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18 March 2014

Teresa Mathews Reviews The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall

The Ransom by MaryLu Tyndall (Book 4 Legacy of the Kings Pirates)
Ransom Press Publishers
Reviewed by Teresa Mathews
5 Stars*****

When I heard MaryLu Tyndall was setting sail for the Caribbean again with another story from the Legacy of the Kings Pirates Series I knew I wanted to be onboard. I wanted to feel the wind in my face and to smell the salt laden air and enjoy a tale of the most revered Pirates that ever sailed. Alexander Hyde, son of the infamous Captain Edmund Merrick Hyde, is one of those pirates. Just hearing the name of The Pirate Earl spoken strikes fear in even the most depraved pirate; but things would be a lot different if they knew the secret life he leads when he's on land.

After the passing of her dear mother Juliana Dutton was left in the care of a father that has never had a kind word for her and a twin brother that only cares for himself. Some days it seems even God doesn't remember her so she works hard at doing good deeds such as visiting the children in the rundown orphanage and visiting a friend that has fallen from grace in the hopes God will bless her. It was during one of those visits to the Cat and Fiddle Tavern, ~gasp~ that Juliana encountered The Pirate Earl and had it not been for him she would not have survived the night!! The moment their eyes met Juliana knew she was in trouble, so fierce was her attraction to him. Her mind tells her she must not even think of him but her heart feels otherwise and despite telling him to leave her alone it seems the daunting Pirate Earl has decided he should be her protector.

When her father falls ill Juliana must secretly take over the family business and all seems to go as well as can be expected until a friend of her brother starts to pressure her into accepting his offer of marriage. Knowing she could never marry him, Juliana decides instead to enter into a feigned engagement to Lord Munthrope a lovable bozo that despite his silly antics seems to be truly devoted to Juliana.  Even though she has never seen his face sans the white face powder there seems to be something about him that Juliana finds endearing. Could following through with this engagement be the way she will finally rid her heart and mind of the infamous Pirate Earl? 


I have never read one of Ms. Tyndall's books and been disappointed. They are filled with adventure, excitement and a beautiful love story but at the center of all of that you will find a thread of the Gospel that is woven throughout that ties it all together. You will never put down one of her books without being reminded of God's love for us, his creation. The Ransom was beautifully written, delightfully engaging with awe inspiring descriptions, especially the one describing the Pirate Earl! I can't believe I survived that one without melting into a puddle! Reading this was like going on the adventure of a lifetime. If you like Pirates, (especially one with a heart of gold) and Swashbuckling Romance then this book is for you! Thank you MaryLu for another exciting voyage and I anxiously await your command to Hoist the Colors on your next adventure!!


You can find this treasure and others by MaryLu on AmazonBarnes and Noble, CBD and your local bookstore.


QUESTION: What is the first book you read by MaryLu Tyndall?

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away TWO copies of this treasure this week; one paperback copy of The Ransom and one ebook copy this week. International Winner E-Book only!! Please remember to leave your EMAIL ADDRESS so we can contact you should you be our winner!




73 comments:

  1. Thanks for the wonderful review, Teresa! I dk how I missed that Julianna's bro was her twin! He was such a jerk. I wonder if ML will rehab him though for another story! This was such an enjoyable read!

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    1. CARRIE yes he was a terrible twin brother! I do hope he will be change his ways!

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  2. TERESA, love your review as you well know! ;) The first book I read was by M.L. Tyndall and was called The Redemption. It was book one in the Legacy of the King's Pirates. I was hooked forever! I thought M.L. was a man and wondered how he could write a book so well for women! Later, MaryLu told me that they wanted it to sound like a man's name at first. :/ Imagine my surprise when I first saw the pretty, little blonde M.L.! lol

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  3. The first book I ever read from Marylu Tyndall was her very first one. I'm really looking forward to reading this latest book! :)

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    1. DAWN wasn't that a grand day when you were introduced to ML's writing?! I know it was for me!!

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    2. Ah, you both are so sweet. Thank you. :-)

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  4. Teresa , love you review . The first book I ever read by MaryLu Tyndall was Forsaken Dreams . It was really good . You are hooked after the first one . Thanks
    Blessings
    lizd226(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi ELIZABETH I know what you mean, once you have read one of the Cap'ns books you will be hooked for life! Thanks for coming by!

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  5. Lovely review! I am thinking that the first book I read from MaryLu was Forsaken Dreams. I must say I am finding it hard to believe that this might be the case, but I cannot recall any other at this time. I have, however, read others by now....and am looking forward to reading them all! This is all very exciting, since I have many to look forward to :)
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Hi BETTI you'll love every one of MaryLu's books, I have never read one I didn't love! :-)

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  6. Good morning ladies... Wow, What an Incredible review Teresa! But then again.. yours always are so eloquent. :-) I'm thrilled you all loved the book. It was great to be back in the Caribbean again. It felt like coming home. And just for the record, I've never been a man. (Thank goodness) Thanks for everything, ladies! You are the best!! I'm spreading the word about this post... Hugs!!!

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    1. haha No, we can see that! Why did they want it to sound like it was a male author at first? I forget what you told me. Or did I just dream all this? :o

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    2. Good Morning Cap'n thanks for dropping in, you've made my day!! :-) You made me a happy girl when you took us all back to the Caribbean for another exciting pirate story! Goodness NO you are certainly not a man!! lol

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    3. I was the one who wanted M.L. Tyndall because I thought it would help to pick up male readers.. since my stories are more adventure than romance.. but alas, my publisher thought it was inhibiting sales so they made me change to MaryLu. I'd much rather go back to M.L. but I think it's too late. Funny, you thought I was a man! LOL

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    4. I guess it was my Southern upbringing making me think that us ladies couldn't enjoy an exciting Pirate adventure!! Boy I'm glad I got over that one in a hurry!! It didn't take much, just the description of Captain Edmund Merrick and his son Alex! :-) I didn't think you could possibly get any better at describing our Pirate friends but goodnessgraciousgirl you just about caused me heart to stop beating with The Pirate Earl's! LOL

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    5. So you were the culprit, ML! lol I hesitated about buying a "male" author's book, but it sounded awfully good and the cover was great, so I took a chance. Ye hooked me, lass! :)

      The Pirate Earl was hard on the heart, TERESA, but so very pleasing on the eyes and the imagination! :P

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  7. The first book I read by MaryLu Tyndall was "Surrender the Heart". I'm meaning to read all her books and so far have read four. One of these days I will read the others. Very good writing!

    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

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    1. SYLVIA that's a great start! I promise you won't be disappointed with any of them. You are exactly write...good writing! :-)

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  8. always excited to find Marylu at the writing desk!
    First read? Forsaken Dreams..
    Read Elusive Hope and was so captivated by the descriptions, I created a Pinterest board HERE !
    Thanks for the review and increasing my curiosity =) !

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    1. Hi FAITH I'll have to check out that Pinterest board! Forsaken Dreams and Elusive Hope were both wonderful books. Can you come back and leave your email address in case you are the winner?

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    2. Thanks again for that Pinterest Board!! I love it!

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  9. I love MaryLu's books! The first one I read by her was "Veil of Pearls." Thanks for the review and the giveaway. danandlyndaedwards(at)msn(dot)com.

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    1. Oh my goodness wasn't VEIL OF PEARLS a priceless treasure? Loved it!! Thanks for stopping by LYNDA!!

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    2. Hi Lynda! Veil seems to be a reader favorite. :-)

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  10. Elusive Hope as my first ! Can't wait for Ransom to show up in my box !!! I know its coming soon ! Loved the Review Teresa. I have added a few more to my Kindle. Hey soon I get to load that new Kindle Fire HDX , I know a few ladies that need to help me fill it ! Hugs No need to enter me as I have both already !
    Linda Marie Finn
    Faithful Acres Books
    faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com

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    1. Thanks Linda! Good luck getting that Kindle filled....love the freebies on amazon! :-)

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  11. You make me want to read this book NOW - RIGHT AWAY and I don't have time. Aaagh!! ;)
    Thanks for the great review!!! :) :)

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    1. Mom would say I'm sorry but I'm NOT! :-) I promise it will be a quick read!! lol

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    2. Arg.. Marian! I have the same problem with time. Believe it or not authors have very little time to read for enjoyment. Frustrating!

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  12. My very first book that I read was Veil of Pearls, and I have follen head of heals with her writing, she is an amazing woman who loves what she writes and how she writes. I am so excited and can't wait for her 3 book in the Paradice series.
    oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com

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    1. Hi Danie! Nice to see you here! Thanks so much for your kind words. Abandoned memories just showed up at Amazon.. out July 1st!

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    2. You are so welcome and I can't wait. To read it.

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  13. DANI I felt the same way when I first found MaryLu's books! Thanks for stopping in today!!

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  14. I've not read any of the Legacy of the Kings Pirates series, but I'm sure I can get my hands on them. I think the first book I read by MaryLu was Surrender the Heart.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. PATTY this series is what had me sold on everything MaryLu had written. I promise you will love The Redemption, The Reliance and The Restitution; they are all amazing books. As MaryLu said you can read The Ransom without reading the others first but you really SHOULD read them for the pure pleasure of it :-)

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    2. Hi Patty, thanks for coming by! Surrender the Heart is a personal fav.

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  15. Hi ladies!! Wow, thank you all so much for coming by and for your really sweet, encouraging comments! Lord knows we authors need to hear positive things now and then. :-) Well, I guess everyone does, eh? Who doesn't like a kind word? Thanks for reading my books. That means more to me than I can say. I pray hard over each story ... that it would reach the right people with the right message and also that people would just escape a little while from everyday life.
    By the way, you don't have to have read the first 3 books to enjoy this one. In case some are wondering. :-)
    Have a wonderful day, ladies!! Hugs!!!

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    1. MaryLu I guess you have your answer about going self-pub....it's not the "how" they are published that makes us happy, it that YOU have written them! We love you and the beautiful anointed stories God has given you. :-)

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    2. Ah... you are such a sweetie, Teresa!! (Blushing) Thanks. Hugs

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  16. Beautiful review, Teresa!! It certainly intensifies my desire to read "The Ransom"!!

    I have read so many wonderful things about MaryLu and her novels!! However, I'm sorry to say, being a relatively new convert to fiction, that I haven't read any of MaryLu's novels - but am going to rectify that immediately!!

    Since there are a lot of Christian authors whose novels I haven't read, I am blessed to be able to read all of an author's published novels back-to-back. I have read all of Liz Curtis Higgs, just finished my reading marathon of Julie Lessman's novels yesterday - writing a review on hers today, and planning on alternating between Laura Frantz's and MaryLu's, starting tomorrow (although I've loved being able to read an author's novels back-to-back). So - what a timely review this is!!

    I have been so blessed in reading some of the best in Christian fiction, thus far. I have loved every novel I've read, and am reading Laura and MayLu's novels - on the advice of Julie, so I know they will be wonderful, as well. I purchased several of MaryLu's older novels recently, and am in the process of ordering some of her more recent. Thanks for the opportunity to add "The Ransom"!! I'm like a "kid in a candy shop" anticipating the read of all these wonderful novels!!

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    1. So many books, so little time, eh, Bonnie? But of course you mentioned a few of my favorite authors.. Julie and Laura so I don't blame you! Thanks for coming by! :-)

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  17. Oh BONNIE what a delight you are! It makes me giggle to "hear" of your excitement to read all of these great authors works, I know I was like that when I stumbled on Julie and MaryLu's books at my local library. Happy Days!! Thanks for coming by Bonnie and I'm glad you enjoyed my review!!

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  18. Great review Teresa as usual. (((Hugs ))) to my OWG girls and of course to MaryLu. I read a long time back that publishers wanted initials so it looked like a male author, thinking some people were skeptic of women authors. Crazy!
    I always LOVE the covers on MaryLu's books. I am reading The Falcon and the Sparrow. I have Illusive Hope bot wanted Forsaken Dreams first as it was first. Have not found on sale, but just found it on ebook, so was able to put it in my Cloud reader Library on Amazon. I know this one one will also be good. With all of the great reviews, it could be nothing less. I would love to win the paperback. GOD bless, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Sending {{BIG HUG}} to you dear MAXIE. I know you are going to have a good time reading all of MaryLu's books. Hopefully you can add this one to your stack!! Thanks for coming by and making my day!! :-)

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    2. Hi Maxie! I hope you're enjoying The Falcon and the Sparrow! Thanks for reading my books! :-) Blessings to you.

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  19. What a perfect review!! :-) I've read every one of MaryLu's books--and loved them all. This book was an extra-special treat for me--I was her editor. Thank you so much for spreading the word on The Ransom! :-)

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    1. LORA how cool to be one of the first ones to read our dear MaryLu's books!! LUCKY YOU!! :-) Thanks for the compliment, that made my day coming from an editor! lol

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    2. And a fabulous editor she is too! (Waving at Lora)

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  20. Central Park Rendezvous and her Beauty From Ashes was my favorite in that book! :) I LOVE the way you write your reviews Teresa! :) You made me want to read it even more than I did before, and I've been dying to get my hands on a paperback! :D LOL!

    Blessings,
    Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

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    1. WOW!! Thank you AMADA glad you liked it too!! Here's hoping you'll be one of the winners! :-)

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  21. Awesome review TERESA of another brilliant book by MaryLu!!
    This will show you how young a Christian Romance Fiction reader I am.... The first book I read by MaryLu was 'Veil of Pearls' which I read because Julie Lessman promoted it so passionately upon its release! I had already read and loved Julie's, so for her to rave about MaryLu's books, I KNEW they must be great. And I wasn't disappointed!!! :)

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    1. I absolutely adored Veil of Pearls...not only was it written by one of my favorite authors it was set in one of my favorite cities...Charleston,SC! A place only 1.5 hours from home! :-) Noela I'm so glad you took Julie's advise and started reading MaryLu's books and I KNOW you're glad too after meeting "ALEX"!!! WOWEEEEE!!!

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  22. Trying to think way back. I think it had to be THE REDEMPTION.

    I know what you mean about wanting to be onboard.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Awwweeee The Redemption....my first adventure with MaryLu at the helm. Outstanding Book!!!

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  23. Teresa, fantastic review! TOTALLY LOVED The Ransom! It's become one of my all-time favorite books. MaryLu has really outdone herself with this one. You won't need to enter me in the drawing since I've already read it. And for everyone who hasn't read it yet, you're in for a treat, as this is MaryLu at her finest. :)

    The first book of MaryLu's that I read was the Charlestown Belles series (the 3 in 1) and that's where my interest in MaryLu's writing began, not to mention that I'd had wonderful recommendations from Julie Lessman and Laura Frantz. Anyway, glad to be here in support of me Cap'n!

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    1. Wavin' at you ANGI....so glad you dropped in. MaryLu has written an amazing amount of books and I hate to say this ' cause I didn't think she could improve on the first three books in this series but I believe she has with Alex's story!!! Oh my goodness what a story!! Thanks for coming by!!

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  24. The first book I read of MaryLu's was The Red Siren, for my book club. I really enjoyed it. My daughter has the other books in the Legacy of the King's Pirates series, so I'd love to win a copy of The Ransom for her. Of course, I'd read it too!

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Of course you will read it....who could resist reading one of MaryLu' s books?!! Great idea PAM. Thanks for dropping in. :-)

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  25. I have only read one book by MaryLu, Forsaken Dreams. I'm getting ready to read Elusive Hope. I am certainly behind, and hope to get busy and catch up on reading her other books.
    may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi KAY Forsaken Dreams was certainly a wonderful book to get you started and Elusive Hope was one of my favorites so you're on your way to reading them all. Who knows maybe you will win this one??? Thanks for visiting with us. :-)

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  26. I've never read any of MaryLu Tyndall's books, but I'd sure love to. It sounds like they're great. Thanks for the chance to win! jennismith1983(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JENNIFER you poor, poor dear, you have been missing out on a lot of marvelous books! I sure hope you will be the winner of this little treasure this week! Thanks for coming by! :-)

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  27. The first book I ever read by MaryLu was Veil of Pearls. That is one my favorite books ever.

    mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Melissa Finnegan

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    1. MELISSA VoP was one of my favorites also. Wouldn't it be great if you were one of our winners this week??


      *This is Teresa replying, for some reason gmail doesn't like me today! lol

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  28. Elusive Hope is the first book I read. I was very inspired by MaryLu's writing. She is very gifted and I have her books on my want to read list.
    Thank you for the post
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JACKIE you are correct MaryLu is very talented. Maybe you will be one of our winners and then you won't have to put this one on your list!! :-)

      It's me again...still can't get gmail to cooperate! It's bad when you are anonymous on your blog!! :-)

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  29. The Red Siren was my introduction to Mary Lu's amazing writing, I loved it!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. Good to see you on here MERRY, another wonderful book by MaryLu that's for sure! :-)

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  30. I have been wracking my brain trying to remember which was my first book by MaryLu Tyndall. I have a horrible memory and today is is especially terrible. I enjoyed your review and look forward to reading this book.

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  31. i love interviews and am looking forward to reading this book, sure hope i win.

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  32. Surrender the Dawn was my first and I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to reading more of Mary Lu's great writing.
    Loraine
    Lpertelt@aol.com

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  33. I have one of Mary Lu's books in my TBR stack so I will have to hurry and get to it! A great author writes a great book!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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