Fiction – Page 2 – Book Reader Magazine

On the Edge (of a Stroke) by Wallace Briggs

On the Edge (of a Stroke) by Wallace Briggs

Tom Bradley, recovering from a stroke, discovers an inner self who can also hear the thoughts of others nearby. In the park where he exercises daily, he overhears a robbery plot and reports it to the police.
The plotters are arrested and over two hundred thousand pounds of drug related profits are impounded. The gang threatens to snatch Tom’s wife, if Tom does not return the cash. They kidnap Tricia as insurance. The police botch an arrest attempt and the villain, K, escapes with the cash without identifying Tricia’s location. K flees but is arrested and taken into custody, without the cash.
Tom interrogates K and locates the missing cash. He probes K’s mind to reveal Tricia’s location, except, Tricia has already been moved.
Friends come to aid Tom’s search, but a gunshot casualty mars the rescue. The captured shooter is interrogated by Tom’s mind probe. Can he recover the love of his life and the missing cash?

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Sleeping Eagles Part One by Carole McEntee-Taylor

About Sleeping Eagles Part One by Carole McEntee-Taylor

The Great War is finally over, but the world is not at peace. Across Europe and America revolution is in the air, the authorities stretched to the limit as they try to prevent mutinies in the Armed Forces and strikes and protests by a weary population determined to ensure they have the better lives they were promised.

Frances and Giuseppe are enjoying their new life in America, until circumstances alter their plans and everything changes. Frances is grateful to have made new friends, but will she regret giving them her trust? Meanwhile Concetta can’t wait to see her brother again, but does fate have other ideas?

With civil unrest growing in Britain Herbert and Lettie work to find those responsible and warn Len to increase security on the Pemberton Estate. But how can he ensure he is making the right decisions? Then Herbert makes a mistake and Lettie finds herself in danger.

While peace talks take place in Versailles Henrietta’s life takes an unexpected turn and she makes a decision that will change her life completely.

The Eagle Quartet is the follow up series to Secret Lives which tells the stories of several families before and through the Great War. Sleeping Eagles is the third book in the series and is set in Britain, America and Australia. It is in two parts. Part 1 covers the 1920s with Part 2 continuing the story into the 1930s.

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Author Bio

I am the author and publisher of military history, historical fiction, spiritual books and memoirs. Published by Pen and Sword, my military history books include Herbert Columbine VC, Surviving the Nazi Onslaught, A Battle Too Far, From Colonial Warrior to Western Front Flyer, The Battle of Bellewaarde 1915, A History of Coalhouse Fort and A History of Women’s Lives in Scunthorpe. I worked for several years in the Military Corrective Training Centre, Colchester, the British Forces’ only military prison, culminating in a history of the establishment written in the words of those who were there, Military Detention Colchester. I also publish a series of books under the banner Real Lives. Memories in Print which is a free service to ensure our history does not get forgotten. Please see my website for more details.

To date I have written twenty six novels. Of these four are sagas, Lives Apart: A WW 2 Chronicle (5 books), Obsession (5 books), Secret Lives (6 books) and A One Way Ticket (4 books). I have also written three stand alone novels: Betrayed; Love, Resistance, Betrayal and Hunting Shadows. I also ghost write novels and biographies privately and for Story Terrace.

I decided after finishing Obsession that I needed a little break from the Second World War so perhaps I should write about the Great War instead. I also wanted to write something that offered a theory as to how we have ended up with the world we are currently living in. This was a big undertaking as it would need to be several books and I didn’t want it all to be one long series as people, quite understandably, prefer to buy a series once the whole thing is written. Nothing worse than being engrossed in a series and not knowing what happens at the end because the author didn’t get to finish it. I’m not getting any younger so I decided to err on the side of caution and write several series, that could be read as stand alone series. That way if I don’t get to the end you won’t miss out. I knew where I wanted the books to finish, so it was just a case of writing the rest! After some thought I decided to start just before the Great War and Secret Lives was born. The six book series follows the lives of several families in the UK and Europe before and during the Great War, begins in 1913 and ends in 1918. The Eagle Quartet follows on from Secret Lives and
I am currently halfway through writing the final book of the series. Dark Eagles Rising is in two parts and is set in Germany, Austria and Italy through the 1920s and 1930s and, as the blurb above says, Sleeping Eagles is set in America, Britain and Australia with Part One set in the 1920s and Part Two in the 1930s. Once this is finished the plan is to start the next series which will follow the characters through WW2. All books are available in kindle and paperback from Amazon and other internet retailers or you can borrow them from your library.

