**Spring Reading Challenge - 2013**

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a page is missing. :-("

That's terrible! And also the main problem with library books - that and finding someone elses's food or drink stains on the pages.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a page is missing. :-("

Oh no!!! How annoying!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow

[Chris]

Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a page is missing. :..."

I completely agree, Phyrnne, this particular copy has what I'm presuming are chocolate marks on every second page.

I know, Brenda. :-)

[Kathryn]

I'm in awe, as usual, Brenda! You're halfway through a double challenge and the challenge time isn't even a third of the way through!! You'll have time for an third challenge in November!

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow"

Gosh Brenda you're are flying along with this challenge. Have no idea how you do it but you're AMAZING :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Christina wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a pa..."

Of course it's chocolate :)

[Lesley]

Bette, I have read and enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible, but not so The Lacuna. I would probably read The Bean Trees if I found it in the library.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I'm in awe, as usual, Brenda! You're halfway through a double challenge and the challenge time isn't even a third of the way through!! You'll have time for an third challenge in November!"

Haha!! Thanks Kathryn:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow"

Gosh Brenda ..."

Thanks Sharon:) I'm reading other books that aren't in the challenge too..

[Chris]

Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the..."

;-)

[Amber]

Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a page is missing. :-("

I was just thinking... If you post the page number you're missing (and the ISBN of the edition you're reading), maybe someone out there can send you an electronic copy of the page? If I had it on my shelf I would take a photo of the page and email it to you :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow"

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Chris]

Amber wrote: "Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the story I find a page is missing. :..."

Thanks Amber. I went to the library this afternoon and told the librarians about it. I was able to read the page from a copy that's on Reserve. I'll keep your idea in mind in case it ever happens again.

[B the BookAddict]

Lesley wrote: "Bette, I have read and enjoyed The Poisonwood Bible, but not so The Lacuna. I would probably read The Bean Trees if I found it in the library."

Lesley, I somehow wasn't aware of The Lacuna but I've now added it to my TBR. Thanks for bringing it to my notice:)

[B the BookAddict]

Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow"

Review: http..."

Brenda, what location is this book based in?

[B the BookAddict]

Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Christina wrote: "Am currently in the middle of reading Cross Stitch which I borrowed from the library. I am enjoying the read even though at a vital moment in the..."

Phynne, my pet hate in library books is someone else's hair. Oh, and breadroll crumbs... I alway seem to be finding those.

Now I go outside and give the book a little shake before I start reading it:)

[Michelle]

I've made an executive decision to abandon my No. 2 Read
This book has just been beyond bad and although I very, very rarely give up on a book before finishing it, I just cannot motivate myself to pick this one up again.
I'd rather watch paint dry.....
The worst thing in it was for my real life bookclub meeting next week so I'm not going to have many positive things to say about it at all.
Now I need to see if I can find another one on my TBR pile that will fit instead.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 14th last night - my 2nd Romance - Long and Short Australian Stories by Margaret Lynette Sharp

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michelle wrote: "I've made an executive decision to abandon my No. 2 Read
This book has just been beyond bad and although I very, very rarely give up on a book before..."

Bad luck Michelle:( You'll find another one, I'm sure:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bette wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I've just finished my first #5 - Romance - In Safe Hands by Lee Christine A gripping romantic suspense by an Aussie:)

13 read now, so I'm half way:)

Review to follow..."

Sydney Bette:) All around the harbour, Manley, Bondi etc:)

[Sharon]

Finished my 4th book #3 Spring- New life Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Steve]

I have finished my eighth, the first 1. Spring Cleaning, Glory in Death, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my second 1. Spring Cleaning, My Enemy, My Ally.

[B the BookAddict]

Michelle wrote: "I've made an executive decision to abandon my No. 2 Read
This book has just been beyond bad and although I very, very rarely give up on a book before..."

Michelle, I agree with you. I did struggle and had to force myself to finish this one. Funny that it got such good reviews??? Makes you wonder about people's reading tastes, doesn't it!

[Elaine]

Sharon wrote: "Finished my 4th book #3 Spring- New life Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Good review Sharon. I've got one of hers on my TBR which my husband read and really enjoyed. Falling Together. I hope to get to it at some stage!!!

[Sharon]

Elaine wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Finished my 4th book #3 Spring- New life Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

Good review Sharon. I've got one of hers on..."

Thanks Elaine. I didn't know this one was a sequel to
Love Walked In which I haven't read.

[Trevor]

Finished my second book of the challenge Eleven Seasons by Paul D. Carter which I thoroughly enjoyed and gave 4 stars, my review is :
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

Next book for me is The Light of Day by Graham Swift.

[Michelle]

Bette wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I've made an executive decision to abandon my No. 2 Read
This book has just been beyond bad and although I very, very rarely give up..."

Definitely! It just didn't seem to be going anywhere! I'm guessing I didn't miss any grand ending that was worth all the trouble?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my 15th - my 1st YA - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Review to follow

[Kathryn]

I've finished my spring colours book - The Casual Vacancy

Completely different to any of The Harry Potter Collection, except in the way that it was utterly compelling!!

I don't know if I can say it was an enjoyable read, when it involved themes of corruption, jealousy, egotism, truancy, underage sex, drug use, rape, verbal and physical abuse, self-harm, cyber-bullying and failed and failing relationships of all kinds - and that's just what I can remember and through flicking through the first 30 pages(!) - but it was definitely a GOOD read!

J.K. Rowling's writing is fantastic - her characters are totally believable and she makes them come alive.

5 stars from me :-)

[Nicola]

Finished another one after a really slow reading month!
Yellow/Red Cover The Last Continent / Terry Pratchett

October should be better for reading time and motivation!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 16th - first #10. Aussie Fantasy The Dragon Box by Katie W. Stewart

Review to follow

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my 16th - first #10. Aussie Fantasy The Dragon Box by Katie W. Stewart

Review to follow"

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 15th - my 1st YA - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Review to follow"

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Kira]

My progress:
1.TBR: Peregrine's Tale I switched for the next (and final?) one in the series as I had read this already. Nemesis: The Death of Timmy Quinn 3 stars.
4. NR AA: Mallee Sky loved it! 4 stars.
5. Romance: North and South - currently reading
6. Horses: The Shadowy Horses 3-4 stars.
8. Paranormal Romance: Darkness Unleashed 5 stars

So I'm about half way. I am really enjoying this challenge :)

[Ashleigh]

Finished Book 3 - 10.) Aussie Sci-Fi

29/09 Remnant ★★¾

I am on schedule (that I have for myself)!

[Steve]

I have finished my ninth, my second 1. Spring Cleaning, My Enemy, My Ally, with my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/....

Up next is my first 8. Favourite Genre, The Romulan Way.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kira wrote: "My progress:
1.TBR: Peregrine's Tale I switched for the next (and final?) one in the series as I had read this already. Nemesis: The Death of Timmy Quinn 3 stars.
4. NR AA: Mallee Sky loved it! 4..."

You're doing well Kira. Glad you're enjoying it!

[Ashleigh]

Ashleigh wrote: "Finished Book 3 - 10.) Aussie Sci-Fi

29/09 Remnant ★★¾

My Review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/727434386

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ashleigh wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Finished Book 3 - 10.) Aussie Sci-Fi

29/09 Remnant ★★½

My Review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

That's going straight to my home page, recent updates Ashleigh??

[Ashleigh]

Brenda wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Finished Book 3 - 10.) Aussie Sci-Fi

29/09 Remnant ★★½

My Review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

That's going straight to my home page, recent u..."

Urgh, I am trying to link my review. I guess I am not doing it correct, damn it!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ashleigh wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Ashleigh wrote: "Finished Book 3 - 10.) Aussie Sci-Fi

29/09 Remnant ★★½

My Review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

That's going straight to my home..."

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

There you go:) Up at the very top of the review page (your review in the box) above the Goodreads logo, you highlight the url, which will have the word "review" in the title (as well as other stuff) then paste where you want it to show up:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 17th - 2nd YA - Beautiful Malice by Rebecca James

Review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Sharon]

Finished my 5th #4 New Release : The Outback Heart by Fiona Palmer.

My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

[Janine]

I have finished 2 more (8 in total)
4. Aussie Spring Release Darkening Skies by Bronwyn Parry 4*
7. YA A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly 3*
I am also more than half way through my 1. TBR

[Michelle]

Finished my No. 5 Romance yesterday. I'm still trying to work out what to replace my No. 2 book with after not being able to finish the one I originally chose.....

1) - TBR Read
2) TBA
3) - New life - the main character has to learn to live as a ghost after he dies
4) - Aussie New Release
5) - Romance - finished 1/10/13 - 4 stars
6) - Luck goes with gambling
7) - Young Adult - finished 21/9/13 - 3 stars
8) - Favourite Genre is Thriller - finished 5/9/13 - 4 stars
9) - Starts with 'M'
10) - Aussie Sci-Fi/Paranormal - finished 15/9/13 - 1 star
11) - Been on my TBR forever!
12) - Same as above!
13) - Same as above!

[Amber]

I just checked the status of books I'm waiting on from the library for this challenge and found out that my chosen "Favourite Genre" title won't be available at all. The only copy my local library had is listed as "claimed returned" :-(

Now I have to decide on a replacement...

(FYI, the book I was going to read for my #8 was The Book of Secrets: A Novel)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Amber wrote: "I just checked the status of books I'm waiting on from the library for this challenge and found out that my chosen "Favourite Genre" title won't be available at all. The only copy my local library ..."

That's bad luck Amber:(

[Amber]

My updated list:

1. Spring clean TBR - Gone Girl ★★★

2. Spring colours cover - My Family and Other Animals

3. New life - Left Neglected ★★★

4. Aussie Spring new release - Eyrie

5. Romance - Half Moon Bay

6. Melbourne Cup - Brumby's Run ★★★

7. Young Adult - Wonder ★★★★

8. Favourite genre ("literary fiction") - The Narrow Road To The Deep North

9. Starts with A - And the Mountains Echoed ★★★★

10. Aussie fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi - Fairytales for Wilde Girls

11. September TBR - The Night Guest: A Novel ★★★

12. October TBR - The Husband's Secret ★★★★

13. November TBR - The Rosie Project

[Chris]

Just finished my 5th for this challenge.
5. Cross Stitch ★★★