Tag Archives: Litfuse Publicity

#BookReview: Fetching Sweetness | Prize Pack #Giveaway

11 Aug

Fetching Sweetness

Fetching Sweetness by Dana Mentink

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2auLee3

It should have been so simple for Stephanie Pink: Meet up with Agnes Wharton in a small town in California, retrieve the reclusive author’s valuable new manuscript, and be promoted to a full-fledged literary agent.

But Agnes’s canine companion, Sweetness, decides to make a break for it before Stephanie can claim her prize. Until Agnes has Sweetness safely back at home in Eagle Cliff, Washington, Stephanie will never set eyes on the manuscript she needs to make her dreams come true.

When Stephanie tracks the runaway mutt to a campground, she meets Rhett Hastings—a man also on the run from a different life and a costly mistake. Rhett agrees to help Stephanie search for the missing dog . . . thus launching a surprising string of adventures and misadventures.

Once Sweetness gets added to the mix, it’s a recipe for love and loss, merriment and mayhem, fun and faith in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.

My thoughts:

Humorous and heartwarming, Fetching Sweetness introduces readers to a quirky mutt and the unlikely pair of humans he leashes. Mayhem ensues when this “one hundred pounds of lovable trouble” drags Stephanie and Rhett on a series of madcap misadventures. Along the way they encounter strays, experience surprises, and make several unexpected discoveries. While it is light-hearted and entertaining, their story is also threaded with a meaningful message. I enjoyed Fetching Sweetness and look forward to Dana Mentink’s next tail-wagging tale!

 

Celebrate the release of Fetching Sweetness with Dana by entering to win the Sweetness Unleashed Prize Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

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Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on August 24. The winner will be announced August 25 on Dana’s blog.

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Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink lives in California, where the weather is golden and the cheese is divine. Dana is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year finalist for romantic suspense and an award winner in the Pacific Northwest Writers Literary Contest. Her suspense novel, Betrayal in the Badlands, earned a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third and fourth grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with her husband, two daughters, a dog with social anxiety problems, a chubby box turtle, and a feisty parakeet.

 

Fetching Sweetness
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Fetching Sweetness.

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Join Barbara Cameron’s Facebook Party!

9 Aug
seasons in paradise- fb event

Join Barbara and other readers on Facebook on August 16th for a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that’s 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)!

Barbara will be chatting about Seasons in Paradise, answering your questions about the book and all things Amish fiction, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways and prizes too!  We hope you can join the fun. Bring your friends who love to read and who love Amish fiction!

RSVP: Seasons in Paradise Facebook Party

 

Seasons in Paradise

Sam Stoltzfus left the Amish community and followed his older brother into the Englisch world, walking away from a chance for love. Is there more to Sam’s leaving the Amish community than what he says? Find out in Barbara Cameron’s new book, Seasons in Paradise.

Get your copy of Seasons in Paradise so you’re ready for a fun book discussion. You can order your copy and find out more about the book here.

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#BookReview: A Beauty Refined | Precious Gems #Giveaway

2 Aug

A Beauty Refined

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o

What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father’s intentions—both for her and the gemstones—are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family’s deception begins to unravel.

 

My thoughts:

A Beauty Refined is an intriguing tale of danger, deception, and romance! When Phoebe Von Bergen arrives in Montana with her father, she is shocked by several unexpected discoveries.

I was quickly captivated by Phoebe’s story, not putting the book down until the last page had been turned. I delighted in the historical details included in the narrative, as well as the threads of suspense and romance. Tracie Peterson transports readers to the past with her beautiful storytelling, and I can’t wait to read more of her stories!

 

Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems Giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/9. The winner will be announced at A Beauty Refined Facebook party. RSVP for a chance to connect with Tracie and fellow fans of historical fiction, as well as for a chance to win other prizes!

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RSVP today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK, TWITTER, or PINTEREST and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!

 

Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

 

 

 

A Beauty Refined

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about A Beauty Refined.

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#BookReview: The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron

30 Jun

The Ringmaster's Wife

The Ringmaster’s Wife by Kristy Cambron

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/28JxcaK

An ounce of courage. A split-second leap of faith. Together, they propel two young women to chase a new life—one that’s reimagined from what they might have become.

