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Pictures of the Heart #2
Finding Us
While taking photographs at an exposition in Seattle in 1909, Camera Girl Eleanor Bennet snaps an image of a woman in widow's clothes with deep sorrow etched in her expression and a young infant in her arms.
Eleanor longs to study botany at the University of Washington and soon becomes fast friends with botanist Bill Reed, but she can't stop thinking about the widow in the photograph. She is stunned to learn Bill recognizes the woman as the sister-in-law he believed lost in a shipwreck.
As Eleanor and Bill hunt for Amelia Reed to reunite her with Bill's grief-stricken brother, they must stand together to face the danger that follows and learn to trust that God will direct their paths.
Bestselling author Tracie Peterson takes readers on a touching journey of faith, trust, and hope in this dramatic historical romance.
Eleanor longs to study botany at the University of Washington and soon becomes fast friends with botanist Bill Reed, but she can't stop thinking about the widow in the photograph. She is stunned to learn Bill recognizes the woman as the sister-in-law he believed lost in a shipwreck.
As Eleanor and Bill hunt for Amelia Reed to reunite her with Bill's grief-stricken brother, they must stand together to face the danger that follows and learn to trust that God will direct their paths.
Bestselling author Tracie Peterson takes readers on a touching journey of faith, trust, and hope in this dramatic historical romance.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2023
115 people are currently reading
3671 people want to read
About the author
Tracie Peterson
249 books3,116 followersTracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.
pen name: Janelle Jamison
pen name: Janelle Jamison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 18, 2023
My favorite series of Tracie Petersons to date!
I can't get enough of these "Brownie Girls" and their stories. Each book is centered around one of the camera girls during the Seattle Washington Expo. The mixture of suspense and romance is just a perfect mix. If I didn't have other things going on (like sleep), I would have wanted to finish this book in one sitting 😂.
A missing wife, mysterious widows, love at first sight and Tracie Peterson's knack for writing bad guys. You can't ask for more.
*thank you to Baker Publishing and Bethany House for a copy of this book to read and review.
I can't get enough of these "Brownie Girls" and their stories. Each book is centered around one of the camera girls during the Seattle Washington Expo. The mixture of suspense and romance is just a perfect mix. If I didn't have other things going on (like sleep), I would have wanted to finish this book in one sitting 😂.
A missing wife, mysterious widows, love at first sight and Tracie Peterson's knack for writing bad guys. You can't ask for more.
*thank you to Baker Publishing and Bethany House for a copy of this book to read and review.
September 22, 2023
1909 Seattle, Washington
Good novel! In this second of the series, Camera Girl Eleanor loves her job at the exposition taking photos of visitors. She's most at home outdoors. She's a great character. I didn't love her roommate Rosemary, but the roommate is a secondary character.
The more compelling part of the novel was brothers Bill and Wallace. They were in a shipwreck during the journey from Alaska to Seattle. Some twists in their story line.
I look forward to the next in the series.
Good novel! In this second of the series, Camera Girl Eleanor loves her job at the exposition taking photos of visitors. She's most at home outdoors. She's a great character. I didn't love her roommate Rosemary, but the roommate is a secondary character.
The more compelling part of the novel was brothers Bill and Wallace. They were in a shipwreck during the journey from Alaska to Seattle. Some twists in their story line.
I look forward to the next in the series.
September 22, 2023
Okay I'm just going to say right off that bat that I just don't like books where it's "love at first sight" and they are ready to get married in 2 weeks or less. I almost didn't finish this book because BOTH characters were so...fluffy. they were just fluffy characters without any intensity. Practically flawless. They just seemed fake. Everything worked out too perfectly every single time.
I enjoyed book #1. I did NOT enjoy this one as much. Will I read book #3? Yes. But I hope the characters are bit more...realistic.
3 stars. Pretty low for a Tracie Peterson, but I know that it happens sometimes when books just don't gel with you as much.
I enjoyed book #1. I did NOT enjoy this one as much. Will I read book #3? Yes. But I hope the characters are bit more...realistic.
3 stars. Pretty low for a Tracie Peterson, but I know that it happens sometimes when books just don't gel with you as much.
July 6, 2023
Bill Reed and his brother, Wallace are returning to Seattle from Alaska as Wallace's wife is due to have their baby any day. As the ship starts to go down in the midst of a heavy storm, Amelia is separated from her husband and brother in law; and when she lands in Seattle, she is told they have both perished. In turn, the brothers on a separate ship are also told Amelia has perished along with the baby. In turn, Bill, a botanist, gets a job in the Alaska booth at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition where he meets Eleanor Bennet, a camera girl, who is a budding botantist. Who from their past hates them so much that they would pass on lies and can Bill and Eleanor discover the truth?
Tracie Peterson never disappoints, and this second book in her Pictures of the Heart series pulls in her love of Alaska, her extensive research on the AYP Exposition, and her amazing plot lines. The developing relationship between Bill and Eleanor with their common interest was sweet to watch. Bill's attention to his brother Wallace as he mourns the loss of his wife and child continually undergirding Wallace's lost faith was a wonderful thread. Amelia's strength in persisting to take care of herself and little Will against the constant push of the villain of the story showed what a smart woman she was. Overall, another great read from Tracie Peterson.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Tracie Peterson never disappoints, and this second book in her Pictures of the Heart series pulls in her love of Alaska, her extensive research on the AYP Exposition, and her amazing plot lines. The developing relationship between Bill and Eleanor with their common interest was sweet to watch. Bill's attention to his brother Wallace as he mourns the loss of his wife and child continually undergirding Wallace's lost faith was a wonderful thread. Amelia's strength in persisting to take care of herself and little Will against the constant push of the villain of the story showed what a smart woman she was. Overall, another great read from Tracie Peterson.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
August 4, 2023
This series unfortunately isn't the one for me! _Finding Us_, book 2 in the "Pictures of the Heart" series, suffers from two of the same troubles I experienced in book 1, Remember Me: overtelling/writing and passive voice. I tried to keep with it, as the plot was actually quite interesting--but gave up at about 60% as I was unfortunately dreading picking it up again every time.
