Friday, September 28, 2012

Feature and Giveaway: THE GILDED LILY by Deborah Swift


Thanks to Amy Bruno of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, I am giving away one print copy of The Gilded Lily.

Book Description:

Winter 1661

Timid Sadie Appleby has always lived in her small village. One night she is rudely awoken by her older and bolder sister, Ella, who has robbed her employer and is on the run. The girls flee their rural home of Westmorland to head for London, hoping to lose themselves in the teeming city. But the dead man's relatives are in hot pursuit, and soon a game of cat and mouse begins.

Ella becomes obsessed with the glitter and glamour of city life and sets her sights on flamboyant man-about-town, Jay Whitgift. But nothing is what it seems - not even Jay Whitgift.

Can Sadie survive a fugitive's life in the big city? But even more pressing, can she survive life with her older sister Ella? And when an altogether different danger threatens Ella's life, will Sadie run to the rescue, or turn the other cheek?

Set in London's atmospheric coffee houses, the rich mansions of Whitehall, and the pawnshops, slums and rookeries hidden from rich men's view, The Gilded Lily is about beauty and desire, about the stories we tell ourselves, and about how sisterhood can be both a burden and a saving grace.


About Deborah Swift:

DEBORAH SWIFT, a set and costume designer for the BBC, lives in Windermere, England. THE LADY'S SLIPPER, shortlisted for The Impress Novelists Prize in 2007, was inspired by her own discovery of the rare orchid during a summer walk.  For more information on Deborah Swift and her novels, please visit her website at www.deborahswift.co.uk.

This giveaway is open internationally and ends on October 12, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Giveaway:The Indigo Pheasant by Daniel A. Rabuzzi


Thanks to Beverly Bambury Marketing Manager of ChiZine Publications, I am giving away one eBook copy of The Indigo Pheasant.

Book Description:

London 1817. Maggie Collins, born into slavery in Maryland, whose mathematical genius and strength of mind can match those of a goddess, must build the world's most powerful and sophisticated machine—to free the lost land of Yount from the fallen angel Strix Tender Wurm. Sally, of the merchant house McDoon, who displayed her own powers in challenging the Wurm and finding Yount in The Choir Boats, must choose either to help Maggie or to hinder her. Together—or not—Maggie and Sally drive to conclusion the story started in The Choir Boats—a story of blood-soaked song, family secrets, sins new and old in search of expiation, forbidden love, high policy and acts of state, financial ruin, betrayals intimate and grand, sorcery from the origins of time, and battle in the streets of London and on the arcane seas of Yount.

About Daniel A. Rabuzzi:

Daniel A. Rabuzzi studied folklore and mythology in college and graduate school, and keeps one foot firmly in the Other Realm.  

ChiZine Publications published his first novel, The Choir Boats: Volume One of Longing for Yount, in 2009, and in 2012 brought out the sequel and series conclusion, The Indigo Pheasant: Volume Two of Longing for Yount. 

Daniel's short fiction and poetry have appeared in Sybil's Garage, Shimmer, ChiZine, Lady Churchill's Rosebud Wristlet, Abyss & Apex, Goblin Fruit, Mannequin Envy, Bull Spec, Kaleidotrope, and Scheherezade's Bequest.  He has presented at Arisia, Readercon, Lunacon, and the Toronto Speculative Fiction Colloquium. He has also had twenty scholarly and professional articles published on subjects ranging from fairy tale to finance.

A former banker, Daniel earned his doctorate in 18th-century history, with a focus on family, gender and commerce in northern Europe. He is now an executive at a national workforce development organization in New York City, where he lives with his wife and soulmate, the artist Deborah A. Mills (who illustrated and provided cover art for both Daniel's novels), along with the requisite two cats.

This eBook giveaway is open worldwide and ends on October 12, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Review & Giveaway Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck


Set in depression era, Key West Florida, Mariella Bennet has even rougher than most.  She is only 18 years old and her fisherman, father recently died, leave her mother, two younger sisters and herself.  Her mother, still greiving is unable to care for the family, she just sits in her chair day after day smoking.  It is up to Mariella to care for and feed the family.

