GIRL WITH PEN

INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone My name is Victoria Zumbrum, 40 years old, married 14 years with 1 son. This is my very first blog. So bear with me. I have always wanted to have my own blog. I have always loved to read. I enjoy getting lost in a good book.
I love becoming part of the story and characters. I am hoping to bring my love of books to my readers.

I love reading different genres such as paranormal, young adult, romance, romantic suspense, mystery, Christian fiction, some horror, etc. The list goes on. I started reviewing books a couple of years ago and have done reviews for different blogs and even some authors. I really have enjoyed reviewing books and I will continue to do so. If anyone is interested in me reviewing a book for them, please contact me. I still have a lot to learn regarding my own blog so bear with me. I welcome and appreciate all followers.

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Believe (Chasing Shadow, Book #1) by Mia Fox

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Believe
SERIES (& Book #) – Chasing Shadows, Book #1
AUTHOR – Mia Fox
GENRE – paranormal romance
PUBLICATION DATE – March 8, 2014
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 220
PUBLISHER – Evatopia Press
COVER ARTIST – PhatPuppy

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Nate survived countless attacks on his Marine platoon while in Afghanistan, but one undying thought kept him safe -- the knowledge that Ella was waiting for him.

Ella marked off the days until Nate’s return by writing letters to him, knowing that once he was safely home, they would fulfill their promise to live each day to its fullest.

Theirs was a love that would endure separation...even in the wake of a tragic accident.

Although now apart, Ella is given reason to believe in ghosts when Nate’s presence visits her and remains her lover. But when another man enters her life, Ella struggles to give herself over to a new love and maintain her bond to Nate’s ghost.

A romantic ghost story and love triangle tied to one woman’s need to...Believe.

BUY & TBR LINKS

EXCERPT

The incline was steep, but I was determined to get to the top. I wanted to be up high to see the world from a different vantage point, to get some insight into why I was so messed up and maybe find the answers. I used my hands to brace myself over the rock formations. The climb was hard work, but it served to warm up my body from the dropping temperatures.

“Ella, you have to go home. I can’t protect you from threats that are alive -- the cold is enough to harm you, but what about mountain lions, rattlers and the rest? It’s practically dark. I can’t stay if you don’t want me to.”

I stopped for a moment and turned to see Nate’s beautiful eyes, showing concern and begging me to turn back around, but I needed to think, to make sense of my life once and for all. Was I seeing a ghost or simply holding onto my memories, and if so, was that so wrong? Chasing this shadow was the only thing that had made me feel whole in the wake of so much sorrow, that is until Ethan came along. And now, I felt a myriad of emotions vacillating in my mind, from guilt over betraying Nate’s memory to feeling a sense of entitlement that I deserved to be happy.

AUTHOR BIO

Mia Fox is a Los Angeles-based novelist who writes across varied genres including Contemporary and Paranormal Romance, Chick Lit, and Satire. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, she worked as an entertainment publicist, a career she chronicles in her novel, “Alert the Media.” However, she is happy to leave that world behind her, preferring that any drama in her life is only that which she creates for her characters.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, Casey, the Wonder Westie, and Bean, his brother.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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Friday, February 5, 2016

Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom Series Book I by Cheryl Carpinello

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom
SERIES – Book I
AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello
GENRE – Middle Grade Arthurian Legend
PUBLICATION DATE – May 2012
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 120 Pages
PUBLISHER – MuseItUp Publishing
COVER ARTIST – Kaytalin Platt

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest.

Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.

In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

BUY & TBR LINKS

EXCERPT

Prince Gavin

Gavin’s gaze was drawn back to the castle’s battle-scarred walls and the heavily armed guards. The evil emanating from the structure surrounded and held him captive, like a lone deer surrounded by hungry wolves in the dead of winter, unable to move, its eyes glassy with fear, its limbs frozen by the hypnotic gleam of the wolves’ yellow eyes. Even knowing its life was ending, the deer wouldn’t break and run. So Gavin sat frozen in front of the castle.

The enormity of his quest enveloped Gavin and he sighed. Continuing on meant he might save the Wild Man, but he might put himself in danger as well. King Edward was his father’s enemy and possibly responsible for Aldred’s murder. If Gavin were caught, Edward wouldn’t treat him kindly. The young prince summoned his courage and focused on the Wild Man. It had seemed so simple last night in the company of Bryan and Philip.

********************

Philip

Looking at the stack of chopped wood, he smiled sadly. Two years ago he would never have dreamed he’d be here, chopping wood for food and a dry place to sleep. He shook his head at his thoughts, his shaggy, ill-cut black hair falling unevenly across his forehead. Two years. It seemed like forever.

Two years earlier, he had lived with his parents and baby brother on their small farm up north. His parents worked hard to put food on the table and to pay off the farm. Philip’s main job was to watch baby Benjamin while his mother helped his father in their small field. When Benjamin fell sick, Philip helped his father clear the old stalks and rocks from the soil while his mother nursed the baby. He helped his father carefully plant the winter wheat and barley for harvest in the spring.

As autumn slipped into winter, Benjamin hadn’t gotten better. His tiny body burned with fever. Those last few days when Philip held him, the heat coming from Benjamin threatened to slowly engulf him like the embers of a dying fire.

**********************

Bryan

In the five years he’d been James’s apprentice, Bryan had learned a lot. He made a sturdy sword, so James said. Two years still remained in his apprenticeship. Two long years.

Like most sons of tradesmen or farmers, his family had secured this apprenticeship early on. At eleven, he and his father had made the three-day journey south to the Pembroke Castle blacksmith. At first, the prospect of being away from home, on his own, and learning a respectable trade, was exciting. More importantly, it allowed him to see and talk with real knights.

He spent every day learning how to forge stronger swords, tougher armour, how to shoe horses, and even make pots and pans. It was a satisfying trade and one that would ensure him a livelihood. But Bryan didn’t want just a livelihood. Even now, only two years away from completing his apprenticeship, he still couldn’t see himself working with metal for the rest of his life. As long as he could remember, he had wanted only one thing: to be a knight like Sir Lancelot.

AUTHOR BIO

I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

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Tessa Bailey Boiling Point Blog Tour

BOILING POINT
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #3
Publication Date: January 25, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N| Kobo | iBooks

Synopsis: Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SIZZLING CROSSING THE LINE SERIES....

RISKIER BUSINESS
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #0.5
Publication Date: January 5, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N| Kobo | iBooks

Synopsis: One more game. And this time, there are no rules…

After a life of pool hustling and living on the wrong side of the law, Ruby Elliott is living on the straight and narrow with sexy-as-all-hell NYPD detective, Troy Bennett. Now the only trouble Ruby has with the law is the naughty kind, pinned against the wall by Troy's strict and spectacularly hard body. Obeying his every command. Both of them losing themselves in a lust that borders on obsession...

But then her father returns with an offer she can’t refuse: one last hustle in exchange for information. Information she’d die to have. As the pieces and the players of the game reveal themselves, Troy feels the fine edges of his control slipping—control he can’t channel without hurting Ruby. The stakes are high, and the risk higher. Because losing this final game could cost more than Ruby’s heart…it might cost her life.

RISKING IT ALL
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #1
Publication Date: January 27, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N| Kobo | iBooks

Synopsis: NYPD detective Seraphia Newsom will avenge her brother’s death at any cost. Even if it means insinuating herself into a rough, Brooklyn street gang and going so far undercover, she’s not sure she’ll be able to get out. Every minute she spends in their midst means the clock ticking down on her life, especially when she overhears something that could get her killed.

Bowen Driscol is the heir to a crime enterprise. He never asked for the job, but with his father behind bars, he has no choice but to step in and keep the operation running. But when the NYPD blackmails him with a piece of damning information in exchange for aiding an undercover cop, he finds himself on the other side of the law for the first time in his life.

Bowen knows the danger Sera is in, and keeping her safe trumps saving his own ass. The problem? She can’t know he’s on her side. And there's the matter of the seriously inconvenient heat sparking between them that's incinerating his resistance. But Sera only sees Bowen's past, and men like him are the reason her brother is dead. If they're to get out alive, he'll have to risk exposing the man beneath, and hope to hell he doesn't blow the whole operation in the process.

UP IN SMOKE
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #2
Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | B&N| Kobo | iBooks

Synopsis: Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team—all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair—Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

ABOUT TESSA BAILEY

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

GIVEAWAY

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Thursday, February 4, 2016

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend Book I of Guinevere Trilogy - A Quest Book by Cheryl Carpinello

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend
SERIES – Book I of Guinevere trilogy-A Quest Book
AUTHOR – Cheryl Carpinello
GENRE – Middle Grade Arthurian Legend
PUBLICATION DATE – April 2009
LENGTH - 122 Pages
PUBLISHER – Beyond Today Educator
COVER ARTIST – Kaytalin Platt; Rita Toews

Book Synopsis

Finalist Pre-Teen Literature: Dan Poynter's 2011 Global Ebook Awards.

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England's history.

She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted--all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage. For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits? However, the wizard Merlyn--her teacher and friend--knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

EXCERPT

“Why have we run away from home?”

“My Father the King and apparently Merlyn have decided that I am to marry King Arthur in two years and become his Queen. I’ll have to leave the castle, my home, you, and everything I’ve grown up with,” she added, not realizing that Cedwyn was staring at her with his mouth wide open.

“He even promised Grandfather’s round table to King Arthur. All without asking!” She finished, sure that she had stated her point clearly. Her eyes strayed to the hand that Arthur had kissed. Quickly she averted them.

“Are you sure they said King Arthur?”

“Oh yes! I’m sure.”

“That’s fantastic! He’s gonna be a great king! He’s gonna bring all of England together. I heard some of the knights talking about him last night. They said that he is the bravest and best warrior they have ever seen. And the smartest!” He looked at Guinevere and shook his head. “And you are gonna be his Queen!” Disbelief washed over him. “I wish someone would make a decision like that for me!”

“Really? Then you can marry King Arthur!” she said, standing up and stamping her foot. Then she turned and stomped up the rise.

AUTHOR BIO

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Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Set Aside (Second Chance Series Book 2) by Kelly Collins Promo Blast

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – AL “TRUNK” MAHONEY, DEFENSIVE LINE
SERIES – FIRST & TEN
AUTHOR – Jean C. Joachim
GENRE – Contemporary/Sports Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – Jan. 9, 2016
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) - 68,156 words
PUBLISHER – Moonlight Books
COVER ARTIST – Dawné Dominique

BLURB

When his wife walked out on him, Al “Trunk” Mahoney’s plans for the family he’d never had went up in smoke. A top-ranked defenseman in the NFL, Trunk’s success on the gridiron didn’t translate to the rest of his life. Hooking up with women was easy for the sexy lineman, but Trunk’s secret closed the door to marriage. Would the happiness he yearned for always be just beyond his reach?

Beautiful Carla Ricci, bar owner and independent woman had her choice of men. A love-‘em and leave-‘em lady, she’d made a decision that ruled out 99.9% of men for marriage. She didn’t care. Then Trunk Mahoney came along. Carla resolved to remain true to herself. Could her willpower hold indefinitely, or would she settle for an affair that would break her heart?

EXCERPT

Carla hoped Trunk hadn’t noticed the flush she’d sensed in her face when he said he’d move in. Thankfully, new customers arrived, giving her the chance to escape. She made her way to the three tables, took their orders, and scurried back to the kitchen to slap burgers on the grill.

The heat from the cooking food was nothing compared to the heat in her body from Trunk’s news. He was like a magnet, drawing her to him for the past two years. The way his shirt pulled over his wide shoulders, his lean waist, powerful biceps, and what she guessed were tight abs, invaded her dreams at night. Of course, he had a cute butt, which she tried not to notice. A couple of times he’d caught her checking him out. She always had a snappy retort that made him laugh. But she saw the lusty light in his eyes, and it made her shiver.

She remembered the first day he’d come in. She’d been joking with Griff Montgomery that he never brought his good-looking teammates in for a beer. Then, Trunk Mahoney had walked through the door, and Carla hadn’t been able to speak. Her mouth had gotten dry while other parts had gotten damp. His powerful body, barely concealed in tight jeans and T-shirt, coupled with his confident swagger, had made her knees weak.

He’d flashed a sexy grin and raked her body with a smoldering gaze from beautiful, light blue eyes. If he had ripped the clothing from her, she couldn’t have felt more naked.

Trunk Mahoney was sex on wheels, and she’d wanted him, until she’d checked out his left hand. There it had been, the colossal mood killer—his wedding ring. So, Carla had locked up her feelings and swallowed the key. Her ‘no touch’ policy applied to all married men, no matter how attractive they were. And that included Al Mahoney.

SNIPPETS

In the locker room, Trunk noticed Griff slapping something on his face.
“You’re married. Still use that stuff?”
“Drives Lauren wild. Not that she’s in any condition to be wild, right now,” Griff said, chuckling. “But she likes it, so I use it.”
“What’s it called?”
“Midnight for Men. Now that you’re single again, better get used to using this shit. Women love it. Try it.” He passed it to Al.
Trunk finished shaving, wiped the shaving cream remnants from his face, and opened the bottle. He took a whiff. “Nice. Okay. I’ll give it a shot.”
“Just stay away from my wife, will ya?”

**********

Orphaned at thirteen, he had turned to football to deal with his anger at his parents’ death. Shuffled from one relative to the next, he had learned to stomach insecurity. He had succeeded at the sport, making a name for himself in every town he called home at one time or another. Being a football star meant a big welcome from each new school he’d attended.

Having nothing, Al had gone to work young, doing odd jobs—raking leaves, mowing lawns, running errands. Sports had anchored him. His coaches had helped him stay on a good path, avoiding drugs and crime. Being a hero fed his heart, but he never outgrew the yearning for someone to care about him. He thought he’d found it in Mary, but he had been wrong.

LINKS

BIO

Jean Joachim is a best-selling romance fiction author, with books hitting the Amazon Top 100 list since 2012. She writes mostly contemporary romance, which includes sports romance and romantic suspense.

Dangerous Love Lost & Found, First Place winner in the 2015 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, International Digital Award contest. The Renovated Heart won Best Novel of the Year from Love Romances Café. Lovers & Liars was a RomCon finalist in 2013. And The Marriage List tied for third place as Best Contemporary Romance from the Gulf Coast RWA. To Love or Not to Love tied for second place in the 2014 New England Chapter of Romance Writers of America Reader’s Choice contest. She was chosen Author of the Year in 2012 by the New York City chapter of RWA.

Married and the mother of two sons, Jean lives in New York City. Early in the morning, you’ll find her at her computer, writing, with a cup of tea, her rescued pug, Homer, by her side and a secret stash of black licorice.

Jean has 30+ books, novellas and short stories published. Find them here.

Sign up for her newsletter, on her website, and be eligible for her private paperback sales.

Find The Author Here: Facebook | Website

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Juniper's Princess (Angel Crest Trilogy Book 1) by Chelsea O'Neal

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Juniper’s Princess
SERIES – Angel Crest Trilogy Book 1
AUTHOR – Chelsea O’Neal
GENRE – Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
PUBLICATION DATE – July 2, 2013
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 256 pages 126,174 words
PUBLISHER – Mirador Publishing
COVER ARTIST – Mallory Rock’s Art

***NOTE - Author Recommends Reading the books in order

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Daniah is different, she always has been and now her dreams and visions of the future are increasing, she knows her life is changing. She just doesn't know by how much...

Jaiden is different, but he knows why and he knows his responsibilities. He must find the savior of his race, the angel human half-breeds who are fighting a war for humanity's souls.

If he can't convince Daniah she is more than just a little different - she is a princess of their people - they are all going to hell.

Unfortunately Daniah doesn't have many reasons to trust Jaiden, especially when he is caught in a web of his own lies. In a world where half-breed angels walk among us, fighting an evil for our souls, Daniah must find the strength to become the princess we all need.

Chelsea O'Neal has a unique voice in storytelling, threading the characters lives together intricately to give us a complex web of good versus evil in a world descending into chaos...

EXCERPT

I round the corner to the living room and I see Trev lying on the sofa, asleep. I stop and stare; I’ve never noticed how incredibly handsome he is. I mean of course he is cute, but Jaiden is closer in age to me and I have hung out with him more than Trevor. I study him as he lies perfectly still, the only movement coming from him his chest raising and lowering with each breath.

He has strong features, a square jaw and smooth skin, with high cheekbones. His hair is short and mocha colored, his eyes, if they were open, are a stunning sky blue. Jaiden’s eyes are green, if I remember correctly. Trev is a little taller than J, probably six foot six or seven, and built.

He may be a Secret and not a Rector but we would be evenly matched if we were to fight. His chest is broad and muscular, his biceps are huge, and in the t-shirt he’s wearing it looks like they are trying to break free. The bottom hem of the t-shirt has ridden up and his skin is tanned and chiseled, with just a slight trail of hair disappearing under his jeans. While I’m staring at his abs, I notice his breathing has changed. I bring my gaze back to his face and he is looking at me in a demure, almost coy way. If I were to have been standing here checking out Jaiden his face would have been full of arrogance with a haughty smile, knowing he’s gorgeous of course. With Trev, he’s almost asking with his eyes if he is good enough.

“Um,” I say clearing my throat, feeling my face heat. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer, it was unlocked,” I say, gesturing at the door. “I’m early, so I thought I would just come over. I’m sorry to have woken you.”

I look down, feeling bad for not thinking of his need for sleep, he still has dark circles under his eyes. I should have walked back out instead of ogling him while he slept.

“Cord,” he says, waiting for me to look up. I finally meet his eyes and he continues. “It is okay, really, you don’t have to apologize.” He stands from the sofa. “I was just waiting for you, and I apparently fell asleep.”

For some reason my belly flutters when he says he was waiting for me. Don’t be stupid, I tell myself; of course he’s waiting for you, he told you to be here at four. I mentally chastise myself and answer him.

“Yeah, okay. Do you need help carrying anything?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Nope, I’ll grab my bag and be right back, we can get going early,” he says, smiling at me then leaving the room.

I sit down on the sofa to wait for him, and sift through the feelings that are floating through me. I haven’t really noticed Trev before, he has always been around, but I have always been so focused on J that Trev never stood out. He sure does now. I feel my cheeks heat again and I duck my head to hide it even though I’m alone.

AUTHOR BIO

Chelsea O'Neal lives in her fantasy world where people can fly, vampires could be real, money is never an issue and the romantic meeting of your true love is a normal happening. When not relaxing in Chelsea-ville, she enjoys talking with animals who talk back and taking long walks with her prince charming.

Actually Chelsea lives in the United States in Nebraska, where she was born and raised, with her black lab Daisey, who hasn't spoken actual words to her but she is pretty sure Daisey understands her. She is yet to meet her prince charming, though she is quite sure he is out there. Chelsea enjoys working as a youth librarian. She is an avid reader and writing has always been her passion. Chelsea has written 3 novels and a novella, she is working on her next book now.

AUTHORS GIVEAWAY

1 eCopy of Juniper's Princess

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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