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In for the Long Haul
Are you IN FOR THE LONG HAUL?
RULES are meant to be broken…
Your favorite bookseller returns in a heartfelt and sentimental sequel of Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming story of what it truly means to be able to enjoy the little things in life. Especially during the holidays.
It’s Christmastime, and a year after a terrible fire ripped through a staple in the sleepy town of Salter’s Ridge, Maine, Campbell Harrison decides to take on a full renovation of the building that houses her beloved bookshop. Turning Pages is doubling in size and will be better than ever. But at what cost? While the entire town stands beside her rooting her on, Campbell begins to feel the overwhelming pressure she’s possibly bitten off more than she can chew.
Still, she has one thing going right for A solid and steady relationship with the small town’s newly-appointed fire captain, Bishop Graham. Together, they seem to have it all. But with the stress of a big job promotion and the accelerated growth of the bookshop at an exponential rate, all while balancing a large project together, both are starting to feel a mountain resting on their shoulders.
When a planned road trip out of town to take a break from it all doesn’t go off without a hitch, they unexpectedly head back to Salter’s Ridge. But, maybe a staycation in a cozy white cottage with full bookshelves and an outdoor fireplace by the icy harbor doesn’t sound so bad after all.
With secondary plans to hunker down in the first big snowstorm of the season, a Christmas alone for the first time, just the two of them with no outside distractions, may be just what they need to find that connection they had when they first met.
Lots of big questions are explored in this novel of love for many things, including our life’s What is important to you? Where do you seek happiness? Are you being intentional with the life you are living or are you just coasting along?
S. C. Gray is back again with a page-turner that is sure to have you highlighting and discussing with your book clubs all over again.
RULES are meant to be broken…
Your favorite bookseller returns in a heartfelt and sentimental sequel of Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner. You won’t want to miss this heartwarming story of what it truly means to be able to enjoy the little things in life. Especially during the holidays.
It’s Christmastime, and a year after a terrible fire ripped through a staple in the sleepy town of Salter’s Ridge, Maine, Campbell Harrison decides to take on a full renovation of the building that houses her beloved bookshop. Turning Pages is doubling in size and will be better than ever. But at what cost? While the entire town stands beside her rooting her on, Campbell begins to feel the overwhelming pressure she’s possibly bitten off more than she can chew.
Still, she has one thing going right for A solid and steady relationship with the small town’s newly-appointed fire captain, Bishop Graham. Together, they seem to have it all. But with the stress of a big job promotion and the accelerated growth of the bookshop at an exponential rate, all while balancing a large project together, both are starting to feel a mountain resting on their shoulders.
When a planned road trip out of town to take a break from it all doesn’t go off without a hitch, they unexpectedly head back to Salter’s Ridge. But, maybe a staycation in a cozy white cottage with full bookshelves and an outdoor fireplace by the icy harbor doesn’t sound so bad after all.
With secondary plans to hunker down in the first big snowstorm of the season, a Christmas alone for the first time, just the two of them with no outside distractions, may be just what they need to find that connection they had when they first met.
Lots of big questions are explored in this novel of love for many things, including our life’s What is important to you? Where do you seek happiness? Are you being intentional with the life you are living or are you just coasting along?
S. C. Gray is back again with a page-turner that is sure to have you highlighting and discussing with your book clubs all over again.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 19, 2023
Ugh, this series. As a life-long book lover and the wife of a medically disabled Army veteran, I found pieces of myself in these pages. S.C. writes in such a transparent manner. I was not just reading her emotions, I could feel them. I don't think that's just because of the kinship I feel in having had similar life paths, I think its due to the depth of emotion she allows us to see. It's so raw and palpable. When she felt remorse, I did too. When she felt adored, so did I. When she felt grounded, I shared in that with her. Because she let me bask in that well of emotional vulnerably with her. Some books you read and some books you READ. I'm hoping for a third installment in this series, for better or worse.
October 25, 2022
Our favorite bookseller, Campbell is back in the sequel to Rules for Dating A Bookshop Owner with In For the Long Haul!
