Review of Light the Way (The Lighthouse Sisters #1) by Lin Stepp

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Light the Way, the first book in the new Lighthouse Sisters series by Lin Stepp! Today I'm sharing with you my thoughts about this novel. Be sure to follow the tour for even more, including my interview with the author at Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Light the Way

(The Lighthouse Sisters #1)

By Lin Stepp

Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 292 Pages

April 1, 2022 by Mountain Hill Press

In this new coastal series, Lin Stepp transports her readers into the rich, colorful lives of Burke and her sisters, Lila, Gwen, and Celeste, who grew up at the Deveaux Inn and Lighthouse on a windswept island, accessible only by boat. Get ready to be introduced to the ups and downs, joys and sorrows, challenges and adventures of a Lighthouse Keeper.

Life had grown hard for Burke Deveaux at the family inn and lighthouse since her father died. She missed his warmth and still expected to see him walking into a room, his big laugh booming. Burke and her mother were gradually adjusting to the change, and Lila had come home this winter to help, but the workload was heavy. With spring coming and tourism picking up in the South Carolina Lowcountry, Burke welcomed Hal Jenkins’ request for his son Waylon to work for them. Waylon, retiring early from the Navy, knew the island and the lighthouse, having grown up nearby. Burke also knew Waylon well since they’d grown up together. He’d always been older, and she wondered how he’d see her now.

Waylon had been away from Edisto Island for over twelve years now, traveling around the world in the military, but it felt good to be home. He’d hated learning Lloyd Deveaux was gone, the warm-hearted Lighthouse Keeper he’d followed around as a boy. But he liked the idea of coming to stay at the lodge at Watch Island to help the Deveaux family with the inn, lighthouse, and nearly five-hundred acres of land the Lighthouse Station occupied. He knew Burke had picked up many of her father’s old tasks and he looked forward to seeing her again. He’d kept feelings for her clamped down for years but one look at her brought them surging back. How would he handle that with them working together?

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PRAISE FOR LIN STEPP AND HER RICH SOUTHERN NOVELS:

“This book feels just as tranquil as Edisto and has a wonderful, laid back flow, like beautiful ocean waves lapping up on the shore … you can’t help but fall in love with every facet of this novel.” – Christ F. JUST READS Review

“From the stunning backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry … this book was like going home.” – Kim Standridge Boykin, Bestselling Author of Palmetto Moon

“Each book showcases Lin Stepp’s natural gift as a novelist for originality and narrative driven storytelling.” – MIDWEST REVIEW

**My thoughts**

Light the Way was a bit of a change of pace for me, but nevertheless an entertaining read. You have history, strong family bonds, a sort of second chance romance, and a touch of mystery and suspense.

I always love reading about bigger families and small towns. There is a special kind of chemistry and bond that you can't find elsewhere. I would love to see the stories of Burke's mom and sisters fleshed out more. I believe there will be future installments that will update us on them. I think a prequel of Etta and her late husband in their early days could also be fun!

As for the relationship between Burke and Waylon, which is the focus of this installment, I love when childhood crushes are realized and given a second chance. They fit together well. Their leap to boyfriend-girlfriend felt a little abrupt and out of sync at the moment where it happened, though. Their engagement was also fast and felt a bit out of place. But their relationship quickly fell into a great pace as they grew a lot as friends while they worked together on the island.

The author is clearly well-versed in the history of the area and of lighthouses. I enjoyed learning all of that. Lighthouses fascinate me. And while we have some here on Lake Ontario, I haven't yet delved as deeply as I would like into their stories and histories.

I just felt like the information was shared awkwardly at times via conversations that the characters were having. For example, as Burke is taking Waylon around the island, she is giving him a big history lesson as if he had never been there before. But if he grew up there and spent as much time with her family as is indicated, I feel like he should have known a lot of that already. Or sometimes characters talked about places to visit and would describe where they were in ways that you wouldn't in normal conversations with people who were from the same area. I appreciated the background knowledge to help me better understand the setting, but personally would have described it differently. It just felt like the characters were doing too much of the narration.

This is an enjoyable start to a new series and I am looking forward to seeing the future installments, because I really want to know what happens to the sisters as they embark upon new chapters in their own lives.

Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lin Stepp is a native Tennessean, businesswoman and educator. A New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon best-selling international author, Lin has twenty published novels out now, including her twelve beloved Smoky Mountain novels, all set in different Tennessee and North Carolina locations, three Mountain Home books, a novella in one of Kensington’s Christmas anthologies, and four South Carolina coastal novels, including her three Edisto Trilogy books and her first release in the new Lighthouse Sisters series. Lin and her husband J.L. also write regional guidebooks, including a published Smoky Mountain hiking guide and a TN and a SC state parks guidebook, all filled with hundreds of color photos. Stepp’s latest 2022 releases are Eight at the Lake, set in Dandridge near the Smoky Mountains, and Light the Way, set at the SC coast. Writing and adventuring are her joys and more novels set in the Smokies and at the beach are on the way, as well as more colorful regional guidebooks. Lin’s title Claire At Edisto was the 2019 Best Book Award Winner in Fiction: Romance, sponsored by American Book Fest and her novel Welcome Back a finalist in the 2017 Selah Awards. Lin enjoys speaking for events, festivals, libraries, and book clubs. And she loves reading, hiking, exploring out of doors, and keeping up with her readers. Look for her pages on Facebook and Twitter and follow her monthly blog and newsletter, too, that you will find on her website at: www.linstepp.com

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive print copies of Light the Way, Claire at Edisto, Return to Edisto, and Edisto Song by Lin Stepp, and bookmarks (US only)

Ends April 6, 2022

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Find Your Way Back by Javacia Harris Bowser

 

All of us have different coping mechanisms that we use to get us through tough times. And we do need to do what is best for us. A lot of times, though, it does help to write out what is going on in your head. You don't need to share it. But author Javacia Harris Bowser is sharing some of her stories and tips to help you write your way through all that life has to throw at you. Take a look at this excerpt and then follow the tour for more. Best of luck entering the giveaway!

Award-winning freelance journalist Javacia Harris Bowser is convinced that writing is a superpower. She sees her life as proof of it since writing has helped her navigate marriage, crisis of faith and body image issues. It also helped her to beat cancer.

As a Black woman from the South, Javacia has used the written word to explore issues of gender and race as well as religion. Find Your Way Back is a collection of essays that demonstrate how Javacia has used writing to achieve some of her wildest dreams such as being a public speaker, having her own column, and being her own boss. The book also explores how writing, self-love, and faith helped her overcome her worst nightmare: a cancer diagnosis in 2020. Javacia’s goal is to show readers how writing can transform their lives as well. The book includes prompts throughout to help readers start their own writing journey.

This book is for the woman who has wanted to write since she was a girl but struggles to find the time or the courage to put her words on paper. Find Your Way Back, shows that instead of putting writing on the back burner when life gets turned upside down, we should turn to it to help life make sense again.

Read an excerpt:

- from “Write Like a Girl”

On my eleventh birthday, I declared I was a woman. I have no idea why. My budding boobs barely filled my training bra, and I wouldn’t get my period for another year. But it was as if turning eleven declared I was number one and said it again for good measure, and I believed it.

I can’t recall exactly what I decided to wear on this special day, but I do remember slouch socks were involved. I also remember that I didn’t want a party because birthday parties were for children. A woman–especially one who at the time fancied herself a poet–should spend her birthday having a quiet evening at home writing in her journal, reflecting on her past, and making plans for the years to come.

What I’m trying to say is eleven-year-old me was ridiculous. But I think about this girl often. Sometimes to become the woman you’re meant to be, you must remember the girl you used to be. Sometimes you must write like a girl.

When you write for a living, it can be hard to remember how to do this. When you write for a living, you can easily forget to write for yourself. You can forget to write simply for the love of words, for the joy of stringing together sentences. It can be hard to remember what it felt like to write with no regard for readers or a deadline, but that’s what writing like a girl is all about.

Sometimes I think back to that eleven-year-old girl–who thought she was a woman–and I challenge myself–just for a few moments–to forget about building a brand or pitching publications and just write. Yes, I can get back to business later, but right now, just write.

Buy on Amazon or at See Jane Write

(affiliate link included)

Javacia Harris Bowser is an award-winning essayist and journalist and the founder of See Jane Write. A proud graduate of the journalism programs at the University of Alabama and the University of California at Berkeley, Javacia has written for USA Today, HerMoney.com, and Good Grit magazine. Named one of Birmingham’s Top 40 Under 40, she believes we can all write our way to the life of our dreams.

