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**Ken Wishnia’s Noir Thriller 23 SHADES OF BLACK, an Edgar Allen Poe Award Finalist, is Our eBook of the Day and Here’s a Free Sample**

June 27, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Ken Wishnia’s 23 Shades of Black, $7.99 on Kindle:

A finalist for the Edgar Allen Poe Award.

This tense, psychological thriller set in the East Village punk scene during the early 1980s shadows a single evening shift of NYPD cop Filomena Buscarsela. When Filomena learns that the toxic leak may have been sabotage, and a key witness—an East Village artist—dies in a suspicious accident, she decides to pursue the case on her own by cruising the Alphabet City punk rock clubs for clues about the artist’s last days.

But as she attempts to punish environmental criminals, Filomena finds the case, and her personal life, begin to crumble. A taut noir tempered with a cynical sense of humor, this mystery novel is a sociological snapshot of a working-class Latina in New York City.

From the reviewers:

“Packed with enough mayhem and atmosphere for two novels.” Booklist

“It’s one hell of a fine book and Filomena is a cool, tough, troubled cop… This is good stuff, political, tough, biting, gutsy, even sensitive.” Harboiled

“A detective novel or sardonic, street-smart humor. Strike back against the boredom of polite mysteries; buy this book.” Sierra Club Book Reviews

“Everything a first mystery should be–hard-boiled, gritty, passionate and raw.” Biblio

“Action is swift in this politically charged thriller.” Midwest Book Review

“Literate… humorous… finely-nuanced writing that will satisfy both genre fans and a wider audience of appreciators of the contemporary novel.” High Times

Visit Amazon’s Ken Wishnia Page

Kenneth Wishnia was born in Hanover, NH to a roving band of traveling academics. He earned a B.A. from Brown University (1982) and a Ph.D. in comparative literature from SUNY Stony Brook (1996). He teaches writing, literature and other deviant forms of thought at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood, Long Island, where he is a professor of English.

Ken’s novels have been nominated for the Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity Awards, and have made Best Mystery of the Year lists at Booklist, Library Journal, and The Washington Post. His short stories have appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Murder in Vegas, Long Island Noir, Queens Noir, Politics Noir, Send My Love and a Molotov Cocktail, and elsewhere.

His most recent novel, The Fifth Servant, was an Indie Notable selection, one of the “Best Jewish Books of 2010” according to the Association of Jewish Libraries, a finalist for the Sue Feder Memorial Historical Mystery Award, and winner of a Premio Letterario ADEI-WIZO, a literary prize awarded by the Associazione Donne Ebree d’Italia, the Italian branch of the Women’s International Zionist Organization.

Visit Amazon’s Barbara D’Amato Page

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of 23 Shades of Black by Ken Wishnia:

Martin Lastrapes’ award winning INSIDE THE OUTSIDE is Our eBook of the Day at $4.99, or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library, with 4.8 Stars on 37 Reviews, and Here’s a Free Sample

June 25, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Martin Lastrapes’ Inside the Outside, just $4.99 on Kindle or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library:

GRAND PRIZE WINNER (2012): PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL

RUNNER-UP (2012): NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL

RUNNER-UP (2012): SAN FRANCISCO BOOK FESTIVAL

Timber Marlow is a teenage cannibal who has lived her entire life within a cult called the Divinity of Feminine Reproach and by the time she is fifteen years old she has already killed three men.

When Timber takes an opportunity to explore the Outside, she bears witness to some dark and unsettling truths about the world around her and the integral role she plays in it.

In this debut novel, laced with scenes of horrific violence and uplifting humanity, Martin Lastrapes has written a one-of-a-kind story about love, friendship, sacrifice, and cannibalism.

From the reviewers:

“At once irreverent and prophetic, Inside the Outside is a real achievement. The story is full of twists and turns, and the writing is sharp and vivid from beginning to end. In this dark, bold, strange, but always intriguing novel, Martin Lastrapes proves that he is a talented young writer of considerable promise.” —James Brown, author of The Los Angeles Diaries and This River

“In this debut novel, Lastrapes slips deftly from disturbingly dark to vibrantly tender and every hue and shadow in between, sending the reader on a journey through a place that is as beautiful and alluring as it is horrific. Deliciously creepy…” —S. Kay Murphy, author of Tainted Legacy: The Story of Alleged Serial Killer Bertha Gifford

Frighteningly Delightful. This book had me on the verge of tears, laughter, and terror, sometimes at the same time. Martin Lastrapes writes with such vivid imagery, that there were times where I had to put the book down to avoid being overly spooked.. Cherry Darling

Visit Amazon’s Martin Lastrapes’ Amazon Page

MARTIN LASTRAPES won the GRAND PRIZE at the 2012 PARIS BOOK FESTIVAL for his debut novel INSIDE THE OUTSIDE.

