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28 May 2013

Marian Baay Reviews Once Upon A Prince By Rachel Hauck

Once Upon A Prince


Reviewed by Marian Baay
~5 stars~*****

After Susanna Truitt’s boyfriend, Adam, told her he’d found “the right ring but not the right girl”, twelve years of waiting and living by ‘the plan’ collapses.
Shortly thereafter Susanna meets this handsome stranger, Nate Kenneth, to whom she unburdens her heart, while he is fixing her car.

Nathaniel is on his last carefree vacation on St. Simons Island. His father is the king of Brighton Kingdom, and severely ill. Nathaniel is the crown prince and his father has told him he will be king within the year. After his first meeting with Susanna he is soon going to meet her again and help her to get to the hospital to see her father.

With her father in the hospital, the family restaurant needs extra help. Nate is offering an extra hand and is obviously enjoying cleaning the dishes, scrubbing the bathroom, and taking out the garbage. When one day he leaves a Brightonian coin with his face on it, Susanna finds out he is a prince.

Their next meeting is a bit awkward but they stay friends anyway. When feelings run deeper, Nathaniel knows he must tell Susanna that he—as crown prince—is not allowed to marry a foreigner; back home he is expected to propose to a woman he doesn’t love. When Nathaniel is explaining to Susanna why he can’t marry her, he gets a phone call and learns that his father has died. He leaves immediately and Susanna doesn’t hear from him again.

Both their lives go on and Susanna and Nathaniel battle questions about God’s plan for their lives. They must learn to completely surrender themselves to God—learn to fully trust Him.

Then 5 months later Susanna receives an invitation for the coronation of King Nathaniel in Brighton…
Together with her younger sister, Susanna travels to Brighton Kingdom. She has no idea who has invited her or if she will get a chance to speak to Nathaniel in private. Susanna and her sister will be living a fairytale during their stay.
Is there a chance to love for Nathaniel and Susanna, despite the odds?

I enjoyed this story for several reasons; the writing style is very pleasant, the characters are oh so lovely, and I read this book just before the coronation of our Dutch King—so I really was in the mood for it and had twice as much fun reading it.
Nicely done, Rachel! 
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GIVEAWAY: A book by Rachel Hauck of your choice! Answer the question to be entered in the contest. And don't forget to leave your email address if we don't know you.

QUESTION: I think most of us have never been to the coronation of a king or queen, but I suppose we all have watched a coronation or royal wedding on TV once. Whose coronation or royal wedding have you watched?


101 comments:

  1. I don't think I have ever seen, even on TV a coronation of a king, but I think it would be very exciting! I enjoyed watching your FB posts as YOU watched the crowning of your King.
    I DID watch the marriage of Prince Charles of Wales and Lady Diana, Princess of Wales and then later Prince William & Kate Midelton! It wa so fun watching both of those weddings--just sad to think that Lady Di, never got to witness the wedding of her son--I know she would have been so proud!

    This book sounds like a very fun Cinderella type story, and I would LOVE to read it. Thanks for another GREAT review!
    Vicki
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I don't watch many weddings or coronations of foreign kings, queens, princes, or princesses. But I do like to watch when someone of our own royal house gets married. And a coronation is really special to watch. I have wanted a king since I was 8 and saw Prince Willem-Alexander skate the Elfstedentocht in Holland. Now 28 years later he finally is our king. :)

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  2. Hi Marian. I have to admit, I have never actually watched a coronation in process. I remember the great excitement and media attention over the weddings of both Charles & Diana and William and Kate. My actual favorite royal wedding is the Hollywood meets Royal story of Princess Grace of Monaco. She was so lovely to watch.

    I do love the Cinderella stories (don't laugh, but that's why I watch Beauty and the Beast, Tangled and The Princess and the Frog Disney cartoons so much). Anyway, I'm looking forward to the coronation of King Jesus when He takes His Bride. I will be present for that one, so I guess I'm saying in terms of coronations, the best is yet to come. :)

    Thank you for both your review of the book and the opportunity to win!
    Lonzine Lee

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    1. Okay, I didn't laugh, but smiled. :) You are not the only one who likes to watch those cartoons. If I had time for it I might enjoy it as well. ;)

      Thanks for dropping by and entering. Good luck!

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  3. Thanks MARIAN for that great review!! I knew this book was going to be good by all the recommendations I've heard but your review was the first real insight I've had - and I'm looking forward to reading this even more so now! :) Sounds very intriguing!

    The Queen of Great Britain is also Queen of Australia, however the last British coronation was 1953 which was before I was born, so I've never seen one either! Like Vicki, I've watched the weddings of Lady Di and Charles, and Prince William and Kate... and that was pretty special!

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    1. I'm sure you will enjoy this book when you get to reading it, NOELA.

      Oh yes, I wondered about that...if Queen E. is also Australia's queen. I thought so, but wasn't sure. Now I know. :)

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  4. I watched Arthur, Crown Prince of Camelot, crowned King of Camelot! Ok, only on tv but it was pretty cool :)

    Seriously, I am not old enough to have seen Elizabeth crowned Queen of England despite what my photo looks like but I did stay up all night to watch Diana & Charles marry, and then I watched William & Kate get married. I think QE needs to step down so the rest of us young'uns can watch a coronation, but only if she gives it to William ;)

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    1. LOL - ANNE, you don't look old!! But I could say I'm not as young as I like look, right Anne? ;)

      You're right it is time Queen E. steps down and I also hope she will give it to William.

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    2. hehe...as I like look - LOL
      You know what I mean, right?

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    3. Yes, I think I knew what you meant ;)

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  5. I've seen the Queen's coronation on film, not at the time.
    I've also watched all the weddings - live on TV.
    I don't think the queen should abdicate because I wouldn't want Charles as king which is what would happen. She is doing a great job!
    Chris
    chrsvckry@moiravickery154.plus.com

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    1. CHRIS, I don't want to see Charles as king either! Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Chris Vickery, CONGRATS! You are the winner of a book of choice, choice of format for Rachel Hauck week on OWG!

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  6. To be honest, I've never seen one! :) But I would love to win this book! I thoroughly enjoy Rachel's writing!
    Joi

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    1. Oops!
      booksbyjoiatcopelandclandotcom

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    2. Glad to hear you enjoy RACHEL's writing, JOI. Good luck in the drawing.

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  7. i have never seen one, but I would love to win this book, since shes a new author to me.
    jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, SHIRLEY. YOu're entered.

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  8. Actually, I don't recall every watching one. I've seen news clips of Charles and Lady Di's wedding. I've seen clips of his son and Lady Kate's wedding. I've never watched a coronation or wedding that I remember, though. Do I still qualify for the drawing? lr dot mullin @ live dot com.

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    1. Of course you qualify, LINNETTE! You anwered the question, so you're entered! :)

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  9. I can't say I have been to any or really watched any except Charles and Diana wedding an Williams and Kate's. Both were grand. But I would take mine over it. This book sounds so good love to read it.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. Hey DANA, thanks for stopping by. You're entered!

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  10. Great review, Marian! That is so cool about your new king and about you seeing him skate!

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  11. Great review. I'm looking forward to reading this book. As a pre teen we lived in England and attended British schools. It was during this time I learned about royalty and love it. I watch evrrything I can. Blessings, Susan Fryman

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    1. So you lived in England? Cool! Good luck in the drawing, SUSAN.

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  12. I must admit I have never watched a coranation but would love to read this book. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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  13. I don't think I've ever seen a coranation however I did watch the wedding of Price William and Kate Middleton.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. I love your fun review, MARIAN! This book sounds as though it would make a great movie, doesn't it? And the cover is adorable!

    As far as memory serves me, I have only watched the wedding of Lady Di and Prince Charles. And that didn't turn out to be so happily ever after so I decided to refrain from watching Kate and William's wedding. :(

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    1. Thanks, DIANA! It was a fun book. I'm glad it shows in my review. :)

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  15. I've never watched a coronation, but I did watch Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding. I , also watched Prince William and Kate's wedding. There's so much to do and a particular way to do it with royalty. Thank you for entering me in your giveaway.
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hello BARBARA, good to see you. Good luck in the contest.

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  16. I have not seen a coronation of a king or queen. Once Upon a Prince sounds like a great story to read! Enter my name in for the drawing, please. I stayed up all night ~ almost ~ watching the Royal Wedding of William and Kate on television and am glad I did. Seeing it first-hand instead of reruns was great! Especially, since I was drinking English Tea and eating scones! I saw Life magazine photos of his mother's wedding, Princess of Wales Diana, and of Princess Grace of Monaco. Both princesses died in car accidents. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Coronations or weddings - they're both beautiful to watch! You really made a party of the royal wedding of William and Kate!! :)

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  17. I have only watched a film of when Queen Elizabeth was crowned. I have watched the wedding of Charles and Diana. Thanks for holding this giveaway.
    Brittany McEuen
    kbmceuen@yahoo.com

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    1. Good to see you here, BRITTANY! Thanks for dropping by!

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  18. I've not seen a coronation of a King, but I have watched the weddings of Grace Kelly becoming the Princess of Monoco, when she married Prince Reneir. Also watched the wedding of Prince Charles marrying Diana. making her a Princess. Then Diana and Charles son, Prince William marrying Catherine. Thanks for a good review Marian. Put me in to win the book. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Thanks MAXIE! Always good to see you here! Good luck.

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  19. Princess Di

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  20. I don't believe I've ever watched a coronation or royal wedding.
    I did really like Princess Di though. She did so much for so many people.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes, Princess Di was a sweet person. All the best in the drawing.

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  21. Let's see, I've watched (on TV) the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles and then Price William's wedding to Catherine. Thanks for this chance!
    susanlulu@yahoo.com

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    1. Lady Di's wedding was so beautiful, SUSAN. I imagine Catherine's was as well, but I didn't care to watch it. Lots of luck!~

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  22. I have not watched a coronation . Have watched Prince Charles and Princess Diana on TV . Loved the interview. Would love to win your giveaway. Thanks.
    Blessings
    lizd225(at)gmail(dot(com

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    1. I think a coronation would be so wonderful to watch, but like you, ELIZABETH, I have only seen Charles and Di's wedding. Good luck in the drawing!

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  23. I got to watch Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding and then Prince William and Catherine's wedding too. Would love to read this book by Rachel - something different but sounds good.

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    1. Ops forgot my email ...rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

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    2. It does sound like a good book, doesn't it? Marian did such a nice job on the review. Here's hoping for a win for you, BECKY!

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  24. It was my summer home from college and I ironed while watching Princess Di marrying Prince Charles!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

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    1. Well, MELODY, I'm sure it made that boring job go by faster. lol I'm not sure where I was. :/

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  25. I think I may have watched at least part of Prince Charles and Diana's wedding. I also saw some highlights of William and Kate's. I don't think I've ever watched a coronation.
    I'm looking forward to reading Once Upon a Prince and would love to win a copy of it here! Thanks for giving a way one of Rachel's books.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Hi, PAM! I would love to watch a coronation--think it would be fascinating! Hope you get a copy of this one ASAP!

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  26. Enticing review, Marian. I wasn't expecting the twist in the story....just when I thought it was ended....it begins again. I look forward to reading Rachel's book. As everyone prior to my post - I've watched the royal weddings of Charles and Diane, and William and Kate's. Thanks for this exciting giveaway and the chance to win a great read.

    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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    1. Awesome review...I quite agree, BARB! Always such a pleasure to have you drop by!

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  27. I have never watched a coronation. I have watched Charles and Diana's wedding and also William and Kate's. I look forward to reading Rachel's book. Thanks for the great giveaway

    ldwrncpn@comcast.net

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    1. LORI, it seems as though the whole world was present for these spectacular weddings! lol Good luck to you!

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  28. I watched William and Kate! =)
    I just read Once Upon A Prince this past weekend. SUCH a good book! Added The Wedding Dress to my wishlist. Would love to win it!

    Melissa
    Battles2001@hotmail.com

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    1. Both of these books sound wonderful. I hope you get a chance to read The Wedding Dress asap, MELISSA!

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  29. I think I've really only seen William and Kate's wedding. I can't think of the coronation's... but probably only the most recent ones. I remember slightly Diana's death, but that's pretty much it.

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    1. I remember Diana's death pretty well. I was shocked - I loved to watch her.

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  30. Great review! I can't wait to read this book. I remember the Princess Di wedding best.
    Susan P
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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  31. We watched William and Kate marry... on our 10th wedding anniversary! Sorry, but I thought that lovely couple stole our celebratory thunder a little. : ) Then our third son was born last December... and the British Monarchy announced Princess Kate's pregnancy the same day! Stolen thunder this time? Nah. I think they're just following US! Ha ha!

    Can't wait to read this book, Rachel. I've been waiting for months and here it is! Best wishes.

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    1. Ha ha! I think you're right - they're just following you, KRISTY! ;)

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  32. Marian - I hit the "comment" button a moment too soon... THANK YOU for sharing this review with us. You've made me even more excited to read it! ; )

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  33. What a great review! I've been seeing reviews around the blogosphere and this sound like a great book!

    I haven't seen any coronations...only in movies. :)

    sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. SHERRINDA, this IS a great book. If you don't win I hope you'll consider buying a copy. Good luck in the drawing!

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  34. I haven't seen any on tv and that was teens at proms

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, DEBBIE. Best of luck in the contest.

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  35. I watched Charles marry Dianna on TV... sad that she is gone... sometimes being a princess isn't the grandest thing in the world.
    Thank you for the review though... I know that being a princess to Jesus my Lord and His Father is a grand thing.
    Blessings
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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  36. I was fortunate to see Charles and Di's also I saw Andy and Sarah's weddings. I was not able to watch William and Kate's wedding. I really find it interesting to watch royal weddings with all the pomp and ceremony that is still done in this day and age.

    I have my mom's coin from the Queen's coronation though as my mom was in England at the time and she was able to tell me about it.

    I would love to receive one of Rachel's books.

    God Bless
    Helen

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    1. That's cool you have that coin, HELEN. You're entered!

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  37. When I visited my Mother a while back we actually watched a DVD of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It was Regal and full of traditions to the nth degree.

    I have seen a great many Royal weddings on television. Must see for me. Just so beautiful.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. I also love to watch them, MARY. It's so nice to watch the traditions.

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  38. I remember being very young and my mother watched Princess Diana get married. I remember bits and pieces of it. I sure do miss her : (

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  39. I don't think I have ever watched one... Would be interesting though :)

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  40. I've seen many features of Prince Charles and Lady Di's wedding and Prince William and Kate's wedding, and numerous others over the years, but not an entire coronation, etc. Thanks for a beautiful review and giveaway!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Thanks NANCEE! Good to see you stop by. Good luck!

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  41. I don't think I've ever watched a coronation or wedding live, but Kate & Williams wedding was all over the TV for days afterwards, so you almost felt like you were there!

    pattymh20009at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. PATTY, almost everyone mentioned Kate & William's wedding. I didn't realize so many Americans watched the British Royal weddings!

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  42. Hmmm....I don't think I've watched the actual live coronation, but I've seen replays later - like Kate & William's wedding. Loved her dress :)

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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  43. The closest I've ever come is part of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding. I'm no fun! :)

    email: laurie [at] laurietomlinson [dot] com

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  44. Royal weddings - Princess Diana & Will & Kate So much fun.

    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Yes, it's so much fun to watch the royal weddings! All the best!

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  45. I watched parts of the Prince William and Kate's wedding. My DVR didn't get it all, but what I saw was amazing. Thanks for the giveaway, too! danandlyndaedwards(at)msn(dot)com.

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    1. Hey LYNDA, thanks for stopping by & good luck in the contest!

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  46. I watched parts of Will and Kate's wedding. It was gorgeous to see, but way too long :) shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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