Book Giveaway of 140 Books!!!

Hello Everyone!

Hope your week is off to a great start.  I am thrilled to be a part of Book Fun Magazine’s Signature Library Contest extravaganza…

Book Fun Magazine is giving away 140 books by more than 100 authors of which I am one of. The Signature Library Contest details can be found in the magazine. One winner will get first choice of 30 books, the next person 20, 5 people will pick 10…. it will be awesome. Just register for the magazine and you are entered… 80 pages of great articles too!

Book Fun Magazine really is a fantastic  and professionally compiled magazine that informs readers and book clubs, but it also helps writers as well. In the November issue, best-selling author Liz Curtis Higgs graces the cover and there are even some tasty recipes, a book review, and articles about thankfulness and about establishing a family book club. And one of the best parts about the magazine – it’s free! (but you do have to sign up to receive it.

Speaking of which, while you are visiting the Book Fun Magazine, would you please click on my book cover for McKenzie? By doing so, you will help me to win a fun competition between the authors. (Hint…McKenzie is at the top of page 64 in the magazine By clicking on McKenzie in the actual Book Fun Magazine, it will take you to my website. Here is the link for for more details: http://www.bookfun.org/ and a direct link to the magazine: http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/90331

Thank you for taking the time to enter this contest…I can’t wait to see who wins all of those books!

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Winners galore!!!

A friend recently told me that she refers to the month of May as “Mayhem.” I’m beginning to agree! This month has been a crazy one, but after a brief hiatus, I’m glad to be back here blogging and announcing some great news!

I’m excited to announce some winners from my past giveaways. First off, the winner of Stephen Bly’s Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot novel is…

Faith hope & cherry tea!

Congratulations and Janet Bly will be in touch with you soon!

Secondly, the two winners of my Starbucks giftcard and a choice of one of my books are…

(drumroll please…)

Ladette Collins Kerr!

and

Abigail Richmond!

Congratulations, Ladette and Abigail! I will be contacting you shortly for your snail mail addresses.

Thank you everyone who entered. I am so thankful to all of you, my blog readers. I appreciate you more than you know! Stay tuned for more wonderful giveaways.

If you haven’t already, be sure to enter the giveaway for Cynthia Simmons’ fantastic Bible Study workbook here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/guest-post-and-giveaway-with-author-cynthia-simmons/ The giveaway ends on Thursday and this really is a fantastic book! Then, join me this Thursday when I’ll be hosting one of my favorite author friends – a writer of contemporary Christian romance.

Next up, Part 2 of Why I’m Not a Cowgirl. If you haven’t read my humor post, Why I’m Not a Cowgirl – Part 1 yet, it’s here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/05/15/why-im-not-a-cowgirl-part-1/

Have a blessed week!

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Guest post and Giveaway with Author Cynthia Simmons!

This week, I am excited to welcome Author Cynthia Simmons to my blog. Cynthia will be discussing anger and how to deal with it from a Godly perspective. She will also be giving away a copy of her Bible Study Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame.  All the details about entering (and it’s super easy!) are explained below. But first, let’s visit with Cynthia…

My husband and I raised five wonderful kids. But being a parent is tough, especially if you homeschool like I did. I’d pass out school assignments and chores to each child. Then I juggled housework while monitoring their progress. By the end of the day, I would be so tired I wanted to stare off into space. It didn’t take much for me to lose my temper at that point. Perhaps the boys would scuffle and knock over one of my orchids. Sometimes the kids would quarrel and call each other names. I’d long to explode, but wanted to please God. So, I couldn’t say or do the things that popped into my head. Here’s what I learned about responding the right way.

In Ephesians 4:26 the Apostle Paul said, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This verse contains three commands. The first one is to be angry. That’s passive tense, meaning something happens to you. It could be translated ‘allow yourself to be angry.’ Let me explain why. In the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers wrote “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”These men understood the Ten Commandments and other Old Testament passages teach us respect for people and their property. When a child overturns one of my orchids, he wrongs me, creating a debt. Something needs to be done, and anger supplies the energy surge.

 I learned it’s important to let anger rise, but we can’t stop there. The second command is “do not sin.” Ouch! This part is hard because I wanted to lash out. However, God calls us to rise above our human tendencies. That person bears the images of God, so I must measure my words. Self control comes into play. I think of moving away and looking at the situation from a high mountain to get some perspective. Rather than unload insults, I must treat that individual with respect. I remember talking until I got myself out of a jamb. If my first words were, “How childish,” then I’d say, “But I know you want to grow up to be a godly man. So when you mature, you’ll make better choices.”

Now I’ll tackle the third command. “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” This is a metaphor which means not to harbor anger. When the sun sets we all know a new day is coming and yesterday is left behind. In order to keep anger alive, you must feed it by reliving the event over and over. Just like food left in the refrigerator too long, anger turns to bitterness when stored. Instead, I need to put it aside and choose not to even the score. Ephesians 4: 32 says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Follow the example Jesus set, and let go of anger.

I wanted to be a good parent and instill godly values in my children. That meant I had to handle anger God’s way when my kids upset me. If I blew up that would hurt them, and that’s not what I wanted.  Instead, I learned to channel the extra energy with God’s help and lots of prayer.

**********************************************************************************************************************************

Wow! I love the Godly wisdom that Cynthia has shared with us. And now, let’s find out a bit about her  Bible Study that deals with that very topic…

What’s wrong with our world? Shouldn’t a God who claims to be all powerful and flawless prevent suffering? How can we continue to believe when storms rage on in our lives? If you’ve ever had tough questions like these Struggles and Triumphs Study Guide is the book for you. Author Cynthia L. Simmons will guide you toward answers with her unique and enlightening approach. Her twelve-week Bible study for ladies comes from stories of real women as told in Struggles and Triumphs: Women in History Who Overcame. As you study, you’ll come to understand God’s perspective on timeless issues that impact your life. The carefully chosen Scriptures combined with interesting historical information will challenge and encourage you.

Watch the trailer at: http://youtu.be/HOP9HY7xTXU

Purchase the book at: http://www.lulu.com/shop/cynthia-simmons/struggles-and-triumphs-workbook/paperback/product-20038687.html

About Cynthia: Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over twenty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. In December 2009 the membership granted her Life Time Membership for her numerous contributions to writers.  “Cindy” is fond of history and writes both historical fiction and nonfiction. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.us. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. While promoting her book, she had interviews on radio and TV across the nation and was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year. She also conducts monthly podcasts called CAG Spotlight in which she interviews authors and VIPs in the writing industry. At present she is completing a twelve week Bible study using the stories in Struggles and Triumphs.

And now, here’s all you have to do to enter! Leave an encouraging comment for Cynthia and yes, anyone can enter, but confirmed subscribers receive two entries, so be sure to sign up to follow this blog, then check your email and confirm your subscription to be added to the subscriber list!) Giveaway ends on May 24, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random.

I will be announcing the winners of the Stephen Bly book and the Starbucks giftcard/choice of one of my books giveaway soon, so stay tuned!

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Starbucks gift card and book giveaway celebration!!!

In honor of Mother’s Day and my blog’s anniversary, I am giving away two Starbucks giftcards and two books to two lucky winners!

My mom and I on a hiking trip – love ya Mom!

When I first decided to begin blogging two years ago, I had no idea what I would be blogging about. I knew it would have something to do with my passion for writing books, inspiring and encouraging others, bringing humor into the lives of others, and sharing about movies for the entire family. Thus, A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, & Author was born!

I want to thank everyone for visiting my blog and leaving comments over the past two years. I have enjoyed meeting you all and appreciate you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!

So, in celebration of my blog’s anniversary and a very important upcoming holiday – Mother’s Day – I am giving away two prizes each to two winners. Each of the two winners drawn at random will receive both a Starbucks giftcard and their choice of one four of my  books: McKenzie, Kaydie, Hailee, or 77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference.

Choose from a book in my Montana Skies Series:

McKenzie: Desperate to save her sister from an abusive husband, socialite McKenzie Worthington responds to a mail-order bride ad in the Montana Territory—where God-fearing rancher Zachary Sawyer prays for a wife to share his life. But when McKenzie arrives with a plan that includes divorce, will Zachary’s persistent kindness and self-sacrifice change her heart?

 

 

 

 

Kaydie: Haunted by her marriage to an abusive man, Kaydie Kraemer is determined never to fall in love again, and it will take the grace of God to change her mind – the same grace that works in the heart of Jonah Dickenson, a confirmed bachelor who has unhealed wounds of his own to overcome.

 

 

 

 

 

Hailee: For years, orphan Hailee Annigan roamed the streets as a thief trying to provide for her siblings. After turning her life around, she’s finally getting a fresh start. But what will happen when she crosses paths with the handsome Reverend Nate Adams?

