My Review: Moving Target

"They say love is blind, but I say love sees all and still loves."  - Maddy McKay

(I loved this quote and couldn't resist sharing!)

Description:

When Maddy McKay and Quinn Holcombe don't show up for Quinn's surprise birthday party, his friends know that something is very wrong. Their search turns up little beyond evidence that Quinn and Maddy just decided to take off for a long overdue vacation. But it soon becomes apparent that they did not leave of their own accord.

Maddy awakens in a cement room with no idea where she is. But it's not long before she realizes she's in the clutches of a madman exacting revenge by hunting. His prey of choice? Humans. Now Maddy and Quinn must run for their lives, hoping to find their killer before the next game begins. Because if they don't win this game, they die.

About the Author:

Award-winning, best-selling author, Lynette Eason has written/contracted thirty-six books since 2007. She writes for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense line and for Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Her books have hit the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists. Lynette has been teaching for more than ten years and is very happy to make the transition from teaching school to teaching writing whenever the opportunity presents. She is married, has two children, and lives in Greenville, SC.









My Review: 4.5 stars

Moving Target is the third book in Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardians series and a book I’ve been very anxiously awaiting.  I made the “mistake” when I was finishing the second book of reading the excerpt for this one that the publisher so kindly included and after that I just couldn’t wait!  I was so happy to learn it would be Maddy and Quinn’s story, one I’ve been anticipating since meeting them in Always Watching, and the cliffhanger in that excerpt - goodness!  I always remember why I skip excerpts, right after I read one leaves me hanging like that.  I’ve been a big fan of Ms. Eason’s books for quite a while and they very rarely disappoint me, and I can happily say that this one definitely wasn’t an exception.  I loved the suspense that kept me engaged from the very first chapter and the mystery that kept me guessing - I was so close to being right, too!

I honestly have no idea how Ms. Eason creates these stories and the mysteries therein, but I so enjoy them, particularly a series that allows me to get to know the characters over several books.  I really enjoy how the author continues to weave the characters from each story back into the current one, while also giving another glimpse into the character for the next book.  I can’t wait for that one, either!  I also love how she continues to build the tension and the mystery until I’m groaning when I have to stop reading and pretend to be a functioning adult while the characters are fighting for their lives.  My only mildly negative comment is that the story lags just briefly for a chapter or two, while the author focuses on the characters and it isn’t so much suspense driven.  I kept turning the pages, waiting for something to happen, a gun to go off, or the villain to show their face, and it continued a little slowly, until it built to the climax at the end that had me back on the edge of my seat.  

As always, the characters are my favorite part of any story and I so enjoyed getting to know Quinn Holcombe and Maddy McKay better.  Quinn sports a hard veneer most of the time, seeming jaded by his line of work and a history that inspires nightmares.  He isn’t the easiest man to know and the challenges he faces encourage him to let others in and learn to forgive before it’s too late.  While Maddy isn’t a character I felt I knew as well prior to picking up her book, I quickly fell in love with her here.  She’s the kind of lady I’d love to have as a friend and one you wouldn’t want as an enemy.  She has hope where Quinn doesn’t, and she challenges him to share his heart, not just with her, but with friends and family.  She is also incredibly tenacious and determined, with an inner strength and kindness.  While I appreciated their strength in the face of evil, I think my favorite moments in this story were the ones where they let down their guards and allowed themselves to be vulnerable.  The times where the suspense paused for just an instant and they learned a little better how to love.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense and a mystery to keep you guessing, but also takes the time for a bit of romance.

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  I've been majorly slacking in the blogging department, but I recently got a promotion at work and it's taking a good bit of my time and energy to figure that out.  I'm enjoying it, though, despite losing some reading and writing time.  :)
As always, links are below if you'd like to check out Lynette's books!
Have a fantabulous day!   

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My Review: Still Life

"I want to know why you love me."

"Because I don't make sense without you.  You're part of me."