I'm tempted to revisit other Peterson books I know I enjoyed, just to see if the writing style has changed or if it's my own tastes--but for now, this book/series and I must part ways.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I'm tempted to revisit other Peterson books I know I enjoyed, just to see if the writing style has changed or if it's my own tastes--but for now, this book/series and I must part ways.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2023
Seattle, Washington
1909
Taking pictures throughout the Seattle's World Fair, Eleanor Bennet encouraged people to go to her boss's photography studio to view the postcard their photos would make, then hope they love it and want to buy the simple, inexpensive camera, something that would give her a commission. One day a woman tugged at her heart, a woman in widow's attire with a small baby in her arms. The full story behind this haunting woman was a mystery Eleanor would love to have known.
Two brothers survived a shipwreck. Someone they dearly loved was lost. One brother (Wallace) preached the gospel to native tribes in Alaska, the other (Bill) was a botanist writing a book about Alaska's native flora. While Wallace lost his faith and fell into a deep depression, Bill, although also grieving, hung onto his faith, knowing God was good and could be trusted.
By happenstance, Eleanor became friends with Bill, eventually helping him with typing his book until one surprising day changed all their lives.
There is a nasty antagonist in the book with little to redeem him in the reader's eyes. But the addition of this character leant just the right amount of conflict to keep the reader wanting to see what would happen next, the ending of which is fairly predictable, but still good.
What brought the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating down to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was not the faith element. That was very good. Jesus and salvation, prayer and trusting God were uppermost throughout. This was all lovely. It was some of the dialog within the context of faith that was too…how do I say this?? Overly religious? High-handedly spiritual? Pious? It just wasn’t realistic to me…just too (yikes) sappy. It’s sad to say this, but I can think of another author who writes like this and, being fully honest here, makes me roll my eyes. I have read this in Ms. Peterson's stories before and that’s why it’s been years since I've picked up one of her books.
Great story, though, I mean that! And apparently I'm in the minority. That's okay. I’m glad so many people appreciate what I don’t particularly.
I have to mention Leah Horowitz, the narrator. She did a fantastic job. She has the sweetest voice.
1909
Taking pictures throughout the Seattle's World Fair, Eleanor Bennet encouraged people to go to her boss's photography studio to view the postcard their photos would make, then hope they love it and want to buy the simple, inexpensive camera, something that would give her a commission. One day a woman tugged at her heart, a woman in widow's attire with a small baby in her arms. The full story behind this haunting woman was a mystery Eleanor would love to have known.
Two brothers survived a shipwreck. Someone they dearly loved was lost. One brother (Wallace) preached the gospel to native tribes in Alaska, the other (Bill) was a botanist writing a book about Alaska's native flora. While Wallace lost his faith and fell into a deep depression, Bill, although also grieving, hung onto his faith, knowing God was good and could be trusted.
By happenstance, Eleanor became friends with Bill, eventually helping him with typing his book until one surprising day changed all their lives.
There is a nasty antagonist in the book with little to redeem him in the reader's eyes. But the addition of this character leant just the right amount of conflict to keep the reader wanting to see what would happen next, the ending of which is fairly predictable, but still good.
What brought the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating down to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ was not the faith element. That was very good. Jesus and salvation, prayer and trusting God were uppermost throughout. This was all lovely. It was some of the dialog within the context of faith that was too…how do I say this?? Overly religious? High-handedly spiritual? Pious? It just wasn’t realistic to me…just too (yikes) sappy. It’s sad to say this, but I can think of another author who writes like this and, being fully honest here, makes me roll my eyes. I have read this in Ms. Peterson's stories before and that’s why it’s been years since I've picked up one of her books.
Great story, though, I mean that! And apparently I'm in the minority. That's okay. I’m glad so many people appreciate what I don’t particularly.
I have to mention Leah Horowitz, the narrator. She did a fantastic job. She has the sweetest voice.
August 14, 2023
Once again, a good book. I really am enjoying rediscovering Tracie Peterson. The ending fell a bit, but I love the romance. I do not like instalove, but the faith come made God feel already part of the story. I enjoyed this instalove, beautiful!!
April 25, 2023
5 stars for this well written book! Loved every minute of it!
My favorite thing about this book was how Peterson made my heart drop in a scene that also made me hold my breath all at once. She's wonderful like that.
Another thing I loved was fact mixed with fiction. I found myself looking up certain events that I was in awe of.
I just simply couldn't put this amazing adventure down! I finished it in a day. Amelia and Eleanor were very interesting people. I loved getting to know them along with Wallace and Bill Reed.
Even Grady, who got his fair share was the perfect villain.
I could picture my favorite actor for his part if this were made into a movie.
My favorite and most important thing was God's presence throughout this book. He is forever showing us love, grace, and mercy. He will never leave or forsake us no matter what. We only need to ask Him.
This was a quote from Bill Reed. I kind of worded it wrong, but I think I still got the message across.
I myself would NOT know what to do without him! I'd be lost!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
My favorite thing about this book was how Peterson made my heart drop in a scene that also made me hold my breath all at once. She's wonderful like that.
Another thing I loved was fact mixed with fiction. I found myself looking up certain events that I was in awe of.
I just simply couldn't put this amazing adventure down! I finished it in a day. Amelia and Eleanor were very interesting people. I loved getting to know them along with Wallace and Bill Reed.
Even Grady, who got his fair share was the perfect villain.
I could picture my favorite actor for his part if this were made into a movie.
My favorite and most important thing was God's presence throughout this book. He is forever showing us love, grace, and mercy. He will never leave or forsake us no matter what. We only need to ask Him.
This was a quote from Bill Reed. I kind of worded it wrong, but I think I still got the message across.
