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Creating a Charmed Life: Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Should Know
How Does She Do It?
We all know-and envy-women who appear to live "charmed" lives. They seem to unhurriedly and effortlessly manage the whirlwind of their busy lives with grace and poise. Good things happen to them, and their lives are filled with serendipity, joy, and prosperity. But it's not a matter of luck, according to Victoria Moran; a charmed life isn't something that happens to you-it's something you create!
In Creating a Charmed Life, Victoria Moran unveils practical, spiritual secrets for expanding your capacity to love, know, and experience a fuller, richer life. Her insight, humor, and unassailable wisdom shine through each page to illuminate the magic in all our lives.
Relish the calm
Create miracles
Nurture your dreams
Savor simplicity
Invite adventure
Nourish your spirit
We all know-and envy-women who appear to live "charmed" lives. They seem to unhurriedly and effortlessly manage the whirlwind of their busy lives with grace and poise. Good things happen to them, and their lives are filled with serendipity, joy, and prosperity. But it's not a matter of luck, according to Victoria Moran; a charmed life isn't something that happens to you-it's something you create!
In Creating a Charmed Life, Victoria Moran unveils practical, spiritual secrets for expanding your capacity to love, know, and experience a fuller, richer life. Her insight, humor, and unassailable wisdom shine through each page to illuminate the magic in all our lives.
Relish the calm
Create miracles
Nurture your dreams
Savor simplicity
Invite adventure
Nourish your spirit
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
47 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Moran
48 books104 followersVictoria Moran is an inspirational speaker, a certified life coach, and the author of ten books, including Lit from Within; Fat, Broke & Lonely No More; and the international bestseller Creating a Charmed Life. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including Body + Soul, Natural Health, and Yoga Journal. Her blog, “Your Charmed Life,” is published daily on Beliefnet. She lives a charmed life in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 29, 2025
Book Overview
This compact book is filled with practical and sensible advice for women (and men!) who would like to create a charmed life, which the author characterizes as unhurried, effortless and filled with grace and poise. The subtitle of the book is "Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Should Know." The "secrets" are truly sensible—there isn't anything earth-shattering here. It is common-sense stuff that we all know but probably never take the time to remember or practice.
The book presents 75 different secrets—with each covered in a short page or two. Some of the secrets include: Invite Adventure, Trust Your Instincts, Conserve Your Energy, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk, Acknowledge All Blessings, Watch Your Words and so forth. Each secret is described succinctly, with an example or two of why this secret is an important part of creating a charmed life. The author often provides down-to-earth ways to implement the secret in your life, and the end of the book includes a list of resources if you want to read more about a particular topic. For example, for Secret 18 (Let Your Menus Change with the Season), the author provides information on a seasonal recipe book
The book is an easy read. However, implementing the secrets in your own life is the challenge. My advice would be to read the entire book and then choose two or three of the secrets that you need to work on the most in your life. Once you have successfully incorporated those secrets into your life, then choose a few more to work on. I suspect that before long, you truly will be living a charmed life.
My Thoughts
As I was reading, I kept marking page after page after page of things I thought I needed to work on. In the end, there were about 9 secrets that I identified as top priority for me. I'm a big believer that we can always be improving our lives and ways of thinking, and I thought this book was a wonderful tool for helping me focus on areas that need attention in my life. I can't imagine any person not finding at least one or two secrets that they would be able to use.
I like that the secrets are not too "New Agey" or gimmicky. The author is very practical, and the advice she gives is reasonable and doable. As I mentioned, I don't think any of what she is saying is earth-shattering. It is just that it is so easy to forget these things when we rush around in our daily lives. I think using this book to remind you of these important lessons is why it is so valuable. I plan on leaving this book by my bedside and reviewing the secrets I am working on each morning and evening so that I keep them front and center in my life until they become truly integrated into my everyday actions. (I think this is how the book is intended to be used—hence the compact and attractive design!)
But perhaps the best way to illustrate the value of the book is by sharing an excerpt from one of the secrets. Here is a bit of Secret 16: Live Your Life In Chapters. (I thought this would be particularly apt for all us book lovers!)
