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October 2022 MBR The Romantic Fiction Shelf
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Midwest Book Review
Nov 2, 2022, 11:03:44 PM11/2/22
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The Romantic Fiction Shelf
Siena My Love
Tom Bisogno
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639884322, $14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Siena-My-Love-Tom-Bisogno/dp/1639884327
Siena My Love is both an Italian cultural exploration and a love story. It follows teen singing sensation Michael Ventura on an unexpected journey back home to his roots after a powerful career traveling the world as an idol. Michael has long been on a roll of success, but when family needs him, he readily returns home. There, he confronts not only changes and new responsibilities, but childhood friend Sophia, who has also matured and changed in the years they've been apart.
The story opens with a turning point in Michael's life and career choices. The pivot point explored in the prologue creates the first draw to readers before chapters fill in the blanks of past events, relationships with parents, early life in Italy, and the circumstances that led Michael to become a star.
Tom Bisogno takes the time to thoroughly explore Italian culture and the various forces that influence Michael's attitude and his relationship with Sophia: "...we're not naive teens back at the Palio where we didn't understand our hormones or how to express our feelings. I told you before how much I regretted disappearing on you for all those years. Because of that, I really didn't want to mess up your life by interfering in it."
From musical interludes to changing friendships, love, and wishes come true, Siena My Love is a sweet story of growth and revelation that embraces family, friendships, and adventures around the world. Its warm story of growth on personal and professional levels gives a heartfelt read to those who enjoy clean romance tales steeped in cultural traditions and artistic environments.
Libraries interested in acquisitions which feature strong characters that come together from different perspectives will welcome Siena My Love's evocative embrace.
Lord Winterton's Secret
Kitty-Lydia Dye
Linford Romance Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444849554, $23.00, PB, Large Print, 264pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lord-wintertons-secret-kitty-lydia-dye/1141644678
Synopsis: Virtue Browne was once childhood friends with the mysterious Lord Winterton. But now villagers avoid the crumbling wreck of his manor house on the dunes, and gossips whisper that the young lord is involved in arcane rituals. A headstrong governess too inquisitive for her own good, Virtue will encounter romance, mystery and smugglers at her first posting. Is there a logical explanation for the strange things she sees? Or will she become another soul lost in the rumored secret tunnels?
Critique: A carefully crafted historical romance by an author with an impressive knack for storytelling, "Lord Winterton's Secret" by Kitty-Lydia Dye is an extraordinarily entertaining read from beginning to end. This large print paperback edition from the Linden Romance Library series is particularly recommended for community library collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated historical romance fans.
Editorial Note: An accomplished novelist and blogger, Kitty-Lydia Dye has a dedicated website at https://kittylydiadye.blogspot.com
Someone Else's Honeymoon
Phoebe MacLeod
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781804262405, $39.00, PB, Large Print, 362pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someone-elses-honeymoon-phoebe-macleod/1141663669
Synopsis: When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart. Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he's never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better. Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart. Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?
Critique: As a comedic romance novelist, Phoebe MacLeod, the author of "Someone Else's Honeymoon" has an impressive talent for the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that fully engages and entertains her readers from first page to last. This large print paperback edition from Boldwood Books will prove a welcome and enduringly popular addition to community library Contemporary Romance collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans looking for a fun read.
Editorial Note: Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular romantic comedies. She lives in Kent with her partner, grown up children and disobedient dog. Her love for her home county is apparent in her books, which have either been set in Kent or have a Kentish connection. She currently works as an IT consultant and writes in her spare time. She has always had a passion for learning new skills, including cookery courses, learning to drive an HGV and, most recently, qualifying to instruct on a Boeing 737 flight simulator.
Single All The Way
Portia Macintosh
https://portiamacintosh.com
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781800487987, $39.99, PB, Large Print, 406pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/single-all-the-way-portia-macintosh/1141490055
Synopsis: When Dani's boyfriend (and boss!) dumps her for a younger model, the only silver lining she can see is to now being able to spend Christmas at home with her family after years away.
Determined to surprise them, Dani turns up unannounced in her hometown, excited to see that the festive season in Marram Bay is in full swing with Christmas lights twinkling on every corner. But disaster strikes when she finds her parents' house is empty and they appear to have gone away on holiday!
Christmas alone and single is not ideal, and when Dani starts bumping into old friends, neighbors and potential love interests, she can't face telling them the truth. So in a panic she claims to be home to throw a Christmas party for the whole town -- easier said than done with 12 days to go before Christmas!
As the fake party approaches, little does Dani know that there may be someone there under the mistletoe for her, if she can just let her guard down and see them...
Critique: A Christmas romance novel that will be enjoyed by its readers at any time of year, "Single All The Way" by novelist Portia MacIntosh is a fun and impressively well crafted novel. This large print paperback edition of "Single All The Way" is especially recommended for both personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans and community library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Portia MacIntosh (https://portiamacintosh.com) is a master of the romantic comedy genre including "Just Date and See", "The Meet Cute Method", "The Time of Our Lives", "Life's a Beach", "Will They Won't They", and "The Accidental Honeymoon.
Something in the Heir
Suzanne Enoch
Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9781250842527, $16.99, Trade PB, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Something-Heir-Novel-Suzanne-Enoch/dp/1250842522
Synopsis: Emmeline and William Pershing have enjoyed a perfectly convenient marriage for eight years. Their relationship is a seamless blend of their talents and goals. They've settled into separate, well-ordered lives beneath the same roof, and are content to stay that way -- or so Emmeline thinks. And if William has secretly longed for a bit more from the woman he adores, he's managed to be content with her supreme skills as a hostess and planner, which has helped him advance his career.
Then when Emmeline's grandfather, the reclusive Duke of Welshire, summons them both for his birthday celebration and demands they bring their two little angelic children, William is stunned to discover that his very proper wife invented not one, but two heirs to fulfill the agreement for living at Winnover. But surely if Emmeline and William team up and borrow two cherubs to call their own, what could go wrong? Enter George, age 8, and Rose, 5 -- the two most unruly orphans in Britain.
As the insanity unfolds, their careful, professional arrangement takes some surprisingly intimate turns as well. Perhaps it takes a bit of madness to create the perfect happily ever after.
Critique: With a very special and particular appeal to fans of Regency Romance & Comedy novels, "Something in the Heir" by author Suzanne Enoch is a fun and memorable read from first page to last. Deftly crafted with great wit and a genuine flair for originality, "Something in the Heir" is especially recommended as an addition to community library Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Something in the Heir" is also available as a mass market paperback (9781250889966, $8.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99), and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798212014915, $31.95, CD).
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane
Michelle Griep
https://michellegriep.com
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719, 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
9781636092683, $15.99, PB, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bride-Blackfriars-Lane-Michelle-Griep/dp/1636092683
Synopsis: Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who's turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother despite Jackson's warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
Critique: As an author, Michelle Griep is a master of the historical Christian romance genre as demonstrated by her newest novel "The Bride of Blackfriars Lane". A fun and compelling read from cover to cover, and available for the personal reading lists of all Michelle Griep fans in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) ans as a complete and unabridged audio book (Oasis Audio, 9781640919648, $37.99, CD - 9 CDs, 11 Hours), "The Bride of Blackfriars Lane" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Historical Romance collections..
Editorial Note: Michelle Griep (https://michellegriep.com) has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper's Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood's Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you'd like to keep up with her escapades, she can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Sarah's Dilemma
Jean Joachim
www.jeanjoachimbooks.com
Independently Published
9798821022479, $14.99, PB, 296pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Dilemma-Catskills-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B09X22W7Z7
Synopsis: It's 1788, in Fitch's Eddy and Sarah Chesney, almost eighteen, decides she's ready for marriage, but is she? She picks Josiah, a strong, decent young man from her own class, but keeps the choice to herself.
Just as she sets her cap for him, haughty, rich-as-sin, Benjamin Fitch saves her from a deadly snake. She assumes she's beneath Ben's status in life since his wealthy father owns the whole town. He disagrees.
Every young woman in Fitch's Eddy is after Benjamin, except Sarah. She runs into him often in the general store. The way he looks at her and doffs his hat makes her shiver. Who would make the best husband, Josiah or Benjamin? Who proposes first? Who will she pick? This is Sarah's Dilemma!
Critique: Exceptionally well written by an author with a genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling style that will immediately engage and hold the reader's rapt attention from first page to last, "Sarah's Dilemma!" by Jean Joachim will have a very special resonance with fans of historical romance novels. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Historical Romance collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Sarah's Dilemma" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Jean Joachim (http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com) is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling romance author whose books have hit the Amazon Top 100 list in the U.S. and abroad since 2012. She writes sports romance, small town romance, big city romance, and romantic suspense. With more than 50 books in ebook, print and audio, she writes fulltime.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
Siena My Love
Tom Bisogno
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639884322, $14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Siena-My-Love-Tom-Bisogno/dp/1639884327
Siena My Love is both an Italian cultural exploration and a love story. It follows teen singing sensation Michael Ventura on an unexpected journey back home to his roots after a powerful career traveling the world as an idol. Michael has long been on a roll of success, but when family needs him, he readily returns home. There, he confronts not only changes and new responsibilities, but childhood friend Sophia, who has also matured and changed in the years they've been apart.
The story opens with a turning point in Michael's life and career choices. The pivot point explored in the prologue creates the first draw to readers before chapters fill in the blanks of past events, relationships with parents, early life in Italy, and the circumstances that led Michael to become a star.
Tom Bisogno takes the time to thoroughly explore Italian culture and the various forces that influence Michael's attitude and his relationship with Sophia: "...we're not naive teens back at the Palio where we didn't understand our hormones or how to express our feelings. I told you before how much I regretted disappearing on you for all those years. Because of that, I really didn't want to mess up your life by interfering in it."
From musical interludes to changing friendships, love, and wishes come true, Siena My Love is a sweet story of growth and revelation that embraces family, friendships, and adventures around the world. Its warm story of growth on personal and professional levels gives a heartfelt read to those who enjoy clean romance tales steeped in cultural traditions and artistic environments.
Libraries interested in acquisitions which feature strong characters that come together from different perspectives will welcome Siena My Love's evocative embrace.
Lord Winterton's Secret
Kitty-Lydia Dye
Linford Romance Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444849554, $23.00, PB, Large Print, 264pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lord-wintertons-secret-kitty-lydia-dye/1141644678
Synopsis: Virtue Browne was once childhood friends with the mysterious Lord Winterton. But now villagers avoid the crumbling wreck of his manor house on the dunes, and gossips whisper that the young lord is involved in arcane rituals. A headstrong governess too inquisitive for her own good, Virtue will encounter romance, mystery and smugglers at her first posting. Is there a logical explanation for the strange things she sees? Or will she become another soul lost in the rumored secret tunnels?
Critique: A carefully crafted historical romance by an author with an impressive knack for storytelling, "Lord Winterton's Secret" by Kitty-Lydia Dye is an extraordinarily entertaining read from beginning to end. This large print paperback edition from the Linden Romance Library series is particularly recommended for community library collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated historical romance fans.
Editorial Note: An accomplished novelist and blogger, Kitty-Lydia Dye has a dedicated website at https://kittylydiadye.blogspot.com
Someone Else's Honeymoon
Phoebe MacLeod
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781804262405, $39.00, PB, Large Print, 362pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/someone-elses-honeymoon-phoebe-macleod/1141663669
Synopsis: When Charley finds herself suddenly single on Christmas Day it feels like her world has fallen apart. Forced to move back in with her parents, she embarks on a journey of re-invention. When she meets Ed, who is on honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar by a bride he's never met, it looks like her life may be taking a turn for the better. Fate, however, has other ideas, and she and Ed are forced apart. Will she find her way back to him, or are they just not meant to be?
Critique: As a comedic romance novelist, Phoebe MacLeod, the author of "Someone Else's Honeymoon" has an impressive talent for the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that fully engages and entertains her readers from first page to last. This large print paperback edition from Boldwood Books will prove a welcome and enduringly popular addition to community library Contemporary Romance collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans looking for a fun read.
Editorial Note: Phoebe MacLeod is the author of several popular romantic comedies. She lives in Kent with her partner, grown up children and disobedient dog. Her love for her home county is apparent in her books, which have either been set in Kent or have a Kentish connection. She currently works as an IT consultant and writes in her spare time. She has always had a passion for learning new skills, including cookery courses, learning to drive an HGV and, most recently, qualifying to instruct on a Boeing 737 flight simulator.
Single All The Way
Portia Macintosh
https://portiamacintosh.com
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781800487987, $39.99, PB, Large Print, 406pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/single-all-the-way-portia-macintosh/1141490055
Synopsis: When Dani's boyfriend (and boss!) dumps her for a younger model, the only silver lining she can see is to now being able to spend Christmas at home with her family after years away.
Determined to surprise them, Dani turns up unannounced in her hometown, excited to see that the festive season in Marram Bay is in full swing with Christmas lights twinkling on every corner. But disaster strikes when she finds her parents' house is empty and they appear to have gone away on holiday!
Christmas alone and single is not ideal, and when Dani starts bumping into old friends, neighbors and potential love interests, she can't face telling them the truth. So in a panic she claims to be home to throw a Christmas party for the whole town -- easier said than done with 12 days to go before Christmas!
As the fake party approaches, little does Dani know that there may be someone there under the mistletoe for her, if she can just let her guard down and see them...
Critique: A Christmas romance novel that will be enjoyed by its readers at any time of year, "Single All The Way" by novelist Portia MacIntosh is a fun and impressively well crafted novel. This large print paperback edition of "Single All The Way" is especially recommended for both personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans and community library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Portia MacIntosh (https://portiamacintosh.com) is a master of the romantic comedy genre including "Just Date and See", "The Meet Cute Method", "The Time of Our Lives", "Life's a Beach", "Will They Won't They", and "The Accidental Honeymoon.
Something in the Heir
Suzanne Enoch
Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9781250842527, $16.99, Trade PB, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Something-Heir-Novel-Suzanne-Enoch/dp/1250842522
Synopsis: Emmeline and William Pershing have enjoyed a perfectly convenient marriage for eight years. Their relationship is a seamless blend of their talents and goals. They've settled into separate, well-ordered lives beneath the same roof, and are content to stay that way -- or so Emmeline thinks. And if William has secretly longed for a bit more from the woman he adores, he's managed to be content with her supreme skills as a hostess and planner, which has helped him advance his career.
Then when Emmeline's grandfather, the reclusive Duke of Welshire, summons them both for his birthday celebration and demands they bring their two little angelic children, William is stunned to discover that his very proper wife invented not one, but two heirs to fulfill the agreement for living at Winnover. But surely if Emmeline and William team up and borrow two cherubs to call their own, what could go wrong? Enter George, age 8, and Rose, 5 -- the two most unruly orphans in Britain.
As the insanity unfolds, their careful, professional arrangement takes some surprisingly intimate turns as well. Perhaps it takes a bit of madness to create the perfect happily ever after.
Critique: With a very special and particular appeal to fans of Regency Romance & Comedy novels, "Something in the Heir" by author Suzanne Enoch is a fun and memorable read from first page to last. Deftly crafted with great wit and a genuine flair for originality, "Something in the Heir" is especially recommended as an addition to community library Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Something in the Heir" is also available as a mass market paperback (9781250889966, $8.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99), and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798212014915, $31.95, CD).
The Bride of Blackfriars Lane
Michelle Griep
https://michellegriep.com
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719, 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
www.barbourbooks.com
9781636092683, $15.99, PB, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bride-Blackfriars-Lane-Michelle-Griep/dp/1636092683
Synopsis: Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who's turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother despite Jackson's warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.
Critique: As an author, Michelle Griep is a master of the historical Christian romance genre as demonstrated by her newest novel "The Bride of Blackfriars Lane". A fun and compelling read from cover to cover, and available for the personal reading lists of all Michelle Griep fans in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) ans as a complete and unabridged audio book (Oasis Audio, 9781640919648, $37.99, CD - 9 CDs, 11 Hours), "The Bride of Blackfriars Lane" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Historical Romance collections..
Editorial Note: Michelle Griep (https://michellegriep.com) has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper's Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood's Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you'd like to keep up with her escapades, she can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Sarah's Dilemma
Jean Joachim
www.jeanjoachimbooks.com
Independently Published
9798821022479, $14.99, PB, 296pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sarahs-Dilemma-Catskills-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B09X22W7Z7
Synopsis: It's 1788, in Fitch's Eddy and Sarah Chesney, almost eighteen, decides she's ready for marriage, but is she? She picks Josiah, a strong, decent young man from her own class, but keeps the choice to herself.
Just as she sets her cap for him, haughty, rich-as-sin, Benjamin Fitch saves her from a deadly snake. She assumes she's beneath Ben's status in life since his wealthy father owns the whole town. He disagrees.
Every young woman in Fitch's Eddy is after Benjamin, except Sarah. She runs into him often in the general store. The way he looks at her and doffs his hat makes her shiver. Who would make the best husband, Josiah or Benjamin? Who proposes first? Who will she pick? This is Sarah's Dilemma!
Critique: Exceptionally well written by an author with a genuine flair for originality and the kind of narrative storytelling style that will immediately engage and hold the reader's rapt attention from first page to last, "Sarah's Dilemma!" by Jean Joachim will have a very special resonance with fans of historical romance novels. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Historical Romance collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Sarah's Dilemma" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Jean Joachim (http://www.jeanjoachimbooks.com) is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling romance author whose books have hit the Amazon Top 100 list in the U.S. and abroad since 2012. She writes sports romance, small town romance, big city romance, and romantic suspense. With more than 50 books in ebook, print and audio, she writes fulltime.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
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