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17 June 2014

Noela Nancarrow reviews YANKEE IN ATLANTA by Jocelyn Green

Yankee in Atlanta

Yankee in Atlanta
by Jocelyn Green
River North; New Edition editon (June 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

“God bless the women and the hardships they endured”, writes author Jocelyn Green. While this powerful novel intermittently dismounts upon the Civil War battlefields, this story is really about the courageous heroines behind the lines and the impact this war bore on them. Jocelyn proficiently and expressively pens an emotive journey into the Civil War era that encompasses families torn apart, the bombardment of shells and musket-fire; terrifying riots; gnawing hunger; reckless disease and injury; prejudices; and the taxing scarcity of sleep and strength. But mostly it is an entrancing story of hope and love amidst destruction, and the survival and victory of the battle-worn yet courageous heart and spirit.

Yankee soldier Caitlin McKae awakens in Atlanta, wounded and recovering from typho-malarial fever. The charade of presenting as a man is over, but she’s now stuck in enemy territory! For the sake of her very life it’s critical she keeps secret that she was a Union soldier. When Caitlin finds need of accommodation, she grasps an opportunity to make a new life in Atlanta as a governess to the beloved daughter of sole-parent Noah Becker. Noah, who is a German immigrant lawyer, enlists with the rebel army leaving his daughter in the care of Caitlin. When the Yankee’s move closer to Atlanta, will Caitlin have her chance to escape the danger that the South represents to her? And when Noah discovers the truth, will duty or love, prevail?

In New York, the character of Ruby - an Irish immigrant mother with a traumatically painful past, laid hold of my heart as she questions if she can ever truly leave the past behind and hope for more. It is with her, and Edward who is in a class above the maid Ruby but loves her all the same, that we see some of the stark differences between the North and the South. Caitlin’s plate was empty and Ruby’s, full. But in both lives, there remains fear, hurts, and a love that threatens to either tear or heal their hearts.

This is a Civil War story with enormous heart, effortlessly capturing your senses and absorbing you into the lives of the strong, yet vulnerable characters that Jocelyn has skilfully created. Historical figures that played a vital role in the war also appear in this exceptionally researched novel. Likewise, many notable Civil War events are seamlessly interwoven into ‘Yankee in Atlanta’ - all of it making this novel, an overall feast of stirring history featuring two achingly beautiful love stories.


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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, and BAM

GIVEAWAY: Jocelyn is generously giving away a paperback copy of Yankee in Atlanta to someone who leaves a comment below! (US only) An e-book will be available if the winner is international!

85 comments:

  1. Thank you for this lovely review and a chance to win a copy. I love Civil War history. We use to live in Maryland and would often visit Gettysburg. We now live in Virginia and have been to about every place possible that has to do with the Civil War. Virginia is rich in history of the Civil War. We live about ten miles frpm New Market where the VMI cadets fought. Its funny because we often get called Yankee from co workers. Teasing of course. I love the title and cover of this book. I cant wsit to read it. ~.blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. LISA, you definitely will have to read this book then!! :) As stated in the review, included throughout this powerful story is a absolute feast of fascinating historical information, characters, and events. Sounds like you'd be quite a wealth of information yourself though! :-)

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    2. LISA, with your connections to Virginia, Maryland and Gettysburg, you'd love Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg, too! I love the cover of Yankee, too, I think it's my favorite of my three novels. :)

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    3. Thank you Jocelyn, I will check those books out. I am sure I will love them.

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  2. This story sounds intriguing! I live here in the South and could go visit so many of these battlefields. Been thinkin' about it, too. Summer field trips with my boys.

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    1. That there's a great idea HEATHER, go for it! I often wish I could go visit sites I read about in some of these amazing novels I read. Makes it a whole lot more difficult though, when you're living on another continent! :-) Hope you get to read this one soon Heather!

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    2. Great idea, HEATHER! Let's see, this one covers battles of Chattanooga, Kennesaw Mountain, and Atlanta, so you've got a few to choose from. :)

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  3. Noela, what a stellar review! I definitely want to add this one to my tumbling over TBR stack...