Description:

Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.

Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

About the Author:

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Alaskan Courage series and winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier award for Inspirational Novel, the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award for Suspense, and the 2013 Holt Medallion for First Novel. She and her husband reside in the D.C. Metro area. She can be found online at www.danipettrey.com.

My Review: 4.5 stars

I was so excited to read this book after loving Cold Shot, the first book in Dani Pettrey’s Chesapeake Valor series.  I adore diving into a new series and meeting new characters, but there’s just something about the second book in a series, where you’ve already met the characters and kind of know them and now you have the chance for them to become dear friends.  And these characters definitely do that in this book!  I was so stoked to dive into Parker and Avery’s story and found I didn’t want to come up for air after opening the first page.  The story takes off and left me hanging on and occasionally scrambling to catch up and remember what all was happening.  I loved the dual mystery going on, and how Ms. Pettrey managed to bring all of the loose ends together in a way that left me simultaneously sighing at the ending and wanting to know when Declan’s book would be releasing.      

One of my very favorite things about Ms. Pettrey’s writing is how she creates this community of characters in her series and has them stepping in and out of each story.  This book was primarily Parker and Avery’s, but it was also a little bit Declan’s and a little bit Kate’s, with Finley and Griffith stepping in to help and letting us keep track of where they’re story is going.  Everyone is back from the first book, along with Tanner, who brings an intriguing expectation for the next book, and the mystery of the fourth friend that is carrying over.  As aforementioned, I immensely enjoyed the mysteries and the twists and turns, therein.  I appreciated the detail the author put into the story for both cases, explaining some of the procedures to clue in the curious, without bogging down the story with information.  I was left guessing “whodunit” throughout the book and I was so close!  I loved reading a book that left me thinking, and rethinking, and trying to guess motive, and wondering if I was right, and then that surprise ending just blew my plotting out of the water!  

Despite how thoroughly Ms. Pettrey tied up all of the loose ends with the mystery, I did think a couple of the personal issues with Avery and Parker were glossed over a bit, in order to keep the story flowing.  I would’ve actually been okay with the suspense taking a break for a few pages in order to bring a bit more resolution to their relationship.  Though with the way the author keeps the characters consistent and continuing to play leading roles in each book, I’m hopeful more of it will carry over into the next book.  And I’m really hoping Declan’s book will be next (hint,hint)!

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed romantic suspense with a mystery that will keep you guessing!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my review!  I've been falling behind in my posting lately, though hopefully I'll get back on track again.  How many times have I said that, now?  Haha!  Anyway, hope you enjoyed!  As always, links are below!

Have a colorful day!

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My Review: Intermission

I've not read a YA novel in a while and this one left me with mixed emotions.

Description:

Sixteen-year-old Faith Prescott eagerly awaits the day she will exchange her small Iowa hometown for the bright lights of Broadway, but her success-driven parents want her to pursue a more practical career, labeling “artsy” people—including their daughter—as foolish dreamers worthy of little more than disdain.

When Faith meets nineteen-year-old Noah Spencer she discovers someone who understands her musical theatre dreams . . . because he shares them.

Faith’s mother despises everything about Noah—his age, his upbringing . . . even his religious beliefs—and she grasps at every opportunity to belittle his plans to study theatre and pursue a stage career. When those criticisms shift further toward hostility, resulting in unjust suspicions and baseless accusations, an increasingly fearful stage is set for Faith at home, where severe restrictions and harsh penalties are put in place to remove Noah Spencer from her life.

But Faith has never connected with anyone like she has with Noah, and no matter how tight a stranglehold her mother enforces to keep them apart, Faith will not give him up. Behind the curtain, Faith's love for Noah continues to grow . . . as does her determination to hold on to her dreams—and him—no matter how high the cost.