At first she was taking odd jobs on the docks and some of the fishermen who knew her father would give her a fish to feed the family.  However, her luck changed when she went to a boxing match at the area bar, Slopy Joes, dressed as a boy.  That was when she first met Ernest Hemingway.

He told her that he always wanted a daughter and that she should call him Papa.  They started going out together, he at 35 years of age but she also meets one of the boxers, Gavin from that night's match.  Will she end up with either of them?

Finally, Mariella gets up the nerve to ask Hemingway for a job and starts working at his family estate.  His wife, Pauline isn't too happy about it because she know her husband has his sights on Mariella.  However, now Mariella is bringing home pay every week and can better care for the family.

Full with a cast of both regular and eccentic charicters Erika Robuck makes use of a hurricane to build tensions in this book.  She examines Hemingway, the man in his habitat and shows though he did appear larger than life, he was just a man.  With warts and all.

I really enjoyed this book for the laid back summer read it was and warmed up to it more and more as I read more.  The story was written is an easy to read style.  I would have like the author to delve a bit deeper but like I said, I still enjoyed it.

3.5/5

Also reviewed at:


I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

Thanks to Heidi Richter Senior Publicist at Penguin Group ( USA), Inc., I am giving away one copy of Hemingway's Daughter.  This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. and ends on October 11, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Giveaway: My Enemy’s Tears: The Witch of Northampton by Karen Vorbeck Williams


Thanks to Babs Chandrasoma of PR by the Book, I am giving away one copy of My Enemy’s Tears: The Witch of Northampton.

Book Description:

RUMFORD, R.I. – Like many young girls, Karen Vorbeck Williams grew up hearing tales about witches and enjoyed the delicious fright they gave her. Except one thing made them hit a little bit closer to home: a witch in her family history.

 These stories, told by her grandmother, instilled a lifelong fascination in Karen with her ancestor and the witchcraft trial she endured long before the infamous Salem witch trials that took place in the same region.

 After 20 years of research and writing, Karen put her family history into novel form. My Enemy’s Tears: The Witch of Northampton is based on the historical record of her 11th great-grandmother Mary Bliss Parsons and Mary’s arch enemy Sarah Lyman Bridgeman. Their lives trace the journey of not only the English Separatists to the New World and the growth of the first settlements along the Connecticut River from Hartford and Springfield to Northampton, but the lives of women in 17th century New England as well.

 The Puritans in Hartford find the wilderness a terrifying place full of warring natives, pestilences and floods, blazing comets, earthquakes and hurricanes—all portents of God’s anger - or a witch’s meddling curse.

 The two women spend their married lives in the villages of Springfield and Northampton , where a youthful disagreement festers into a reason to hate and then fear each other. In a time when a woman’s worth and a man’s wealth were counted in sons, Sarah’s sons died in infancy as Mary gave birth to six sons, one after another. Sarah believed that since Mary was a witch, she made a trade-off with the Devil – her living children for Sarah’s dead children. As the years pass, Sarah accuses Mary of murder by witchcraft, prompting a trial before the Court of Assistants in Boston in 1675—17 years before the Salem witch trials.

 My Enemy’s Tears looks at two lives—one blessed and one cursed—and the transcendent power of forgiveness.