Lastrap grew up in the Inland Empire, studied at Cal State San Bernardino, has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Composition, loves good pizza, watches his favorite movies over and over again, learned many a lesson from professional wrestling, doesn’t think there is such a thing as overpaid, wonders if he’ll ever be famous enough to be on “Dancing With the Stars,” thinks good stand-up comedy is rare and under appreciated, is scared of Vladimir Putin, wonders if it’s too late to learn how to play the guitar, gets depressed when he hears the theme song from “M*A*S*H,” wishes he knew more history, isn’t sure if he’s having enough fun, wonders why Teen Wolf never made it to the NBA, and wants Morgan Freeman to narrate his life.

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of INSIDE THE OUTSIDE by Martin Lastrapes:

Remember The Movie “Pretty In Pink”? What Would Happen if it Was a Tragedy? Try Downloading Maria Rachel Hooley’s OCTOBER BREEZES & See What The Buzz is About– It’s Our eBook of the Day at just $2.99, with 4.3 Stars on 30 Reviews, and Here’s a Free Sample!

June 24, 2012June 24, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Maria Rachel Hooley’s October Breezes, just $2.99 on Kindle:

Skye Williams knows everything there is to know about mistrust: Dad skipped out when she was five, leaving Mom with an angry daughter and an upside-down mortgage. Then there were the boyfriends—at least a dozen—hot on his heels and hot for her mom, none of whom stuck around long enough to figure out Skye hated them—hated the underage toys they brought as bribes and the way they looked at her, speeding past with the same distaste they would have for a yellow traffic light.

And now this Warren Jacobs has shown up to sweep Mom off her feet—and all he’s brought with him is a crummy, dog-eared book. She doesn’t even read! How can Mom even like this guy, much less trust him? He’s just another loser with a capital L.

But Warren’s not the only concern rocking Skye’s world. Devin Abbott, a guy she’s known since kindergarten, has changed. Almost at once, he’s become this tall, broad-shouldered guy with dark hair and easy eyes she might date—if he hadn’t always been her best friend.

Skye swears there’s nothing between them, but everyone else thinks differently. Devin doesn’t act the way he used to, especially when Kellin Morgan, senior quarterback, asks Skye out. Flattered, she accepts, and, Devin sulls up—and he isn’t the only one.

Kellin’s best friend, Tyler Rutherford, gets bent out of shape, too, as he’s always wanted Skye for himself. When Kellin and Skye attend one of Tyler’s famous parties, neither senses the impending disaster. Afterwards Skye is left with consequences that will change not only her life but also that of everyone who loves her.

Editorial review:

October Breezes is a great YA book that has some pretty serious topics. I kinda knew where the story was going but that didn’t make it any less interesting.

I’ll start with the characters. Though I felt Skye could be way immature at times, she is slightly complex, and is definitely dealing with major issues throughout the book. I felt for her, and what she was going through. Devin was Skye’s “Ducky”. If you’ve seen Pretty in Pink then you know exactly what I’m talking about. He played the best friend that secretly, but obviously in love with Skye.

Now for the story…wow! Like I mentioned earlier it was similar to Pretty in Pink, just more tragic. The whole them versus us was in play throughout the whole book. Kellin and Tyler are in a totally different circle that Skye and Devin are in, so when Kellin asks Skye out people start talking, and wondering what’s the catch. –Coffee Books and Laundry Blogspot

From the reviewers:

The story is exceptionally well-written and packs a powerful punch, I was moved to tears as my heart ached for Skye. I think all teenage girls should read this book, and parents as well. – Stacy L. Daniels

This book pulls you in and is hard to put down. Ms. Hooley did a fantastic job showing the depth of emotion in such a difficult topic. – LT

Some books make me laugh out loud, some make me cry. Some books receive fist pumps (oh yeah!) and some cause me to roll my eyes and sigh. Some books barely skim the surface of my emotions and some FLIP MY WORLD UPSIDE DOWN! October Breezes by Maria Rachel Hooley falls into the last category. – “Reading, Eating, Dreaming”

Visit Amazon’s Maria Rachel Hooley Page

Maria Rachel Hooley has been featured in numerous publications such as Green Hills Literary Lantern, Westview, and Kimera.

