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Singing in the Dark: Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture
Far too often, life’s challenges and questions cause people to fight feelings of doubt and despair, as they search endlessly for hope. In Singing in the Dark , Ginny Owens introduces the reader to powerful ways of drawing closer to God and how the elements of music, prayer, and lament offer rich, vibrant, and joyful communion with Him, especially on the darkest days.
Ginny has gained a unique life perspective, as she has lived without sight since age three. She brings rich, biblical teaching that will encourage readers and compel them to dig deep into the beautiful songs, prayers, and poetry of Scripture—the same words through which the people of the Bible flourished in impossible circumstances.
Singing in the Dark includes reflection and journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.
Ginny has gained a unique life perspective, as she has lived without sight since age three. She brings rich, biblical teaching that will encourage readers and compel them to dig deep into the beautiful songs, prayers, and poetry of Scripture—the same words through which the people of the Bible flourished in impossible circumstances.
Singing in the Dark includes reflection and journaling prompts at the end of each chapter.
- GenresChristianNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2021
28 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 25, 2022
Christian recording artist Ginny Owens presents ten chapters that take us to Scripture to look at the songs we can sing to God no matter what our circumstances are. No, these aren’t all taken from Psalms. Yes, she does stretch the definition of song a bit (which she acknowledges). But as we look at songs of praise and victory, laments, and a song for the plodding path, you will be encouraged and challenged a time or two.
Each chapter focuses on the person and story behind the passage we are studying, but Ginny makes these familiar elements fresh and brings out new insights. She also shares openly about her own struggles, including what she still struggles with.
The chapters around 15 to 20 pages each, and could be done as devotionals. I read the book over a couple of days, and I still found it encouraging. I plan to go back and revisit it at a slower pace soon. There is a lot to unpack here.
If you need encouragement in your life, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Each chapter focuses on the person and story behind the passage we are studying, but Ginny makes these familiar elements fresh and brings out new insights. She also shares openly about her own struggles, including what she still struggles with.
The chapters around 15 to 20 pages each, and could be done as devotionals. I read the book over a couple of days, and I still found it encouraging. I plan to go back and revisit it at a slower pace soon. There is a lot to unpack here.
If you need encouragement in your life, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 4, 2021
Uplifting and inspiring, just like Ginny’s music. Every Christian should read this book; it’s that amazing.
Read
November 3, 2023Great on audio - reading and singing by Ginny
April 30, 2021
Ginny Owens’ thoughtful and truth-filled lyrics have been part of the sound track of my life for decades, so I was excited to read and review Singing in the Dark, Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture. This book invites readers to ponder snippets of scriptural songs which biblical characters, like Leah, Hannah, Deborah, and David sang over their lives. Ginny also gives us glimpses of her story – showing how these biblical songs have encouraged her on life‘s journey.
Since I, too, am blind, I found myself saying, “Amen,” or, “me too!” many times while reading. When I finished this book I felt encouraged and was reminded that I am not alone in my struggles. I read the audio version and would recommend it to anyone who loves music and studying the Bible. A favorite chapter was the one exploring Psalm 23. Hearing Ginny tell her own story made the book more meaningful, and the song segments at the end of each chapter were a beautiful addition.
Since I, too, am blind, I found myself saying, “Amen,” or, “me too!” many times while reading. When I finished this book I felt encouraged and was reminded that I am not alone in my struggles. I read the audio version and would recommend it to anyone who loves music and studying the Bible. A favorite chapter was the one exploring Psalm 23. Hearing Ginny tell her own story made the book more meaningful, and the song segments at the end of each chapter were a beautiful addition.
April 22, 2021
Sometimes when we read the Bible it can seem distant, not relevant to our modern lives. In her new book, Singing in the Dark, singer/songwriter Ginny Owens not only challenges this notion by paralleling it with her own life, but as each chapter unfolds you find yourself surprisingly relating to the characters of scripture. I found myself saying "been there," and "I feel that." This book not only allows grace and space to acknowledge the darkness in our lives, but shines a light of hope for the way out.
April 21, 2021
I have looked forward to reading this book since I heard Ginny was writing it. It is not what I had thought it would be. It is so much more! This book is a work of art. It weaves together Biblical stories and Ginny's life stories into a lyrically beautiful book. I will read it more than once. I will also give it as a gift. Please read it. It is amazing.
