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Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The Chocolatier's Wife & The Chocolatier's Ghost by Cindy Lynn Speer - Book Tour - Interview - Giveaway - Enter Daily!


Hi lovelies! It gives me great pleasure today to host Cindy Lynn Speer and her new books, “The Chocolatier's Wife,” and “The Chocolatier's Ghost”!  For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.

Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card!!  Also, come back daily to interact with Cindy and to increase your chances of winning!

Thanks for stopping by!  Wishing you lots of luck in this fabulous giveaway!

  

The Chocolatier's Wife &
The Chocolatier's Ghost
by Cindy Lynn Speer

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GENRE: Fantasy Mystery

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BLURB:

The Chocolatier's Wife: ROMANCE, MAGIC, MYSTERY.... AND CHOCOLATE

A truly original, spellbinding love story, featuring vivid characters in a highly realistic historical setting.

When Tasmin's bethrothed, William, is accused of murder, she gathers her wind sprites and rushes to his home town to investigate. She doesn't have a shred of doubt about his innocence. But as she settles in his chocolate shop, she finds more in store than she bargained for. Facing suspicious townsfolk, gossiping neighbors, and William's own family, who all resent her kind - the sorcerer folk from the North -- she must also learn to tell friend from foe, and fast. For the real killer is still on the loose - and he is intent on ruining William's family at all cost.

The Chocolatier's Ghost: Married to her soul mate, the chocolatier William, Tasmin should not have to worry about anything at all. But when her happily ever after is interrupted by the disappearance of the town’s wise woman, she rushes in to investigate. Faced with dangers, dead bodies, and more mysterious disappearances, Tasmin and William must act fast to save their town and themselves – especially when Tasmin starts to be haunted by a most unwelcome ghost from her past…literally.

The Chocolatier’s Ghost is an enchanting sequel to Cindy Lynn Speer’s bestselling romantic mystery, The Chocolatier’s Wife.

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EXCERPT ONE:

Chocolatier’s Wife

Time was, in the kingdom of Berengeny, that no one picked their spouses. No one courted—not officially, at any rate—and no one married in a moment’s foolish passion. It was the charge of the town Wise Woman, who would fill her spell bowl with clear, pure water; a little salt; and the essence of roses, and rosemary, and sage. Next, she would prick the finger of the newborn child and let his or her blood drip into the potion. If a face showed in the waters, then it was known that the best possible mate (they never said true love, for that was the stuff of foolish fancy) had been born, and the Wise Woman could then tell where the future spouse lived, and arrangements were made.

For the parents of William of the House of Almsley, this process would turn out to be less than pleasant.

The first year that the baby William’s finger was pricked and nothing showed, the Wise Woman said, “Fear not, a wife is often younger than the husband.”

The second, third, and even fifth year she said much the same.

But you see, since the spell was meant to choose the best match—not the true love—of the heart the blood in the bowl belonged to, this did not mean, as years passed, that the boy was special. It meant that he would be impossible to live with.

On his seventh birthday, it seemed everyone had quite forgotten all about visiting the Wise Woman until William, who knew this of long habit to be a major part of his day--along with cake, a new toy, and a new set of clothes--tugged on his mother’s skirt and asked when they were going. She stared at him a long moment, tea cup in hand, before sighing and calling for the carriage. She didn’t even bother to change into formal clothes this time, and the Wise Woman seemed surprised to see them at all. “Well, we might as well try while you’re here,” she said, her voice obviously doubtful.

William obediently held out the ring finger on his left hand and watched as the blood dripped into the bowl. “She has dark brown eyes,” William observed, “and some hair already.” He shrugged, and looked at the two women. “I suppose she’ll do. I’m just glad ‘tis over, and that I can go on with my life.”

“For you, perhaps,” his mother said, thinking of what she would now have to accomplish.

“Do not fret, mother, I shall write a letter to the little girl. Not that she can read it, anyway.” He petted his mother’s arm. He was a sweet boy, but he was always charging forward, never worrying about feelings.

The Wise Woman rolled out an elegantly painted silk map of the kingdom and all its regions, his mother smoothed the fabric across the table, and then the Wise Woman dipped a brass weight into the bowl. Henriette, William’s mother, placed her hands on William’s shoulders as the Wise Woman held the weight, suspended, over the map.