In turn-of-the-century America, a young girl dreams of a world that stretches beyond the confines of a quiet life on the family farm. With little more than her wit and a cigar box of treasures to call her own, Mable steps away from all she knows, seeking the limitless marvels of the Chicago World’s Fair. There, a chance encounter triggers her destiny—a life with a famed showman by the name of John Ringling.

A quarter of a century later, Lady Rosamund Easling of Yorkshire, England, boards a ship to America as a last adventure before her life is planned out for her. There, the twenties are roaring, and the rich and famous gather at opulent, Gatsby-esque parties in the grandest ballrooms the country has to offer. The Jazz Age has arrived, and with it, the golden era of the American circus, whose queen is none other than the enigmatic Mable Ringling.

When Rosamund’s path crosses with Mable’s and the Ringlings’ glittering world, she makes the life-altering decision to leave behind a comfortable future of estates and propriety, instead choosing the nomadic life of a trick rider in the Ringling Brothers’ circus.

 

Quote- The Ringmaster's Wife

My thoughts:

The Ringmaster’s Wife is an absorbing tale! Masterfully intertwining dual story lines, Kristy Cambron paints a rich, vivid picture with her words. I was completely captivated by the fascinating history, both real and imagined, and each turn of the page drew me deeper into the big-top world.

I absolutely loved Mable and Rose and the culmination of their stories! These compelling characters stepped from the pages and into my heart, and they continue to plague my thoughts. Beautifully rendered, The Ringmaster’s Wife is a story not soon to be forgotten!

 

K Cambron

Kristy Cambron fancies life as a vintage-inspired storyteller. Her second novel, A Sparrow in Terezin, was named Library Journal Reviews’ “Pick of the Month (Christian Fiction)” for February 2015.

Cambron is an art/design manager at TheGROVEstory.com storytelling ministry. She holds a degree in art history from Indiana University and has nearly 15 years of experience in instructional design and communications for a Fortune-100 company. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons, where she can probably be bribed with a coconut mocha latte and a good Christian fiction read.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

The Ringmaster's Wife

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about The Ringmaster’s Wife.

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#BookReview: Jilted by Varina Denman | Sweet Summertime #Giveaway

22 Jun

Jilted

Jilted by Varina Denmna

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/237iWMF

Lynda Turner has struggled with depression since her husband abandoned her and their young daughter fifteen years ago.

Yet unexpected hope awakens when a local ex-convict shows interest. As long-hidden secrets resurface, Lynda must fight for her emotional stability and for a life where the shadow of shame is replaced by the light of love.

Jilted tells of a woman who has lost the joy of living, a man determined to draw her back toward happiness, and a town that must—once and for all—leave the past where it belongs. It is a gentle reminder that all things can work together for good.

 

My thoughts:

Once again, Varina Denman deftly tackles tough topics as she brings the residents of Trapp to life and shares Lynda Turner’s journey. Fans of this series are sure to delight in the opportunity to revisit this west Texas town and the characters they’ve come to know through the first two books, Jaded and Justified. Although Jilted can be read as a stand-alone story, reading the trilogy in order will offer a greater understanding of the characters and their stories.

I enjoyed delving deeper into Lynda’s story and appreciated the inspirational messages it offered. While the novel’s pacing is a bit slow, it does befit the nature of the narrative. Jilted is a well-written and satisfying conclusion to the Mended Hearts series!

 

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Celebrate the release of Varina’s Jilted by entering to win a $50 gift card.

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Jilted to kick off a summer of reading
  • A $50 Kohl’s gift card to make your summertime sweet

The giveaway ends on July 1st. The winner will be announced July 5th on Varina’s website.

 

Varina Denman

Varina Denman is author of the Mended Hearts series and a native Texan. She spent her high school years in a rural town and now writes stories about the struggles women face in similar small town settings. She and her husband live near Fort Worth, where they enjoy spending time with their five mostly grown children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

 

Jilted

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own. Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Jilted.

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#BookReview: Medical Judgment | E-Reader #Giveaway

14 Jun

Medical Judgment

Medical Judgment by Richard Mabry, M.D.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1PjHaAz

Dr. Sarah Gordon lost her husband and daughter. Now she’s about to lose her life.