I myself would NOT know what to do without him! I'd be lost!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 16, 2023
In this second book in the Pictures of the Heart series we reconnect with characters from the first book and meet several newcomers. I love the suspense, a little danger but most of all the sweet romance that have played an important role both novels.
I loved returning to the exposition in 1909 in Seattle, the detailed descriptions made me feel like I was seeing the sites, getting caught up in the excitement of the visitors while trying to find out if one of the missing characters would be found. This is a story filled with loss, faith, new found love and the hope of being reunited with a loved one. There is just enough of suspense and romance that me fully engaged throughout. I loved the characters, except for the deranged creepy one, but he did add an intriguing element to the plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
I loved returning to the exposition in 1909 in Seattle, the detailed descriptions made me feel like I was seeing the sites, getting caught up in the excitement of the visitors while trying to find out if one of the missing characters would be found. This is a story filled with loss, faith, new found love and the hope of being reunited with a loved one. There is just enough of suspense and romance that me fully engaged throughout. I loved the characters, except for the deranged creepy one, but he did add an intriguing element to the plot. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.
April 20, 2023
The writing was alright and the story pretty predictable. I know this was a Christian romance but this is a book that gives Christians bad names- always talking about how 'blessed' they are when things are going right but turning their back on God during the hard trials. I felt this made the characters very one dimensional and not very interesting. I was also disappointed that Wallace never regained his faith until his 'miracle' occurred. Not very faith promoting. Not a horrible book, just very unbelievable and very trite.
September 11, 2025
I have read other books from this author and they were pretty good. This one was not my favorite. The people seemed unrealistic. Overall, sorry to say, this book I found it to be cheesy. I listened to an audio version. It did have a lot of Christian content in it which I appreciated.
August 19, 2023
This book is a beautiful love story. Tracie knows how to hold your interest and suspense to the end. Love her books. Another great book!!!
November 17, 2023
I was rather bored this time; it felt too drawn out. And Eleanor was a little annoying. I feel like Peterson lets us down in the middle books, even when they're relatively stand alone, quite frequently.
February 18, 2025
I loved reading more about the camera girls and the exposition as well.
When Elenanor snaps the image of a widow and her baby she is stunned Bill recognises her as his sister in law they believed had died in a shipwreck.
They start the search to find her and reunite Amelia with Wallace but realising she could be anywhere and it’s not as easy as it might seem. Danger lurks and together they must overcome the challenges and twists together.
A beautiful heartwarming and heartbreaking read full of mystery, suspense, danger and love along with faith. I loved the finding out by the photograph that she was alive and realising she could be anywhere. I enjoyed the search for her and them trying so hard to find her.
When Elenanor snaps the image of a widow and her baby she is stunned Bill recognises her as his sister in law they believed had died in a shipwreck.
They start the search to find her and reunite Amelia with Wallace but realising she could be anywhere and it’s not as easy as it might seem. Danger lurks and together they must overcome the challenges and twists together.
A beautiful heartwarming and heartbreaking read full of mystery, suspense, danger and love along with faith. I loved the finding out by the photograph that she was alive and realising she could be anywhere. I enjoyed the search for her and them trying so hard to find her.
September 13, 2023
Bill Reed and his brother Wallace, have recently lost Wallace’s wife and unborn baby to the sea after a storm on their trip over from Alaska. Wallace is completely overcome with grief that he loses faith in God. Bill is trying his best to comfort him. While in Seattle, he meets Eleanor, who is a camera girl. She shares his love of botany and they hit it off. She helps him type a manuscript and as they work together and spend time together they grow close. Eleanor is doing her job as a camera girl when she sees a woman who looks very sad with a young baby. She offers to take her picture and later Bill sees it and recognizes her as his sister-in-law. How can that be?
This is the second book in the series. I loved this book! I loved the faith elements in this story! They were so strong and at the forefront. I got great encouragement through Wallace’s struggles with trusting God, the things the characters said to comfort him and show God and scripture to him was very powerful! I also really liked both of the main characters! And also the secondary ones! The bad guy is really bad. (See content below) overall this is a terrific story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: beating and killing of a woman (talk of blood)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This is the second book in the series. I loved this book! I loved the faith elements in this story! They were so strong and at the forefront. I got great encouragement through Wallace’s struggles with trusting God, the things the characters said to comfort him and show God and scripture to him was very powerful! I also really liked both of the main characters! And also the secondary ones! The bad guy is really bad. (See content below) overall this is a terrific story and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: beating and killing of a woman (talk of blood)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 13, 2023
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Bethany House (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.
Up until a few years ago, Historical Fiction was NOT a genre I read much – if at all. Today, it is one I do enjoy. But, as with any book, I have to be drawn to it.
After reading Peterson’s first book in the series, Remember Me, I KNEW I had to read the remaining books in the series. As this is a continuation, readers will get the maximum benefit of reading the first book prior to this one. The main characters are not only established in that book, but one of the events referred to in this book was the major storyline in the first book.
Some of the characters from the first book reappear, even briefly:
📷 Addie
🏫 Isaac
🎞️ Pearl (co-owner of Fisher Photography and Otis’ wife)
🎞️ Otis (co-owner of Fisher Photography)
📷 Bertha (camera girl)
📷 Mary (camera girl)
📷 Eleanor (camera girl)
📷 May (camera girl, paints portraits)
There is a brief mention of Esther from the first book. I’d hoped not to see her again. I’m not sure why it was necessary to include her given what happened in the first book. I also didn’t think she’d STILL have her job given her association with Addie’s brothers.
As of note, the mention did nothing to continue the storyline from the first book or advance this one, it was more or less an “in passing” mention.
Peterson introduces:
🏫 Wallace Reed (botanist)
🍁 William “Bill” Reed (preacher)
👒 Amelia Reed (Wallace’s pregnant wife)
💰 Grady Masterson
👒 Rosemary (Eleanor’s roommate)
The story is also told from four (4) POVs – Eleanor, William, Grady, and Amelia.
