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Where the Stars Fall

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[WATTPAD EDITION] When the man he'd always considered his second father betrays him, Brian's controlled world spins out of control. Left without closure, a year has passed and he's more determined than ever to make the man pay for hurting the ones he loves most, his family.

​Immersed in his search for justice, falling in love was the last thing on his mind. Until fate steps in and a chance encounter changes everything.

Seeing Olivia again, so unexpectedly, at his best friend's wedding, stirs up memories he had long ago put away. She'd been his first love, his kindred spirit... and the woman who left him without saying so much as goodbye.

Which doesn't make him want her less. He knows it, the moment she locks her deep green eyes on his.

Even knowing it might be too late to repair what's been once broken, Brian refuses to lose her again and sets out to find a way back to her heart. But it's been more than ten years since their story was left unfinished. Will they get one last chance to make things right? Or will Brian learn that sometimes justice comes at too high a price?

***

NOTE TO READERS: A full-length, standalone contemporary romance, Where the Stars Fall was previously published as Falling Home (Book 1 of the Free Falling Duet). This edition has been fully revised with added and edited content.

Cover by Perrin Brunson, @ The Author Buddy

Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2020

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Ana Simons

4 books2 followers

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5 stars
58 (41%)
4 stars
45 (32%)
3 stars
26 (18%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
641 reviews16 followers
Read
June 19, 2018
Can't understand any of these positive reviews. The story is from the Hero's POV only and I've only gotten to 30% or so before I DNF'd .

It's really too bad because this is well written and has a lot of humorous moments - especially with his cute nephew! That kid cracked me up but had to give up because I couldn't take anymore of his douchery...
Profile Image for Rachelle Mills.
Author 11 books872 followers
December 30, 2016
The atmosphere of this story is incredibly detailed to the point you get to see pictures in your head instead of reading words in a book.

I'm a connoisseur of language and she has delivered a masterpiece to be read over and over again.

It's a book you can come back to and never gets old.

Highly recommend reading for all the lovers of romance and language.
May 25, 2018
I'll be honest up front. Romance is not something I usually read. Why? Well, it tends to be stereotype, very often very superficial, soppy - just not my style. When I got a copy of this story for pre-review I wondered whether I would be able to do it justice.
I needn't have worried.
Free Falling is not your average romance story. It goes beyond the boundaries of the genre, exploring and offering a true insight in the complexities of human relationships.
That I DO enjoy.
Add credible, likeable and rounded characters and add amazingly real settings and a properly crafted plot and you get - Free Falling.
Yes, there's HEA. But even that comes with a twist. If you don't read Romance - read this one.
It's worth it.
Profile Image for May Freighter.
Author 23 books219 followers
June 6, 2018
I fell in love with Brian and Olivia. They both have been through a lot in terms of relationships not working out, yet they still managed to rekindle the love they had for one another in the past, though not without some trials.
The author manages to write a very emotional, compelling, and strikingly visual novel where you are put in the shoes of Brian, the architect who works for his father’s firm. His relationship falls through because his girlfriend cheats on him and, when things look bleak, he once again comes in contact with a woman who he couldn’t forget since he was a teenager. I won’t say any more. Definitely a great romance!
Received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 17, 2024
I miss you. More than any words could say. More than I thought I would, ever again.


Where the Stars Fall is a wonderfully written contemporary romance, that takes you on an emotional and heart warming journey. One where Brian and Olivia need to let go of the past in order to allow love into their forever. It's set in England so be prepared for the alternative word use because the author cracked the dialogue and British 'accent'/feel perfectly.


This is an updated and improved version of the story found in Falling Home and is a story of an undeniable love. A tale of not giving up hope. An account of learning to trust that when you fall, the other person will be there to catch you. This was very much a book that brings something new to the table and one that was refreshingly different, but good different.

The main thing that marks this out is that it is written entirely from the hero's POV. I've only read a couple of other contemporary romances that have used this process and one of my dislikes was how arrogant and 'cardboard' the male MC felt. That was so very much NOT my experience with this story. Brian felt so very human in his thoughts, feelings, actions and confusion. There was no arrogance, only a genuinely nice man who was willing to fight for his forever.