After losing the two people she loved the most, Sarah Gordon doesn’t think life could get worse. But, after a fire in her garage is ruled an arson, she begins to realize someone is after her—and that person wants to see her dead. But first, they want to see her suffer.

Her late husband’s best friend, Kyle Andrews, and a recovering alcoholic detective, Bill Larson, are trying to solve the mystery before it’s too late, and they’re both trying to win her heart, too. Not only does Sarah feel torn between two men, she also feels as though she cannot trust anyone.

With creepy threats that become more and more sinister, Sarah finds herself in constant fear, but even the best home alarm technology won’t protect her. Who is doing this, and why are they after her?

 

My thoughts:

If you enjoy medical drama laced with suspense, Medical Judgment just might be what the doctor ordered!

Recovering from the tragic loss of her family, Dr. Sarah Gordon finds herself the target of harassment. As the threats escalate, she begins to suspect those around her and is unsure who to trust. I am a fan of medical dramas, and while the medical elements were not as prevalent as I hoped, they were present and engaging. The elements of intrigue and suspense were woven through the narrative and several characters came to mind as possible perpetrators. Although I would have liked more depth of story, Medical Judgment was enjoyable and kept me guessing until the end.

 

Join Richard in celebrating the release of Medical Judgment by entering to win an e-reader!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of Medical Judgment
  • A Kindle Fire HD 6

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on June 21st. The winner will be announced June 22nd on the Litfuse blog.

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Dr. Mabry

Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician who writes “medical suspense with heart.” His novels have won multiple awards: a semifinalist for International Thriller Writers’ debut novel; finalists for the Carol Award, Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and Romantic Times’ Reader’s Choice Award; and both finalist and winner of the Selah Award. He and his wife live in Frisco, Texas.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

 

Medical Judgment

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Medical Judgment.

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#BookReview: The Beautiful Pretender | Once Upon a Kindle #Giveaway

6 Jun

The Beautiful Pretender

The Beautiful Pretender by Melanie Dickerson

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1NZuPiD

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

 

My thoughts:

I absolutely adored this story! With nods to The Princess and the Pea and Beauty and the Beast, Melanie Dickerson has penned another splendid medieval tale you don’t want to miss!

As the Margrave of Thornbeck is tasked with finding a suitable wife, deception and danger loom. Avelina and Reinhart are emotionally compelling characters who swept me along in their journey, and I reveled in its intrigue, danger, and romance. Oh, the romance! I loved Avelina’s response to Reinhart’s question about her thoughts on marriage. This beautiful passage was one of my favorites!

The Beautiful Pretender is lovely story that enchanted me from beginning to end!

 

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
  • A Kindle Fire tablet
  • A $25 Amazon gift card
  • The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll
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Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie’s blog.

beautiful pretender - enter banner

 

Melanie Dickerson
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

 

The Beautiful Pretender
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about The Beautiful Pretender. 

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#BookReview: Through the Shadows | 5 Book #Giveaway

31 May

Through the Shadows

Through the Shadows by Karen Barnett

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1qqMTsB

As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.

The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome—and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.

Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.

Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?

 

My thoughts:

“Chains bind the body, but music sets the heart free.”

Through the Shadows is a captivating story! Karen Barnett is a master storyteller, bringing her stories to life with excellent characterization, vivid imagery, and rich historical details. She deftly expresses the feelings and emotions of her characters, and I loved experiencing Elizabeth and Charles’s journeys. I was also thrilled to revisit beloved characters from the two previous books in the Golden Gate Chronicles.

Dramatic and emotional, Through the Shadows completely engaged me from beginning to end! I loved this story and reveled in the beauty of the spiritual messages woven through its pages. Once again, Karen Barnett has penned an exceptional story that is not to be missed!

 

Click the image below to enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! The winners will be announced June 7 on Karen’s blog!

Through the Shadows Giveaway

 

Karen Barnett

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

 

Through the Shadows

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Through the Shadows. 