Henriette held her breath, waiting to see where it would land. Andrew, her younger son, had his intended living just down the street, which was quite convenient. At least they knew what they were getting into immediately.

The plumb-bob made huge circles around the map, spinning and spinning as the Wise Woman recited the words over and over. It stopped, stiffly pointing toward the North.

“Tarnia? Not possible, nor even probable. You must try again!”

For once, William’s mother wasn’t being stubbornly demanding. Tarnia, a place of cruel and wild magic, was the last place from whence one would wish a bride. They did not have Wise Women there, for anyone could perform spells. The Hags of the North ate their dead and sent the harsh winter wind to ravage the crops of the people of the South. Five hundred years ago, the North and the South had fought a bitter war over a cause no one could quite remember, only that it had been a brutal thing, and that many had died, and it led to the South losing most of its magic. Though the war was long over and the two supposedly united again, memory lingered. “I have cast it twice.” The Wise Woman chewed her lower lip, but therewas naught else she could do.

“Not Tarnia, please?” Henriette, usually a rather fierce and cold woman, begged.

“I am afraid so.” The Wise Woman began cleaning up; her shoulders set a little lower. “I am sorry.”

William, staring out the window at the children playing outside, couldn’t care less. What did it matter where anyone was from? She was a baby, and babies didn’t cause that much trouble.

“Only you, William,” his mother said, shaking her head. “Why can you not do anything normal?”

This was to be the tenor of most of their conversations throughout their lives.

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INTERVIEW:

Have you ever had an imaginary friend?
Yes.  Several.  I had a habit (and still do, in a different way) of seeing a character on TV and thinking, wow, they are just so amazing.  And for a time, they would follow me around in my mind, having adventures and being happy.  I was never one of those kids who thought that the friend was manifested outside of my head, but I definitely had conversations with them in my head.  I like to think it got me ready for writing!

Do you have any phobias?
I am super weirdly bad at heights.  I can happily stand and look down over the edge, but ladders are the bane of my existence.

Do you listen to music when you're writing?
I used to?  But I can’t anymore.  I used to be able to listen to classical – as long as there were no words I was OK, but now I would rather sink completely into the world, and any music holds me out of it a little.

Do you ever read your stories out loud?
I do to see if something is wrong…if I keep reading something and think, that LOOKS right but sounds weird in my head, I read it out loud to figure the problem out.  I would like to read my stories out loud for readers, but I have not found or made the opportunity yet.

Tell us about your main character and who inspired him/her.
Tasmin is trained to be a herb mistress.  She’s university trained, and she loves figuring out amulets – she messes around a bit in stone and wood and metal, but mostly her talents lay in herbs.   She has a love for learning, but has known all her life that eventually her future husband (all spouses are chosen by spells) will call for her and she will have to leave her life behind. 
Tasmin was inspired by the idea that I wanted someone who knew herself, who had a life, and who was still willing to go and try and make a new one with William.  He’s written her over the years and she’s fond of him…fond enough that when the chance to throw him over and stay home comes up she can’t take it.  She cares about him and wants to know why he’s accused of murder.

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AUTHOR BIO:


Cindy Lynn Speer has been writing since she was 13.  She has Blue Moon and Unbalanced published by Zumaya.  Her other works, including The Chocolatier’s Wife (recently out in an illustrated hardcover to celebrate its 10th anniversary) and the Chocolatier’s Ghost, as well as the short story anthology Wishes and Sorrows.  When she is not writing she is either practicing historical swordsmanship, sewing, or pretending she can garden.  She also loves road trips and seeing nature.  Her secret side hobby is to write really boring bios about herself.  You can find out more about her at www.cindylynnspeer.com, or look for her on Facebook (Cindy Lynn Speer) and Twitter (cindylynnspeer).

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CONNECT WITH CINDY LYNN:

Website:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Goodreads Author Page:

Goodreads Book Page – The Chocolatier’s Wife:

Goodreads Book Page – The Chocolatier’s Ghost:

Amazon Author Page:

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BOOK BUY LINKS – THE CHOCOLATIER’S WIFE – BOOK ONE:


Amazon Kindle:

Amazon Paperback:

Amazon Hardcover:

Barnes and Noble:

Kobo:

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BOOK BUY LINKS – THE CHOCOLATIER’S GHOST – BOOK TWO:


Amazon Kindle:

Amazon Paperback:

Amazon Hardcover:

Barnes and Noble:

Kobo:

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

Cindy will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.