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Campbell and Bishop are engaged and off on a much needed trip away together. What could go wrong? Well, sometimes getting away to escape can fester some unresolved struggles. It's been a few months since Campbell decides to expand and renovate her beloved town bookstore. With renovations comes change, decisions and an uneasiness about her progress.
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What I continue to love about our dear friend S.C. Gray's writing is she just GETS IT. In Bishop and Campbell we see a couple who loves each other so deeply, yet both, individually, need support to work through some stressors and anxiety-driven behaviors. When you read an S.C. Gray novel, you know her heart and soul has been poured into this writing. It hits you where you need to be hit. Additionally, as I was reading, I took a look inward at some of my own idiosyncrasies when it comes to past behaviors in relationships.
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If you haven't discovered S.C. Gray's writing yet, I strongly encourage you to do so! Books are available directly through her or through us at Thunder Road Books!
.
Campbell and Bishop are engaged and off on a much needed trip away together. What could go wrong? Well, sometimes getting away to escape can fester some unresolved struggles. It's been a few months since Campbell decides to expand and renovate her beloved town bookstore. With renovations comes change, decisions and an uneasiness about her progress.
.
What I continue to love about our dear friend S.C. Gray's writing is she just GETS IT. In Bishop and Campbell we see a couple who loves each other so deeply, yet both, individually, need support to work through some stressors and anxiety-driven behaviors. When you read an S.C. Gray novel, you know her heart and soul has been poured into this writing. It hits you where you need to be hit. Additionally, as I was reading, I took a look inward at some of my own idiosyncrasies when it comes to past behaviors in relationships.
.
If you haven't discovered S.C. Gray's writing yet, I strongly encourage you to do so! Books are available directly through her or through us at Thunder Road Books!
February 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
January 2, 2023
First book of the new year finished and it was a good one. A little holiday-ish, romance, heartache, and books!!! I really enjoy this authors writing style and her knack for painting beautiful pictures with her words. I could envision the scenery and the look of her bookstore, the cozy cabin and her handsome fiancé Bishop. S.C. Gray writes books that make you feel something and somehow are both lighthearted and complex all at once. Plus what could be better than a good romance with quite a bit of spice, a bookstore, and a good cup of coffee! Did I mention books?
Campbell is still undergoing renovations of her bookstore Turning Pages after a devastating fire. Everything seems to be talking so long but part of Campbell is enjoying shopping for new items with her fiancé Bishop. New fixtures, flooring, bookshelves, everything will look so fresh and pretty when it’s done. The stress of working sun up to sun down has taken its toll on Campbell and Bishops relationship so when a friend suggests they take a trip Campbell realizes this might be what she needs, what they need.
Although the trip starts off badly the couple quickly recovers and the new plan ends up better then the first. Being on the lake alone with nothing but time to enjoy each others company is just what the doctor ordered. Everything is perfect and the love tank is full, until Bishop drops a bomb that will break Campbell’s heart. One minute there’s a solid plan of love, marriage, kids and the next Campbell is trying to decide if she can be without Bishop. Finally Campbell has her bookshop and all the things she needs to make her happy, hopefully that includes the love of Bishop.
Campbell is still undergoing renovations of her bookstore Turning Pages after a devastating fire. Everything seems to be talking so long but part of Campbell is enjoying shopping for new items with her fiancé Bishop. New fixtures, flooring, bookshelves, everything will look so fresh and pretty when it’s done. The stress of working sun up to sun down has taken its toll on Campbell and Bishops relationship so when a friend suggests they take a trip Campbell realizes this might be what she needs, what they need.
Although the trip starts off badly the couple quickly recovers and the new plan ends up better then the first. Being on the lake alone with nothing but time to enjoy each others company is just what the doctor ordered. Everything is perfect and the love tank is full, until Bishop drops a bomb that will break Campbell’s heart. One minute there’s a solid plan of love, marriage, kids and the next Campbell is trying to decide if she can be without Bishop. Finally Campbell has her bookshop and all the things she needs to make her happy, hopefully that includes the love of Bishop.
November 23, 2022
Ugh, I'm a sucker for deep relationships! Campbell and Bishop are back in this sequel of her debut novel Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner. Different from the first novel, this one brings you along into the deeper connection between the couple we all love so much (if you read the first book). Figuring out how to be together with different goals and dreams.