Angela LaFollette, LCSW
Angela LaFollette, LCSW
May 5, 2021
A few years ago my church had the privilege of hosting Ginny Owens for a night of music and encouragement on finding contentment. Her humility, humor, and tenderness to others, along with her love for God were evident. I was thankful to have the privilege to get a sneak peek of her latest book. It is written with her honesty and humility, as well as focus on the truth that will encourage you. Ginny weaves her story and the songs and stories from Scripture to reveal how God is a redeeming who puts a song in the downtrodden heart. This is an encouraging read that I recommend.
I was thankful to have an advanced reader for review.
I was thankful to have an advanced reader for review.
April 29, 2021
Ginny Owens is a very talented singer and songwriter. And she is proving to be a good author as well. In this book Ginny weaves the story of her life through the some of the most well known, and some of the more obscure, people of the Hebrew Scriptures. Whether they were famous, like Moses and David, or not so famous, like Hannah, they all suffered defeat, disappointment and heartache as well as success, fame and victory. They all experienced both elation and pain. Ginny experiences these successes and trials in her own life as well. She tells her story in an honest, sympathetic and moving way. Even though I am a retired 73 year old guy raised in Iowa, she touched some “notes” in this book, just like she does in her music, that hit me right between the eyes. I could identify. “Yeah, that’s it! That is the emptiness I feel sometimes!” Then she offers the solution to the fear and the worry and the emptiness by telling us about her faith in a risen Savior, who is also my risen Savior. Like her, I find my faith in Christ does not always make me feel better, or make my problems go away, but He always gives me HOPE. And that is where this book takes you, to Jesus, who gives us all the ability to “Sing in the Darkness”, to Hope in the darkness. We can, because He is always there with us.
I want to close with one of my favorite passages that I highlighted in the book (and there were many). This is from the final chapter, talking about the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven to the New Earth—in the Day when ALL things will be made right: “In this final newness, my blindness and yours will be gone. In an instant we will understand that all our sufferings always had infinite purpose. Our new, perfectly loving hearts will replace our misguided ones. My need to people-please and perform will never plague me again. Neither will your sins and struggles plague you. Many of our deepest longings will fade away, and some will be fulfilled in greater ways than we could ever have imagined.” I really love that!
Folks, this is a good book and an easy read. But more than that—it is a good story.
Thank you Ginny Owens!
I want to close with one of my favorite passages that I highlighted in the book (and there were many). This is from the final chapter, talking about the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven to the New Earth—in the Day when ALL things will be made right: “In this final newness, my blindness and yours will be gone. In an instant we will understand that all our sufferings always had infinite purpose. Our new, perfectly loving hearts will replace our misguided ones. My need to people-please and perform will never plague me again. Neither will your sins and struggles plague you. Many of our deepest longings will fade away, and some will be fulfilled in greater ways than we could ever have imagined.” I really love that!
Folks, this is a good book and an easy read. But more than that—it is a good story.
Thank you Ginny Owens!
April 28, 2021
I have listened to Ginny’s music for many years! I was excited to hear she was writing a book especially after seeing the title - Singing in the Dark: Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture! Exactly what we need after the last 18 months of covid darkness! Ginny beautifully connects Scripture and her personal story to challenge and encourage us as readers.
This quote from the first chapter about Leah has stuck with me. “Leah was more desperate for a change in the circumstances that caused her misery than she was moved by God’s loving attention to the details of her life” Wow! How often have I been so focused on the horrible circumstances that just kept coming this past year instead of seeing where God was working in my own life. Ginny’s reminder to “praise God not merely for the things He had blessed me with and what they might lead to but simply because of who He is” was so helpful.
I love the practical application that is included at the end of each chapter. This book is not just a feel good read but a study in reading, observing and applying Scripture to our everyday lives.
This quote from the first chapter about Leah has stuck with me. “Leah was more desperate for a change in the circumstances that caused her misery than she was moved by God’s loving attention to the details of her life” Wow! How often have I been so focused on the horrible circumstances that just kept coming this past year instead of seeing where God was working in my own life. Ginny’s reminder to “praise God not merely for the things He had blessed me with and what they might lead to but simply because of who He is” was so helpful.
