Reviews of Green Hand Bookshop. (Book Store) in Portland (Maine).

Green Hand Bookshop

206 Reviews

149 Comments

Book store

Book store

661 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

Description

Information of Green Hand Bookshop, Book store in Portland (Maine)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of Green Hand Bookshop

Popular times

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Reviews of Green Hand Bookshop

Allie Marini

So many amazing books to browse, so many unique collectible books! Seriously go get lost in the stacks. Wonderful balance of old, rare, hard-to-find books as well as new publications. Very good selection of tarot decks too!

Trish Banks

If you're a vintage/90s horror fan this is the place for you. They have point horror and vintage paperbacks. I liked the little personal notes about the book written under the prices. This shop is great

Stephanie Heatley

Green Hand has saved me more than once - I order books for different groups at work and Michelle has what I have needed and has been really accommodating in getting them to me. I love the ambiance of the store - it feels exactly the way that a book store should feel. The store is organized, but the shelves are piled high and I love treasure-hunting there. I always know I am going to find something I didn't even know I needed.

Carlos Morales

This was such a great find! i randomly stumbled upon this book store when i was just wandering around Portland, and this book store felt inviting. The air smelled of generations of paper and bindings and felt like it was full of knowledge. Super pleasant staff and it was a wonderfully messy and full bookstore. It felt like i was walking through an old library. I highly recommend it!

Julia Goldman-Hasbun

Probably my favorite bookstore ever! Wide selection (including lots of horror, supernatural, foreign language + the best notebooks from Clairefontaine which are impossible to find anywhere else!), laid back/unpretentious vibe, and very kind and friendly owner.

Myla T Hilton

Got the Bigfoot Maine book for my handsome husband Todd. Great book written by the stores owner and a great store .The owner is a very nice soul!

Izzy Jarvis

Hands down one of the best used bookstores I have ever been to. Amazingly curated selection for a huge range of niche interests, rare finds, decent prices.

Jillian Tehan

I had such a good experience with Green Hand Bookshop. I was looking for a specific book for my boyfriend’s birthday, so I emailed Michelle asking for a recommendation. She found a great copy, specially ordered if for me, and shipped it to me. She was communicative, awesome to work with, and genuinely excited to help me find the right gift. My boyfriend loved the additions to his occult book collection. I cannot recommend this store enough!

Ayon Ibrahim

Super cozy bookshop with lots of interesting books to lose yourself in. The owner is super nice and helpful!

Jackie Ransom

A beautiful store that has a wonderful owner and amazing stock! There's quite an eclectic mix of genres here. I'll definitely be making the hour drive to come back to Portland just for the Green Hand!

Michelle Sellars

Really wonderful selection of used and new books. Especially if you’re into horror or the occult there’s so much here, even a nice selection if Valancourt titles. You can find both small press and big press books, as well as interesting used selections. The owner (I think she was the owner) was very kind and knowledgeable.

Matthew Burnett

A treasure trove of books and periodicals. Wonderful staff. A Portland Maine Gem!

Anne Buckmaster (TheKrazySheep)

Lots and lots of books. Plenty of stuff to poke through. Really enjoyed my visit!

Ghostland Radio

This shop is my go-to for off-beat or harder to find books. I'm a folklorist, so I really appreciate the wide selection of texts about local ghosts and legends. Just a thoughtful and chaotic plethora of wildly intriguing books, stationary, tarot cards, and oddments.

Michael Andryuk

An incredibly rad and well curated bookstore, The Green Hand Bookshop provides Portland with an incredible array of horror, science fiction, mystery, and new age books. This shop had so many old books that I didn't even know existed, along with rare books that I've been looking for for years! Definitely worth a look for locals and tourists that appreciate those genres, and the shop also has a selection of other subject matter as well! Covid update: Safe total mask policy and still an incredible selection!

Man Nguyen

I spent hours here just browsing the old books in the sci-fi/fantasy section. If you like to browse, this is the place to be. They also have a section for new books as well. Huge selection of stuff. Books laying around all around adds to the charm of the place. Totally worth it to check it out.

Lori Spitzer

Loved spending about an hour here. Found about eight books by the author I was searching for right off the bat. This store had a number of boxes of old postcards to sift through. This shop is a little crowded but has some good finds. The staff was extremely welcoming and pleasant.

