To be perfectly honest, I was a bit weary of this book. As a pastor's wife there are so many times (and books it seems) putting down the church and it's leadership. They take the personal responsibility away from each member (With leadership included) and place it solely on the Pastor's shoulder. So when I was beginning to read this book I was a bit hesitant to really get into it, thinking it was just another "lets blame the pastor" type of thing. I have to say though, I was pleasantly surprised and immensely enjoyed the book. This didn't push personal responsibility on others, it more focused on accepting our own responsibility and letting others know that they are struggling with the same things. I loved the chapter of the book where it talked about letting fear rule our lives and keeping us from speaking freely. I found that I was agreeing with a lot in there and felt personally convicted by some of it.
I'd highly recommend this book, its a really great example of exactly what the title describes, fear confession and grace.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Immanuel's Veins
I have to start off saying I am a Huge Ted Dekker fan, I love his books, they're full of just the right amount of suspense and a wee bit of 'horror' without going overboard. At first I wasn't liking this book as much as previous ones of his, however the deeper I got into his story them more I started liking it! I love at the end where he ties it into the Bible, I honestly did not see that coming at all!! Fantastic!
I think my only complaint about it was that it was a wee bit hard to follow at times, but other than that I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely one of the best books that I've read! I'd highly recommend it to any suspense or horror fan, you won't be disappointed!!
I think my only complaint about it was that it was a wee bit hard to follow at times, but other than that I enjoyed it immensely. Definitely one of the best books that I've read! I'd highly recommend it to any suspense or horror fan, you won't be disappointed!!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Out live Your Life
I had high expectations for Max Lucado's book "Out live your life", he is one of my very favorite non-fiction writers, so I generally enjoy all his books. This one didn't disappoint either, I love how he (Lucado) takes us through the book of acts, and includes stories about real life situations (Real life sounds bad, like I'm saying that the book of Acts isn't. Maybe modern life situations would fit there better). I have to say out of all of Lucado's books, this is one of two (Facing Your Giants, would be the other one) that has really been a life changing read. Reading this book inspired me, challenged me, and forced me to look beyond myself, beyond my circumstances to see the world and its needs. Not only was this life changing for me, but I firmly believe that if the majority of Christians read this book and took it seriously, we would see Life Changing happenings going on in our world.
I love Lucado's passion, which can easily been seen throughout his book, and its contagious, when we read these things, it gives us the ability to believe that We too can be a part of the solution.
I 100% recommend this book to anyone, Honestly, its such a life changing book, that I'll be going out of my way to share it with others.
I love Lucado's passion, which can easily been seen throughout his book, and its contagious, when we read these things, it gives us the ability to believe that We too can be a part of the solution.
I 100% recommend this book to anyone, Honestly, its such a life changing book, that I'll be going out of my way to share it with others.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Love, Charleston
Honestly, I really didn't expect to like this book. I don't know why I had the impression that It would be corny, but when i picked it up to read I settled myself in for a boring time. I'm so glad i was wrong! This turned out to be an amazing book! I had originally thought this would turn out to be a historical/love story kind of book, and those really aren't my thing.
The book is mostly focused around three women (2 who are sister's and their cousin) and the new minister who moves to town. Throughout the book we are introduced and follow along with the struggles that each has to face, and the different crises they are facing. I really appreciated the storyline about Lish and the struggles she faced, I thought it was quite an honest look at a not so nice thing. I appreciated the directness and almost brutality she used to describe the situations. There was no fluffing over of the post-partum depression, or any of the the other situations. I thought that part of the story was exceptionally well thought out and sincere.
Really, this book brings its readers straight into the story and holds them to the very end. There were so many things going on in the book that I didn't see coming. I absolutely loved this book and will be looking for more from this author! Definitely one I'd recommend to anyone and everyone!!
The book is mostly focused around three women (2 who are sister's and their cousin) and the new minister who moves to town. Throughout the book we are introduced and follow along with the struggles that each has to face, and the different crises they are facing. I really appreciated the storyline about Lish and the struggles she faced, I thought it was quite an honest look at a not so nice thing. I appreciated the directness and almost brutality she used to describe the situations. There was no fluffing over of the post-partum depression, or any of the the other situations. I thought that part of the story was exceptionally well thought out and sincere.
Really, this book brings its readers straight into the story and holds them to the very end. There were so many things going on in the book that I didn't see coming. I absolutely loved this book and will be looking for more from this author! Definitely one I'd recommend to anyone and everyone!!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Constantine Conspiracy
I'm really torn with this book, on one hand, i really loved the action in it. It was really well written and had many twists and turns throughout it that really kept you on your toes. But on the other hand, it went down the route of my biggest pet peeve, where it depicts Muslims, Atheists, etc.... (basically anyone other than a Christian belief,) as "enemies" of Christianity. I firmly believe that there is only one enemy of Christianity, and that is THE enemy. All others are just souls who need saving.
So while I thought that the Characters of the book were quite realistic and well written, and the story line was really attention grabbing, i struggle with the message the book seemed to be portraying. I feel like it plays into a mindset that many (who are outside of the faith) feel we (as Christians) hold. On that level, I would probably not recommend this book to non-believers or people who are new to the faith. However I would recommend it to those who are looking for an entertaining read, but are able to not really take the message (or part of it) to heart. ( I do like however that the book kept the main character Shannon, as someone who holds to her faith, despite the temptations to do otherwise, and I do think that the book showed a good gospel presentation.)
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
So while I thought that the Characters of the book were quite realistic and well written, and the story line was really attention grabbing, i struggle with the message the book seemed to be portraying. I feel like it plays into a mindset that many (who are outside of the faith) feel we (as Christians) hold. On that level, I would probably not recommend this book to non-believers or people who are new to the faith. However I would recommend it to those who are looking for an entertaining read, but are able to not really take the message (or part of it) to heart. ( I do like however that the book kept the main character Shannon, as someone who holds to her faith, despite the temptations to do otherwise, and I do think that the book showed a good gospel presentation.)
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Touching the clouds
This book combined two of my very favorite things, historical fiction, and living in the arctic. (Although its set in the U.S. and I'm in Canada, we do share some area's in common, and I lived for a while in the Canadian arctic).
The author used some great insight and really got down pat the idea of living in the north, of the struggles and hardships, but also the strength and determination that people living up there have.
The book focuses on Kate Evans, a young pilot looking to make her own way in the world and have an adventure while doing it! Throughout the book we are able to look at Kate's struggle of trying to be a female pilot in a generally male dominated profession. I love the fact that while the author showedhe struggles Kate had challenging the mindset of the day, she also allowed Kate to keep her femininity. I think this book has so many great messages, of the love of God, of being able to do the impossible, and that God will take care of us.
A fantastic book, that will be a very well read addition to my library!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The author used some great insight and really got down pat the idea of living in the north, of the struggles and hardships, but also the strength and determination that people living up there have.
The book focuses on Kate Evans, a young pilot looking to make her own way in the world and have an adventure while doing it! Throughout the book we are able to look at Kate's struggle of trying to be a female pilot in a generally male dominated profession. I love the fact that while the author showedhe struggles Kate had challenging the mindset of the day, she also allowed Kate to keep her femininity. I think this book has so many great messages, of the love of God, of being able to do the impossible, and that God will take care of us.
A fantastic book, that will be a very well read addition to my library!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Masquerade
I feel the need (yet again, lol) to mention how much I love historical fiction books, so I think it'll go without saying that I really enjoyed this book! When I read the discription on the back of the novel I was a bit weary though, the idea of switching roles in fiction has been done (and overdone) many times in my opinion. I was however greatly surprised and relieved to see that this book presented it in a new and very inspiring way. I love the lessons that Lottie (the heiress being forced into marriage to an American she's never met) learned after making the switch with Dora (Her personal maid who went on the trip with her). I also really liked the overall message of the book (Which was twofold): that God will direct our paths, and that love over everything else, is the most important.
I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, it isn't so preachy that a non-Christian wouldn't enjoy it, but its got enough gospel in there to satisfy the readers (and likers) of Christian fiction!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
I would 100% recommend this book to everyone, it isn't so preachy that a non-Christian wouldn't enjoy it, but its got enough gospel in there to satisfy the readers (and likers) of Christian fiction!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The reluctant entertainer
I really loved this book, I'm a really girly-girl type of person so the whole cooking and table setting stuff is right up my alley. I am however quite busy and have a hard time getting together a really great setting for company, so i absolutely loved how this book set out some great ideas! I also really loved the recipes they gave in the book, there are a couple there that have become favorites in my house already!
I love too that this book is acknowledging the (many times forgotten or under appreciated) God given gift of hospitality! This book in a way free's us from the idea that we can only be hospitable and open our homes when we have things worked out perfectly, she (the author) shows us that the idea of entertaining isn't in having a perfect meal or setting, but in building relationships!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
I love too that this book is acknowledging the (many times forgotten or under appreciated) God given gift of hospitality! This book in a way free's us from the idea that we can only be hospitable and open our homes when we have things worked out perfectly, she (the author) shows us that the idea of entertaining isn't in having a perfect meal or setting, but in building relationships!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Amish Proverbs
Its so hard to pick just one of the proverbs as my favorite here, so I just HAVE to post two! (It took a lot but i dwindled the quote from a large list, to just 2, lol)
"Faith is the bridge over which we can cross all the unknown waters of tomorrow"
and
"You can't stumble when you are on your knees".
I can't say in my family we had a lot of good proverbs like this one, lol, there is actually only one I can recall my mother repeatedly saying to me. "Don't put money (coins) in your mouth, you don't know if someone might have had them in their pocked and peed on them." (yeah, as you can tell, we were full of class, lol)
I do just have to put a little review here saying how much I loved this book and all the photographs in it, a very lovely gift book!!!
"Faith is the bridge over which we can cross all the unknown waters of tomorrow"
and
"You can't stumble when you are on your knees".
I can't say in my family we had a lot of good proverbs like this one, lol, there is actually only one I can recall my mother repeatedly saying to me. "Don't put money (coins) in your mouth, you don't know if someone might have had them in their pocked and peed on them." (yeah, as you can tell, we were full of class, lol)
I do just have to put a little review here saying how much I loved this book and all the photographs in it, a very lovely gift book!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Love on a Dime
This book centers around Lily westbrook and a secret that she's been keeping from not only her family but all their friends and acquaintances. Lily is a writer, not only that, but she also writes dime novels. Lily is torn between her love and writing and the benefits that this write enables her to do, and telling her family the truth about what she does. When her secret is discovered and she faces disclosure Lily goes to many lengths to to keep things quiet.
I really loved this book, it was cute, and had a great storyline and flow to it. The characters were likable (Except for the one's who weren't supposed to be) and quite believable. I found that while it included many Christian principles it wasn't preachy or self-righteous. I would 100% recommend this book to any avid romance reader, or even someone who's a fan of historical fiction.
I really loved this book, it was cute, and had a great storyline and flow to it. The characters were likable (Except for the one's who weren't supposed to be) and quite believable. I found that while it included many Christian principles it wasn't preachy or self-righteous. I would 100% recommend this book to any avid romance reader, or even someone who's a fan of historical fiction.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
The Bishop
Alright everyone, I have finished the book and I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic!!!! Seriously, I stayed up till 2 in the morning reading instead of sleeping because it was just that good! It was full of suspense and had an awesome story line!
The storyline is based around Patrick Bowers who is trying to catch a serial killer who doesn't fit to any pattern. With different killings that look unrelated Patrick has to search to find a way to get one step ahead of the killer! Paired with some personal problems in his life, this case became quite challenging!!
I loved this book, it was fantastic. Even though it's book four in a series, I didn't feel like i was missing some information, or starting in the middle of a story. The end of the book was incredibly surprising, and completely blew me away! I absolutely loved the entire book, and will be searching out more from this author!
I 100% recommend this book to any suspense fan!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
The storyline is based around Patrick Bowers who is trying to catch a serial killer who doesn't fit to any pattern. With different killings that look unrelated Patrick has to search to find a way to get one step ahead of the killer! Paired with some personal problems in his life, this case became quite challenging!!
I loved this book, it was fantastic. Even though it's book four in a series, I didn't feel like i was missing some information, or starting in the middle of a story. The end of the book was incredibly surprising, and completely blew me away! I absolutely loved the entire book, and will be searching out more from this author!
I 100% recommend this book to any suspense fan!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
The Bishop
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Back on Murder
I generally enjoy the murder mystery type books, that are full of suspense and intrigue, so I had big hopes for this book. At first a was a wee bit disappointed as it took a bit to really get "into" the story, but I'm glad to say that after a few chapters I found myself pretty hooked!
The book is based on Roland march a worn down detective who's disillusioned and cynical. After being passed around on different jobs in different departments he finally lands a case that could pivot him back to the top.
I did enjoy the story, although it started slow, it's well worth it to keep going. You're going to end with an awfully exciting and good story!
I'd recommend this to anyone who's a fan of crime novels or suspense novels, this will be right up their ally!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The book is based on Roland march a worn down detective who's disillusioned and cynical. After being passed around on different jobs in different departments he finally lands a case that could pivot him back to the top.
I did enjoy the story, although it started slow, it's well worth it to keep going. You're going to end with an awfully exciting and good story!
I'd recommend this to anyone who's a fan of crime novels or suspense novels, this will be right up their ally!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Heartless
Words cannot express how much I absolutely loved this book. I know without a doubt that this will become one of the most well read books in my personal library! It reminds me a lot of C.S. Lewis' narnia series, in the way it is almost a parable on being born again. (like Narnia was a play on the salvation story)
The book focuses on the main character Princess Una and the potential suitors she will be deciding between. We are led through some tragic and horrific events and transformations before we begin to understand the underlying message in the book.
Honestly though, this is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. Anne Elisabeth Stengl did an amazing job capturing her readers and holding their attention throughout the book. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone, even Non-Christians. While the book does have a Gospel like message, it is not so pushy that someone who is not a believer would be turned off!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The book focuses on the main character Princess Una and the potential suitors she will be deciding between. We are led through some tragic and horrific events and transformations before we begin to understand the underlying message in the book.
Honestly though, this is probably one of the best books I've read in a long time. Anne Elisabeth Stengl did an amazing job capturing her readers and holding their attention throughout the book. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone, even Non-Christians. While the book does have a Gospel like message, it is not so pushy that someone who is not a believer would be turned off!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
His princess, Girl talk with God
Right from the beginning, even just looking at the title and cover this book made me smile. with a cute look it, the book goes through different Bible studies that focus on dealing with being a teen girl, and who they (teen girls) are in God's kingdom. Right from the beginning this was a great feel-good book, the message it has is quite positive and written in a way to really build up teen girls, and make them feel secure in their relationship with the Lord.
After reading the book, there were plenty of youth aged girls who came to mind, who would absolutely love this book. As the wife of a pastor I'm in plenty of contact with youth aged children, and this will definitely be at the top of my list to recommend!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
After reading the book, there were plenty of youth aged girls who came to mind, who would absolutely love this book. As the wife of a pastor I'm in plenty of contact with youth aged children, and this will definitely be at the top of my list to recommend!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Perfectly Dateless
I'm not a big fan of the cutsie romance novels, so I don't as a rule enjoy them very much, nor do I generally read them. I did though enjoy "Perfectly Dateless" and would probably recommend this book to those who enjoy that genre.
The story is about Daisy Crispin and her attempts to find a date (and a way to actually date that boy, lol). If being a teenager isn't hard enough already, imagine also having to wear home made clothing, being socially awkward, and not being allowed to go on dates, or even talk to boys.
This was a very cute book, i did enjoy how witty Daisy comes across in the story, and the hilarious situations she finds herself in.
I would more recommend this book for a younger adult/teen, but it is well written enough that I think most people would enjoy it!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The story is about Daisy Crispin and her attempts to find a date (and a way to actually date that boy, lol). If being a teenager isn't hard enough already, imagine also having to wear home made clothing, being socially awkward, and not being allowed to go on dates, or even talk to boys.
This was a very cute book, i did enjoy how witty Daisy comes across in the story, and the hilarious situations she finds herself in.
I would more recommend this book for a younger adult/teen, but it is well written enough that I think most people would enjoy it!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
The Seeker
I love books that not only entertain me and hold my interest, but also teach me something. So it goes without saying that I very much enjoyed reading "The Seeker"
I loved learning a bit about the Shaker culture, I've heard often of it and knew only bits and pieces of what they believe. So i really did like finding more out about their lifestyles and beliefs!
The story focuses mainly on Charlotte Vance and the plans she has for her future, and the future of those around her. When her plans start falling apart, and she faces loosing the only home she's known she decides to take some drastic steps to hold on to them!
I really liked how we were able to see the main character Charlotte grow in her beliefs and faith throughout the book, and I very much enjoyed the different characters and how they effected, or encouraged (or even discouraged) her walk with God.
This is one book that I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
I loved learning a bit about the Shaker culture, I've heard often of it and knew only bits and pieces of what they believe. So i really did like finding more out about their lifestyles and beliefs!
The story focuses mainly on Charlotte Vance and the plans she has for her future, and the future of those around her. When her plans start falling apart, and she faces loosing the only home she's known she decides to take some drastic steps to hold on to them!
I really liked how we were able to see the main character Charlotte grow in her beliefs and faith throughout the book, and I very much enjoyed the different characters and how they effected, or encouraged (or even discouraged) her walk with God.
This is one book that I would definitely recommend this book to everyone!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Courting Morrow Little
I very much enjoyed this book, I love historical fiction, so i was really looking forward to reading the book. I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed at all! "Courting Morrow Little" focused mostly on Morrow Little (of course, lol) and the losses and struggles she was facing. After a tragic childhood event turned her world upside down, Morrow isn't sure if she can learn to trust again. Laura Frantz did a great job holding the readers attention all throughout the book, it was very well written and had a wonderful display of the Gospel message.
This was a fantastic book, the story moved along at a great pace and kept surprising me throughout the book. I very much enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
This was a fantastic book, the story moved along at a great pace and kept surprising me throughout the book. I very much enjoyed reading this and would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Maid to Match
To be honest, when i saw the book upon receiving the package, i really didn't have very high hopes for it. I tend to stay away from the mushy love story kind of books that tend to get a bit corny and unrealistic. I'm SO glad to find that this book was not like that!! (That'll teach me for judging a book by its cover!)
Out of all the books i recieived this is one of my favorites. I loved reading about Tillie Reese and the struggles she had between choosing her job/family and finding love. I thought that the plots and Characters we all quite well laid out and very realistic. I'm crossing my fingers on this one and hoping the author comes out with a sequal to it! I keep thinking back to the story and wondering how their lives continued on after the book was finished!
100% recommend this book!!
Out of all the books i recieived this is one of my favorites. I loved reading about Tillie Reese and the struggles she had between choosing her job/family and finding love. I thought that the plots and Characters we all quite well laid out and very realistic. I'm crossing my fingers on this one and hoping the author comes out with a sequal to it! I keep thinking back to the story and wondering how their lives continued on after the book was finished!
100% recommend this book!!
A Tailor Made Bride
Like I've mentioned before (Numerous times I'm sure, lol) I love historical fiction. I love learning the different ways that people used to live and I love hearing what their lives must have been like. So when i saw this book, I immediately was intrigued.
The book surrounds the lives of Hannah Richards (Who through some amazing generosity, receives a great gift and a new life) and her struggles of fitting in and succeeding in a new town, with a new business. Also we hear a great deal about J.T. Tucker and his misconceptions he has towards the town's newest member.
I really enjoyed this book, i found myself getting angry right along side Hannah at some of the unfair things said to her, and rejoicing with her when things started going her way. I don't usually find a book that engages me this much, so of course I absolutely loved it!!
A great read for anyone!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
The book surrounds the lives of Hannah Richards (Who through some amazing generosity, receives a great gift and a new life) and her struggles of fitting in and succeeding in a new town, with a new business. Also we hear a great deal about J.T. Tucker and his misconceptions he has towards the town's newest member.
I really enjoyed this book, i found myself getting angry right along side Hannah at some of the unfair things said to her, and rejoicing with her when things started going her way. I don't usually find a book that engages me this much, so of course I absolutely loved it!!
A great read for anyone!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc. Available now at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
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