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#BookReview: Anchor in the Storm | Prize Pack #Giveaway

26 May

Anchor in the Storm

Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1YFAtJ9

For plucky Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove herself as a pharmacist in Boston. The challenges of her new job energize her. But society boy Ensign Archer Vandenberg’s attentions only annoy—even if he is her brother’s best friend.

During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions for sedatives Lillian has filled? The two work together to answer that question, but can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

 

My thoughts:

Anchor in the Storm is a wonderful blend of history, suspense, and romance! Sarah Sundin captures the time period beautifully and crafts memorable characters who readers will champion the whole way through.

I loved Lillian and Arch and reveled in the mystery and romance of their story! It was such a pleasure to see these two grow emotionally and spiritually in their journey together. I also appreciated the meaningful inspirational messages that were woven through the narrative, creating tender and touching moments. Sundin’s pharmaceutical expertise shines and really brings the intriguing story line to life. I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Waves of Freedom series and can’t wait for more!

Fans of historical fiction, especially World War II buffs, are sure to enjoy Anchor in the Storm!

 

In a time of sacrifice, what price can one put on true love? Pharmacist Lillian Avery and Ensign Archer Vandenberg are about to find out in Sarah Sundin’s new book, Anchor in the Storm. During the darkest days of the war, Arch’s destroyer hunts German U-boats in vain as the submarines sink dozens of merchant ships along the East Coast. Still shaken by battles at sea, Arch notices his men also struggle with their nerves—and with drowsiness. Could there be a link to the large prescriptions Lillian has been filling? As the danger rises on both land and sea, the two must work together to answer that question. But can Arch ever earn Lillian’s trust and affection?

Celebrate the release of Sarah’s Anchor in the Storm by entering to win her All Hands on Deck Prize Pack!

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One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A signed copy of Anchor in the Storm
  • Nautical tote bag lined with anchor fabric
  • Anchor necklace made from copper reclaimed from the USS Constitution in Boston during restoration
  • 365 Devotions for Hope by Karen Whiting
  • Shine: Nautical Inspirational Adult Coloring Book
  • “Hope Anchors the Soul” journal
  • Set of two nautical tea towels
LF AIS full group 2

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 8th. The winner will be announced June 9th on Sarah’s blog.

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Sarah Sundin
Sarah Sundin is the author of Through Waters Deep, as well as Wings of the Nightingale and the Wings of Glory series. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force. Sarah lives in California.

 

 

Anchor in the Storm
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Anchor in the Storm. 

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#BookReview: Someone Like You | 5 Book #Giveaway

23 May

Someone Like You

Someone Like You by Victoria Bylin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/1TPfW3k

A brand new Christian, Julia is busy trying to run her own business, spend time with her widowed mother, and raise her young son, Max, despite his father’s less-than-ideal influence on him. When a big account from her event-planning business sends her to the Caliente Springs resort, she’s shocked to come face-to-face with Zeke Monroe, the resort’s general manager and her college sweetheart.

With his faith in tatters, Zeke Monroe is determined to keep the historic Caliente Springs resort running despite financial difficulties. But when Julia walks back into his life, he can’t ignore the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client’s dream wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. When Zeke and Julia are pushed to their limits both personally and professionally, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

 

My thoughts:

Someone Like You is a heartwarming story! Zeke and Julia are former college sweethearts who unexpectedly cross paths again. Although these two have a history, will they be able to enjoy a future together?

With likable characters, real-life drama, and sweet romance, Someone Like You is a story of second chances. I delighted in Zeke and Julia’s journey and loved the charm of Caliente Springs. It was a pleasure to visit this picturesque resort and get to know the people (and animals) that live and work there. I must say, Ladybug is an entertaining character who just might deserve a story all her own. 😉

Victoria Bylin infuses humor and heart into her novels, and I look forward to reading more!

 

Click the image below to enter to win a copy of Someone Like You—five winners will be chosen!  The winners will be announced June 1 on the Litfuse blog!

Someone Like You Giveaway

 

Victoria Bylin

Victoria Bylin writes contemporary and historical romances known for their realistic, relatable characters. Her work has finaled in contests such as the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

Someone Like You
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.  All thoughts expressed are my own.  Click here to read what other bloggers are saying about Someone Like You.

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