About Karen Vorbeck Williams:

KAREN VORBECK WILLIAMS, an 11th generation descendant of Mary Bliss Parsons, heard the story of the witch of Northampton at her grandmother’s knee. She has lived in New England for more than 35 years where she found the inspiration, settings and spirit for her first published novel.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada and ends on October 10, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Giveaway: The Underwater Window by Dan Stephenson


Thanks to Caitlin Hamilton Summie  Marketing  and Publicity, I am giving away one ebook copy of  The Underwater Window.
Cover Copyright 2012 Ginny Glass and Untreed Reads Publishing
Book Description:
The Underwater Window is a novel set in the swimming world, and it's an moving and uplifting story, beautifully told. The story centers around Doyle Wilson, who is a 24 year old swimmer reaching the end of his career in the pool, but determined to have one last chance at Olympic glory, and Archie, Doyle's best friend, teammate, competitor and nemesis. Doyle has always fought and struggled for everything he has earned in competition, but for Archie, success in the water has always come easy. Doyle has given up much to reach for the gold... deferring medical school, declining his dream job of becoming a swimming coach at his alma mater, and sacrificing relationships, possibly even the love of his life, Molly. What Doyle learns about himself in the process is inspirational.
About Dan Stephenson:
Dan Stephenson is an attorney who practices in Los Angeles. He was captain of the UCLA swim team in the 1970s and was a Pac-10 champion and All-American. Dan currently swims in masters competitions and won four gold medals at the 2012 FINA Masters World Championships in Riccione, Italy. He holds two masters world records. Dan lives in Altadena, California with his wife Tracey. He has two grown children and a grandson. His website is http://www.danstephensonauthor.com/.                                           
This giveaway is available for those who can read eBooks and ends on October 9, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Monday, September 24, 2012

Mailbox Monday

Mailbox Monday now has it's very own blog, Mailbox Monday. It is also on tour and is being hosted by  BookNAround in September. 

It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted Mailbox Monday because I've been so busy but here is what I have received in the last couple weeks:


I bought the Ebook.

I bought the eBook.
Thanks to St. Martian's Press.  I didn't request this because I am a bit tired of the Tudors right now but I probably will read it at some point.
Thanks to Doug Seibold of Agate Publishing for sending me this book.  I haven't tried any of the recipes yet because some of the ingredients are not readily available at my grocery or health food stores.  I will need to make a trip to Little India in town.  Anupy Singla will be at  Barbara Jo's Books to Cook in Vancouver on October 13th at 11AM!

This and the following books I received unsolicited and are not in my preferred genres.  I will find a home for them. 

Anyone who know me at would knows I am not into sports, especially baseball.  LOL!








Friday, September 21, 2012

Giveaway: Hellfire by Rickard DeMille


Thanks to BK Walker of Virtual Book Tour Cafe, I am giving away Kindle  copy of Hellfire.

Book Description:

An International Debut Dagger Award Finalist.

“Packed with action, emotion and suspense.” --Crime Writers Association

“A must read for any fan of the thriller genre” -- Joe Nassise, Internationally best selling author Of Eyes to See and the Templar Chronicles

US Marine Travis Deacon always loves catching some R&R. And he loves being in Wales to catch it, until his best friend, SAS Major Gareth Jones, dies in an "auto accident." When Travis asks too many questions about Gareth's death, MI5 steps in and tries to send him back to Afghanistan. Then, the international terrorist who killed his friend, tries to send Travis to hell.

It gets worse when Detective Sergeant Dee Jones, Gareth's sister, arrests Travis to find out if he’s involved. Together, convinced that Gareth was murdered, Travis and Dee search for the killer. They dodge terrorist assassins and British agents in their search across Wales for the truth. Suddenly, the murder investigation becomes a frantic race to prevent a terrorist attack that could change the world.

“Strap yourself in for Rickard B DeMille’s  HELLFIRE, a page-turner full of humor,  reluctant romance, and plot twists that will  have you writhing in your seat.”
  --Margaret Bailey, author of Diamond in the Sky and the Waves of Amber trilogy

About Rickard B. Demille:

I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada to Rickard and Anita DeMille, who also provided five younger siblings for my amusement- four brothers and a sister. After graduating from Las Vegas High School I attended Brigham Young University. After my freshman year I spent two years in Venezuela and Colombia doing missionary work, then returned to BYU where I graduated with a BA in Spanish. Since then, I’ve focused my efforts on BS.

