December Challenge 2017 - Create a Christmas Present

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Patty :)

[Sharon]

Well done, Patty 😊

[MaryG2E]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Mary! Great job :)"

Thanks Brenda. This was a fun challenge.

[PattyMacDotComma]

Sharon wrote: "Well done, Patty 😊"

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Patty :)"

Thanks, both - I DID pick an easy season, after all.

[Trish L]

Hooray...! finished the challenge.

Step 1 - Pick a gift
Task: Read a book with your gift on the cover:
Goodbye Christopher Robin: A. A. Milne and the Making of Winnie-the-Pooh
Gift is the Teddy Bear

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift
Task: Pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour (chosen colour must be at least 50% of the cover):
Breath
Blue wrapping paper

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve
Task: Read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover:
The Durrells of Corfu
Hidden on the Island

Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree
Task: Read a book that has a tree on the cover:
The Better Sonn this
Plenty of trees in this Tasmanian setting

[Sharon]

Congratulations Trish!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Trish!

[PattyMacDotComma]

Hurray for another patrician reader, Trish!

[Sally906]

Well done everyone. Going great guns

[Zoey]

My Xmas gift all wrapped up & ready to go

Build a Christmas gift
Level: Easy - Completed


Step 1 - Pick a gift - A new pipe for Grandpa
A Dissection of Murder by Felicity Young 4★

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift - in Gold wrapping paper
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare 4.5★

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve - behind the curtains/blinds
Don't Tell by Karen Rose 5★

Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree
Death of a Dreamer by M.C. Beaton 3.5★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Zoey!

[Jane]

Final challenge for the year completed - but then I did opt for easy on this one!

Step 4 - Under the tree - The Final Word by Liza Marklund 3*

[Sharon]

Congratulations Zoey and Jane 😊

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Jane :)

[Sally906]

Finally finished my challenge:

I did easy

Step 1 – Pick a gift (the gift is on the cover)
Book: Jake & The Gingerbread Wars by E.G. Foley - 2★s
How it fits: Giving a Gingerbread House to my Granddaughter

Step 2 - pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour (colour of book cover to reflect your choice)
Book: The North Wind by Bronwyn Parry - AA - 4★s
How it fits: Beautiful blue wrapping paper

Step 3 – Hide the present until Christmas Eve (somewhere on cover is an item I can hide my present)
Book: A Cornish Christmas by Lily Graham - 4★s
How it fits: Hiding the gift in the attic of this cute cottage

Step 4 – Place the present under the tree on Christmas Eve (Tree on the cover)
Book: Sleighed by Harmony Raines - 4★s
How it fits: If you take your eyes off that bare chest you will see trees in the background.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Sally!!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Sally.

[Ace]

Congratulations Sally well done.

[Janine]

December Challenge Completed with some great books

Medium Level - 2 Presents

Step 1 - Pick a gift
Task: read a book with your gift on the cover.
Sanctuary by Judy Nunn(AA) Beach Holiday Gift READ 20/12/17 4*
Secrets in Death by J.D. Robb Alcohol as Gift READ 17/12/17 4*

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift
Task: pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour (chosen colour must be at least 50% of the cover)
Don't Let Go by Harlan Coben Blue READ 4/12/17 4*
A Cornish Christmas by Lily Graham Purple READ 5/12/17 4*

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve
Task: read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover
Hell to Pay by Rachel Amphlett(AA) Hide in a boat READ 3/12/17 4*
Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly Hide at the Office READ 9/12/17 4*

Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree
Task: read a book that has a tree on the cover
Murder in Vail by Judy Moore READ 16/12/17 4*
The Tea Gardens by Fiona McIntosh(AA) READ 6/12/17 4*

[Carolyn]

Last minute shopping, but I've started my first book and picked my present (a puppy) A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Janine!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Carolyn wrote: "Last minute shopping, but I've started my first book and picked my present (a puppy) A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron."

Lol! You need to get busy. A bit of late night shopping for you I think:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Janine :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "Last minute shopping, but I've started my first book and picked my present (a puppy) A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron."

You'll be reading fast the next few days Carolyn :)

[Li'l Owl]

Well done all who are finished their Christmas gifts!
I was thinking I was the only one who is a bit behind but it seems I have company!

