Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Title: Catling’s Bane, The Rose Shield, Book 1 of 4
Amazon Author Page: D. Wallace Peach
Publication Date: March 12, 2017
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Colonization, Science Fiction, First Contact, Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
“In the tiers of Ellegeance, the elite Influencers’ Guild holds the power to manipulate emotions. Love and fear, pain and pleasure, healing and death mark the extremes of their sway, but it’s the subtle blends that hook their victims’ hearts. They hide behind oaths of loyalty and rule the world.
A child born in the grim warrens beneath the city, Catling rues the rose birthmark encircling her eye. Yet, it grants her the ability to disrupt the influencers’ sway. Established methods of civil control disintegrate before her. She’s a weapon desired by those who reign and those who rebel.
To the Influencer’s Guild, she’s an aberration, a threat. They order her death, and thus the betrayals begin. One woman protects and trains her, plotting to use her shield to further imperial goals. No longer a helpless child, Catling has other plans. As chaos shakes the foundations of order and rule, will she become the realm’s savior? Or it’s executioner?
The Rose Shield Tetralogy – a blend of science fiction and fantasy.
Welcome to a world of three moons, a sentient landscape, rivers of light, and tier cities that rise from the swamps like otherworld flowers. A planet of water dragons, where humans are the aliens living among three-fingered natives with spotted skin. Where a half-blood converses with the fog and the goddess plans her final reckoning.
Follow Catling’s journey as she grows from childhood into the deadly force that shapes the future. She is the realm’s shield, an influencer, assassin, healer, mother, and avenger. And all she wants is to go home.
The books of The Rose Shield Tetralogy
Catling’s Bane
Oathbreakers’ Guild
Farlanders’ Law
Kari’s Reckoning”
It is the darkest night, and the city of Mur-Vallis is shrouded in fog. Raker, the slant-eyed, three-fingered half-fen, half-human loiters near the dock as if possibly summoned there by the mysterious luminescence that flows through the rivers and streams of the planet. Before this night is done, Raker will save the young child, Catling, whose future will be intertwined with his own in ways neither he nor she ever imagined.
The mystical Farlanders, the original inhabitants of the planet before the Ellegeans, came across to me as the natives, in tune with the natural rhythms of the planet. For me, these beings were reminiscent of the creatures in the movie, Avatar. They lived off the land and followed their nature-based customs believing in the kari, the natural spirits of the planet. However, the Farlanders and their magic posed a threat to the Ellegeans, and when they took power, these folk were tortured and slaughtered as spectacles of entertainment for the people.
The Ellegeans establish an order where the lowliest are born in the bottoms, and where those with the most power abide in the highest levels of the cities. The Influencers’ Guild, a secretive, closed society within Ellegean, holds control over the tiers by flexing their power to manipulate emotions. The Guild’s influence is so subtle that the people have no idea they are controlled from the lowliest to the top, including the King.
Except for Catling, who possesses a rose-colored birthmark encircling her eye which allows her to block the “influence” from affecting the people. This magical ability allows her to see the threads of influence that binds the people. Catling’s ability is a bane to power as well as a boon. The Guild wants her dead, and Catling becomes a pawn in the hands of those wielding power because Catling will never be free of who she is.
Catling’s Bane qualifies as epic fantasy meeting the three qualifications: It is a trilogy or longer, it encompasses many years, and it includes a universe filled with backstory where the saga takes place. This book was my first introduction to D. Wallace Peach’s writing, and I must say I feel like a gushing fan. The writing is superb with descriptions that fly from the page plunking the reader into the midst of this mysterious world. Seldom have I found writing this engaging.
Fantasy and science fiction lovers will applaud the detail in the world of Ellegean. I took my time reading, relishing the characters and the magic that breathed from the author’s written words. I encountered two issues – I couldn’t put the book down, and I dreamed of this far away world every night. I loved the story so much; I’ve already bought the second novel in the series.
If you love epic fantasy/science fiction, this book will engage, enlighten, and entertain you. The book, listed at the introductory price of only $.99, will steal your heart. I’m hooked! Stay tuned, because I’ll be reviewing each book in the series.
