**Summer Reading Challenge - 2013/2014**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Kathryn:) Looking good so far!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Finished my last book for this challenge last night.

1. Aussie book set in the summer months Heartland by Cathryn Hein 3 stars
2. Romance The Iron King by Julie Kagawa 4 stars
3. New release. Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner 5 stars
4. Literature map. Neil Gaiman gave me Philip Pullman The Amber Spyglass 3 stars
5. Christmas theme Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher 3stars
6. YA Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody 3 stars
7. LGBT author The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith 2 stars
8. Aussie book Beyond Fear by Jaye Ford 4 stars
9. Favourite genre The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson 5 stars
10. Book made into a movie Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 4 stars
11. December TBR TBA Scared Yet? by Jaye Ford 4 stars
12. January TBR Doctor Sleep by Stephen King 5 stars
13. February TBR The Goldfinch 1 star

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Phrynne! Congrats:)

[Sally906]

Phrynne wrote: "Finished my last book for this challenge last night.

1. Aussie book set in the summer months Heartland by Cathryn Hein 3 stars
2. Romance [book:The Iron King|6644..."
Well done Phrynne :)

[Elaine]

So as I'm quite a bit behind on this challenge I've decided to opt out of this one and in future I think I won't sign up for the seasonal challenges. I will still like to do the monthly ones though, although that's probably for another thread. Thanks Brenda for the encouragement...just a few too many things to have to fit in. I'm quite enjoying my JFK challenge and will also continue with the Aussie Authors annual challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "So as I'm quite a bit behind on this challenge I've decided to opt out of this one and in future I think I won't sign up for the seasonal challenges. I will still like to do the monthly ones though..."

No problems Elaine, as long as you're enjoying your reading, that's the main thing:)

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "So as I'm quite a bit behind on this challenge I've decided to opt out of this one and in future I think I won't sign up for the seasonal challenges. I will still like to do the mont..."

Thanks Brenda. I want to be able to enjoy my reading and so need to let go of a few things...like this challenge...to be able to read more of what I really want to. Having said that I have enjoyed the seasonal challenges and it's great to be able to challenge ourselves in this way. I'll still sticky beak and see how everyone is doing. Plus it's a great way to add new books to our TBR. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "So as I'm quite a bit behind on this challenge I've decided to opt out of this one and in future I think I won't sign up for the seasonal challenges. I will still like..."

And I'm sure you'll continue to do that;)

[Steve]

I have finished my twenty-third, my second 12. January TBR, The Fall of Terok Nor, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 13. February TBR, The War of the Prophets.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Almost there Steve:)

[Steve]

I have finished my twenty-fourth, my first 13. February TBR, The War of the Prophets, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my second 13. February TBR, Inferno.

[Janine]

I have just finished this challenge with my Feb TBR
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Janine! Well done:)

[Sally906]

Janine wrote: "I have just finished this challenge with my Feb TBR
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See"

Well done Janine - congratulations.

[Kira]

I'm finished. I read my last two this week, Castle Cay and ICEHOTEL. Good books to finish on.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Kira!

[Sally906]

Kira wrote: "I'm finished. I read my last two this week, Castle Cay and ICEHOTEL. Good books to finish on."

Finished on a mystery high :) Congratulations.

[Kira]

Sally906 wrote: "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?..."

No I haven't. I have heard that the movie is better and I did plan to see it. Maybe next Christmas though ;)

[Sharon]

Have finished my last book for this challenge # 13 Feb TBR: Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

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

I have thoroughly enjoy doing this challenge and I'm now looking forward to the next one :)

[Nicola]

Finished my first No.8
Murder and Mendelssohn: Phryne Fisher's Murder Mysteries 20 / Kerry Greenwood
and also my 1st Feb TBR
The Reversal / Michael Connelly
Which completes at least one book in each category, however, I've still got a few I'm reading so will wait until closer to the end of the month to post my full completed list! It's all been such great fun!

[Kathryn]

I just finished my Feb TBR - It Takes A Village by Christine Stinson and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's such a sweet story, but I didn't find it over-sweet. I'm giving it 4 stars, my review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

One more book to go for this challenge - my LGBT read - The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sharon wrote: "Have finished my last book for this challenge # 13 Feb TBR: Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

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

I have thoroug..."

Congratulations Sharon! Well done:)

[Kathryn]

Wow - I've just realised there are quite a few people already finished this challenge - I've only got one more book to go, but it's not the next book I'm intending to read so I'll probably only finish in a week or two...

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Have finished my last book for this challenge # 13 Feb TBR: Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

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

Thanks Brenda :)

[Steve]

I have finished my penultimate book, my second 13. February TBR, Inferno, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my second 1. Summer, Summer of the Moon Flower.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Just finished my #2. Valentines Day Rom. Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole ...what a beautiful book! I loved every page and admit to shedding a tear or two throughout.
This one is a keeper! Review to follow when I have had time to digest it all.

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


Update so far:

1. Summer in Australia: The Silver Thread by Kylie Fitzpatrick
2. Valine Day Rom: Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
3. New Release: Unforgivable by Sharon Robards
4. The Literature Map: The First Lie by Diane Chamberlain ..... & its sequel Necessary Lies.
5. Christmas Themed: The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
6. Ya Families: The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
7. Mardi Gras Gay: The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith.
8. Aust Day Aus Auth: The Grass Castle by Karen Viggers
9. Fav. Genre HF: Girl of Shadows by Deborah Challinor.
10. Book made into movie: A Fortunate Life by Albert B. Facey
11. Reduce Tbr: The Lavender Keeper by Fiona McIntosh
12.Reduce Tbr. The Island House by Posie Graeme-Evans
13. Reduce Tbr. Questions of Travel by Michelle de Kretser

[Angela]

The Hobbit is finished!

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

I've also finished The Brush Off (review to follow)

Only two to go! Yay! :)

[Jenn]

Ok starting my 26th book Rebecca ..

[Steve]

I have finished my final book for the challenge, my second 1. Summer, Summer of the Moon Flower, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Here is my completed list:

1. Summer ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
2. Valentine's Day ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆
3. New Release (31st Dec) ★★★☆☆ ; (28th Jan) ★★★☆☆
4. Literature Map (Anne Bishop) ★★☆☆☆ ; (J.D. Robb) ★★★★☆
5. Christmas ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
6. Young Adult ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
7. LBGT ★★★★☆ ; ★★★☆☆
8. Australia Day ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆
9. Favourite Genre ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
10. Book into a Movie ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
11. December TBR ★★★★★ ; ★★★★★
12. January TBR ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
13. February TBR ★★★☆☆ ; ★★★★★

[Nicola]

Just finished another Feb TBR (which is also my first for the Feb Challenge!)
Atlas Shrugged / Ayn Rand
Got a couple more on the boil that I should be able to finish before the end of the month!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I have finished my final book for the challenge, my second 1. Summer, Summer of the Moon Flower, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Here is my complet..."

Congratulations Steve! Great result:)

[Sally906]

Wow I can't bet over how many people did a double challenge. Well done!

[Jackmeister]

I've only got three to go to finish my challenge,

Summer - An Open Swimmer by Tim Winton
Valentines Day - City of Ashes byCassandra Clare ****
New Release - Innocence by Dean Koontz
Literature Map - Never Go Back by Lee Child ****
Christmas - Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson ***
Young Adult - City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
LGBT - Chasing The Dead by Joel Goldman ****
Aussie - The Tournament by Matthew Reilly ****
Favourite Genre - Crusader's Cross by James Lee Burke ****
Book to Movie - Hostage by Robert Crais ****
December TBR - Doctor Sleep by Stephen King *****
January TBR - The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly *****
February TBR - Hose Monkey by Reed Farrel Coleman ****

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Jackie! You've had some great reads this challenge, lots of high ratings! Well chosen:) 2 weeks to finish; good luck!

[Nicola]

Tongue in cheek - Jennifer and Joanna travelled to America to receive their GBLT award! (but it is also a FEB TBR read as well)
Bonkers: My Life in Laughs / Jennifer Saunders
Plus another Feb TBR read
Katie.com: My Story / Katherine Tarbox
one of the very first internet paedophile cases to go to court - interesting reading.

[Rosie]

I have finished reading Beneath the Southern Cross

I really enjoyed it. I was up to almost 4 am to finish it.

[Sally906]

Rosie wrote: "I have finished reading Beneath the Southern Cross

I really enjoyed it. I was up to almost 4 am to finish it."

Always an indication of a good read :)

[Kathryn]

I just finished my last book for this challenge and with over 10 days to spare :-) My final list looked like this:

. Summer in AU -
Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman. 4 stars

2. Valentine's Day - romance -
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks 3 stars

3. New Release - Unforgivable by Sharon Robards 3.5 stars

4. Literature Map - I put in Kerry Greenwood and selected Ariana Franklin - Mistress of the Art of Death - 4 stars

5. Christmas theme - Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. 3.5 stars if I could...

And an extra one - A Bush Christmas by Margareta Osborn 2 stars

6. YA - children, teens, families - The Children of the King by Sonya Hartnett 3 stars

7. Mardi Gras - LGBT author - The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham - 3 stars

8. Australia Day - Aussie Author - The Secret River by Kate Grenville - 4 stars, and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - 5 stars

9. Favourite Genre - Mr. Churchill's Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal 3 stars

10. Book made into a Movie - The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough - 4.5 stars

11. Dec TBR - Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome 2 stars

12. Jan TBR - The Cleverness of Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith 3 stars

13. Feb TBR - It Takes A Village by Christine Stinson 4 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I just finished my last book for this challenge and with over 10 days to spare :-) My final list looked like this:

. Summer in AU -
[book:Lighthouse Bay|13260..."

Congratulations Kathryn! Excellent result:)

[Heather]

I've completed 3. New Release The Winter Garden just as beautifully described as Black Roses with that mix of real and fictional characters and real and fictional events

[Katrina]

Only one more to go....
Just finished
1. Summer read The Lavender Keeper by Fiona McIntosh which i loved
7 LGBT Stephen Fry Mrs Fry's Diary (my phone won't find it in.the search...)
So now only my new release and to finish my feb tbr....i should make it :)

[Jenn]

Finished my last book for this challenge Rebecca

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Katrina wrote: "Only one more to go....
Just finished
1. Summer read The Lavender Keeper by Fiona McIntosh which i loved
7 LGBT Stephen Fry Mrs Fry's Diary (my phone w..."

You'll make it Katrina...you're doing well!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennifer wrote: "Finished my last book for this challenge Rebecca"

Congratulations Jennifer:) Great effort!

[Chris]

Finished my No.8: Aussie Author-Cairo by Chris Womersley 4 ★

[Rosie]

Finished my number 10

The Secret Garden

[Trevor]

Christina wrote: "Finished my No.8: Aussie Author-Cairo by Chris Womersley 4 ★"

I loved that book, glad you enjoyed it too.

[Nicola]

Finished another Feb TBR
4*
Earth Afire / Orson Scott Card

[Chris]

Trevor wrote: "Christina wrote: "Finished my No.8: Aussie Author-Cairo by Chris Womersley 4 ★"

I loved that book, glad you enjoyed it too."

It was a great read. I actually didn't want it to finish.

[Angela]

I have finished The Brush Off by Shane Maloney


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

And also Brideshead Revisited (review to follow)

Only a week to finish my last one - And the Mountains Echoed

Exciting! :)