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    1. Thanks DIANA! And I want to add all of Jocelyn's other books to my TBR pile, lol... Especially after reading this one!! I think my stack already hit the deck... You didn't feel the vibrations over there?? ;)

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    2. DIANA, that would be terrific! I made sure there was almost no nursing stuff in this one to give readers a break from my first two novels. :)

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  4. Love to read about this time period. Love your books.

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    1. It's a fascinating though tragic period in history, isn't it VIRGINIA... And always interesting to read about. Jocelyn's an incredible writer, and she has another fan in me now also! :-)

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  5. I love both Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg - excellent writing and so well researched! My favorite historicals are this kind - where the story is so firmly entwined with the history that it cannot be separated. Can't wait to read it!

    rdalquis(at)css(dot)edu

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    1. Yes RACHAEL, that's exactly what I found with Yankee in Atlanta! You don't often find that degree in the marriage of history and fiction. I'm really keen to read Jocelyn's first two in the Heroines behind the Lines series!

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    2. RACHAEL, that's my favorite kind, too! I may not have you swooning over the romance, but if you enjoy history, you'll be just fine. :)

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  6. I have Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg in my TBR stack. Would love to have this one to add to it!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Well all the best with your entry then PATTY, perhaps you'll win this one to add it to the collection!! :-)

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  7. Another great review, and it sounds good. I would be honored to win this book--thanks for the opportunity.
    Vicki
    vmarney

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    1. Thanks VICKI, it really is an exceptional story, and I wish you all the best with your entry!!

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  8. historical fiction is my FAV genre!! can't wait to read this to see what happens with Caitlin and Noah, and Ruby and Edward!!!
    ~ Robin
    robinsnest212.wordpress.com

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    1. ROBIN, I can't wait for you to read it, either! I worked really hard to give Ruby and Edward a satisfying conclusion since lots of readers asked me what happened to them after Wedded to War. :)

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  9. I loved Jocelyn's first two books in this series and am eager to read this one. I'm in Canada but I'd be happy with an e-book if you pick my name. :D

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    1. Ann-Margret! So happy to see you here. Good luck in the drawing!

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  10. Hello everyone! I'm so glad to see all of you here. Right now I'm madly trying to get Spy of Richmond all finished and ready to send to the publisher. In the meantime, it's so fun to pop over here and chat with some of you. If I'm here a lot today, I probably have writer's block. If I'm not, hopefully I'm making progress with Spy. ;) Thank you so much NOELA for this very thoughtful review!

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    1. JOCELYN GF keep on writing! Can't wait to grab this one!! :-)

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    2. Well in that case Jocelyn, we hope we don't see you, lol!! Seriously though, am praying for your writing and for the words to flow as you strive to finish up your new book! Which btw, I can't wait to read now also!! ;)

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  11. Sounds like a great book
    God bless u
    Chris

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    1. It surely is CHRIS! Many blessings back and all the best with your entry!

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  12. Loved the first two books in the Heroine Behind the Lines series. Can't wait to read this one. Would love to win! :)

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    1. Thanks for coming by CHERYL, and I hope you get to read this fabulous story of Jocelyn's soon!! :-)

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  13. NOELA I HAVE to read this, I LOVE JOCELYN's books!! Thanks for the marvelous review! :-)

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    1. Haha I agree, you HAVE to read this too!!! :-) Thanks for your kind words Sissy!

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  14. Count me in on this one, it sounds great! Keeping my fingers crossed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You're counted MELANIE!! ;) It's an amazing story, I hope you get to read it soon!

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  15. Thanks for the chance to win Yankee in Atlanta. I've read (and thoroughly enjoyed) her two previous Civil War books. I appreciate the research and attention to detail. Jocelyn's books will always have a place on my "keeper" shelves. It will be fun to learn more of Ruby's story too since we met her in Wedded to War.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. The research and attention to detail really wowed me also PAM! I'm not sure if I've ever read a book before that included so much history and yet still managed to incorporate 2 beautiful and intriguing love stories - a great balance and a winning combination! God bless, Pam!

