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This Month on FaithfulReader.com |
September 2014 |
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Welcome the Cool New Season with the Comfort of Some Fine Reads
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As the summer heat begins to fade, we at FaithfulReader.com are welcoming the cool breezes, changing leaves and pumpkin-flavored everything that mark the start of the new season. I am particularly entranced by the beautiful colors dressing the treetops, reminding us of rebirth and the beauty of change. While some of us have children heading back to school and others are focused on switching to a warmer wardrobe, books remain a lovely constant --- and great accessory. As you select the books that will keep you company through the start of autumn, we hope that our contests, features and reviews will offer some wonderful choices.
To begin, we are running two Special Contests this month. First, we are celebrating the release of Cindy Woodsmall’s latest novel, A LOVE UNDONE: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace with a giveaway that will offer 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. When she was only 19, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim’s entire life was changed, stealing the future she expected. Ten years later, Jolene meets Andy Fisher, horse trainer and father to a sweet little girl. Although Andy challenges Jolene to face the issues she has been avoiding, he too has a secret that has been affecting his faith. As Andy and Jolene’s friendship deepens, they find themselves confronted by difficult choices between God’s guidance and the allure of temptation. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
We are also giving away 10 copies of A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, Katie Ganshert’s latest novel that released in April. Running from a broken past, young model Ivy will do anything to hold on to her life in fashion, even if it means moving to the quaint town of Greenbrier, South Carolina. Here she is cast as the model for her stepmother’s bridal line --- although she is far from the pure bride in white. Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer, treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, he sees through her beauty, challenging everything Ivy has come to believe about her own worth. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
Next up is our latest monthly contest, offering five readers the chance to win a copy of A BRIDE IN STORE, the second book in Melissa Jagears's Unexpected Brides series. Eager to meet her intended groom, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. Although her betrothed, Axel, isn’t in town when she arrives, his business partner, William, helps her get settled working at their store. While the two work and await Axel’s arrival, sparks begin to fly between them. Soon Eliza and Will must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to follow their dreams. For your chance to win one of five copies of A BRIDE IN STORE, fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
A study guide is now available for THE DESIRE, the third installment in Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley’s Restoration series. Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby for two years. While Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments, Allan spends his time --- and their money --- on supporting displaced children in Africa. But God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they never could have imagined. Click here for the guide and here to read more about the book.
We are delighted to present five special features in this month’s newsletter, starting with THE RIVER by Beverly Lewis. Two formerly Amish sisters, Tilly and Ruth, return to Lancaster County for their parents' wedding anniversary. Since departing their Plain upbringing, Tilly has married an Englisher, but single Ruth hasn't entirely forgotten her failed courtship with her Amish beau. Past meets present as the sisters search for acceptance and redemption. Click here to read more in our special feature.
In Lisa Wingate’s THE STORY KEEPER, successful New York editor Jen Gibbs takes a journey that changes her forever. After discovering a decaying manuscript about a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia, Jen is drawn into a mystery that leads her back into the Blue Ridge Mountains --- and through doors she thought she had closed forever. Click here to read more in our special feature.
Reunite with the Christiansen family in EVERGREEN by Susan May Warren. Ingrid Christiansen is dreading the upcoming holidays with her empty nest, but her husband couldn’t be more excited. As their disagreement deepens, their only hope of keeping their love alive depends on embracing the new chapter of their future. Read more in our special feature.
Also featured this month is DRIFTWOOD TIDES, Gina Holmes’s latest novel. When Holton loses his wife in a freak accident, he becomes a recluse --- until 23-year-old Libby knocks on his door. Holton soon discovers that Libby is his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge. Now he must come to terms with the wife he thought he knew. Click here to read more in our special feature.
The last in our special features is the opening installment of Lyn Cote’s Quaker Brides series, HONOR. After the death of her grandfather, Honor Penworthy is left destitute. Her only chance of survival is an arranged marriage to local glass artisan Samuel Cathwell. But when Samuel discovers that Honor is involved in the Underground Railroad, the truth will either tear them apart or bring them together as man and wife. Check it out in our special feature.
September is a big month for FaithfulReader.com as we have 12 new reviews to share with you, including Travis Thrasher’s THE REMAINING, a novelization of the apocalyptic movie of the same name that is now in theaters. A young couple’s wedding day is disrupted when the earth suddenly shakes and some people in attendance are killed. The rest of their wedding party must then confront their faith and come to terms with what happened. As these characters question their faith, they struggle with secret love, hopes and beliefs. Other reviews this month include Jan Karon’s highly anticipated new Mitford novel, SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH SOMEBODY GOOD, YOUR LEGACY: The Greatest Gift by Dr. James Dobson, and Charles Martin’s latest, A LIFE INTERCEPTED.
We hope our latest newsletter has given you lots of options to choose from as you prepare for autumn. Remember to stay warm as you take in the beauty of the changing season and, as always, enjoy your latest reading adventures.
Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
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Special Contest: Win a Copy of A LOVE UNDONE by Cindy Woodsmall
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A husband and son abandoned to forge a path alone. A young woman who sacrificed her dreams. How will the God of grace and hope help them find their way? That's the premise of Cindy Woodsmall's latest novel, A LOVE UNDONE: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace, which is now in stores. We're celebrating its release with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
A LOVE UNDONE: An Amish Novel of Shattered Dreams and God's Unfailing Grace by Cindy Woodsmall (Romance)
At 19 years old, Old Order Amish Jolene Keim was on the brink of happily-ever-after when everything changed, stealing the future she expected and burdening her with an unbearable decision. Years later, she meets Andy Fisher, who challenges her and holds up a mirror to issues Jolene has been unwilling to face. As Andy and Jolene find themselves confronted by difficult choices, will they trust in God's guidance --- or will the allure of their deepening friendship only lead to further temptation?
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Cindy Woodsmall’s bio.
-Click here to visit Cindy Woodsmall’s official website.
-Connect with Cindy Woodsmall on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to enter the contest. |
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Special Contest: Win a Copy of A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL by Katie Ganshert
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Sometimes everything you ever learned about yourself is wrong. This is exactly what 24-year-old model Ivy Clark experiences in A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL, Katie Ganshert's latest novel that released earlier this year. We're now giving 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of the book. To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
A BROKEN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL by Katie Ganshert (Romance)
Ivy Clark is a model who moves to the quaint island town of Greenbrier, South Carolina, to be the new face of her stepmother’s bridal wear line. If only her tenuous future didn’t rest in the hands of Davis Knight, her mysterious new photographer. Not only did he walk away from the kind of success Ivy longs for to work maintenance at a local church, he treats her differently than any man ever has. Somehow, Davis sees through the facade she works so hard to maintain.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Katie Ganshert’s bio.
-Click here to visit Katie Ganshert’s official website.
-Connect with Katie Ganshert on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to enter the contest. |
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FaithfulReader.com’s Latest Monthly Contest: Win a Copy of A BRIDE IN STORE by Melissa Jagears
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In FaithfulReader.com's latest monthly contest, five readers will win a copy of A BRIDE IN STORE, the second book in Melissa Jagears's Unexpected Brides series (following A BRIDE FOR KEEPS). To enter, please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 15th at noon ET.
A BRIDE IN STORE by Melissa Jagears (Romance)
Impatient to meet her intended groom and help him grow his general store, mail-order bride Eliza Cantrell sets out on her travels a week early. Although her groom-to-be, Axel, isn't even in town when she arrives, his business partner, William Stanton, lets her help around the store. The sparks that fly between Will and Eliza are hard to ignore, but Eliza is meant for Axel. Soon both Will and Eliza must decide what they're willing to sacrifice to chase their dreams --- or if God has a new dream in store for them both.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Melissa Jagears’s bio.
-Click here to visit Melissa Jagears’s official website.
-Connect with Melissa Jagears on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here to enter the contest. |
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Study Guide Now Available: THE DESIRE by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley
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THE DESIRE: The Restoration Series, Book 3 by Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley (Romance)
For two years, Allan and Michele have been trying to have a baby. The emotional ride has been taking a toll on their hearts --- and their relationship. Michele is obsessed with researching fertility treatments, while Allan seems content to spend his time --- and their money --- on supporting displaced children in Africa. Something has to give. But they both hope it’s not their marriage. Still, God has a plan for Allan and Michele that they never could have imagined.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Read bios of Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley.
-Connect with Dan Walsh on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for the study guide. |
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Special Feature: THE RIVER by Beverly Lewis
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THE RIVER by Beverly Lewis (Fiction)
Tilly and Ruth, two formerly Amish sisters, are plagued by unresolved relationships when they reluctantly return to Lancaster County for their parents' landmark wedding anniversary. Since departing their Plain upbringing, Tilly has married an Englisher, but Ruth remains single and hasn't entirely forgotten her failed courtship with her Amish beau. Past meets present as Tilly and Ruth yearn for acceptance and redemption.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Beverly Lewis’s bio.
-Click here to visit Beverly Lewis’s official website.
-Click here to connect with Beverly Lewis on Facebook.
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Click here for our special feature. |
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Special Feature: THE STORY KEEPER by Lisa Wingate
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THE STORY KEEPER by Lisa Wingate (Fiction)
When successful New York editor Jen Gibbs discovers a decaying slush-pile manuscript on her desk, she has no idea that the story of Sarra, a young mixed-race woman trapped in Appalachia at the turn of the 20th century, will both take her on a journey and change her forever. The search for the rest of the manuscript, and Jen’s suspicions about the identity of its unnamed author, will draw her into a mystery that leads back to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains…and quite possibly through the doors she thought she had closed forever.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Lisa Wingate’s bio.
-Click here to visit Lisa Wingate’s official website.
-Connect with Lisa Wingate on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for our special feature. |
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Special Feature: EVERGREEN by Susan May Warren
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EVERGREEN: A Christiansen Winter Novella by Susan May Warren (Romance)
An empty nest has Ingrid Christiansen dreading the upcoming holidays, but her husband, John, couldn’t be more excited about this new season of life. As a beautiful blanket of snow transforms the north woods into a winter wonderland, a deep chill settles over John and Ingrid’s marriage. With the holidays fast approaching, their only hope of keeping their love evergreen depends on turning the page on the past and embracing a new chapter of their future.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Susan May Warren’s bio.
-Visit Susan May Warren’s official website and blog.
-Connect with Susan May Warren on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for our special feature. |
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Special Feature: DRIFTWOOD TIDES by Gina Holmes
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DRIFTWOOD TIDES by Gina Holmes (Fiction)
When Holton lost his wife, Adele, in a freak accident, he shut himself off from the world --- until 23-year-old Libby knocks on his door, asking for a job and claiming to be a friend of Adele. When he discovers Libby is actually his late wife’s illegitimate daughter, given up for adoption without his knowledge, his life is turned upside down as he struggles to accept that the wife to whom he had given saint status was not the woman he thought he knew.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Gina Holmes’s bio.
-Click here to visit Gina Holmes’s official website.
-Click here to connect with Gina Holmes on Facebook.
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Click here for our special feature. |
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Special Feature: HONOR by Lyn Cote
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HONOR: Quaker Brides, Book 1 by Lyn Cote (Historical Romance)
When unexpected circumstances leave Honor Penworthy destitute after the death of her grandfather, her survival hinges on a marriage arranged through the Quaker community to local glass artisan Samuel Cathwell. Honor's tenacity and passion sweep her into important winds of change, and she becomes increasingly --- though secretly --- involved in the Underground Railroad. Samuel suspects Honor is hiding something. But will uncovering the truth confirm his worst fears or truly bring them together as man and wife?
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read Lyn Cote’s bio.
-Click here to visit Lyn Cote’s official website.
-Connect with Lyn Cote on Facebook and Twitter.
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Click here for our special feature. |
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Now in Stores: THE REMAINING by Travis Thrasher --- A Novelization of the Newly Released Film
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THE REMAINING by Travis Thrasher (Supernatural/Apocalyptic Thriller)
THE REMAINING is a novelization of the apocalyptic movie of the same name, which is now in theaters. Just after a young couple says their vows, the earth shakes, and some people die suddenly and are taken away. The rest of their wedding party and friends are left to wrestle with what happened and with their faith. Characters struggle with secret love, dreams, hopes and beliefs as they continue to evaluate their faith. This book and movie are both action-packed thrillers that will encourage audiences to think about their beliefs. Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds.
-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to visit the film’s official website.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH SOMEBODY GOOD by Jan Karon
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SOMEWHERE SAFE WITH SOMEBODY GOOD: The New Mitford Novel by Jan Karon (Fiction)
After five hectic years of retirement from Lord’s Chapel, Father Tim Kavanagh returns with his wife, Cynthia, from a so-called pleasure trip to the land of his Irish ancestors. While glad to be at home in Mitford, something is definitely missing: a pulpit. But when he’s offered one, he decides he doesn’t want it. Maybe he’s lost his passion. His adopted son, Dooley, wrestles with his own passion --- for the beautiful and gifted Lace Turner, and his vision to become a successful country vet. Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: YOUR LEGACY by Dr. James Dobson
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YOUR LEGACY: The Greatest Gift by Dr. James Dobson (Christian Living)
In YOUR LEGACY, Dr. James Dobson traces his own family history to show how God worked through the prayers and actions of his relatives at every turn of their lives to ensure that the spiritual legacy of a Godly Christian life, and the assurance of heaven after death, were passed down from generation to generation. Dobson shares these revealing stories and also presents the principles for a successful "legacy transfer" that the reader can apply to his or her own family. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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Now in Stores: A LIFE INTERCEPTED by Charles Martin
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A LIFE INTERCEPTED by Charles Martin (Fiction)
Twelve years ago, Matthew "the Rocket" Rising was the number one NFL draft pick. But on the night of the draft, he was falsely accused of a heinous crime. Having served his sentence, Matthew leaves prison determined to find his wife. He soon learns that she has discovered a young man with the talent to achieve the football career Matthew should have had. Although helping the boy means violating his parole, he'll take the chance with hope of winning back Audrey's love. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
-Click here to read more about the book.
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Click here to read a review. |
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More Reviews This Month
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NOWHERE TO TURN: Hidden Identity, Book 2 by Lynette Eason (Romantic Suspense)
The day Danielle Harding takes her 11-year-old son and flees from her abusive husband is the same day Kurt Harding dies. When Kurt was alive, he took something important from a mysterious individual --- who wants the item back and believes Dani now has it. As she and her son run for their lives, they have nowhere to turn, until she hires Adam Buchanan of Operation Refuge and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she won't be able to hide for long. Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab.
BESIDE BETHESDA: 31 Days Toward Deeper Healing by Joni Eareckson Tada (Devotional)
This 31-day devotional from bestselling author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada takes readers on a month-long journey toward the deepest healing God offers. The entire book is framed against Joni’s visit to the healing pool of Bethesda to seek healing where Jesus healed. As Joni relates aspects of her own journey in dealing with the most painful “unanswered prayer” of her life, readers will learn to see beyond potential quick fixes to the deepest and greatest solutions God has for them. Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab.
DAVID WILKERSON: The Cross, the Switchblade, and the Man Who Believed by Gary Wilkerson with R. S. B. Sawyer (Biography)
This is the story of David Wilkerson, the man who believed against the odds that God could do great things in the rejected and ignored of New York City, who refused to give up on those on the streets even when they had given up on themselves, and who saw in the eyes of the drug addicts and gang members what others failed to see --- the love of Jesus Christ. But who was David Wilkerson? Many Christians don’t really know. More often than not, we saw the fruit of his faith in God rather than the man himself. Reviewed by Evelyn Bence.
TRIED AND TRUE: Wild at Heart, Book One by Mary Connealy (Historical Romance)
Kylie Wilde and her older sisters are homesteading using the special exemptions they earned serving in the Civil War as "boys." But Kylie plans to make the most of the years before she can sell her property and return to the luxuries of life back East. Local land agent Aaron Masterson is fascinated with Kylie from the moment her long hair falls from her cap. But now that he knows her secret, can he in good conscience defraud the U.S. government? Reviewed by Melanie Reynolds.
BILLY GRAHAM: Candid Conversations with a Public Man by Sir David Frost (Christian Life)
For 30 years, Billy Graham and David Frost fascinated television audiences with their conversations about God, the Bible, and Graham’s decades-long ministry. Along the way, Graham provided insight into life as an evangelist, a Christian father and grandfather, and a public figure in a changing culture. With a chronology of Graham’s life, a preface from Frost, and a foreword from his grandson, this weaving of stories, interviews and reflections will inspire you to respond to God’s call with no reserve. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
HOW WE LOVE OUR KIDS: The Five Love Styles of Parenting by Milan and Kay Yerkovich (Parenting)
Having problems with your kids? What if you are the problem and you just can’t see it? HOW WE LOVE OUR KIDS offers a unique approach, to help you as a parent transform your kids by making specific changes in how you love. Based on years of research in the area of attachment and bonding, this book shows parents how to overcome the predictable challenges that arise out of the five love styles and helps parents cultivate a secure, deep connection with a child of any age. Reviewed by Maggie Harding.
A YEAR OF PRAYER: Approaching God with an Open Heart Week After Week by John MacArthur (Christian Life/Prayer)
A YEAR OF PRAYER is filled with weekly inspiration that will greatly enrich your prayer life. You'll find your prayers becoming more focused, powerful and God-centered in ways that are truly life-changing. This collection is comprised of prayers lifted up to God by John MacArthur on the Lord's Day. They speak of God's majesty and His wonderful love and care, and make transparent the deepest longings of the human heart. Reviewed by Michele Howe.
HOME TO CHICORY LANE: A Chicory Inn Novel by Deborah Raney (Romance)
Audrey Whitman's dreams are coming true. Now that their five kids are grown, she and her husband are turning their beloved family home into a cozy bed and breakfast. Opening weekend makes Audrey anxious, with family and friends coming from all over to help celebrate the occasion. But when Audrey's daughter, Landyn, arrives, the U-Haul she's pulling makes it clear she's not just here for a few days. Can Audrey still realize her dream and at the same time provide the comfort of home her daughter so desperately needs? Reviewed by Lynda Lee Schab. |
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--- Carol Fitzgerald ([email protected])
The Book Report Network
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New York, New York 10107
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