I love the practical application that is included at the end of each chapter. This book is not just a feel good read but a study in reading, observing and applying Scripture to our everyday lives.
April 29, 2021
In Singing in the Dark: Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture, Ginny seamlessly weaves together the songs of Scripture with her own times of darkness and helps you learn how to find hope in the midst of your own trials. I was surprised at her vulnerability within these pages. She definitely makes you see that you are not alone in the darkness or haze you may be in. Ginny also writes with Biblical clarity, pointing you to the One who gives hope, and who IS our hope. Her knowledge of the Word and her love for it are evident in the pages of this beautiful book. You will grow and learn you dive into the stories of Leah, Hannah, Paul, and many more!
This book was a joy and a delight to read. I look forward to giving many copies away in the near future!
This book was a joy and a delight to read. I look forward to giving many copies away in the near future!
March 13, 2023
Disclaimer: I read a chapter each day very early in the morning so that might have impacted my opinion on what I read.
The biblical songs chosen had power, I would have wished the comment on them to have more power too. They mostly felt like starting points to tell something about the author’s life, which is fine if you are really interested in the author or her songs. But I had never heard of her or her songs.
I just didn’t relate to this book, it happens sometimes. I thought I was going to read a book/commentary on those songs but it was more an autobiography.
Read if:
- you love her songs, it gives you background information, which is cool
- you are interested in her struggles and dark times and how her faith carried her through
The biblical songs chosen had power, I would have wished the comment on them to have more power too. They mostly felt like starting points to tell something about the author’s life, which is fine if you are really interested in the author or her songs. But I had never heard of her or her songs.
I just didn’t relate to this book, it happens sometimes. I thought I was going to read a book/commentary on those songs but it was more an autobiography.
Read if:
- you love her songs, it gives you background information, which is cool
- you are interested in her struggles and dark times and how her faith carried her through
Currently reading
April 27, 2021Ginny has personal experience of living life in the dark, but she also gives a strong testimony of hope. Her testimony of hope comes not only from her own life, but from the lives of our heroes of the faith from the very pages of the Bible. You will not want to miss out on this book.
May 8, 2021
Compelling life story told from a unique perspective but connecting it to the everyday person with daily struggles. Be prepared to be amazed, and keep tissues handy.
January 2, 2024
Beautiful. Honest. Convicting.
There were chapters in this book that absolutely blew me away with how accurately she illuminated my own heart’s sins and how beautiful she prescribed my need for God…
Chapter 2 - A Song for the Plodding Path (the long hard slog to nowhere)
“An incredible challenge when we are facing darkness - whether that darkness be a season of feeling stuck or lost or wondering where God is - is to trust that God has allowed the darkness in our lives and will faithfully guide us through it.”
“But as Joni Eareckson Tada has said, ‘Satan and God may want the exact same event to take place - but for different reasons.’”
“We often stop believing that God is good because we don’t see eye to eye with Him on what good is…”
Chapter 6 - A Lament for the Misoriented Life
“We spend our lives trying to manage the darkness inside through perfecting habits of self-discipline, constructive thinking, and positive self-talk…the shame we feel for not being self-disciplined enough weighs on us - often even more than sin itself. We need someone outside ourselves…”
“Sin is believing the lie that God has not actually been good and has not given us what we really need.”
“We often think we can rid our lives of sin and guilt by striving to be good. We think that somehow our good deeds can overpower our failures…earn my way back to feeling good about myself. And back into God’s favor.”
“But remembering that we cannot make ourselves whole - and returning to the One who can - brings great depth to our songs.”
Chapter 7 - God’s Song of Justice and Mercy
“Regardless of our differences, we all wake up every day with the same basic needs and desires: to be seen, known, and loved and to survive and thrive in the world. Knowing that God sees not only our basic needs, but also our desperate need for Him, I want to see each person this way too. Because if I do, I am much quicker to move toward others and meet whatever needs of theirs I can - and far less apt to misunderstand or dismiss them.”