The Delilah Enigma by Donald de Brier

The Delilah Enigma by Donald de Brier

Set in London against the backdrop of World War II, THE DELILAH ENIGMA follows Lt. Sarah Leach, an MI6 British officer, and Robert Johnston, an American lawyer with the OSS, as they trade secrets and sex while gathering intelligence for the Allied war effort. Together they track the growing German resistance and assassination plot against Hitler and develop assets for the impending D-Day invasion, dangerous work that leads to Sarah’s capture by the SS in France. Her whereabouts are leaked by friends at Bletchley Park, and Robert bands together an unlikely group, including their Jewish refugee friend Hannah, to rescue her. As one enigma is resolved a new one appears: Will Sarah and Robert’s budding relationship survive the war? Historically accurate events and a sweeping cast of real and fictious characters round out this “terrific read.” FREE 03/24-03/28.

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The Silent Symphony: Echoes of Love in the Shadow of Fading Memory by Geeta Lal Sahai

The Silent Symphony: Echoes of Love in the Shadow of Fading Memory by Geeta Lal Sahai

“Love isn’t about the memories we create; it’s about the moments we stand by each other.”
The Silent Symphony is a glimpse into the lives of people struggling with one of the most relentless monsters—memory loss. It is a story of Alzheimer’s leftover – caregivers. Through deeply emotional and evocative storytelling, this novel sheds light on the silent struggles, quiet resilience, and boundless love that define their journey.
As memories fade and connections break, caregivers bear the heartbreaking task of holding close to loved ones and letting go of who they once were. The Silent Symphony weaves a heartbreaking narrative while remaining hopeful about the human spirit’s strength and the lasting power of compassion.
This novel is a must-read for readers seeking an intimate, heartfelt story of courage. It is a moving tale of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, and it will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of caregiving or witnessed the fragility of memory.
The Silent Symphony showcases the power of love and the strength of the human spirit. Its unforgettable story will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.
Quote from the book: “She was angry—not at her mother, but at Alzheimer’s itself, this thief that had come to steal away pieces of the woman who became a stranger to herself, to everyone around.”

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The Munich Girl

About The Munich Girl:

The past may not be done with us. Anna Dahlberg grew up eating dinner under her father’s war-trophy portrait of Eva Braun. Fifty years after the war, she discovers what he never did—that her mother and Hitler’s mistress were friends. The secret surfaces with a mysterious monogrammed handkerchief, and a man whose Third Reich family history is entwined with Anna’s. Plunged into the world of the Munich girl who was her mother’s confidante—and a tyrant’s lover—Anna finds her every belief about right and wrong shattered. “Historical fiction that reads like memoir.” Philadelphia Inquirer

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Greeting Cards For Exes by Rebekah L. Purdy

Greeting Cards For Exes by Rebekah L. Purdy

“Purdy presents a beautifully complex array of characters that touch your heart.” –A Bookish Escape
Piper Mishner has spent the last year trying to get over her ex, which is hard to do after he decides to move into the apartment next to hers with his new fiancé. As if she needs the reminder of how painful the breakup was. Not to mention, her job as a greeting card writer is now at risk due to her cynicism about love.
“I’m bored with you and need a change.” The infamous words of Kerrie Holloway’s ex-husband, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of being an “ex” since he wants her to pretend for their kids and family that they’re still together. While dating others and living in the same house. She gets a job in sales at a greeting card company, and is finally on the way to saving for her own place.
Maude Gilchrist has spent over fifty years married to the same man. A man who, one day, just leaves. No goodbye. No explanation. He was just gone. Bitter and alone, she decides to postpone retirement from the greeting card company. Although writing sappy cards about love is the last thing she wants to do.
Through lunch hour talks, weekend getaways, and drunken brawls, the ladies of All For You Greeting Cards Company help heal one another’s wounds and learn there are more important things in life than having a man. There may be a generational gap, but they all have the “ex-factor” in common.
Fans of Ashley Poston, Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, Mia Sheridan, and Kristin Hannah will enjoy “Greeting Cards For Exes” by Rebekah L. Purdy.

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His Name is Junsaku by Tenkara Smart

His Name is Junsaku by Tenkara Smart

Junsaku Aoyama, a samurai warrior living in 17th-century Japan, has had one desire since childhood: to be Japan’s greatest warrior. After years of excelling in martial arts, Junsaku achieves a general rank in the shogun’s army at only twenty years old, the youngest in Japan’s history, dedicating his life to serving the shogunate. Junsaku, a proclaimed bachelor, never imagines he will marry until he meets a Lithuanian woman named Cecelia, who travels to Japan with her father on a Dutch merchant ship. Despite the challenges of marrying a foreigner, Junsaku marries Cecelia. They have a family, including a daughter, Fukano, who Junsaku teaches to be an excellent martial artist despite Japan’s ban on women practising the arts. For most of his adult life, a ghost cloaked in black haunts Junsaku and delivers ominous warnings to him, which he ignores. Junsaku struggles to balance his love for his family with his loyalty to the shogunate, and even the warnings from the ghost may not be enough to save what he holds most dear.

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Joy After Noon by Debra Coleman Jeter

Joy After Noon by Debra Coleman Jeter

JOY AFTER NOON is the story of Joy Hancock, her new gorgeous husband Ray, and his two daughters, Marianne and Jenny. Marianne, a would-be ballerina, is haunted by the image of her deceased, perfection-demanding mother. Her younger sister, Jenny, longing for acceptance and companionship, befriends troubled and trouble-seeking Claudia, with dire consequences. Joy struggles to balance the challenges of career as a college professor coming up for tenure with those of her new family, while Ray faces an ethical dilemma at work. He must decide whether or not to blow the whistle on his colleagues following an ill-advised merger. At home he alternates between being distracted and irritable, and Joy misreads the signals as indicating his disappointment in her due to her failures—to live up to the model set by his first wife and to cope with the girls and domestic life. Inspired in part by Love, Come Softly, this novel explores the challenges of second marriages and dealing with stepchildren during the crucial years of puberty and teenage angst. This book is discounted 35% on Amazon for a limited time.

Jeter’s characters and scenery are so vivid and real that I felt I was right there sharing all their hope and fears. So looking forward to the next installment!—Jana Little

Debra Jeter does a beautiful job creating realistic characters whose lives intertwine in an honest and purposeful way. I found myself still thinking about their stories once the book ended—Katy Owen

Joy After Noon drew me in and my heart ached along with hers as I followed her struggles. I found myself relating to many characters in the novel–cringing sometimes and laughing at others—Tracy Wilbanks

I was instantly drawn into Joy’s story. A beautiful story full of inescapably good characters – you get so pulled into their world that you miss them just as soon as the book is closed.—Paige Boggs

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Running From Herself by April Tompkins

About Running From Herself by April Tompkins:

Leah Branch just blew her record contract. When the offer finally came, she’d already given up on stardom, but heartbroken, she had to escape her tiny town. Once in Nashville, the label changes her name, remakes her image, and forces her to record songs she hates. They wanted her; they just wanted a different her. Leah goes along until one night when she finally breaks. And that’s when she flees.

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Shadows of Tehran

About Shadows of Tehran:

“When you find yourself at the gates of Hell, keep walking.” —Churchill
Raised in Tehran but torn between two worlds, Ricardo’s young life is thrown into chaos when his American father abandons the family just as the Islamic Revolution of 1979 breaks out. As fundamental human rights are washed away in a tide of religious, anti-Western fanaticism, Ricardo’s mother remarries, introducing a stepfather with a dark secret.
At only 14 years old, Ricardo vows to take back what was stolen under the oppressive, authoritarian rule. He quickly becomes a rebel leader, earning himself renown as the Shadow Rider of Tehran. When his name is leaked and an execution order issued, he must flee the only country he has called home. But the fight is not over. Blessed with an indomitable will and unbreakable spirit, Ricardo becomes a US Special Forces soldier, and in a surprising turn of events, lands right back where he started.
Spanning continents and infused with heart-pounding action, Shadows of Tehran is more than just a story of war. It’s an exploration of one man’s refusal to break under abuse, abandonment, and loss—an affirmation that we, not the events in our lives, determine whether to be a victim or survivor. Based on a true story, this is an astonishing tale of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring human spirit—one that will inspire anyone facing their own shadows to keep pushing forward.

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Shadows Of Tehran by Nick Berg

Shadows Of Tehran by Nick Berg

“When you find yourself at the gates of Hell, keep walking.” —Churchill
Raised in Tehran but torn between two worlds, Ricardo’s young life is thrown into chaos when his American father abandons the family just as the Islamic Revolution of 1979 breaks out. As fundamental human rights are washed away in a tide of religious, anti-Western fanaticism, Ricardo’s mother remarries, introducing a stepfather with a dark secret.
At only 14 years old, Ricardo vows to take back what was stolen under the oppressive, authoritarian rule. He quickly becomes a rebel leader, earning himself renown as the Shadow Rider of Tehran. When his name is leaked and an execution order issued, he must flee the only country he has called home. But the fight is not over. Blessed with an indomitable will and unbreakable spirit, Ricardo becomes a US Special Forces soldier, and in a surprising turn of events, lands right back where he started.
Spanning continents and infused with heart-pounding action, Shadows of Tehran is more than just a story of war. It’s an exploration of one man’s refusal to break under abuse, abandonment, and loss—an affirmation that we, not the events in our lives, determine whether to be a victim or survivor. Based on a true story, this is an astonishing tale of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring human spirit—one that will inspire anyone facing their own shadows to keep pushing forward.

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The Oberllyn’s Overland by J. Traveler Pelton

The Oberllyn’s Overland by J. Traveler Pelton

Elijah’s history of espionage endangers his family. Will Pinkerton’s chase him to California? If you like pioneers, spies, rugged heroes, strong women, and the wild west, you are going to love this book! This is a 1 week sale on this book.

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Picasso’s Motorcycle by Marc Sercomb

About Featured Book: Picasso's Motorcycle by Marc Sercomb

ONLY 0.99 FROM FEBRUARY 21ST THRU THE 27TH!
France, 1940.
An unexpected gift of an old motorcycle with a tragically romantic past hurls a young orphan into the thick of things as war breaks out and his life changes forever. Half-French/half-German Daniel must find a way to survive in a world that mercy seems to have abandoned. This book transports the reader to Nazi-occupied France, where Daniel unwittingly and unexpectedly finds himself working for the Resistance, and ultimately to the Russian Front in a twist of fate so startling that no one can see it coming. In turn quirky, heartwarming, beguiling and uncompromising, author Marc Sercomb weaves together many moods and colors to tell young Daniel’s story. Beyond engaging, Picasso’s Motorcycle has been hailed as a genuine “page-turner” by those who have so far encountered it.

This Fiction book is available in these Formats: eBook, Print

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Phoenix In Me

About Phoenix In Me:

The Phoenix in Me begins with the inspiring story of a brave and curious young woman who explored diverse cultures by traveling the world with her partner. Behind her magical love story lay untold pain and sorrow. It’s a narrative that will resonate with many women – we have the ability to rise from the ashes like a phoenix, burning brightly and soaring higher than ever before. As you read her story, you’ll witness the profound journey of motherhood and the often-overlooked struggles of custody battles and cultural differences that can strain relationships. As women, we often go to great lengths to keep our families together, even if it means sacrificing our needs. The protagonist’s inner struggle with narcissistic relationships exemplifies her strength and resilience.

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A New York Lady In Helldorado by VC Williams

About A New York Lady In Helldorado by VC Williams:

A Wild West killer changes a Victorian lady’s life. Sarah Herring, a historical, forgotten woman, made history over a hundred years ago as the first female to argue before the US Supreme Court unassisted by a man. She won. But she didn’t get there overnight. It took tenacity and guts. This is the story of a brilliant woman who fearlessly broke down barriers and showed the world what a woman could do, forever changing history.
It’s 1881 and Sarah Herring is a 20-year-old primary school teacher. Having left New York after her younger brother Howard graduated from high school, they are on the last leg of their long journey, traveling by stagecoach to Tombstone. They are joining their family who moved in 1879 after her father inherited silver mines. Sarah is dismayed by the rustic environment and worries about her future. Her mother expects her to marry, but Sarah wants more. Hearing about a gunfight the day before, Sarah discovers her father, an attorney, is defending a gunman, Wyatt Earp, charged with murder. She is soon taking notes for her father at the inquest where she is drawn to Thomas Sorin, the attractive co-owner of the Tombstone Epitaph. After demonstrating her natural legal acuity, her father assigns Sarah to work with Wyatt Earp on his defense testimony. Conversations with the notorious gunman and courtroom drama open her eyes to new possibilities. Wyatt reveals his private thoughts and she discovers what she wants: to be a lawyer. They become friends.
Split by volatile Civil War loyalties, Tombstone’s judicial system and the rule of law are under constant threat. Sarah thrives in this dangerous environment while helping the hated Earps and facing threats from cowboy outlaws and Wyatt’s mistress, Josie Marcus. Studying her father’s law books every spare moment, Sarah learns women are barred from most law schools and licensing is rare. She seeks her father’s mentorship and he hints he may help her after the hearing.
During this time, Sarah and Thomas fall in love. Sarah agonizes that marriage and a law career don’t mix. But Thomas’s mining aspirations and departure provide a bitter compromise: postpone marriage indefinitely.
With the exoneration of the Earps, Sarah is saddened by the murderous attacks against Wyatt’s brothers and his resulting ‘vendetta’ ride. She is plunged into further despair when her father vilifies what he sees as her fanciful legal aspirations. Downcast, she returns to teaching as her young brother joins the firm. Sarah continues her independent law studies, seeking occasional respite with friends and riding her horse through the wild landscape. Thomas’s letters and visits are encouraging but infrequent. As time slips by, Sarah doubts she will succeed. Yet, when tragedy strikes, Sarah demonstrates that a lady of honor and charm can show the men they might have it wrong.

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Fuel the Fire by Sean Lacow

About Featured Book: Fuel the Fire by Sean Lacow

Fuel the Fire follows Holly Jones, a high school senior and captain of her cross-country team, as she faces her most challenging season yet. With college scouts watching, team dynamics unraveling, and a fiercely independent freshman phenom, Taylor, testing the limits of her leadership, Holly must navigate the delicate balance between personal ambition and the responsibility of uniting her teammates.

As tensions rise on and off the track, Holly learns that leadership isn’t about running ahead—it’s about bringing others along with you. Through grueling practices, emotional breakthroughs, and a shared determination to succeed, she and her team discover the power of trust, resilience, and running not just for themselves but for each other.

In this heartwarming and inspirational story, Holly’s journey is a testament to the grit it takes to rise above self-doubt, the courage to build bridges in the face of conflict, and the fire it takes to lead a team toward a shared dream. Fuel the Fire is a moving tale of growth, teamwork, and the transformative power of running together.

This Fiction book is available in these Formats: eBook, Print

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The Devil’s Glove

About The Devil’s Glove:

Northern New England, 1688. Salem began here. A death, a rumor, whispers of witchcraft. Resolve Hammond and her mother, healers taught by local tribes, face suspicion. As war looms, they uncover dark secrets. Will Resolve find the truth, or be consumed by the village’s fears?

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Smoldering Betrayal by James Rada Jr.

Smoldering Betrayal by James Rada Jr.

Matt Ansaro returns to his hometown of Eckhart Mines in the Western Maryland coal fields. It has been five years since Matt was here, and he swore when he left in 1917 that he would never return. Although Matt’s parents are dead, the rest of his family welcomes him home with open arms.

Joseph McCord, the superintendent of the Consolidation Coal Mines and a classmate of Matt’s, is not so happy to see Matt return. He has plans for Matt’s old girlfriend, Laura Spencer, and Joseph thinks he will need to compete with Matt for her attention.

Matt has his own plans. He is a Pinkerton detective, and he has been sent to spy on his former neighbors for the Consolidation Coal Company. The coal company owners want to know about union activity in the town and shut it down before it can gain a foothold.

Matt takes a job in the mines and works to re-establish his connections with his family and neighbors, including Laura. He also finds himself attracted to Samantha Havencroft, a suffragette and daughter of a college president.

Matt is walking a tightrope. If the miners find out he is a detective, he could be attacked and driven from town. However, if the coal company or Pinkerton Agency discovers Matt’s real reason for returning to Eckhart Mines, the result could be just as bad. He is a man alone, trying to do what he sees best, even as a national coal strike looms.

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Surviving Jane by Rodolfo Del Toro

Surviving Jane by Rodolfo Del Toro

Dr. David Scholz is looking for a career change.

He’s burnt out and is planning a year-long sabbatical to travel and reset before beginning his ophthalmology residency. Counting down the days to his much-needed break, David must contend with all the complications of working at a busy hospital: unruly patients, frustrating senior staff, and growing fatigue.

During these last weeks, David is given a tough patient: young Jane Doe, a heroin addict, is brought in with severe injuries. Jane does not want to be in the hospital. Belligerent, aggressive, and demanding, Jane tests the boundaries of all the medical staff who attend her.

As David grows increasingly disgruntled, a surprising source reminds him why he entered the medical field in the first place: to help people.

An emotional journey featuring addiction, recovery, and hope, Surviving Jane is a richly detailed medical drama that provides an intimate look into life in a busy hospital.

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Chasing Rabbits by Rodolfo Del Toro

Chasing Rabbits by Rodolfo Del Toro

Rudy Dell, a fourth-year medical student at the top of his class, is looking forward to a cushy clerkship at an outpatient dermatology clinic. He’s suddenly reassigned to a pediatric oncology department, however, likely because he’s paired with his best friend, Mike Davenport, the son of a billionaire in the medical insurance business roundly hated by doctors everywhere. Rudy is quickly thrust into an emotionally charged environment—all about him are children struggling to survive, flanked by their agonized parents. He befriends Maria, a 9-year-old girl in the final throes of leukemia who has no family and is a ward of the state; sadly, she seems destined to die alone. Rudy has always been a competitive student, one who routinely sees his professional commitments in careerist terms, but now he’s profoundly confronted by the obligations of his chosen vocation. “Up to this moment, everything had been a challenge. He had learned to see patients as tests of his abilities. Rudy saw them not as people, but as problems to be solved, unconsciously rationalizing away the human factor, the empathy.” The author sensitively depicts Rudy’s gathering misgivings about his choice to become a doctor and his first confrontation with genuine self-doubt. The most memorable aspect of this poignant novel, though, is the characterization of children like Maria, facing death with almost preternatural courage, often more worried about their parents than their own fate. This is a sad but hopeful book, one that impressively captures the complexity of children’s lives.
A haunting tale that is both despairing and inspiriting.

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