[Li'l Owl]

I am catching up nicely having finished finding my gift (had to take care to find the right kitten for Dad! Found her at the shelter!

1. GIFT 🎁

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
KITTEN for Dad so he's not so lonely without Mom
How it fits ~ KITTEN on the Cover

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

[Bec]

Janine wrote: "December Challenge Completed with some great books..."

Wow all of them 4 stars! Lucky you!

[Li'l Owl]

3. Hidden Under the Stairs until Christmas Eve
In a nice warm cozy carrier under the stairs
Complete with kitty crunchies and toy mouse, of course!
Thanks Carolyn, for reminding me to leave kitty some crunchies!
The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland
How it fits ~ STAIRCASE on the cover
4★'s
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Carolyn]

Brenda wrote: "Carolyn wrote: "Last minute shopping, but I've started my first book and picked my present (a puppy) A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron."

You'll be reading fast the..."

Too busy cleaning and cooking for the Rellies from WA arriving today for Christmas and NY! Have to sneak in a bit of reading whenever I can :)

[Carolyn]

I have finished buying my puppy by reading by W. Bruce Cameron 4★ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and now I'm organising a nice safe hiding place in some by Wendall Thomas, along with a nice cosy blanket, some puppy kibble and a bowl of water and chewy toy to play with. It's a pity it can't come over and play with Owl's kitten ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Hahaha!!!! Carolyn :)

[Nicole]

Phew ... done. Present brought, wrapped, successfully hidden and now under the tree for tomoz.

Book 3 - Christmas at Carrington's by Alexandra Brown 3.5★
Book 4 - Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin 3★

Merry Christmas everyone and have a great New Years. See you all in 2018, for the January challenge.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Nicole! And best wishes to you as well :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Nicole! Have a great day tomorrow:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Finished.

Build a Christmas gift
Level: Medium. 2 gifts, eight books, two Aussie authors

GIFT ONE
Step 1 - Pick a gift. Task: read a book with your gift on the cover.
Murder in Vail by Judy Moore
(New skis for my son) 4 stars

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift. Task: pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour
E is for Evidence by Sue Grafton 4 stars
(a nice purple)

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve. Task: read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen
(in the boot of the car) 4 stars
Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree. Task: read a book that has a tree on the cover
The Dragon Man by Garry Disher AA4 stars

GIFT TWO
Step 1 - Pick a gift. Task: read a book with your gift on the cover.
A Dangerous Place by Jacqueline Winspear
( a leather bag for daughter in law) 4 stars 10/12/17

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift. Task: pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny
(blue) 5 stars

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve. Task: read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover
Flare Up by Felicity Young AA
(Hide it in the barn.) 4 stars

Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree. Task: read a book that has a tree on the cover
Trickster's Point by William Kent Krueger 5 stars
( there are trees there and they are even Xmas trees!)

[Sally906]

Congratulations Phrynne

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Phrynne :)

[Bec]

All done! And on Christmas day no less :P


Level: Easy - 1 Gift. Read 4 books.

1. Murder and Mendelssohn by Kerry Greenwood (AA) - 4★

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - 5★

3. Murder as a Fine Art by David Morrell - 3★

4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - 2★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Bec :)

[Ace]

Finished my second task for this challenge:

Task 4: Place the present under the tree
History of Wolves by Emily Fridlund

⛤⛤⛤⛤

[Carolyn]

I didn't quite make Christmas Eve, but my present was all wrapped and under the tree on Christmas Day (once I'd changed my choice of wrapping for one I already had!)

✔ Step 1. Gift: my son would love a puppy so a book with a dog on the cover - A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron 4★

✔ Step 2. Wrapping: Blue and orange, leaving plenty or breathing holes, Amber and Alice by Janette Paul AA 4★

✔ Step 3. Hide the present: in a large suitcase, left slightly open of course with a supply of puppy kibble - Lost Luggage by Wendall Thomas 3★

✔ Step 4. Place under tree: Dead Run by P.J. Tracy 4★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Carolyn!!

[MichelleG]

Hi all,

I just finished up my final book for the Medium level.

December Challenge - BUILD A CHRISTMAS GIFT
Progress: 8 / 8 books

Easy - 1 Gift - Read 4 books - one Aussie author
Medium - 2 Gifts - Read 8 books- two Aussie authors
Hard - 3 Gifts - Read 12 books - three Aussie authors

GIFT 1
✔ Step 1: Pick a gift - Task: Read a book with your gift on the cover. . Read: 14 Dec, Rated: 3 stars
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
How it fits: Chocolate shop in the background

✔ Step 2: Wrap up the gift - Task: Read a book cover to reflect that colour (chosen colour must be at least 50% of the cover) . Read: 20 Dec, Rated: 4 stars
Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
How it fits: Cover is 78.8% Blue

✔ Step 3: Hide the gift until Christmas Eve - Task: Read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover . Read: 27 Dec, Rated: 3 stars
Death by Coffee by Alex Erickson
How it fits: Library Shelves - lots of room to hide things in :)

✔ Step 4: On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree - Task: Read a book that has a tree on the cover . Read: 16 Dec, Rated: 3 stars
Sing Fox to Me by Sarah Kanake (AA)
How it fits: Trees on the cover


GIFT 2
✔ Step 1: Pick a gift - Task: Read a book with your gift on the cover. . Read: 26 Dec, Rated: 4 stars
Enchanted, Inc. by Shanna Swendson
How it fits: Wand on the cover

✔ Step 2: Wrap up the gift - Task: Read a book cover to reflect that colour. . Read: 3 Dec, Rated: 4 stars
Love Bites by Lynsay Sands
How it fits: Cover is 69.4% blue

✔ Step 3: Hide the gift until Christmas Eve - Task: Read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover . Read: 16 Dec, Rated: 4 stars
No Shoes, No Shirt, No Spells by Rose Pressey
How it fits: Kitchen cabinet on the cover

✔ Step 4: On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree - Task: Read a book that has a tree on the cover . Read: 27 Dec, Rated: 4 stars
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta (AA)
How it fits: Trees on the cover

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Michelle!

[MichelleG]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Michelle!"

Thanks Brenda, I was getting worried I wouldn't make it again this month - the festive season isn't all that conducive to reading lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Haha! No, neither are visitors ;) But nevertheless, you did it!

[Kylie]

Well done to everyone who has completed, or is about to complete the final challenge of 2017.

It's been a very slow month for me, and unfortunately it looks like I won't be able to get this challenge completed... managed to finish 3.

Will come back with those finished in a moment. :)

Level: Easy - 1 Gift. Read 4 books.

Progress: 3/4

Step 1 - Pick a gift
Task: read a book with your gift on the cover.

The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club by Sophie Green. AA.

A book voucher and flowers for my mother

Step 2 – Wrap up the gift
Task: pick the colour of your wrapping paper and read a book cover to reflect that colour (chosen colour must be at least 50% of the cover)

Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. AA. Completed 18/12, 3 stars.

Blue Wrapping Paper

Step 3 – Hide the gift until Christmas Eve
Task: read a book where there is a place you can hide your present on the cover

Here and Gone by Haylen Beck. Completed 27/12, 5 stars.

Hide in the (my) car.

Step 4 – On Christmas Eve place the present under the tree
Task: read a book that has a tree on the cover

The Woman in the Wood by Lesley Pearse. Completed 24/12, 5 stars.

Trees in background on cover.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done on the three you finished Kylie :) 3/4 is pretty good!

[Kylie]

Thanks Brenda. :)

[Li'l Owl]

Finished! With 24 hours to spare!

CREATE A CHRISTMAS GIFT
EASY 1 GIFT ~ 1 AA 4/4

1. GIFT 🎁

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa 5★'s
KITTEN for Dad so he's not so lonely without Mom
How it fits ~ KITTEN on the Cover

2. Wrapped in BLUE Paper
New kitty Carrier is Wrapped in BLUE (except the door) with a big BLUE BOW.
Kitten has BLUE RIBBON around his neck.
The Hidden Hours by Sara Foster AA 4★'s
How it fits ~ Cover of the book is BLUE 💙

3. Hidden Under the Stairs until Christmas Eve
In a nice warm cozy carrier under the stairs
Complete with kitty crunchies and toy mouse, of course!
Thanks Carolyn, for reminding me to leave kitty some crunchies!
The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland 4.5★'s
How it fits ~ STAIRCASE on the Cover 📉

4. On Christmas Eve place the present under the TREE
The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld 5★'s
How it fits ~ TREES on the Cover 🎄

Brilliant Challenge, Sally!