**This post contains affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase made I may receive a small commission to help support this blog.  This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome giveaways on here.**

This contest is sponsored by a third party. Fabulous and Brunette is a registered host of Goddess Fish Promotions.  Prizes are given away by the sponsors and not Fabulous and Brunette. The featured author and Goddess Fish Promotions are solely responsible for the giveaway prize.

103 comments:

  1. Cindy Lynn ~ It is great to have you here! Congrats on your new book and good luck on the book tour! :)

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    1. Thank you so much! I am very excited. This post isn't wonderful!

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  2. Congrats on the tour and thanks for the chance to win :)

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  3. Do you like to create books for adults?

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    1. I do...I love writing for adults, but I think these are accessible for teens, too. I don't know that I really think about I over much...I guess I feel like I just write for people, in general? Neat question, thank you!

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  4. Thanks for the opportunity to win!~

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  5. The covers are stunning, thanks for sharing them as well as the great post! :)

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  6. What year is the book set in? Patricia wright

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    1. It is set in a fantasy world that is sort of based off of the regency period. :)

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  7. I enjoyed the excerpt, thank you.

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  8. definitely can't wait to read this!

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  9. What was your favorite book as a child? Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie W BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

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    1. Ooh, good question. I was a huge Nancy Drew fan, especially the older ones.

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  10. Thanks for the giveaway; I like the excerpt. :)

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  11. Judging by the excerpt, book sounds very intriguing, looking forward to reading it!

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  12. Just wanted to thank everyone again for visiting this blog post...and to Ally for having me here and creating such a wonderful post!

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  13. Thanks for the excerpt, giveaway and interview. I enjoyed it all!

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  14. Have a fun Thursday and thanks so much for the chance to win.

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  15. Happy Friday! Thanks for all you do and the great giveaway!

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  16. Wishing you a Saturday full of fun and thanking you for the chance at winning.

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  17. Sunday blessing to you and thanks for all you do bringing us these great giveaways.

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  18. Good luck with the releases!

    --Trix

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  19. Have a terrific Monday and thanks once again for the chance at winning.

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  20. Have a Happy Wednesday and enjoy the summer. Thanks for the chance at winning!

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  21. I sure am late tonight but better late than never to thank you again for the opportunity to win. Have a terrific Friday evening!

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  22. Good Morning, Happy Sunday! Enjoy your day and thank you for the chance to win

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  23. Hello! Sure hope you are not tired of hearing from me for my daily entries. I DO appreciate the opportunity you have given us to win Thanks so much!

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  24. Never tired, it's awesome! :)

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  25. What is your favorite book villain of all time? Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie W BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

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  26. Your book sounds really interesting, and I'm loving the idea of your spouse being chosen, not for love. I need to read it, and find out what happens.

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  27. Have a wonderful Sunday and thank you so much for taking the time to bring us this giveaway.

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  28. Running a bit late today but happy once again to have toe chance at winning. Thank you!

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  29. Hello and Happy Friday. I appreciate the opportunity to enter this giveaway and you taking the time to offer it to us. Thanks again!

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  30. What is your favorite short story? Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie W BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

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  31. Enjoy this beautiful Saturday, have fun and thanks once again for the giveaway.

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  32. Enjoy your Sunday and thanks for all the hard work you put into bringing us this giveaway.

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  33. Our weekend went by too quickly. Have a great Monday and thank you once again for the chance at winning.

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  34. Loved the Choclatier's Wife so will buy the Chocolatier's Ghost. Nice to know there's a sequel

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  35. Happy Hump Day! Make it a great one and thank you for the chance at winning.

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  36. It's that day so many of us look forward to. Happy Friday! Thank for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

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  37. Thanks so much for the opportunity you have brought to all of us to win the giveaway.

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  38. Have a wonderful Sunday and thanks for the chance at winning.

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  39. Happy Monday! Have a great day and thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  40. I just love reading excerpts so I can find new books to read. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  41. Have a fun day and thanks again for the giveaway and chance at winning.

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  42. Thanks so much for taking the time to bring us this great giveaway. I know I do appreciate it!