Olivia was more difficult to get a feel for, though clever writing allowed me to usually understand her actions and reactions. I have to say that at one point I *almost* wondered why Brian bothered with her. Olivia almost seemed determined to continually sabotage their relationship and run away from him. However this needs to be balance with her just having left a very toxic relationship, and ultimately I did like her. I do think I'd have felt even more sympathy for her if I'd heard her 'voice', but then I equally loved the flow we got from just experiencing Brian's.

I adored the scenes between Brian and Josh (thankfully my kids never seemed to ask such awkward questions), he is one amazing little boy. Then there were the conversations between Brian and his dad - some of those were really tear-jerking! The scene with Emma and the "knockagoggles" made me laugh out loud and the passion between Olivia and Brian was palpable. This is a book that will make you feel so many different emotions.

"Let's just cut the crap, everyone lies. Every day. Thing is, sometimes we lie, not because we're bad people, but because we're trying to prevent a bigger problem, just that. It's always a tough call, but the intention is what really counts."


There are a handful of steamy scenes, though neither too graphic nor crude. Unless you strenuously object to any love scenes in a book then there really isn't anything in this to offend, other than the odd minor swear word. I'd happily recommend it to those that enjoy a captivating and well written contemporary romance. It is a story that draws you in and holds you, that combines simplicity and complexity so that you simply don't want to put the book down.

Brian and Livia's story really is quite wonderful and special.

"Nana told me that when people die, they become stars and watch us from above. We have to find where he is. I need to tell him I can ride my bike on my own already."
"Let's do that."
"What if he already turned into a shooting star? I always wondered where they fall."
"Into our hearts. That's where the stars fall, Josh. And then they rest in there forever."
10 reviews
January 11, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND GRABBED MY HEART, MIND AND TICKLED MY HUMOR FROM THE FIRST TIME I READ THE FIRST FEW CHAPTERS LAST YEAR AND HAVE WAITED IMPATIENTLY FOR THE STORY TO FURTHER COME TO LIFE.

GETTING INSIDE BRIAN AND OLIVIA'S HEADS AND HEARING THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEARS AND JOYS AND TEARS AND LEARNING THE WHY'S AND HOW'S OF THEIR FALLING INTO SUCH A DEEP AWE INSPIRING LOVE WAS VERY PRECIOUS. BRIAN'S OPEN HONESTY WAS WHAT WE ALL FEEL BUT NEVER SAY OUT LOUD. IT WAS REFRESHING AND REAL AND ENDEARING.

I RECEIVED THIS AS AN ARC AND FEEL THANKFUL AND HONORED TO WRITE A REVIEW. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THESE CHARACTERS AND THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE BOOKS EVER AND I WANT MORE OF ANNA SIMMONS IN MY FUTURE.

MICKEYMA
Profile Image for Mary Parks.
61 reviews
May 7, 2018
Brian and Olivia are crazy....and crazy in love! They both think the other is a heartbreaker, and have spent a decade getting over the other....ummm not so much!! Told from Brian's point of view..which I loved..you see this couple fight, fall and figure out they are meant to be...and the misunderstandings!!! Oh man, if they just shut up for a second (Brian) not lied about ANYTHING (Brian) and stopped jumping to conclusions so quickly (Olivia at first, but Brian too) and most importantly learned to TRUST!!!!! They would have found their happily ever after much, much faster....but they were so REAL....I felt like I KNEW this couple, also felt like slapping them both upside their heads for being a bit dense at times! But they made it work!! Loved them both! So much, along with Sue, Mark, Linda, Jimmy and Brian's parents...oh Brian's Dad is a treasure!! Need more of him, Brian could learn a LOT from that man, I hope he does...Jake on the other hand, let's just say, got what he deserved, same as Mary and the old git 😉
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
June 2, 2018
These two are just bat s$$t crazy. He has a past and it continues to bit him in the rear when he is just too nice and makes some questionable choices even knowing it is going to blow up. She has been screwed by men and her inclination since their first go round is to run. Run not talk. Run and assume the worst. Run and leave him behind. No wonder the guy is off his rocker and an emotional basket case. Well things take a turn and they both have to make some changes but nope it aint gonna be easy and quiet not with these two. Their second chance is gonna be wild.