The Reeds are traveling aboard a ship to Seattle from Alaska, as is Masterson. It is clear that Masterson doesn’t like the Reeds. However, tragedy strikes during a storm, causing the ship to wreck. It is that tragedy that is the catalyst for a sordid story of a missing woman (Amelia) and a dastardly revenge plot.
The tragedy also affects Wallace, a preacher, who of course turns away from God after losing his wife. Despite the tragedy, Bill is eager to return to Alaska, his brother isn’t.
As the expo is still going (it ran from June 1st to October 16th in 1909), the camera girls from Fisher Photography are still working. Addie is still recovering from the attack she went through in the first book. However, she is in a positive mood and happily married to Isaac.
Two months after the tragedy, at the expo, Eleanor runs into Bill who saves her from falling into a bank of water. The two instantly connect.
In a miraculous turn of events, Bill’s manuscript – presumed lost due to the tragedy – is recovered, but ruined. He is only given a month to put it back together. While he can draw, the typing is a time-consuming task.
Eleanor offers to help Bill restore the manuscript. Bill offers to not only pay Eleanor, but also includes dinners. Bill sees God at work – what was once lost is now found and tries to encourage Wallace who has lost his sense of purpose. The manuscript is only the beginning though.
While doing her job at the expo, Eleanor is fascinated by a widow and her baby, and takes a photo of the two. Eleanor keeps a print for herself, which is displayed in the window of the store. Bill finds it on a visit and recognizes who the woman really is – his presumed lost sister-in-law. Eleanor then helps him in trying to find the woman which isn’t easy.
Eleanor also has her own plans to follow Bill back to Alaska, and he is also thinking she is the woman God has sent for him.
When it comes to locating the woman; Bill, Wallace, and Eleanor are stopped by everyone. All they can hope is to find her when they leave Seattle. However, someone else has a different plan.
This fast-paced and exciting read drew me right in and kept my attention until the very end. The short chapters also helped keep my interest and keep me reading. Peterson keeps the tension going to almost the end with all the near-misses, and the diabolic actions of a deranged man.
Despite all that – this is one of those reads that I had to “round-up” on the star rating. It’s better than a 3-star book, but definitely not a 4-star read. It rated more or less a 3½ star read, and is largely due to the bad guy being established right off along with his “plan” for revenge. There leaves little mystery as to who it is, what his plan is, and why he’s doing it.
The only entertaining part is watching his madness escalate during the progression of the story. It is somewhat disturbing and enthralling all at once.
Also, everything is too perfect between Eleanor and Bill – literally NOTHING to disturb their relationship. Not that one wants problems, but they are part of life. Only Rosemary and Eleanor’s parents seem to object. But, those issues are quickly smoothed over.
Once Wallace finds out Amelia is alive – it’s an immediate conversion, a complete 180° in his attitude. He goes from abject grief back to his previous faithful self.
Another thing I took an issue with – Bill’s handling of his brother’s grief. Despite it being just TWO (2) months since the shipwreck, and believing his wife and unborn child lost, Wallace isn’t given the space to grieve by his brother. While the grieving process wasn’t that respected back in those times, I still found Bill’s attitude a bit callous, or at best insensitive.
I did have a wonderful “foodie” moment. That was when Rosemary treated Eleanor to a “Kansas Dinner” – ham, baked beans, and cornbread. I absolutely LOVE baked beans and cornbread and had a craving for it after reading it.
Fans of the author, especially those who’ve read the first book, won’t want to miss this. As this is distributed by a primarily Christian publisher, and one of the characters is a preacher, there will be strong elements of faith represented.
Despite the slight disappointment of this book, I’m still excited to read the third book, Knowing You, when it comes out in November. That will be May’s story.
3.5 stars
Up until a few years ago, Historical Fiction was NOT a genre I read much – if at all. Today, it is one I do enjoy. But, as with any book, I have to be drawn to it.
After reading Peterson’s first book in the series, Remember Me, I KNEW I had to read the remaining books in the series. As this is a continuation, readers will get the maximum benefit of reading the first book prior to this one. The main characters are not only established in that book, but one of the events referred to in this book was the major storyline in the first book.
Some of the characters from the first book reappear, even briefly:
📷 Addie
🏫 Isaac
🎞️ Pearl (co-owner of Fisher Photography and Otis’ wife)
🎞️ Otis (co-owner of Fisher Photography)
📷 Bertha (camera girl)
📷 Mary (camera girl)
📷 Eleanor (camera girl)
📷 May (camera girl, paints portraits)
There is a brief mention of Esther from the first book. I’d hoped not to see her again. I’m not sure why it was necessary to include her given what happened in the first book. I also didn’t think she’d STILL have her job given her association with Addie’s brothers.
As of note, the mention did nothing to continue the storyline from the first book or advance this one, it was more or less an “in passing” mention.
Peterson introduces:
🏫 Wallace Reed (botanist)
🍁 William “Bill” Reed (preacher)
👒 Amelia Reed (Wallace’s pregnant wife)
💰 Grady Masterson
👒 Rosemary (Eleanor’s roommate)
The story is also told from four (4) POVs – Eleanor, William, Grady, and Amelia.
The Reeds are traveling aboard a ship to Seattle from Alaska, as is Masterson. It is clear that Masterson doesn’t like the Reeds. However, tragedy strikes during a storm, causing the ship to wreck. It is that tragedy that is the catalyst for a sordid story of a missing woman (Amelia) and a dastardly revenge plot.
The tragedy also affects Wallace, a preacher, who of course turns away from God after losing his wife. Despite the tragedy, Bill is eager to return to Alaska, his brother isn’t.
As the expo is still going (it ran from June 1st to October 16th in 1909), the camera girls from Fisher Photography are still working. Addie is still recovering from the attack she went through in the first book. However, she is in a positive mood and happily married to Isaac.