Somehow the notion cropped up that we'd better do everything today. The idea took hold, and now almost everybody believes it. This is why so many women are running nonstop just to keep up. In a frantic attempt to realize their dreams, the dreams retreat and the frantic feeling takes hold.
A charmed life is different, because you live it in chapters, the way you would read a long novel. When you're engrossed in a story, nothing exists except what is happening now. Even though chapter 10 is laying the foundation for chapter 11, the book only makes sense one chapter at a time.
When you live your life this way—focusing on one chapter now, another later—you can devote more unfettered attention to what is yours to do at this time of your life, a time that will never come again. Look at the chapter you're now living: You may be in the college chapter, the crummy-first-job chapter, the home-with-small-kids chapter, or the second-career chapter. Circumstances can certainly make things more complicated and less clear-cut than these examples, but if you can keep in mind the main point of your present life chapter, you can give it priority.
Chapter living is the rational way to "have it all," because when you live this way, you're not expecting to have it all at once. Its essence is paying close attention to the current chapter and not worrying about what you may be missing from prior or future ones. Their times are past, or yet to come.
The key is letting go of the compulsion to pursue every possible opportunity right now—even if pursuing it means a crowded life, an alienated family, or a hospital stay for exhaustion. That old saying about opportunity knocking once is as archaic as the flat-earth theory and as patently untrue. Opportunity knocks all the time—and it rings your doorbell, calls you up, and sends you e-mails.
There is more to this secret, but I think this excerpt gives you a good idea of the tone of the book and the type of advice you'll find within its pages.
My Final Recommendation
This is a gem of a book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is open to making changes in their life. You'll find practical advice on achieving emotional and spiritual growth in your life, and the attractive format lets you proceed at your own pace, working on your own issues as you feel ready and able. I won't be giving away my copy as it needs to stay with me! Do yourself a favor and get a copy for yourself today!
This compact book is filled with practical and sensible advice for women (and men!) who would like to create a charmed life, which the author characterizes as unhurried, effortless and filled with grace and poise. The subtitle of the book is "Sensible, Spiritual Secrets Every Busy Woman Should Know." The "secrets" are truly sensible—there isn't anything earth-shattering here. It is common-sense stuff that we all know but probably never take the time to remember or practice.
The book presents 75 different secrets—with each covered in a short page or two. Some of the secrets include: Invite Adventure, Trust Your Instincts, Conserve Your Energy, Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk, Acknowledge All Blessings, Watch Your Words and so forth. Each secret is described succinctly, with an example or two of why this secret is an important part of creating a charmed life. The author often provides down-to-earth ways to implement the secret in your life, and the end of the book includes a list of resources if you want to read more about a particular topic. For example, for Secret 18 (Let Your Menus Change with the Season), the author provides information on a seasonal recipe book
The book is an easy read. However, implementing the secrets in your own life is the challenge. My advice would be to read the entire book and then choose two or three of the secrets that you need to work on the most in your life. Once you have successfully incorporated those secrets into your life, then choose a few more to work on. I suspect that before long, you truly will be living a charmed life.
My Thoughts
As I was reading, I kept marking page after page after page of things I thought I needed to work on. In the end, there were about 9 secrets that I identified as top priority for me. I'm a big believer that we can always be improving our lives and ways of thinking, and I thought this book was a wonderful tool for helping me focus on areas that need attention in my life. I can't imagine any person not finding at least one or two secrets that they would be able to use.
I like that the secrets are not too "New Agey" or gimmicky. The author is very practical, and the advice she gives is reasonable and doable. As I mentioned, I don't think any of what she is saying is earth-shattering. It is just that it is so easy to forget these things when we rush around in our daily lives. I think using this book to remind you of these important lessons is why it is so valuable. I plan on leaving this book by my bedside and reviewing the secrets I am working on each morning and evening so that I keep them front and center in my life until they become truly integrated into my everyday actions. (I think this is how the book is intended to be used—hence the compact and attractive design!)
But perhaps the best way to illustrate the value of the book is by sharing an excerpt from one of the secrets. Here is a bit of Secret 16: Live Your Life In Chapters. (I thought this would be particularly apt for all us book lovers!)