She has written over thirty novels in numerous genres. Her first chapbook of poetry, A Different Song, was published by Rose Rock Press in 1999.

She is a high school teacher and lives in Oklahoma with husband and three children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She is an advocate for education about autism.

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is you free sample of OCTOBER BREEZES by Maria Rachel Hooley:

Kindle Nation Daily Bargain Book Alert: Jennifer O’Neill’s THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS is spiritual road map to help you tap into your natural ability to be happy. Learn to enjoy the journey in our eBook of the Day at just $2.99 or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library, with 4.5 Stars on 21 Reviews, and Here’s a Free Sample!

June 23, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Jennifer O’Neill’s The Pursuit of Happiness, jut $2.99 on Kindle, or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library:

What is the most desired thing sought after in life?

It is not money, it is not even love, it is happiness! Everyone is searching for happiness.

This book is a mini-course outlining 21 spiritual rules to finding success when you are in “The Pursuit of Happiness.” The book was designed with a specific purpose, as a guide to help you tap into your natural ability to be happy.

Everyone has the ability to find happiness in his or her life, yet sometimes you need a road map. “The Pursuit of Happiness” is your spiritual road map. Learn to enjoy the journey!

From the reviewers:

Life changing. I will be forever grateful. Though her book has a very similar message as others, it is put in a way that allows even a layman like me to receive it. Jennifer’s Spiritual Rules are simple, clear, and true. Along the way she helps guide you as to HOW to put these rules into affect in your daily life. Her words are spoken to encourage you while still holding you accountable for your choices. – SDouglas

I got this book on I love kindle for some spiritual guidance. It so hit the mark on things that we do each day. Its brings a wonderful insight into yourself and the people around you. I keep re-reding it and keep the lists at the end to review each morning. It makes me feel like I am not alone and I am able to figure out some of the issues that are bothering me. Thank you – Rhonda L. Sutton

I have to say that I enjoyed this book. I read it in one day and a lot of what the author is saying makes sense. If you are looking for a short self help book that is easy to read then this is the book for you. The reason that I am giving the book a 4 instead of a 5 is this about 1/3 of the book is just plain common sense, But in the end it is definitively worth the money if you need a feel good boost. – “snsmds”

This is not the only book you should read on happiness but for some people it may jolt them awake and make them realize that they have to be responsible for their own happiness. – Rebecca Johnson

Visit Amazon’s Jennifer O’Neill Page

Spiritual teacher and best selling author Jennifer O’Neill is devoted to helping others learn how to live a happier life through her books, readings and workshops. The focus of her writing and teaching is to simplify the process of using the spiritual tools and gifts you were born with in a way that fits into your everyday life.

She is the author of several books including Soul DNA, Inspirational Quotes, Keys To The Spirit World, The Pursuit of Happiness, and several more to be released this year.

Jennifer’s teachings are similar to Abraham Hicks, Eckhart Tolle’s and Demartini. Jennifer is also one of Hawaii’s top psychics and the leading expert in the field of Soul DNA, as well as the originator of the Soul DNA© process.

She has spent the last twenty years as a professional psychic and spiritual teacher helping people all over the world with their spiritual growth. You can find information on Jennifer’s radio show, blog, books and workshops on her website www.hawaiihealings.com

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS by Jennifer O’Neill:

**Welcome to SERENITY HOUSE, a trilogy of can’t-stop-reading Kathryn Shay stories and KND eBook of The Day – The full boxed set now just $3.99 for a limited time & here’s a FREE sample!**

June 22, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Kathryn Shay’s Serenity House Trilogy by Kathryn Shay, just $3.99 on Kindle:

Kathryn Shay’s trilogy of romance stories examines the lives of three adult women who spent some of their adolescent years in a group home for troubled girls, and how their young pasts continue to impact their lives and loves.

Veteran teacher Kathryn Shay knows teenagers and puts that knowledge into creating a series about successful women who were once troubled teens.

Welcome to SERENITY HOUSE, a trilogy of stories about women who spent some of their adolescent years in a group home for troubled girls. Each story explores what effects their dysfunctional backgrounds had on them. As you might guess, trust—not being able to trust—is a big issue for all three. But with the help of those who love them, each woman overcomes her difficult beginnings and becomes the person she was meant to be.

In PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, Paige Kendrick is a successful doctor who keeps people at a distance and refuses a relationship with hunky doctor Ian Chandler. But Ian won’t stop until he gets what he wants—Paige! And because of his assertiveness, he almost destroys their chances of a life together.

In A PLACE TO BELONG, Darcy O’Malley and Hunter Sloan have more in common than they know when they meet at her daycare. Both have troubled kids, both grew up as outcasts in their hometown, and both find a deep and driving passion for the other that cannot be denied.

When she was eighteen, troubled Anabelle Crane fell in love with Nathan Hyde, the town’s fair-haired boy. He broke her heart and she left town to become an undercover cop. In AGAINST THE ODDS, she’s back to guard him from a stalker. But some things haven’t changed and Anabelle and Nathan find that the passion they have for each other has not died!

From the reviewers:

“For readers like myself who have been a bit disappointed with the quality of the genre of late, Shay’s latest might as well have antidote stamped right next to the Serenity House logo.” – The Romance Reader

Fans will enjoy the return of the Serenity House residents, and can only hope for a second-generation series one day! – Word Weaving

Visit Amazon’s Kathryn Shay Page

Kathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first ‘romance,’ a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists – and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.

Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women’s college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who’d attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, “I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that.”

Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she’d again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.

Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-two books for Harlequin, ten mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.

Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations – readers say they feel they know the people in her books – and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has had a one of her books serialized in the December 2003 COSMOPOLITAN magazine and has been quoted in PEOPLE and THE WALL STREET JOURNAL. She has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.

Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. “My life is very full,” she reports, “but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams.”

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of SERENITY HOUSE TRILOGY by Kathryn Shay:

Kindle Nation Daily Bargain Book Alert: Mainak Dhar’s THROUGH THE KILLING GLASS is Our eBook of the Day at just $2.99, or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library, with 4.5 Stars on 11 Reviews, and Here’s a Free Sample!

June 21, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Mainak Dhar’s Through the Killing Glass, just $2.99 on Kindle, or Currently Free Via the Kindle Lending Library:

The explosive sequel to the Amazon.com bestseller, Alice in Deadland

More than two years have passed since Alice followed a Biter with bunny ears down a hole, triggering events that forever changed her life and that of everyone in the Deadland. The Red Guards have been fought to a standstill; Alice has restored some measure of peace between humans and Biters; and under Alice, humans have laid the foundations of the first large, organized community since The Rising- a city called Wonderland.

That peace is shattered in a series of vicious Biter attacks and Alice finds herself shunned by the very people she helped liberate. Now she must re-enter the Deadland to unravel this new conspiracy that threatens Wonderland. Doing so will mean coming face to face with her most deadly adversary ever- the Red Queen.

From the reviewers:

The second book of the series andi was not disappointed. While the zombie apocalypse is not a new idea and neither is crooked governments, the characters and landscape of the book are original and interesting. The main character and political intrigues are what keep the story moving. Cant wait for the next in this series. – “lbroome82”

I was very pleased with this sequel. It basically picked up right where the last one left off and takes a very new turn. It had battles, politics, surprises, and tons of zombie gore!!! Highly recommended! – Ryan M. Goldman

Loved it. So glad for part 2! The first book, amazingly great fast read! 2nd book, good too!! Hope the author continues with the Zombie theme!! If you want to forget about your crappy day, just read these books!! You will be sucked into the ‘rabbit hole’ in no time!!!! – Maggs

Thought the themes were great. I like a story with consciousness. As corny as this might come off, I was hooked to these two books like those teenagers must’ve been about twilght. Also, the Walking Dead is an awesome show that all zombie fans need to see. I want more Alice! – Alice

Visit Amazon’s Mainak Dhar Page

Mainak Dhar is a cubicle dweller by day and author by night.

His first `published’ work was a stapled collection of Maths solutions and poems (he figured nobody would pay for his poems alone) he sold to his classmates in Grade 7, and spent the proceeds on ice cream and comics.

He was first published in a more conventional sense at the age of 18 and has since published eleven books including the Amazon.com Bestseller Alice in Deadland. Learn more about him and contact him at mainakdhar.com

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of THROUGH THE KILLING GLASS by Mainak Dhar:

**A humorous, intense, and heartbreaking story: Robb Skidmore’s THE PURSUIT OF COOL is Our Kindle eBook of the Day at just $2.99, with 4.8 Stars on 14 Reviews, and Here’s a Free Sample**

June 20, 2012 by KND

Here’s the set-up for Robb Skidmore’s The Pursuit of Cool, just $2.99 on Kindle:

Quarter Finalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

The Pursuit of Cool is a humorous, intense, and heartbreaking story of a pop culture obsessed, tragically romantic young man, sure to appeal to fans of Nick Hornby, John Hughes movies, and the 1980s…

A novel that uniquely captures the 1980s, The Pursuit of Cool tells the story of Lance Rally and his turbulent college years.

He comes from a super-achieving family and is intent on being a big success. But he is also an inept, hopeless romantic, obsessed with pop culture, and prone to distraction.

Friendships with a punk rocker and a subversive scholar challenge his worldview, and relationships with a beautiful psych major and a feisty goth girl shape and change him.

This coming-of-age journey is a funny and emotional ride through album covers, dance techniques, all-nighter revelations, and corporate internships gone bad. The story comes alive with music and movies which give Lance solace as he questions his beliefs and his heart gets crushed. He tries to capture that illusive quality, that magic of youth, the essence that is “cool.”

Join Lance on his intense and emotional ride!

From the reviewers:

“With plenty of humor and a strong moral on the purpose of youth, The Pursuit of Cool is a strong pick for general fiction collections and those who want an original take on the college dynamic.” –Midwest Book Review

“Skidmore is a very skillful writer, good with the unique insight, and often very humorous. ” Zan Fraser | 7 reviewers made a similar statement

“I think most people will identify with him and see bits of themselves in him. ” C. K. Slezak | 2 reviewers made a similar statement

“Robb Skidmore’s novel, The Pursuit of Cool” is a well written account of where a young sensitive man coming of age 25 years ago would find himself. ” bogart | 2 reviewers made a similar statement

“A skilled writer… A smart account of ’80s college kids… the novel believably summons the ’80s, complete with floppy disks, 9 1/2 Weeks on VHS and R.E.M. cassettes.” –Kirkus Indie Review

“…An excellent job of taking a character and creating his time and place perfectly. A totally enjoyable flashback ride…” –Dew on the Kudzu

“From The Clash to Joy Division to Bauhaus…provides the perfect setting. It centers the reader in that hopeful era of high expectations and jaded reality. A great debut, and I can’t wait to read more from Robb Skidmore.” –The Book Fetish

Visit Amazon’s Robb Skidmore Page

Robb Skidmore writes stories that entertain and inspire.

His contemporary upmarket fiction (in between commercial and literary) takes a love of language and uses it to create richly original characters and intense, moving plots. His short stories have appeared in New Orleans Review, New Millennium Writings, South Carolina Review, Oasis, and Twelve Stories. His nonfiction has appeared in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Surfer, his ebook novella, can be found on Amazon. His debut novel is The Pursuit of Cool.

He grew up in Charleston, S.C. and graduated with several degrees from Emory University. He has traveled to many far flung parts of the globe and once spent a year camping in national parks and traveling across America. He lives with his wife in Atlanta. You might find Robb drinking kombucha tea, listening to music on his iPod, blogging on his website at robbskidmore.com, or staring at the sky with great wonder and appreciation.

And here, in the comfort of your own browser, is your free sample of THE PURSUIT OF COOL by Robb Skidmore:

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It’s Giveaway time! Get a free bonus entry into our monthly raffle and check out Magic Hour: A Novel by Kristin Hannah

Charlie Magus enters a fantastical world hidden deep in the forest… Do You Believe in Monsters? (Dark Circles Trilogy Book 2) by award-winning author Jim Melvin

A heart-wrenching story of a family torn apart because of a moment in time… The Ones We Leave Behind by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Dark family secrets have a way of finding their way to the light… She’s My Sister Complete Series Box Set, Books 1-10 by Jacie Middlemann

A thrilling private club romance that explores the limits of dominance and submission… The Dominant: A Brother’s Best Friend Complete Series by Sienna Snow

It’s Giveaway time! Get a free bonus entry into our monthly raffle and check out Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs

Samantha Whiskey has done it again! Don’t miss her steamy new #1 release! Gareth: A Billionaire’s Game Novel (Billionaire’s Game series Book 5) by Samantha Whiskey

Life isn’t easy for any eleven-year-old… Chloe the “Military Brat” (Cul-de-sac Kids Book 1) by A. L. Zeine

Think The West Wing done as an episode of The Twilight Zone… IMP: A Political Fantasia (Revised Edition) by Steven Paul Leiva

It’s Giveaway time! Get a free bonus entry into our monthly raffle and check out The Doctor’s Devotion (Eagle Point Emergency) by Cheryl Wyatt

Read the book that inspired the classic coming-of-age film: The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Fans of Craig Johnson and CJ Box will love this outstanding first novel…. Frontier Justice: A Coogan Mystery by Michael Cardwell

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