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HMScriptorium

179 points

0% overlap
Level 2
My Taste
The Story of O
Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives
More Than I Expected
Sunshine's Syndicate
A ​Court of Silver Flames

HMScriptorium wrote a review...

1w
  • Memoirs of a Geisha
    HMScriptorium
    Jul 15, 2026
    Memoirs of a Geisha
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🍵
    🎎
    🎏

    Memoirs of a Geisha was such an interesting and beautifully told story. I found myself completely pulled into Sayuri’s life, from the hardships she endured to the choices and circumstances that formed her path. There were moments I loved, moments that frustrated me and moments that simply made me sit with a “what I had just read” face.

    It wasn’t a perfect read for me, but, it was definitely one that kept me invested and curious until the very end. A beautifully written story that I’m glad I finally experienced. 🖤

    Now to finally watch the movie 🍿

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    1w
  • The Once and Future Me
    HMScriptorium
    Jul 10, 2026
    The Once and Future Me
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    ⚕️
    🏥
    🚘

    There are books you think you’ve figured out… and then there are books like The Once and Future Me. I went into this expecting one kind of story, and Melissa Pace completely pulled the rug out from under me. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were going, another layer unfolded. It was such a refreshing experience to read something that didn’t rely on predictable twists or obvious reveals. I genuinely didn’t see so much of it coming and that made every chapter impossible to put down. The way the time travel was woven into the story was fascinating. It never felt like it existed simply to be clever…it had purpose, emotion and real consequences. Pair that with the procedures and everything surrounding them and I found myself constantly questioning what I would do if I were faced with the same choices. It wasn’t just about changing time; it was about living with the weight of every decision and every possible future. What surprised me most was how invested I became. I expected an entertaining sci-fi story, but what I found was something far more human. It challenged my assumptions, kept me guessing and reminded me that the most powerful stories are the ones that refuse to take the easy path. If you’re looking for a book that trusts its readers, keeps you on your toes and delivers something that feels genuinely fresh, I can’t recommend this one enough.

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    1w
  • The Gossip and the Grump (Three BFFs and a Wedding, #2)
    HMScriptorium
    Jul 10, 2026
    The Gossip and the Grump (Three BFFs and a Wedding, #2)
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🐶
    🐝

    Pippa Grant has officially convinced me that her books are the perfect combination of chaos, humor, heart and chemistry. While The Gossip and The Grump can absolutely be read as a standalone, I’m so glad I read the first book beforehand. Having that extra context made certain moments even more enjoyable and helped me appreciate some of the returning connections throughout the story. What really stood out to me was the banter. The back-and-forth between the characters had me smiling constantly and the deception woven throughout the story added just the right amount of tension and entertainment…Pippa Grant has a way of making even the most outrageous situations feel believable and fun. I was also surprisingly invested in everything surrounding the café. Watching the plans unfold added another layer to the story that kept me engaged beyond the romance…And speaking of romance…the spice was definitely spicing. 🌶️ 🥵 Most of all, I loved the ending. Seeing all the moving pieces come together was incredibly satisfying and left me closing the book with a huge smile on my face. Funny, charming and full of heart, The Gossip and The Grump was another enjoyable read from Pippa Grant.

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    2w
  • The Worst Wedding Date (Three BFFs and a Wedding #1)
    HMScriptorium
    Jul 05, 2026
    The Worst Wedding Date (Three BFFs and a Wedding #1)
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🏝️
    💒
    💵

    This was my first Pippa Grant read, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. 💖

    The Worst Wedding Date completely surprised me. I found myself laughing out loud at the random moments of humor… whether they were meant to be funny or I just have a questionable sense of humor. Either way, I had an absolute blast reading this. 🫶🏻

    Laney and Theo’s relationship was my favorite part. Their banter from the very beginning had me hooked, and watching their connection grow felt natural and incredibly rewarding. Their chemistry was effortless, and I couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way. 🥰

    I also loved the friendships throughout the story. They added so much warmth and personality, making the world feel lived in rather than existing solely for the romance.

    And then there was the wedding… what an absolute disaster in the best possible way. Every time I thought things couldn’t get any more chaotic, something else happened.

    Somehow, Pippa Grant balanced all of the outrageous moments with genuine emotion and watching everything finally come together by the end made the payoff that much sweeter. It was messy, unpredictable and surprisingly heartfelt.