Everyone goes through uncertainty, wavering thoughts, trials, and even loneliness in relationships and I love how S.C. Gray brought out the rawness of that in this one. I want nothing but the best for Campbell and Bishop and I really enjoy getting to read as they grow and work through past traumas in order to bring them closer together. Excellent writing, excellent characters, spicy scenes are 🤤, and the dogs are always a huge bonus!
Read Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner before this one so you will get a chance to see how these two came to be so loved by many. Both are excellent romance novels in my opinion!!
"Sometimes, the best part about spouses are found in the middle of relationships, not in the beginning"
Everyone goes through uncertainty, wavering thoughts, trials, and even loneliness in relationships and I love how S.C. Gray brought out the rawness of that in this one. I want nothing but the best for Campbell and Bishop and I really enjoy getting to read as they grow and work through past traumas in order to bring them closer together. Excellent writing, excellent characters, spicy scenes are 🤤, and the dogs are always a huge bonus!
Read Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner before this one so you will get a chance to see how these two came to be so loved by many. Both are excellent romance novels in my opinion!!
"Sometimes, the best part about spouses are found in the middle of relationships, not in the beginning"
January 29, 2023
This was such a fast paced bingable read. As with Gray’s debut novel, Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner, you’re getting much more than “a cute story.” You’re getting lessons. You’re getting mantras to live by. Moments of reflection and contemplation.
More than this being a love story between two people, it’s a story about self-love, growth, reflection. Change is hard. Chasing our dreams is hard. Understanding our own needs let alone someone else’s…you guessed it, is hard.
This story takes what we loved about Rules and adds even more, including more spice, more lovable moments with our favorite four legged friends, more of the beautiful setting we love, and so much more!
More than this being a love story between two people, it’s a story about self-love, growth, reflection. Change is hard. Chasing our dreams is hard. Understanding our own needs let alone someone else’s…you guessed it, is hard.
This story takes what we loved about Rules and adds even more, including more spice, more lovable moments with our favorite four legged friends, more of the beautiful setting we love, and so much more!
April 7, 2023
I am a huge fan of S.C. Gray and will always support her writing. She’s passionate, transparent, and a huge advocate for our service members. She writes based on her own life and it’s absolutely beautiful in the bright spots and the messiness.
“I know he hurt you, but if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t get to love you now. I wouldn’t get to hold you and be with you. I wouldn’t get to go on adventures with you. And that would be the biggest tragedy of my life.”
“I know he hurt you, but if he hadn’t, I wouldn’t get to love you now. I wouldn’t get to hold you and be with you. I wouldn’t get to go on adventures with you. And that would be the biggest tragedy of my life.”
November 15, 2022
S.C. Gray does it again! I had to slow myself down to savor the words, like your favorite meal on your birthday you can choose to scarf it down or savor every bite. “In for the long haul” is worth savoring every bite. S.C. Gray takes a beautiful romcom and has the ability to transform the story to touch your heart and your life giving you the belief that you’re as strong as Campbell. I cherish this novel as I do with her first. Take your time, savor the moments, and jot down the lessons along the way. I promise it’s like a great therapy session you won’t regret.
November 20, 2022
Absolutely loved this sequel. We get a deeper glimpse of Campbell and Bishop’s relationship and their story doesn’t end the typical way that most romance novels I read ends, but that’s why I appreciate it so much. Relationships are not easy and it takes hard work and good communication. S.C. Gray writes Campbell and Bishop’s story with so much realism and honesty that I feel like I was right there with them through all the smiles, tears and headaches.
November 14, 2022
Author S.C. Gray is absolutely amazing at writing some seriously raw and emotional shit! Like how did I just read something from someone who should have no idea what's going on in my head and my heart but yet here she is pouring out all the deep and unspoken thoughts that so many of us live with every day. This is a powerful, meaningful novel that can only help heal it's reader and I can imagine, it's writer as well.
November 21, 2022
A heartfelt, easy read just like the first book! I absolutely love Campbell and Bishop but this one does break my heart a bit - a good, emotional rollercoaster!