Two months after the tragedy, at the expo, Eleanor runs into Bill who saves her from falling into a bank of water. The two instantly connect.
In a miraculous turn of events, Bill’s manuscript – presumed lost due to the tragedy – is recovered, but ruined. He is only given a month to put it back together. While he can draw, the typing is a time-consuming task.
Eleanor offers to help Bill restore the manuscript. Bill offers to not only pay Eleanor, but also includes dinners. Bill sees God at work – what was once lost is now found and tries to encourage Wallace who has lost his sense of purpose. The manuscript is only the beginning though.
While doing her job at the expo, Eleanor is fascinated by a widow and her baby, and takes a photo of the two. Eleanor keeps a print for herself, which is displayed in the window of the store. Bill finds it on a visit and recognizes who the woman really is – his presumed lost sister-in-law. Eleanor then helps him in trying to find the woman which isn’t easy.
Eleanor also has her own plans to follow Bill back to Alaska, and he is also thinking she is the woman God has sent for him.
When it comes to locating the woman; Bill, Wallace, and Eleanor are stopped by everyone. All they can hope is to find her when they leave Seattle. However, someone else has a different plan.
This fast-paced and exciting read drew me right in and kept my attention until the very end. The short chapters also helped keep my interest and keep me reading. Peterson keeps the tension going to almost the end with all the near-misses, and the diabolic actions of a deranged man.
Despite all that – this is one of those reads that I had to “round-up” on the star rating. It’s better than a 3-star book, but definitely not a 4-star read. It rated more or less a 3½ star read, and is largely due to the bad guy being established right off along with his “plan” for revenge. There leaves little mystery as to who it is, what his plan is, and why he’s doing it.
The only entertaining part is watching his madness escalate during the progression of the story. It is somewhat disturbing and enthralling all at once.
Also, everything is too perfect between Eleanor and Bill – literally NOTHING to disturb their relationship. Not that one wants problems, but they are part of life. Only Rosemary and Eleanor’s parents seem to object. But, those issues are quickly smoothed over.
Once Wallace finds out Amelia is alive – it’s an immediate conversion, a complete 180° in his attitude. He goes from abject grief back to his previous faithful self.
Another thing I took an issue with – Bill’s handling of his brother’s grief. Despite it being just TWO (2) months since the shipwreck, and believing his wife and unborn child lost, Wallace isn’t given the space to grieve by his brother. While the grieving process wasn’t that respected back in those times, I still found Bill’s attitude a bit callous, or at best insensitive.
I did have a wonderful “foodie” moment. That was when Rosemary treated Eleanor to a “Kansas Dinner” – ham, baked beans, and cornbread. I absolutely LOVE baked beans and cornbread and had a craving for it after reading it.
Fans of the author, especially those who’ve read the first book, won’t want to miss this. As this is distributed by a primarily Christian publisher, and one of the characters is a preacher, there will be strong elements of faith represented.
Despite the slight disappointment of this book, I’m still excited to read the third book, Knowing You, when it comes out in November. That will be May’s story.
3.5 stars
August 15, 2023
This was a spectacular second entry in the Pictures of the Heart series. The mystery was especially good for how the widow came into play. I was so intrigued from the prologue but kept hooked by each new chapter because of the twists and turns I didn’t always see coming. The Brownie Camera and Camera Girl angle was just as fun in this book as its predecessor. I also really enjoyed the botanist/writer aspect. The exposition was well written and realistic. There was such a sweet romance and a manipulative baddie who was somewhat psycho, but it was especially fun that there was a cute baby. I loved that this was an emotional story and enjoyed the fast but lasting love that bloomed from early on.
The only disappointment was that a profane word was used twice.
Content: two profanities, alcohol and drunkenness
The only disappointment was that a profane word was used twice.
Content: two profanities, alcohol and drunkenness
October 11, 2023
Just too predictable all the way through. And the plot didn't move fast enough for me. Too much meaningless dialogue. Or maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
July 24, 2023
Finding Us, is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series by Tracie Peterson. Now Tracie has some calling her the "Queen of Historical fiction." I can rightly see how she would have earned this nickname. I've been reading her books right from the start when she was published with Barbour books and knew she would go far in the publishing world. Her books take ahold of you, and you get lost in the fictional world she is portraying. The first book in this series focused more on cameras and taking pictures and selling them at an exposition in Seattle in the early 1900's. Now this one does the same thing as it continues the series but not as much as the first.
"Women and children first" they said effectively removing Amelia Reed, heavily pregnant from her husband as she's helped into a lifeboat when the ship, she's on with her husband starts to sink. When the lifeboat is found capsized, she must have drowned.
A chance meeting at the exposition has want to be botanist Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett meeting botanist Bill Reed when she snaps his photo. As they get to know each other their mutual fascination with botany brings them together. As Eleanor snaps pictures of others at the expo she sees a sight that she won't soon forget. A woman in widow's weeds, with a haunted look on her face with a newborn baby. The woman agrees to have her picture taken so she can have a picture of her young baby. Remarking to Bill about this memorable woman she shows the picture to Bill who is astounded saying this is his sister-in-law. This starts the process of trying to relocate the woman despite many obstacles and through dangerous situations.
The book is a tale of love, loss and restored faith.
I found the book to be very enjoyable and realistic and greatly look forward to more books by this author.
Pub Date: 25 Jul 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
"Women and children first" they said effectively removing Amelia Reed, heavily pregnant from her husband as she's helped into a lifeboat when the ship, she's on with her husband starts to sink. When the lifeboat is found capsized, she must have drowned.
A chance meeting at the exposition has want to be botanist Camera Girl Eleanor Bennett meeting botanist Bill Reed when she snaps his photo. As they get to know each other their mutual fascination with botany brings them together. As Eleanor snaps pictures of others at the expo she sees a sight that she won't soon forget. A woman in widow's weeds, with a haunted look on her face with a newborn baby. The woman agrees to have her picture taken so she can have a picture of her young baby. Remarking to Bill about this memorable woman she shows the picture to Bill who is astounded saying this is his sister-in-law. This starts the process of trying to relocate the woman despite many obstacles and through dangerous situations.