About the Author:

Serena Chase is the author of the critically-acclaimed Eyes of E'veria series and a regular contributor to USA TODAY's Happy Ever After blog. A lifelong performer who sometimes speaks in show tunes, Serena lives in Iowa with her husband Dave, teen daughters Delaney and Ellerie, and a 100-pound white Goldendoodle named Albus. 

My Review: 3 stars

I have mixed emotions regarding this story.  It’s unique, that’s undeniable.  I’d never read anything of Ms. Chase’s before and hadn’t picked up a young adult book lately, so I decided to give this one a go.  I was curious to find out what would happen next, but I didn’t feel I ever really connected with the characters.

 It also felt over-dramatized at times, but then, the main character is an actress and is planning to major in drama, so it’s really not that farfetched.  In the end, it did have a good message, just a bit of an odd route to getting there.

This story is written from a single perspective, Faith’s, in the style of a journal entry or her telling someone her story, and at times felt a bit flat.  I’ve read other reviews that spoke about how deeply they were touched by this story, but I really struggled to connect with Faith.  She endures a lot throughout the story, from the highs of being on stage and having a “boyfriend” who understands her love of theater, to the lows of arguments with her parents and fighting for the future she’s often dreamed of calling her own.  This story encompasses so many of the emotions and questions that teens struggle with as they search to find their place and figure out who they’re supposed to be.  

As far as the relationship between Noah and Faith, that was something else I found to be rather unusual.  I’m honestly not even sure it could be considered much of a relationship, since it was kept so light and they were kept apart for most of it.  I found the idea that they could be “just friends” strange, because that was basically what they were anyway.  Though I did appreciate how the author kept reiterating how important it was for Faith to be honest, despite her desire to simply work around her mother’s rules and skirt a few lines.  Speaking of Faith’s mom, her character was one that definitely didn’t compute with me.  I really thought she was just crazy, or Faith was exaggerating in her retelling.  It honestly didn’t cross my mind until I was reading the author’s note that she was supposed to be an example of verbal and mental abuse.  I’m not really sure how much reading the story with that in mind would change my opinion or perspective.

Overall, this is a story that is unique in several respects.  It contains a good message and a strong sense of morals, and I would definitely recommend it as a clean, Christian read for any teen.

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  Fortunately for you, since I always struggle to write less than sterling reviews, it's shorter than my usual ramblings.  :)

As always, links are below and I hope your day is spectacular!

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My Review: An Uncommon Courtship

". . . if love wasn't knowing and appreciating all the little things about a person, what was it?" - Lord Trent Hawthorn

Description:

Life for Lady Adelaide Bell was easier if she hid in her older sister's shadow--which worked until her sister got married. Even with thepressure of her socially ambitious mother, the last thing she expected was a marriage of convenience to save her previously spotless reputation.

Lord Trent Hawthorne couldn't be happier that he is not the duke in the family. He's free to manage his small estate and take his time discovering the life he wants to lead, which includes grand plans of wooing and falling in love with the woman of his choice. When he finds himself honor bound to marry a woman he doesn't know, his dream of a marriage like his parents' seems lost forever.

Already starting their marriage on shaky ground, can Adelaide and Trent's relationship survive the pressures of London society?

About the Author:

Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

My Review: 5 stars!

There are numerous things and I could and probably will say about this book.  And so many other things I would love to say, but I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone.  First off, I have to say that Kristi Ann Hunter is quite possibly my favorite Regency romance author.  Why, you ask, would I say that?  Because her books make me laugh!  I so rarely find stories set during that time period that are humorous to the point I’m laughing out loud and people are giving me strange looks.  Every time I pick up one of Ms. Hunter’s books, I immediately want to just binge read all of her books, and then stalk her author page for news of when the next one will be releasing.  That is how much I enjoy her stories overall and this one was quite possibly her best, yet.