Somehow the notion cropped up that we'd better do everything today. The idea took hold, and now almost everybody believes it. This is why so many women are running nonstop just to keep up. In a frantic attempt to realize their dreams, the dreams retreat and the frantic feeling takes hold.
A charmed life is different, because you live it in chapters, the way you would read a long novel. When you're engrossed in a story, nothing exists except what is happening now. Even though chapter 10 is laying the foundation for chapter 11, the book only makes sense one chapter at a time.
When you live your life this way—focusing on one chapter now, another later—you can devote more unfettered attention to what is yours to do at this time of your life, a time that will never come again. Look at the chapter you're now living: You may be in the college chapter, the crummy-first-job chapter, the home-with-small-kids chapter, or the second-career chapter. Circumstances can certainly make things more complicated and less clear-cut than these examples, but if you can keep in mind the main point of your present life chapter, you can give it priority.
Chapter living is the rational way to "have it all," because when you live this way, you're not expecting to have it all at once. Its essence is paying close attention to the current chapter and not worrying about what you may be missing from prior or future ones. Their times are past, or yet to come.
The key is letting go of the compulsion to pursue every possible opportunity right now—even if pursuing it means a crowded life, an alienated family, or a hospital stay for exhaustion. That old saying about opportunity knocking once is as archaic as the flat-earth theory and as patently untrue. Opportunity knocks all the time—and it rings your doorbell, calls you up, and sends you e-mails.
There is more to this secret, but I think this excerpt gives you a good idea of the tone of the book and the type of advice you'll find within its pages.
My Final Recommendation
This is a gem of a book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is open to making changes in their life. You'll find practical advice on achieving emotional and spiritual growth in your life, and the attractive format lets you proceed at your own pace, working on your own issues as you feel ready and able. I won't be giving away my copy as it needs to stay with me! Do yourself a favor and get a copy for yourself today!
January 11, 2009
This is a bit different than the usual "get happy" books. I think it would be difficult to read straight through in one shot, but it's perfect for reading just a little bit each night before bed - which is what I did. There are 75 "secrets" - small chapters that each include a different suggestion for improving your life. Because they are all so different, it would be difficult to just suddenly start following them all. Instead, I enjoyed each one as sort of a "positive thought" before bed, and I just worked on the few that really spoke to me personally. I can't say that this book has turned my life around, but I did enjoy it, and it does have some wonderful ideas. I plan to keep it by my bedside, and refer to it whenever I feel I need a "happy thought".
September 20, 2009
I love this little book. It reminds me of all the things that are important and ways to eliminate a lot of the unimportant things that disctract me from the important ones. And it reminds me of how grateful for all the blessings and tender mercies that have made up so much of my life.
June 1, 2019
It took me far longer than I ever expected to make my way through this small volume. And now I feel the need to just turn around and begin it again. It is that powerful. There is no way for me to note all of the quotes that touched me in this book, but I will whet your appetite with a few. Let me explain just what I mean by whet your appetite, these quotes are from only one of the "chapters". These quotes are from just three pages in this book. In other words, you should read it for yourself.
"Self-esteem is the result of recognizing our personal power; awe and wonder come from recognizing our lack of it. Both are true, and in an exceptional life there is no conflict between them."
"We seldom realize that we need a heightened sense of wonder more than any of the other stuff - and that if we had the wonder, we'd either get the rest with far less effort, or just feel so good it wouldn't matter."
"He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead." -Albert Einstein
"People lose perspective when they can't see the stars." -Talane Miedaner
"Self-esteem is the result of recognizing our personal power; awe and wonder come from recognizing our lack of it. Both are true, and in an exceptional life there is no conflict between them."
"We seldom realize that we need a heightened sense of wonder more than any of the other stuff - and that if we had the wonder, we'd either get the rest with far less effort, or just feel so good it wouldn't matter."
"He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead." -Albert Einstein
"People lose perspective when they can't see the stars." -Talane Miedaner
June 1, 2025
a grad gift from my aunt! definitely geared towards professional women but a good reminder to breathe & smile
June 16, 2007
I adore this book! I discovered it quite by accident at least eight years ago in the "spa" section of a St. Paul gift shop. Since then, I've purchased and given away more copies than I can possibly count. Moran's words are gentle and inspiring; each chapter is easily read in just a few minutes. With every reading, I find more nuggets of wisdom than the last. Buy one for yourself, your mom, your aunts, your best friends---any woman who wants and deserves to live a "charmed" and wonderful life.
