"Hannah Swensen" and "County Rescue" Are Back with a Fresh Batch of Mystery and Medical Drama

( click here to enlarge image )

Happy mid-May weekend, everyone! Check out what's on the menu this weekend!

The Hallmark Channel is serving up an all-new helping of suspense with Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, where Hannah is once again mixing together her baked desserts and small-town sleuthing!

Meanwhile, over on Great American Family, the medical drama County Rescue returns with its Season Three premiere. Filled with faith, courage, and heartfelt moments, the series continues to follow dedicated first responders as they face personal challenges and their calling to serve others.

🚨Note: I watched the first episode of County Rescue early on Great American Pure Flix, and just wanted to share that due to the intensity of some medical issues and life-saving emergencies, County Rescue is (in my opinion) best suited for mature preteen age and up. This premiere episode is 1 hour and 30 minutes long (with commercials). It's intense and emotional, but also inspiring to see how these close friends, even when times are tough, care for and lean on each other.

See more details for County Rescue and the new Hannah Swensen Mystery below...


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Saturday, May 16, 2026:

Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Storyline: When a suspect in a forgery case is murdered, and the prosecutor goes missing, Hannah and Chad must uncover how the two cases are connected and solve them in time for the trial.

Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Premieres Saturday, May 16, 2026

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

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Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026:

Alison Sweeney's

Classic Mystery Movie Marathon

Note: While the new Hannah Swensen premiere airs on the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery will air a marathon of Alison Sweeney's Chronicle Mysteries with Benjamin Ayres on Saturday and Murder, She Baked with Cameron Mathison on Sunday!

Hallmark Mystery - Saturday:

Chronicle Mysteries: Recovered - 10am
Chronicle Mysteries: The Wrong Man - 12pm
Chronicle Mysteries: Vines that Bind - 2pm
Chronicle Mysteries: The Deep End - 4pm
Chronicle Mysteries: Helped to Death - 6pm

Hallmark Mystery - Sunday:

Murder, She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery - 10am
Murder, She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery - 12pm
Murder, She Baked: A Peach Cobbler Mystery - 2pm
Murder, She Baked: A Deadly Recipe - 4pm
Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts - 8pm



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Sunday, May 17, 2026:

County Rescue

Season 3 - Episode 1

Episode 1 - Leave the Light On: When tragedy hits the station, the County Rescue team must lean on each other to survive loss, rebuild resilience, and keep their faith.

County Rescue

Season 3 - Episode 1

Premieres Sunday, May 17, 2026

at 8pm/7c on Great American Family

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Sunday, May 17, 2026:

Rededicate 250:

A National Jubilee Of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving

(image via: https://freedom250.org)

Freedom 250 Invites All Americans to Come Together in Prayer and Worship Ahead of the Nation’s 250th Birthday.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the National Mall will be the scene of a historic gathering as Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation’s 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God. From morning fellowship in front of the U.S. Capitol to an evening filled with music anchored at the main stage on 12th Street, Rededicate 250 will be rooted in giving thanks for God’s presence in our national life throughout 250 years of American history and asking for his guidance for the next 250. (details via https://freedom250.org)

The program is expected to run from 10:30am to 6pm EST.

Among all of the many religious and political speakers, guests, and voices from entertainment, be sure to look for Two-time Tony Award Nominee, Actress, and Singer Laura Osnes, who will be performing along with the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard.

Various news channels will air this live, and it will also be available via livestream on Real America's Voice, CSPAN, TBN+, CBN, etc...

And more patriotic news for Laura Osnes! In case you missed it, she recently sang The National Anthem in support of Great American Media's newest initiative, "America Sings the Anthem." I've included Laura's beautiful rendition of our beloved anthem below.



In addition to these patriotic performances, be sure to look for Laura Osnes next weekend at the National Memorial Day Concert, airing on PBS - Sunday, May 24th. I'll have more details next week - so stay tuned!


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Happy watching this weekend!

Whether you're sleuthing alongside Alison Sweeney or catching the new season of County Rescue, there’s something intriguing to watch!

If you'd like to share a review for any of the new programming this weekend or any previous weekend, please feel free to share in the comments below.

Blessings to You All!

Net

☀️ SHINING HIS LIGHT: ☀️

'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

~Matthew 25: 35-40

🌹 Hallmark Channel May 2026 Movie Premieres 🌹 See Here:

Enjoy new rom-com movie premieres and new mysteries this May on the Hallmark Channel under the theme May for Moms. 