As always, Ms. Hunter did an excellent job with the details and descriptions, transporting me to London and dropping me amid a most unusual household and the swirl of the Ton during the Season.  I loved the unique servants sticking up for Adalaide and lecturing Trent for how he was handling his new and rather unexpected marriage.  I’m always a great fan of marriage of convenience stories and this one definitely ranks among my very favorites.  I so enjoyed how much depth this tale has and the consideration that goes into Trent and Adalaide figuring out how to make their marriage work.

Adalaide is a unique character and one I quickly fell in love with.  She is sweet and kind and sees things in a different light, which was sometimes amusing, other times it caused me to pause and think.  She’s also rather shy and quiet in the beginning, as well as a bit awkward and I really enjoyed seeing her come into her own and learn to stand up for herself and her marriage.  I also had to laugh at how she always inadvertently loses a glove, or trips on a hem, or bobbles her glasses.  The little quirks made it very easy for me to relate to her and often had me smiling.

Trent is a character that I’ve gotten to know a bit over the past books and I’ve been eagerly anticipating.  He’s the younger son, the one no one really expects much of, and is very easygoing.  Until he finds himself married to a virtual stranger.  Trent has watched his sisters and his brother’s best friend find love and marry and expected the same for himself.  Instead, he finds himself being forced to learn what love truly is and how to intentionally love someone.  This aspect was definitely one of my favorite things about the story, because of how much time is spent on the topic.  I so enjoyed watching Trent learn to see beyond his assumptions of what love is supposed to look like and what his vows before God mean.  And the fact that he gets advice from Anthony, Ryland, Colin, and occasionally Griffith just made me smile.  They get so much enjoyment from razzing him that it’s hard not to, though they honestly do share very sound advice and I found myself making note of several things.  I loved the journey both Trent and Adalaide go through as they learn how to truly be married and not just two people sharing a house and breakfast.  They both grow in so many subtle ways and I appreciated that Ms. Hunter took the time to show them falling in love and becoming better versions of themselves, rather than simply telling me “they lived happily ever after.”

I’ve mulled it over and I honestly can’t think of a single negative comment.  From the first page to the last, I greatly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction that is chuckle inducing, but also causes you to stop and think and examine an idea in a unique light.

It's fairly rare these days that I stay up much past 11pm reading, due to a full-time job and my boss expecting me to actually be awake for work (who knew that was a requirement??), but I stayed up until 2:30am finishing this book!  And it was so worth the sleep deprivation!  And yes, I stalked looked up the author and sent her a message at 2:30am telling her how much I loved her book.  Because, yes, I am that person when I don't have enough sleep. :)

So, obviously I highly recommend this book!  And there are links below for you to further check it out, if you're interested. 

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my review!

Have a fantastic day!

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My most anticipated books for 2017!

Well, I posted my favorite books from 2016, so now it's time for the books I'm most looking forward to this year!  And 2017 is definitely looking to be a great year for me and my fellow book addicts!  There are so many books I'm looking forward to snatching up and I can't wait!
For my previous post I just kind of randomly threw the books on there, but my organized self just can't take doing that again, so this time they are in order by release date and alphabetized by author if more than one book is releasing on the same day.  That doesn't sound crazy or anything, right? ;)
So, without further ado, here are my most anticipated books!

1) An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter

Release Date: January 3

I've actually already read this book and my review will

be posting for it tomorrow, but it has to be on the list

because I just loved it so much and I was so looking

forward to reading it!  I'm actually probably going to

read it again very soon!

2) Moving Target by Lynette Eason

Release Date: January 31

I've already read this book, too (yay for ARCs!) and it was

so awesome!  Kept me on the edge of my seat and I loved

seeing Maddy and Quinn get their happy ending!

3) Still Life by Dani Pettrey

Release Date: January 31

This is the second book in Ms. Pettrey's Chesapeake Valor series

and I remember loving the first book (which I really need to reread)

and I'm so excited to pick up this one and find out what happens with Avery

and Parker.  There was a bit of chemistry between them in Cold Shot and I'm

looking forward to see how that plays out here.