The book is a tale of love, loss and restored faith.
I found the book to be very enjoyable and realistic and greatly look forward to more books by this author.
Pub Date: 25 Jul 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 20, 2023
"Finding Us" is a Christian romance set in 1909 in Seattle, Washington. It's the second in a series, but it can be read as a stand-alone and didn't spoil events in the previous book. This was primarily a sweet romance between Eleanor and Bill as they worked to re-type his ruined botany book in time to get it to the publisher. They got to know each other's character and shared many interests. They worked well together as a team. They not only fell in love but prayed and felt God was confirming that they should get married even though they hadn't known each other long. This was one "quick romance" where I felt like they really did know the important aspects of the other's character rather than having only a superficial attraction.
he side story was about Bill's preacher brother and his wife. After being separated during a shipwreck, an increasingly insane man managed to convince Wallace and his wife, Amelia, that the other was dead. Wallace turned his back on God in anger and grief but Bill kept trying to help him find faith again. They learned fairly quickly that Amelia was alive, safe, and intending to return home to Alaska, so they didn't try too hard to reconnect with her before then. They just rushed to return to Alaska.
The main characters were likable and generally behaved realistically. Interesting historical details about the Expo and life in the Yukon were woven into the story. Wallace questioned why God allowed bad things to happen. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
he side story was about Bill's preacher brother and his wife. After being separated during a shipwreck, an increasingly insane man managed to convince Wallace and his wife, Amelia, that the other was dead. Wallace turned his back on God in anger and grief but Bill kept trying to help him find faith again. They learned fairly quickly that Amelia was alive, safe, and intending to return home to Alaska, so they didn't try too hard to reconnect with her before then. They just rushed to return to Alaska.
The main characters were likable and generally behaved realistically. Interesting historical details about the Expo and life in the Yukon were woven into the story. Wallace questioned why God allowed bad things to happen. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
June 28, 2023
Finding Us is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series by Tracie Peterson. This story takes over where the first book ends, so it is best to read them in order. However, there is enough background information to read as a stand alone story. This story takes place in 1909 at the Alaska Yukon Pacific Expo in Seattle. The story has a mix of nice and wicked characters. The main character is Eleanor, a camera girl at the expo. One of the pictures she takes is of a grieving young mother and her newborn child. Eleanor is also helping Bill rewrite his botany book for his publisher. His original book was damaged when the ship he, his brother and sister-in-law were on sunk. They believe his sister-in-law died, but she is being held captive by a man who despises her husband. When Bill sees the photo, the search is on to find his sister-in law.
This is an enjoyable story to read. It shows the deep grief Bill's brother and sister-in-law go through believing the other has died. We also see how generous with her time, Eleanor is with helping others. We also see the deep love and protection her parents have for her. This story takes several twists and turns and contains suspense and romance. This book kept me reading to see if the couple would find each other and how Elanor's and Bill's relationship would develop.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
This is an enjoyable story to read. It shows the deep grief Bill's brother and sister-in-law go through believing the other has died. We also see how generous with her time, Eleanor is with helping others. We also see the deep love and protection her parents have for her. This story takes several twists and turns and contains suspense and romance. This book kept me reading to see if the couple would find each other and how Elanor's and Bill's relationship would develop.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
June 12, 2023
FINDING US (Book 2 in the Pictures of the Heart series) by Tracie Peterson is a clean romance with surprising twists and turns and great characters. I enjoyed the Camera Girls’ adventures in book one and was pleased the talented ladies were prominent in book 2, along with intriguing new characters.
Having lived in the Seattle area for several years, I enjoyed learning more about the Exposition in the 1900s. Tracie Peterson is an expert at integrating fascinating details from any given historical period, I especially loved what she did in this series.
The story begins with a great tragedy within the Reed family. The sinking of the ship that carries them to Seattle separates the brothers, William and Wallace, from Wallace’s wife, who is pregnant. But the sinking is only part of the conflict—Grady, an unstable man whose brother was hung because of Wallace’s testimony, is following the family to seek his revenge.
This book focuses on Camera Girl, Eleanor Bennett whose love for nature has her crossing paths with William Reed, a botanist. They quickly connect and Eleanor unknowingly becomes part of the Reed tragedy. Subsequently, the suspense and danger keep those pages turning.
If you love romance, suspense, history, with a few fascinating lessons on various subjects, FINDING US is a must read.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
Having lived in the Seattle area for several years, I enjoyed learning more about the Exposition in the 1900s. Tracie Peterson is an expert at integrating fascinating details from any given historical period, I especially loved what she did in this series.
The story begins with a great tragedy within the Reed family. The sinking of the ship that carries them to Seattle separates the brothers, William and Wallace, from Wallace’s wife, who is pregnant. But the sinking is only part of the conflict—Grady, an unstable man whose brother was hung because of Wallace’s testimony, is following the family to seek his revenge.
This book focuses on Camera Girl, Eleanor Bennett whose love for nature has her crossing paths with William Reed, a botanist. They quickly connect and Eleanor unknowingly becomes part of the Reed tragedy. Subsequently, the suspense and danger keep those pages turning.
If you love romance, suspense, history, with a few fascinating lessons on various subjects, FINDING US is a must read.
I received an ARC from the publisher for my honest review.