December 6, 2022
As soon as I could get my hands on this book, I did. A preordered, signed copy by author S.C. Gray - how beautiful it is. We meet Campbell and Bishop again, but we get a deeper and more raw exposure of them than we did in Rules if Dating a Bookshop Owner. There were definitely points in this book where I was craving more, but as I neared the end, it became clear why I couldn’t get it. I think the intense emotion revealed through the author’s note at the end of the book says it all (but read it after finishing the novel). I cannot wait to dive deeper into Gray’s life reading her memoir someday. You are an incredible author. Reading this felt like a friend was having a conversation with me.
November 18, 2022
I’m still processing this one. If you haven’t yet I 💯 recommend picking up Rules For Dating A Bookshop owner and while your add it In for The Long Haul…
If you want to feel those feelings of love in the beginning of a relationship… and then the realistic emotions of keeping that love. In For The Long Haul is written in the most creative/raw way. @the_book_lover_book_club_ has laid it all out and I’m just beyond impressed with everything she does.
You can order signed copies @portercobookshoppe
If you want to feel those feelings of love in the beginning of a relationship… and then the realistic emotions of keeping that love. In For The Long Haul is written in the most creative/raw way. @the_book_lover_book_club_ has laid it all out and I’m just beyond impressed with everything she does.
You can order signed copies @portercobookshoppe
November 12, 2022
In For the Long Haul has some plot twists that readers will not see coming. First off, Campbell is breaking all of her rules and her and Bishop are on thin ice during a road trip. This book is filled with love, compassion, and showcases the reality and humanity of true love 💕
November 12, 2022
The sweetest book from the sweetest author ❤️
I adored this continuation of Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner and look forward to all Stephanie writes in the future!
I adored this continuation of Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner and look forward to all Stephanie writes in the future!
January 22, 2023
S.C. Gray does it again .. but better! Not a cheesy rom-com, but instead was raw and full of real emotions & conflict, but thankfully also some good humor .. the author’s note at the end really pulled on the heartstrings, too, tying this novel together. I fell even more in love with Bishop & Campbell’s characters and hope their story continues in a third book.
November 8, 2022
S.C. Gray has done it again. What a beautiful novel. IFTLH is the anticipated sequel to Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner. Campbell and Bishop are back (Piper and Ghost too)! This book has so many beautiful life lessons (said and unsaid), along with so many thoughtful and uplifting passages. I truly love how Steph integrates her real life into her novels. She speaks from the heart and lays it all on the line. I can’t wait for the next one!
December 12, 2022
I was going to give this book 2 stars but ended up giving it 4 and here’s why… the author’s note at the end. The book felt like it was lacking detail, it didn’t feel finished, and there were multiple points where I felt it dragged on or didn’t make sense. Then I read the author’s note and it all made sense. After reading the author’s note, it came full circle and made it so FUCKING real and I don’t even apologize for my language. The author’s note alone makes you feel. Makes you feel deeeeeep.
In regards to the actual story: could have definitely used some character development and just *more* throughout. It felt like it dragged at times and I almost put it down for good several times. I’m glad I didn’t and I’m glad I read the author’s note too.
In regards to the actual story: could have definitely used some character development and just *more* throughout. It felt like it dragged at times and I almost put it down for good several times. I’m glad I didn’t and I’m glad I read the author’s note too.
November 6, 2022
Love love loved this book! You can just tell SC Gray pours her heart and soul into her writing. Loved the sequel almost as much as her first book. If you’ve never read one of her books would highly recommend!
October 30, 2022
I’m at a loss for words, mainly because S.C. Gray has such a profound way with hers. For one to be so vulnerable when writing a book, especially one that is so much of their own story, is beyond admirable. Especially for when the realization of telling one’s heartbreaking, gut-wrenching story, comes to the point that it can help others who might have experienced the same things.
Bravo, S.C. Gray. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for making me feel all the feels. Books where emotions are felt are some of the most beautiful creations on this planet and I am grateful to have this stunning copy live its life on my shelf.