4) Wed by Necessity by Karen Kirst

Release Date: February 7

I don't read as many Love Inspired novels as I used to, but

I always have to grab Ms. Kirst's books!  We all know what a sucker

I am for marriage of convenience stories and she's one of my favorite authors

so this book definitely has to make the list!  Early happy birthday to me, when

this one hits the shelves!

5) To the Farthest Shores by Elizabeth Camden

Release Date: February 28

Ms. Camden's books are always on my list, because she creates

such unique tales.  Even when they aren't my very favorite books,

they are always an enjoyable read and I'm curious to find out what this one

has in store for inquiring minds like my own. :)

6) The Illusionist's Apprentice by Kristy Cambron

Release Date: March 7

I've actually yet to read any of Ms. Cambron's books, despite having 2 of them

in my TBR pile (shame on me!), but I'm really looking forward to this one!

I've heard so many amazing things about her books, I love the cover, and

I'm intrigued the murder mystery waiting behind this oh-so beautiful

and curiosity-inspiring cover.  

7) When Tides Turn by Sarah Sundin

Release Date: March 14

I love WWII fiction, after growing up watching Hogan's Heroes

with my grandparents, and few authors do it as well as Ms. Sundin!

8) Beyond Justice by Cara Putman

Release Date: April 4

I've been anxiously awaiting another suspense novel

from Cara Putman since reading her Love Inspired Suspense

stories from 2009 and it's finally here!  Cue the drum rolls and

anticipatory music, because I can't wait to be holding this book!

9) Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

Release Date: April 4

I love Ms. Turano's books and am so excited to read this one!

Her books always leave me in stitches, with her unique characters

and rather slap-stick humor.  I grab one of her books when I need

a laugh after work or for whatever reason, really.

10) Life After by Katie Ganshert

Release Date: April 18

I'm so excited for another book by Katie Ganshert!

Her books always tug on my heart, convict me, or make me cry.

Or all three.  And normally I'm not a fan of crying books, but hers are so real.

I feel as though I'm there with the characters, experiencing the hurts and every

part of life with them.  And this story sounds so good!

11) Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson

Release Date: May 2

I honestly haven't been a big fan of the last couple covers

for Dee's books, but that aside: another Dee Henderson book!

I will definitely be the first one in line to buy any of her novels!

12) True to You by Becky Wade

Release Date: May 2

Ms. Wade is without a doubt one of my very favorite contemporary

authors and I'm so excited for the start of a new series!  I was so sad to say

"farewell" to the Porters, but the Bradford Sisters will indubitably take up

residence in my heart as well.

13) Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar

Release Date: June 6

This is such a lovely cover!  And I adore how Ms. Afshar's books

transport me back to Bible times and bring it to life for me.

Her stories make me stop and think and view the tales I've been told

all my life in a new light, as living breathing people, rather than just

simply words on a page or "tales" told to children.  I love the fresh perspective.

14) Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

Release Date: June 6

I just reread the description for this book and I'm so intrigued by

Amos, who sounds like a rather retiring character, as the hero. And of

course, getting to return to Harper's Station.  I can't wait for that!

15) On Love's Gentle Shore by Liz Johnson

Release Date: July 4

I'm so looking forward to the chance to return to PEI and the Red Door Inn!

I love the little community Liz has created here and getting to spend time with them again.

I can't believe this is going to be the last book in the series!  I'm not ready for it to end, yet.

16) A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

Release Date: July 4

Ms. White tends to choose unique time periods and I love her

details and descriptions.  And the mystery/suspense she weaves into

her historical novels.  I just adore the cover for this one!

17) Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig

Release Date: July, sometime

Unfortunately, this one doesn't have a cover available, yet.

Or a firm release date.  But that should be announced soon enough.

Oh, and my reason is simply the author.  And it's book 2 in the Tox Files.

I don't even have a description yet and both of those are reason enough to put in

on the list!  I can't wait to see what adventure is awaiting Tox, next!

