December Challenge - It's the most wonderful time of the year

[Michelle_Mck]

I'm still working on my list, think its almost there, this one should have been easy but I think I have over complicated it ha ha

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Given it too much thought Michelle ;)

[Michelle_Mck]

That's very kind of you Brenda

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

:)

[Maureen]

I need to ask one more question- I see lots of folks adding books to their challenge before they even read them- so when they are indeed finish with that book- do they go back and check it off somehow? I think that is what is throwing me off a bit.

Also- Is it ok if I add a song/book as I go along? or do I have to list my books in advance? You all must think I'm a bit daffy for asking these questions....

I just added 1 book that I know I'll start to read- of course after Dec 1- so now my silly question is- once it is read- I go back and mark it read-

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's why we have the link of your name at the beginning Maureen. As you read your titles, click on your name then edit your original post to mark that you've read it. You can show your rating as well if you want. Maybe if you have a look at our current November challenge, perhaps click on my name and you'll see what I've done through the month.

And don't worry about the questions, that's how you learn :)

[Maureen]

you must have read my mind- I was going thru some of the older challenges and looking around- I see that some put a check, a date , and then ratings- others cross it off, etc.... I think I got the hang of it! Thanks again xx

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Maureen :) Your book choices are great too!

[Kathryn]

I think I can manage this one this month! I'm going for moderate at this stage.

1. Mary's Boy Child - Sidney Chambers and The Forgiveness of Sins by James Runcie - because forgiving sins is kind of what Jesus came to earth to do - 4★

2. The Christmas Song - The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado - because the titles are almost the same - 3.5★

3. We Three Kings of Orient Are - A Gift to Remember by Melissa Hill - because the wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus - 4★

4. Winter Wonderland - Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong (AA) - because both titles are wintery - 4.5★

5. Blue Christmas - Tears of the Moon by Di Morrissey (AA) - because if the moon is crying, it must be feeling a bit blue - 4★

6. The Holly and the Ivy - No Holly For Miss Quinn by Miss Read - "holly" in both titles - 3.5★

7. Hark The Herald Angels Sing - Murder and Mendelssohn by Kerry Greenwood (AA) - because the music for this carol was an adaptation of a cantata written by Mendelssohn - 3★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! Well deciphered Kathryn! (#5)

[Suzie]

OK here are my selections, hope they all meet the criteria:
Song: 12 days of Christmas: Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (numbered days)
Song: Mary's boy child: Boy He Cry : An Island Odyssey by Roger Averill (boy)
Song: Silent night: Night by Elie Wiesel (night)

[Sally906]

Suzie wrote: "OK here are my selections, hope they all meet the criteria:
Song: 12 days of Christmas: Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (numbered days)
Song: Mary's boy child: [..."

You need to find one book written by an Aussie author to complete the criteria. But you've linked your books to the songs well ;)

I noticed you have [book:Disco Boy|20047939] by Aussie writer Dominic Knight on your shelf - you could maybe substitute that one instead of Boy He Cry

[Suzie]

Sally906 wrote: "Suzie wrote: "OK here are my selections, hope they all meet the criteria:
Song: 12 days of Christmas: Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (numbered days)
Song: Mary'..."

Oh no - I forgot an Aussie author! Back to the TBR box beside my bed later today... thanks Sally

[PattyMacDotComma]

Brenda wrote: "Is there an Aussie author there Patty? Sorry, easier to ask than check them all ;)"

Oops, forgot to note that, Brenda. I've amended my post to show Nicolas Rothwell is an Aussie.

"Nicolas Rothwell is the award-winning author of Wings of the Kite-Hawk; The Red Highway, Journeys to the Interior and Another Country. He is the northern correspondent for The Australian."

I might not make it through all of mine, though, but it's fun trying.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

That's the right attitude Patty:)

[Kathryn]

PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Is there an Aussie author there Patty? Sorry, easier to ask than check them all ;)"

Oops, forgot to note that, Brenda. I've amended my post to show Nicolas Rothwell..."

Isn't Cath Crowley an Aussie? I think I remember a friend recommending her to me as an Aussie...

[Maureen]

I noticed a few of the authors that were recommended to me were from New Zealand...I'm going to assume that will be acceptable for authors during the challenges?

Kathryn-- I clicked on that authors name and it came back as Australian Author.....but a few that I was checking while looking over the older challenges where folks said Australian , goodreads said New Zealand... That is why I now questioning a few...