I had to come back to reality to write this review. ❤ I know you’ll love the series as much as I do.
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Fairies
*I follow the Amazon Rating System*
Tolkien … literally changed my life. I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit. Magic happened.
I love writing and have the privilege to pursue my passion full time. I’m still exploring the fantasy genre, trying out new points of view, playing with tense, creating optimistic works with light-hearted endings, and delving into the grim and gritty what-ifs of a post-apocalyptic world. Forgive me if I seem unfocused in my offering of reads. Perhaps one day, I’ll settle into something more reliable. For now, it’s simply an uncharted journey, and I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as I.
D. Wallace Peach started writing later in life after the kids were grown and a move left her with hours to fill. Years of working in business surrendered to a full-time indulgence in the imaginative world of books, and when she started writing, she was instantly hooked. Diana lives in a log cabin amongst the tall evergreens and emerald moss of Oregon’s Coastal Mountains with her husband, two dogs, and Pinky the Cat.
Ready for an adventure? Click HERE to visit D. Wallace Peach’s Amazon Author Page to find all of her books.
The Sorcerer’s Garden
Sunwielder
The Bone Wall
The Melding of Aeris
The Rose Shield Tetralogy:
Catling’s Bane, Book I
Oathbreakers’ Guild, Book II
Farlanders’ Law, Book III
Kari’s Reckoning, Book IV
The Dragon Soul Saga:
Myths of the Mirror, Book I
Eye of Fire, Book II
Eye of Blind, Book III
Eye of Fire, Book IV
Grumpy Ana and the Grouchy Monsters: A Children’s Space Tale
For book descriptions, excerpts, maps, and behind the scenes info, please visit: http://dwallacepeachbooks.com.
For her blog on all things writing, please visit http://mythsofthemirror.com.
TWITTER: @Dwallacepeach
FACEBOOK: Myths of the Mirror: @DWPeachbooks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dianapeach33/pins/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/activities/d-wallace-peach+0_2F1UmSg–qRIqYJlk2W1Q_?trk=nav_responsive_sub_nav_yourupdates
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101899993447765818692/posts
Thanks for stopping by to meet D. Wallace Peach! ❤
Happy New Year, dear Colleen 💖
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Happy New Year, Erika. ✨💕✨
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Thank you 💖
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Happy New Year and great review. Thanks, Colleen!
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Thanks, Olga. Excellent book. I really love this series! 💕✨💕
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That is a wonderful and engaging review of Diana’s book…her world of fantasy is indeed enchanting! Thanks for sharing it Colleen. 🙂
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Hugs, Balroop. I love these characters! Diana is an amazing writer! Wow! 💖
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Great review! Happy New Year 🙂
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Thank you. This is an exceptional book and series. I’m loving it! ❤
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Diana is having a super week, Colleen. This great review and the overall winner of the Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction competition. Wow!
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I’m just off to read the CR results. From what I’ve read of her writing, the award is well deserved. Like I said, I feel like a gushing fan! Diana is superb! ❤
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I was so delighted to stumble across this review, Colleen, as I catch up from a holiday break. I’m tickled that you enjoyed the writing and the story, and appreciate your kind words. I’m just grinning ear to ear and doing a little wiggle dance. Ha ha. You made my day. I will reblog shortly as I catch my breath. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review. Wishing you a marvelous new year, full of vigorous health, joy, creativity, abundance, and of course… magic. ❤
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Thanks, Diana. I’m hooked. I love this series. You are truly an amazing writer! ❤
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Fab review Sis. Diana is an exquisite writer. ❤
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Thanks, Sis. Her book sounds so good! ❤️
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❤
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Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Debby. ❤
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I just finished the final book a few weeks ago. I’ll have to come back to see how you liked the remainder of the series. I too just loved all of it!
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I’m just getting ready to start book 4. Seldom have I read such an amazing story. The writing is so engaging. Diana Peach is one of those fantasy writers I can only hope to emulate some day! Can you imagine these books made into a movie? OMG! 😀
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That would be a definite must see!