August 4, 2023
Finding Us is about Alaska without being set in Alaska. Eleanor Bennett works as a Camera Girl at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in Seattle. A botany enthusiast, she loves photographing the wide variety of plants used in the landscaping at the expo as much as taking souvenir pictures of those attending. That's how Bill Reed came to find her in a precarious position photographing floating plants in a small lake. A botanist by profession, Bill was working giving tours in the Alaska building at the expo. As usually happens in historical romance books, Eleanor and Bill's friendship quickly grows but faces unusual obstacles. In this book, the obstacles stem from Bill's brother, Wallace, having lost his wife and unborn child in a shipwreck on their way to Seattle from Alaska, an event which negatively impacted his faith in God. Further complications arise from the vengeful attitude of a man whose brother was hanged after Wallace testified against him.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book. The author paced it well and transitions between storylines were smooth. The dialogue occasionally felt off, but not often enough to impact my enjoyment. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Finding Us from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book. The author paced it well and transitions between storylines were smooth. The dialogue occasionally felt off, but not often enough to impact my enjoyment. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Finding Us from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
June 27, 2023
3⭐️s
“Finding Us” by Tracie Peterson is the second in book in the Pictures of the Heart series. We return to the Seattle Expo in a dual perspective story following camera girl, Eleanor, and Alaskan botanist, Bill, as they discover how one decision, one moment, one photograph can be used by God to change a life forever.
With the gorgeous setting of the Seattle Expo and all the talk of the Alaskan territory, this book will transport you to those areas. The author has an excellent way of conveying the atmosphere whether bustling about and overcrowded or isolated in the nature.
The interweaving storylines were interesting, but the romance was too fast for me even after all the explanations in the book. I also had trouble with the extreme highs and lows of Wallace’s faith. This did not make his character more relatable, which I think was the intent, but it was far more difficult to connect with his character. Some of the side characters were very enjoyable, and appearances by characters from previous book were welcoming. I plan to read the next book in this series to see how these character’s lives unfold.
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for an advanced copy to honestly read and review.
“Finding Us” by Tracie Peterson is the second in book in the Pictures of the Heart series. We return to the Seattle Expo in a dual perspective story following camera girl, Eleanor, and Alaskan botanist, Bill, as they discover how one decision, one moment, one photograph can be used by God to change a life forever.
With the gorgeous setting of the Seattle Expo and all the talk of the Alaskan territory, this book will transport you to those areas. The author has an excellent way of conveying the atmosphere whether bustling about and overcrowded or isolated in the nature.
The interweaving storylines were interesting, but the romance was too fast for me even after all the explanations in the book. I also had trouble with the extreme highs and lows of Wallace’s faith. This did not make his character more relatable, which I think was the intent, but it was far more difficult to connect with his character. Some of the side characters were very enjoyable, and appearances by characters from previous book were welcoming. I plan to read the next book in this series to see how these character’s lives unfold.
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for an advanced copy to honestly read and review.
August 1, 2023
FINDING US is the second novel in the Pictures of the Heart series by TRACIE PETERSON but it can easeily stand alone. The book is full of excitement, suspense, beautiful descriptions, wonerful characters and romance, and also has a strong Christian message.
Bill Reed with his preacher brother Wallace and Wallace’s pregnant wife Amelia are on the City of Canton when it sinks and are separated. The two brothers hear that Amelia is dead and she hears the same of them. We see the very real struggle that Wallace has with God in his grief, and how Bill tris to encourage him.
Eleanor Bennett is working as a Camera girl for Fisher Photography at the Alaska-Yukom-Pacific Exposition and Bill is giving lectures at the Alaska exhibit. They meet and find they have a common interest in plants and become friends over the re-writing of Bill’s book on Alaskan vegetation.
A photogtraph of a young widow with a baby taken by Eleanor sets things in motion - not all of them good…….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend Finding Us strongly enough.
I was given a freecopy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
Bill Reed with his preacher brother Wallace and Wallace’s pregnant wife Amelia are on the City of Canton when it sinks and are separated. The two brothers hear that Amelia is dead and she hears the same of them. We see the very real struggle that Wallace has with God in his grief, and how Bill tris to encourage him.
Eleanor Bennett is working as a Camera girl for Fisher Photography at the Alaska-Yukom-Pacific Exposition and Bill is giving lectures at the Alaska exhibit. They meet and find they have a common interest in plants and become friends over the re-writing of Bill’s book on Alaskan vegetation.
A photogtraph of a young widow with a baby taken by Eleanor sets things in motion - not all of them good…….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend Finding Us strongly enough.
I was given a freecopy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.
September 11, 2023
This is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series - it was easily a stand alone book. I haven't read the first book, but after reading this one I plan to go back and read it! It's a very intriguing mystery with great characters.
This series revolves around the Brownie camera girls during the Seattle Exposition. Eleanor goes to the Expo daily to drum up sales of the new Brownie camera buy taking family photographs. She takes a photo of a hauntingly beautiful widow and her young son - and they stick in her mind long after the photo. Meanwhile, she meets Bill, an Alaskan botanist that is there at the Expo teaching about the Alaskan flora and land. A chance meeting starts up a romance. Bill had written a book that was to be published, but lost it when the ferry he, his brother and sister-in-law were taking sank. He also lost his sister-in-law that day....or so it was believed. His brother was a preacher that is down on God and inconsolable in his grief. Bill is trying to do anything to help Wallace, when he mentions it to Eleanor and she recalls the mysterious widow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
This series revolves around the Brownie camera girls during the Seattle Exposition. Eleanor goes to the Expo daily to drum up sales of the new Brownie camera buy taking family photographs. She takes a photo of a hauntingly beautiful widow and her young son - and they stick in her mind long after the photo. Meanwhile, she meets Bill, an Alaskan botanist that is there at the Expo teaching about the Alaskan flora and land. A chance meeting starts up a romance. Bill had written a book that was to be published, but lost it when the ferry he, his brother and sister-in-law were taking sank. He also lost his sister-in-law that day....or so it was believed. His brother was a preacher that is down on God and inconsolable in his grief. Bill is trying to do anything to help Wallace, when he mentions it to Eleanor and she recalls the mysterious widow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
September 11, 2023
This is the second book in the Pictures of the Heart series - it was easily a stand alone book. I haven't read the first book, but after reading this one I plan to go back and read it! It's a very intriguing mystery with great characters.
This series revolves around the Brownie camera girls during the Seattle Exposition. Eleanor goes to the Expo daily to drum up sales of the new Brownie camera buy taking family photographs. She takes a photo of a hauntingly beautiful widow and her young son - and they stick in her mind long after the photo. Meanwhile, she meets Bill, an Alaskan botanist that is there at the Expo teaching about the Alaskan flora and land. A chance meeting starts up a romance. Bill had written a book that was to be published, but lost it when the ferry he, his brother and sister-in-law were taking sank. He also lost his sister-in-law that day....or so it was believed. His brother was a preacher that is down on God and inconsolable in his grief. Bill is trying to do anything to help Wallace, when he mentions it to Eleanor and she recalls the mysterious widow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
This series revolves around the Brownie camera girls during the Seattle Exposition. Eleanor goes to the Expo daily to drum up sales of the new Brownie camera buy taking family photographs. She takes a photo of a hauntingly beautiful widow and her young son - and they stick in her mind long after the photo. Meanwhile, she meets Bill, an Alaskan botanist that is there at the Expo teaching about the Alaskan flora and land. A chance meeting starts up a romance. Bill had written a book that was to be published, but lost it when the ferry he, his brother and sister-in-law were taking sank. He also lost his sister-in-law that day....or so it was believed. His brother was a preacher that is down on God and inconsolable in his grief. Bill is trying to do anything to help Wallace, when he mentions it to Eleanor and she recalls the mysterious widow.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.
May 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.
Finding Us is Book 2 (the pictures of the heart series) By Tracie Peterson.
This is the story of Eleanor Bennett and Bill Reed. Takes place in 1909 Seattle at the Exposition.
Eleanor is a camera girl at the exposition but longs to study Botany at the University of Washington.
She sees a woman in black clothing with deep sorrow and with an infant at the Expo. She is moved by this woman and takes her picture and tells her that she will send it to her.
Eleanor meets a botanist called Bill Reed and become fast friends.
She is constantly thinking about the woman in the photo and when Bill visits her at the store he recognizes the woman as his sister in law, whom he believed was lost in a shipwreck. His Brother Wallace- who is grieving the loss of his wife and baby and has lost all faith in God.
Both Eleanor and Bill go in search in finding Amelia Reed and reunite her with Wallace. No matter what obstacles and danger that follows them. They will put their Hope and Trust in God to direct their paths and protect them.
A great book and a joy to read.
Christian Fiction
Finding Us is Book 2 (the pictures of the heart series) By Tracie Peterson.
This is the story of Eleanor Bennett and Bill Reed. Takes place in 1909 Seattle at the Exposition.
Eleanor is a camera girl at the exposition but longs to study Botany at the University of Washington.
She sees a woman in black clothing with deep sorrow and with an infant at the Expo. She is moved by this woman and takes her picture and tells her that she will send it to her.
Eleanor meets a botanist called Bill Reed and become fast friends.
She is constantly thinking about the woman in the photo and when Bill visits her at the store he recognizes the woman as his sister in law, whom he believed was lost in a shipwreck. His Brother Wallace- who is grieving the loss of his wife and baby and has lost all faith in God.
Both Eleanor and Bill go in search in finding Amelia Reed and reunite her with Wallace. No matter what obstacles and danger that follows them. They will put their Hope and Trust in God to direct their paths and protect them.
A great book and a joy to read.
Christian Fiction
June 12, 2023
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG13
Eleanor went to Seattle to be a camera girl at the exposition going on there, and she has loved every minute of it. William, on the other hand, only took a job at the expo because tragedy ruined the plans he and his brother had for Seattle. Their lives intersect for a reason, and everything becomes clear after the development of one of Eleanor’s photos.
Eleanor’s story can be read independently of the prequel; characters in the first book show up in this one, but the details of their story are not necessary to read Eleanor and William’s. Peterson includes strong Christian themes and scripture quotations due to her characters’ faith being a big part of their lives. The main characters feel Mary-Sue-ish and some details are belabored, but, overall, the story is heartwarming and faith-promoting.
The majority of the characters, including Eleanor and William, are White, and May is half Japanese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, and the violence rating is for mentions of abuse, gun use, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
Eleanor went to Seattle to be a camera girl at the exposition going on there, and she has loved every minute of it. William, on the other hand, only took a job at the expo because tragedy ruined the plans he and his brother had for Seattle. Their lives intersect for a reason, and everything becomes clear after the development of one of Eleanor’s photos.
Eleanor’s story can be read independently of the prequel; characters in the first book show up in this one, but the details of their story are not necessary to read Eleanor and William’s. Peterson includes strong Christian themes and scripture quotations due to her characters’ faith being a big part of their lives. The main characters feel Mary-Sue-ish and some details are belabored, but, overall, the story is heartwarming and faith-promoting.
The majority of the characters, including Eleanor and William, are White, and May is half Japanese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, and the violence rating is for mentions of abuse, gun use, and murder.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/
September 10, 2023
Alright guys, you know I love me some Tracie Peterson books. I devour all her work, and lots of it gets rereads because it's just so good. Finding Us was a good book. I did thoroughly enjoy the characters. The setting was nice. (I realllllllly wanted to be able to go to Alaska with them though. I love her Alaska books the best.) The concept was cool, considering I had never heard of the event that the book is centered around, and old time photography is always fun to read about. I will say that the pacing on this book was hard for me. I felt like everything was moving so fast, and at times it felt forced. I mean, the main characters are basically ready for marriage by chapter three. Also, the situation with the sister-in-law was extremely reminiscent of an incident that occurred with Miranda during the Yukon Quest series. It was a quick read, and an enjoyable one. Maybe not one I would put on my consistent reread list, but there were parts that I would really like to read back over and savor. Overall, yes I recommend it, but I would recommend others of her work more.
I received a copy of this through NetGalley.
I received a copy of this through NetGalley.
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