August 12, 2008
A good friend of mine in college bought me this book, and i'll thank him forever for it. This is one of those books that as you read it, it all made so much sense that you couldn't see how you weren't living your life this way before. You couldn't help but smile and think about the way your life is already charmed!
December 22, 2023
Full disclosure: I’m a male. Even worse, an incurably heterosexual male who has never been confused about his gender or sexual identity. So what am I doing here? Am I a voyeur peeking through a keyhole at a book intended for a female readership?
As a reader, I have not trespassed my boundaries. Rather, the author has unnecessarily restricted hers. The segment of society that buys books is small, and that can indulge in leisure time to actually read the dang things is even smaller. Yet, right in its subtitle, “Every Busy Woman,” the book turns away all males. With some minor changes in syntax it could provide guidance to the whole other half of humanity, indeed the half that needs such guidance the most. For example, “A lot of women are juggling a job, a husband, and kids.” As though men, too, don’t juggle a job, a marriage, and family.
Of the seventy-five short chapters of “Sensible, Spiritual Secrets,” I reckon barely five apply specifically to females. These include “Honor Your Cycles,” which does not mean bicycles or motorcycles, and “Redefine Lady.” While a few of the remaining seventy “secrets” verge on the ephemeral and the decadent, most can apply to everyone, everywhere, at any time. And seventy is plenty. If I had to conjure such advice, I’d be lucky to dream up just ten such secrets. Lucky for the rest of the world, I’ll keep my secrets secret. Lucky for us, Victoria spilled hers, and in a way that secrets should be shared. Hers is a conversational style of writing that makes you feel like she is speaking directly you. And only to you. Even when she speaks to live audiences of several hundreds of people (note: not just females), I have heard her do the same.
Am not a fan of the category of books called “self-help.” The very concept baffles me, like trying to save yourself from drowning by pulling your head up by your hair. When a friend recommended that I browse just a chapter or two of Richard Carlson’s international bestseller Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, I was skeptical, but I became enamored. That book spawned a wave of new-age self-help books with the same small square format. I might have ignored Creating a Charmed Life as just another copycat book except that Richard Carlson wrote the Foreword and that I already had read and very much appreciated Moran’s preceding books.
After writing several more books of the women’s self-help genre, this prolific author has returned to her roots and again has been writing books about the vegan diet and lifestyle. And if one person, indeed one woman, might be ordained the Vegan Maven, Victoria Moran is she. This book was first published twenty years ago. Maybe in between her other books, she will return to the theme of this one and write a revision and expansion to address males too.
As a reader, I have not trespassed my boundaries. Rather, the author has unnecessarily restricted hers. The segment of society that buys books is small, and that can indulge in leisure time to actually read the dang things is even smaller. Yet, right in its subtitle, “Every Busy Woman,” the book turns away all males. With some minor changes in syntax it could provide guidance to the whole other half of humanity, indeed the half that needs such guidance the most. For example, “A lot of women are juggling a job, a husband, and kids.” As though men, too, don’t juggle a job, a marriage, and family.
Of the seventy-five short chapters of “Sensible, Spiritual Secrets,” I reckon barely five apply specifically to females. These include “Honor Your Cycles,” which does not mean bicycles or motorcycles, and “Redefine Lady.” While a few of the remaining seventy “secrets” verge on the ephemeral and the decadent, most can apply to everyone, everywhere, at any time. And seventy is plenty. If I had to conjure such advice, I’d be lucky to dream up just ten such secrets. Lucky for the rest of the world, I’ll keep my secrets secret. Lucky for us, Victoria spilled hers, and in a way that secrets should be shared. Hers is a conversational style of writing that makes you feel like she is speaking directly you. And only to you. Even when she speaks to live audiences of several hundreds of people (note: not just females), I have heard her do the same.