I haven't read this author's work previously and I did enjoy it although as I watched her characters go into a true free falling tailspin over and over it was to the point of getting old. However their story doesn't end here so maybe just maybe I wont be throwing my kindle and doing any other damage with the next book in the series. Now this book did end but the next book does promise to be more of this couple however there was no cliffhanger.
1 review
December 30, 2016
The moment I started reading it I landed myself into the world of what I was reading.
The book captures your mind and heart with its inherently powerful narrative & gripping moments.
A good thing adding to the beauty of the book and doing justice to it all the more is the male protagonist's perspective.
One moment and you realise that it has always been that one person & it will always be him/her.
It offers you unadulterated 'love'.
Amazing book,beautifully written..
Ending with the profound message of 'the magic of love'.
Give it a chance,you will not want to put it down.
Hats Off to you Ana!
Much love! :-)
Profile Image for Ricki Dagosta.
Author 3 books5 followers
June 25, 2018
No surprise here because once again, Ana has written a beautiful story with believable characters. She takes us on Brian and Olivia's journey to rediscover love through Brian's point of view and is able to touch every emotion in such a way that readers feel what the characters are experiencing. To me, that is the proof of a great writer, and Ana is that.

Bravo, you have done it again!

Ricki
Profile Image for Frankie.
431 reviews
June 25, 2018
The only thing I liked is the cute kids with the most funniest of lines. Everything else is pure garbage!
This jerk of a Hero is the only one with a POV and whether he is in a relationship with the heroine or not, he is constantly being turned on by other women - and there were plenty OW drama in this!

I skimmed page after page to see if it would get better but honestly it didn't! This author is now in my avoid forever list....
Profile Image for Charity Chimni.
Author 2 books9 followers
November 14, 2017
Brian and Olivia’s adventure continues. I love that the book is written in Brian’s POV. The story is full of love, passion, drama, realistic situations, and family. I can’t wait for more from these characters. Garth Brooks “Ask me how I know” is a great soundtrack for the story. As soon as I heard the song, I thought of Brian!
Profile Image for Lesa Dunbar.
325 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2018
This book is wonderful. This story is extremely well written and the characters are so realistic that you can see your life or someone you know in each and every page.I can't say enough about this book. You will definitely want to read this.
Profile Image for daniela sofia.
611 reviews119 followers
June 25, 2019
Este livro é a prova viva que ainda existem muitos talentos portugueses por descobrir. Fiquei admirada quando a autora me contactou no Facebook a questionar se eu teria interesse em ler o seu livro e partilhar a minha opinião. Quando fui pesquisar mais sobre o livro fiquei entusiasmada. A sinopse, a capa, tudo. Era o livro que eu procurava ler. Ultimamente tenho andado mais fã dos romances assim a puxar para o picante. Aqueles clichés. Não me recordo da última vez que li um livro como Falling Home e fiquei triste por terminar. Uma leitura que amei da primeira à última página, quis que a leitura durasse a vida toda.

Trata-se de uma autora portuguesa, contudo, ela decidiu publicar as suas histórias em inglês, admito que ela fez bem. Destacar-se em Portugal está cada vez mais complicado, por isso, mais vale procurar outras formas de chegarmos a mais leitores. É uma história incrível com diversos momentos mais engraçados, uma escrita de viciar qualquer pessoa, a leitura fluí que nem uma maravilha e as personagens ficam logo no nosso coração. Dei por mim a acreditar que o Brian e a Olivia realmente existiam, vejo-os como pessoas que encontrei na rua ou conheci. Admiro imenso as descrições da autora, são simples e facilita a leitura, porém, isso basta-nos para imaginar desde cenários a personagens. É um talento dela, cativar o leitor com as personagens, escrita, enredo, tudo!