Ryan Houlette

It's been a long time since I've been in a used bookstore of this calibre. (Hello, Know Knew Books!) I wish I'd had much more time to browse their immense and well-curated sci-fi section.

TD

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING STORE, amazing books, wonderful vibes, and everything you could possibly imagine. Taro cards, religious books, post cards, EVERYTHING!! Book enthusiast and supernatural enthusiast approved! ❤️

Laura Downs

I had to strongly resist the urge to not spend all of my money here 😂 their selection is fantastic, it felt like a big selection of hand picked books that I specifically would love. This place is great because I've seen so many books I've never seen in corporate bookstores like Barnes & Nobles or Books a Million. The woman working there was also a cutiepie and really sweet. I've been reading my books ever since and will definitely return if I ever find myself in Portland again. Thank you!

Dora Leav

Green Hand has become my favorite local bookshop, bar none. I've poked around at every available store during the years I've lived in Portland and slightly beyond, and Green Hand inevitably comes out on top due to a combination of selection, atmosphere, quality and cost. It's cozy without feeling claustrophobic, and organized enough that I can find what I'm after without feeling lost. Michelle, the shop owner, always has a smile and a recommendation if you're looking for something, and at the same time is one of those fantastic people who won't bother you if all you want to do is commune with the books. She's a brilliant repository of information. I'd particularly recommend the horror and sci-fi sections, which are fantastically curated and have introduced me to some new favorite authors. Overall, Green Hand feels like the well-loved shop I wished for as a kid, and I'm grateful to have it in my community.

Nick Saccente

Great bookstore with a pretty vast selection of both old and new. Shop owner is ready sweet, had a ton of really popular titles.

Zachary Goater

There are few bookstore owners with the Passion, love, and knowledge held by Michelle. Her love for all that she does shows in her store. I have found some true hidden gems here over the years and it's always a joy to stop in. In my opinion, the best bookshop in Portland, ME.

Jacqueline Sullivan

This store is the BEST! They have such a great selection of books and Michelle is SO helpful at finding just the right books for you! Just let her know what you are interested in and she will find the perfect books for your collection. I always stop by when I am in Portland, ME. Don't miss out! Go there NOW!

Lillian Schmid

Really fantastic inventory! The local section is particularly top notch. It's clean, and snug though well-organized, with lots of fun knick-knacks around. The owner/staff also writes fun notes under the price, like "great photos!" or "so good!" The woman working the front desk was very pleasant. I really wish I had been able to spend more time there, and if I ever make it back to Portland this is definitely my first stop.

Alex Todd

This store is SO COOL. The owner was very helpful and kind. If you're looking for books off the beaten path this place is a must visit. I'll definitely be coming back!

Colleen O'Holleran

My favorite bookstore on the planet. I visit it every time I'm in Portland. The owner curates the selection in such a way that you can find affordable paperback treasures as well as reasonably priced first editions of (this place is a book collector's dream). Plus she has deep knowledge of local lore and is an author herself. Do yourself a favor and stumble into the Green Hand!

Heather P.

The Green Hand Bookshop is a bookstore from a time gone by. The proprietor is incredibly knowledgeable and you might begin to think she's read every book in the place. Books are everywhere, yet still carefully curated. Excellent selection of literary fiction, mystery, science fiction, local books and authors, and other fun stuff. I've found everything at the Green Hand from beautiful first editions, to beloved children's books and creepy Gothic tales . Every time we visit, we find a gem, or a book we've been meaning to read, but had forgotten about until we saw it on the shelf. The Green Hand always satisfies whatever literary itch you walk in with. Prepare to be soothed... with the power of books!

Miles Heise

Best bookstore in the city. has some of the same "cute old space, piles of books, feels like you could stumble on some exciting crazy old thing" vibe as Yes Books does, but also feels more like it is really organized and you could find things on purpose as well as serendipitously. Noticed it seemed especially good for some more out there things like horror, comics, philosophy, etc.