I love this group!!!!!

[Suzie]

Suzie wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "Suzie wrote: "OK here are my selections, hope they all meet the criteria:
Song: 12 days of Christmas: Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (numbered ..."

Sally I checked my books last night and the blurb on Boy he cry says the author is from Melbourne. So I have my Aussie author :)

[Michelle_Mck]

Have updated my list now, though it will be "highly" subject to change. But I have a starting point. This month it will be about how creative I can be about getting books I end up reading to fit into the challenges.. Or if its like last year where I end up reading no Christmas books... Looking forward to the start of the month

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Maureen wrote: "I noticed a few of the authors that were recommended to me were from New Zealand...I'm going to assume that will be acceptable for authors during the challenges?

Kathryn-- I clicked on that autho..."

Straight NZ authors aren't usually counted when Aussie ones are needed, unless the NZ author has lived in Australia as well (like Deborah Challinor) so just be a little wary of that one :) Glad you're enjoying the group Maureen...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Michelle_Mck wrote: "Have updated my list now, though it will be "highly" subject to change. But I have a starting point. This month it will be about how creative I can be about getting books I end up reading to fit in..."

Excellent! I can't wait to start either :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "Suzie wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "Suzie wrote: "OK here are my selections, hope they all meet the criteria:
Song: 12 days of Christmas: Six Days of the Condor by [author:James Grady|1322..."

Just updated the author profile as it was blank :)

[Connie]

I am adding a book to my initial list as I didn't have an Aussie author so it is Follow the Morning StarDi Morrissey song We three kings of Orient are because the three kings Maggi followed the star

[Odette]

Just going with 3 or maybe 4 books for this month, all of which are on my TBR.

1. White Christmas
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory - 4★

2. Silent Night
Night Moves by Nora Roberts - 3.5★

3. Sleigh Ride
Sleight Malice by Vicki Tyley - 4★
Sleigh is contained within the word Sleight and is by an Aussie author.

4. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Where the Trees Were by Inga Simpson - 4★

[Sally906]

Odette wrote: "Just going with 3 books for this month, all of which are on my TBR.

1. White Christmas
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

2. Silent Night
..."

You're in for a treat with Vicki's book - read that earlier this year!!!

[Odette]

Sally906 wrote: "Odette wrote: "Just going with 3 books for this month, all of which are on my TBR.

1. White Christmas
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

2. Silent Night
..."

You're..."

That's good - looking forward to reading Sleight Malice as it has been on my TBR for a while!

[MichelleG]

Hi everyone,

I'm going for "Hard - 9+ carols" :)

It's The Most wonderful Time of The Year Challenge~ 23 / 23 Completed

✔ Song (1): Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon ("Snow in the title"). Rated: 5★ stars
✔ Song (2): Winter Wonderland- Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah ("Winter" in the title). Rated: 5★ stars
✔ Song (3): The Christmas Song - (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon ("Fiery aka Fire is needed for Roasting, right?!?) ;) . Rated: 5★ stars!!!
✔ Song (4): Do They Know It's Christmas? (Feed the World) - Devil's Food by Kerry Greenwood (AA) (MC runs a bakery and feeds the homeless - that's close to "the world"). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (5): Mary's boy child - Son by Lois Lowry (Mary's boy - aka "Son") :). Rated: 5★ stars
✔ Song (6): Jingle Bell Rock - Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes ("Cave aka Rock" on the cover). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (7): Blue Christmas - An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (Cover is "Blue"). Rated: 5★ stars
✔ Song (8): I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus - Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter ("Kiss" in the title). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (9): We three kings of orient are - A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin ("King" in the title). Rated: 5★ stars!!!
Hard Challenge complete.

Additional:
✔ Song (10): We three kings of orient are - Binding the Shadows by Jenn Bennett Shadow on the cover is looks like an Chinese dragon. Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (11): Joy to the World - Jealousy by Lili St. Crow (Joy = Couple on love/ joy on cover). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (12): Silent Night - Night Broken by Patricia Briggs ("Night" in the title). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (13): It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas - Banishing the Dark by Jenn Bennett (Looks like Christmas, reminds me of Christmas lights, which "Banishes the dark") ;). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (14): Frosty the Snowman - Frozen Tides by Morgan Rhodes(Frosty aka Frozen in the title). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (15): As with gladness men of old - The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa(Ash (MC on cover) is a centuries old Immortal Prince of the Fae - that qualifies as "old" in my book). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (16): Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead ("Red" writing on the cover). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (17): All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor(Title is covering mouth and Book is # Two in the series). Rated: ...★ stars
✔ Song (18): Do you hear what I hear? - Night of Cake & Puppets by Laini Taylor (Mik (MC) or “Violin Boy” - aka "hear" the voilin). Rated: 3★ stars
✔ Song (19): The holly and the Ivy - Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead (Ivy leaves on the cover). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (20):Hark the Herald Angels Sing - Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs (Angel wings on the cover). Rated: 4★ stars
✔ Song (21): O little Town of Bethlehem - Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor (Bethlehem known in the Bible as the birthplace of Jesus, the son of God - "God in the title"). Rated: 3★ stars
✔ Song (22): The Little Drummer Boy - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 by John Tiffany (Boy child on the cover). Rated: ...★ stars
✔Song (23): I'll Be Home for Christmas - Home Improvement: Undead Edition by Charlaine Harris("Home" in the title). Rated: 3★ stars

*I will add more as time permits.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Hey Michelle - you do know how long some of your book choices are don't you:) You are a braver woman than me!!!!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nice list Michelle :) I'm a bit like you - I have 10 :/

[MichelleG]

Haha I know - I'm scared just looking at it ;)

Thank goodness the read-a-thon is this weekend lol

[MichelleG]

Brenda wrote: "Nice list Michelle :) I'm a bit like you - I have 10 :/"

Haha good luck Brenda... I don't know if I can manage another book with this list lol

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

MichelleG wrote: "Haha I know - I'm scared just looking at it ;)

Thank goodness the read-a-thon is this weekend lol"

On page counts I reckon your list is the equivalent of about 16 books:) But such good books!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

And it's the 1st December! What are you all starting with? I've started A Place to Stay by Jennie Jones which fits with the song "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" :)

[Michelle_Mck]

I'm starting with a quick book to start today, You Know Me Well by Nina LaCourthis is for Blue Christmas, as the cover has blue on it. Trying to get a bit more diverse reading in for the end of the year.

[Ace]

Its bedtime now, but in the morning I'll be starting Small Great Things (little drummer boy)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Enjoy Michelle :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ace wrote: "Its bedtime now, but in the morning I'll be starting Small Great Things (little drummer boy)"

Nice one! Sleep well :)

[Mell]

I started my first on the train this morning: Outlander for Blue Christmas :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's a big one Melissa! And it's definitely blue ;)

[Michelle_Mck]

I listened to Outlander on Audio, 30 plus hours but it was great

[MichelleG]

I'm about to start the audio for Outlander 5 - An Echo in the Bone ... it's 55h 39 min's :/

[Michelle_Mck]

I'm 3 hours into book 2, 55 hours!! Wow

[Mell]

Wow! They are big!
I read the whole first chapter on the train into work today, and could've fit more in, so I hope if I can keep up that pace, I should be able to finish it off this month!
I've found audio books are always longer than when I read them myself!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Yes! Usually you can read faster than they can ;)

[Mell]

They are handy for when I'm walking or driving though ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Of course! The best time to listen to a book :)

[Nicola]

I've picked 4 - may be able to do more later!
1. I saw 3 ships come sailing in – all about ships
Venetian Navigators / Andrea di Robilant
2. We three kings of orient are - travel and kings
The Riddle and the Knight: In Search of Sir John Mandeville, the World's Greatest Traveler / Giles Milton
3. Hark the Herald Angels Sing – angel
A Gothic Christmas Angel / Anna Erishkigal
4. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Christmas in title
TBC

[Kathryn]

I've realised I can add in an audiobook that I started this morning - Murder and Mendelssohn by Kerry Greenwood - for the carol Hark The Herald Angels Sing because the music for this carol was an adaptation of a cantata written by Mendelssohn. This is the last of the Phryne Fisher series at the moment, so I will be a little sad once I've finished. Ms Greenwood, may we have another Phryne Fisher this year, please...?

This will take my books for this challenge up to 7.

[Michelle_Mck]

I have finished my first book of the challenge, yay! This was a 4.5 star read for me.. A lovely quick and easy read

Blue Christmas
You Know Me Well by Nina LaCour
Blue on the cover

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my first - song - "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" - A Place to Stay by Jennie Jones 5★s

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


And finished my 2nd - song - "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" - The Christmas Mystery by James Patterson 3.5★s

Review to follow