**Summer Reading Challenge - 2013/2014**

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda can you find a cover for this book please?....
The Gold Rush by David Hill IBN 9781864711301

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

.. someone already did it Julie:)

[Sharon]

Finished my 9th # 12 Jan TBR: Still Alice by Lisa Genova

A fantastic read :)

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

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: " .. someone already did it Julie:)"

Oh thanks...I couldn't find it when I looked.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Julie wrote: "Brenda wrote: " .. someone already did it Julie:)"

Oh thanks...I couldn't find it when I looked."

Well, I just discovered David Hill was born in NZ so doesn't qualify for my choice of #8.Australia Day Aussie Author. I will have to rethink my choice and add it later. Oops :{

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Julie wrote: "Julie wrote: "Brenda wrote: " .. someone already did it Julie:)"

Oh thanks...I couldn't find it when I looked."

Well, I..."

Never mind, there are lots of others which will qualify:)

[[deleted user]]

Everyone's going really well!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Brenda wrote: "I have finished my 23rd - 2nd #1, Summer -Desert Fish by Cherise Saywell

Review to follow

3 to go now:)"

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

[Trevor]

Making good progress, have now finished book 10 - Valentine Day Desert Sons by Mark Kendrick which gets 3★, short review:

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

[Kathryn]

I hope everyone is having a good reading year for 2014. I am!

Now have 3 categories to go (not counting my current read) which sounds good, but one of those is The Thorn Birds which is quite thick(!) so it might take a while to read, and another is The Painted Veil which I suspect I might find a bit of a slow read.

1. 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 - currently reading Unforgivable by Sharon Robards

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 stars - 3.5 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

8. Australia Day - Aussie Author - The Secret River by Kate Grenville - 4 stars, and The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - 5 stars, and perhaps also The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

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

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I hope everyone is having a good reading year for 2014. I am!

Now have 3 categories to go (not counting my current read) which sounds good, but one of those is The Thorn Birds which i..."

Looks good Kathryn! I have wanted to read It Takes A Village for awhile now, and even more so since I met Christine Stinson last year:)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Looks good Kathryn! I have wanted to read It Takes A Village for awhile now, and even more so since I met Christine Stinson last year:)..."

I see I added it because it was recommended or mentioned by someone on Goodreads, but I can't remember who now!! But I'd say it's probably someone in this group, since she's an Australian author. And how awesome that you got to meet her, Brenda! You really DID have a full on year of meeting authors last year!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Looks good Kathryn! I have wanted to read It Takes A Village for awhile now, and even more so since I met Christine Stinson last year:)..."

I see I added it because it was recommend..."

I sure did! I met her at the launch of Jaye Ford's new book Blood Secret :)

[Elaine]

Nicola I'm so excited you're reading The Sunne in Splendour. Can't wait to hear what you think of it. A customer was in yesterday raving about it. We couldn't stop talking!!!

[Sally906]

I have finished the Summer Challenge - so can kick back and relax for February while I wait patiently for the Autumn one :)

This is my completed summer list:

1. Celebrate Summer in Australia -
Right As Rain by Tricia Stringer

2. It's Valentine's Day choose a romance! –
The House on Burra Burra Lane by Jennie Jones

3. New Release -
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman (release date 01/12/13)

4. The Literature Map -
Christmas Crumble by M.C. Beaton (typed in Rhys Bowen)

5. A Christmas Themed book -
A Bush Christmas by Margareta Osborn

6. Choose a Young Adult book -
The Elite by Kiera Cass

7. Book with a gay character or author –
Keepers of the Cave by Gerri Hill

8. Australia Day is on January 26th -
Unnatural Habits by Kerry Greenwood

9. My favourite genre - This time of the year my favourite genre is actually any light and fluffy genre with a christmas theme:
The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

10. A Book which has been made into a Movie -
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas Movie was ‘Christmas with Holly’

Reduce my TBR pile:

11. December - A Family for Christmas by Helen Scott Taylor

12. January - Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris

13. February - Threadbare by Cindi Gale

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Sally! February came early in your household eh;)

[Sally906]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Sally! February came early in your household eh;)"

Took a couple of weeks off and hubby had to work so got quality reading time in :)

[Chris]

Completed my #7: City of Lost Souls 2★

[Trevor]

Just found my new release book Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner.

Brenda, would it be possible to load up a cover for this book? Thanks.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Just found my new release book Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner.

Brenda, would it be possible to load up a cover for this book? Thanks."



There you go Trevor:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Just found my new release book Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner.

Brenda, would it be possible to load up a cover for this book? Thanks."

[bookcover:Zu..."

Thanks :-)

[Jenn]

Just finished my 14th book Brideshead Revisited...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennifer wrote: "Just finished my 14th book Brideshead Revisited..."

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

[Steve]

Brenda wrote: "With it being 560 pages Steve, it will take you longer, but enjoy your conference:) This is for your new job isn't it? I hope all is going well there?"

The conference was great fun, and it was related to my new job, but not completly -- I have an awful lot of friends in the industry, and it was great to catch up with some of them.

It seems I did forgot to update currently reading, but I am *still* going with it. It was dragging horribly, and I forced myself to keep reading. It has gotten slightly more interesting, but now that I'm this far into it, I'm going to stick until the bitter end.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "Brenda wrote: "With it being 560 pages Steve, it will take you longer, but enjoy your conference:) This is for your new job isn't it? I hope all is going well there?"

The conference was great fun,..."

Glad you had fun at the conference Steve! It's great to catch up with old friends:)

I hope you can enjoy the book as you're sticking with it!

[Trevor]

Finished book #12 for the challenge, my new release book Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner which I am giving 3★, my short review is:

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

[Jade]

Yay finished my summer challenge :))

1. Summer in AU - The Inevitability of Stars
2. Valentines - A Walk to Remember
3. New release - Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns
4. Literature map - I put in John Green, than picked Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games
5. Christmas - A Christmas Carol
6. Young Adult - The Lightning Thief
7. Mardi Gras - Look Who's Morphing
8. Aussie Author - Campaign Ruby
9. Fav Genre - The Fault in Our Stars
10. Book to Movie - The Hobbit
11. Dec TBR - Divergent trilogy
12. Jan TBR - Paper Towns
13. Feb TBR - The book thief

[Steve]

I have finished my eighteenth, my first 4. Literature Map, Daughter of the Forest, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Now to read something good, like another J.D. Robb.

[Sally906]

Jade wrote: "Yay finished my summer challenge :))

1. Summer in AU - The Inevitability of Stars
2. Valentines - A Walk to Remember
3. New release - Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns
4. Literature map - I p..."

Congratulations Jade

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jade wrote: "Yay finished my summer challenge :))

1. Summer in AU - The Inevitability of Stars
2. Valentines - A Walk to Remember
3. New release - Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns
4. Literature map - I p..."

Congratulations Jade! Would you mind linking your books for us please, so we can check your reads out? Thanks!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I have finished my eighteenth, my first 4. Literature Map, Daughter of the Forest, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Now to read something good, like an..."

Doing brilliantly Steve! Yes, Robb is a good read to go to always:) My trouble is I'm right up to date now:(

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Finished book #12 for the challenge, my new release book Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner which I am giving 3★, my short review is:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/s..."

Getting there Trevor:)

[Jade]

Thanks Sally and Brenda :)) I lost the links when i copied whoops, but i've added them here!

The Inevitability of Stars 3.5 stars
A Walk to Remember 4 stars
Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns 2 stars
The Hunger Games 5 stars
A Christmas Carol 3 stars
The Lightning Thief 4 stars
Look Who's Morphing 5 stars
Campaign Ruby 3 stars
The Fault in Our Stars 5 stars
The Hobbit 4 stars
Divergent Series Complete Box Set 5 stars
Paper Towns 4 stars
The Book Thief 5 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jade wrote: "Thanks Sally and Brenda :)) I lost the links when i copied whoops, but i've added them here!

The Inevitability of Stars 3.5 stars
A Walk to Remember 4 stars
..."

Thanks Jade! And wow! some good reading there, and a mixture of star ratings:) Good to see the ones you've rated 5 stars too:) Popular books...

I have the final book in The Hunger Games series left to read, and will read it soon... Mockingjay. Have you read #2 & #3 yet?

[Jade]

Thanks Brenda - yeah i read some fantastic books!! And yes i read the trilogy within a few days... i couldn't put them down! The same with the divergent trilogy :))

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jade wrote: "Thanks Brenda - yeah i read some fantastic books!! And yes i read the trilogy within a few days... i couldn't put them down! The same with the divergent trilogy :))"

Haha! I try to spread them out, so they're not over with quickly;)

[pauliree]

Update so far: half way through

1 - Summer in Australia - The Lavender Keeper
2 - Valentine's Day - The Sum of All Kisses
3 - New Release - Reaver
4 - Literature Map - Larissa Ione - I have read all the books leading up to Reaver which is in my New Release section. 8 books of yummy masculinity :)
5 - Christmas - A Wallflower Christmas
6 - Young Adult - The House of Hades
7 - LCBT - Lover at Last
8 - Aussie Author - Lexicon
9 - Favourite Genre - Young Adult The Girl of Fire and Thorns
10 - Book Being made into movie - Winter's Tale
11 Reduce TBR - The Crown of Embers
12 Reduce TBR - The Bone Season
13 Reduce TBR - The Age of Miracles

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

pauliree wrote: "Update so far: half way through

1 - Summer in Australia - The Lavender Keeper
2 - Valentine's Day - The Sum of All Kisses
3 - New Release - Reaver
4..."

Looking good there! Well done:)

[Heather]

I've read over the last two weeks
7. Mardi-Gras - The Picture of Dorian Gray
Sorry found this book rather tedious.
12. TBR Broken
Chapter 14 was rather shattering.
6. Young Adult Six Impossible Things
I enjoyed this - will keep Wildlife in mind for the next YA challenge
Now I just have to wait for Feb for the TBR and New Release

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Heather wrote: "I've read over the last two weeks
7. Mardi-Gras - The Picture of Dorian Gray
Sorry found this book rather tedious.
12. TBR Broken
Chapter 14 was rather shattering.
6. You..."

Well done Heather!! You'll have it done in the first week of February:)

[Heather]

no The Winter Garden doesn't come out until the 13th

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Heather wrote: "no The Winter Garden doesn't come out until the 13th"

Haha! OK then by the middle of the month;)

[Chris]

Finished my #1 Summery Cover:The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell 5 ★

[Sally906]

Christina wrote: "Finished my #1 Summery Cover:The Shadow Year by Hannah Richell 5 ★"

Lots of people I know are giving this one 5 stars. I may have to read it!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

It's excellent Sally!

[Trevor]

Have just finished my summer challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed:

1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls 3★
2) Valentine's Day - Desert Sons by Mark Kendrick 3★
3) New release - Zundel's Exit by Markus Werner 3★
4) Literature map - typed in William Boyd - Engleby by Sebastian Faulks 2★
5) Christmas - The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen 2★
6) Young Adult - After January by Nick Earls 3★
7) LGBT - American Studies by Mark Merlis 3★
8) Australia Day - Wake in Fright by Kenneth Cook 4★
9) Favourite genre - detective - The Confidential Agent by Graham Greene 4★
10 ) Book to movie - Death in Brunswick by Boyd Oxlade 3★
11) TBR A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers 3★
12) TBR If I Die Before I Wake by Sherwood King 4★
13) TBR The Perfect Family by Kathryn Shay 3★

I'm now off to read some more from my large TBR pile.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Have just finished my summer challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed:

1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls 3★
2) Valentine's Day - [book:Desert Sons|119015..."

Congratulations Trevor! Not one 5 star read amongst it though...that's disappointing. But great that you enjoyed it!

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Have just finished my summer challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed:

1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls 3★
2) Valentine's Day - [book:Des..."

Thanks, Brenda, Perhaps I'm a bit harsh in my scoring but I do save my five stars for really special books.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Have just finished my summer challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed:

1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls 3★
2) Valentine's ..."

That's fine as that's your way of rating! I agree that if you rate everything highly, there's nothing higher for the extra special books!

[Sally906]

Trevor wrote: "Have just finished my summer challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed:

1) Summer - Making Laws For Clouds by Nick Earls 3★
2) Valentine's Day - [book:Desert Sons|119015..."

Congratulations Trevor