After college I was commissioned an Officer of Marines. I became a Combat Engineer, and ran my battalion’s computerized maintenance system. Soon after leaving the Corps, I moved to Houston, TX, where I resumed working with computers. I’d also picked up three kids along the way - Rick, Dave and Rob. Ten years later, I moved to Dallas, re-married the wonderful Tracy Ellis, and picked up two stepsons, Mark and Matt. I also began working with a group of exceptional Welshmen. It’s been over twenty years, Tracy and the Welshmen are still in my life. In those years I’ve also earned a Masters of Ministry and a Masters of Divinity from the Golden State School of Theology. Preparing a masters thesis rekindled my passion for writing.

A few years ago, I began to write seriously.  Since then, I’ve had short stories and articles published, in print and online. My work has been published by BeWrite, Darklines, Eros and Rust, and others sites. One of my short stories was published in the Australian anthology ADUMBRA. I also write screenplays and finished 18th in the 2010 Writer’s Digest Screenplay competition in 2010, and 16th in the 2011 competition.

Recently I finished my first novel, HELLFIRE (formerly A MURDER IN MUMBLES), a thriller set in Wales. HELLFIRE was a finalist in the 2010 Debut Dagger contest sponsored by the Crime Writers’ Association in London, and the 2010 SouthWest Writers contest. In 2011, I signed a contract with Transit Publishing, and HELLFIRE was published in February of 2012 as an eBook. In July of 2012 HELLFIRE was republished by MacDonald, Barclay and Co. in both paperback and eBook formats.

I published my Masters Thesis entitled BIBLE STUDY: DEFENDING DANIEL, an examination of the historical, archaeological and linguistic context for the Biblical book of Daniel. I have already begun work on a sequel to HELLFIRE, currently titled COYOTE MIDNIGHT, which is set in Texas.

My Website is: www.rickardbdemille.com
My blog is: demillewriter.wordpress.com
The Amazon link is:
 http://amzn.to/NE1ysW

This giveaway is for an the Kindle version and is open worldwide.  It ends on October 5, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Thursday, September 20, 2012

Giveaway: The Carrage Trade by Lisa Deon


Thanks to BK Walker of Virtual Book Tour Cafe, I am giving away one ebook copy of The Carriage Trade.

Book Description:

How do you get to a "Happily Ever After" when you can't remember where it began?

Carlin "Carlos" Farley's life is an open book. Unfortunately, she can't remember most of it.   She's losing her barn manager, Bill, the guy who's been running her horse drawn carriage business while she's been in extended care recovering from an accident. Bill has always been there for her, in fact they've grown up together, but now he wants to pursue the career he put on hold and Carlin's resigned to the idea that he's leaving her.

Bill Fantazma is the kind of guy who always tries to do the right thing. But sometimes doing the right thing is not the right thing to do. He's been in charge of Carlin's care and the business he helped acquire for her, and has accepted the accident and her subsequent brain damage as a chance for a do-over, since his previous actions to attract her affection were less than honorable.

Richard Cooper appears to be the answer to their business problems. Knowledgeable about horses, willing to step in and take over the barn manager position, helpful and solicitous to Carlin, he's not put off by her sometimes bizarre and quirky behavior.

But when Richard sees an opportunity to move in and draw Carlin's affection, Bill realizes just what she means to him and must make a decision; come clean about their past and risk her anger, or step aside to allow Richard to have a romantic relationship with the woman Bill has loved all of his life.

It's a romance she can't remember and he can never forget.

Websites             www.LisaDeon.com

Purchase Links            

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Lisa+deon 

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/173389

https://www.createspace.com/3832588
 
About Lisa Deon:

Lisa Deon told stories for years before she ever thought of writing them down. Had it not been for the invention of the PC and Microsoft Word, she never would have, because typing was just not her thing. So much so that her first novel, written in Junior High, was dictated to a friend who was a superior typist, speller and had a much better appreciation for proper grammar and punctuation. After they parted ways, Lisa shared her tales by cornering people at cocktail parties and telling them stories until someone had to give up and go pee. Now, with the advent of the previously mentioned technological miracles, you can enjoy Lisa's yarns in the comfort and privacy of your home and use the restroom whenever the spirit moves you, without having to formulate a creative way of escaping her clutches, like faking a heart attack or pulling the fire alarm.