O facto de sempre ter torcido pelo Brian e a Olivia é óbvio, é o casal sensação. Sempre imaginei que iriam ficar juntos (só podiam, claro!), mas o final conseguiu surpreender-me. Não foi aquele típico romance de felizes para sempre, notámos que ambas as personagens ainda têm muito para crescer, tanto como pessoa, como casal. São personagens, mas muito reais. Uma relação normal no primeiro ano passa por muito, por mais que achemos estar tudo perfeito, ainda há muito para aprender. Olhei para a relação destes dois e vi-os a serem um casal super romântico e atencioso, mas vi-os a crescer juntos. Estou deveras muito ansiosa para ver onde isto irá parar, a história deles não ficou por aqui, sei que a autora ainda tem mais guardo para os leitores.

Trata-se daqueles livros que lemos de uma assentada só. A leitura é realmente muito viciante, é como uma guloseima. Porém, eu demorei imenso tempo para o ler de propósito mesmo. Senti aquela necessidade de prolongar a leitura ao máximo para poder aproveitar cada momento ao lado da Olivia e do Brian. Ri com eles, chorei, vivi o amor. São daqueles casais literários que nos fazem acreditar no amor, acreditar que ainda há esperança. A Ana deu-nos uma história cheia de amor e dedicação. Nem imagino o tempo colocado neste livro para dar a conhecer aos leitores a história de amor do Brian e a Olivia. É uma das autoras que merece mais reconhecimento daquele que tem, infelizmente não está a ter ajudado do seu país, mas acredito que chegará longe.

Resta-me recomendar-vos esta leitura, é um livro que realmente merece estar nas vossas estante. Estou ansiosa para ler o próximo livro. É incrível como um simples livro que me chegou do céu, conseguiu tocar-me tanto. Por favor, procurem saber mais sobre a autora e sobre o livro, se vos surgir a oportunidade de ler a obra, ficar a descobrir a história deste casal, façam-no. Vale a pena apoiar aquilo que é nosso. Apesar do livro ser em inglês, na minha opinião é um inglês muito acessível, portanto, qualquer um consegue ler sem problemas.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
July 17, 2022
💝FREE on Amazon today (7/10/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Does a man ever forget the first girl he truly loved?

I couldn’t get past the anger corroding me inside. Learning my fiancée was having an affair with a family friend, a man I looked up to like a father my entire life, left me broken and bitter. With little to no faith in women and relationships, I was determined to swear off love or any serious entanglements.

At least, that was the plan.

Enter Olivia, the girl who once left me without so much as a goodbye, and I’d soon learn fate always has plans of its own.

Our unexpected re-encounter triggered old feelings and sent my life into a tailspin. Looking into my own vulnerabilities would be just the beginning. Facing the uphill battle to find a way to her heart, which has been broken too many times, is the challenge that follows…

But with more at stake now than we could have ever imagined, will we be able to move beyond our past mistakes and get a second chance at love?
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,067 reviews565 followers
March 14, 2020
Not gonna lie, the story didn’t grab me at first. I wasn’t a huge fan of Brian until I was and then I was glued! I can’t even pin-point the exact moment it happened, but when the story grabbed me, I was so invested I didn’t stop reading for hours!

It’s quite the touching story with just enough conflict to keep it interesting. The secondary characters strengthen the story and added to it’s worth. They enhanced the story and added a flare of humor as well.

All in all I’d say this was a really good second chance to get it right story. Honestly, for me, it would have been phenomenal if I could have been in Olivia’s head as well. There were a few instances that I really wanted to know what was going on in her perspective and I think it would have propelled this story easily to a 5 star read!
Profile Image for Kate Smith.
Author 11 books31 followers
June 4, 2018
I had the great pleasure of reading this novel from an ARC copy.
Another engaging read from Ana. The story keeps you wondering what will happen next, as Brian has a chance meeting with the 'girl who got away', while nursing a broken heart from a recent relationship. This novel is refreshing change, written from the male POV, revealing a whole new side to a romance story.
Recommended for those who love romance with a fresh perspective.
Profile Image for Evelyn.
288 reviews
March 2, 2020
Where the Stars Fall ☆☆☆☆☆
Date started: 28 February 2020
Date finished: 3 March 2020

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

More refined compared to previous edition yet still the same emotional read. I really enjoyed the epilogue. Brian will always have a spot in my heart.