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  16. Thank you, Noela, for the wonderful review! In the past, I have never really had a yen to read about civil war stories except for "Gone With the Wind". However, I have read one Civil War Romance novel this past year and started another and I love them. I would so love to win your book. It sounds excellent and I'd like especially to hear about what happens to the characters as the story unfolds. Thanks for this contest. Mary Lou K flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks so much MARY LOU! You know it took me a while to get round to adding Civil War stories also, but these amazing writers have me wanting to read more now as well! :-) If you haven't read the first two books in this series, I'd recommend you read them first because even though they're stand-alone stories, from the comments I've read above, we first hear about some of these characters in Jocelyn's previous books. All the best with your entry Mary Lou!!

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  17. I have to read this--my mother's name was Ruby. This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the review, Noela! Thanks for writing another great book, Jocelyn!

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    1. CARRIE, I love the name Ruby!! And of course, it's my birthstone too! :-) Thanks, Carrie!

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  18. This sounds like a great read! I love books set during the Civil War! Wonderful review! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!

    amyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. Thank you so much for your comments AMY, and you're very welcome!! I wish you all the best with entry Amy!! God bless you!

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  19. It's nice to hear what roles women played in times like this also! Thanks. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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    1. It really is, isn't it SONJA... And Jocelyn does a fantastic job of giving a real glimpse into these roles and the hardships they also suffered through during the Civil War. Thanks for coming by Sonja, always lovely to see you!

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  20. Loved your review! It sounds like a wonderfully well written story.
    Please enter my name in the drawing to win a copy.
    Thanks!!

    ~Cindi
    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. It really was a very impressive story, CINDI! I'm still amazed when I think about how flawlessly this intriguing novel was written and the way everything came together so well at the conclusion! You are entered by the way and I wish you all the best!! :-)

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  21. I have already seen some good reviews, even from a writer here in Idaho who also wrote a civil war book. I would love to read this novel. Please enter me in the contest. myrenterp (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm not surprised at all MARY, but I'm sure that is a blessing for Jocelyn to hear!! Hope you get to read Yankee in Atlanta soon, Mary!!

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  22. Great review...I live in Georgia and love historical fiction!! It is always neat to read a book where the setting is close to where you live...can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance!!

    Sheri
    hspruitt at frontier neT doT net

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    1. SHERI, thank you, and yes, this book is perfect for you!! I'm looking forward to you reading it too! :-)

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  23. This sounds like quite a powerful story. Great review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. It really is MARY and I'm thrilled to have been able to entice you to read this amazing book! Always great to see you!

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  24. Just being that my hometown is Atlanta I want to read it, but a female soldier in the civil war stuck in the south makes it even more interesting! This sounds like a must read for me!

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    1. Nancycooks4u [at] gmail [dot] com

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    2. Absolutely NANCY, I fully concur - you are just gonna have to read this one!! ;)

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  25. Great Review! I've read one other book about a woman posing as a man to fight in the civil war, but I can't remember the title or the author. I do remember that I really enjoyed it, and I think I would like this one, too.

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    1. Thanks TONJA! Only one other comes to mind that I've read, and that's Marian Baay's recent short story. But yes, it's an intriguing situation and apparently really did happen! Thanks for your comment Tonja!

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  26. Wonderful Review ! Well as you know historical fiction is my favorite for sure and I do not have this one ! I would love to read it since the one lady is here in NY !
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    www.faithfulacres.net
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Well with that NY connection LINDA, you will definitely have to read this one also! :-) There's some fascinating history of the Civil War impact in NY in Jocelyn's story. Thanks, and all the best with your entry!

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  27. Neola, Thank you for featuring Jocelyn and her book I enjoyed the post.
    I am looking forward to reading Yankee In Atlanta. I am always fascinated by how the war impacted so many people and the ways they found to serve.
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you JACKIE, I appreciate your kind words! It's been fun featuring Jocelyn, she's such a lovely lady and an amazing author!! You'll really enjoy this book Jackie, I hope you get to read it soon!

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  28. Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Noela! I am eager to read YANKEE IN ATLANTA!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks BRITNEY! You're a sweetheart, and I hope you get to read this amazing story soon!! God bless!

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  29. I really enjoy novels from the civil war era! I I'd be thrilled to win! Thanks for sharing Noela!!
    RW620(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome RW and thanks! As novels go from the Civil war era, this is one of the best in my opinion. I hope you get to either win or get a hold of this book soon RW. And thanks for coming by to read about it. Blessings!!

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  30. WOW!! What an exciting, suspenseful story - I love everything about it!!

    I enjoy reading books based on the Civil War and having the opportunity to learn more about historical characters, events and places via a novel. I love that "Yankee in Atlanta" gives us settings from both the North and South, a female soldier disguised as a male certainly adds to the suspense and entices me to read it to find out just how she accomplished that feat, and the romance is the "icing on the cake", so to speak!!

    Thank you for that spell-binding, beautiful review, Noela!! It certainly peaked my already enthusiastic desire to read "Yankee in Atlanta"!!

    I haven't read any of Jocelyn's books, however, "Yankee in Atlanta" is one that I'm definitely adding to my "to-be-read" list and I feel sure that after I've read it, I'll be adding Jocelyn's other books to the list as I've read nothing but raving reviews about her books. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "Yankee in Atlanta"!!

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    1. I know BONNIE, I was the same as you! I'd also heard so many great things about Jocelyn's books, so when I had a chance to read Yankee in Atlanta for OWG, I grabbed it!! And now I'm looking forward to reading her others as well! Thanks for your sweet and encouraging words Bonnie, it's always rewarding to hear that your review of a book you loved, has enticed someone else to share in the joy of reading it! :-) God bless you!

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  31. I love war stories! The cover is Nicely done. I would love to read it.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. DANIE, perhaps this will one be your time to win then! But either way, I hope you get to read it!! God bless you!

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  32. Ah, what a wonderful story line. I have so many questions from your awesome review, Noela! Guess I'll just have to get me a copy if I don't win one, isn't that right, Jocelyn! Blessings from Texas!

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    1. Well of course that's right, Caryl! I love the spelling of your name, by the way! :) Thank you!

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    2. Yep, go straight to the horse's mouth... Which in this case is the book! ;) Thanks Caryl, and enjoy it as I know you will, whenever and however you get it! :-)

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    3. Yep, go straight to the horse's mouth... Which in this case is the book! ;) Thanks Caryl, and enjoy it as I know you will, whenever and however you get it! :-)

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  33. I would like to read about these two exceptional brave women! I have read the previous two stories! Thanks for offering giveaway of this third story. I like the red hair ~ and hearing Ruby's story! half-Irish Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Haha half-Irish KATHLEEN, you'll love this story!! :-) And yes, they are VERY brave women indeed. I don't know that I'd be half as brave as they were!

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  34. Hi everyone! I'm so thrilled to see all you wonderful readers who stopped by for NOELA's review! I've been busy writing and rewriting Spy of Richmond but wanted to poke my head in the door here and wave hello! Tomorrow I fly to Atlanta to help launch this book! I'm speaking at the Marietta Museum of History in Marietta, GA, on Sunday June 22, at 2pm. I would just love it if any of you who are within driving distance could come out and join me. :)

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    1. JOCELYN, it's been an amazing response to Yankee in Atlanta! Seems like everybody is really keen to read this amazing story, and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to read it to share with everyone. Wish I could get there to meet you!!

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  35. I really enjoyed reading Wedded to War and Widow of Gettysburg. I appreciate all the research Jocelyn does as she writes her books. Reading them is a great way to learn more about the Civil War. Thanks for the chance to win Yankee in Atlanta. I'm looking forward to reading it (and then the next one).

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. I agree PAM, I know it's certainly been an education for me! I can't think of a better way to learn history than through such stirring stories. Blessings!

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  36. Went through some battlefields last summer when we went through the south on vacation. So interesting!

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    1. You'll have to read Yankee in Atlanta to see if you visited the ones mentioned in Jocelyn's book, BECKIE! Oh, if you stop back here Beckie, please share with me your email so I can contact you easily if you're the winner!

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  37. Noela, you did a great job with this, but then you always do. I need this kind of talent. I read Jocelyn's first book a good time ago. I fist met her when she was having a week of wars. Each day was a different war. Even the Indian War. It was so interesting and I loved it. I won her first book. I thought I had won the second one also but if I did I never got it. So need it and this one. I would love to win this one. Thought had entered already but don't see it so guess was just dreaming. Ha! so probably missed the drawing. I still don't know how soon you draw. Thanks for this review.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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