Bravo, S.C. Gray. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for making me feel all the feels. Books where emotions are felt are some of the most beautiful creations on this planet and I am grateful to have this stunning copy live its life on my shelf.
February 12, 2023
Back again with Campbell and Bishop in the sequel to Rules for Dating a Bookshop Owner.
“I think that is what love should be. A feeling of an invisible net ready to catch us at the very moment should we need it. It’s there before we even realize we’re falling.”
Taking place a year later during the holidays over one unexpected weekend everything starts to feel like it is unraveling. Campbell is questioning her future with Bishop, which was the last thing she thought she would be doing. Bishop is questioning his place in their small town and everything he wants to leave behind.
Just like with her first, Stephanie pours her heart and parts of personal life onto every page of In for The Long Haul.
“I think that is what love should be. A feeling of an invisible net ready to catch us at the very moment should we need it. It’s there before we even realize we’re falling.”
Taking place a year later during the holidays over one unexpected weekend everything starts to feel like it is unraveling. Campbell is questioning her future with Bishop, which was the last thing she thought she would be doing. Bishop is questioning his place in their small town and everything he wants to leave behind.
Just like with her first, Stephanie pours her heart and parts of personal life onto every page of In for The Long Haul.
December 19, 2022
What an amazing book you have written!
I love Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner, but this one will be in my heart forever. In For The Long Haul is filled with beautiful moments that make you smile and it’s also filled with heart breaking moments that leave your heart torn. This book is different than what I usually read I wasn’t expecting it and I love that I fell for the unexpected!
This book dives in deeper to Campbell and Bishops love story! Shows that relationships are hard. Shows that without great communication relationships hurt. Right now my heart is a mess for Bishop and Campbell but I love them so much!!
I love Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner, but this one will be in my heart forever. In For The Long Haul is filled with beautiful moments that make you smile and it’s also filled with heart breaking moments that leave your heart torn. This book is different than what I usually read I wasn’t expecting it and I love that I fell for the unexpected!
This book dives in deeper to Campbell and Bishops love story! Shows that relationships are hard. Shows that without great communication relationships hurt. Right now my heart is a mess for Bishop and Campbell but I love them so much!!
February 5, 2023
In for the Long Haul is like having a conversation with a dear friend. One who you can bare it all to, and vice versa, without judgement. Gray brings a voice to things that we may typically keep hidden or repressed and yes it can be heavy but it's also refreshing because it's authentic and real.
June 23, 2025
Another sweet book from S.C. Gray! 💞
The writing was beautiful in capturing how Campbell and Bishop felt about their relationship. There were feelings that made me happy, that made me sad, and that I related to. I loved seeing Campbell and Bishop work through their problems and grow as a couple together rather than apart 🤍 I loved how the story had just the right amount of spice 😌 Sometimes, I feel like the spice in a book can take over the story but this time I felt that it added to the story knowing what Campbell and Bishop were going through.
This story was Campbell and Bishop's but also Campbell's. This story was a reminder to slow down 🤍 Campbell has been in go, go, go mode with finishing up the bookshop and decides to take a step back for the weekend with Bishop. I found myself empathizing with Campbell's character. I am thankful I was able to read this book during this time in my life. (@the_book_lover_book_club_ please bring this bookshop to life!!✨)
This detail may or may not be intentional to the story (or maybe I missed it) but I enjoyed reading all of the references to coffee ☕ This story made me think about how a cup of coffee can bring people together. I think this is so special ❤️
I love how the book ended. Perfect ✨ I love how the reader has some space to wonder about what happens next 💭
As I read this book, I wondered what went through the mind of S.C. Gray as she was writing the story. Her writing made me think. I loved how she found ways to take a character's thoughts and transform it into something so much more ❤️
I have been waiting for the sequel to Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner 😌 I absolutely love this book cover!! There were two options (mint and periwinkle) but so happy I went with mint! Please check out @the_book_lover_book_club_ and @portercobookshoppe if you have not already! She also sells these super cute book porters/sleeves. This is not a sponsored post in any way. I just think she is one of the sweetest authors and shop owners!! ☺️
The writing was beautiful in capturing how Campbell and Bishop felt about their relationship. There were feelings that made me happy, that made me sad, and that I related to. I loved seeing Campbell and Bishop work through their problems and grow as a couple together rather than apart 🤍 I loved how the story had just the right amount of spice 😌 Sometimes, I feel like the spice in a book can take over the story but this time I felt that it added to the story knowing what Campbell and Bishop were going through.
