Announcements

10 Year Anniverary & New Releases Winners: Carrie Fancett Pagels' Butterfly Cottage - Melanie B, Dogwood Plantation - Patty H R, Janet Grunst's winner is Connie S., Denise Weimer's Winner is Kay M., Naomi Musch's winner is Chappy Debbie, Angela Couch - Kathleen Maher, Pegg Thomas Beverly D. M. & Gracie Y., Christy Distler - Kailey B., Shannon McNear - Marilyn R.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Tea Party for November-December New Releases



Today is the release of Janet Grunst’s debut novel, 

A Heart Set Free

While some of the story takes place near Edinburgh, Scotland and Alexandria, Virginia, most of it is set on a farm around twenty-five miles northwest of the colonial port city. The farm is situated not far from the Potomac River and has this pond nearby. 
  
In 1770, Heather Douglas is desperate to escape a brewing scandal in her native Scotland. Penniless and hoping for a fresh start far away, she signs a seven-year indenture and boards a British merchant vessel headed to Virginia.
Widowed planter Matthew Stewart needs someone to help raise his two young children. The tall blonde standing on the Alexandria quay doesn’t look like much after her harrowing sea voyage, but there’s a refinement about her that her filthy clothing cannot hide. Could God be leading him to take this unknown indentured servant as his wife? 
When Matthew purchases Heather’s indenture, marries her, and takes her to his farm, she is faced with new and constant challenges. And Matthew wonders if they can ever bridge their differences and make a life together.
It is in the Virginia countryside that Heather begins her greatest journey, one of self-discovery and of maturing faith. Here, she discovers that her emotional and spiritual scars bind her far more than her indenture . . . 
                and love will finally set her heart free

Janet is a wife, mother of two sons, and grandmother of eight. . Before pursuing a long-held dream of writing fiction she was employed in the banking industry for ten years and as a freelance writer for two regional publications. After taking a break to raise her children, she worked for an international ministry, Community Bible Study, most recently as the Executive Assistant for the Executive Director. She continues to serve as a leader in her local Community Bible Study class and in her church. 

She lives in the historic triangle of Virginia (Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown) with her husband and West Highland White Terrier. Her love of writing fiction grew out of a desire to share stories that can communicate the truths of the Christian faith, and entertain, as well as bring inspiration, healing, and hope to the reader.

Visit her online: http://JanetGrunst.com                                                                                         Facebook Janet Grunst, Author                                                                                                         https://twitter.com/janetgrunst                                                                                                              Represented By Linda S. Glaz
Hartline Literary Agency

One copy of A Heart Set Free  will be given away to one of our guests. 

A Heart Set Free  can be purchased at: Amazon.com (click here)

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Roseanna M. White is celebrating the release of her first Christmas novel! Set in the year 290 AD, Giver of Wonders isn't a typical Christmas story. No snow. No Christmas trees. No decorations. Instead, the characters take readers back to the days of the young man who eventually became known as St. Nicholas, into his world of Patara, Lycia. A world not of magic and elves, but of miracles, holy callings, and sacrificial love.
A miracle once saved her life ~ will another give her a future?
Cyprus was little more than a child when a fall left her paralyzed...and when the boy known as the wonder-worker healed her. Ever since, she has wondered why the Lord spared her, what he has in store for her. But her pagan father thinks she was spared solely so she could be introduced to the wealthy wonder-worker, Nikolaos.
Nikolaos has never questioned that his call in life is to dedicate himself to the church and to God. Never, that is, until he and his cousin Petros meet the compelling Cyprus Visibullis. For years he struggles with the feelings she inspires...and with the sure knowledge that Petros loves her too.
Petros knows he will never be good enough for Cyprus's father to consider him as a match for his favorite daughter not as long as Nikolaos is there. But when tragedy strikes the Visibullis family, he will do anything to save his beloved. Unfortunately, his beloved is determined to do anything to save her sisters ~ even at the cost of herself.
As the festival of lights bathes their Greek city in beauty, Cyprus, Petros, and Nikolaos celebrate the miracle of their Savior s birth together one last time. And in remembrance of their Lord's greatest gift, one of them will make the ultimate sacrifice for the others...and a centuries-long tradition will be born.
GIVEAWAY!

From December 2-20, you can enter to win a Stocking Full of Wonder!
What's inside? Well that's a secret.
But I can tell you that it includes a copy of Giver of Wonders,
some treats to keep, and even some to give away.



Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two small children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new bestselling British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels…to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com. 