Offline, she has three rescue dogs, a rescue husband, a daughter in the military, a mother living in her basement (of her own free will) a beloved but seldom ridden Appaloosa and is babysitting a Bearded Dragon. Or would that be Dragon-sitting? Either way, her favorite foods are wine and popcorn, her favorite color is dog, and her favorite smell is horse. Not necessarily in that order. 

This giveaway is for an ebook and is open worldwide.  It ends on October 4, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Giveaway: On a Foreign Field by Hazel West


Thanks to BK Walker of Virtual Book Tour Cafe, I am giving away one Kindle copy of On a Foreign Field.

Book Description:

Sir Reeve Montgomery is an Englishman born and bred, proud of his heritage and the right to serve his country fighting against the Scottish rebels. But when the tide is turned unexpectedly during the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he is wounded by an English arrow, left for dead by his comrades, and taken captive by Wallace's army. Wounded, and alone on a foreign field, he knows he should expect nothing but torture and death at the hands of the Scottish rebels who are known to be complete savages.

But as he comes to know this tight brotherhood better, and sees Wallace's utter devotion to his men and the cause of freedom, Reeve begins to wonder whether the English are right to oppress them.

Faced with these troubling thoughts, Reeve must decide whether he will stay true to his king, or join this brotherhood of freedom fighters, thus turning his back on everything he has ever known or believed in.
This new novel by Hazel West is a thought-provoking, heartfelt read about the true meaning of loyalty and brotherhood.

About Hazel West:

Hazel West spends a good bit of time writing historical fiction about brave men and women who have graced the pages of history, trying to bring more light to their legacies so readers of all ages will enjoy them. West's  favorite things to do are writing, obviously, listening to and playing Irish and Scottish folk music, practicing with all eras and types of historical weaponry, drinking GOOD COFFEE, and reading good books. She is currently live in Florida.

This giveaway is open to anyone who can read the Kindle version of this book and ends on October 3, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Giveaway: A Place Called Armageddon by C.C. Humphreys

Thanks to Liz Kelsch of Sourcebooks, I am giving away one copy of A Place Called Armageddon.

Book Description:

You know how the siege of Constantinople ends. It’s written in the history books.
But what was the human toll? What are the stories of the people involved? How did they experience this epic battle that tore apart cultures, religions, and families?
That is what you will discover in author C.C. Humphreys’ new novel A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453 (ISBN 9781402272493; SEPTEMBER 2012; $25.99; Fiction; Hardcover).

The year is 1453. The city of Constantinople is at the center of a clash of civilizations. For the Greeks, it’s their home that has withstood attacks for centuries behind mighty walls. For the Turks, it’s the prize they have spent centuries trying to win.

Humphreys features a wide cast of characters from both sides of the rampart in A Place Called Armageddon. At the center are Gregoras and Theon. Twin brothers from Constantinople. One an exiled mercenary who has vowed never to return. The other a rising diplomatic star hiding a secret of betrayal. A woman who has captured one’s heart, but is married to the other as a trophy. Two brothers fighting for glory and redemption.

A Place Called Armageddon also imagines what the battle meant for two real-life historical figures—Emperor Constantine and Mehmet, sultan of the Turks. Both men fighting for the gods they believe in. Both sides tasting victory and defeat before the final showdown. Among those fighting is engineer John Grant, a Scotsman brought to Constantinople to recover the formula for Greek fire, and Achmed, a Turkish farmer lured into service by the promise of the spoils of war. Lurking in the shadows is Leilah, a sorceress who plays a dangerous game with both sides.