    What stood out most though, was how grounded everything felt. Between all the hilarious chaos were moments that reflected real life…the unexpected turns, messy situations and the way things somehow work out when you least expect them to. Those moments gave the story so much heart.

    This was fun, heartfelt, wonderfully chaotic and exactly the kind of romance that still has me smiling after I finished. I closed this book with a full heart and a smile on my face.

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    3w
  • Lost in Found Footage
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 29, 2026
    Lost in Found Footage
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🧙‍♀️
    📹
    👁️

    Joey Powell completely pulled me into this one. Lost In Found Footage genuinely felt like stepping directly into an old school found footage documentary rather than simply reading a book.

    The way the story unfolded made everything feel unsettlingly real. The details were immersive and written in a way that made it easy to forget I was reading and start feeling like I was watching events happen in real time. The story within the story was smooth to follow and easy to get lost in without feeling confusing or overdone.

    Following Grey through this adventure was such a strong part of the experience for me. There was something about his semi confident determination that made everything feel believable…like he wasn’t fearless…but he kept moving anyway and that made me want to keep going with him.

    One thing I especially appreciated was the transition between “reality” and being “inside the movie.” It flowed naturally and never pulled me out of the experience. Instead, it made the immersion stronger with every reveal.

    This ended up being one of the most convincing and enjoyable found footage style reads I’ve come across and definitely left me feeling like I experienced it rather than simply read it.

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    3w
  • Sunshine’s Sorrow
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 28, 2026
    Sunshine’s Sorrow
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    ♣️
    🧛
    ⚰️

    Brittany Tucker has officially wrecked me.

    Sunshine’s Sorrow has been such an impactful read. I genuinely could not believe how emotionally invested I became as I kept turning the pages. I was less than halfway through and already catching myself tearing up and wiping my face.

    Following Jayvin through his journey captured parts of me I didn’t even realize could be reached. This story was incredibly easy to follow, which somehow made it even easier to become completely immersed and emotionally attached.

    Even though this can absolutely be read as a standalone, I loved having read book one (Sunshine’s Syndicate) beforehand because it made returning to this world feel that much more meaningful. The setting was vivid, detailed and effortless to picture.

    And THAT ENDING?!?! Who gave Brittany permission to do such a thing?! Because excuse me?? I need a book 3 immediately.

    This one took pieces of me with it.

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    4w
  • Nymph
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 19, 2026
    Nymph
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🌲
    🇮🇹
    🤩

    Nymph by Sofia Montrone was one of those books that quietly wrapped itself around me and didn’t let go.

    Going into this, I expected something beautiful and atmospheric but I wasn’t prepared for how immersive and emotionally consuming it would feel. There was something so intoxicating about the way this story unfolded. It felt delicate and wild at the same time…like stepping into water that looks calm until you realize how deep it actually goes.

    What stayed with me most wasn’t just the story itself, but the feeling of it. The longing, the tension, the moments that felt almost dreamlike and the way emotions sat under the surface waiting to pull you in. I found myself slowing down to take things in and then suddenly flying through pages because I needed to know what came next.

    There’s a softness to parts of this book, but also something sharp underneath, something that made me think about my own desire, identity and the parts I’ve kept hidden.

    This wasn’t a read I simply finished and moved on from. It lingers with me as I write this and I catch myself thinking about certain moments still.

    Nymph felt immersive, haunting and quietly unforgettable.

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    5w
  • Storms and Sunshine (Crescent Cove)
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 17, 2026
    Storms and Sunshine (Crescent Cove)
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🧜‍♂️
    🧙‍♀️
    💙

    Storms and Sunshine felt like exactly what the title promises…moments of chaos balanced by warmth, healing and the kind of comfort that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

    This story had such an easy flow to it while still delivering emotion in all the right places. I loved the contrast between the heavier moments and the softer ones, and how the relationships carried so much of the heart of the story. There’s something really special about books that remind you that storms don’t last forever… but the people, places and moments that bring sunshine often stay with you.

    This one is worth picking up ☀️⛈️📚

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    5w
  • Selkies and Spellcraft
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 13, 2026
    Selkies and Spellcraft
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🌊
    🧥
    🧙‍♀️

    Selkies and Spellcraft was everything I hoped it would be and more. From the very beginning, I found myself completely invested in Juniper and Caspian. Their relationship wasn’t rushed or forced…it developed naturally allowing every moment, conversation and feeling to hold meaning. Watching them come together was one of my favorite parts of this story. As much as I adored the romance, I have to give a special mention to Juniper’s grandmother. She quickly became my favorite character. Her wisdom, brutal honesty and ability to say exactly what needed to be said at exactly the right moment added so much heart to the story. #NoFilter And then there’s Juniper’s ex… who deserves absolutely no praise from me. Few characters have managed to frustrate me as much as he did. Every time he opened his mouth, I found myself wanting to reach into the book and shake some sense into him. Which, honestly, is a testament to how well he was written. Filled with magic, emotion, heart and characters I genuinely cared about in such a short story, Selkies and Spellcraft completely captured my attention. Aly Hollis has a writing style that feels effortless to fall into and after finishing this book, I’ll definitely be looking into more of her work.

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  • HMScriptorium set their yearly reading goal to 50

    6w

    HMScriptorium's 2026 Reading Challenge

    6 of 50 read
    The Once and Future Me
    The Gossip and the Grump (Three BFFs and a Wedding, #2)
    Daggermouth
    Pot Shot
    The Devil of Dublin
    All's Fair in Love and Chaos: Queens and Heathens Vol 1
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    HMScriptorium wrote a review...

    6w
  • Tentacles and Tides: A Crescent Cove Novella
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 09, 2026
    Tentacles and Tides: A Crescent Cove Novella
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🦑
    🌊
    🥰

    🦑🌊Tentacles and Tides by Lauren Sanatra completely swept me away.

    This paranormal shifter romance was everything I wanted and more. It was whimsical, emotional, romantic and wonderfully unique. From the moment I started reading, I found myself completely immersed in the world, the characters and the magic woven throughout the story.

    The chemistry was fantastic, the romance had me smiling constantly, and the paranormal elements brought such a refreshing twist that made this book stand out from so many others in the genre. Every page felt like an adventure filled with heart, humor and just the right amount of swoon. 🥵

    If you’re a fan like me of shifter romances, captivating characters and stories that make you wish you could stay in their world just a little bit longer…this one is absolutely worth picking up.

    A truly marvelous read that left me with a full heart and a book hangover.

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  • HMScriptorium wrote a review...

    7w
  • Under The Paper Moon (The Purple Coffee Series #2)
    HMScriptorium
    Jun 03, 2026
    Under The Paper Moon (The Purple Coffee Series #2)
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🌓
    🎙️
    🌊

    Under the Paper Moon by Aya Canicosa was an emotional roller coaster in every sense of the word.

    This story had a way of lifting me up, tearing me down and then somehow putting all the pieces back together again…only to start the cycle all over. More than once, I found myself with tears in my eyes, completely invested, not only in the main characters but also in the people surrounding them. Every emotion felt genuine, raw and deeply human.

    What impacted me most was how relatable this story felt. It touched on experiences and emotions that many of us carry quietly; it created a space where I didn’t feel so alone in them. There were moments that made me pause, reflect and realize that maybe I’m not the only one who has felt certain things or walked through similar struggles.

    Aya Canicosa has written a story filled with heart, vulnerability, and hope. It’s the kind of book that reminds you that healing isn’t always linear, that people are complicated and that sometimes being understood can come from the pages of a book.

    It’s a story that carries equal measures of heart vulnerability and hope…I’m grateful to have experienced it.

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  • HMScriptorium wrote a review...

    7w
  • Oh No! There's a Dragon in my Bookshop (Getting Cozy with Demons Book 3)
    HMScriptorium
    May 28, 2026
    Oh No! There's a Dragon in my Bookshop (Getting Cozy with Demons Book 3)
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    📚
    🐲
    🐈

    First, I would like to say that I am a fan of Ember Holt’s writing. Second… I love dragons!! 🐉

    Reading Oh No! There’s a Dragon in My Bookshop by Ember Holt has been quite the thrilling ride. Cait is amazing! She feels realistic, relatable, and easy to connect with…mostly 😏. The dragon, on the other hand? Hot & absolutely drool worthy. 🤤

    One of my favorite side characters was Oscar. In all of his random chaos, I somehow completely fell for him. I could be biased though, considering I basically have two of him at home already. 😂

    Beyond the magical chaos and cozy bookshop vibes, one of my favorite things about this story was the found-family element. The friendships in this book felt meaningful and genuine, showing how important the right people can be when it comes to growth, healing and learning to move forward. Watching those connections develop made the emotional moments hit even harder.

    And let me just say…when the spice showed up, it SHOWED UP!! 🌶️ Ember Holt definitely did not hold back because whew. The tension, the chemistry, the payoff? Absolutely spicy! 🥵

    This story brought humor, heart, chaos, dragons, found family, and spice together in such a fun way. Honestly, I had an absolute blast with this one.

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    8w
  • The Romance Loop
    HMScriptorium
    May 27, 2026
    The Romance Loop
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🐱
    🥰
    🤩

    Went into this read with absolutely zero expectations. It was such a quirky spin on romance and honestly not my usual type of read at all.

    But once I realized what was happening? Oh, I was completely pulled in. When I tell you I loved this book… even my poor husband had to hear me talk about it nonstop because my brain could not let it go.

    The way Lacy would “leap” into different parts of the stories was so creatively done. It could have easily become confusing, but instead it was immersive, clever and incredibly well written. Every leap pulled me deeper into the chaos, the emotions and the mystery behind the curse itself.

    And the banter between Elliot and Lacy? Absolutely loved it. Their chemistry felt natural, funny, frustrating and heartfelt all at once.

    This story was quirky, emotional, funny and oddly healing in the best possible ways. And the curse? Epic. The unraveling of it and everything that came with breaking it became a story all on its own.

    By the end, I genuinely did not want to leave these characters behind. This one surprised me in the best way possible.

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    9w
  • The Lantern Keepers (Curses of Church Hill Book 1)
    HMScriptorium
    May 19, 2026
    The Lantern Keepers (Curses of Church Hill Book 1)
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🏮
    🌲
    💒

    At first, I thought I was casually stepping into another intriguing read. What I did not expect was to end up neglecting responsibilities because I suddenly needed answers immediately. I really enjoyed Act One, though at first I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was headed. The pieces I thought I understood didn’t quite line up, and honestly? That made me even more curious. But after those first few chapters, I was completely hooked. To the point where work absolutely should have been my priority… but reading won instead. Once Act Two began, everything started unfolding in ways that made my earlier assumptions click into place. I loved the beautiful blend of tales, fantasy, and folklore woven throughout this story. The buildup was crafted so well, layering each revelation with purpose. And Josie’s growth? Exceptional. Watching her evolve through everything was one of my favorite parts. That ending to Act Two though… completely unprepared. Stressed, emotionally invested, and absolutely needed Act Three immediately. And Act Three? Mind blown. Truly. The detail, the adventure, the unfolding of each step…it did not disappoint. Every twist felt earned, every moment impactful, and it delivered in such a satisfying way. The curse itself was impossible to ignore, and honestly…surrendering parts of yourself for it? Brutal. Did I love it? Absolutely. Would I personally be strong enough to make that kind of sacrifice? Not a chance. And that’s exactly what made it all feel so hauntingly powerful. What truly stayed with me, though, were the deeply emotional moments woven into the revelations. There was such tenderness in the way certain truths unfolded…heart aching, healing…so beautifully handled that it added an entirely new depth to Josie’s journey. Those quieter, more intimate moments carried just as much power as the adventure itself, grounding all the magic in something profoundly human. This was the kind of story that kept revealing itself layer by layer, pulling me deeper into its world until I was fully consumed. Magical, intense, and unexpectedly gripping, this journey was one I won’t soon forget.

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    9w
  • In Another Universe : It’s you and me
    HMScriptorium
    May 14, 2026
    In Another Universe : It’s you and me
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    👭
    📱
    💖

    You ever start a book thinking, “Oh this should be interesting,” only to end up clutching your chest, questioning fate, and needing emotional compensation? Yeah… that was me with In Another Universe. Amanda and Nat completely pulled me in. Their connection felt so raw, complicated, and achingly real that I couldn’t help but become emotionally invested. Watching them navigate love, fate, and everything in between had me laughing one moment, hurting the next, and honestly wondering if my heart needed a recovery day.

    What truly stole my heart, though, were the moments tied to the phrase in another universe. Every time it came up, it felt deeper than just words, it became this beautiful, heartbreaking reminder of timing, possibility, and the aching thought that love can exist so powerfully that you can’t help but wonder about all the versions of “what if.” Those moments hit me hard in the best way, adding such an emotional depth that made this story feel even more personal. It was tender, bittersweet, and somehow both devastating and hopeful all at once.

    This story didn’t just give me romance…it gave me emotion, reflection, and characters that felt impossible not to care about. Amanda and Nat’s journey didn’t feel like something I simply read, it felt like something I experienced right alongside them, in all its messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful honesty. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a single second of it.

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    9w
    Level 2

    Level 2

    100 points

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    HMScriptorium wrote a review...

    10w
  • Elephant Blue (Blue Seven Mainline #1)
    HMScriptorium
    May 12, 2026
    Elephant Blue (Blue Seven Mainline #1)
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    💙
    ⌨️
    🐘

    First, I have to say this is one of the most original books I’ve read in a very long time and very much my kind of read. This story fits so perfectly within the style I love that I knew early on it was going to leave an impression.

    Reading Elephant Blue by John Franz was truly an experience. This isn’t a book for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s one that keeps you invested through every strange, twisted, and beautifully chaotic turn. The back-and-forth flow was incredibly well done, and the typewriter network was such a unique, fascinating element that I absolutely loved.

    The longing woven throughout these pages felt deeply real. At times, it read like a close friend’s journal…raw, unfiltered, and filled with every thought poured out despite the chaos brewing in their mind. The struggle of searching for Noah was powerfully presented and left a lasting impression.

    This story was crafted with such distinct originality and intention that it easily stands apart. Strange, thought provoking, and deeply compelling, Elephant Blue gave me something refreshingly different and now I absolutely need more. I’m beyond ready to dive into the next two books.

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    10w
  • The Illuminated
    HMScriptorium
    May 08, 2026
    The Illuminated
    4.0
    Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 4.0Characters: 4.0Plot: 4.0
    🐕
    🌳
    🌊

    From the very first page, this story was go, go, go. Constant movement, fast-paced yet subtle, with an easy-to-follow flow that still packed in plenty of detail. For a short story, The Illuminated by Alexander Semenyuk managed to fit so many possibilities into such a compact space and honestly, I could have gladly taken more.

    Toko completely stole the show for me. I loved his role, his journey, and the adventures he experienced along the way. Every encounter felt vivid, from the eerie monsters to the terrifying animals, all described so well they practically leapt off the page.

    When he finally discovered what he had been dreaming of finding, I was genuinely thrilled right alongside him. And then… when he saw the others? My excitement was immediate, even if heartbreakingly short-lived.

    This was such a fun, imaginative read that delivered far more than I expected in so few pages. Action-packed, intriguing, and filled with memorable moments, The Illuminated was an absolute blast and I’ll definitely be reading more from Alexander Semenyuk in the future.

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    11w
  • Beyond The Teacups
    HMScriptorium
    May 03, 2026
    Beyond The Teacups
    5.0
    Enjoyment: 5.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0
    🍵
    💜
    🌷

    🌼 ✨ 5 STARS?! Honestly…I need more. Infinity stars, please. ✨🌷

    This was an absolutely spectacular read.

    The way love blossomed throughout this story was breathtakingly beautiful—raw, tender, and incredibly real. Watching Ophelia grow felt honest and sincere in a way that truly stayed with me. Her journey was powerful, reminding us that asking for help does not make you weak…if anything, it shows incredible strength. And that message? So important.

    This book carries so much emotion within its pages. I felt everything—heartache, hope, fear, healing…all of it. The emotional roller coaster 🎢 was unforgettable, and the representation of anxiety was handled with such authenticity and care. It felt deeply relatable and beautifully human.

    And Emmett?! 🥹 The way he supported Ophelia through her anxiety and panic… excuse me while I melt. That kind of love, patience, and understanding? Absolutely everything.

    And let’s talk about the spice… 👀🔥 Tender. Meaningful. Alluring. It wasn’t there just for heat—it was elegant, intentional, and beautifully written. A reminder that sometimes softness and tenderness can be just as powerful.

    Beyond the Teacups is emotional, healing, romantic, and unforgettable. A story that reaches into your heart, gently squeezes, and refuses to let go. 🫶🏻📚

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