked it up originally thinking it would be a Christmas hallmark vibe. Pleasantly surprised just don’t understand the direction with the title at all.
Overly a great read! Would recommend!
November 13, 2025
He's a reporter sent in undercover to bust her brother for insider trading. She's tired of the wealth her family has defining her. She finally put her dream into action. Her plan... to make a difference in London with a homeless shelter for the homeless 18-21 year olds. Enter the "Crash Pad".
Sam is excited to use her years of a social worker to use and open the 1st homeless shelter for teens. She needs all the volunteers she can get since she's thrown all the money from the sale of her apartment into opening.
Jamie grew up in foster care, so he knows a thing or two about what these young people are going through. When his boss wants to put him undercover for his 1st real news story, he is certain it will be easy. He didn't expect to fall for the beautiful woman running The Crash Pad.
Sam is excited to use her years of a social worker to use and open the 1st homeless shelter for teens. She needs all the volunteers she can get since she's thrown all the money from the sale of her apartment into opening.
Jamie grew up in foster care, so he knows a thing or two about what these young people are going through. When his boss wants to put him undercover for his 1st real news story, he is certain it will be easy. He didn't expect to fall for the beautiful woman running The Crash Pad.
August 10, 2021
What a read!! I was blown away with how good this book is. It gives a sobering look at the homeless crisis. My heart broke several times reading about the plight of the young people facing uncertainty night after night. The characters were amazing. I adorded Sam. Her integrity and big heart just made her the sweetest character. The storyline with Emily and Ricky both broke my heart and made me so unbelievably happy. By the end of the book I had tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face. I can't wait to read more from Tracy Corbett.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this Advance Reader's Copy.
December 11, 2021
A WINTERS WISH - TRACY CORBETT
Rich girl sam refuses to take any of the money her family have. She has worked very had to set up a homeless shelter for youth in London. When journalist Jamie meets her he is expecting a spoilt brat, however, the more time he spends wth her he more he realises this isn’t the case.
Now they are falling for one another - but Jamie is going to have to break her test and her heart if he wants to get his big career break.
An enjoyable read with a social conscience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 30, 2021
This is an engaging winter’s story with a dose of the festivities. The main strength is the two main characters who both have such contrasting childhoods but who share a feeling of vulnerability and rejection. The setting in a centre for homeless teens gives the story an edge and also opens up a range of varied secondary characters who all have a different reason for being there. Kindness, doing something for others and bringing together a sense of community are all there too/ I enjoyed the gentle romance as it developed and found this to be an enjoyable read.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book.
January 3, 2022
Wow. This is my first time reading a Tracy Corbett novel and it certainly did not disappoint. The most perfect, uplifting story for these unprecedented times. I fell totally in love with Sam, Jamie, Alfie, Emily and all those playing a crucial part in their stories (special mention for Harold!!). I was welling up towards the end and then by the time it was finished, the happy tears were rolling right through to the end of the epilogue. I picked it up only late afternoon and simply could not put it down. Now to tell everybody I know that they must read it and hope they love it as much as I do xx
July 29, 2021
Sam Tipping is no ordinary rich girl. She’s a fierce spiky warrior with a conscience. She’s ploughed her savings into setting up a homeless shelter for 16-21 year olds.
Jamie is a journalist and when he is tipped off about Sams older brother selling insider trading knowledge he goes undercover.
What he doesn’t account for is how he would be triggered by his past and his present.
This is a really great book, I enjoyed it lots.
This arc was provided in exchange for an honest review for netgalley.
Jamie is a journalist and when he is tipped off about Sams older brother selling insider trading knowledge he goes undercover.
What he doesn’t account for is how he would be triggered by his past and his present.
This is a really great book, I enjoyed it lots.
This arc was provided in exchange for an honest review for netgalley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews