Review: One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot

Christmas in September was suddenly really appealing when I spotted this lovely cover and the chance to try out a new author.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . to fall in love

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish on her mind…to start over.

With her nine year-old daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for an adventure. From hot chocolates and horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park, to ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre, and Christmas shopping on 5th Avenue – they soon fall in love with the city that never sleeps.

But there’s more to New York than the bright twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has a Christmas wish of her own – to find her real dad.

While Hayley tries to fufil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked.

Determined to make her daughter’s dream come true, can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might turn into reality – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever?

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they both realise that life isn’t just about filling the minutes…it’s about making every moment count.

My Thoughts:

With it's lovely cover and enticing description this book seemed liked a sure thing, so it was with some surprise and a little disappointment that I found it didn't quiet work for me.

Hayley deserves a lucky break and is off to New York with her daughter for Christmas to visit her brother. Or so we are initially led to believe because later we find there is more on the agenda.

The attention to detail in this book is really good. I liked the basic idea behind the story, and loved the relationship with plus all the lovely between Hayley and her daughter Angel. There were also some lovely moments with both her brother Dean, Vernon and Randy too. In fact there is lot I did like about this book. However there was also a lot of stuff that didn't quiet work for me, for example how she met Oliver's mother, his behaviour and how she got involved with Mr Meanie in the first place. Her preoccupation with cutting up her clothes was daft. Who on earth cuts the sleeves of a wool dress to visit a nightclub or substitutes jumper sleeves for gloves instead of buying or borrowing a pair.

On the other hand it was a really nice story if you are prepared to take everything at face value and the text flowed well making it good light and amusing reading. The quality of the writing alone makes it recommended reading but just not for nit pickers like me.

(Pre-release review copy gratefully received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

What others are saying:

Rachel via GoodReads - "This was the perfect book for me to get my Christmas reading off to a start with this year and was truly enjoyable.

Kirsty via GoodReads - "This book made me feel so happy ... I loved the Chemistry Hayley and Oliver had and Angel was such a funny girl.

Format: ebook

Author: Mandy Baggot

Publisher: Bookouture (2 Oct. 2015)

View at:
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Review: Under His Skin by Stacey O'Neale

Today marks both the book release and start of the virtual book tour. I am delighted with this opportunity to both review the book and post the first book tour review. A big thank-you to Stacey O'Neale, Entangled Publishing and Bewitching Book Tours.

A paranormal category romance from Entangled's Covet imprint...

Earth girls are never easy. But they're worth it.

Bakery owner Annabelle Sparks’ business is booming ever since she won reality TV's Cupcake Wars. The one thing deflating her happy soufflé? The extremely sexy Kaden Chance only sees her as a best friend–and Annabelle wants so much more. After waiting a year for him recognize their chemistry, she’s giving up and dating other people.

What she doesn't know is Kaden's heart doesn't actually beat. He's not human. Heck, he's not even from Earth. To retain his intergalactic immunity, no one can ever know he is an extraterrestrial. But when Annabelle starts dating, something strange happens to Kaden's unmoved heart: it begins to beat. Now he faces an impossible choice-tell Annabelle the truth and be deported-or lose his last chance at love.

My Thoughts:

At 197 pages this was a quick and relaxing read. I really enjoyed this romance with a paranormal twist. So much so that I read it in one sitting because it grabbed my attention on the very first page and didn’t let go. The course of true love never runs smooth and the story of Kaden and Annabelle is no exception.

The book opens with Kaden as per usual lingering outside the bakery during his morning run for the chance to greet Annabella. It is immediately obvious that Kaden's feelings for his Bella go beyond those of a best friend and that something or someone is stopping him from taking their relationship to the next level.

The plot is simple but well executed with good dialogue, passion and plenty of action. Similarities in the plot and certain character attributes reminded me at times of Roswell the TV-series but this increased my enjoyment rather than detracting from it. True to form the author includes swoon-worthy heroes, a snarky heroine and lots of kissing making it far more erotic than Roswell ever was.

Bella and Kaden are adorable, well developed characters. Both characters were easy to emphasise with. I liked Bella who whilst fiercely independent only has eyes for sexy Kaden and hasn’t dated in a year. I respected Kaden who is frustrated with being the best-friend and longs for more. Both characters have body; Bella winning reality TV's Cupcake Wars and Kaden’s history with his wife was a nice touch and added extra interest.

When Kaden’s heart starts to beat the intensity surges with Kaden’s brothers and Bella’s friend Hilary unknowingly pushing them together. Kaden whilst seriously hot is a stranger in a strange land; he is modest and well adjusted but occasionally gets it wrong and the resulting misunderstanding add a nice touch of humour to the plot.

Stacey is a really good storyteller. Her story is romance first and Sci-Fi second, with the emphasis on finding a soul mate. Any alien details are on a need to know basis and relevant to supporting the storyline.

This is my first Stacey O’Neale book but I guarantee that it won’t be my last. It was fast paced and fun. It is also the first book in a new series. With sparks flying between Hilary and Kaden's younger brother Cam, my money is on them getting more attention in book 2.

There aren't enough stars for this one. Highly recommended.

What others are saying:

Michelle Williams - "O’Neale’s writing style is such that the reader is quickly immersed in the story. Under His Skin kept me engrossed from the time I began the tale until I finished the very last word."

Wendy (via GoodReads) -

"I really enjoyed Annabelle. She really liked Kaden, but she didn't let him walk all over her ... She's real honest and she has some backbone!

Little Book Heaven (via GoodReads) - "sexy paranormal romance, but also fun, dangerous, and definitely out of this world. With three gorgeous alien brothers what's not to love?"

21st Century Once Upon A Time - "But what's better than aliens who look like humans, you may ask? Aliens that look like sexy humans, is the answer!"

Format: eBook

Author: Stacey O'Neale

Publisher: Entangled Covet (21 Sept. 2015)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

View at:
AmazonUK | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Entangled

About the Author:

Award-winning author, Stacey O'Neale, lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

Stacey loves hearing from readers.

Connect with the Author:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter

Review: Crossing The Whitewash by Nick Rippington

London meets rugby-crazy Wales in the build up to one of the biggest sporting events on earth.

THE PAST WON'T GIVE HIM A SPORTING CHANCE.....

Young football prodigy Gary Marshall and his closest friend Arnie Dolan spend their teen lives battling adversity on the rundown estate where they live. Then they are torn apart by a series of events that have a life-shattering impact on both of them.

Eight years later gang leader Arnie wants a reunion with his old partner-in-crime. So why is Gary now working as a sports journalist in a different country under a different name? And what is the shocking secret Arnie has kept from him?

As the Rugby World Cup approaches the mysteries start to unravel, leading to a gripping climax at the temple of Welsh Rugby, the Millennium Stadium.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book which was totally different from anything I've read lately. I was initially attracted to this sports title after reading First & Goal (Queen of the League Book 1). Whilst both are set against a backdrop of sport that is where the similarity ends.

Gary a West Ham fan dreams of becoming a professional footballer, but when he finally escapes the London council estate of his youth it is for the greener Welsh pastures where he hides behind a new identity as Gareth a sports journalist with the Welsh Tribune.

The author an old pro is a skilled writer and showcases his talent well in a timely thriller with a good mix of three dimensional characters against a backdrop of the Rugby World Cup. The plot is simple but well executed. Two separate storylines run through the book; Two worlds separated by the severn bridge, chalk and cheese with the softness and warmth of the Welsh valleys contrasting sharply with the violence of gang oriented council estates in outer London. Unavoidably both worlds come together in the last chapters forming the climax with a few surprises thrown in.

The book is a mixed bag containing both fun fiction with some adorably funny scenes set in Wales which made laugh out loud and other extremely violent scenes mostly London based which made me cringe. I definitely preferred the part of the story set in Wales and the richness of the welsh characters which contrasted well with the violent Londoners and at times gangster caricatures. I really enjoyed reading about the Legend, Shakey and the tag team wrestling.

Recommended reading.

(Digital ARC received from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

What others are saying:

Theweebarrell on GoodReads "...didn't disappoint. A great story of youth, circumstance, friendship, consequences and adulthood."

Format: ebook and paperback

Author: Nick Rippington

Publisher: Cabrilon Books (1 Aug. 2015)

Review: The Garden of Magic by Sarah Painter

My latest impulse purchase is a new and recent release, spotted purely by chance on AmazonUK and prequel to one of my favourites.

A magical Pendleford prequel novella from the bestselling author of The Language of Spells, that introduces the world to Iris Harper – the original Harper witch.

Iris Harper has lived in Pendleford for decades, the local witch is mistrusted by the townsfolk, but that doesn’t stop some coming to her begging for potions, spells and quick-fixes.

As time has marched on suddenly Iris is aware that her days are beginning to fade. Her sumptuous garden is turning against her, the sweet scent of rot potent and now a young girl has come begging for a solution at her door.

Yet, the problem she brings causes Iris to remember a man from long ago – the man she loved, the man she could never trust…

My Thoughts:

Having been captivated by the magic of the in 2013 released The Language of Spells the release of this prequel was a delightful surprise making it the third book in the Harper witch series. The second book being The Secrets of Ghosts released a year later in 2014 and featuring Kate and a delicious treat. The Harper witches are fascinating and each uniquely cursed with their individual gift. Sharing the common ground of magic the Harper Witch books remind me of another title, one of my favourites Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen.

I really enjoyed this book. Once again the quality of the writing is superb with delightfully well thought of characters. In this book we are introduced to Iris Harper whose death preceded the first book. It was Iris who left the cottage to Gwen and so instigated Gwen's return to Pembleton. Whilst Iris is already in her eighties and struggling with the irritations of old age we are treated to glimpses into her past, showing a kinder, younger Iris and learn more of both her and her mothers gifts. It gave me the reader more insights into the first book, prompting me to retrieve it from the shelf and reopen it.

Despite it being a lovely relaxing read I'm on the fence with this one. Yes having read both previous books I loved it but came away feeling a little shortchanged. My biggest criticism is the length, I was disappointed that in contrast to the 337 pages of the The Language of Spells this book contained only 107 pages. Iris is such a great character and deserved more, I am at a loss to understand why the author found her unworthy of a whole novel. With a large proportion of the book taken up with a sample of The Language of Spells this book felt like a teaser written solely for the purpose of relaunching The Language of Spells.

This book is about having the confidence to tell the truth, the power of trust, deception and second chances set against a backdrop of magic.

The current AmazonUK price of 99p is a fair price for fans of the other two books, but if you are new to the Harper Witches I suggest skipping this one and starting with The Language of Spells.

What Others are saying:

Aurelia Row via GoodReads: "A short and sweet prequel featuring Iris Harper; a light, entertaining, story although it seemed to end abruptly."

Alex P. via AmazonUK: "Sarah Painter is one of those authors who can create a world you can lose yourself in, with vivid descriptions and imagery that jump off the page/screen"

• Format: ebook and paperback
• Author: Sarah Painter
• Publisher: Carina (14 Aug. 2015)
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Amazon | AmazonUK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Harper series:

Review: First & Goal by Laura Chapman

Set your lineups and pull out the old game tape—football is here. This year, you can experience fantasy football vicariously through (or commiserate with) Harper Duquaine in First & Goal by Laura Chapman; The first in a series of four featuring "Queen Harper".

What begins as a way to make nice with her new co-workers soon becomes an obsession for Harper as she navigates the ups and downs of managing a fantasy football team. Add in a pair of meddling brothers, a crew of quirky colleagues, and a league-mate who makes her toes curl, and Harper’s football season has plenty to keep her interested.

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Then beat them.

When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way). 

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

My Thoughts
There was something about the blurb which attracted me to this book. Generally I'm on the fence where chicLit is concerned but I really enjoyed this one despite as a Brit "not knowing a keeper from a sleeper". Fantasy football is very dominant is this book, unlike me Laura and Harper do know a lot about American Football. Harper herself like her father and brothers is a dedicated "Packers" fan.

Laura is good at her job but new at the office having taken a transfer when her relationship with a coworker ended. In the testosterone world of car dealerships she needs a way to become one of the guys. An opening in the fantasy football league seems like the ideal solution.  

Whilst this is a romantic comedy it is also about the value of friendship, family, being one of the guys and not putting work before people. The story is well paced and features well defined three dimensional characters. Harper is an easy character to like and emphasise with whilst Brook came over initially as too good to be true. I liked the strong contrast in character between Brook and JJ as the two ex footballers and how the differences were such a strong part of the story.

It is a really engaging read which had me hooked from page one and didn't let go making it hard to put down. This is a book that you can recommend to friends. Needless to say I really enjoyed this book. It had a good plot and would make an excellent movie. I don't consider myself a sports fan but I am and always have been a sucker for light feel good sports films.

Highly recommended.

(Digital copy provided by the author and CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.)

What others are saying:

Rhonda via GoodReads: "... fun, entertaining,  .... flow of the story was very good .... grabbed my attention from the first words!"

Format: Kindle Edition
Author: Laura Chapman
Publisher: Marching Ink (6 Sept 2015)

Amazon | AmazonUK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | GoodReads

About the Author

Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and a forthcoming Christmas anthology from Marching Ink. A native Nebraskan, she loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura is currently in pursuit of a fantasy football championship while penning her next novel.

Review: The Reaper's Kiss by Abigail Baker

This is my first book tour participation and in the true spirit of "last but not least" I'm pretty excited to be closing Abigail's two week book tour organised by Bewitching Books; Thanks to you both for including me.

Drop dead gorgeous...and fatal.

Ollie Dormier's tattoos are deadly. She is a Scrivener-an employee for Death-and her skull tattoos mark her clients for their demise. She does her job, and she stays out of trouble. But when her hands start to burn hot and fierce, and her control goes leaping out the window, all hell breaks loose. Ollie is showing the early signs of being a Master...demonstrating power that is forbidden.

That power is exactly what Reaper Brent Hume is counting on. A hot, scruffy rebel, who does marvellous and terrifying things to Ollie's insides. Now he needs Ollie's help-and her skills-to overthrow the evil and corrupt Head Reaper. That is, if he can figure out a way to keep this hot-handed girl cool...and keep his hands off.

My Thoughts:

There was something about this book that felt original and fresh. Abigail is an excellent storyteller.  However whilst I really enjoyed this book it took a while to warm up and pull me in but once hooked it was hard to put down.

In a troubled world Ollie has a gift and together with rebel Brent a chance to restore 'balance'. There are some who help and others who try to stop them. When one thing leads to another a hot and unlikely romance develops with rebel reaper Brent. I enjoyed the way the characters and her gift (which originally felt more like curse) developed as the story progressed. Her "hands burning hot with fury" may seem like a strange gift but is well both integrated into and key to the story.

The story itself is very engaging and well told mixing first person narrative with chatty prose. The characters are interesting and well developed. I liked Ollie she was easy to relate to and despite her calling had a really human side. I liked Brent the reaper too which surprised me. Dudley her dog was a nice touch and an excellent contrast to the dark forces at hand. The "marvellous and terrifying things" Brent does to Ollie's insides feel original and add spice.

The book whilst obviously a paranormal romance is also about people and the importance of family, friends and relationships. In particular when faced with difficult choices the importance of overcoming your fears and stepping up to protect not only your own interests, family and friends but those of the plebs too.

The quality of the writing is good which is no surprise Abigail having won first place in RWA’s Golden Network’s 2011 Golden Pen in Paranormal Romance for TATTOO OF YOUR NAME ACROSS MY SOUL now published as The Reaper's Kiss. The book has lots offer in both in terms of plot and hot romance. The first of a series; I liked the ending which fitted the story well and left plenty of scope for the next book which is planned for release in June 2016.

In reflection I loved this book which is very different and far removed from most of the fiction I have read recently. The decision to read this book was pure impulse having spotted it by chance online. There was something about the combination of deadly tattoos and the grim reaper which attracted me and reminded me of the many hours spent watching SyFi Channel with my children.

Highly recommended.

(Digital copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)


What others are saying:

Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous: "This was a breath of fresh air in a genre that's often thought of as only being about ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and angels."

Live Laugh & love Books: "...sometimes I felt that I was sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next."

Boundless Books: "One of the best books I've read this year, in this genre."

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Author: Abigail Baker
• Publisher: Entangled: Select Otherworld (24 Aug. 2015)
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Review: The Language of Spells by Sarah Painter

Released in 2013 interest in this book has been rekindled with the release of Sarah's new novella "The Magic Garden" and prequel to "The Language of Spells".

The Language of Spells is a magical, romantic novel. It’s set in the fictional town of Pendleford and features Gwen Harper, a woman with an uncanny knack for finding lost things…

When you are ready, seek, and you shall find. It is your gift.

Gwen Harper left Pendleford thirteen years ago and hasn’t looked back. Until an inheritance throws her into the mystical world she thought she’d escaped. Confronted with her great-aunt’s legacy Gwen must finally face up to her past.

The magic she has long tried to suppress is back with a vengeance but gift or burden, for Gwen, it always spells trouble. She has to stay – she has nowhere else to go – but how can she find her place in the town that drove her out after branding her a witch…?

My Thoughts:
Captivated by both story and the well fleshed out characters I found this book hard to put down. Was it magic that made me check the daily deal, this book was just the ticket. Attracted by the title and reading the first paragraph in the sample I just knew this was the book for me.

A heady mixture of family conflicts and old romantic evolvements. Whilst pitched as romance, the romance didn't dominate the story which had greater breadth exploring people, relationships and events with just a touch of magic for originality.

When Gwen inherits a house from an old estranged aunt, the plan is to quickly sell it. It is 13 years since she left that town behind her and she has no intention of moving back. Why isn't initially obvious, like peeling an onion the tale is well told one layer at a time.  Cam and her sister Ruby are complications from her past who she hopes to avoid. Needless to say she doesn't.

Recommended as a light and relaxing read. This is no ordinary tale, it is warm and compelling with just a touch of magic and has the perfect combination of story telling, relationships, passion and magic. Sharing the common ground of magic it reminded me of another title, one of my favourites "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen.

What others are saying:

Beloved Elenor: "I really loved this book – and it is not often I say this, really. An amazing début, I was sucked in so much I could hardly put it down and finished it in about a day I think. I also couldn’t stop talking about it!"

Novel Kicks: "The plot had great twists and turns and when I thought I had the story figured out, the story would go in a different direction and surprise me. I didn’t want to put it down and the further I got into the book, the harder it was to stop reading… A wonderful debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading the next one."

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Author: Sarah Painter
• Publisher: Carina; 1 edition (30 May 2013)

The Harper series:

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Review: Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

It is only September but in anticipation of Christmas the first new christmas novels are already putting in an appearance. Holly Martin has two set for release this Autumn.

Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen. 

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded. 

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore… 

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of? 

Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down. 

Spend the perfect Christmas in White Cliff Bay this year. Snowflakes on Silver Cove coming very soon. 

My Thoughts:

Totally adorable and very entertaining, this is a book you can curl up with. This is my third book by this author having enjoyed the both the recently released "Fairytale Beginnings" and "Sentinel". Whilst the theme was second chances and new beginnings the plot felt surprisingly original and refreshing within the confines of it's genre. Holly Martin is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.

I loved "Fairytale Beginnings" for it's wit, warmth, passion and charm, so when I spotted this title I didn't hesitate and started reading within minutes of receiving it. Once again Holly has created some really great characters and an entertaining plot which a couple of times had me in stitches. There was one scene about two thirds of the way through the book that made me laugh so much that I to put my eReader down.

The characters are adorable. Henry is seriously hot and lovely but with a grumpy streak. His hot body gets him into scrapes with the ladies and funny situations where he quiet literally is treated as eye-candy. Having been badly hurt years before Penny is a good mix of warmth and vulnerability but a good strong character too. It is interesting to see her character develop as the story progresses. I liked Daisy too but found her relationship with her father a bit of a stretch. Some parts of the story were ooh, so sweet and very heavy on the sugar, but all good clean fun.

Set in a small seaside town, Penny has plenty of friends but lives alone with her dog in her cottage. Having decided to let out her annex she is anticipating and looking forward to a new friendship. Henry and Daisy are moving to the country which means a new job for him. Henry is obviously not used to small towns and is looking forward to privacy in his new home. As usual nothing is quite as simple as it seems. There is however plenty of electricity in the air and sparks soon start to fly with plenty of misunderstandings and bumps in the road the path to new happiness is not an easy one.

In short this is more than an entertaining romance. It is about friendship and real love with plenty of passion and a good story. There is plenty of attention to detail with White Cliff Bay and residents feeling more like a real town than a convenient backdrop.

Highly recommended.

(Grateful thanks to Holly, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)


What others are saying:

BLABBERING ABOUT BOOKS: "This book was so cute! It was predictable the whole way through but that didn’t matter because the way the characters get to their happy ending was wonderful."

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Author: Holly Martin
• Publisher: Bookouture (25 Sept. 2015)
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