Am not a fan of the category of books called “self-help.” The very concept baffles me, like trying to save yourself from drowning by pulling your head up by your hair. When a friend recommended that I browse just a chapter or two of Richard Carlson’s international bestseller Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, I was skeptical, but I became enamored. That book spawned a wave of new-age self-help books with the same small square format. I might have ignored Creating a Charmed Life as just another copycat book except that Richard Carlson wrote the Foreword and that I already had read and very much appreciated Moran’s preceding books.
After writing several more books of the women’s self-help genre, this prolific author has returned to her roots and again has been writing books about the vegan diet and lifestyle. And if one person, indeed one woman, might be ordained the Vegan Maven, Victoria Moran is she. This book was first published twenty years ago. Maybe in between her other books, she will return to the theme of this one and write a revision and expansion to address males too.
June 3, 2025
I really like Richard Carlson's books so when I saw that he wrote the forward I was interested. I frequently love to read books on positivity and tips for improving my life. This book had a lot of good ideas and I'll be using some. Some of the tips were interesting and unusual. That is why I gave the book 3.5 of 5 stars. Some of the topics I liked were: "Follow Your Heart," "Take Ten," "Conserve Your Energy," "Invite Adeventure," "Allow for Miracles," "Trust Your Instincts," and "Embrace Imperfections," a good one for me because I am a perfectionist.
This book is not a keeper on my shelf, but a good one to pass on to others to see what inspiration they can find.
This book is not a keeper on my shelf, but a good one to pass on to others to see what inspiration they can find.
July 22, 2018
I enjoyed some good ideas and insights from this book. I like thinking about our lives as having chapters and giving yourself without reservation to the chapter you are on. Some others we know...walk,get your rest, drink plenty of water, count your blessings, smile, touch the earth, mindfulness, meditation, see the miracles, etc. 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
This is a charming book that contains lots of wisdom you probably already know but hadn’t thought about in quite such practical ways before. Sometimes the tone leans too much toward quillt advice-columnist, but mostly it stays on the compassionate, caring, and wise side, with occasional cute thrown in.
May 24, 2025
Lots of suggestions to create a purposeful, sane life that YOU want--not someone else's life. Moran speaks from her own experience as a mother, widow, and wife and step-mother as well as insights from friends, family and others with whom she has had contact. Despite the mystical sounding title, it's a down-to-earth book.
June 21, 2017
A must read for every woman 💪👍👏
March 1, 2022
I was glad I picked up this book off of my bookshelf during this time. I loved the positivity, encouragement and helpful self-care tips.
August 28, 2022
A wonderful collection of 75 tips to creating a charmed life. The wisdom shared is practical and beautiful. My favorite chapters were “Factor in Down Time” and “Welcome Yourself Home”.
February 19, 2020
Lovely
Simple, encouraging filled with words to inspire, this book cheered me on and helped me prepare for the day. I hope you enjoy it.
Simple, encouraging filled with words to inspire, this book cheered me on and helped me prepare for the day. I hope you enjoy it.
November 11, 2009
I adore this book!
Without sounding over-confident, I have often had others ask me how my life seems so good. Of course, I have had really difficult times, but in general I am so happy. I never knew what to tell them. However, reading this book has really opened my eyes. A lot of the hints I already, naturally, have in place and really do contribute to my life being charmed. I also learned many new steps to making my life even more sublime.
This book is all about giving you simple small changes that can make a big difference in your life. It is uplifting, charming and well written. I heartily recommend it to all.
Without sounding over-confident, I have often had others ask me how my life seems so good. Of course, I have had really difficult times, but in general I am so happy. I never knew what to tell them. However, reading this book has really opened my eyes. A lot of the hints I already, naturally, have in place and really do contribute to my life being charmed. I also learned many new steps to making my life even more sublime.
This book is all about giving you simple small changes that can make a big difference in your life. It is uplifting, charming and well written. I heartily recommend it to all.
August 24, 2010
Terkadang kita berpikir bahwa hanya orang lain saja yang bisa memiliki hidup yang bahagia dan penuh daya tarik, sedangkan hidup kita sendiri biasa-biasa saja. namun sebenarnya, kita semua mampu membangun kehidupan seperti itu, di mana keberhasilan merupakan suatu hal biasa saja, dan hasil yang memuaskan bukanlah sesuatu yang luar biasa. Create A Charmed Life memberikan petunjuk untuk meraihnya.
