Happily Ever Madder: Misadventures of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee

Reviewed by Laura Kay

Graciela Jones “Ace” has just moved to Pelican Cove, FL to live with her long time love and fiancé, Mason. Not only is she about to marry the man she’s loved most of her life, but she is opening an art gallery—a dream come true. On the opening night of her gallery, Ace finds she’s made an enemy of socialite, Lenore Kennashaw.

Even though all her dreams seem to be coming true, Ace finds herself wanting hot construction worker Kevin. She can’t seem to get her dirty mind off him and all his hunkiness. She wouldn’t have so much time to think about Kevin, but the gallery is well boring. Not nearly as glamorous as she thought it would be oh and even at home she has time on her hands because Mason is ALWAYS at work.
After Ace starts settling in to her new life, she makes a group of great girlfriends to hang out with and even meets some of the neighbors. Do not get her started on the crazies running the homeowners association!

Happily Ever Madder: Misadventures of a Mad Fat Girl is the sequel to Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. I have not read the first book, and I would say you don’t have to, but my guess is I would have enjoyed the second book more had I connected more to Ace. I really didn't ‘get her’ or her big attitude.
I really couldn't relate to Ace and I felt she was very immature for her age. Even though I really didn't connect with her, I did find the book to be somewhat funny and over the top. Not really my thing, but if you are looking for a light easy read I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

I would mention there is language in this book (*not a judgment! I felt her use of language worked for her characters, this is just to let people know).

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The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

The Wild Princess by Mary Hart Perry

Reviewed by Laura Kay

Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria was not your ordinary princess. Not happy with her artistic education with tutors  the Princess fought with her mother to allow her to send her off to art school for a proper artistic education.

It's at art school where the Princess learns about a whole new world, new people, lifestyles--a freedom she had never experienced before and a love that was new to her.

The story begins on the day of Princess Louise's marriage, an arranged marriage. The bridegroom is The Duke of Argyle Lorne. He is handsome and Princess Louise believes she will be very happy, but Lorne has a secret that destroys any chance of the future the Princess wants.

Living only a half life, Princess Louise has her mother's American secret service man, Stephen Byrn--the Raven go in search of a former male friend of her's from art school. A young man who simply disappeared. While searching for the young man, Stephen begins to see the Princess as how she once was--young, beautiful and full of life.

While all this is going on, there is a plot by the Irish to kidnap the Queen and an even bigger threat to the Princess and her closest friend.

I just LOVED this book! I've not read lots of historical fiction, but I have to say I'm hooked! I loved Princess Louise and I wanted more than anything for her to find happiness! I know I will be waiting to read more by Mary Hart Perry! (oh I just love the cover, too!). Highly recommend!!!!

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I am Lucky Bird by Fleur Philips

Reviewed by Charlotte

Twelve year old Lucky Bird finds herself thrown into adulthood when her mother vanishes from a small town in Montana.  When she finally manages to escape an abusive grandmother and the grandmother’s lover, she finds herself into a whole nother world of trouble.  As she heads down a dangerous path, trying to outrun her past.  She meets an amazing family.  If she can meet her past head on there is hope that she can get a normal life finally.

Child abuse is an incredibly tough topic for any person to tackle.   Fleur Philips wrote about it beautifully.  I found myself caring for Lucky Bird and praying that she would finally find her happiness.  I found myself unable to put the book down having to know if she would finally free her demons and find her happy ever after.  I felt that quote really tells why Lucky’s life is as it is.  “Every event that happens in life, happens for a reason, every person you meet, every tragedy that unfolds, every small bit of good that’s bestowed upon you.  There’s a reason for it.”

The plot moves along quickly and the story pulls you right in.  I am Lucky Bird is a worthy read.  It is not light and easy, it will pull at your heart and makes you truly care for Lucky Bird.

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I am Lucky Bird by Fleur Philips

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I was asked to review I am Lucky Bird by BookSparksPR.

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

reviewed by Laura Kay

OVERVIEW (Barnes & Noble):

Here's a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring. Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special.

Winner of the 2012 Caldecott Medal

A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011

A BALL FOR DAISY, is a hardbound wordless book. From the illustrations the story is that of a dog who loves his ball, loses his ball and gains a new friend.

I sat down with my 5 and 3 year old and really wasn't sure what to expect. I can't say I've ever bought a book without words, I sure didn't expect much to be honest with you. Wow was I wrong! Both kids LOVED this book! With each picture they started telling me the story they say on the pages (and yes most of the time telling me at the same time, lol). Not only were they extra animated, but we easily discussed "feelings of losing a toy" and "how do we behave when someone accidentally breaks something of ours." Not only did they both enjoy it, but my three year old has been dragging it around the house so she can "read" it by herself!

This would make a fantastic Christmas gift for your pre-readers! Definite recommend!

Buy a copy for a little one at Barnes & Noble or Amazon!

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace + Giveaway

Reviewed by Charlotte

Alison Pace is an author known for her “dog lit” books, but for many years she has a been a dog lover without a dog.  She grew up with numerous dogs of many shapes and sizes always being a huge part of her family.  You Tell Your Dog First is a story of how a dog person without a dog completes her life by finding the perfect dog for her.

Alison writes a series of short stories or essays in her book You Tell Your Dog First of living a dogless life.  Living in New York it is not easy to find a dog friendly apartment, but she proves if you want it bad enough you can make it happen.  Myself, not being a dog person, rolled my eyes and sighed a few times at some of the extremes, like arranging her schedule so Carly would be at he dog park at the right time meet her “friends” or going to a therapist because Carly liked to go.  But again I am not a dog person, but I do rearrange my schedule and do things just cause of my kids so I could easily relate.  

I enjoyed that this was a dogs story, but also the owners story.  Her struggles with places to live, where to work, if the works she was doing is what she should be doing, and of course the trials that come with dating and finding Mr. Right.  Many times I could relate and sympathize with Alison.

Alison’s writing is wonderful.  Wisdom and humor are so easy to enjoy and read.  You can truly feel Alison’s joy in finding her dog mate.  You Tell Your Dog First is a quick read that any dog lover should definitely check out.

Buy You Tell Your Dog First by Alison Pace

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Strawberry Wine by Lee Adams

Reviewed by Charlotte

Tanya Smith spent every summer at Laurel Lake with her family.  At the lake she has a special group of best friends  only this year there is an addition to that group with Marie having moved to the town.  When that summer is over and Tanya leaves she leaves with a broken heart and does not plan on returning to Laurel Lake for any long term stays again.

Ten years later, Tanya gets a call from Marie’s lawyer that forces her to deal with past and make a future that she never dreamed of.    She finds herself back at Laurel Lake and facing what she left behind.

I read Strawberry Wine in one sitting.  I could not stop, caught in the web of the story by the first chapter.  Laurel Lake reminds me of the wonderful visits I had during my childhood to my grandparents.  The summer friends I made and the memories I still cherish.

The fact that the plot was not as simple as I thought it was going to be made me love the story even more.  The falling love, first love, heading to heart break and the end of summer made Strawberry Wine unable to be put down.  Then to bring it back to the future following the lives of those summer friends and intertwining them as adults, I had to know the ending.

Lee Adams wrote a book where you can connect with the characters easily and truly care about their story and feelings.  This could be the book I give to my friends for their birthdays.  Any reader will be sorry if they pass it up.

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As of December 1, 2009, According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  product reviewers on blogs must disclose whether they received products for free or received payment for their review.

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss

Reviewed by Laura Kay

Overview (from Barnes & Noble):

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday.
The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from arriving by stealing all the presents and food from the village, but much to his surprise it comes anyway.

Seriously, Dr. Seuss at his best! I remember having this book read to me as a little girl, but I'm going to be honest and say I've not read it to my little ones. It's one and has always been one of my favorite stories, but when you see it every year on television you sort of forget to sit down and read it with your kids.

What a great book to sit down with and talk to our kids while reading it. Why do you think Christmas is important? Why do our kids? It's such a powerful story about really remembering the greater meaning behind the holiday, it's not just about the toys. My kids have seen the cartoon every year, but sitting with them and reading HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS was more fun than watching the cartoon (but we will still watch), it was fun talking to them--I sometimes forget to stop while watching a program and find out what they are thinking. Reading to them allows me to remember to take the time.

This is one I'm sure you read as a kid and should read with yours :) Highly recommend!

Buy a copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss today!

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The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

Rick and Wylie’s Fantastical, Magical Adventure Book 1 by And Katsina

reviewed by Charlotte

Before going on vacation with her dad, Rick, Wylie purchases a bag of costume jewelry to use for a school project.  Among the jewelry is a teardrop shaped pebble.  Little did they know how incredibly valuable and powerful this pebble was.

While on vacation in Hawaii, they see Mr. Fang, the odd jeweler from home that upon seeing the pebble wanted to keep it.  On the last day Mr. Fang brews up a magical storm that manages to capsize the tour boat Rick and Wylie are on.  This causes Rick and Wylie to get separated.
Both Rick and Wylie get thrown into magical and mystical worlds.  Wylie must wake up the sleeping Menehume Kingdom.  Rick just wants to find his daughter.

Honestly, I read about 200 pages, 1/3 of the book, and was so confused I had to stop.  I rarely do not finish any book.  I started and tried very hard to continue, but the words just didn’t mean anything to me.
In reading, I did love the descriptions of the scenery.  I could picture Hawaii and I have never been there.  Wylies excitement at seeing the dolphins and spending time with her dad was easy to feel and understand.

The idea of the story was great, but just did not capture my attention.

Buy a copy Rick & Wylie's Fantastical, Magical Adventures Book 1

FTC Disclaimer

As of December 1, 2009, According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  product reviewers on blogs must disclose whether they received products for free or received payment for their review.

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

Redemption on the River by Loren DeShon

reviewed by Charlotte

Silas Jacobson shoots a wasps nest, which of course, causes the wasps to attack.  This causes the death of his father.  With all the guilt he decides to leave the farm.  He travels on the Mississippi River meeting many interesting people.  Silas manages to get in brawls, visit cathouses, learn to gamble, and fall in love.

During Silas’ travels he meets a woman.  This woman has a secret so deep and dark it would change everything if it was to be told.   Silas has to make some tough decisions concerning this woman he has fallen for.  He manages to stay true to who he is, but will he end up with the woman?
Redemption on the River is set in 1848 along the Mississippi River.  I felt like it was a grown up story of Huck Finn.  While getting a lot of history out of the story it didn’t feel like a history lesson.  The story was just told and flowed so smoothly.  Loren DeShon obviously did a lot of research and was able to perfectly take those facts and put them into an attention grabbing story.

The story touches on some very real issues of the 1800’s, racism and slavery predominately.  Deuring this time these things were the norm and some people were beginning to see how unmoral they were.  The Granger Family is a great example of how a small group of people can make a difference to so many people.  Not many people are willing to put their necks out on the line to help others as this family does throughout the whole story.

As Silas traveled it was easy to picture the places he visited and the people he met.  The descriptions were so graphic it felt as though I was next to Silas on the boats, in the cathouses, or at the local bar.  I loved all the incredibly interesting people he ran into throughout the whole book.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone.  It is a great gift idea and I am very thankful that I got the opportunity to read it.

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FTC Disclaimer

As of December 1, 2009, According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  product reviewers on blogs must disclose whether they received products for free or received payment for their review.

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

Bicoastal Babe by Cynthia Langston

reviewed by Charlotte

Lindsey Miller got a dream job tracking the hot trends and writing about it in “The Pulse.”  The only problem is she isn’t really sure what the hot trends are or how to track them.  By taking this job, she has to give up the comforts of her home in Chicago and become a Bicoastal Babe, spending a couple weeks in New York and a couple in Los Angeles.

In each location she is on the “in” list to visit all the hot spots.  Getting invited to the hottest clubs, cafes, and parties is a huge perk.  Lindsey also has a boyfriend in each city and feels guilty about this.  When her partner portrays her as un-hip during a television interview she fears her job is over and that she will have to decided whether to live in glamourous Manhatten, laid back New York, or head home to Chicago.  

I read this book quickly.  The writing and story flowed together perfectly, keeping the story going with no lagging.  Lindsey is the character I instantly loved.  She is so real with flaws and all. The fact the Lindsey took her dream job with very little knowledge of what to do made me shake my head and smile, but I loved that she never gave up and eventually became the stronger of the two ladies writing “The Pulse.”

The ending (I won’t give it away) left me hoping for a sequel.  Never ever would I have ever thought up an ending like Cynthia Langston did, but I loved it.  Everything about BiCoastal Babe was wonderful.  I would highly recommend this to any of my girlfriends. 

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FTC Disclaimer
As of December 1, 2009, According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  product reviewers on blogs must disclose whether they received products for free or received payment for their review.

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

The Charmed Soul by Christine Wenrick

Reviewed by Charlotte

Olivia has left Caleb on his own to realize that their love is true, not something he feels because she is a Charmed.  While Caleb is figuring this out, Olivia goes with the Brethern to learn and train her special skills.  While training Olivia finds out the true story of her family, including that she has a family member still alive.

Olivia returns to Caleb, after he comes for her.   Alec, Olivia’s guardian must accompany her to be sure she is kept safe.  Alec and Gemma start having feelings and a relationship starts.  This causes Jax, the matriarch of the coven to hide his hurt feelings over Gemma leaving the house to live at the condo in the city.  Olivia pushes both Jax and Gemma to discuss their feelings in hope of a happy ending for them both.

The Charmed Soul is book two of the Charmed Series.  Many times in a series the follow-up nooks do not live up to the original book, in this series that is not the truth.  If anything this book was better then the first book.  The story of Olivia continued as if it never ended, picking up right where book one took off.

I loved how the piano from the first book (incredibly hot scene) was included with another incredibly hot scene.  The love and attraction Olivia and Caleb felt for each other was portrayed as so intense and personal that at times I felt myself blushing or feeling like I should look away.

At the end of the first book I was hoping that the follow up book would have more of  Jax and Gemma’s story and Christine did not let me down.   Finding out more of their history, both together and before they knew each other, only made me want their happy ever after more.  And I was not disappointed .
The last page of the story has left me craving the next book in the series.  The Charmed series in a set of books I most definitely will read over and over again.  I cannot wait until book 3 will be available.

Christine Wenrick Website

Buy it!

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I was given the honor of reading an ARC copy given to me by the author, Christine Wenrick.

Down at the Golden Coin by Kim Strickland

Reviewed by Charlotte

Annie, a furloughed airline pilot, goes down to the local run down laundry mat because her washer has broken.  Never did she dream she would meet Violet there or that her life would be turned around so drastically.  Violets levitates a bottle of TIDE, can read minds, and sends Annie into past lives. Violet turns out to be a Messiah for Annie.

Let me start by saying that I am not usually into reading self-help type stories, but I enjoyed Down at the Golden Coin.  There were some parts that I didn’t quite get.  A couple of the flashbacks didn’t do it for me, but by the time they were done and Violet was explaining her reasoning I went “Oh, I see it now.”  I did like the idea behind the flashbacks though.

With each chapter a different lesson was brought and taught.  Many times I found myself looking at my own life and seeing how I could take that lesson and apply it to what I have been feeling or going through.  One of my favorite lessons learned “Can’t let these things, which you consider negative, to dominate your thoughts.  Of course, you have to think about them.  You need to give them time and attention they deserve…..redirect your thoughts to something else.”

Whether you are looking for self help or not this book should be read by all.  It has lessons that every person regardless of where you are in your life you should learn and know.


Author Bio:

                                                
Kim Strickland lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, two cats and one dog. She also blogs as A City Mom at Chicago Now.Down at the Golden Coin is her second novel. When she 'snot being a mom or a writer, she flies jets for a major airline, which means, every once in a while, she gets to eat an entire meal sitting down.

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Buy a copy of DOWN AT THE GOLDEN COIN

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FTC Disclaimer
As of December 1, 2009, According to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC),  product reviewers on blogs must disclose whether they received products for free or received payment for their review.

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

The Earl’s Outrageous Lover by Elizabeth Lennox

Reviewed by Charlotte

Jessica’s parents pass away and the wil states she must marry before she is twenty five years old, which is twelve months from the beginning of the story.  If she does not marry all of her father’s factories will be closed and destroyed leaving thousands of workers jobless.  With only weeks left before she turns twenty five, Jessica has yet to find that one special person.  She has had many offers and things she may just have to settle.

Charles has been “helping” Jessica meet all the right men with no success.  When he is unable to keep helping her turns her over to his nephew, Edward Livingston, to continue the help.  Edward takes her to all the right places and introduces her to all the right people.

As soon as Edward was put in charge of Jessica, I knew how this would end, but getting there was so entertaining.  Watching Edward circle around Jessica to keep her only meeting the right kind of men, while knowing that none of the men would be Mr. Right was so fun.  Jessica  and Edward both fourth their attraction and feelings for each other, but were extremely jealous and protective of one another.
I truly enjoyed this short and easy read and am awaiting the next book by Elizabeth Lennox.  If your looking for a quick and easy story check out the The Earl’s Outrageous Lover.

Elizabeth Lennox website

I received an ecopy of this book as part of a blog tour.

Sweetness by Lindsay Paige

Reviewed by Charlotte

Moving to the new town with her dad, Emily becomes invisible.  She does not make eye contact, speaking very softly or not at all, and keeping her headphones on to block everyone out.  When Jake, star of the hockey team, asks her to be his partner for a school project Emily starts coming out of her shell.    Jake helps Emily overcome her past and Emily helps Jake with his past.  Making their lives forever changed.

By looking only at the title and length of the book you may assumes it will be a quick and easy adult romance story.  Although it is a quick and easy read it is not your typical young adult boy meets girl and falls in love story.   The topics of the book are very serious.  Verbal abuse, parent abandonment and drug/alcohol abuse.

Emily and Jake are the main characters, both are young with troubled lives.  Fortunately, they find each other at pivotal points and manage to save each other.  It was absolutely heartwarming to see a popular boy go against the grain and be friends with the unpopular girl in school.

I loved how Emily’s dad played a huge part in Emily and Jake’s story.  His support of Emily and understanding and trust of Jake’s role in Emily’s recovery was amazing.  Not many dad’s that I know would be able to step back and let a young boyfriend be Emily’s anchor though the rough times.

This book is amazing.  Lindsay Paige is an author to keep an eye on.  I cannot wait to read the rest of this series.  If you are looking for a great Young Adult Romance, Sweetness is a perfect choice.

Sweetness by Lindsay Paige

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THE MERMAID COLLECTOR by Erika Marks + Giveaway

Reviewed by Laura Kay

 

Is there a better backdrop for a story than the ocean, beaches, lighthouses and mermaids? I think not!  Erika Marks brings to life a story of The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888 to life with Lydia and Linus Harris. Linus is the lighthouse keeper in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887. Together they are simply a young couple setting up a home and hoping to start a family. When an unfathomable event occurs---changes everything for this couple and the town. 

A century later, the legend of Lydia and Linus lives on and is celebrated with a Mermaid Festival. For Tess Patterson this is a magical time. Tess is a local artist who recently was commissioned to make a mermaid wood carved statue for the town.

Tess is looking for acceptance from the townspeople with their noses in the air. Whereas Tom Grace (new in town) isn't looking to please the community of Cradle Harbor. He just wants a fresh start for himself and younger brother, Dean. 

Tom and Tess make the perfect couple, but is their desire to change their pasts going to doom their future? 

I LOVED The Mermaid Collector! I had begun reading it the day before my dad passed away and finished it the week after his funeral. As I read the last few chapters, I couldn't put The Mermaid Collector down. Not only was this a fantastically written story, but Marks wrote with such truth. As I read at 3am in the morning tears fell. 

Erika Marks did an amazing job of weaving the two stories together. I was completely taken in with Lydia's story. You get tid bits along the way, so you get an idea of how it will end---yet as it draws to a close you want a different ending! I just couldn't accept that was how it was going to end.

As I read about Tess & Tom I just kept wanting them to let go of their past--knowing you hinder your future if you are always looking backwards.

The only thing that could have made this a better read was if I could have read it on a New England beach, with a hot tea, wearing a cable knit sweater with the background sound of waves crashing and the tingling sounds of wind chimes. 

An absolute perfect fall read! I highly recommend THE MERMAID COLLECTOR! 

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Erika joined us a few weeks back for a Q&A make sure to check it out!

The books we review on this site (A NOVEL REVIEW) are sent to us by publishers, authors or downloaded from Netgalley. This is a very common practice.  We never take payments for these reviews and all the reviews on this site are our own thoughts and feelings and are not influenced.

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