Merry Month of May Challenge

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Mary wrote: "I spent the whole evening putting this list together and getting it into this space and then linking all the books and authors. As I hit the last enter before saving it all, I accidently hit anothe..."

Oh Mary that's rotten luck :( I'll link you to the first post and you'll be able to find your original to link :)

[Pauline]

Can't work out how to do it....help!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Pauline wrote: "Can't work out how to do it....help!"

In the comment box where you have your original post there's a little "edit" button on the bottom right - click on that. Then you'll see "add book/author" in the top right hand corner. Click on that and follow the prompts. Good luck!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Only a few more hours until we can start everyone :) Who is looking forward to getting stuck in??

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

ME! I have some really good books lined up this month:) Can't wait:)

[Carolyn]

Mary wrote: "I spent the whole evening putting this list together and getting it into this space and then linking all the books and authors. As I hit the last enter before saving it all, I accidently hit anothe..."

I so hate that Mary! I try to remember to copy the text every few books now when I'm doing a challenge list so I don't lose everything if something happens.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "ME! I have some really good books lined up this month:) Can't wait:)"

And I am too - don't know what I'll start with, but I'm going to work it out soon!

[MichelleG]

Hi everyone :)

Sorry for the delay in posting, I caught a cold from the plane/ travelling etc from my holiday, so I'm a bit behind. :(

Merry Month of a May Challenge - HARD (10+ books)
Progress: 10/ 11

*Currently Reading - 1. Read a Historical Fiction novel by an Aussie author: The Golden Age by Joan London (AA)

✔ 2. Read a book with a strong female protagonist: Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison - Read: 4 May 2017, Rated: 4 stars

✔ <3. Read a book that has laughing/smiling character/s on the cover: Happy People Read and Drink Coffee by Agnès Martin-Lugand - Read: 15 May 2017, Rated: 4 stars

✔ 4. Read a book with flowers on the cover: The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting - Read: 6 May 2017, Rated: 3 stars



SPELL-IT-OUT

Using the first letter of a book spell out: Flowers

✔ 5. F - The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (AA) - Read: *Currently Reading, Rated: 4 stars
✔ 6. L - The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville (AA) - Read: 9 May 2017, Rated: 3 stars
✔ 7. O - Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey (AA) - Read: 10 May 2017, Rated: 3 stars
✔ 8. W - Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Introduction to Carnism: The Belief System That Enables Us to Eat Some Animals and Not Others by Melanie Joy - Read: 7 May 2017, Rated: 5 stars
✔ 9. E - Enticed by Jessica Shirvington - Read: 16 May 2017, Rated: 4 stars
✔ 10. R - The Return by Jennifer L. Armentrout - Read: 17 May 2017, Rated: 4 stars
✔ 11. S - This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab - Read: 15 May 2017, Rated: 4 stars

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Good books Michelle:)

[Kathryn]

MichelleG wrote: "Hi everyone :)

Sorry for the delay in posting, I caught a cold from the plane/ travelling etc from my holiday, so I'm a bit behind. :(

Merry Month of a May Challenge - HARD (10+ books)
Progress: ..."

I read The Silent Country a couple of months ago, Michelle - I found it started slowly, but really enjoyed it when it picked up! Hope it's a good read for you too. And I thought The Forgotten Garden was brilliant!

[Carolyn]

This year I have a flexiday on the first Monday of the month so I'm about to start my first book for this challenge, Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann- the story behind the birth of the FBI.

[Jenn]

OK starting my challenge with Our Kind of Love by Victoria Purman

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 1st - #2 Mothers Day - Be My Baby by Laura Greaves 5★s

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

[Tien]

Aaah! How does one keep up with you, Brenda? ;p

I'll start my first book, Man Drought, on the way home from work... I can't wait! Well, I have to... *pouts*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! Sorry Tien ;)

You're linked up Michelle - and I hope you're feeling better!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Happy May reading everyone :)

[Valerie]

I'm going to start with the most appealing book from my list,

[Diana]

My first challenge in the group. I'll go for the easy one to start with.
Historical fiction by an Aussie Author - Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier AA
Strong Female Protagonist - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Book that makes you laugh - The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers: An Unconventional Memoir by Josh Kilmer Purcell
Flower on cover - The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall

[Loren]

I'm going to start with my Aussie author: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Diana wrote: "My first challenge in the group. I'll go for the easy one to start with.
Historical fiction by an Aussie Author - Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier AA
Strong Female Protagonist - [..."

Welcome to our challenges Diana! Have fun:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lovely you're joining us Diana :) I've linked your name at the beginning of the challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Loren wrote: "I'm going to start with my Aussie author: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
"

Loved this one Loren :)

[MichelleG]

Oh I loved Burial Rites, I read it a while back now but I can still close my eyes and see the story so clearly. I hope you enjoy it :)

[MichelleG]

Thanks Brenda, you're too good :)

Phyrnne and Kathryn - thanks, I've had quite a few of these books on my tbr for a while now so it should be a good reading month *fingers crossed* :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 2nd - "S" of TAURUS - The Stranger Inside by Jennifer Jaynes 3.5★s

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

[Mary]

Finished my firstSomeone to Hold by Mary Balogh 4*


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

[Stef]

Finished 3. With a smiling man on the cover (and a few comedy or meant to be comic scenes to boot)

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

Even though I usually consider 600 pages to be too much on this occasion they were just right ;)

[Diana]

Brenda wrote: "Lovely you're joining us Diana :) I've linked your name at the beginning of the challenge."