New movies included this May are Kentucky Roses with Andrew Walker and Odette Annable, a new Hannah Swensen Mystery starring Alison Sweeney and Victor Webster, and more!

See details below...

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Kentucky Roses

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

Starring: Odette Annable and Andrew Walker

Storyline: A greenhouse worker and the son of Churchill Downs' CEO form an unlikely pair, coming together to save the Kentucky Derby rose blanket and uncovering a generational love story along the way.

Movie Reviews:

🌹 Kentucky Roses is definitely 1 of Hallmark's best non Christmas movies of this year! –Maria

🌹 Loved Kentucky Roses. ~dstoutholcomb

🌹 Kentucky Roses was fantastic! Finally a new movie I will watch over and over! Andrew Walker...well...he's Andrew Walker. Has he ever had a bad performance or lack of chemistry with his costars? If so that would be rare even if the story line wasn't the best. That's not the case with this movie. Story was great and different and the chemistry was definitely there! Odette Annable was a pure delight and I hope we will see her in many more movies. Family friendly by the way too! It's a must watch! ~Joyce in Carolina

🌹 Kentucky Roses was really cute! Andrew is one of my fave Hallmark men so I love anything he’s in. I think he had great chemistry with Odette and I loved seeing all the flowers, attire and horse racing. I also enjoyed the flashbacks of the previous love story. I will say for those watching with family/younger kids- Hallmark is getting more sensual in their kissing scenes. This one really zoomed in on the kissing scenes, showed a lot more than older movies I’m noticing lately. Just an observation. ~Paula

🌹 Kentucky Roses was just ok for me. Andrew Walker had a southern accent the 1st 10 mins of the movie, then tried to add it in, then by end it was completely gone.

I was lost in many parts, like how Sadie got a job with Andrew's mom and had to have it in 2 days, not sure how anyone thought that would go. And the whole scene with her at a market asking if anyone had roses was plain dumb. Not even sure how she saved the day, I guess those "wild flowers" did it. Flowers I am sure Andrew's mom knew they had. I do not understand.

I liked the actress and Andrew and thought they had chemistry, I kind of liked the back story, of course another grandma didn't marry love interests grandpa. So Gigi never told anyone and just kept necklace and then died never telling? Maybe I missed that part, cause it got very slow in the middle.

I mean Sadie has 2 days to do flowers for a new job, and 2 other jobs, and she is hanging with Andrew walker and they are dancing. Not sure how she got it all done.

And of course, the 17th or whatever place never wins, and surprise, it did. I mean didn't see that coming.

I wish I was a bigger fan of the derby, but its never been my thing nor all the crazy hats and all the "famous" people that have to be there and pictured in hats, like Travis Kelce years ago in his bucket hat. The flowers are pretty and all, but it seems to me in the last few years its been a bunch of people having to be pictured there in hats.

I did see Danica there and she looked pretty. The movie was just ok for me, not spectacular and I guess just magically now she is a florist and not a greenhouse girl. I know there is a difference, I just feel they tried to make that into a big deal when if you want to be a florist, be a florist. Its not like a doctor or anything. ~Sabrina

🌹 Kentucky Roses - My husband and I finally got around to watching "Kentucky Roses" yesterday. We have been on vacation. Yes, we actually went out of town, over Derby weekend! LOL! Anyway, it honestly hurts me to write this, because I adore Andrew and we were so excited about this movie, for numerous reasons, but the film did not live up to our expectations. Andrew has been very vocal about how much he enjoyed making the film as has Odette. They were both in attendance at the Oaks and Derby. He has really been promoting the movie and has nothing but admiration for my hometown.

So, I feel guilty about my feelings toward the film. To us, it was just okay. We liked it, for the most part, but we did not love it. It was definitely a one-time watch. I don't know. I can't put my finger on it but something was lacking. I did not think the two leads had romantic chemistry. I could tell they had a good time together but again, I was expecting more.~Joan

🌹 Kentucky Roses – The opening of this movie immediately swept me away with its beautiful, nostalgic pictures and videos of various Kentucky Derby races through the years. As someone who has always adored the charm and beauty of Kentucky, it was such a treat to see Churchill Downs take center stage in this movie. The scenery, traditions, and Derby spirit gave the movie such a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Andrew Walker was wonderful as Ash Taylor. I especially enjoyed watching his emotional journey with his father, the CEO of Churchill Downs, whose personality is larger-than-life. After a storm damages one of the legendary spires, Ash takes on the challenging task of restoring it, and through that challenge, we slowly see the relationship between father and son begin to heal and grow stronger, with a little loving encouragement from Ash’s mother along the way. Those family moments added a heartfelt depth to the story.