“Our time with God is of utmost importance - but if it doesn’t inspire change, if it doesn’t lead us to go and do, we must ask whether we’re actually spending time with God with open hearts, or just enjoying the quiet.”
“Some Christians are seen and known only by their service - it defines them. Others are defined by their need to be served. But each of us needs to serve and be served in different ways….”
Chapter 9 - A Song of Inner Peace
“One of the reasons my anxiety grew to a fever pitch was my lack of church community. My full travel schedule found me surrounded by people - but not people I was spiritually connected to. Friendships were often superficial or had a short shelf life…”
Chapter 10 - Singing in the Light
This whole chapter was so beautiful and hopeful ♥️
There were chapters in this book that absolutely blew me away with how accurately she illuminated my own heart’s sins and how beautiful she prescribed my need for God…
Chapter 2 - A Song for the Plodding Path (the long hard slog to nowhere)
“An incredible challenge when we are facing darkness - whether that darkness be a season of feeling stuck or lost or wondering where God is - is to trust that God has allowed the darkness in our lives and will faithfully guide us through it.”
“But as Joni Eareckson Tada has said, ‘Satan and God may want the exact same event to take place - but for different reasons.’”
“We often stop believing that God is good because we don’t see eye to eye with Him on what good is…”
Chapter 6 - A Lament for the Misoriented Life
“We spend our lives trying to manage the darkness inside through perfecting habits of self-discipline, constructive thinking, and positive self-talk…the shame we feel for not being self-disciplined enough weighs on us - often even more than sin itself. We need someone outside ourselves…”
“Sin is believing the lie that God has not actually been good and has not given us what we really need.”
“We often think we can rid our lives of sin and guilt by striving to be good. We think that somehow our good deeds can overpower our failures…earn my way back to feeling good about myself. And back into God’s favor.”
“But remembering that we cannot make ourselves whole - and returning to the One who can - brings great depth to our songs.”
Chapter 7 - God’s Song of Justice and Mercy
“Regardless of our differences, we all wake up every day with the same basic needs and desires: to be seen, known, and loved and to survive and thrive in the world. Knowing that God sees not only our basic needs, but also our desperate need for Him, I want to see each person this way too. Because if I do, I am much quicker to move toward others and meet whatever needs of theirs I can - and far less apt to misunderstand or dismiss them.”
“Our time with God is of utmost importance - but if it doesn’t inspire change, if it doesn’t lead us to go and do, we must ask whether we’re actually spending time with God with open hearts, or just enjoying the quiet.”
“Some Christians are seen and known only by their service - it defines them. Others are defined by their need to be served. But each of us needs to serve and be served in different ways….”
Chapter 9 - A Song of Inner Peace
“One of the reasons my anxiety grew to a fever pitch was my lack of church community. My full travel schedule found me surrounded by people - but not people I was spiritually connected to. Friendships were often superficial or had a short shelf life…”
Chapter 10 - Singing in the Light
This whole chapter was so beautiful and hopeful ♥️
June 5, 2024
Where to begin? Okay this book was so good. It was healing. It was insightful and from a perspective that just gets it. Ginny Owens is a Christian songwriter and worship leader. She is also fully blind and has experience a lot of life and a lot of hardship. In the book, she walks us through just a few of the many songs of hope to be found in scripture. And not just psalms and actual poetic songs from the Bible, but the stories of people’s lives, their laments, their struggles, the exciting, traumatizing, and mundane. She shows how we can have hope even in the scariest of times, and sing even in the darkness.
As someone who has recently experienced a lot of hardship and grief and is also watching so many around me process and move forward in very different ways, I have been encouraged and comforted by this book so much. But of course Ginny isn’t just thinking of me, she is also thinking of those who are on what she calls “the plodding path” or are even in a really great and joyful season! Wherever you are at in life, I think this is a worthwhile read!
Also if you love to worship, then you will LOVE this book. Ginny does to, and she invites us to discover the depth of worship more by writing our own worship songs at the end of each chapter. I like to use these pages as journaling prompts and then see what I come up with! I love this idea of taking my prayers and thoughts towards the Lord, color them in scripture, and sing them to the Lord. What a beautiful way to guide our hearts towards our hope.