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  43. Good Morning! Enjoy your Friday and thank you once again for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

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  44. Thank you for taking time to offer us a great giveaway to win. You're terrific! Enjoy your Saturday

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  45. Hello, stopping by to thank you for giving me the chance at winning this giveaway. Enjoy your Sunday!

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  46. Here we are, back to another Monday so quickly. Make it a good one and thanks for the chance to win.

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  47. Happy Hump Day! I sure appreciate you offering us such great giveaways to win. Thanks for all you do!

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  48. Another week going by so quickly. Enjoy your day, make it special and thank you for the giveaway.

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  49. TGIF, have yourself an awesome day! Thanks again for the giveaway and opportunity to win it.

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  50. Who is your favorite book villian. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie W BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

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  51. Hello and Happy Saturday. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

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  52. Hello and Happy Monday! Hope it's a great one and thanks for the chance at winning.

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  53. Hope you're having an amazing day and anyone that will be in the track of Hurricane Irma, stay safe. Thanks for the giveaway and chance at winning.

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  54. Hope you have a fun Saturday and anyone in the path of Irma, please be safe. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  55. Monday so soon? Have a good one and let's all continue to pray for all affected by Hurricane Irma. Thank you once again for the opportunity to win.

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  56. Have an awesome Tuesday and thank you for the chance at winning. You're the best!

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  57. Happy Wednesday! Have a terrific day and thanks for the chance at winning.

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  58. Maybe it's just me but this week sure seems to be flying by. Have a fun Thursday and thank you for working so hard to bring us this great giveaway.

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  59. Happy Friday! Let's all have a great day and thanks for being so awesome and offering this giveaway to us.

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  60. It's Saturday! Have fun and enjoy it and thanks for the giveaway.

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  61. Wishing you a wonderful Sunday and hope it's a relaxing one for you as well. Thank you for the chance at winning this giveaway.

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  62. Have yourself a great Monday and start to the week. Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway. I appreciate you!

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  63. Good Morning! Enjoy your Tuesday and I thank you again for the chance at winning.

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  64. Good Wednesday morning! Thank you for the giveaway and chance at winning it.

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  65. Good Morning! Have a fun filled Saturday and thank you for the opportunity to win.

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  66. Wishing you blessed Sunday and thanking you for the hard work you have put into bringing us this giveaway. I do appreciate it!

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  67. Here we are, back to another Monday. Make it a good one and I appreciate all you do to bring us this giveaway.

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  68. I am back again and just to say thank you for the chance to win. I tend to visit daily so hope you don't get tired of hearing from me.

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  69. Hello and thank you again for the chance at winning.

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  70. Good Morning! Hope your day is as awesome as you are and thank you for the giveaway.

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  71. Happy Friday! Enjoy your day and thanks for the giveaway.

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  72. Hope your Saturday is filled with fun, family and terrific memories. Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

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  73. Happy Monday and hope it's a great one for you. Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway.

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  74. I am back here again and want you to know I appreciate the chance at winning.

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  75. What was your favorite book growing up? Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win. Bernie W BWallace1980(at)hotmail(d0t)com

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  76. Hope your day is going great and I am stopping by to say thanks again.

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  77. Hello and Happy Thursday. Thank you for the opportunity at winning once again. I appreciate the chance.

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  78. Happy Saturday! Make it a good one and thanks for the chance at winning.

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  79. Hope your Sunday is relaxing and I thank you for the hard work you put into bringing us such great giveaways.

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  80. It's back....Happy Monday. Make it a good one and thanks again for the chance at winning.

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  81. Hope you have one terrific day. Thank you for all you do and also for this giveaway.

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  82. It's not only Friday but Friday the 13th. Make it a great one and thanks for the giveaway.

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  83. Have a sensational Saturday and thanks for the chance at winning.

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  84. Enjoy this beautiful Sunday and thank you again for the giveaway/

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  85. Not sure how it got to Monday already but make it a good one. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  86. Good Morning! Stopping by to thank all of you awesome bloggers who work so hard to bring us such great giveaways. You are appreciated and I think you.

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  87. Hello and back to say thank you once again for the giveaway.

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  88. I appreciate the chance at winning, thanks so much!

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  89. Happy Friday! Have a great one and thank you for this chance at winning.

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