From sword fights with pirates to explosions in tunnels and towers, secret rendezvous in the enemy camp, and the religious and moral dilemmas of war, Humphreys once again uses his dramatic flair and meticulous research to weave fiction into fact.

About C.C. Humphrey:

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys is an actor, playwright, fight choreographer, and novelist. He has acted all over the world and appeared on stages ranging from London’s West End to Hollywood’s Twentieth Century Fox. As C.C. Humphreys, Chris has written six historical fiction novels. The first, The French Executioner, told the tale of the man who killed Anne Boleyn and was runner up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers 2002. Its sequel, Blood Ties, was a bestseller in Canada. Having played Jack Absolute, he stole the character and has written three books on this “007 of the 1770s”—Jack Absolute, The Blooding of Jack Absolute, and Absolute Honour—short listed for the 2007 Evergreen Prize by the Ontario Library Association. He is also the author of Vlad: The Last Confession (Sourcebooks, 2011). For more information, visit http://www.cchumphreys.com/.

This giveaway is open to those who live in the U.S. only and ends on October 2, 2012.
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Saturday, September 15, 2012

Giveaway: The White Forest by Adam McOmber


Thanks to Justina Batchelor of Touchstone * Simon & Schuster, I am giving away one copy of The White Forest.

Book Description:

Jane Silverlake is a lonely young woman with a strange, inexplicable gift – ever since her mother’s mysterious death she has been able to hear the souls of man-made objects. The frightening sounds from the artifacts in her father’s crumbling estate on the edge of Hampstead Heath plague her constantly, but she finds solace in the peaceful silence she hears from nature. Jane is happiest when exploring the heath with her only companions, Madeline Lee and Nathan Ashe.

Suddenly Nathan disappears from the streets of Victorian London without a trace.  Jane quickly discovers she can trust no one. In order to save everything she holds dear, she must discover the origins of her talent and use it to find Nathan, before it’s too late.  This search will lead Jane to a place beyond her wildest imaginings and will reveal vast reserves of power and strength within her she never dreamed she possessed. For more information on the book: CLICK HERE

About Adam McOmber:

Adam McOmber teaches creative writing at Columbia College Chicago and is the associate editor of the literary magazine Hotel Amerika. Stories from his collection, This New and Poisonous Air, have been shortlisted for Best American Fantasy and nominated for two Pushcart Prizes in 2012.

Sorry, this giveaway is for the U.S. only and ends on September 25, 2012.  Please use Rafflecopter to enter.
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Friday, September 14, 2012

Giveaway Winners Galore

Thanks to everyone who entered the following giveaways! Winners, please reply to the email I sent you today within 48 hours to claim your books. After 2 days you will be disqualified and a new winner will be picked. Rafflecopter picks all winners using Random.org.


Thanks again to Anna Balasi of Little Brown and Company for making this giveaway possible!


The winners are:
Marjorie T.
Julia H.
Margaret C.




Thanks again to Jessica Butler of Penguin Group, USA for making this giveaway possible!  

The winner is:
Marjorie T.






Thanks again to Jocelyn Kelley of Kelley & Hall Book Publicity for making this giveaway possible!

The winner is:
Marjorie T.






Thanks again to Aleksandra Mencel of St. Martin's Press for making this giveaway possible!

The winner is:
Janet P.






Thanks again to Babs Chandrasoma of PR by the Book for making this giveaway possible!

The winner is:
Anita Y.






Thanks again to Nicole Langan of  Tribute Books for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Anne

Thanks again to Kate Traynor of Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc for making this giveaway possible!

The winner is:
Anita Y.






Thanks again to Katie Olsen of Little Bird Publicity for making this giveaway possible!

The winner is:
Jeannie T.






Thanks again to BK Walker of Virtual Book Tour Cafe for making this giveaway possible.

The winner is:
Julia H.

Thanks to again to Jennifer Reese of Forever Romance for making this giveaway possible!

The winners are:
Jolene A.
Joanne Already won
Julia Already won
Lisa G. No Reply
Beth
Kathleen


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