IG & Twitter @seejavaciawrite, #FYWBBookTour

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The Literary Lobbyist will be awarding one $25 and one $50 Amazon or B/N GC to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of On That Easter Morning by Elena Pasquali, illustrated by Alison Jay

This exquisitely illustrated retelling of the Easter story brings its familiar events to life.

Alison Jay has illustrated many books for children, and her beautiful paintings are instantly recognisable. Join the crowds cheering as Jesus enters Jerusalem, the disciples sharing a special meal, and Mary weeping outside the empty tomb. Rediscover the wonder of the first Easter morning.

There are many intriguing people, animals and landscapes to look at along the way, bursting with new details to find with a young child, as you share the story of that special morning.

Goodreads * Amazon * BN

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**My thoughts**

This is the story of Jesus from Passover through the Resurrection, told in a prose format that will make sense to kids. This is a longer picture book, so it would be more appropriate for older kids who are in elementary school as opposed to the kindergarten and younger set. The pictures are also quite colorful and appealing. It would work well at home or in a church/Sunday school.

Thank you to the publisher for fulfilling my review request via NetGalley.

Arresting Her Heart (First Responders of Faith Valley) by Jenna Brandt

 

Noah West has some big shoes to fill...
His brothers are the best first responders in all of Texas.

It's not easy being the rookie cop in a family of overachievers. When Noah decided to follow in his older brothers' footsteps, he had no idea it was going to make his life a living nightmare. Add to that, a small town filled with nosy neighbors and a history of bad girlfriends, and it's no surprise that he's not ready when the girl of his dreams comes crashing into his life.

Audree Hall can't believe she was matched with the guy who wrongfully arrested her. They've talked for weeks online, and she had no idea it was the same guy, who smugly perp walked her through the Faith Valley police station. She's tempted to bail on their first meeting, but the dating site can't be all wrong, can it?

You'll love this first in series suspenseful romance from award-winning and bestselling author, Jenna Brandt, because everyone loves to see a struggling hero find his way to a happily ever after.

Get this full-length opposites attract, small town cop, enmies-to-love, family drama novel now.

Fall in love with a small Texas town filled with heroes willing to put their lives on the line for others. Brothers wearing the same badge, cousins fighting the same fire, paramedics saving citizens, all while trying to find their way to the perfect soulmate.

Buy on Amazon

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About Jenna Brandt:

Jenna Brandt is an international bestselling and award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance. Her historical books span from Victorian to Western eras and all her books have elements of romance, suspense and faith. She has her own best-selling historical series, Window to the Heart Saga and Civil War Brides, as well as contemporary series, Billionaires of Manhattan and Second Chance Islands. Additionally, she has created two best-selling multi-author series, The Lawkeepers and Disaster City Search and Rescue based off the life of her husband in law enforcement. Both of her books, Waiting on the Billionaire and Lawfully Treasured, were voted into the Top 50 Indie Books of 2018 on Readfreely.com.

She has been an avid reader since she could hold a book and started writing stories almost as early. She has been published in several newspapers as well as edited for multiple papers. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bethany College and was the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper while there. Her first blog was published on The Mighty website, Yahoo Parenting and The Grief Toolbox as well as featured on the ABC News, CNN Health, and Good Morning America websites. She’s also a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) association.

Writing is her passion, but Jenna also enjoys date nights with her hubby, cooking from scratch, watching movies on Netflix, reading books by her author friends, and engaging in social media with her readers. Jenna’s three young daughters keep her busy with Girl Scout activities, going to the mall, and playing at the park where they live in the Central Valley of California. Jenna summers on the Golden Central Coast where she finds endless inspiration for her romance books. She is also active in her local church where she volunteers on their first impressions team.

To find out more about Jenna, to sign-up for her newsletter, or to purchase her books, visit her website at http://www.jennabrandt.com

Jenna’s Joyful Page Turners Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/844819802336835/

Heroes and Hunks Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/430422374043418/

Her books on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Jenna-Brandt/e/B0711MSFXW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1497269877&sr=8-1

Like her on Facebook www.facebook.com/JennaBrandtAuthor

Follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/JennaDBrandt

Stalk her on Instagram www.instagram.com/jennnathewriter/

Pin her on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/jennnathewriter

Look her up on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16847426.Jenna_Brandt

Check her out on Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jenna-brandt

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. I only share those books that I feel will be of interest to my readers.

