darladoodles
Mid-Continent Public Library
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darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 27, 2024
The Good, the Bad, and the AuntiesThe Good, the Bad, and the Aunties, eBook
by Sutanto, Jesse Q.eBook - 2024eBook, 2024
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 27, 2024
Comment:
It's the last of the Aunties books. I am a little sad to see them go. Snuck this one in under the wire on pub day. Here are four reasons for liking this last book in the trilogy:
🧧Meddy and Nathan are in Jakarta to celebrate Chinese New Year with her family. Of course, the aunties meet them there.
🧧A mixup in envelope distribution is the catalyst for one crisis after another.
🧧This was not as outrageously plotted as the wedding episode, and I loved all the auntie dialogue. Wait until you meet Abraham Lincoln Irawan, Julia Child Handoko, and Kristofer Kolumber Hermansah.
🧧While surrounded by extended family, Meddy gains clarity about her mother's generation and those to come.
If you have been following this series, be sure to catch this last book. It is hilarious and heartwarming.It's the last of the Aunties books. I am a little sad to see them go. Snuck this one in under the wire on pub day. Here are four reasons for liking this last book in the trilogy:
🧧Meddy and Nathan are in Jakarta to celebrate Chinese New Year with…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 25, 2024
Comment:
Welcome back to the world of the rich and famous. This will most certainly be popular with fans of the 'Crazy Rich Asians' trilogy. The three elaborate weddings in this latest title from Kevin Kwan will give the nuptials of Colin and Araminta a run for their money. I would love to see Countess Arabella from this latest book match wits with Eleanor Sung-Young. And if you adored Rachel Chu, just wait until you get to know Eden Tong. One of my favorite bits was the visit to Marfa, TX. My husband and I were just there! Filled with OTT extravagant living and Kwan's signature tongue in cheek jabs at the jet set, this will be the perfect read for your spring or summer getaway.Welcome back to the world of the rich and famous. This will most certainly be popular with fans of the 'Crazy Rich Asians' trilogy. The three elaborate weddings in this latest title from Kevin Kwan will give the nuptials of Colin and Araminta a run…
It Is FinishedIt Is Finished, BookA 40-day Pilgrimage Back to the Cross
by Martin, CharlesBook - 2024Book, 2024
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2024
Comment:
Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. The rejoicing we do today imagining His Triumphal Entry is dimmed by the realities we know are ahead. The suffering is beyond our comprehension. Yet, we know the end of the story. He is risen indeed and at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.
I used this new title from Charles Martin as a devotional for Lent. It was a blessing and a faith builder! Each day has four parts: 1) Scripture and Martin's thoughts on that verse with additional related verses. 2) Walk With Me Back to the Cross. 3) Prayer. 4) God Responds. The book is laced and supported with verses from the Bible. Footnotes are provided to reference the passages used. Martin declares this to be his favorite of all the books he has written. If you are a fan of his writing like I am, that speaks volumes. It would make a wonderful gift.Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. The rejoicing we do today imagining His Triumphal Entry is dimmed by the realities we know are ahead. The suffering is beyond our comprehension. Yet, we know the end of the story. He is risen…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 22, 2024
Comment:
What happened to Nina? Two families find themselves on opposite sides as Nina's whereabouts remain a mystery. Simon was the boyfriend and the last person to see her. What does he know? Simon's parents use their privilege to erect walls around him and hire experts like publicists and defense attorneys. What else is going on behind the walls of their home? Nina's parents struggle with the new normal. Online trolls torment them and take a wrecking ball to their livelihood. Social media causes untold destruction to all involved. The Vermont State Police department is investigating and doing a darn good job. Matthew Wright and his partner Sarah Jane Reid represent their vocation well. This is a haunting story that seems like true crime. You will be riveted until the very last sentence.What happened to Nina? Two families find themselves on opposite sides as Nina's whereabouts remain a mystery. Simon was the boyfriend and the last person to see her. What does he know? Simon's parents use their privilege to erect walls around him…
The Truth About the DevlinsThe Truth About the Devlins, Book
by Scottoline, LisaBook - 2024Book, 2024
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 22, 2024
Comment:
What is the truth about the Devlins? They have a sterling reputation as a family law firm built from the ground up by Paul Francis Devlin and Marie Spano Devlin. The three Devlin children: John (#1 son), Gabby (pro bono warrior), and T.J. (investigator with issues) are all involved with the family business. On the night of Dad's birthday party, a crack appears in the family facade. Soon there will be an earthquake. Will the law firm and the family remain once the dust has cleared? Here are five reasons to love this new title from Lisa Scottoline:
🌟T.J. is a relatable narrator. He is the firm investigator and we tag along. I especially enjoyed his efforts in adopting Mango the cat. 😻
🌟Truth and justice win. Our legal system has its flaws, but still values the contributions of average citizens in serving as jurors.