 

 

 

 

 

Or from my nonfiction book…

77 Ways Your Family Can Make a Difference: Serving others is a vital part of the Christian life. Time and again Christ demonstrated the importance of putting others first and giving what we can to help those less fortunate. As adults, we recognize the importance of instilling these values in our children and youth, but simply telling them to love their neighbor isn’t enough; to leave a lasting impression, they need to see and experience love in action.

Filled with suggestions, activities, Bible verses, and topics for discussion, this re-usable manual inspires families to look for ways to make the world a better place by making a difference in the lives of others.

 

 

 

Keep the book  and giftcard for you, or win it for that special mom in your life!

Here’s all you have to do...leave me a comment about what you love most about your mom and which book you would most like to win if you were chosen as the winner. Anyone can enter (I’m sorry, U.S. residents only on this one) and confirmed subscribers receive two entries.

In addition, because this is a giveaway in celebration of Mother’s Day and my blog’s anniversary, you can earn an extra entry for “liking” my newly-remodeled Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks.

A big “thank you” to social media designer Carrie Chwierut of Carrie’s Social for the remodel of my Facebook page, which included some awesome tabs!

Giveaway ends on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Two winners will be chosen at random to each receive a Starbucks giftcard and their choice of one of my books.

I feel blessed beyond blessed that God has called me to be a mom. And to my own mom and to all the mother’s out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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And the winner of Shannon Vannatter’s book is…

Yay! I love announcing winners! The winner of Shannon Vannatter’s awesome contemporary romance novel chosen at random is…

Ingrid!

Ingrid, Shannon will be in touch with you soon. Thank you, everyone, for entering! Join me each Thursday for more giveaways. This Thursday, I am honored to have Jennifer Fromke as my guest and she’ll be giving away a copy of her fantastic new novel A Familiar Shore.

Until then, if you haven’t yet done so, you still have time to enter to win Linda Yezak’s contemporary romance Give the Lady a Ride at http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/book-spotlight-and-giveaway-with-author-linda-yezak/

I’m also giving away copies of my own Montana Skies Historical Romance novel to three lucky winners. The details are here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/three-chances-to-win/

Have a wonderful rest of your day!

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Four chances to win!!!

I don’t think I’ve ever posted three posts in one day, but today is going to be one of those days! First off, I want to tell you that I have been honored to be the guest on four (yes, four!) different blogs this week. Each blog is giving away a copy of McKenzie to one lucky commenter. Here are the links:

http://enjoycountryliving.com/wp2/?p=1228 (also includes the blogger’s review of McKenzie)

http://dawnsdelightsart.com/2012/04/mckenzie-montana-skies-series-giveaway.html

http://anoterote.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-giveaway-penny-zeller.html

http://momofonehavingfun.blogspot.com/2012/04/mckenzie-by-penny-zeller-book-giveaway.html

These are also really neat blogs, so I encourage you to check out what these blogs have to offer! And yes, feel free to enter on each blog for a better chance of winning!

For more giveaways, please see my Events and Giveaways page at http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/events-info/

Be sure to join me each Thursday for special giveaways with some of my favorite author friends and be sure to stop by this blog on May 3 when I’ll have a very special giveaway in honor of my blog’s anniversary and my Facebook page’s new remodel! Until then, have a fantastic rest of your week!

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And the winners of Margaret Brownley’s and Nicole O’Dell’s books are…

Wow! I feel fortunate to be able to announce the winners of two books at once this week! And now, drumroll please…

The winner of Margaret Brownley’s book Dawn Comes Early is

KarenK!

And the winner of Nicole O’Dell’s book The Embittered Ruby is

Sarah!

KarenK and Sarah, the authors will be in touch with your shortly. A big thank you to everyone who entered. I so appreciate you! Don’t forget, there are still a few days left to enter to win Shannon Vannatter’s contemporary romance novel Rodeo Hero at this link: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/interview-and-giveaway-with-shannon-vannatter/

Also, if you love historical romance, I am giving away a copy of my book McKenzie over at http://guidinglighths.com/book-review-giveaway-mckenzie-by-penny-zeller/ and a copy of Hailee over at http://daily-bible-reading.com/

Thank you for stopping by. Have a blessed day.

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Exciting News!!!!

I couldn’t wait to share with you some exciting news…

Kaydie and Hailee just became available on Kindle! Now all three of my Montana Skies historical romance books are available to those who love to read books on Kindle.

Below is a bit about each book. And thank you for sharing in my excitement!

Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that prompts McKenzie Worthington, a young lady of Boston’s high society, to respond to an ad for a mail-order bride for a man in the Montana Territory. McKenzie is desperate, after all, to save her beloved younger sister, Kaydie, from her evil, abusive husband, who robs banks for a living. And so, it is with reckless determination that McKenzie runs away from the comforts of home and hearth to head West and meet her new husband-whom she’ll divorce, of course, after she rescues her sister.

Desperate times call for desperate measures is the reasoning that also prompts Zachary Sawyer, a rugged rancher after God’s own heart, to post an ad for a mail-order bride in various newspapers across the country. Managing a ranch and caring for his adoptive son, Davey, has become more than one man can handle alone, and Zach prays for God to send him a wife with whom to build a life and share his dreams.

When McKenzie arrives at Zach’s ranch, she immediately puts her plan in motion, searching for her sister and doing all she can to keep her new husband from forming an attachment. But his persistent kindness and significant self-sacrifices begin to change her heart-and ruin her plans. God has a way of working things out to the good of those who love Him, though, as McKenzie will soon see.

Available on Kindle and in paperback athttp://www.amazon.com/McKenzie-ebook/dp/B004IPPEW2/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

For the first time in years, Kaydie Worthington Kraemer can breathe easily. Although she is still haunted by memories of her abusive husband, Darius, she takes comfort in knowing the man is dead. Staying with her sister McKenzie and brother–in–law, Zach Sawyer, at their ranch, Kaydie is still wary of men, especially now that she has another life inside of her to protect. As she looks forward to her baby’s birth, she builds a protective wall around herself that won’t be easy to tear down.

Ranch hand Jonah Dickenson views his boss, Zach, like a brother. He does not, however, envy Zach’s new role as a husband. Deserted by his mother at a young age and forever despised and rejected by his own father, Jonah has few close relationships. But there’s something about Kaydie that draws him to her and makes him question his decision to remain a bachelor.

When Cedric Van Aulst, an old friend of Kaydie’s, comes to town, an unforeseen prospect of marriage arises. Cedric is someone Kaydie trusts. Will she settle for a safe union with him, or can she trust God to guard her heart and her life in the arms of Jonah?

Available on Kindle and in paperback at http://www.amazon.com/Kaydie-Montana-Skies-ebook/dp/B006OSND1A/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she’s still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Maxwell Nathaniel Adams Jr. would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate’s parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

Hailee is available on Kindle and in paperback at http://www.amazon.com/Hailee-Montana-Skies-ebook/dp/B006OSNCF2/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

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Day 7 of the Days of Christmas Book Giveaway Celebration with Penny Zeller & Karen Baney

I am super excited because today commenters have a chance to win a copy of Karen Baney’s book A Dream Unfolding and a copy of my book McKenzie – the first book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance Series! Scroll down for the fun question of the day and information on how you can have a chance at winning both books!

 

Here is the blurb about A Dream Unfolding:

The promise of a new life and a chance to start over…

Hannah Anderson had the life she always wanted, married to the man of her dreams. When her husband’s brother gets in trouble with the law, the town turns against them, shattering her perfect life. Now they are left with only one choice–to head west to the Arizona Territory in the hopes of creating a new life. Will the journey be worth the cost?

Will Colter, after burying his father, is forced to leave the ranch he has called home for nearly thirty years. The journey is dangerous, challenging him and his men. Will he find the new life he was hoping for? 

Or, is there a new dream quietly unfolding before their eyes?

And the blurb about McKenzie:

Desperate to save her sister from an abusive husband, socialite McKenzie Worthington responds to a mail-order bride ad in the Montana Territory—where God-fearing rancher Zachary Sawyer prays for a wife to share his life. But when McKenzie arrives with a plan that includes divorce, will Zachary’s persistent kindness and self-sacrifice change her heart?

Today’s fun question is – what is your absolute favorite Christmas song? Leave a comment for a chance to win both books! And don’t forget to go back and leave comments on Days 1-6 for more chances to win. A winner for each day will be chosen at random on December 19. We have only a few more days of the Christmas giveaways left, so be sure to leave a comment! (U.S. residents only, please) Also, confirmed subscribers receive two entries!

And now for some Christmas memories and traditions!

My Christmas Memory by Karen Baney

 Ever since I lost my mom, ten years ago now, I have a hard time looking back at holidays.  It seems far easier to stay in the present than to travel back in time to my childhood because I miss her so much.  So, when Penny came up with the idea for this series, I had to work up the nerve to go through some old photo albums.

Boy, am I glad that I did.  I came across this picture from my mom on Christmas Day 1986.  This is the perfect picture to describe a long standing Armstrong gift-giving tradition that Mom instigated.

Don’t worry.  Mom didn’t really get a box of Fruit & Cream Oatmeal for Christmas.  Nope.  Instead, Dad took the lovely string of pearls in the iconic felt jewelry box and wrapped it inside the oatmeal box which then got a layer of wrapping paper.

Our tradition: disguise gifts, double wrap gifts, hide gifts around the house.  Anything was acceptable.  I think one of us girls even got a bra wrapped in a two-cup measuring cup one year.  That was Mom’s idea.  She loved it—two cups having double meaning and all.

Yeah, we were creative (evil) with gift wrapping.  Half the time I think we put more thought and effort into making it a challenge to open gifts than we did on the gift itself.

Just in case you think this tradition died in the 90’s when the last Armstrong graduated high school, think again.  The story of how my brother proposed and gave his future wife the engagement ring involves many boxes, duct tape, and a very patient woman.

The best part?  As our family grows we have even more people to torture with creative (evil) gift wrapping techniques.  The Armstrong Family Tradition lives on.  (Mwahaha!)

Join Karen and 9 other Christian authors as they celebrate the release of her new novel Nickels, with a blow out $0.99 sale for Kindle books.   http://womensliterarycafe.com/content/december-2011-book-launches You can connect with Karen at http://www.karenbaney.com/

My Favorite Christmas Traditions by Penny Zeller

Years ago, my husband and I started three fun traditions with our children that we look forward to each Christmas season, in addition to attending Christmas Eve services at church. Each year…

We go “Lighting.” Everyone snuggles into their pajamas, then we head out in the car for a drive around town and a night of enjoying the creativity of those who use Christmas lights to decorate their houses. We then grab a bite to eat – since we’re in our PJs, we go through the drive-thru of course!

Our second fun tradition is that our girls exchange “Gag Gifts.” These are presents that appear to be normal to the unsuspecting eye (and are wrapped beautifully), but inside contain wacky gifts, such as an empty milk jug for the daughter who loves milk or an old avocado seed for the daughter who detests avocados! We capture these hilarious moments on film and laugh about these gifts for months afterward.

Finally, our third yearly tradition takes place on Christmas night. We watch Christmas movies (The Nativity Story, etc.) and for dinner we eat popcorn, crackers with spray cheese, and other fun junk food items. My husband found some large football-shaped plates from the Dollar Store that we use only on this special night. Our daughters have commented that we are the “coolest” parents because we allow them to have an all-you-can-eat Christmas dinner with nothing nutritious!

But no matter how many traditions the Zeller Family enjoys each year, the most important thing we celebrate as a family is the celebration of Jesus Christ!

Penny loves to hear from her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, here on her blog,  and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks.

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you might be an historical fiction author if…

The other day, I was writing a scene for my new historical romance series. My fingers flew across the keyboard as I ventured back to the  1860s…

Glancing from side to side looking for a place to hide, she willed her feet to move. Would this be how it would all end for her – a moment’s decision sealing her destiny?…

Of all the genres I enjoy writing, historical romance is my favorite. However, there are some days when it’s clear to me that I’ve spent a bit too much time in the days before modern technology.

If you write historical fiction, you know exactly what I mean. So, just for fun, I’ve listed six surefire ways to know that you’re a writer of historical fiction…

1. You’re getting ready for a family outing and you ask your husband to please hitch up the wagon instead of start the car.

2. Speaking of husbands, although your husband’s name is Lon, you find yourself calling him Zach, Jonah, or Nate because you’ve spent so much time with your male protagonists…

Zach Sawyer in "McKenzie," Book #1 in my Montana Skies Series

3. You say “I reckon” far too often.

4. Your kids are beginning to call you “Ma.” 

5. You reach for a bonnet instead of a baseball cap to cover a bad hair day.

6. Your family doesn’t let you visit museums anymore because they know that when you visit, you become so engrossed in the historical photos that you never want to leave. They clearly don’t understand that gazing for a mere few hours at antiques and old photographs gives you 10-years-worth of inspiration!

You are grounded until further notice from museums...

So there you have it…six surefire ways to know  you might be an historical fiction author. Now back to the 1860s I go!

 

 

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