Marines Don't Cry: Delivering the Message at All Costs by Danny Garcia & Jackie C Garcia

 

Welcome to the book tour for Marines Don't Cry, a memoir by Danny Garcia and Jackie C. Garcia. You'll get a peek inside of their journey with an excerpt and a few interview questions. Be sure to follow the tour for even more. And then check out the great giveaway, which has multiple winners!

Have you ever been lost -- really lost?

Danny and Jackie answer this question in Marines Don’t Cry with stories of death to life, deep sorrow to joy, darkness to light, and freedom in Christ.

Danny recounts his early life in Spanish Harlem and describes conversion from a life of drugs and “the fast lane” to one consumed with knowing and serving God. This makes his journey of walking more than 52 million steps on six continents for children and world peace such an incredible story.

Marines Don’t Cry is about the transformational power of God’s love: how Danny found his calling and is delivering the message of Christ at all costs.

Read an excerpt:

Chapter 12: Walking for Children Around the World

“You Don’t Have Enough Bullets”

As we left the Arab village and continued toward Baghdad, the security patrol noticed something odd. In the distance, the guards saw large groups of people coming toward the caravan. About 20,000 people were walking toward us and were converging on us. The people were coming from both sides of the road. The military escort responsible for my safety became agitated and concerned. The crowds were not racing angrily toward us, but we were clearly outnumbered. Although the vehicles had automatic machine guns at the front and back of the caravan, I think the escorts were afraid.

“What shall we do, Mr. Garcia? They are coming!” the guards exclaimed.

“You don’t have enough bullets. Let them come,” I said.

As the crowd got closer, I could hear them singing. The caravan came to a stop. The guards were shocked. The people were in unison, in harmony, like a massive choir. The melody was beautiful.

“Why are they doing this? Why are they singing? Are they singing to me?” I asked.

“This is unbelievable,” said the guards. “They are singing to you! They are welcoming you.”

“Welcome,” they sang lovingly. “You are welcome!”

I absorbed the beauty of this moment and melted in their love for me. I smiled as the crowds joined the caravan. In unison, we continued forward into Baghdad. More than fifty TV cameras from around the world, including China, were waiting and recorded the entry into Baghdad. The sponsors made sure that all vehicles were removed from the main highway so that we were clear to walk. We walked up and over a bridge, the main bridge into the city of Baghdad, and thousands of people were flashing cameras in the daytime.

The city welcomed us. The Iraqi Olympians cried. Never had they been acknowledged with such a welcome.

In front of all the people was a little girl, maybe six years old. She stepped toward me and, looking up, raised a flower to give to me. I bent down to accept her flower. Then I picked her up, turned her around, and set her on my shoulder for the crowds to see this beautiful child. The people went wild and shouted with joy and happiness. My gesture was a message to the world:

“Everyone, see her! This is your child. I love her, you all should love her! She is who I care about. The children, we must protect them.”

Buy links: 

Marines Don't Cry * BookFunnel * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books-a-Million * BookShop * IndieBound 

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Who are some of the people you have met that have influenced you most or were influential to you?

My Uncle Victor was like a father to me because he was always there for me and taught me how to be a man, how to fight, how to survive. He was my mentor, and I loved his stories of Golden Gloves Boxing and of the military. In our book, we wrote quite a bit about significant mentors at different times in my life. Bud Roberts of Shell Oil, during the Wood Stock era; General Krulak, USMC, during my time as a Marine in San Diego; and Mr. Alexander, Consulate General of Grenada to Mexico. But the person who has influenced me the most, is Jesus Christ. He saved me from eternal death and he gave a whole new life and purpose to share his love and redemption.

When did you realize that you had a connection with God?

That’s a deep question. In my early years when I was in Catholic school, the clergy and teachers taught me about God. But I really did not know him, not as Lord, not as Savior. When I was 33 years old and had a life and death experience. My spirit left my body, and knew I was dying, and I knew that I was destined for hell because of the life of sin I had been living. Only when I screamed, “Jesus, save me!” did I know that he touched me and allowed me to live. When I said those words, I was crying out for salvation of both my body and spirit.

Were you afraid when you called out to God?

Oh yes, I was afraid I would physically die. All my life, prior to this time, I was always a winner, always the best athlete, always the best gang negotiator. I was well-liked and successful. I was a competitor. But when the concoction of drugs in my system took over, I was truly afraid for the first time in my life. My experiences in Spanish Harlem, Vietnam, police and prison work did not compare to the fear I felt at that moment. I was helpless as I faced death.

