**Summer Reading Challenge - 1/12/14-28/2/15** Showing 501-550 of 1,029

[Lynn]

Have finished #1 E-Emma bit of a disappointment. Moving on to #1 U-UnEnchanted

[Kira]

I had originally only planned to do the short version of this challenge but since I'm nearly finished it, I think I will extend. I will choose some new books and update later.

[Rachael]

Janine wrote: "I have finished my 7th #5
The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson 2*"

That is shame that the book only gets 2*. I haven't read it but found the tv miniseries quite compelling. Usually its the other way around!

[Angela]

Finished my 3rd: Christmas: Hercule Poirot's Christmas and 4th: U: Undone!. I am reading lots and not reviewing enough! Both books were 4 stars :o)

[Dana]

Lynn wrote: "Have finished #1 E-Emma bit of a disappointment. Moving on to #1 U-UnEnchanted"

Lynn, I just finished that, not sure if I should tell you what I thought.

[Rachael]

Just finished my fourth for the challenge M - Mrs. Queen Takes the Train - a definite 4 to 4 1/2 *s. Loved the interwoven lives of upstairs and downstairs and put The Queen in a very human light. Now on to my Australia Day choice The Narrow Road to the Deep North

[Lynn]

Dana wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Have finished #1 E-Emma bit of a disappointment. Moving on to #1 U-UnEnchanted"

Lynn, I just finished that, not sure if I should tell you what I thought."

Dana, I've heard mixed reviews so I'm going in with expectations low and hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

[Steve]

I have finished my sixth, my first 1b. Spell it Out (U), Unspoken Truth, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 1f. Spell it Out (R), Republic.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Finished my sixth The Redbreast (spell it out, R)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 13th - first #6 (AR friend's top 5 - Michael) - The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce 3.5★s

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

[MaryG2E]

Brenda wrote: "Excellent list Mary! I really enjoyed The Golden Age when I read it earlier in the year:)"

Just finished The Golden Age by Joan London, following favourable reviews on Goodreads from you and other Aussie readers. Like you, I really enjoyed this one Brenda. 4★s from me.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

MaryG2E wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Excellent list Mary! I really enjoyed The Golden Age when I read it earlier in the year:)"

Just finished The Golden Age by [author:Joan London|104619..."

Glad you enjoyed it Mary:)

[Amber]

Just finished my fifth: R - The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion ★★★.5

[Amber]

And just finished reading the last chapters of M - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo aloud to my daughter. We both loved it and give it ★★★★★

[Janine]

I have finished my 8th
#1c (M) The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have finished my 14th - second #7 Summer New Release AA - The House at the Bottom of the Hill by Jennie Jones 5★s Published 1.1.15 Another fantastic Swallow's Fall story!!!

Review to follow closer to publication

[Odette]

As I have some time to read over the next few weeks, have decided to continue with this challenge. Here is my list of books, which are mainly taken from the unread books on my Kindle.

1.
S The Sound of One Hand Clapping by Richard Flanagan Completed
U The Unlikely Savior by Tammy Seley Elliott Completed
M Murder At The Rocks by Jill Paterson
M A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters
E Empire Day by Diane Armstrong
R Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

2. Book relating to Christmas: The Santa Shop by Tim Greaton

3. Australia Day Aussie Author: Book of Lost Threads by Tess Evans

4. Valentine's Day Romance: The House on Burra Burra Lane by Jennie Jones

5. Literature Map: Kimberley Freeman - Christina Baker Kline: Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline

6. Aussie Readers friend top 5: TBA

7. New Aussie release: TBA

8. Summer in Title: The Last Rose Of Summer by Di Morrissey

9. Historical Fiction: Voyager by Diana Gabaldon Completed

10. Favourite Genre - Historical Fiction: An Indecent Obsession by Colleen McCullough.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Some great books on your list Odette!

[Odette]

Thanks, Brenda. I cannot select task 6 yet as I do not have an aussie readers friend.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Odette wrote: "Thanks, Brenda. I cannot select task 6 yet as I do not have an aussie readers friend."

I'd suggest you go through the top 5 list and see if there are any that you'd like to read...If there's one on my list you're welcome to use it:)

[Kathryn]

Odette wrote: "Thanks, Brenda. I cannot select task 6 yet as I do not have an aussie readers friend."

Feel free to use any of mine as well, Odette!

[Kathryn]

I don't think I've posted this here yet, but I've decided to read Wild Lavender by Belinda Alexandra off Katrina's list. I'm not sure whether I'll finish it or not - it looks like it's quite a hefty tome!

[Nicola]

Still haven't completed my list but am trawling through the ones I have chosen!
S in Summer
The Sleeping Doll / Jeffery Deaver
Literature map
The Bear and the Dragon / Tom Clancy
Top 5 Favourites of 2014
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves / Karen Joy Fowler
Historical Fiction
The Toll-Gate / Georgette Heyer

[Kathryn]

And I just realised that I made a change to swap my HF into my favourite genre and I added an extra Christmas book(!), so currently my list looks like this:

1. Spell It Out!
S – Shall We Tell the President? – Jeffrey Archer
U – The Undertaking – Audrey Magee
M – Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims: A Christian Woman in a Muslim Land – Christine A. Mallouhi
M – The Middle Window – Elizabeth Goudge
E – Elianne – Judy Nunn
R – TBA - I can't decide - I have lots of R books so will play this one by ear.

2. Christmas is getting closer - I have several Christmas reads!
Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories by L.M. Montgomery - 3 stars
Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie - 3 stars
Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson
An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor
Guideposts for the Spirit: Christmas Stories of Faith by Julie K. Hogan - 3.5 stars

3. Australian author
Helena – Jo-Anne Berthelsen

4. Romance
Lovesong – Alex Miller

5. Literature Map
Diane Chamberlain → Di Morrissey - possibly The Opal Desert or The Silent Country

6. Top 5 Aussie Readers Favourites of 2014
Wild Lavender by Belinda Alexandra

7. Aussie New Release
TBA

8. "Summer" in the title OR set in Summer - an Aussie author as well...
Simmering Season by Jenn J. McLeod

9. Choose Historical Fiction for this one
Longbourn by Jo Baker

10. Favourite genre from your TBR!
Poet's Cottage – Josephine Pennicott - 3 stars

[Steve]

I have finished my seventh, my first 1f. Spell it Out (R), Republic, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my second 1b. Spell it Out (U), The Road to Balinor.

[Janine]

I have finished my 9th
#1f (R) Reflection by Diane Chamberlain 4*

[MaryG2E]

Crossing off my 8th book in this challenge: #1 Spell It Out = S
Sliver of Truth by Lisa Unger, a thriller which I give 4★s

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

[Steve]

I have finished my eighth, my second 1b. Spell it Out (U), The Road to Balinor, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 7. Aussie New Release, In Safe Keeping.

[Dana]

I have finished spell it out
U: UnEnchanted 1★ dreadful.
m: My So-Called Afterlife ok 2★

Onto M: MILA 2.0 I was going to read The Man in the Brown Suit but I forgot and downloaded this instead (what a bimbo)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Dana wrote: "I have finished spell it out
U: UnEnchanted 1★ dreadful.
m: My So-Called Afterlife ok 2★

Onto M: MILA 2.0 I was going to read [book:The Man in the..."

LOL!!

[Leonie]

Brenda wrote: "Dana wrote: "I have finished spell it out
U: UnEnchanted 1★ dreadful.
m: My So-Called Afterlife ok 2★

Onto M: MILA 2.0 I was going to read [book:T..."

Oh dear...

[Lynn]

Have finished #1 U-UnEnchanted. Read like the poor cousin of TV show Grimm, which my daughter loves.
Now on to #2 seasonal title Mayhem in Christmas River

[Janine]

I have finished my 10th
#4 Romance Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron 4*

[Nicola]

Finished my No 4 Valentine read
Christmas at Tiffany's / Karen Swan
Quite good...

[Steve]

I have finished my ninth, my first 7. Aussie New Release, In Safe Keeping, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 4. Valentine's Day, Untouchable.

[Lynxie]

Almost half way through my challenge! Book #7 done and dusted.

10. Favourite Genre: Dystopian (coz I haven't read any recently!) Impetus by Scott M. Sullivan ★★★

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

[Sharon]

Finished my fifth #1. Spell It Out - M: Mothers and Daughters by Kylie Ladd 3★

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

[MaryG2E]

Ninth book finished in this entertaining Summer Reading Challenge, hooray. On the back nine now, hopefully into the club house by the end of January...
6. From the Top 5 of 2014 list of Aussie Reader Friend дshləigh, I chose to read
Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane. A thoroughly entertaining YA mystery/suspense novel, I give it 4.5★s

[Suzie]

Just read my 3rd book in Spell it out - M: Midnight Express. 4 stars, a fascinating read

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "Just read my 3rd book in Spell it out - M: Midnight Express. 4 stars, a fascinating read"

Midnight Express by Billy Hayes (Is this the correct one Suzie?)

[MaryG2E]

As mentioned above, my #6: From the top 5 2014 list of an Aussie Readers friend, Ashleigh, I read Cry Blue Murder by Kim Kane 4.5★s

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

[Suzie]

Brenda, yes Midnight Express by Billy Hayes. Unfortunately when adding comments from my phone I can't seem to use the links

[Amber]

Yesterday I managed to fit in a bit of reading, and finished my 7th book, 5. Literature Map - (from Gavin Extence) The One Plus One by Jojo Moyes ★★★★

[Trevor]

Have finished my 4th book - spell it out "M" - The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons - 4★, my short review:

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "Brenda, yes Midnight Express by Billy Hayes. Unfortunately when adding comments from my phone I can't seem to use the links"

Glad I got the right one Suzie:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 15th - second #2 Christmas - There's a Dead Elf in Santa's Workshop by K.C. Flynn 4★s

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

And my 16th - second M - The Maxwell Sisters by Loretta Hill 4.5★s

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

[Ace]

Wow Brenda, 16 books...and that's just for this challenge. How do you read so fast? Have you read others that are not a part of this summer read?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ace wrote: "Wow Brenda, 16 books...and that's just for this challenge. How do you read so fast? Have you read others that are not a part of this summer read?"

Haha! Yes I have Ace - I've actually read 26 this month so far:)

[Ace]

Brenda wrote: "Haha! Yes I have Ace - I've actually read 26 this month so far:).."

Amazing. Is there a speed reading book/course that you can recommend? I'll add it to my TBR ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ace wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Haha! Yes I have Ace - I've actually read 26 this month so far:).."

Amazing. Is there a speed reading book/course that you can recommend? I'll add it to my TBR ;)"

Haha! I've never read one of those! I'm just lucky I guess;) My sister is the same:)