Jacob Krueger

In the five years I've lived in Portland, this bookstore has been something of a fixture in my life and in the community. Around the corner from home and work, it's always been easily accessible to me, both in location, and in approachability. Supplying a vast collection of well organized used books, both common and rare, as well as notebooks, Tarot cards, post cards, and the usual bookstore fare, this shop is a treasure for anyone who has a place in their heart for that quintessential used book shop. The shop owner, Michelle, is about as kind a human being as they come. You can usually find her hiding behind a stack of books, entering them into her system. She's the kind of friendly folk who, even when it's kinda busy, will give you her kindness and patience as you ask questions or chat literature. All told, this is one of my favorite places in Portland, period. If you have some time, check it out. You won't regret it.

M Cook

Cool shop to poke around in. Had one of a kind finds

Aaron Langley

My favorite haunt in Portland that really scratches all my literary itches! An amazing selection of vintage horror, pulp, art & non-fiction titles and a super knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to get lost in the stacks in classic bookstore fashion!

Will Akin

I love this bookstore! It was the first place I went to when I arrived in Portland. The owner is so knowledgeable, friendly and, articulate, and the selection and range of new and antique/used books is fantastic. I never leave empty-handed!

Cindy

The Green Hand is an amazing little book store chock full of all kinds of affordable books and some art as well. It's a fun place to browse. If you're looking for something specific, the staff is friendly and it's well organized. Particularly of note are the horror, sci fi, art, and occult sections, but I think there's books for everyone here. Is it a magic shop where it appears smaller on the outside than the inside? Because it doesn't seem like it should be able to hold as much as it does. In a time when these kind of fun little book stores are getting more and more rare, I'm happy that this store exists!

Meaghan Carlson

This is the best book store ever. Amazing assortment, all kinds of magical finds! The shopkeeper is all kinds of help and knowledge with a friendly and funny persona! I love a visit here any chance I get one!

Damian Maffei

The Green Hand is the kind of book store book junkies like myself search the country for. From wall to ceiling, aisle after aisle, it seems the titles are endless and there truly is quite a bit to please everyone. The owner is exceptionally helpful, knows where everything is, and the prices are perfect for those people who want to walk out of there with their arms full of books. It's also got a great looking storefront and fun decorations and such throughout, but just head in there to see for yourself. Highly recommended.

David Edmonds

I'm fortunate enough to have family in the area, so a stop at The Green Hand is a must. For me, it's a destination bookstore. Take your time, browse the shelves, and I can guarantee you will find a treasure (or two, or three!). The store has an amazing selection of some of the quirkiest books you've ever seen.

David A. Woodbury

I enjoy the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere in this store and love it when I can go back from time to rare time. And I only need mention part of a title and M.S., the owner, knows instantly what I'm asking about, and usually has it! She can discuss any subject with enthusiasm and also respect -- not a know-it-all but so well informed. A great collection to shop from.

Fredrick Drake

Amazing variety. If you are in the Portland area and like sci fi, horror, or fantasy novels this place is a must. Great stock of beautiful hardcovers at decent prices. Owner is very friendly and helpful.

Marjorie Heath

I go to The Green Hand when Birthdays and Christmas are coming up. I can tell the shop owner books my husband, my sisters, and my nieces and nephews have read and liked, and she helps me find books that they will enjoy! She has been right everytime! If she doesnt have a book I'm looking for she writes it down, and orders for me, then she let's me know when it's in stock!

joysef

This is a well stocked new and used bookstore with a few wonderful surprises inside. The owner is extremely knowledgeable about her stock, and carries some out of print and many hard to find books. Perfect for the curiosity in all of us.

Sarah Tokos

My favorite bookstore in Portland! It’s perfectly cluttered, has a great selection, and Michelle is always helpful and kind.

Kenny Lamb

The best used book store in Maine. A gigantic selection of all genres with a specialty in old sci-fi and horror, great finds in the bargain pile, and a ton of rarities! Michelle's buyback prices for cash/credit are also very fair; I usually end up spending my store credit the same day. The inventory varies a lot - if you couldn't find what you were looking for the first time, there's a good chance it'll be there the next time.

Whit Richardson

The Green Hand is awesome! Easily one of my favorite bookstores ever. It has something for everyone, but will especially please those who love the sci-fi, fantasy, horror and mystery genres.

Demetri Kirchberg

What a fantastic shop! Mix of cheap second hand copies and high end, rare collectables.

T Price

With an incredibly diverse selection that showcases her intense love for all things book, Michelle has created one of my favorite bookstores in the country, one I value even over the invisible country known as the Internet. It really speaks volumes when you can wander into a bookstore and wander out with a bag-ful of books hours later, unsure how the time flew. The proprietress is helpful, kind, witty, and determined to help you find That Book - the one you didn't know you needed - but the one which, days later, you're sighing and exclaiming over, now newly on a quest to discover Everything Else That Author Has Written. Fans of the quirky, the obscure, the delightful, and the just-plain-awesome will always find something in The Green Hand, visit after visit, even if it's the very next day. Highly recommended!

Ryan Levins

Very cool spot. Lots of vintage and first editions for lots of books. A little over priced. I saw several recent releases priced higher than the original cover price. But if you're looking for rare and vintage copies this is your place.

Chris Barr

In a town that has been known for some wonderful small book shops, this one should be at the top of anyone's list. Michelle is delightful and always willing to order books, hunt down obscure titles, and hold things for customers. Don't be fooled by the apparent small size. It's like a Shop of Holding; reach in and you can probably find what you're looking for.

Ian Davis

very cool hidden gem! big shop with a whole lot of selections. would definitely recommend if you're looking for sci-fi or adventure paperbacks

Nathaniel Koonce

Easily the best bookstore in Portland. I always leave having bought waaaaaay more books than I can read. And it's owned by one of the smartest and most creative shop owners anywhere. Just a great place to visit!

Sosig Boi

One of the best bookshops ever! Knowlegable, friendly staff and a great selection of rare and obscure titles (especially if you love horror, sci-fi and/or fantasy). The only downside is it’s impossible to walk in there without spending more money than I planned to!

Jason Clemens

Awesome service! Book was shipped with extra goodies from the author, plus it was signed AND gift wrapped! Very cool!

Jesse Fearon

The Green Hand is an amazing book store. They have a great selection and Michelle is extremely knowlegable and helpful. Very fun atmosphere the second you walk in! You will see! Just stop by and check them out!

Aaron Daniels

This is the "I didn't know what I was looking for and then suddenly I found..." place. Michelle, the owner, is truly special--so deeply knowledgeable, and deeply enthusiastic and passionate about her trade. She is also very engaged in the local culture, mythology, and people. Not to be missed!

Joseph Crivilare

A wonderful bookshop! You can always find something new and intriguing. Friendly staff with lots of recommendations. Very fair prices with tons of hidden gems!

Dave Goudsward

No trip to Portland would be complete without a visit to the Green Hand. The shelves cover a kaleidoscopic variety of topics, all well organized and perhaps more importantly, Michelle and her staff know what they have and how to find it. The store's collection of contemporary and classic horror is particularly note-worthy, but whether you're looking for mainstream fiction, or a particular sub-genre of literature, Green Hand is the most eclectic and one-stop book shopping you will find north of Boston.

Tapu Bergen (Tapu Tapu)

Green Hand Books is THE place to go in Portland Maine for the most varied and full nonfiction sections, conveniently divided into sub- and sub-sub-genre and content areas. There you can find, in one trip, say, half a dozen quality books on cognitive and neuropsych along with an unexpected discovery of something highly unusual--like a book on the treatment of stigma in the art and literature of the 1800s--rounded out by a photographic examination of pop culture in the '70s! I'm sure the fiction selection comes up to the same level, though I can't speak to its specifics as well as I can to the nonfiction there. Someone who certainly can, though, is the proprietor of Green Hand, who is well educated in library science and who is organized, helpful, and full of knowledge about books and an understanding of the book lover. She'll even remember your preferences and collect for you related works that come in. Go there to be assisted in pursuing your interests, without being overwhelmed by other input. If you decide to pop into Green Hand and just browse a particular interest ("I wonder if there's anything on plant and insect death"), I promise that what I describe will unfold before you. Have fun!

Laura Thacher

I need to go here when I have a lot more time. if you love books you will love this store

Audrey Mason

A wonderful place to browse and find books you forgot about and books you never knew existed. Although the term may be over used, Michelle truly curates her wonderful collection of used books. I never leave the store empty handed. Not sure what to read next? Tell Michelle what you like to read and she will likely clap her hers together, dash to the stacks, and pull out the perfect book. The Green Hand also participates in the First Friday Art Walk with shows from some of the quirkiest artists in town. Don't forget to check out the fun chatskes and cards. For those of you with allergies, no book goes on the shelves without "passing the sniff test." Been thinking of going but never get around to it? The International Cryptozoology Museum is right next door.

David Jorgenson

One of my favorite used book stores ever! Fantastic sci-fi/fantasy section, and wonderful quirky books of all stripes. I never know quite what I'll walk out with!

Kali Lightfoot

I moved away from Portland and one of the things I sorely miss is the Green Hand. Owner Michelle Souliere genuinely loves books, is a professional, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of books and the book business, particularly genre fiction, art, poetry, children's books -- you can see where this is headed... For a great, unhurried shopping experience, stop by the Green Hand and indulge your inner bibliophile.

Bex

This wonderful bookshop has always had something to meet my literary needs! Michelle is friendly, approachable, and always willing to help - I've never left the Green Hand disappointed and don't expect I ever will!

Isabelle Weyl

This independently owned bookstore is a gem in the heart of downtown! A must visit for fans of the supernatural, but any bibliophile will find bliss hiding inside!

Darth Taco

I love getting lost here. There are so many selections you never knew existed! If you cannot find something you like, my guess is that you didn't even try.

john colton

My favorite bookstore, hands down. The best selection of Horror, Sci Fi and Noir that I’ve ever encountered - plus everything else you’d expect in a top notch book shop.

catherine knott

The kind of place where time stops. My favorite kind of bookstore with shelves packed sky high and you keep finding new and interesting things.

Robert Deveau

Whenever I'm in Portland I always go to Green Hand Bookshop and always come out with more interesting, great stuff than I expected to find. A great bookstore!

Tranifer Lovely

Do you need some weird old books? Want something rare? Funky? Soooky? Or just want to get lost in a lovely collection of literary goodness for hours? This is your place!

Lori B.

A treasure trove with a lovely, knowledgeable proprietor. There's so much to explore. You'll find things you didn't know you needed!

JusBritt Hannaford

I love this place! Its a bit crowded and haphazard, but the proprietor is a lovely person and I can find most any book I want.

W R

Such a lovely and unique book store. I find myself getting lost in the wide variety of books sold here.

Mary Go

I know the owner ,an eclectic selection of used books. In good condition. If you enjoy book snooping, this , Is, the place for you. Staff , friendly and helpful.

Katharine Atwood

Another five star review for The Green Hand. This bookshop is truly a gem and easily lives up to all praise. Such a wonderful spot.

Laura Van Duivendyk Daniels

My favorite bookstore on the globe. Really! Knowledgeable, kind, great inventory, highly funky...the list goes on. And better yet, it just keeps getting better every year!

Thomas Collier

Great book selection, and the owner was very helpful. They also have a nice selection of old foreign books. Highly recommend.

IDEE TV

Magical place 🪐 Amazing atmosphere. …

A.J. Mell

For me, this is almost the Platonic ideal of what the independent used bookstore should be. Inviting, well-stocked, full of nooks and crannies and hidden gems. The best in Portland.

Aaron J. Shay

This is my kind of bookstore. I visited while putting up posters for the PortFringe Festival, and found seemingly endless stacks. It's not large, but it's still easy to get lost inside. Pay them a visit!

MJ Hatfield

Somehow this place remains both logically organized and looking like your classic over-stuffed used bookstore. Best in the city by far for good used books.

ML E

Awesome used book store run by a delightful shopkeep! Great selection of titles & editions, as well as postcards, notebooks, etc.

Erin Gomes

Cool place, small and completely full of books in all aisles so it makes for a treasure hunt

Elizabeth McMahon

The coolest bookstore ever! I always find a stack of books I want to buy at The Green Hand, and for an affordable price.

Lori Brogan

Ahhh... Books are books.. but that place has a lot of used ones.... Obviously.. but used is used.. toss it away when words in the middle of a sentence aren't there due to wear and tear .. but people inside were nice...

marty schindler

Great book store. No one will walk away without a book. A selection unlike any other.

Lara Dionne

OMG. I need to return soon. So many excellent old paperbacks. Horror, gothic romance, sci-fi, fantasy... It's like my childhood bookshelves.

Rachel Poth

This is the best bookshop in portland. Tons and tons to look at and a beyond stellar selection horror and halloween books. So many random finds.

Jody Diou

Great bookstore!! Very helpful staff!! Great selection too!

Rory McDougal

Stellar bookstore with a friendly owner, and a great variety of books. An absolute must for anyone looking for interesting book finds.

Emily Holland

Charmingly cluttered friendly owner and so so so many books you didn’t know you needed

Sean Higgins

My favorite used bookstore in Portland. The selection suits my taste for the pulp, the weird, and the old-school. A real gem.

Jeremy Doyle

Great store to get lost in and the owner is super friendly. They have a really awesome science fiction section too.

David Williams

Nice selection of books. Pretty much always find something there and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

Julia Cooper

Awesome selection and super friendly staff :) found more than what I bargained for!

thoughfully lost

Great little bookstore especially if you like sci fi

Emily Joy Kruger

Awesome spot to explore the shelves. Could have stayed there all day thumbing through books!

Jared Goulette

Awesome selection of books, friendly staff and very easy to find on Congress street.

Conor McCracken

Well-rounded inventory and especially kind staff. Looking forward to coming back soon!

John Hodgens

great place to browse- get lost. I think they have 1 of every book known to man.

Chris Phillips

Great store to find many odd and cheap books.

Ron Lusk

Great place, friendly manager/owner, with good selection of books.

Matthew Power

Best bookstore in the city. Eclectic, fun and always a surprise.

Gary Chapin

A very well curated store. Always surprised by things I didn't realize I had always wanted.

Joe Todora

Excellent choice of old and new books - prices a bit high...

Jeff Turner (Twin Waves Records)

Incredible selection of new and used books.

Derrick Cameron

Hands down (ha!) the best book store in Portland.

Timothy Hicks

A must stop book store in Portland!

Jeremy Darling

Great selection with esoteric finds and very helpful staff.

Sheep Davis

Great store. Stacks of hidden treasures everywhere.

J B Palmer

My favorite bookstore.

Becca Polak

Great horror and sci fi book selection!

S. Libby

"Green hands down", the best book store in Portland!

Sara Quiroz

Super packed used bookshops with sections of everything from local history to paranormal activity.

rachel wenzel

Super friendly, fun notes by the price mark, five stars

David Brannen

Love this place. Could spend a whole day here and not even realize time had passed.

Ethan B

High prices but there’s something for everyone here.

Zeke Wyatt

Friendly, knowledgeable, entertaining shop

Lisa Hertel

Great sf collection and lots of used books. Limited hours

Luis Ortiz

Some rarities, decent prices!

Maxwell Lord

This isn't the place to go for the exact book your looking for, it's the place to find the book you didn't know you needed

James Johnson

This place is amazing. Book lovers dream.

Mark Hertel

Great selection. The owner is very knowledgeable.

Arthur Armington

This is my favorite place to buy books

Barry Dodd

Best book store in Maine!

Bob Martel

Great selection of used books.

Ann Burruss

Helpful shopkeeper will find it if they have it.

Hanna H

Best bookstore and bookstore owner EVER!

Jessica Cox

Wonderful shop with great customer service!

Jason Hollinger

Prices were a bit high and selections somewhat limited.

Drew Meger

I could spend all day here if my family and wallet would let me.

Dennis Seine

Unrivaled in Portland as a second-hand bookstore.

David Weiding

Organized, well laid out, great staff

Janet Ham

Great selection. Helpful staff.

Samuel Moore

Awesome selections in an awesome environment. 👍👍 …

Galen Richmond

Basically the Kareem Abdul Jabbar of bookstores.

Evan Swinerton

Excellent taste and fairly priced

Jennie Williams

Love lit

Kirk Walker

Great old books!

Rave “GayDav” Dogers

amazing selection

Keegan Edwards

Great selection

Jedediah Parish

Love this place.

Jess O'Brien

I love this place.

Fred Greenhalgh

a boutique of the amazing

clint newton

Ross Kearney

ryan ferguson

Vincent Leonetti

Rob Smart

Emma Dudley

Victoria Van Berlo

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