How does one know if/when they have a connection with a God?

I have never been the same since that moment when my spirit returned to my body. There was a peace I had never experienced, a freedom, a salvation. My living became living for Christ. How can you know? All I can say it that it is a personal experience between you and your creator. I became a new person – I did not act the same, speak the same, think the same as before. I was transformed and knew it deep down in my soul. There comes a time when you cannot ignore God – he always wins.

About the authors:

Daniel Garcia

Danny Garcia, The Walking Man, was born and raised in New York’s Spanish Harlem. He served as a United States Marine, law enforcement officer, and ordained minister. Since 1996, he has prayed and walked over 52,000, 000 steps on six continents for children and world peace. During his journeys, Garcia met with dignitaries all over the world, ministering to the famous and to the poorest of the poor. Danny made presentations to Kings/royals, Presidents, and other world leaders, to include four Presidents of the USA, several Prime Ministers of other countries, the Pope, Mother Teresa, Ambassadors and various eminent personalities and multilateral organizations. Garcia began his journey as a personal commitment to peace and children and continued walking and raising funds for multiple charitable organizations.

Danny is married to the former Jacqueline Charsagua of El Paso, TX, and they work side by side to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more information, visit Danny’s website, www.globalwalk.cc.

Jackie Charsagua Garcia

Jackie Charsagua Garcia is married to Daniel Garcia. She graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, in 1985 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management. While in the US Air Force, Jackie specialized in communications, acquisition, systems engineering, and information technology.

After a rewarding and fulfilling Air Force career, she retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the summer of 2006, having spent more than 21 years on active duty. Since 2006, she has supported and advised on all aspects of her husband’s walks and charitable initiatives within the United States and abroad. She joined Danny during his Africa Walk in 2007 and ministered in South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Southern Sudan. During this time, her faith and reliance on God grew tremendously under the mentorship of Danny Garcia. The Global Walk experience gave Jackie an opportunity to serve God abroad, and her vision is to spread the hope, love, and the grace of Jesus Christ through her writing. She is a native of El Paso, TX, mother of one amazing daughter, and a breast cancer survivor.

Websites:

https://marinesdontcry.com

https://www.globalwalk.cc


Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dannygarciawalkingman/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/263639465513321

https://www.facebook.com/jackiecharsagua.garcia


Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dannyg_walking man/

https://www.instagram.com/jackiecg_usafa85/


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIBYOx4vqntVWUtW8pnefqg/videos


YouTube link of an interview with Danny and Jackie for the Veterans History Project: https://youtu.be/tiJV0RdVmis


Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-c-garcia/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-walk-inc/

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

Ten randomly chosen winners via rafflecopter will win a free copy of the eBook.

Follow the tour for more chances to win!

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Review of Secrets of Their Past (Wander Canyon #5) by Allie Pleiter

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Secrets of Their Past, the fifth book in the Wander Canyon series by Allie Pleiter, part of the Harlequin Love Inspired Romance collection. Today I'm sharing with you my thoughts on this standalone novel. You can follow the tour above for even more! Best of luck entering the great giveaway!

Secrets of Their Past

(Wander Canyon #5)

By Allie Pleiter

Contemporary, Inspirational Romance

Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages

February 22, 2022 by Love Inspired

Facing the past could change his future. 

 

Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town.

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**My thoughts**

This is the fifth book in the Wander Canyon series, but I felt right at home like I was already old friends with the characters in this inspirational small town romance. So if you haven't read the first four books, you'll be absolutely fine. I will admit that now I want to go back and revisit all of those stories, though!

I liked the premise of this one because it was different than most of the small town romances I have been enjoying as of late. Neal has come to town on vacation, but really, he's seeking answers to his past. Tessa, his well-meaning neighbor, ends up involved in his search and ends up finding mysteries in her own past as well. Neither one of them has been looking to pursue any kind of relationship with anyone else, but as they become friends and embark upon their searches, they strike up a close friendship that slowly burns into something a little bit more. Definitely more realistic than those quick-love stories that I so often find.

Watching their relationship build as they work to unravel their pasts made for a great evening read. I enjoyed my trip to this town and will have to go back for more!

Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for my requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a signed True Large Print copy of Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter, a wool shawl hand-knit by the author, and a 3oz bottle of Apple Harvest body lotion (US only)
 

One winner will receive an ebook of Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter (International)
 

Ends March 9, 2022

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