Buku “Bahagia dalam Kesibukan – How to Create a Charmed Life” karya Victoria Moran, bertujuan menjadikan hidup yang bahagia bukan lagi menjadi milik sekelompok orang saja, melainkan menjadi suatu pilihan hidup yang bisa diraih setiap orang yang mau berusaha mencapainya.
Buku “Bahagia dalam Kesibukan – How to Create a Charmed Life” karya Victoria Moran, bertujuan menjadikan hidup yang bahagia bukan lagi menjadi milik sekelompok orang saja, melainkan menjadi suatu pilihan hidup yang bisa diraih setiap orang yang mau berusaha mencapainya.
March 31, 2009
I'm so thankful I discovered Victoria Moran's books this year! She's the enchanting, sensible, best friend (who isn’t afraid to give you a kick in the pants every now and then) you've never had. Each chapter of 'Creating a Charmed Life' divulges a secret (more like techniques) that can make your life more dreamy. My favorite secrets were "Give Up Your Mountain", "Redefine Lady" and " Be Specific." It's amazing how changing little things (even your toothpaste) can make your days happier and your life more satisfying.
October 5, 2007
Lagi kecapean di airport nemu buku ini...trus di beli trus..di baca... Cukup menghibur dan ngasih banyak masukan untuk menghargai pekerjaan yang kita miliki. Setidaknya buku ini berhasil memberikan sedikit ketenangan di tengah2 jadwal kerja dan perjalanan yang gila2an. Recomended utk orang2 yang super sibuk dan kadang ngerasa kurang "beruntung" dengan kesibukannya itu..hehehe...(pas banget)!!
May 16, 2009
A book that changed my life. True, it is one of those self help books...but not a long drawn out affair. You can open this book to any of the 2-3 page chapters and find something that will make a difference in your day. The author made me realize that how good a life you have is really defined by you.
March 7, 2013
This book has actually been sitting on my bedside table for over two years. Each night, faced with reading this book or another, I would invariably choose another. I did manage to get halfway through, and today made the decision not to finish it.
I suppose this book would be helpful to someone who has never read a self-help book before, but I found nothing I hadn't already read somewhere else.
I suppose this book would be helpful to someone who has never read a self-help book before, but I found nothing I hadn't already read somewhere else.
Read
January 31, 2017A Hallmark book stuffed with hundreds of "pearls of wisdom. The book is 2 to 3 page chapters on a variety of subjects such as: Follow Your Heart, Coexist Gracefully with the Unresolved, Live Your Life in Chapters, Breathe, Dance With Your Shadow, Sanctify the Ordinary.
Giving to me from a friend. I plan to pass it on to my daughter.
Giving to me from a friend. I plan to pass it on to my daughter.
June 26, 2007
My friend's mother wrote this book and I went to a reading/signing of hers a few weeks ago. It is very well written and so far I am enjoying it a lot. I will write a more in depth review when I am done.
January 14, 2008
Victoria Moran is a lovely writer. I like how she presents her advice, short and sweet, take ir or leave and very practical. This is the book that convinced me to really try and make the bed every day.
January 21, 2008
I heard Victoria speak at a Women's Conference and was enchanted with her stories, style and sincerity. I immediately bought this book and devoured her wisdom. I have used so many of her delightful strategies for creating my own "charmed life." I have often re-read this inspiring book!
January 21, 2008
victoria is my friend. but before she was my friend, i knew her as the woman who wrote the book I loved to pieces (literally). if she writes it, it's worth reading, and could seriously up the quality of life beside...
July 15, 2008
Loved this little book of wisdom. It was full of stuff I really already knew but it was put in terms so much better then I could express. Wish I could have read it twice through but alas the Library doesn't seem to lend out indefinitely.
April 17, 2009
This little book is not new, but is packed with wise, spiritually-oriented advice on how to live an optimal life. Chapters are short, ideal for reading before bed. Victoria's tone is warm and encouraging, taking commonsense topics and expanding them with a freshness that makes them sparkle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews