**Winter Reading Challenge - 2014**

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Plus don't forget we read that Jackie Kennedy one together and that was pretty bad!!! Surely this one can't be worse?"

Yes, but it still had talking points!!

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Valerie wrote: "Kathryn and Elaine, you're doing the same buddy read as Christy and me so there should be plenty of conversation about it!
Wasn't the Literature map f..."

Yep!! That's fine Kathryn. :)

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Plus don't forget we read that Jackie Kennedy one together and that was pretty bad!!! Surely this one can't be worse?"

Yes, but it still had talking points!!"

True!!I have heard good things about this one so let's just wait and see. She might surprise us. A customer did tell me not to bother with it but I like to make my own mind up and you know I don't give up easily on a book. I'm still persevering with Lisey's Story!!!!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Valerie wrote: "Kathryn and Elaine, you're doing the same buddy read as Christy and me so there should be plenty of conversation about it!
Wasn't the Literature map fun? I put Maeve Binchy in and wasn't surprised..."

Haha! What a smart cookie :)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

I wish I'd had a buddy read when I recently read What Came Before by Anna George ....I was soooo wishing I could discuss it with someone at the time! It was an arc so I couldn't even post my review until this week.
So, heads up anyone planning on reading that one...perfect for a buddy read. Would also fit the criteria for this challenge.

[Chris]

Thank you to Sally, Brenda and Elaine for helping my TBR grow even bigger. :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "Thank you to Sally, Brenda and Elaine for helping my TBR grow even bigger. :-)"

You're most welcome Christina;)

[Chris]

My Winter Reading challenge list is as follows:

1b. TBR read: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It has been on my last two challenges and still haven't read it. Definitely this time.

2. New Release Aussie Author: Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

3. Miles Franklin winner: That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott

4. International Children's Day: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

5. Real & Fake: Non Fiction- The Woman Who Fell from the Sky by Jennifer Steil, Fiction- September by Rosamunde Pilcher

6. Winter Title: Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

7. National Tree Day: A Killing Frost by John Marsden

8. Literature Map: The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver Put in Margaret Atwood got Barbara Kingsolver.

9. Aussie Author Summery Cover:North Star by Karly Lane

10. Naughty & Nice: a. Sister by Rosamund Lupton, b. The French Promise by Fiona McIntosh

I am dreaming if I think I'll get these read as well but I'll add them anyway.

11. Optional TBR: The Secret River by Kate Grenville

12. Optional TBR : Questions of Travel by Michelle de Kretser

[Elaine]

Christina wrote: "Thank you to Sally, Brenda and Elaine for helping my TBR grow even bigger. :-)"

That's what I love about GR, Christina and especially our Aussie Group. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "My Winter Reading challenge list is as follows:

1b. TBR read: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It has been on my last two challenges and still haven't read it. De..."

Great list Christina:)

[Chris]

Brenda wrote: "Christina wrote: "My Winter Reading challenge list is as follows:

1b. TBR read: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It has been on my last two challenges and still h..."

Thanks Brenda. A lot of them are carry overs from previous challenges. :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Christina wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Christina wrote: "My Winter Reading challenge list is as follows:

1b. TBR read: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It has been on my last two challen..."

That's OK - the beauty of it if you can adapt them to the new criteria;)

[Zoey]

Here is my list



1. Long Term TBR - Atonement Ian McEwan
2. Aussie New Release - TBA
3. Miles Franklin Winner - Dirt Music Tim Winton
4. Int. Childrens Day(YA) - Focus Alyssa Rose Ivy
5a. Real & Fake (Non Fiction) - Kate: A Biography Marcia Moody
5b. Real & Fake (Fiction) - The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. Winter Cover or Title - Celtic Blood James John Loftus
7. Nat. Tree Day (Aussie from Library - Hades Candice Fox
8. Literature Map (Posie Graeme-Evans) - Lady of the English Elizabeth Chadwick
9. Aussie Warm Summery Cover - Undercurrents Tamara McKinley
10a. Naughty & Nice (Naughty) - The Ice Cream Girls Dorothy Koomson
10b. Naughty & Nice (Nice) - Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Helen Fielding
11. TBR - An Echo in the Bone Diana Gabaldon
12. TBR - Written in My Own Heart's Blood Diana Gabaldon

[Rosie]

My books are:

1b. Stiff

2. Big Little Lies

3. Questions of Travel

4. On the Jellicoe Road

5. Tutankhamun: The Exodus Conspiracy
The Tea Chest

6. The Long Winter

7. The House at Riverton borrowed from my dad

8. Wyoming Bold

9. Kimberley Sun

10. Buried and The Inn at Rose Harbor

[Bec]

missing books hide out with odd socks, snuggling in the corner reading aloud to each other

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Bec wrote: "missing books hide out with odd socks, snuggling in the corner reading aloud to each other"

Yes with the bookmarks too!!

[Bec]

I always buy bookmarks (usually as souvenirs - I love those magnetic ones) but can never find them when I'm looking for one! usually end up using a receipt

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Bec wrote: "I always buy bookmarks (usually as souvenirs - I love those magnetic ones) but can never find them when I'm looking for one! usually end up using a receipt"

Yep...I know.
...Btw love your profile pic Bec, and good luck with that! ;)

[Megan]

1b. TBR read: Atonement

2. New Release Aussie Author: TBA

3. Miles Franklin winner: My Brother Jack

4. International Children's Day: Memory

5. Real & Fake: Non Fiction- War, Fiction- July's People

6. Winter Title: South: The story of Shackleton's last expedition 1914 - 1917

7. National Tree Day: Everything We Hoped For

8. Literature Map: Potiki (put in Janet Frame and got Patricia Grace)

9. Aussie Author Summery Cover: The Great Fire

10. Naughty & Nice: a. The Luminaries, b. Sense and Sensibility

[Ben]

I fell off the wagon a bit during the last challenge for various reasons so hoping to get back on track with this one.

1b. The Name of the Wind
2. Here Come The Dogs
3. Dirt Music
4. Half a King
5a. Death by Black Hole 4★s
5b. The Crimson Campaign 4★s
6. Mawson: And the Ice Men of the Heroic Age: Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen
7. Breath (also a bonus Miles Franklin winner)
8. The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories 4★s
9. Shallows (another bonus Miles Franklin winner)
10a. Mr. Mercedes 3★s
10b. President Me: The America That's in My Head 3★s
11. Abaddon's Gate 4★s
12. Cibola Burn 3★s

[Mell]

OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

1b. TBR: Déjà Dead by Kathy Reichs
2. Australian new release: Devotion: The Beauty in Between by Lilliana Anderson 5★
3. Miles Franklin Award: 1992 Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
4. Young adult: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green 5★
5a. Real: Night by Elie Wiesel
5b. Fake: Consequences by Aleatha Romig 3★
6. Winter: Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
7. Ebook: Drawn by Lilliana Anderson
8. Literature Map (Jodi Picoult): Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
9. Australian summer: Half Moon Bay by Helene Young
10a. Murder/Suspense/Thriller/Mystery: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
10b. Romance/Chick-Lit/Comedy: Crush on You by Christie Ridgway 4★
11. TBR: Remember Me? by Sophie Kinsella 3★
12. TBR: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 3★

Let me know if any aren't suitable and I will find alternates!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

1b. TBR: Déjà Dead by [auth..."

Have you tried iBooks with your iPad Melissa? I've got a few freebies from there without any trouble:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists guys!!

[Mell]

Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

1b. TBR: [book:Déjà Dead|..."

yep! i love my iPad! i didn't think of that, i will find an aussie author on there and update!

[Kathryn]

Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

1b. TBR: [..."

Melissa, if you download the Overdrive app you can borrow e-books from your local library whenever you want. I think you may need to go into your library to set up your account, but I'm not sure - maybe you can do it all online... Although if you aren't already a member of your local library you would definitely have to go in to join up.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

1b. TBR: [..."

Good luck searching:)

[Mell]

Kathryn wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Melissa wrote: "OK, here is my list - any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likel..."

thanks Kathryn! I will definitely check it out :)

[Sally906]

Wow,there are some great lists here - busy taking notes :)

[Mario]

Melissa wrote: "any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

You can find lots of ebooks in the Amazon store, too. All you need is the Amazon Kindle app, and if in the future you get a Kindle you can transfer any purchased books over! Lots of freebies and cheap buys, too.

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Mario wrote: "Melissa wrote: "any suggestions on where to find ebooks? I read everything on my iPad these days, so borrowing from a library doesn't seem likely..

You can find lots of ebooks in the Amazon store..."

Don't forget Kindle Daily Deal where they have a different book deal everyday for around $1. Sometimes get some real goodies.

[Mell]

I use iBooks religiously, not sure why it didn't occur to me - I think I was caught on the 'borrow' aspect. I buy and download nearly all my books from there! Don't own many physical books anymore.
I have the kindle app and have a few on there, but have never got around to using it. I also have Kobo but just haven't figured that one out!

[Kira]

My List:

1b. TBR: A Collector of Affections: Tales from a Woman's Heart 1*
2. AA NR: Lethal Sky
3. Miles Franklin: That Deadman Dance
4. YA: Tangi's Teardrops 2*
5. Non-fiction: Born to Run or The Perfect Storm Fiction:Ashes, Ashes
6.Winter: Winter Garden
7. AA (Library/Ebook): The Light Between Oceans 5*
8. Literature Map: Susanna Kearsley = Helen Hollick The Forever Queen
9. AA Summer: Someone Like You
10. Naughty: Unseen & Nice: Can You Keep a Secret?

[Steve]

I am home from Atlanta -- hopefully I will work out what day it is soon. I have also edited my post for my now complete list. Bring on June!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "I am home from Atlanta -- hopefully I will work out what day it is soon. I have also edited my post for my now complete list. Bring on June!"

Very quick trip Steve! No wonder your body doesn't know what day it is!!

[Trevor]

Hi Brenda, does Morse Code for Cats by Tom Conyers count for the National Tree Day choice? I think the author was born in the UK, but studied and lives in Australia, Trevor

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does Morse Code for Cats by Tom Conyers count for the National Tree Day choice? I think the author was born in the UK, but studied and lives in Australia,..."

He's definitely an Aussie author Trevor, so as long as you borrow, read ebook or listen to audio book, it's covered under that criteria:)

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does Morse Code for Cats by Tom Conyers count for the National Tree Day choice? I think the author was born in the UK, but studied and live..."

Thanks Brenda, I've got the ebook, so am all set now

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Hi Brenda, does Morse Code for Cats by Tom Conyers count for the National Tree Day choice? I think the author was born in the UK, but s..."

Excellent!

[Trevor]

Here's the books that I've selected:

1 B) TBR - The Milkman's On His Way by David Rees
2) New release - TBA
3) Miles Franklin winner - Careful, He Might Hear You: Text Classics by Sumner Locke Elliott
4) International children's day - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5 A) Real - Free Country: A Penniless Adventure the Length of B ritain by George Mahood
5 B) Fake - Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky
6) Winter - Roger Ascham And The King's Lost Girl by Matthew Reilly
7) National tree day - Morse Code for Cats by Tom Conyers
8) Favourite author (Honore Balzac) - Yvette by Guy de Maupassant
9) Aussie summer book - Fairyland by Sumner Locke Elliott
10 A) Mystery - The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
10 B) Romance - The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

I have a number on my kindle to take away on holiday,so looking forward to starting the challenge in a few weeks.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Trevor wrote: "Here's the books that I've selected:

1 B) TBR - The Milkman's On His Way by David Rees
2) New release - TBA
3) Miles Franklin winner - [book:Careful, He Might Hear..."

Wonderful! Great list and enjoy your holiday? Overseas or within Aus Trevor?

[Trevor]

Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Here's the books that I've selected:

1 B) TBR - The Milkman's On His Way by David Rees
2) New release - TBA
3) Miles Franklin winner - [book:Careful..."

Thanks, Brenda, its a short trip back to the UK for my parents 60th wedding anniversary, so lots of time to read on the plane.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Oh awesome! What a great reason to go! Have a wonderful time..and yes you should get lots of reading done :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Trevor wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Trevor wrote: "Here's the books that I've selected:

1 B) TBR - The Milkman's On His Way by David Rees
2) New release - TBA
3) Miles Franklin winner ..."

60th! That's a lot of years. Congratulations to your parents Trevor.

[[deleted user]]

1b. TBR - Farm Fresh Murder byPaige Shelton
2. New Release Big Little Lies
3. Miles Franklin -[ [book:Cloudstreet|343881] byTim Winton
4. International Children's Day - The Lost Hero byRick Riordan
5.a) Non-Fiction - Eugenia byMark Tedeschi
5b) Deeper Than the Dead byTami Hoag
6. Winter Winter Be My Shield byJo Spurrier
7. National Tree Day A Beautiful Place to Die
8. Literature Map - Big Sky Country byLinda Lael Miller I put Debbie Macomber
9. Aussie author showing a warm, summery cover - Wattle Creek
10. Naughty and Nice a In the Woods byTana French
10 b Bubbles Unbound bySarah Strohmeyer
11 tbrBellfield Hall byAnna Dean
12Something in the Blood byJ.G. Goodhind

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some good choices there Arena:)

[Christy]

Wow, I feel late with my list, and it's still not totally complete, but here's what I'll go with for now.

1a. Buddy Read (with Valerie) - The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

1b. TBR - Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

2. New Release - Aussie Author - TBD

3. Miles Franklin - TBD

4. Young Adult - Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell

5. Real - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Fake - Steeped in Evil by Laura Childs

6. Winter - The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly

7. Borrow a Book - Time Will Tell by Fiona McCallum

8. Literature Map - Still can't decide as it's too much fun to play with - TBD

9. Summery Cover by Aussie Author - Wattle Creek by Fiona McCallum

10. Naughty - The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen
Nice - Four of a Kind by Valerie Frankel

11. TBR - The Brethren by John Grisham

12. TBR - The Seduction of Water by Carol Goodman

Have some oldies on here, but I'm hoping this will really dig in to my TBR since it's forever growing.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Christy!

[Mell]

I use these challenges to help my TBR! Every book is on my TBR list!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Same Melissa:) Only way to reduce it a little;)

[Christy]

Me three! It's the surprise books that keep sneaking in and keep me from keeping my reading habits up to date. I love that these challenges help!!