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In December, Gabrielle Meyer will celebrate the release of two new books. A Family Arrangement releases from Love Inspired Historical December 6th and Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection released December 1st.

About A Family Arrangement

Abram Cooper has ten months to turn rough Minnesota country into a vibrant town, or his sister-in-law will take his three sons back to Iowa with his blessing. Until then, Charlotte Lee has agreed to keep house and help raise his children as part of their bargain. But can the single father fulfill Charlotte's requirements in time to make sure that she and his boys don't leave—and take his heart with them? 

Charlotte is convinced that the wilderness is no place to raise her nephews. But as she watches the community slowly develop, she sees that Abram just might be able to make it blossom. With three little matchmakers bringing her and Abram together, Little Falls could become not just a flourishing town, but the perfect home for their patchwork family.

About Seven Brides for Seven Texans

Meet the seven Hart brothers of the 7-Heart ranch in central Texas. Each man is content in his independent life, without the responsibilities of a wife and children—until their father decides 1874 will be the year his grown sons finally marry, or they will be cut from his will. How will each man who values his freedom respond to the ultimatum? Can love develop on a timeline, or will it be sacrificed for the sake of an inheritance?

About Gabrielle's story in the collection, First Comes Love

As the youngest Hart, Hays has never been first at anything--so he's determined to be the first to marry. He sets his sights on the new teacher, Miss Emma Longley, but he soon discovers Emma wants nothing to do with marriage, ranching, or Texas and plans to leave Hartville in two short months. Will Hays's charm be enough to convince her to stay?

There are lots of ways to win a copy of Seven Brides for Seven Texans. Be sure to visit this Goodreads Giveaway and enter for your chance to win!


About the Author
Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people, places and events. You can find Gabrielle on her website www.gabriellemeyer.com where she writes about her passion for history, family and faith.
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Last month I erroneously put up the O' Little Christmas Town collection instead of the Tea Cup Courtships collection (Forget Me Not Press)! Sorry about that! Correcting that this month with a giveaway of the collection. My novella, "Tea Shop Folly," is one of the books in this collection. I'll be drawing a winner from the comments here and at our Facebook party!


Find Carrie Fancett Pagels on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, goodreads, and here on Colonial Quills!

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Vicki McCollum's DEBUT in Christian fiction!!!

Love Letter from Vietnam
When Chrissy Robinson learns she’s pregnant, after her boyfriend, John, ships off to Vietnam (without proposing to her), she quickly writes to tell him. But weeks go by, and still there’s no response from him. After she learns he’s been listed as MIA, she struggles with how she’ll get through nursing school, pregnant, and working long hours as a waitress. Can she raise her baby, all alone? Then John’s parents insist she allow them to raise her baby. Will John come home? And even if he does, will he marry her?
A story of love, forgiveness, and redemption, just in time for Christmas.


About me: Vicki Talley McCollum grew up in Atlanta, reading True Romance magazines her sister and aunts left around the house. She discovered Christian romances, fell in love with them, and later, started editing them as a freelance editor. She’s written several novellas, but this is her first one to publish. She’s very excited about it.
Vicki lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with her husband, Jeff, her daughter, Lindsey (who’s a nurse and engaged to a fine young man), and two cats, Ninja and Penny. Her oldest son, Scott, lives and works in Colorado, and her youngest, Tim, is a senior in college. Feel free to write Vicki at vickimccollum@gmail.com  
and follow her on twitter at twitter.com@mccollum_vicki
Here’s the purchase link for Love Letter from Vietnam, which released November 2! Here’s the Kindle Link on Amazon! (Click here) Only 99 cents!
And this book is now available in paperback, too, PTL!  ONLY $5.75! (click here)

I am giving away two (2) E-book copies and two (2) paperback copies of Love Letter from Vietnam – the E-book copies on the blog and more giveaways at the Facebook party, too!


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Elaine Marie Cooper here! And not so fashionably late! I am celebrating my release of the third and final book in my Deer Run Saga, Legacy of Deer Run. It releases on Thursday, December 8. Here is the synopsis:

 

The year is 1800.

A young man makes weapons for the defense of America, still a fledgling nation. He also protects his heart from the allure of a young woman whose station in life keeps her out of his reach.

The lady fights her own battle against loneliness and grief. Despite her finery and airs, she is drawn to the young armory worker who is distant yet disarming.

Love is not the only entanglement. The nation’s enemies are afoot. They creep within the very walls where America’s defenses are forged. Who are they? When will they strike? Who will survive their terrorism?

Intrigue of the heart and intrigue of the times are only part of this compelling story—Book 3 of the Deer Run Saga. This series finale is a gripping mix of romance and deception, faith and forgiveness, transgression and trial.


Author Bio:

Award winning author Elaine Marie Cooper is the author of the Deer Run SagaRoad to Deer Run, Promise of Deer Run and her newest release, Legacy of Deer Run. Her other books include Saratoga Letters, Fields of the Fatherless, and Bethany’s Calendar, a memoir about her daughter’s battle with brain cancer. She has been captivated by the history of the American Revolution since she was young. She grew up in Massachusetts, the setting for many of her historical novels.



You can read more at her website/ blog, www.elainemariecooper.com
twitter: @elainemcooper







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We have a Facebook Party tonight, December 2nd, from 6-8:30 PM Eastern time! You're invited!  (Click here)

Now, come on in -- have a seat, let us pour you some fragrant Christmas tea, and we'll bring you around a plate of delicious treats!!!



92 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your releases, ladies! I love these tea parties!!

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  2. Congrats ladies.. looks like my Christmas wish list has just grown!
    Peppermint tea sounds pretty good right now.. Have a great day!

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    1. Thanks, Deanna. That tea does sound wonderful!

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    2. :) just a PAL stopping by for another cup of that delish tea!

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  3. Sounds like good reading coming up. :)

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  4. Congratulations on all of these releases!!! They all look like really great books!

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    1. Thank you, Becky. I'm making a list of the others for my Christmas wish list.

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  5. Good morning ladies. Congratulations on these wonderful new releases!! I can see that I really must spend some quality time reading....lol. I would love a cup of Christmas tea and a treat before I continue on my way.

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    1. Thanks, Betti. I can't wait to read the others, too.

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    2. BETTI, I have dark breakfast tea coming around and I hope you like hash with your cookies lol because that is what I am having!

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    3. The tea, hash and cookies were wonderful, Carrie :). I missed saying I am a PAL as I read that note just a moment ago.

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  6. Good afternoon, Ladies! Y'all sure do have quite the line up of new books coming out. They all look to be delightful reads.

    I want to especially say CONGRATS to JANET! Your first published fiction book...how exciting for you! I look forward to getting together for lunch with you and Carrie in the new year.

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    1. ANNE yes, we need to celebrate JANET's DEBUT over lunch!!! We have the Jan 6th Tidewater lunch (and it is one day after my bday!)

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  7. I love the picture of the pond. It looks so peaceful. All of the books sound wonderful this month ladies. Congratulations to all of you.

    For the giveaways today I already have Tea Cup Courtships so please don't include me in that one. I would love to win any of the others. Thank you for the chance.

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  8. Thanks so much, Anne. I will look forward to that.

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  9. Tea Parties! Love our PAL gatherings
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House

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    1. Hi Kathleen! So glad you could stop by! My friend JANET and VICKI have their debuts, isn't that great?

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  10. Good Afternoon! Ladies, congratulations on your releases! I am so excited for you!!!! I'm looking forward to chatting with you by the fire and enjoy a nice cup of tea.

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  11. So fun to see so many great authors and books here!!!

    These tea parties are always so fun!!!

    LOVE our PALS group! :)

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  12. Hi everyone! Taking a moment and going to grade my daughters work from her reading Frankenstein. I'd rather be reading! Hope you all are having a fabulous day! (Pals)

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    1. Hi NANCY!!! I've been reading at bedtime, recently. I'm reading Liz Johnson's Prince Edward Island novel, the first one! Hugs!

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  13. Such wonderful stories featured today. I am currently reading Giver of Wonders and am glad that Carrie reminded her Pals about the party and blog or I would have been lost in Lycia for the rest of the day!

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    1. We were late getting this together because my novel, "My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring" from Barbour was due yesterday. Thanks for coming by Becky!

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    2. Thanks, Becky, for leaving Lycia for a cup of tea!

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    3. Thanks for joining us today, Becky, Nancy and Sydney.

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  14. (Chappy enters)
    Hello everyone! You all look so lovely and everything smells so festive! I wanted to pop in to say congratulations to these wonderful authors on the releases of their books. Oh, and PAL, Carrie! ;-)
    Hugs to all! Grandchildren and possible shopping today, so not sure how much I can comment.

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    1. CHAPPY, so wonderful to see you here my Pal! I got some shopping in at Target today, too! Hugs and love!

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    2. So glad you could join us, Chappy.

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  15. I simply love these tea parties! Everyone's gowns are beautiful and perfect for Christmas gatherings. I would love a cup of the Christmas tea and a cookie please.

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    Congratulations ladies on the release of your books!How exciting! I see my ever so long TBR list has grown...again!

    It is fun to see so many PALs here too.
    Blessings, Tina

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  16. Super excited for yet another wonderful party! It's turned cold here in NC. With any luck, this Florida girl might see her first flurries by this time next week.

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    1. It is cooling off here, Ashley, too in VA. Wow, they are talking snow down there? Stay warm!

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    2. It's really nice here in Williamsburg, Va

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    3. Carrie, yep! By next Friday. Just lught showers. It will probably melt before it even hits ground.

      But considering this is the closest I've ever been, it's still a big deal.

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  17. Congratulations on the release of your book. Facebook parties are a lot of fun and a good time to meet and get to know authors better. Thank you

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  18. We are having a party here too! Yay! I'm excited to read see the new books!

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  19. Congratulations! Very exciting! I am a PAL. :-)

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    1. Hey MELISSA! Will I get to see you January 6th? It will be here before we know it! Hugs!

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    2. That is my sister's birthday, too. So, we will probably be celebrating with her. I want to be in both places at one time. haha!

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  20. Congratulations on your release. Thanks for a chance to enter.~ Terri Clark

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  21. Hurray for new books!

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  22. I'm sorry I did not dress for the party this evening, I'm a bit under the weather and huddled in a cozy blanket.

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  23. Hello, the party is started and some great conversations over on FB ;)
    Congrats all!

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    1. Just a PAL stopping in to thank you for the nice tea party!
      dkstevensne AT outlook Dot(COM)

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  24. Oh my goodness, so many new amazing books to add to my wishlist. I especially have had my eye on "Seven Brides for Seven Texans" and I've read the amazing "Giver of Wonders"-so so good!!!

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  25. Congrats to all the authors on these fabulous looking books! What a great collection! Just stopping by to say Hi and wish you all a grand tea party and a great Christmas! Believe it or not, it is really cold here in CA and I have my wool stockings on!

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    1. Thank you, MaryLu. I spent many years in CA. I believe you are in Northern CA- I used to live there.

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    2. Ahoy Cap'n! Keep them socks on. It still be really cold!

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    3. Hi, MaryLu!! Just wondering what the temp is there and what the winter temp range is for your area??

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  26. Great! I'm disappointed I missed it! Had to do some errands!

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  27. Congratulations ladies! So much going on at such a busy time of year! New releases and debuts! It's wonderful to see all the new covers.

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  28. The history in Roseanna's story sounds so interesting.

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  29. Just saw you instruction to put PAL in the comment for those of us who are PALS. What a great line-up of authors. Thanks, Carrie!

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  30. Congratulations, ladies, on your new releases! All of them sound SO good. Would love to read each one. Have a great weekend! :)

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  31. Congrats!
    They all look amazing!
    -becca p

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  32. Stopping in again. I am still out and about.....it's crazy busy in the stores! Wish I were really at a tea party with you wonderful ladies! Chappy is ready to go home, put her feet up and watch a Christmas movie. I will try and drop in again a little later. Not sure when the party is over. Hugs!

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  33. Congrats on the new release ladies!

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  34. PAL (just in case it was missed before! :) I love the gift...here's hoping!

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  35. I am very late joining all of you because I have been attending the visitation of a family friend who passed away Tues. Congratulations to all of you and I will read all of your posts shown throughout the party.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. Thank you for the party this evening! The new books look amazing. I've added a few to my wishlist.

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  37. Congratulations, Ladies! Beautiful covers for all the new books and hours of happy reading. marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot]com

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  38. Wow it looks like a lot of great reads! Congratulations to all the authors!

    (Pals)

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  39. Not sure if my previous comments were received. though it indicated they were, since they aren't showing. Will just repeat that I am wowed by all the wonderful new books - and MUST have them all, LOL!! Huge congrats, authors!! So glad to see so many of my PALS friends here - sorry I'm so late in arriving, have been fighting a "bug" for a week. So hate I missed the Facebook party - going over now to read comments!!

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  40. P.S. Taking a cup of tea and a cookie with me for my trip to check out the Facebook comments - thank you, ladies!!

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  41. Wow, I love Tea Parties. Wonderful books, they seem so tempting!

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  42. I love these parties, and I hate that I missed this tea party! I've been sick for month. I go in Monday for heart testing.

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  43. So many great new releases! Congrats to all!

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