And the final one (for now)!

18) Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

Release Date: August 1

Haley's book!!  I'm so stoked!  I got to know her a bit better

in Moving Target, and am thrilled to "finally" read her story!

I obviously didn't realize how many books were going to be here, until I started numbering them!  And this is only for 8 months!  And the books I'm aware of . . . . and I wonder why I have no life!  Haha!  But, honestly.  This is a great year to be a book addict!  I will be well enabled to continue in this pattern.  :)

So, did I miss any?!  Please leave me a comment and let me know if I did!  And following in the steps of my last post, I completely forgot to get links for these books and I'm too lazy to go get them, so you get to do the research yourself!  Have fun and maybe find a new book or two along the way!  That's it for now!  I hope your new year is off to an excellent start!  

My Review: Concealed Identity

"A ray of light peeked through the casket of his heart and shone a ray on the decayed hope there." - Holt McKnight

Description:

After Holt McKnight's criminal informant disappears, the DEA agent must go undercover to get close to the missing man's sister, who may know more than she's letting on. But when Blair Sullivan's attacked, it's up to him to protect herwithout blowing his cover. Blair isn't sure she can trust her new neighbor, Holt. After all, the last charming and handsome man she fell for was her late husband, and he turned out to be the brother of a ruthless drug lord. Yet when it's clear the target on her back is somehow linked to her past, she has no choice but to accept Holt's protection. Even if getting close is the last thing her scarred heart can handle.

About the Author:

Jessica R. Patch lives in the mid-south where she pens inspirational contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. When she's not hunched over her laptop or going on adventurous trips in the name of research with willing friends, you can find her watching way too much Netflix with her family and collecting recipes to amazing dishes she'll probably never cook.

My Review: 4 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica R. Patch and I was so excited to start it!  I’ve heard so many wonderful things about her books that I just couldn’t resist snatching it up, and I can happily say that I was not disappointed!  It was full of suspense that kept me guessing, hoping I was right and debating who the mastermind was, and romancing that left me smiling along with the characters.

I really enjoyed Ms. Patch’s writing style and how it sounds so down to earth.  She uses phrases and slang that I hear almost every day, being from the “South,” and I loved how real the familiar words made the story feel.  She truly brought to life the little town of Hope, Tennessee and all of its curious characters.  I’m really hoping she decides to continue with more stories set in the quirky little town, I have so many questions about a few of the more prominent cast members I met and I’d very much like to hear their stories!  

Speaking of, I have to say that I so enjoyed Holt and Blair’s story and getting to know them!  Blair is cautious about everyone, but particularly men.  She’s made mistakes in the past and is afraid of repeating them, or worse.  She has trust issues and doesn’t care to rely on anyone.  I loved seeing Holt, with his mysteries and secrets, break through her defenses, despite better judgment trying to prevail.  Holt is everything Blair doesn’t want, so she thinks, but turns out to be exactly what she needed.  I’m not usually a fan of books where one of the characters starts out lying, but Ms. Patch handled it quite well in this case, and I could almost feel Holt’s indecision and uncertainty.  He so wanted to tell the truth, but felt bound by honor to follow the rules of his work.  I also loved how the author chose to describe Holt’s journey back to faith, and his dreams being resurrected from the place he had buried them.  The pictures her words created were spot on to explain his emotions and many questions.

My only negative comment is that I found the ending a bit rushed and mildly confusing as I tried to keep everything straight and understand what was going on.  Though my confusion probably almost perfectly matched Blair and Holt’s,  The epilogue was perfect, though!  Definitely worth a reread or two.

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my review!  Oh, and I have to share!  My hope that more stories will be set in this town will be a reality come April 4th!  Final Verdict, which will be Beckett Marsh's book (you'll meet him in this book), is only four months away from being in my hands!  I'm so excited!  You can learn more about it here and as always, there are links below for Concealed Identity. 

Have a grand day!

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