🌟The struggle to recover from alcohol is something I witnessed in my own brother. T.J.'s journey is written in an authentic and sympathetic way.
🌟Real life injustices are highlighted in the lawsuit sister Gabby is working on. Prisoners in Philadelphia were used as guinea pigs to develop cosmetic treatments and suffered from skin cancer as a result.
🌟Truth should not be sacrificed on the altar of reputation. The Devlins have to choose.What is the truth about the Devlins? They have a sterling reputation as a family law firm built from the ground up by Paul Francis Devlin and Marie Spano Devlin. The three Devlin children: John (#1 son), Gabby (pro bono warrior), and T.J.…
Jamie O'Rourke and the Big PotatoJamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato, BookAn Irish Folktale
by DePaola, TomieBook - 1997Book, 1997
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 21, 2024
Comment:
My husband tells me to 'work smarter, not harder.' Jamie O'Rourke uses that strategy in a roundabout way in this Irish folktale. Jamie's wife Eileen does most of the work to grow the praties that need for the winter. When Eileen is laid up in bed with a bad back, Jamie panics. On his way to church he meets a leprechaun and makes a deal. That deal will result in the biggest potato the village has ever seen. When Jamie and Eileen share their abundance with the rest of the villagers, folks clearly begin to tire of such a monotonous diet. What will those folks do to keep Jamie from growing another giant potato next year? I loved this imaginative retelling and the expressive illustrations. A wonderful read aloud for March. 🍀🥔My husband tells me to 'work smarter, not harder.' Jamie O'Rourke uses that strategy in a roundabout way in this Irish folktale. Jamie's wife Eileen does most of the work to grow the praties that need for the winter. When Eileen is laid up in bed…
The Lady With the Dark HairThe Lady With the Dark Hair, BookA Novel
by Bartels, ErinBook - 2024Book, 2024
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2024
Comment:
This was a last minute addition to my March TBR and it was a winner. Erin Bartels once again provides us with compelling characters in a dual timeline. Esther Markstrom runs her family gallery to honor her artist ancestor Francisco Vella. In the 1880's Francisco Vella was a colorman. He provided paints and pigments to artists on a travelling circuit. His visit to am artist in Toulouse gives him the opportunity to meet Viviana Torrens, a new servant in the household with secrets in her past. As the two timelines proceed, we will find long held assumptions being challenged and two women finding a way forward in their own generation. If you are a fan of books about art and giving credit where credit is due, this book is for you. I love how my books are connecting today. Earlier I finished a Hercule Poirot book with a dark Spanish beauty named Pilar and here in this book we have the lovely dark-haired Viviana.This was a last minute addition to my March TBR and it was a winner. Erin Bartels once again provides us with compelling characters in a dual timeline. Esther Markstrom runs her family gallery to honor her artist ancestor Francisco Vella. In the…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 19, 2024
Comment:
The mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.
The Lee Family Christmas at Gorston Hall is not merry. Nor is there the peace and goodwill that many family members had hoped for. Simeon Lee, the family patriarch, dies a violent death on Christmas Eve. Poirot comes in on Christmas Day to consult. Three possible motives are considered: 1)Diamonds, 2) The Will, and 3) Hate/Revenge. Simeon Lee has showed his share of wild oats and burned his share of bridges with his four sons and deceased daughter. There are many variables for Poirot to consider along with the local police investigator. I was totally caught by surprise when he named the killer. A delightful travel day read. This poor book did not come up on my Hold shelf at the library until early January. I packed it up in the RV when we left town and it has travelled from Missouri to Texas, through New Mexico and Utah, finally getting unpacked to be read in Colorado and Kansas. The miles just flew by.The mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small.
The Lee Family Christmas at Gorston Hall is not merry. Nor is there the peace and goodwill that many family members had hoped for. Simeon Lee, the family patriarch, dies a violent death…
A Friend of the FamilyA Friend of the Family, Downloadable Audiobook
by Jewell, LisaDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2024
Comment:
Three stars for the three London boys. Tony, Sean, and Ned have grown up in a loving home. Still, as their parents prepare to celebrate four decades of marriage, the boys seem to all be losing the plot. Then Mom Bernie brings home a lodger named Gervase. At first glance, he seems like a bad fit for the family. Just wait! I did really love the heartwarming ending of this early Lisa Jewell title. The language was a bit much for me. Perhaps it was a mistake to choose the audio version. 🎧Three stars for the three London boys. Tony, Sean, and Ned have grown up in a loving home. Still, as their parents prepare to celebrate four decades of marriage, the boys seem to all be losing the plot. Then Mom Bernie brings home a lodger named…
How to Solve your Own MurderHow to Solve your Own Murder, BookA Novel
by Perrin, KristenBook - 2024Book, 2024
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2024
Comment:
A likable young woman finds herself in a contest to solve the murder of an estranged relative. A murder that we foretold nearly 60 years ago. This was a very entertaining read. Annie Adams goes to Castle Knoll to meet her great aunt for the first time and unfortunately is one of the people to discover that Frances is already dead. Can she solve the murder in a week and win the fortune? Is she the "right daughter?" There is much at stake and secrets abound. Annie has possession of the diary Frances was keeping when she first had her murder foretold. I enjoyed the diary entries interspersed between chapters giving Annie's experiences in the present. I would definitely like to see what happens in Book 2!A likable young woman finds herself in a contest to solve the murder of an estranged relative. A murder that we foretold nearly 60 years ago. This was a very entertaining read. Annie Adams goes to Castle Knoll to meet her great aunt for the first…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 17, 2024
Comment:
"One Lucky Winner" is about as crazy as reality TV can get. Five contestants are invited to an Italian villa near San Francisco to compete for ten million dollars. Yep. Seven zeroes. Each contestant has a nickname: The Best Friend, The Confidante, The Executive, The Senator, and The Boyfriend. Other key players are the genius bankrolling the show, Cat James, and her overworked and underappreciated assistant Fern Espa. I have been a fan of Heather Gudenkauf since reading This Is How I Lied. Usually her books are set in the state of Iowa. This time one of the main contestants on "One Lucky Winner" is Maire Hennessy from Calico, Iowa. Will Maire be the contestant you are rooting for? Why were these five chosen for the game? Does Fern have the answers? Or is Cat James staying behind the scenes for a reason? All will be revealed. You just have to read the book."One Lucky Winner" is about as crazy as reality TV can get. Five contestants are invited to an Italian villa near San Francisco to compete for ten million dollars. Yep. Seven zeroes. Each contestant has a nickname: The Best Friend, The Confidante,…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2024
Comment:
My favorite Lisa Jewell title (and the first one I read) was Then She Was Gone. The title released by Jewell just before that one was this particular book. And what a story it is! There is a missing man in one location and a found man in another. One might think they are the same man. But are they? Jewell adds a third thread to the narrative that took place 22 years earlier. Is this also the same man? There were some harrowing scenes in this book and some very surprising reveals. Some part seem to go on too long while others are too short. I do see the Lisa Jewell we enjoy in the present coming through the most in this back catalog title. Would definitely appeal to fans of Liane Moriarty as noted in the blurb above.My favorite Lisa Jewell title (and the first one I read) was Then She Was Gone. The title released by Jewell just before that one was this particular book. And what a story it is! There is a missing man in one location and a found man in another.…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2024
Comment:
At the center of this thriller set in Las Vegas is a woman who is a Princess Di impersonator. Her casino is named Buckingham Palace and she has established quite a following. Surrounding her is the rotten core of Vegas, the mobsters and other shady personalities who are attracted to the possibilities found in exploiting the gambling industry. Then Chris Bohjalian throws a new wrench into the mix -- crypto! And that's not all! Chrissy, the Princess, has a sister named Betsy who she is estranged from. That sister comes to town on the crypto wave and brings a newly adopted teen-age daughter (Marisa) with her. You guessed it. There is A LOT going on in this book. Somehow Bohjalian manages to wrangle it all by giving us Chrissy chapters in first person, Betsy chapters in third person, and inserts from Marisa in her own voice. At first these small additions might seem irrelevant. Just wait. Those will be the bits that help hold it all together. A compelling, crazy read. I knew this would be a firecracker of a book as soon as I saw the cover and I was right.At the center of this thriller set in Las Vegas is a woman who is a Princess Di impersonator. Her casino is named Buckingham Palace and she has established quite a following. Surrounding her is the rotten core of Vegas, the mobsters and other shady…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2024
Comment:
Have you ever been to San Antonio to visit the Alamo Plaza? While taking a tour last week I popped into the gift shop and picked up this book. Between seeing the famous site and reading this book, I have a much better understanding of why the Alamo will always be known as "the cradle of Texas liberty." I read this with my grandson via Messenger and he was fascinated with the story. How do I know? During one of our reading sessions I could see his army men posed for battle right beside him. I must admit that my previous impressions were mainly names like James Bowie, David Crockett, and Sam Houston. Spoiler alert! Sam Houston wasn't even there although he still plays a major role in the overall story of Texas. If you want to know more about the Alamo and the Republic of Texas, this is a great place to start. Includes sixteen pages of photos and lots of illuminating illustrations.Have you ever been to San Antonio to visit the Alamo Plaza? While taking a tour last week I popped into the gift shop and picked up this book. Between seeing the famous site and reading this book, I have a much better understanding of why the Alamo…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
What would it be like to swap jobs with someone in your field of work? Ginny Masters is not feeling the love from her boss at a boutique hotel in Seattle. Jacqueline Potter has a similar problem with her family fishing lodge in Idaho. They sign a contract to switch jobs for sixty days. It's a bit of a city mouse/country mouse situation. As you might guess, the contrasts between the two locations may be too much for one or both of them. Melody Carlson gives us a heartwarming summer tale with themes of family, loyalty, and work ethics. If you are looking for a clean romance with a super slow burn, this is the book for you. With its summer setting, it felt like spring in our RV even though there were snowflakes coming down outside our window. A really good day for reading. 🌨🌞What would it be like to swap jobs with someone in your field of work? Ginny Masters is not feeling the love from her boss at a boutique hotel in Seattle. Jacqueline Potter has a similar problem with her family fishing lodge in Idaho. They sign a…
The Romanov BridesThe Romanov Brides, BookA Novel of the Last Tsarina and Her Sisters
by McHugh, ClareBook - 2020Book, 2020
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. ~ Niccolo Machiavelli
It is no wonder that WW I was such a hot mess. This book clearly illustrates the intertwining of families from Great Britain (Queen Victoria) to the German States and the Romanov court. As I read this book I could see the Bolshevik Revolution and WW I on the horizon. Clare McHugh has given us such a richly curated snapshot of this part of the world at the end of the 19th century. Alongside the threat of disease like diphtheria, cholera, and hemophilia are the machinations of leaders like Queen Victoria to arrange marriages across the various royal courts. While focusing on two of the granddaughters (Hessian princesses), there are so many other characters we get to know. I was enthralled by the narrative and loved her endnotes. While the lives of the last Tsarina (Alix) and her sister Ella ended so tragically in Russia, oldest sister Victoria lives to see here grandson Phillip become the husband of Elizabeth II and is one of the eight godmothers for King Charles III.It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles. ~ Niccolo Machiavelli