And speaking of lovely… Odette Annable was charming in her first Hallmark movie as Sadie. She brought such warmth and grace to the role, and I especially adored the stunning dress and headpiece she wore in the final Derby scene - simply beautiful!

As for Sadie’s dream of becoming a florist, I kept wondering why she couldn’t continue helping at her mother’s greenhouse while also pursuing floral design. We have a greenhouse nearby us that offers both services, so it is certainly possible!

As for the romance, Ash and Sadie were sweet together, but for me personally, the chemistry never quite reached that magical, butterflies level I always hope for in a Hallmark romance. There was also a secondary historical love story woven throughout the movie that I found fascinating, though it was bittersweet by the end.

Overall, Kentucky Roses is wholesome, family-friendly, and a lovely tribute to the beauty, tradition, and heart of Kentucky and the Derby. While it may not rank among my personal favorite romances, I still enjoyed spending time in this charming Kentucky setting. ~Net

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All’s Fair in Love & Mahjong

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Starring: Fiona Gubelmann and Paul Campbell, along with actresses Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe, Melissa Peterman, and Tamera Mowry-Housley

Storyline: A school nurse turns her love of the game Mahjong into a new path, inspired by a jovial contractor fixing up her home, who encourages her to take a chance on the future.

Movie Reviews:

🌹 All's Fair in Love and Mahjong has too much talk about divorce. (and ironicly is also family friendly) –Maria

🌹 "All's Fair in Love and Mahjong" - I have to admit, this little movie surprised me. I adored the friendship, between the four women, so much. Their relationship felt lived-in and authentic. I thought Fiona and Paul had really nice chemistry. I didn't learn much about Mahjong but we did enjoy the movie. ~Joan

🌹 I really enjoyed the Mahjong movie! If they hadn’t mentioned the name so much I would not have known what kind of game it was. As Joan mentioned, I didn’t learn anything about it- at a glance I may have just thought it was scrabble. I didn’t have any issue with the storyline, I’m not going to get riled up and boycott a Hallmark movie unless it directly goes against my beliefs- like gay marriage or something.

One thing I did find unrealistic though was them cutting/not having a need for her as a Registered Nurse and her struggling to find employment. Like really, in today’s world? I worked in healthcare for about 10 years before I became a stay at home mom and we were always struggling to staff our patient care staff, so much so that we had to get travel nurses from other states, so that made me laugh 😂 Maybe they could have made her an art or music teacher, something believable that would get cut after budget reviews.

I enjoyed the friendship between the ladies, as well as the budding relationship between Fiona and Paul, it felt very natural. And that gift he gave her at the end was just so sweet- would love to do something like that with our corner in our hallway where we did that with our kids’ measurements. Overall, I think it was a good one time watch. ~Paula

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Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Starring: Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, Barbara Niven

Storyline: When a suspect in a forgery case is murdered, and the prosecutor goes missing, Hannah and Chad must uncover how the two cases are connected and solve them in time for the trial.

Movie Reviews:

🔎The new Hannah Swensen movie was great. I liked getting to see more of Chad working as a prosecuting attorney, it added something different to the story. The mystery was good, and there are some fun moments, too. ~Allie B

🔎Hannah Swensen - I was able to watch the new Hannah Swenson mystery: this one was so good!

While I really miss Norman, I’m happy at least that Chad is showing his true feelings for Hannah. He was so visibly annoyed by her for so long, it was kind of hard to watch their interactions. The mystery itself was great, I enjoyed the missing person and murder, it was like having to solve 2 at the same time. The scene at the end where Hannah finally realizes why Chad never eats her baked goods was so sweet/sad at the same time, made me tear up for him. Now Iv been feeling this way and this movie finally made it clear- I think the sister Michelle needs to go, she’s just kind of boring to me. She didn’t even really assist Hannah in anything this movie, she was kind of just there. I would much rather see Hannah’s employee Lisa join in more- like going on stakeouts & sleuthing. I think that Hannah, Delores & Lisa would make a great trio. ~Paula

🔎Hannah Swensen – This was another great Hannah mystery movie. It stills surprises me, though, that Hannah’s mom, Delores, is super excited about solving mysteries when she used to be completely turned off by the idea. But I must admit, I love her being involved. She always adds a bit of fun and excitement to finding clues.

There’s no Norman or Andrea in this movie or mention of either. Hannah’s sister, Michelle, is in this movie a bit more and I think they tried to make her character more quirky and upbeat in this movie than in others. She is nice and all, but I still feel a little odd about her being Hannah’s sister when we knew nothing about her in the original movies.

Hannah and Chad are sweet together and you can definitely feel their chemistry. I agree with Paula… it was nice and bittersweet to finally learn why Chad doesn’t want to eat Hannah’s desserts.

The reveal in the end of who-dun-it is a little more low-key and less suspenseful than most mysteries, but it’s still intriguing to unravel the clues along the way. I can’t say this was my favorite movie of the Hannah franchise, but it was still a wholesome mystery for age 12+, and I’m hoping there will be more to come! ~Net

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True Justice: Eye for An Eye

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Starring: Katherine McNamara, Markian Tarasiuk, Nikki DeLoach, and Benjamin Ayres

Storyline: Our Warriors work to exonerate a mother wrongly accused of murdering another mother in the Parent School Coalition.

Movie Review:

🔎 True Justice – This one is fast-paced and fun, at times. You have to pay attention closely, because there are lots of names/suspects mentioned, so you have to stay on your game. It was cute that they called themselves the Justice Warriors. That kind of reminded me of Signed, Sealed, Delivered – and the way they call themselves The Postables. Plus, another similarity to SSD… it looks like our 4 Justice Warriors may be pairing up as couples. It was cute to see that they had interest in one another. That added some lightheartedness to the story. (Although, I must admit, sometimes it felt a little middle-school-ish the way they kept asking – do you like so&so? It was cute and playful, but at times came across slightly immature.)

Also, I didn’t care for a line from Sarah, the dark-haired forensic specialist, who at one point, as she’s attempting a critical test, says, “pray to whoever you pray to.” Personally, that wording felt unnecessary and very distracting. I think a simple “pray this works” would have sufficed. Aside from that moment, and the murder mystery, the film remains fairly family-friendly and is probably best suited for viewers ages 12 and up.

It was great to see Nikki DeLoach and Benjamin Ayres in this again, but I was hoping to see a bit more of them. While I understand they are not the primary focus of the mystery, their scenes added a wonderful spark, and I found myself wishing for a few more moments with them onscreen.

Near the end, the Justice Warriors also break the fourth wall and directly address the TV audience, revealing clues that lead to who-dun-it. I know some people like that and some people don’t. It was actually kinda fun, but as I mentioned before, it’s extremely fast-paced so you have to pay very close attention. This mystery is a one-time watch for me. ~Net

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Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Key to the Castle

Premiere Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Risteard Cooper, Marco Grazzini

Storyline: When a ghost hunter show comes to town, it's up to Gethsemane and Eamon to solve the unexpected murder of the host, allowing the brand-new spirit to cross-over.

*Please note: this is not a movie I will be promoting - due to the ghosts in the story.

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Please share which movies appeal to you this upcoming May in comments below.

I'm really looking forward to the Kentucky Roses movie... I'm so glad they were able to film at Churchill Downs and all the promos for it look so lovely.

Happy movie-watching!

Net

🔎 Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven Reveal "Hannah Swensen Mystery" News

Great news, Sleuthers! The cast of "Hannah Swensen Mystery" has shared some deliciously exciting news!

In case you missed it, I've got the scoop here for you! In a special video announcement, Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, and Barbara Niven happily reveal they’ve officially wrapped filming the next installment of this fan-favorite mystery series, and they shared that it’s set to premiere later this year!

But first… we can sharpen our sleuthing skills this Saturday with the premiere of "Sugar & Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery"!

The brand-new mystery they’ve just filmed is currently titled "Kitchen Expert: A Hannah Swensen Mystery," which sounds like another recipe for secrets and suspense!

Looking forward to more details! Until then, here's the reveal directly from Alison, Victor, and Barbara...


Announcement via Alison Sweeney Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ali Sweeney (@alisweeney)

Stay tuned for more Sleuthing!

Net🔎

🔎 VOTE for YOUR FAVORITE MYSTERY TV MOVIES in the *IT'S A WONDERFUL MOVIE* AWARDS! 🌟

*It's a Wonderful Movie*

is honoring MYSTERY TV Movies from 2024

with the Annual TV Movie Awards!

This is Poll #2! Please see the complete list of Nominees for MYSTERY TV Movies, pictured and listed in alphabetical order below, with their movie posters. Choose which ones were your favorites and then, please VOTE by taking the POLL below.

Be sure to click the word VOTE - after you have checked ALL of Your Movie Favorites. (This poll is one voting process per person.)

Note: This is the first year I've included Christmas-themed mystery movies into this category. Since there were several excellent mysteries during the 2024 holiday season, I simply had to include them!