Thanks Brenda.

[Diana]

Phrynne wrote: "Diana wrote: "My first challenge in the group. I'll go for the easy one to start with.
Historical fiction by an Aussie Author - Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier AA
Strong Female P..."

Thanks Phrynne.

[Jenn]

Hey Brenda could you please link me in the first post. My book list is message 12 :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jennifer wrote: "Hey Brenda could you please link me in the first post. My book list is message 12 :)"

Done Jennifer :) Apologies for missing your post!

[Jenn]

Brenda wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Hey Brenda could you please link me in the first post. My book list is message 12 :)"

Done Jennifer :) Apologies for missing your post!"

Thanks Brenda :)

[Richard]

I quite enjoyed this challenge last month. I didn't complete my personal challenges as I do have 2 jobs & a business, so time was a factor. But having said that, if I hadn't have set myself such a huge challenge, there's no way I'd have pushed myself to read as much as I did. Plus, the way I see it, I'm not going to learn from a book I don't read. :)

Medium - SPELL-IT-OUT (min 5) two Aussie authors

T - 10/5/17 (233pp) ***** Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
A - (AA) 3/5/17 (224pp) *** Affluenza: When Too Much is Never Enough by Clive Hamilton
U - 16/5/17 (230pp) **** Unusually Excellent: The Necessary Nine Skills Required for the Practice of Great Leadership by John Hamm
R - (AA)
U - 27/5/17 (254pp) **** Unlimited wealth : updated edition. by Paul Zane Pilzer
S - 23/5/17 (259pp) *** The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less by Kevin Hogan

G - (AA)
E - 18/5/17 (208pp) * explanation of summary of aqeedatul-hamawiyyah of ibn Taymiyya by ابن تيمية
M - (AA)
I - 5/5/17 (205pp) *** Improve Your Communication Skills: Present with Confidence; Write with Style; Learn Skills of Persuasion by Alan Barker
N -
I - 22/5/17 (240pp) ** It's All in Your Head: Thinking Your Way to Happiness by Stephen M. Pollan

F - (AA) 23/5/17 (270pp) ***** Chapter One: You Have the Power to Change Stuff by Daniel Flynn
L - 25/5/17 (161pp) **** Now You Know: The Book of Answers by Doug Lennox
O - 22/5/17 (249pp) ***** Og Mandino's Treasury of Success Unlimited by Og Mandino
W - (AA)
E -
R - 26/5/17 (257pp) **** How to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What Youhow to Use Power Phrases to Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say, & Get What You Want Say, & Get What You Want by Meryl Runion
S - 30/5/17 (189pp) ***** Seize the Day by Marie de Hennezel

[Li'l Owl]

I think I'll pass on this one, mates. I only finished 1 of 5 for April and I haven't finished Jan-Dec challenge either. So I best continue with what I've got going until I catch up. Have been trying to read more now that all family is gone and I'm back home but I keep falling asleep. *sigh*
I hope I get back more of myself in the near future. =o)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

It takes a while Owl. Hang in there:) We are thinking of you.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Li'l Owl wrote: "I think I'll pass on this one, mates. I only finished 1 of 5 for April and I haven't finished Jan-Dec challenge either. So I best continue with what I've got going until I catch up. Have been tryin..."

Give yourself time Owl, and be kind to yourself... ditto to what Phrynne said :)

[Jacm]

Not sure how much time I'll have this month but i'll aim for easy & see how things turn out :)
Progress: 1/4

1. A Historical Fiction novel by an Aussie author: The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville
2. A book with a strong female protagonist: Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory
3. A book that makes you laugh: Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
4. A book with flowers on the cover: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good luck and happy reading Jacm :) You're all linked up!

[Janine]

Finished my 1st

R (of MERRY)
The Songbird Sisters by Rachael Herron 4*

[Nicola]

My list
MERRY
M Scarlet / Marissa Meyer
E Escape From Wolfhaven Castle / Kate Forsyth
R Ronan's Echo / Joanne van Os
R The Chickens of Atlantis and Other Foul and Filthy Fiends / Robert Rankin
Y A Little Life / Hanya Yanagihara

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Nice list Nicola :) You're linked up!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 3rd - "A" of TAURUS - Closing Down by Sally Abbott 5★s

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

[Nicola]

Brenda wrote: "Nice list Nicola :) You're linked up!"

Thank you!

[Janine]

Finished my 2nd

M (of MERRY)
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard 3*

[Jenn]

Finished my 3rd book Power Game by Christine Feehan 5 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Read my 4th - #1. Historical Fiction by AA - Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood 4★s

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

[Renee V]

Finished my M = Mass, Sarah - A Court of Wings and Ruin I enjoyed it but not as much as the middle book for this series.

[Jane]

Finished my 3rd book of the challenge - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (5*) and just had to post as I enjoyed it so much.
Not for everyone, in fact most definitely aimed at teenage boys, but still fun for anyone familiar with 80's movies. Just got to get my teenage son to read it now! Spielberg is currently turning it into a movie due out in 2018.

[Kathryn]

Jane wrote: "Finished my 3rd book of the challenge - Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (5*) and just had to post as I enjoyed it so much.
Not for everyone, in fact most definitely ..."

I'm not sure whether I'd like this or not. Love the 80's (I even have some blue eyeshadow kicking around still!), but not sure about the video game aspect... Perhaps one of these days - it's kind of on my TBR shelf - but the backup, "I'm not sure" TBR shelf!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 5th - "T" of TAURUS - The Darathi Vorsi Prince by Tameri Etherton 4★s

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