It is no wonder that WW I was such a hot mess. This book clearly illustrates the intertwining of families from Great Britain (Queen Victoria) to the German States and…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
The story of Leigh Botts is told epistolary style in letters he writes to his favorite author and in his diary entries. Leigh is struggling with sixth grade growing pains and the divorce of his mother and father. His mom works for a caterer in Bakersfield while his dad is an over-the-road trucker. Leigh's thoughts are heartwarming and at times quite humorous. The illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky are such a wonderful complement to Leigh's letters and diary. This book was the 1984 Newbery Award winner.The story of Leigh Botts is told epistolary style in letters he writes to his favorite author and in his diary entries. Leigh is struggling with sixth grade growing pains and the divorce of his mother and father. His mom works for a caterer in…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2024
Comment:
Say what now? This book has some serious curve balls in it. Was I entertained enough for five stars? Not quite. Here are four reasons for four stars:
🚆The 'Strangers On a Train' trope is expanded upon in very creative ways. No spoilers here, though.
🚔 In the Eddie Flynn series, much is done to outsmart law enforcement. In this standalone, a character named Farrow is a tireless detective dedicated to clearing even the coldest of cases. My favorite character!
🫢 There are some entertaining twists. One in particular requires quite a suspension of belief. I couldn't quite make that leap, but still enjoyed the book.
🤔 As a victim, are you really set free if you resort to vigilante justice? That is a concept you will return to often as you follow the twists and turns of this new thriller.
If you are a fan of the Eddie Flynn series, you will definitely want to try this new release from Steve Cavanagh.Say what now? This book has some serious curve balls in it. Was I entertained enough for five stars? Not quite. Here are four reasons for four stars:
🚆The 'Strangers On a Train' trope is expanded upon in very creative ways. No spoilers here,…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 13, 2024
Comment:
What would it be like to swap jobs with someone in your field of work? Ginny Masters is not feeling the love from her boss at a boutique hotel in Seattle. Jacqueline Bowman has a similar problem with her family fishing lodge in Idaho. They sign a contract to switch jobs for sixty days. It's a bit of a city mouse/country mouse situation. As you might guess, the contrasts between the two locations may be too much for one or both of them. Melody Carlson gives us a heartwarming summer tale with themes of family, loyalty, and work ethics. If you are looking for a clean romance with a super slow burn, this is the book for you. With its summer setting, it felt like spring in our RV even though there were snowflakes coming down outside our window. A really good day for reading. 🌨🌞What would it be like to swap jobs with someone in your field of work? Ginny Masters is not feeling the love from her boss at a boutique hotel in Seattle. Jacqueline Bowman has a similar problem with her family fishing lodge in Idaho. They sign a…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 13, 2024
Comment:
The beginning was a thrilling start. And then the last 10% is a suspenseful and surprising. The in between was like swimming through Jell-O. From the premise, I hoped for more. Books about twins are intriguing to me as I have a twin sister. Unfortunately thhere were so many things in this book that did not add up. The narrative includes Past and Present timelines, but the Present seemed to jump back and forth. There were also some inconsistencies in the Past timeline. Perhaps this was rushed to publication? Possibly my ARC has been corrected since I downloaded? It is telling that I enjoyed her Afterword more than the book itself. . . If you are a Tarryn Fisher fan, you may find this is a winner for you. I am aware that I may be an outlier. It just didn't work for me.The beginning was a thrilling start. And then the last 10% is a suspenseful and surprising. The in between was like swimming through Jell-O. From the premise, I hoped for more. Books about twins are intriguing to me as I have a twin sister.…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 12, 2024
Comment:
"Love is a net. It can catch you long after the person is no longer there."
Daphne has a box under her bed. Each paper in that box represents a past relationship. In her purse she has a new piece of paper. It is different from all the others. If you have read Rebecca Serle before, you are well aware that she incorporates magical realism into her contemporary fiction. I am a fan since I picked up The Dinner List. For me this was one of her best. There are some surprises that I will avoid giving away. Did I guess how the book would end? Yes, but it did not matter. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. If you have not read this author before, this is a great place to start. There is love and a there is loss. Tissues were used. I found myself contemplating how I am living y own life. Isn't that one of the marks of a good story? I think so."Love is a net. It can catch you long after the person is no longer there."
Daphne has a box under her bed. Each paper in that box represents a past relationship. In her purse she has a new piece of paper. It is different from all the others. If…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
"A book isn't just a physical object; once you've read it, it becomes a thought, a story, a memory that is alive inside you forever. Whatever the Nazis take from us, they can't take that."
Jennifer Ryan has done it again. Her well-researched WW II stories are both a 'slice of life' representation and informative. Her female cast in this book includes Juliet the deputy librarian, Katie the library worker and student, and Sophie the Jewish refugee. These three women's stories all intertwine at the underground library in the Bethnal Green tube station. In each of their stories we see different aspects of the war. As a fan of Jennifer Ryan's writing style, I discovered many noteworthy quotes including the ones that bracket my review. If you enjoy reading about the underground library, there is a 2023 release from Kate Thompson that also does an excellent job showing the 'Blitz spirit:' "The Little Wartime Library."
"Libraries aren't only about books; they're about people. They're about human life, how books can mend hearts, comfort wounds, and inspire us. But most of all, books can bring people together. Their ideas and thoughts make us realize that we are not alone, that we are all connected.""A book isn't just a physical object; once you've read it, it becomes a thought, a story, a memory that is alive inside you forever. Whatever the Nazis take from us, they can't take that."
Jennifer Ryan has done it again. Her well-researched WW II…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 10, 2024
Comment:
Just like this cover, those beautiful family pics of the Calhouns belie what goes on under the surface. Ginny, the matriarch, may manage her household with an iron will. Daughter Ellie Grace may have the family all decked out in a gingham theme for Christmas pics. But there is a rotten core that will come out the day of the annual Cherry Blossom party at the Calhoun home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. I found this book to be such an entertaining read. Someone dies at the party sending shock waves through the family and giving the police detectives quite a mystery to solve. I was wavering between four and five stars and decide to round up. Loved the twisty turny mystery to solve. Bits and pieces were revealed to us through the actions of some and the discoveries of others. Once the Calhouns have disintegrated, will there be another lovely family to take their place in the neighborhood?Just like this cover, those beautiful family pics of the Calhouns belie what goes on under the surface. Ginny, the matriarch, may manage her household with an iron will. Daughter Ellie Grace may have the family all decked out in a gingham theme for…
darladoodles's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2024
Comment:
This was a travel day book for me. Quite appropriate since Lisa Gardner took 2023 off to travel the world and this latest Frankie Elkin book is set on one of the places Gardner visited --the Pacific atoll, Palmyra. When you read this locked room thriller, you will feel the heat and humidity as you view the lush and vibrant setting through Frankie's eyes. Here are five things I liked about it:
🦀 The setting outside the continental US is a first for Gardner. Reminded me of another thriller I enjoyed earlier this year: The Resort.
🦀 Lots of flora and fauna. A few too many crabs for my taste, but I learned some new crab facts like the size of the coconut crab and its crushing hydraulic claws.
🦀 Frankie is continuing to grow on me as a character. And she is becoming less of a loner. There is healing despite her traumatic experiences.
🦀 Trudy and Ann, the cooks on the island, are a delightful duo. And they makes some really delicious food for the staff there.
🦀 The twists and turns of the plot were outstanding. While I miss the police procedurals Gardner used to write, this new release is an excellent example of her storytelling gifts.This was a travel day book for me. Quite appropriate since Lisa Gardner took 2023 off to travel the world and this latest Frankie Elkin book is set on one of the places Gardner visited --the Pacific atoll, Palmyra. When you read this locked room…
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