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I agree. ❤
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I’m so tickled by this comment, Colleen. A movie! Wouldn’t that be fun. And wow, you’re flying through the series. I’m grinning. 🙂
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I miss spoke. I’ll be starting book 3. I got a bit ahead of myself. 😉 ❤
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Ha ha. I’m thrilled either way, of course!
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LOL! I’m reading ever single one of your books in this series! No worries there. ❤
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And I’m grinning!
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I told you I feel like a silly gushing fan! 😀 ❤
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Thanks, Michelle. It’s been a great few weeks for this series thanks to you and Colleen. Have a great day and wonderful week. 🙂
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I easily get lost in Diana’s writing. Terrific review, Colleen. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, love, peace, and laughter, sister ❤
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Oh, my goodness! Me too! Another land in another dimension. ✨💕✨
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Thanks, Tina, for the lovely comment. ❤ The review certainly made me jump for joy.
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Fabulous review to share, Colleen! Thank you.
Bravo to Diana! Wishing you both a fabulous 2018! 🙂
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Many thanks, Natalie. I love this series. Spectacular. Happy New Year, my friend. ❤
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Thanks so much for taking a peek at Colleen’s review, Natalie. Hope your new year is full of love, good health, and peace. ❤
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Pingback: Colleen’s Book Reviews – “Catling’s Bane” | Myths of the Mirror
The sheer elegance of this review has made my UK Sunday afternoon … Diana’s book now one I’ll be reading … Eric.
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Thank you kindly, Eric. I’ll be starting the third volume soon. Each book is proving to be as good as the first. This is top notch reading for me. I love it! ❤
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Thanks, Eric. Colleen writes beautiful reviews, doesn’t she? Thanks for another lovely comment. So appreciated and I do hope you enjoy the book! ❤
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Colleen, this is a wonderful review of Diana’s book – your description of her writing mirrors my own feelings when I read her work and am transported away to other worlds. I have this on my kindle and look forward to catching up on all my reading soon! xx
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Thank you, Annika. I will be starting the third volume soon. Each book is as splendid as the first. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this series. It’s top notch reading in my book! ❤
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Thanks again, Annika. You’re so sweet. Happy Transporting! Ha ha. Have a great Sunday and week ahead. 🙂
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A superb review of Diana’s book, Colleen. Thank you for sharing.
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You are so very welcome. ❤
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Thanks again, Robbie. This review was a real treat and I couldn’t be happier with Colleen’s kindness. 🙂
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Your review stirred my imagination and I couldn’t resist popping by…I’m already caught by the mystery & magic of Diana’s world through your words!
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Oh, my goodness! Thank you. Diana weaves the most magical story in a world so phenomenal you have to read it to believe it. I’m hooked on the series. ❤
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You are so sweet, thank you so much for the follow, it warms my heart!
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You are so welcome. ❤
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Thanks so much, Kim, for stopping by Colleen’s blog to read the review. I am still glowing from her kind words. Have a wonderful week. ❤
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I hope you have a wonderful week, too!
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Looking forward to this one! Need to carve out some time to read. I love Diana’s gorgeous writing. Great review, Colleen! ❤ Happy New Year!
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Thanks, Sarah, for taking the time to check out Colleen’s wonderful review. I hope you get to read this one sometime, but no rush, my very busy friend. Have a wonderfully peaceful week and Happy Writing. 🙂
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Hello, Sarah! Thank you. Diana is a true master. I am so impressed with her writing. ❤
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What a wonderful review of Diana’s book! I highly encourage you to read her other books and series. I was quite smitten her Dragon Soul serious, and especially with the novel Sunweilder. 🙂
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Oh, thank you for the recommendations! I will surely do that. I connect with her writing. That is so important. ❤
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Thanks so much, Kathryn. I’m so glad you enjoyed the Dragon Soul series (I have a crush on Conal and Morgen), and I have to admit that Sunweilder is one of my favorites (I have a crush on Gryff too). In this series, I have a crush on Whitt. Ha ha ha. Ah, my poor husband has so much competition. Have a lovely week, my friend, and Happy Reading. 🙂
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I just started the book on this dreary foggy day, and I’m hooked already! I’ve yet to meet this Whit, I’m sure he’ll be making an entrance soon. 🙂
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It’s going to get good… and I know you will love it! ❤
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And I just met Whit! He’s just a wee lad at this point. 🙂
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I knew you would love this story… hang on, it’s just getting started! ❤
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He will. He’s a charmer. 🙂 Thanks so much, Kathryn. I do hope you have fun with the books. ❤
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5 out of 5 out of 5 – Catling AND your review! I’m not normally a fantasy reader, but like you, I gush after I read each of Diana’ books. This one still has me hooked months after I read it. 💜
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Oh, my gosh! Me too. I’ve just finished the second book and am on the the third novel. I am hooked. I love these books! ❤
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Yeah, Colleen. I’m just so delighted to hear you’re enjoying them. ❤
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I happy to see all the interest in your novels. Well deserved. ❤
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Thanks for the sweet comment, Pam. Jeez, my eyes are all teary. Such kind, dear friends here on WP. Have a wonderful day. ❤
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I adored this novel. xxx
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And you were instrumental in getting it to the place it is, Adele. Thanks so much for the lovely comment! Happy Writing!
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thank you , Diana. May your creativity never stop. xxx
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Terrific review, Colleen! Many congrats to our friend, Diana!
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Many thanks, Jill. I love this series!! ❤
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Wasn’t it awesome, Jill. I’m feel so lucky that Colleen gave the books a try and was happy with the read. Her review was a wonderful surprise. Thanks for the visit and have a great Friday and weekend!
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I find the three qualifications of an ‘epic fantasy’ to be fascinating. Almost makes me want to try writing one myself. 😉 Anyway I just ordered a copy of Catling’s Bane. Very much looking forward to this read…
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Excellent. I’m a fan. I still have two more reviews to do on this series and I’ve just bought her other series, Myths of the Mirror. Please stop by and tell me how much you enjoyed her enchanting stories. ❤
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Aww. Thank you, Andy. I would have been happy to send one along. You are so sweet to do that. I do hope it brings you tons of enjoyable reading time, my friend. ❤
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Fantastic review and post!
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Thanks, Betty. I loved this series. ❤️❤️❤️
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Thanks for visiting, Bette. I am still glowing about this review and Colleen’s enthusiasm about the book. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend, and Happy Writing!
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A lovely review, Colleen. I do adore this book cover as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
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Jan, the entire series is portrayed in “shields.” So appropriate for the books. We need to ask Diana who does her covers. ❤
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Thanks so much for checking out the review, Jan. I was just tickled when I found it on Colleen’s site. My covers are done by Deranged Doctor Design. They are super professional, reasonably priced, and talented. Their lead times are about 5 months, though! Have a wonderful weekend.
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I really can’t wait to read this–I’ve got it on my tablet. I’ve got a few other books on my TBR list ahead of it, though, but now I might have to move it up the list 😀 Great review, Colleen! And you are so right about Diana’s writing–it’s fantastic!
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Enjoy the series. It’s one of the best I’ve read. ❤️
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Thanks so much, Julie. I know how that TBR list works! I’m trying to read books from all my WP friends, and that’s more books than I can read in a year’s time! I’m so glad you enjoyed Colleen’s review. Her enthusiasm made my day. Happy Writing, my friend!
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This is a beautifully written post and review. The book sounds like a fascinating read!
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It is. I love the series. One of the best I’ve read. ❤️
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I just said to Diana that your review was inspired.
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It’s her writing. Diana is my idol. I hope to write like she does. The magic pours out of her words. ❤
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She’s a wonderful writer. You’ve chosen an excellent role model. 🙂
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Thank you. ❤
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read Colleen’s review, Robert. She certainly made my day. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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It was an inspired review, a reflection of the quality of your work. 🙂
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Thank you. I put a lot of work into my reviews. The least I can do for the authors. ❤
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Yes…I was impressed with the quality of the review. You knew the work well!
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I highlight passages on my Kindle so I remember all the fine details. These books are so amazing. Diana is a master storyteller.
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You are too kind, Robert. Have a lovely day!
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Thanks!
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