Now, though it was an amazing book, I cannot deny it was a hard read. I was triggered to tears several times. Mostly out of feeling heard and understood, but sometimes out of the sheer topic being discussed or the personal stories she chose to use. Ginny is well acquainted with cancer affect in the lives of her closest friends and family. But I read slowly and took my time with this book. So I encourage you to do the same. Read slowly, digest in pieces, set in down if you need.
As someone who has recently experienced a lot of hardship and grief and is also watching so many around me process and move forward in very different ways, I have been encouraged and comforted by this book so much. But of course Ginny isn’t just thinking of me, she is also thinking of those who are on what she calls “the plodding path” or are even in a really great and joyful season! Wherever you are at in life, I think this is a worthwhile read!
Also if you love to worship, then you will LOVE this book. Ginny does to, and she invites us to discover the depth of worship more by writing our own worship songs at the end of each chapter. I like to use these pages as journaling prompts and then see what I come up with! I love this idea of taking my prayers and thoughts towards the Lord, color them in scripture, and sing them to the Lord. What a beautiful way to guide our hearts towards our hope.
Now, though it was an amazing book, I cannot deny it was a hard read. I was triggered to tears several times. Mostly out of feeling heard and understood, but sometimes out of the sheer topic being discussed or the personal stories she chose to use. Ginny is well acquainted with cancer affect in the lives of her closest friends and family. But I read slowly and took my time with this book. So I encourage you to do the same. Read slowly, digest in pieces, set in down if you need.
August 3, 2021
Ginny examines three songs in Scripture or passages that are the cry of someone's heart, looks at times in her own life she went through similar things that had her also crying out to God in the same kinds of ways, and what messages of hope we can find wrapped up in these Scriptures for times when our hearts cry out in those ways. At the end of each chapter Ginny encourages readers to write their own songs/phrases to God, and to memorize some Bible verses that remind us of important truths explored in that chapter.
I have always appreciated Ginny Owens' music, so when I heard she had a book coming out I quickly added it to my latest order. Ginny's experiences of growing up and navigating the world blind give her a unique perspective on many things, but she is also very relatable. She shares personal stories of hardship and triumph and how God has worked in her life at those times and the lessons she's learned. She approaches the topics with humility and openness, but also applies her seminary training too to add extra richness to the explorations of the Scripture passages. I spread this out and read a chapter a day with my devotions and found it encouraging, inspirational, and also a good heart check for the Christian walk. And extra kudos to whoever designed the cover, it is beautiful and the addition of Braille was special. Highly recommended.
No content issues.
I have always appreciated Ginny Owens' music, so when I heard she had a book coming out I quickly added it to my latest order. Ginny's experiences of growing up and navigating the world blind give her a unique perspective on many things, but she is also very relatable. She shares personal stories of hardship and triumph and how God has worked in her life at those times and the lessons she's learned. She approaches the topics with humility and openness, but also applies her seminary training too to add extra richness to the explorations of the Scripture passages. I spread this out and read a chapter a day with my devotions and found it encouraging, inspirational, and also a good heart check for the Christian walk. And extra kudos to whoever designed the cover, it is beautiful and the addition of Braille was special. Highly recommended.
No content issues.
February 8, 2024
We can be calm amidst the storms of our lives
I liked this book by Ginny Owens. She tells about her life’s dark experiences and she encourages us to express our own storms and darkness; however, she then encourages us to see hope, light and inner calm amidst our storms and darkness in God’s Word and through the comforting words and music of old hymns and songs that she and her friends wrote and sang amidst their life storms and darkness, finding hope and encouragement in God’s love and faithfulness as well as treasured friendships she cultivated.
Everyone who experiences life’s storms and times of darkness ought to read this book. I choose 5 stars because this is a book that I can relate with and it helps me to find ways to cope amidst my own life experiences that were like storms and darkness. Thank you Ginny for encouraging us amidst our times of darkness.
I liked this book by Ginny Owens. She tells about her life’s dark experiences and she encourages us to express our own storms and darkness; however, she then encourages us to see hope, light and inner calm amidst our storms and darkness in God’s Word and through the comforting words and music of old hymns and songs that she and her friends wrote and sang amidst their life storms and darkness, finding hope and encouragement in God’s love and faithfulness as well as treasured friendships she cultivated.
