**Summer Reading Challenge - 2013/2014**

[Sharon]

Finished my 11th # 9 Favourite Genre: Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain

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

[Chris]

Nicola wrote: "Christina wrote: "Finished 12. Feb TBR: Lighthouse Bay 4 ★"

I enjoyed that one as well - enough to make me want to try some of her others!"

The first book I read of Kimberley Freeman's was Wildflower Hill which I thoroughly enjoyed. Have now also read Ember Island. Also a good read. :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennifer wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Have finished my 20th Book The Helper. this is a new author for me and I loved the way it has a twist right at the end of the story."

Wow did you do..."

Well done! I haven't started working out the Autumn challenge yet, but it'll be a great one (I hope!)

[Nicola]

Just finished the Trilogy (The Damask Circle) so my last No.2 Valentines Day read:
Circle of Desire / Keri Arthur

[Elaine]

Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night . Gave it 3 stars.
Still need to find a replacement for my Valentine's read as I just could not read The Perfect Location!!!

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night. Gave it 3 stars.
Still need to f..."

Could your romance be Jack and Jackie, which I see you're reading at the moment, Elaine? It sounds like a romance from the blurb... Or did the criteria for that category say it had to be a novel? It's too long ago now, I can't remember!

[Kathryn]

I just checked - this is all it says:

"2. It's Valentine's Day on the 14th February - challenge yourself to choose a romance! (as long as there's a hint of romance in the air, your interpretation is fine!)"

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night. Gave it 3 stars.
..."



Kathryn wrote: "I just checked - this is all it says:

"2. It's Valentine's Day on the 14th February - challenge yourself to choose a romance! (as long as there's a hint of romance in the air, your interpretation ..."

That would be perfectly fine Kathryn (and Elaine!)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my first February TBR (and 24th book) Killer by Jonathan Kellerman 5★s

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

[Nicola]

Finished my No. 3 New Release
The Girl in the Yellow Vest / Loretta Hill
I have another one on the list as well - being released this month...

[Steve]

After reading some Sue Grafton, I have finished my twenty-first book, my second 3. New Release, Star Trek: Voyager: Protectors, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 1. Summer, The Sunburnt Country.

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night. G..."

I thought of that too Kathryn but when I checked it, there was no mention of it being a romance. I'm sure I've got something on my TBR that fits the criteria. Thanks for the suggestion though. Brenda has ok'd it too so if I get really stuck and run out of time I may resort to that. Thanks again. :)

[B the BookAddict]

Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Have finished my 20th Book The Helper. this is a new author for me and I loved the way it has a twist right at the end of the story...."

Good lord, Brenda, what have you been doing, sitting around reading? haha:)

[Elaine]

Bette Book Monomaniac wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Have finished my 20th Book The Helper. this is a new author for me and I loved the way it has a twist right at the en..."

She's the super hero of reading Bette!!! Ha,ha. Our very own SuperBrenda. Here, there, everywhere with a book and still has time to enjoy life. :)

[B the BookAddict]

God, it's hot!

Mon dieu! Forgot to say I've finished my last book #??? New Release The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

My review is at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Another enjoyable and satisfying challenge.


oh, and did I mention it's hot:)

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night[bookcover:Norwegian by Nig..."

I just looked at the first line of the GR blurb - "Theirs was one of the great love stories of our time." So I figured that sounded like a good enough plug for a romance for me!! Even if it turns out that there's less romance than we might have thought - the criteria does say "a hint of romance"...! But I know how you feel - sometimes choosing certain books can feel like a bit of a cop-out!!

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Swapped The Casual Vacancy, which a friend is borrowing at the moment for Norwegian by Night[bookcover:N..."

No that works for me Kathryn. I might double up after all. I have so many books to read that if I can kill two birds so to speak I'm happy to do it. Thx :)

[Kathryn]

Bette Book Monomaniac wrote: "God, it's hot!

Mon dieu! Forgot to say I've finished my last book #??? New Release The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

My review is at: https://www.goodreads...."

You did mention it was hot, Bette...! Are you struggling? I don't think I would be coping very well either - I'd have the air-conditioning on! By the way, you mentioned occupants of your house survived these temperatures 163 years ago without air-con - however, the women of your house also wore corsets and stockings and survived, but I don't imagine you're wearing anything similar today??

I do understand what you're saying about air-con, but since it is an available and acceptable option, and if you can afford the installation and running costs, I'd say get it installed. You don't have to use it just because you have it, but then when days like today come along, you at least have the option to retreat from the heat.

Incidentally, I simply don't know how people of 200 years ago and thereabouts survived the extreme temps without air-con and with layers of restrictive clothing! The combination would have been intolerable!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bette Book Monomaniac wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Have finished my 20th Book The Helper. this is a new author for me and I loved the way it has a twist right at the en..."

Haha! Cheeky! lol (I actually have started it now;))

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Bette Book Monomaniac wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Have finished my 20th Book The Helper. this is a new author for me and I loved the way ..."

Thanks Elaine:) Love your support!

[Binari]

Just started my final book of the challenge These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Binari wrote: "Just started my final book of the challenge These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman"

Well done Binari! You'll have some spare time:)

[Steve]

I have finished my twenty-second book, my first 1. Summer, The Sunburnt Country -- this probably could have also fit in 2. Valetine's Day very easily. My review is at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my late-running second 12. January TBR, The Fall of Terok Nor.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Michael, you've got a few TBA to add;) You should be able to finish the whole lot shortly with you starting holidays tomorrow;)

[Sharon]

Finished my 12th #10 Book made into a movie: Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

Only 1 to go :)

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Sharon! You will finish with time to spare:) Great review too!

[Sharon]

Thanks Brenda. Yes I will have a bit of time to spare, but not long until our next seasonal challenge :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're right there;)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Finally finished my #6 Ya/Families, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, what a great read! I have been caught up with O/Seas visitors staying with us and haven't had any quality reading time, so I have taken way too long to read this great book. It is so good that I plan to read it again at a later date when I can really sit back and enjoy it without too much interruption...it deserves to be read that way.
Next up is #2 Valentines Day Rom. Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole and #10 Book into a movie A Fortunate Life by Albert B. Facey.

Will have to really change gears now if I want to finish this challenge in time!....can any of my 2014 Aussie Author challenge books count here as substitutes?? Just finished Trim by Matthew Flinders last week as the first of my 2014 Aussie Author challenge picks.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Julie wrote: "Finally finished my #6 Ya/Families, The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton, what a great read! I have been caught up with O/Seas visitors staying with us and haven't had a..."

As long as your Aussie author challenge books fit the categories Julie, that is fine:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to finish.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my second #6 (my 25th) - YA - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins last night. 5★s

Review to follow

One to go!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Excellent..thanks Brenda! :-)

[Kira]

I just finished Skipping Christmas. I ended up skipping most of the book and went right to the last chapter. I'm glad I did. 1*

[Janine]

I have finished my 12th book for this challenge. No 10 Book Made into a Movie:
Schindler's Ark by Thomas Keneally
Only my Feb TBR to go!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to finish."

Yep it sure is a long one. Started it myself earlier to..."

I've got to page 186 and so far I am finding it pretty average really. I guess it gets better!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Doing well Janine:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to finish."

Yep it sure is a long one. Started it m..."

You HOPE it gets better;)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to finish."

Yep it sure is a long o..."

Well I have to admit that with all the positive reviews it has had I was expecting something more than I am getting so far!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to finish."

Yep it s..."

There are some bad too Phrynne...I read a particularly bad one (can't remember where) and decided against it:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Michael wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Starting my last book for this challenge today. It's The Goldfinch so it will take me a few days to fi..."

Now you tell me :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! Ooops, sorry;)

[Sally906]

Kira wrote: "I just finished Skipping Christmas. I ended up skipping most of the book and went right to the last chapter. I'm glad I did. 1*"

Did you see the movie version of the book? My daughter hated the book but loved the movie :)

I loved the book as hubby and I could so relate to the concept of skipping all the hoopla of Christmas.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "Finished my second #6 (my 25th) - YA - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins last night. 5★s

Review to follow

One to go!"

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my 26th and final book for the challenge - 2nd February TBR - Swipe by Kathy Reichs

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

Here's my completed list:)

1. Summer in AU - Burnt by Karly Lane ★★★★★

Desert Fish by Cherise Saywell ★★★★

2. Valentine's Day - romance - Currawong Creek by Jennifer Scoullar ★★★★★
Eliza's Home: A Cypress Hollow Novella Rachael Herron ★★★★

3. New Releases D, J or F - The Last Savanna by Mike Bond ★★
The Girl in the Yellow Vest by Loretta Hill ★★★★★

4. Literature Map - Harlan Coben = Lee Child Never Go Back ★★★★★
Tami Hoag = Lisa Gardner The Next Accident ★★★★★


5. Christmas theme - December's Wish by Karly Lane ★★★★★
Merrie Axemas by M.R. Sellars ★★★★★

6. YA - children, teens, families - Phoenix Island by John Dixon ★★★★★
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins ★★★★★

7. Mardi Gras - gay character - Silent Partner by Jonathan Kellerman ★★
Blood Test by Jonathan Kellerman ★★★★

8. Australia Day - Aussie Author - A Fortunate Life by Albert B. Facey ★★★★★
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood ★★★★★

9. Favourite Genre - Gone by James Patterson ★★★★★
Dead Beat by Val McDermid ★★★★

10. Book made into a Movie - The Call of the Wild by Jack London ★★★★★
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie ★★★★

11. Dec TBR - The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith ★★★
Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb ★★★★★

12. Jan TBR - Until Death by Sandy Curtis ★★★★★
Always Watching by Chevy Stevens ★★★

13. Feb TBR - Killer by Jonathan Kellerman ★★★★★
Swipe by Kathy Reichs ★★★★

[Sally906]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 26th and final book for the challenge - 2nd February TBR - Swipe by Kathy Reichs

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

Here's m..."

Well done Brenda - you did two of everything!! WOW

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Sally, it was fun!

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 26th and final book for the challenge - 2nd February TBR - Swipe by Kathy Reichs

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

Here's m..."

Well done Brenda :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Sharon:)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 26th and final book for the challenge - 2nd February TBR - Swipe by Kathy Reichs

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

Here's m..."

Looks like you've had a good summer of reading so far, Brenda! Hope your reading for the rest of Feb is as good!