The new cover is amazing and I love the new title.



Free Falling ☆☆☆☆
this is my 2nd book by this author. I like her writting style that keep you curious to find out what is next.

Date started: 21 Jan 2018
Date finished: 31 Jan 2018

Ana shared the ARC for FF with me after I have completed Before Dawn earlier this month so that I can be reintroduced to a new Brian and a revised version of FF. I really enjoyed reading FF again, especially the little wisdom and quotes spread out in the story. I made full use of the highlighter and bookmark function with this story. But I did missed the bra episode in the bathroom though.

*Before Dawn is the prequel novella to Free Falling that's available on her website for subscribers*
Profile Image for Kevina.
78 reviews31 followers
June 9, 2018
*I am voluntary reviewing an ARC of this book*

Free Falling is such a beautiful and realistic novel. Ana's words are enchanting, the characters are lovable and complex. Five stars!


Profile Image for Sara Pereira.
92 reviews
July 5, 2018
A voluntary review of ARC :)

It was my first reading of Ana Simons and I loved it! I cried with Brian and laughed with him. I suffered beside him as well. I love his nephew Josh :) He and Olivia are great together. Brian is a sweet heart and i loved being inside in his head and getting to know him.
A love that never really ceased to exist :)
Ana's writing is captivating. And grabbed me from the start.
It'll not be the last :).
4 reviews13 followers
January 2, 2017
If you are looking for romantic love story with all kind of fun and sarcasm dripping to make you laugh uncontrollably, then you have chosen right book to read. The story was narrated by the main leading character and the author so uniquely wrote it from male P.O.V. It is a book, you not often find enjoying and laughing your head off.

It let you know of the ironic thoughts of men literally, what goes around their mind and it was hilarious without any offense on either opposite gender.While reading this book, you will either roll your eyes or laughing throughout, at their misery and how amazing is that brains' thinking process in certain situations.

This book worth your time as the writer so skillfully and amicably represented the characters, that you will fell in love with the main leads. Aside being hilarious and sarcastic, it is a story of two lovers with deep emotions and family bonds in background, tantalizing the readers.
Profile Image for Jessie.
5 reviews
December 30, 2016
This was an emotional heart wrenching journey we are taken on, filled with passion and all of the beautiful emotions that the author manages to catch and paint with her words.
I have to say that I was hesitant about reading a book from a male pov but it definitely exceeded all of my expectations. Brian is a very complex character, and the way he is explained and described is simply brilliant.
There was times when this book made me cry, times where it made me laugh, as well as times it made me extremely irritated by how Brian acts.
This book was an intense free fall of emotions - pun intended ;) and to put in simply a beautifully written book, that you will regret not picking up to read.

MUST READ, you'll regret it if you don't...
764 reviews10 followers
September 10, 2018
Emotionally charged

I loved this story so much, I'm not even sure where to begin with this review. Brian and Olivia are reunited after many years apart. The second chance they are given is full of heartache, angst and emotion. Few spots through the story I was laughing out loud, others I was fighting tears. Basically you get all the feels in their story. Beautiful story, fantastic characters, and phenomenal writing.
Profile Image for Katrina R Taylor.
Author 11 books47 followers
March 21, 2017
i think the book really helped you understand what happens in different relationships from the ones we read.
Profile Image for Christina  Thomas.
242 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2020
This was the Firs book I've read by this author and it was a really good. I look forward t reading more books by this author. Definitely worth a read
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews12 followers
July 2, 2018
This is the first time I read this author's work so I wasn't sure what to expect. What I got was a well written book with a storyline that intrigued me, touched my heart, and irritated the hell out of me, made me laugh out loud and cheer for the lead couple to make it!

Told in Brian's voice, this story takes you on his journey after finding out his fiancee was cheating on him with the man he looked up to as a father figure. He was broken (to say the least), angry, bitter and decided that he would never trust women or love again. His relationships from here on out were going to be strictly the "hit it and quit it" types. He had what seemed like a different woman each chapter of the book; until Olivia unexpectedly re-enters his life, really turning his life on its axis and having him spinning out of control as he tries to find a way back to her heart. Despite it being a heart that has been broken many times before, he accepts the challenge and begins doing what he can to win that heart. The road is a difficult one to say the least.

This is a wonderful read and I quite enjoyed it. Well written and well developed characters, both broken in their own ways, both having made mistakes in their lives. It is a wonderful second chance at love read!




Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
March 14, 2020
I've been conflicted for several days about how to do the review, as there were so many good things about this story, and yet, the hero was a douche that I never came to even like. He's that type of douche who moans about losing his person, but still is sleeping around, even when the heroine comes across his path again. See, he wants her but also wants all the women his eyes lands on even with Olivia (heroine) came across his path again & again, and I was truly grossed out completely by his actions & inner monologue. Then on the flip side, despite his utter lack of anything good, I couldn't put it down, because I had to know how the author fixed things, though I'm still at the point to where I wished Olivia had just moved on. Brian, the hero, was everything I despise in a man, which keeps me single since I don't want anything to do with men like him, and there are so many out there these days. Olivia was one of the big reasons for the 4 stars (though she tended to be a flight risk which I totally understood to be honest), however, the truly big reason for the rating were the secondaries who really stole the show for me, and kept me laughing throughout. Anyway, please remember that this is just my opinion, and it could change in the next book, so just decide for yourselves by hitting that one click button!
Profile Image for Hendrik.
95 reviews6 followers
February 25, 2020
I felt part of Where the Stars Fall. It is well written, with so much feeling and emotion.

Brian Anderson was betrayed and he is determined to bring that person down. He will do anything to protect his family and the people he loves.

Brian spots someone, which looks a lot like Olivia, at one of his friend’s weddings. He couldn’t believe it. It’s been more than 10 years and there she was standing right in front of him. They used to be a couple and things didn’t work out.

Both, Brian and Olivia, has a history with past relationships not working out. Lies and secrets can be the final end of their relationship. They need to learn to trust each other to make this relationship work.

Will they allow history to repeat?

Are they strong enough to patch things up again?

The epilogue was an excellent conclusion for Where the Stars Fall.

It is a MUST READ. The title of the book has more meaning than you think. Absolutely didn’t expect that.

Official Release date: 9 March 2020

PreOrder Now!!! You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
February 11, 2020
Lies, cheating, abuse, revenge all emotions that have the power to destroy. Power that is not discerning no matter what the circumstances. The need for revenge along with other questionable choices and reactions may end up being his downfall. She runs. Instead of talking, questioning, even thinking is sometimes too much, she runs. This author throws a lot of obstacles in their path as life comes at them from all sides. There's plenty of steam between these two and life takes them on paths that bring them back to each other and a chance to be more.

This is a new version of the original story and this time the author has brought it all together in one book. The characters are passionate and emotional and their story isn't easy. He's fighting for a love that he lost but won't let go of and she fears confrontation. It's a battle of wills and circumstances all that bring them full circle.
Profile Image for Shermaine Dowling.
244 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2018
I am shocked the author is a woman!!

Through the majority of this 2nd time around love story, I was thoroughly convinced the author had to be male. There was so much thought-provoking introspection by the male character, Brian Anderson, that I felt a woman surely couldn't get into a man's mind like this. Successful architect, Brian had pondered for many years how the true and only love of his life, on the cusp of their burgeoning beginning, could just disappear from his life. Now, many years later, Olvia Burke walks back into his life and turns it upside down. Told entirely from Brian's perspective, we see that life truly has him free falling. He has a hilariously precocious nephew, Josh, who asks the most amazing things and takes it all in stride. But the couple eventually get to giving their love a go, with a few hiccups and bumps. Not quite a HEA, since it all continues in a second book. I plan to purchase that book because I love reading this whole relationship from Brian's perspective.
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