Everyone who experiences life’s storms and times of darkness ought to read this book. I choose 5 stars because this is a book that I can relate with and it helps me to find ways to cope amidst my own life experiences that were like storms and darkness. Thank you Ginny for encouraging us amidst our times of darkness.
January 29, 2025
Christians have become so uncomfortable with suffering, pain and loss. Prosperity gospel has robbed the Church of the power received when we are at our weakest.
Praise the Lord for Jesus followers and books like this!!!
Not only does Ginny share her heart and her own struggle but points to the anchor of truth.
God is with us in our pain.
God holds us as we lament.
God’s peace can wash over the darkest moments and we don’t have to pretend with Him!
He’s our strength IN weakness.
This book is a lot to digest all in one sitting. I would plan to read a chapter every day or once a week and then have time to journal.
This will be a book I come back to and will reread again.
Praise the Lord for Jesus followers and books like this!!!
Not only does Ginny share her heart and her own struggle but points to the anchor of truth.
God is with us in our pain.
God holds us as we lament.
God’s peace can wash over the darkest moments and we don’t have to pretend with Him!
He’s our strength IN weakness.
This book is a lot to digest all in one sitting. I would plan to read a chapter every day or once a week and then have time to journal.
This will be a book I come back to and will reread again.
June 15, 2021
Beautiful Testimony of Faith and Hope
I love the way Ginny interlaces stories of Bible Characters with her own growth journey. I especially liked the chapter on “lament.” I feel like I have a better understanding of this Old Testament concept. What a beautifully written book in a simple and poignant style and such a needed message. We can sing in the dark because Jesus has made the way.
I love the way Ginny interlaces stories of Bible Characters with her own growth journey. I especially liked the chapter on “lament.” I feel like I have a better understanding of this Old Testament concept. What a beautifully written book in a simple and poignant style and such a needed message. We can sing in the dark because Jesus has made the way.
July 5, 2021
Great book!
Enjoyed Ginny Owen's songs prior to this book however I now have a much deeper appreciation for them and her! Really enjoyed the in-depth look at some familiar Scrripture passages and then having the opportunity to create my own songs. Great read with good application activity at end of each chapter.
Enjoyed Ginny Owen's songs prior to this book however I now have a much deeper appreciation for them and her! Really enjoyed the in-depth look at some familiar Scrripture passages and then having the opportunity to create my own songs. Great read with good application activity at end of each chapter.
December 30, 2021
Ginny reads and sings in the audible edition. I highly recommend it. Just what I needed now. I believe a lot of people need these words of hope and the practice of putting your feelings on paper. Ginny shares how writing songs helped her cope with circumstances & situations throughout her life. (bullying, loneliness, anxiety.) Her songs are the product.
November 24, 2022
Wonderful journaling study
I loved this personal and heartfelt study with Ginny Owens. Her invitation to pause and write our own songs or poetry at the end of each chapter brought a fullness to each character and topical chapter's study.
I loved this personal and heartfelt study with Ginny Owens. Her invitation to pause and write our own songs or poetry at the end of each chapter brought a fullness to each character and topical chapter's study.
December 22, 2023
I've been listening to this on audio each time I go on a personal retreat. I finished it today. I've always enjoyed Ginny's music and now appreciate her storytelling as well. I enjoyed her interweaving of Scripture, personal stories and songs.
June 4, 2021
I loved the song writing prompts!
June 29, 2021
I really enjoyed this book about writing songs to God in the different seasons of our lives!
February 6, 2022
Some of the personal story segments felt really forced but overall I really enjoyed this biblical focus on singing joy in the times of trouble
February 18, 2022
This was an amazing book. I loved every page of it. It was an amazing book full of encouragement and hope.
April 1, 2022
3.5 stars. A beautiful book inside and out. A small book packed with some powerful truths that are encouraging and impactful. Would be great to do as a study or book discussion.
April 15, 2022
A blind musician's story of growing in her Christian faith from self-reliance to leaning more on God, from isolation to realizing her need of community. Insights we all need.
July 17, 2022
This book could also serve as a devotional as you work your way through it. I loved that each chapter was different and that Ginny also weaves her own story and experiences into the book as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews