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Key to His Heart by Kristina Beck – Review by Karen Pearman

Key To His HeartKey To His Heart by Kristina Beck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a new author to me, so I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to think, but I found a truly unique story that delves into a single parent story and all the drama and angst that comes along with that ride. It really makes you appreciate the men, and women, who are so special and take on the role of loving not only you but your child as well. This book made me cry a lot. From happy tears of joy to sad tears reminding me of my own mom being a single parent and having a difficult time finding someone to love and accept both of us with our flaws. This was a cathartic book in so many ways for me. It is a book I recommend that any single parent read, but it is also a great book just for the story and purpose behind it. Highly recommend reading this book.

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Ballet School Rumours (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 3) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Karen Pearman

Ballet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School AdventureBallet School Rumours: An Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book three in this wonderful series of a world of dancing paranormal ghosts. Once again, the author made me laugh from all the angst going on in this school. It’s no different than typical high school and made me think about some of the gossip years I experienced myself and the drama that created. I think the author does an amazing job with these books and can provide some valuable lessons in the process. I think that it’s a perfect read for young teens, but I have thoroughly enjoyed these books as well. While this could be a stand-alone book I do feel like it would be best to read the entire series to get the most benefit from the life lessons she is preparing our young girls for.

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Graceful Ghost (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventures Book 1) by Eleanor Dixon-Review by Karen Pearman

The Graceful Ghost (Amberwood Hall Ballet School #1)The Graceful Ghost by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a wonderfully written for young adult girls, especially ones that are interested in or already taking dance classes. The author has put so much into this story that I didn’t want to put it down. It does include some paranormal activity and characters which make the book even more interesting. When considering this book, think Hogwarts School of Magic but a school of dance. This contained a lot of laughs, tears, bullies, and close-knit friendships. Most of all it contains a wonder life lesson that all females need to learn. Especially our young females. We need more books like this. I highly recommend that you get this book for your kids. They will enjoy it.

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Paige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia – Review by Karen Pearman

Paige and the Reluctant ArtistPaige and the Reluctant Artist by Darci Garcia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was written by a new author to me. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but it’s a romance and the cover has a cat on it. Cats are always a wonderful way to get me to pick up a book. What I found was a very cute story with romance and animals combined. I thought the writer did an amazing job with describing what was taking place. I could visualize the surroundings in my mind. I also thought that she did a wonderful job with the characters, and I felt like these could be personal friends of mine. I did feel like it took a little too long for them to connect but once they did, WOW what a connection it was. This was a very fast paced book for me as I was unable to put it down. I even snuck in some reading while at work. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of romantic stories. I look forward to picking up more books from this author.

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Twilight’s Spy (Twilight Realm Trilogy Book 1.5) by K.M. Wray – Review by Karen Pearman

Twilight's SpyTwilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is part of a young adult series that I fell in love with after reading the first book. This is technically book two but is called book one and a half. This book helps answer some of the questions I was left with following the first book. I loved how the author managed to make this into a short story but can fill in so many missing details. I laughed, I cried, and at times I was downright angry with some characters. But when it was complete I felt like this book achieved a lot in the small amount of story that we were given. However, it did just make me want to know more. I highly suggest reading the first book before picking this one up. Otherwise, you will be a little confused. If you like, or love as I do, young adult books please pick up these stories.

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Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass (Mermaid Science, #3)The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another cute story in the continuing Mermaid Science Story. I love how once again the author has managed to introduce a new scientific experiment into the story while also making it interesting as well. While this one isn’t my favorite of the series, I did thoroughly enjoy it. I love the use of the mermaid but just hate that both characters can’t see her. That’s the reason one of the characters believes it is made up. I feel that it would be a nice inclusion for all the characters to be able to see her. Once again the illustrations are beautiful and eye catching. I am sure that your kids will love this. And not to mention, it’s a great way to include another science experiment into your home.

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The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie – Review by Karen Pearman

The Vilification of Aqua Marine (Working Mask, #1)The Vilification of Aqua Marine by Megan Mackie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is by a new author to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved the cover artwork as it appeared to look like a superhero caper and that screamed must read to me. I am so glad that I did. I wasn’t disappointed in this story at all. It’s geared more for the young adult reader, but as an avid comic book reader I found this book to be perfect for comic book fans. In fact, I have already spread the word to many of my comic junkies that they need to read this story. There is so many funny hijinks in this book I was laughing until I cried. It’s also filled with action and drama along the way, but my family thought I was crazy because I was laughing out loud so much. I highly recommend that you and your teens pick this wonderful book up. It’s perfect. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next caper ahead.

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The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Karen Pearman

The Lie That BindsThe Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is written by an author that I am very familiar with as I have read several of her books. I always know I will not be disappointed, and this was no different. She writes for young adults in a way that keeps adults mesmerized with not only the storyline but the characters as well. You feel like you know them. At least I do. The main male protagonist reminds me of so many males that I went to school with that at times I was so enraged thinking back to my high school years. I highly recommend that you read this story. Or if you have young adult readers in your home you encourage them to read it. They will thoroughly enjoy it just as much as you do.

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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Karen Pearman

Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this amazing romantic paranormal series. I enjoyed this book even more than the first if that is even possible. Once again I laughed until I cried reading this book. The author picked up from the end of the first book which is exactly what I prefer in a book series. I love how she mixes in the humor with the ghostly residents that she interacts with. That makes it so intriguing for me to read. It also kept me on the edge of my seat flying from one page to the next. I highly recommend this series for any fan of romantic comedies that isn’t afraid of a little unnatural beings mixed in. I’m already waiting to get book three in my hands.

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Pilot Who Knows the Water (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Karen Pearman

Pilot Who Knows the Waters (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6)Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in The Lord Hani Mysteries series. This was just as good as the previous books and filled with just as much intrigue and danger. The author does such a fabulous job with the historical details that are included in this story. You can certainly tell that the author has done her research on this era to add that knowledge into the story. I think that just adds to the overall enjoyment in reading this book. I will say that sometimes there may have been a little more ancient terminology included that could have been reduced because it was redundant. But overall, this was a great historical mystery and was a fantastic end to this series. I do recommend that you read these books in their order as opposed to reading as a standalone book because you will have a much more thorough understanding of what the story is all about.

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Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Karen Pearman

Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan #1)Distant Heart Sounds by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a new author for me but came as a recommendation from one of my best friends. We tend to like the same books so I had a feeling I would love it. My assumption was correct. This book grabbed me from the beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. I laughed so hard throughout this book I cried. While it is a paranormal romance there are some also some spooky moments that you won’t expect. Don’t worry. You won’t be terrified, but you will be shocked because you never see it coming at you. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Do your friends a favor and recommend it to them. Better yet, purchase it as a gift for them. They will thank you later.

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Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4) by Olivia Sherwood-Review by Karen Pearman

Unlikely to Tell (A Parker Lake Novel Book 4)Unlikely to Tell by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth installment in this amazing romantic series. I have read each one and they get better every book. This was no exception. The author has quite a knack for bringing these stories to life and making them feel so realistic. That’s one of the reasons that I love them so much. I also love how she makes me laugh reading them because I can picture everything happening. This gentleman really had his hands full luring the main character into his clutches because she is a true Karen and not easy to win over. I was sitting on the edge of my seat reading some of these chapters because I wanted things to happen right then, but she kept me waiting. However, she did a phenomenal job and once they were united you could tell it was a perfect match. I highly recommend you pick up these amazing stories to read.

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The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Karen Pearman

The Day the Librarian Saved the GalaxyThe Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fantastic book for children. This book was so entertaining and took me back in time to when I couldn’t wait to go to the library for new books to read. Of course, I didn’t encounter any aliens while I was at their library, or at least not to my knowledge. But I sure did enjoy reading about them. The author did a wonderful job describing what was going on in this story. It was so easy to visualize it in my mind because the illustrations are so good. I’m sure that goes for kids as well. If you have kids I highly recommend you read this book with them. Give it as a gift. For birthday gifts to friends, to teachers, or to your child’s school librarian. I’m sure that they will enjoy this book just as much as you and your child will.

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Karen Pearman

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not the first book by this author I have read but is the first book in this series. I love her writing style and description and she is one of my favorite young adult authors to read. I always pick her books up the day they are released. This was no different. I loved how she intertwined the betrayals and the friendships into the storyline. It made it absolutely fit together with the rest of the storyline. As usual, I was unable to put this down to go to sleep until I had read the entire story. I highly recommend this story if you or your young adult are into fantasy folklore tales. Once you read one of her books you will be wanting to read them all.

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The Mind-Reading Hat (Invisible Magic Wand Series Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book SixThe Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book number six in this adorable children’s series about Caspian and his “UnBirthday” gift from his grandfather. The author has written another imaginative story that is perfect for kids of all ages. It also teaches kids that while it may be nice to hear other’s thoughts it is difficult job as well trying to help everyone. Caspian did a great job and learned a lesson that it’s not always rewarding to hear what others are thinking. The illustrations are so good, and I love how the colors pop off the page. They truly do go perfect with the story. I highly recommend you pick this book up for your kids.

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Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephanie Wilson Peterson – Review by Karen Pearman

Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad DogToby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very cute story for early readers. I think it’s also a good book for parents to read with their kids, especially if you have animals. I love how a cat was added in as the protagonist to make it a story of both dogs and cats. Being a cat owner, I could relate to a lot of the mischief that this dog was tricked into completely. I think it’s a good story to tell to teach how not everything an animal, or kid, does is their own fault, but could be related to other causes. This, in my opinion, is a great story to teach cause and effect to our kids. I highly recommend it. I laughed a lot and found it to be very enjoyable.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Karen Pearman

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book number two is this series and was just as much fun as the first one. I am truly in love with these characters and their story. Once again, there are some amazing “family” bakery recipes included in this book that I intend to make some time this year. I love how the author took this story on the road for some laughs, drama, and lots of baking. I couldn’t put this book down and I highly recommend you read it. This is even a phenomenal story to share with the teenage girls in your life because it is so wholesome. I recommend reading the books in order, so you know the story and how this family baking business works on magic to succeed.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Karen Pearman

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where to start with this book? AMAZING! Probably one of the best thrillers I’ve read in quite a while. I was pulled in from the beginning of this story and couldn’t put it down. I’ve never read a book by this writer, but I’ll check out some of his other works now. This book had me gripping the edge of my seat. I thought his writing was great even though some of the plot twists I could see coming a mile away. I loved how it included some current day themes, like the COVID pandemic. With everything that the main character was experiencing it reminded me of what some of my own friends and family have dealt with during this time. I loved this book. Highly recommend that you read it.

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Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Karen Pearman

Taming of the FewTaming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was excited to pick up this story after hearing friends rave about it. And honestly, I’m so glad that I did. It was a thrilling fantasy with everything you can possibly imagine in between. The author did a fantastic job with her world descriptions. She had me believing I was there. I loved the history that she delved into. I thought it really brought the story to life. I loved all the characters she has in the book. I’m always a fan of a large diverse cast of characters that must work and support one another. This was perfect. I can’t wait to pick up the second book in this series. I highly recommend that you read this story.

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The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Karen Pearman

The Scent of GardeniasThe Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another new author for me, I read this story because I had two friends that insisted I must read it. They told me I would love that it took place during WWII, and they know I love books with history. They were not wrong. This was a phenomenal read. I honestly did not want to put it down. The author has an amazing way of describing all the feelings and attachments going on with and around the main character. She had all my emotions going. I laughed, cried, felt angry, and struggled along with her choices and decisions. And her description of the war going on while the character was falling in love was beautiful. If war can be beautiful, this was it. And that’s hard to do with all the sadness and anger going on around you. I highly suggest you pick this book up. It’s not one to pass by.

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Karen Pearman

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author to me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading it. It was a really good book with a lot of steamy romance. VERY STEAMY ROMANCE. The author’s writing description is impeccable regarding the storyline and what is taking place. It was so good you could fully imagine what was taking place. That was probably the biggest issue that I had with the story. The sexual romance was a little more than I prefer, but that’s just me personally. If you are a fan of steamy romance books then you will love this story.

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Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Karen Pearman

Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author for me, but I had some friends to recommend it, so I decided to give it a go. I was highly surprised by how steamy and descriptive this book was with the sexual scenes. Not that it was bad, but it’s just not my normal cup of tea. I thought the writer did an amazing job writing from the characters points of view in each chapter. That was a new idea to me, but I loved how it worked out. I thought it made for a unique telling of the storyline. I loved these characters. I feel like they could be friends of my own. Once I read a few chapters it was a quick paced story. If you like steamy, sizzling adult romance books then this is perfect for you.

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Shamrock & Clover: Field’s Apart by C.A. King – Review by Karen Pearman

Shamrock & Clover: Fields ApartShamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another great book by one of my favorite authors. If you have never read one of her books, I suggest you start now with this one. She’s a fantastic writer and has an amazing way of drawing the reader into the world they are reading about. She always makes me feel like I am living the story through her description and narration of the story. This was a shorter story than some of the books I am used to reading from her, but none the less was just as good. I don’t feel that the length of the book took away from any of the story. I will say that this one was a little slow at the beginning and took me a couple of chapters to really get into, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. It was very entertaining, and I loved the characters chemistry.

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The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Karen Pearman

The Know-It-All PencilThe Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cute story and my kids enjoyed it. As with her other books they have read, this one also contained a story. This time a life lesson on sharing and giving to others through a magic pencil. I also love how she incorporates characters that are so diverse in each of her books. This was so enjoyable to read even as a parent.. I love how the illustrations fit perfectly with the story being told. The colors are outstanding. They truly pop of the page. Just as with her previous books, this one would also make a great gift to a child that you know. Or also to a school library or elementary teacher. Another hit for this writer and the illustrator as well.

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My Valentine’s Day Cookie Match (Welcome to Cupid’s Cove) by C.A. King – Review by Karen Pearman

My Valentine's Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids CoveMy Valentine’s Day Cookie Match: Welcome to Cupids Cove by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVED THIS BOOK! What a fun, sweet romantic story the author has written about a bakery owner that finds love when she least expects it. The author did such a great job, as she usually does, with the chemistry between the characters. This was a quick read, but I didn’t want to put it down. Also, might I mention that there are recipes included for different baked goods? Yeah, and I tried one of them last night for the macadamia nut cookies. They are delicious. And they are all gone. I can’t wait to try the others. If you like heart-felt romances then please pick up this book. You won’t be disappointed.

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Mermaid and the Rainbow: Mermaid Science by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Karen Pearman

the mermaid and the rainbowthe mermaid and the rainbow by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For a children’s book, this is quite a way to introduce science into the lives of our kids. I found it to be extremely interactive for the kids and was great science experiments for them to try on their own. My kids loved it. The colors were so vibrant and jumped off the pages. I also loved the theme of using the mermaid to help engage the kids and teach them the lessons. I also found it to be quite interesting and learned some things I didn’t know along the way. I would highly suggest purchasing this book for your kids or for other kids as gifts. This would be a perfect gift for an elementary science teacher’s room. Please give it a read.

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The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan – Review by Karen Pearman

The Traveler: Book 2The Traveler: Book 2 by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series by this author I have read, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. I thought this book provided the reader more of the story of the main character, especially his past and what got him to where he is at today. I love her sci-fi writing style and her amazing depiction of the experiences going on in that place and time. This book brought me more emotion than the first book which I honestly was not prepared for, but it was all needed to help with the story arc. She did a great job. I would highly recommend that you read these books in order instead of reading this one first. It will benefit you in understanding how and what you are reading about. Very good read.

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Divine Vintage by Sandra L. Young – Review by Karen Pearman

Divine VintageDivine Vintage by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a new author to me so I wasn’t sure what I would be getting but it turned out to be an enjoyable ghost story. She turned out to have quite a niche for describing the characters and the turn of events going on around them. About halfway through this book I was immersed in the story and couldn’t put this book down. Her detail of the vintage clothing and the city of Paris was spot on perfect. I loved the take on solving the past mystery as I truly wasn’t expecting what she gave me. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that loves mystery, paranormal and old school glamour.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges (Notebook Mysteries Book 3) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Karen Pearman

Notebook Mysteries ~ Changes and ChallengesNotebook Mysteries ~ Changes and Challenges by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book three in this exciting young adult historical mystery series. As with the previous two books, I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. Then again I am into historical books, so this was a no-brainer for me to pick up to read. And it picked up right where the previous book ended. I must admit I always love when series books do that because it is easier to keep up with. This one took place in Chicago which I am very familiar with as I have family that lives there so it was fun to read a mystery taking place there in the 1800’s. I love these characters. And the author does a wonderful job with the mystery and suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed it just as much as the previous books. I can’t wait to ready book four.

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(UN)Loved (Mixed Emotions Series) by Katy Hunter – Review by Karen Pearman

(Un)Loved (Mixed Emotions, #1)(Un)Loved by Katy Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a book by a new author to me. I thought she did a really great job with this book. I did find the first couple of chapters to be a little slow, but once I got past that I couldn’t put it down. My emotions were conflicted while reading this book but in the end all that took place in the story was perfect for the ending. This was filled with romance, major bumps in the road, and a lot of humor. I found myself really rooting for the characters in the end. I wasn’t disappointed with this read and look forward to reading the next installment in the series.

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