HAPPY VOTING!

( scroll down below images to vote... )

PollMaker

🌟 THANK YOU FOR VOTING! 🌟

This poll began on Monday, June 16th, and ends on Monday, June 30th.

Stay tuned for the next poll - Faith and Inspirational Movies!

Blessings on your day! Net

🌟🔎 Vote For Your Favorite Mystery Movie In The It's A Wonderful Movie Awards 🔎🌟 👉👉 SEE HERE:

Today, we are voting on our favorite Mystery Movies from 2023! This list of nominees is much shorter than the previous Rom-Com Movie Poll because we had fewer options in this genre last year.

The nominees for Mystery TV Movies from 2023 are pictured above and listed in alphabetical order below. Choose which of these films are your favorites, and then please vote by taking the poll below!

Be sure to click the word VOTE after you have checked ALL of your movie favorites! Please know that you can vote for as many movies as you like, but this is set up to be ONE voting process per person!

HAPPY VOTING!

Poll Maker

🌟 THANK YOU FOR VOTING! 🌟

I'm grateful for your participation. Please feel free to share this poll with family and friends on social media. Voting for this poll will end on Wednesday, July 3rd.

*Share this link: https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2024/06/vote-for-your-favorite-mystery-movie.html

Nominees are chosen based on various factors, including family-friendliness, ratings, and movie reviews.

Two additional movie polls will continue after this one is completed- Faith/Inspirational and Christmas! Stay tuned! (I'll be taking a little break for the 4th of July holiday, so expect the next poll to be on July 10th.)

Blessings to you all, 

Net

🔎 It's Official, Sleuthers! Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Is Now Hallmark Mystery 🔎 Get The Scoop Here:

Whodunit?

It's NO Mystery.

Another Channel 

is changing its name 

at Hallmark!

First, Hallmark Drama became Hallmark Family on February 28th, and now, as of today, March 6, 2024, another end of an era has come as Hallmark Movies & Mysteries is rebranded to Hallmark Mystery!

If you turn to the channel, you will now see the Hallmark Mystery logo, which has replaced Hallmark Movies & Mysteries in the lower right-side corner of the screen.

You can see the difference in these two images...

See the new promo video for Hallmark Mystery...

With the channel newly branded Hallmark Mystery, it's obvious the focus for the network will definitely be back on the mystery genre. So, what does this mean for the drama-style movies that once aired on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries? That question is unanswered for now, but it does seem like Hallmark may be testing the waters during these three weeks in March, while airing their former HMM premieres on the Hallmark Channel in the coveted Saturday night primetime slot. Perhaps, these types of movies will air in the future now on the Hallmark Channel instead. I recall many of us saying in January that the movie A Scottish Love Scheme felt more like a HMM drama, than the typical, lighthearted, Hallmark Channel rom-com.

And the most important question... will *Miracles of Christmas* return? YES! Hallmark has confirmed to fans on social media that Christmas movies will return, beginning in October, on Hallmark Mystery. However, with the premiere of Mystery on Mistletoe Lane last year, it does make one wonder if they may create new Christmas movies for the network centered around a mystery element, instead of the emotional drama *Miracles of Christmas* is known for.

In fact, my hunch has just been confirmed, as I read this statement from Hallmark on Facebook:

Hallmark Mystery will remain the home of the Miracles of Christmas holiday programming franchise. Our holiday movies on the network will remain focused on our traditional, fan-favorite holiday far, and will likely begin to include more holiday films with mystery twists, like last season’s “Mystery on Mistletoe Lane.”

Fans have been asking the network repeatedly to create more of the mysteries they love, so this is their answer to those requests. While there is no news, unfortunately, on the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series and Mystery 101 is still canceled, we do know Hannah Swensen will return (albeit without Cameron Mathison 😦), and we'll see more of Curious Caterer, The Cases of Mystery Lane, The Jane Mysteries, Young Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, and so on... Plus, all of you sleuthers probably noticed that The Dancing Detective, starring Lacey Chabert and Will Kemp, is also prominantly shown in the new Hallmark Mystery promo!

Of course, the Young Aurora Teagarden Mystery movies continue without Candace Cameron Bure, but not to fret... Candace will be starring in her own new mystery franchise on Great American Family titled: The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries! Plus, Great American Family recently reported that the network will be announcing even more Mystery series soon!

So, I have a hunch that between the two networks airing new mysteries and classics, like Murder, She Wrote, there will be plenty of mysteries to solve!

Happy Sleuthing!

Net🔎

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