This story was Campbell and Bishop's but also Campbell's. This story was a reminder to slow down 🤍 Campbell has been in go, go, go mode with finishing up the bookshop and decides to take a step back for the weekend with Bishop. I found myself empathizing with Campbell's character. I am thankful I was able to read this book during this time in my life. (@the_book_lover_book_club_ please bring this bookshop to life!!✨)
This detail may or may not be intentional to the story (or maybe I missed it) but I enjoyed reading all of the references to coffee ☕ This story made me think about how a cup of coffee can bring people together. I think this is so special ❤️
I love how the book ended. Perfect ✨ I love how the reader has some space to wonder about what happens next 💭
As I read this book, I wondered what went through the mind of S.C. Gray as she was writing the story. Her writing made me think. I loved how she found ways to take a character's thoughts and transform it into something so much more ❤️
I have been waiting for the sequel to Rules For Dating A Bookshop Owner 😌 I absolutely love this book cover!! There were two options (mint and periwinkle) but so happy I went with mint! Please check out @the_book_lover_book_club_ and @portercobookshoppe if you have not already! She also sells these super cute book porters/sleeves. This is not a sponsored post in any way. I just think she is one of the sweetest authors and shop owners!! ☺️
December 23, 2023
I kind of felt that the first one was almost more Christmasy than this one. This one takes place some at Christmas, but nothing Christmasy happens. Not even the weather seems like Christmas (like the cover).
“And if this is the long haul
How’s we get here so soon?
Did I close my fist around something delicate?
Did I shatter you?”
Taylor Swift (epigraph)
My favorite thing about this book is that it takes place a year after the first book. It shows the difficulty of a relationship after the initial falling in love romance to sustain the relationship. I feel like there aren’t enough of these kind of books.
This one continues the short chapters with clever subheads like the first one and the military themes. This one has more explicit romantic scenes than the first (which I really liked being closed door). The first one had a little bit of strong language but this one has a lot - of f-bombs and gd phrases.
I feel like I’m not exactly sure where this one is ending, after I read the ending twice. But I appreciate that she is trying to do something different.
I love the cover :) and the thought put into it all.
“And if this is the long haul
How’s we get here so soon?
Did I close my fist around something delicate?
Did I shatter you?”
Taylor Swift (epigraph)
My favorite thing about this book is that it takes place a year after the first book. It shows the difficulty of a relationship after the initial falling in love romance to sustain the relationship. I feel like there aren’t enough of these kind of books.
This one continues the short chapters with clever subheads like the first one and the military themes. This one has more explicit romantic scenes than the first (which I really liked being closed door). The first one had a little bit of strong language but this one has a lot - of f-bombs and gd phrases.
I feel like I’m not exactly sure where this one is ending, after I read the ending twice. But I appreciate that she is trying to do something different.
I love the cover :) and the thought put into it all.
December 8, 2022
This is the second book about Campbell and Bishop and it was good. More emotional and tender than the first book, and a bit sad. I wouldn't call this a Christmas book, so the cover is a little misleading. It is a great cover, though. I know nothing about being a military spouse or serving in the military and this book reads like a true story, which according to the author, it is.
Read
January 6, 2025I guess this book is better suited for millennials perhaps. I wanted a good read but I had a hard time making it through the first chapter. I found it wordy, riddled with drama and the whining about her fiancé was over the top. There was just too much of that. It seemed less like character development and more like a bad narrative of someone’s self inflicted drama.
May 13, 2023
"In the time I had known you, I’d never felt this way."
-Kindle 📖
-Kindle 📖
August 1, 2025
In the sequel to Rules for Dating a bookshop Owner author SC Gray pours her heart out as she writes real life drama between Campbell and Bishop as they navigate their relationship. This book deals with subjects such as love, resilience, happiness and truly knowing oneself.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews