**Autumn Reading Challenge - 2014**

[Rachael]

This is a quick "thank you" to ... I don't know who! I am sure that The Amber Fury was on someone's list for "Colours of Autumn" and I picked it up from there. I listened to it as an audio book as I have been doing quite a lot of driving and I loved it. Even if I don't get this (my first) challenge completed I have enjoyed it so much as I have picked books I wouldn't have otherwise and I have been able to get other great reads from other people's lists. So, I am still going and will finish all the categories but may have to just say that my bookclub reads are my TBRs on this one. Thank you to Brenda and others for the work and thought that has gone into setting this up.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome Rachael - I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. It's good to hear we have helped you go "out of your comfort zone" with your reading;)

[Steve]

You guys are probably sick of hearing this now, but I'm leaving tomorrow on a big metal object in the sky to Atlanta for a week. I expect to finish my last book while waiting in the airport or while on a plane.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "You guys are probably sick of hearing this now, but I'm leaving tomorrow on a big metal object in the sky to Atlanta for a week. I expect to finish my last book while waiting in the airport or whil..."

Wow again! No never sick of hearing that Steve, just a little jealous;) Have a great time (I know it's work related!) and get lots of reading done:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I finished my May TBR choice - Lirael by Garth Nix. The only copy in the library was large print and my eyes are now trying to recover from the shock. Good book though.
My review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Sally906]

Steve wrote: "You guys are probably sick of hearing this now, but I'm leaving tomorrow on a big metal object in the sky to Atlanta for a week. I expect to finish my last book while waiting in the airport or whil..."

LOL I relate to the excitement as it is only seven weeks until hubby and I zip off for a month on the South Island of New Zealand. I'm thinking cold afternoons in front of a fire reading books and sipping wine. Hubby is thinking tramping to waterfalls and 4WD tours through mud to various Lord of the Rings sites. The truth will be a combination of both :)

[Sally906]

Meantime I am reading my last two books for the Autumn challenge : Dark Witch by Nora Roberts - set in Ireland for my St Patricks Day book, and also To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon about two convicts coming to Australia for my Captain Cooks early settlement book.

[Trevor]

Finished my 11th book, the first of TBR, Blood by Tony Birch which was a great read 4 ★

[Steve]

While waiting to board, I've finished my last book, my second 13. TBR, The Blinding Knife, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

I shall post my completed list from Atlanta.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Steve!

[Bec]

ok I've looked through what I have left on my list and had to change my TBR books for ones that I have as ebooks as I'm going o/s for a week and have NO ROOM for print books so can only bring my kindle - so I'm now going to read
Down Outback Roads by Alissa Callen
The Empty Nest by Fiona Palmer and
Mountain Ash by Margareta Osborn (all great Aussie Authors!) I also have Rosie Project & Safe Harbour on my kindle so hoping to get them all read while I am away (2x8 hour flights plus a week doing not much so lots of time to read). I'm currently reading The Tea House on Mulberry St (St Pat's book) and Mullumbimby (Canberra Day book) so will only have House for All Seasons left which I don't have as an ebook

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bec wrote: "ok I've looked through what I have left on my list and had to change my TBR books for ones that I have as ebooks as I'm going o/s for a week and have NO ROOM for print books so can only bring my ki..."

Down Outback Roads by Alissa Callen
The Empty Nest by Fiona Palmer
Mountain Ash by Margareta Osborn
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Safe Harbour by Helene Young
The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko
House for all Seasons by Jenn J. McLeod

I have read every single book on your list except your "currently reading" books!!

Have a wonderful time away, and good luck with all those great reads!

[Bec]

Thanks Brenda (and thanks for linking them up - sorry I didn't do that) How do you get the authors names to come up with the link - I can never work that out!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

In the same place you get the book link - it says "author" - swap it across and click on the correct one :)

[Bec]

nope you lost me (its not hard) I normally get the title details & cover from the share button (that gives you the links) but nothing for author in there - if I just try to cut and past it off the book page that doesn't work either

[Sally906]

Bec wrote: "nope you lost me (its not hard) I normally get the title details & cover from the share button (that gives you the links) but nothing for author in there - if I just try to cut and past it off the ..."

Hi Bec
when you are typing in the comment box if you look at the top RH side you will see the words add book/author and then after that in brackets (some html is ok)

click on the add book/author and another little box will pop - there are two tabs - one says books (which it is automatically in) and the other says author) type in the title of the book and press search and the book, or a list of books with that title comes up. You have to get it exactly the same though or it will say can't find it.

You then click on the Add button and it will be added to your comment box as a link.

To get the author you click on the author tab and do the same thing - press the add button next to authors name and it will appear in your comment box.

Give it a go when you ready - and then I can give the advanced class - how to add a picture of the cover ;)

[Kathryn]

Bec wrote: "nope you lost me (its not hard) I normally get the title details & cover from the share button (that gives you the links) but nothing for author in there - if I just try to cut and past it off the ..."

Are you using the app or are you using an internet browser, Bec? You can't link using the app. Otherwise, if you're using an internet browser, Brenda and Sally's instructions should work!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bec wrote: "nope you lost me (its not hard) I normally get the title details & cover from the share button (that gives you the links) but nothing for author in there - if I just try to cut and past it off the ..."

As the girls explained Bec:)

[Bec]

now I get it (sorry my brain really is not working right now) I've just been looking at the actual book page didn't even notice that bit! Thanks for all your help :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bec wrote: "now I get it (sorry my brain really is not working right now) I've just been looking at the actual book page didn't even notice that bit! Thanks for all your help :)"

Next time see how you go Bec:)

[Steve]

A little bit late, but here is my completed list:

1. Labor Day: ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
2. St Patrick's Day: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
3. Melbourne's Moomba Festival: ★★★☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
4. Canberra Day: ★☆☆☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
5. April Fools' Day: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★★
6. Easter: ★★☆☆☆ ; ★★★☆☆
7. ANZAC Day: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
8. The Captain Cook 1770 Festival: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆
9. The Whaleshark Festival: ; ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆
10. Colours of Autumn: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★☆
11. TBR: ★★★★★ ; ★★★★★
12. TBR: ★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆
13. TBR: ★★★★☆ ; ★★★★☆

[B the BookAddict]

Forgot to mark these off: my tenth, eleventh & twelfth books.

#7 Anzac Day Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

# 12 Randomiser #475 Alena by Rachel Pastan

#13. Randomiser #512 Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler

[Nicola]

Another Autumn Colour but this time Orange....
Eva Luna / Isabel Allende
only a few left now....

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "A little bit late, but here is my completed list:


1. Labor Day:
★★★★★ ; ★★★☆☆

2. St Patrick's Day:
[bookcover..."

Congratulations again Steve! A great list finished with some time to spare before the next challenge;)

[Chris]

Finished #5 April Fools Day- Humour- 3★

[B the BookAddict]

Finished my final book #4 Canberra Day Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time by Doris Pilkington

My challenge is over:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Bette! Well done:) A breather of a couple of weeks now before getting into Winter;)

[Sally906]

Bette BookAddict wrote: "Finished my final book #4 Canberra Day Rabbit-Proof Fence: The True Story of One of the Greatest Escapes of All Time by Doris Pilkington

My challenge is over:)"

Congratulations Bette

[Sally906]

Well after all that woe is me, I won't finish it panic of a few weeks back, I have finished in plenty of time - whoo hoo!

Here is my final list:

1. Labor Day - If Walls Could Talk by Juliet Blackwell (Construction – well professional renovator)

2. St Patrick's Day - Dark Witch by Nora Roberts (set in Ireland)

3. Melbourne's Moomba - Mister Owita's Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart by Carol Wall (Gardening is a fun activity)

4. Canberra Day – The Nargun and the Stars by Patricia Wrightson

5. April Fools' Day - Dead, Actually by Kaz Delaney

6. Easter - religion - Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby

7. ANZAC Day – Anzac Biscuits by Phil Cummings

8. The Captain Cook 1770 Festival - To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon

9. The Whaleshark Festival - Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

10. Colours of autumn - Red Wolf by Jennifer Dance (Red Cover plus Red in title)

Then reduce my TBR pile:

11. Slipping into Paradise: Why I Live in New Zealand by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

12. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

13. Straying from the Flock: Travels in New Zealand by Alexander Elder

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Sally! Well done:) A couple of weeks breathing respite before Winter for you too;)

[Sharon]

Congratulations Sally!!

[Sally906]

Thanks Brenda and Sharon :)

[B the BookAddict]

Sally, I know that panic you had; me too. Well done. Now of course we must suss out our TBRs for books in the Winter Challenge.

[Sally906]

Bette BookAddict wrote: "Sally, I know that panic you had; me too. Well done. Now of course we must suss out our TBRs for books in the Winter Challenge."

And of course there is the joy of list making, planning and then shuffling choices and changing mind once the challenge starts.

Such fun :)

[B the BookAddict]

Sally906 wrote: "Bette BookAddict wrote: "Sally, I know that panic you had; me too. Well done. Now of course we must suss out our TBRs for books in the Winter Challenge."

And of course there is the joy of list making, planning and then shuffling choices and changing mind once the challenge starts.

Such fun :)"

Sally, I go into list-stress:(

[Bec]

Finished another print book off my list!!
The Tea House On Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
Was a fun read (which is what I needed after some of the sad books I have read lately) and once I actually had a few hours to sit and read it - quiet a quick read. I finished in the early hours of this morning when in too much pain to sleep. Will try and post a review before I fly out tomorrow!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bec wrote: "Finished another print book off my list!!
The Tea House On Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
Was a fun read (which ..."

Bec not sure where you're flying to (sorry if you've already said!) but have a good time when you get there! Sorry about the pain you're in while trying to sleep too.....

[Bec]

Off to Samoa early tomorrow - by little 'sister' is getting married!! taking my kindle (not room for books) hoping to get lots of reading done to finish this challenge by the pool!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Bec wrote: "Off to Samoa early tomorrow - by little 'sister' is getting married!! taking my kindle (not room for books) hoping to get lots of reading done to finish this challenge by the pool!"

Wow! Have a wonderful holiday - enjoy the wedding:)

[[deleted user]]

I finished this challenge

[Bec]

Review of my latest read The Tea House on Mulberry Streethttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Arena, great work!!

[Sally906]

Bec wrote: "Off to Samoa early tomorrow - by little 'sister' is getting married!! taking my kindle (not room for books) hoping to get lots of reading done to finish this challenge by the pool!"

And what a wonderful spot to finish a challenge - poolside :)

[Nicola]

Another couple done....
Another No. 1 Labour Day - this time a policeman
The Sands of Windee / Arthur W. Upfield
and my first No. 8 Captain Cook Festival
The Secret River / Kate Grenville adaptation for stage by Andrew Bovell
and because I needed a quick light read another TBR
The Late Scholar / Jill Paton Walsh
only a couple more to go now....

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I just finished Shadow Dreaming. Oh dear.
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Trevor]

Just finished A Small Town In Germany by John le Carré which was a great cold ware espionage tale 4 ★, now onto my final TBR and last book of the challenge We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler, at this rate I should manage to finish in time :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yay! Trevor you'll be finished with a few days to spare:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I want to read We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves before the ABC Bookclub

[Trevor]

Phrynne wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Just finished A Small Town In Germany by John le Carré which was a great cold ware espionage tale 4 ★, now onto my final TBR and last book of the chall..."

I hadn't realised it was on the Bookclub next month, even more reason to read it now :-)

[Christy]

I should've updated much sooner as I thought I'd almost get 2 lists done. School holidays put a drastic stop to my reading and I still haven't got my groove back. Nonetheless I read some fabulous books and some had to be changed due to never coming in to the library, so for the next challenge. Here's my final list..

1. Labor Day: by Alissa Nutting a very BAD teacher. Embarrassed to say I gave it 4* - subject matter - horrific, but she wrote it so well I really enjoyed it.
by James Patterson 4*

2. St. Patrick's Day: by Rex Pickett 5*

3. Moomba: by Debbie Macomber 4*

4. Canberra Day: by Doris Pilkington 4*

5. April Fool's Day: by Hunter S. Thompson 2*

6. Easter: by Lily Prior 1*

7. ANZAC Day: by Phil Cummings 4*

8. Captain Cook: by Kate Morton3*

9. Whaleshark Festival: by Michael Lee West 3*

10. Colours of Autumn: by Paullina Simons 2*
by James Patterson 4*

11. TBR: by Sarah Addison Allen5* More like 10* a Beautiful Book!!
by William Landay5* - Wow!

12. TBR: by Stacy Green 4*

13. TBR: by Kris Radish 4*

And may still have time for another 1 or 2. Bring on Winter!!