**Autumn Reading Challenge - 1/3/15 - 31/5/15**

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

So good that you enjoyed them so much too:) Great choices!

[Tina]

1. a. Make a cup of tea/boil the water
L...Love in small letters by Francesc Mirailles, left me warm inside. Love in Small Letters
b. Choose your tea - black, Dracula by Bram StokerDracula
c. Steep the tea - strong +301 pages, The Gallery of Vanished Husbands by Natasha Solomons The Gallery of Vanished Husbands
d. How sweet? One sugar, The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French The Robe of Skulls
e. Black or white? Just a dash - Romance/chic lit, Paris Letters by Janice Macleod

2. Australian author - Dear Mr. Sprouts by Errol Broome Dear Mr. Sprouts
3. Makes me happy - The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster The Phantom Tollbooth
4. Library/borrowed - Numbers by David Boyle and Anita Roddick Numbers
5. Family - The Shipping News by Annie E. Proulx The Shipping News
6. Australian autumn 2015 new release - The Guy, the Girl, the Artist and His Ex

Yay all done!

Lots of fun.
I love tea and coffee and hot chocolate!
Just a couple to find, shelf scouring ahead!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Tina wrote: "1. a. Make a cup of tea/boil the water
L...Love in small letters by Francesc Mirailles, left me warm inside.
b. Choose your tea - black, Dracula by Bram Stoker
c. Steep the tea - strong +301 pages,..."

Tina, to link your books click on the "add book/author" heading at the top of this comment box and go from there:) We love to check out people's lists so linking is good:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I finished my last book for this challenge !
Here are the books I read, some good some average, but that's life!!!

1a) Boil. The Burning Soul by John Connolly 4 stars

b) Green tea. Back Spin by Harlan Coben 4 stars

c) Medium: The Hurricane by Hugh Howey 218 pages 2 stars

d) Stand alone. The Apothecary's Daughter by Charlotte Betts 3 stars

e) General fiction. Nest by Inga Simpson3 stars

2) Mastermind by Helen Goltz 4 stars

3) Golden Son by Pierce Brown (I have been waiting for ages to read this!) 4 stars

4)Revelation by C.J. Sansom 5 stars

5)Hello From the Gillespies by Monica McInerney 4 stars

6)Wild Wood: A Novel by Posie Graeme-Evans 3 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Phrynne! A great list:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

All ready for the Winter Challenge:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "All ready for the Winter Challenge:)"

Not too much longer now;)

[Tina]

Brenda wrote: "Tina wrote: "1. a. Make a cup of tea/boil the water
L...Love in small letters by Francesc Mirailles, left me warm inside.
b. Choose your tea - black, Dracula by Bram Stoker
c. Steep the tea - stron..."

Thanks for that Brenda

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're welcome - your list is good - some interesting titles there:)

[Lynxie]

I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

Don't stress about it Lynxie:) You still have a couple of weeks; anything could happen! And if you don't you can maybe slot them into winter..

[Suzie]

Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

I was thinking the same thing for myself, Lynxie. Do we get a black mark against our name if we don't complete it in the time frame? ;-)

[Lynxie]

Suzie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

I was thinking the same thing for myself, Lynxie. Do we get a b..."

Nah, just get to add them to the next challenge as Brenda suggested :D

I've just had too much extra cirricular stuff on outside of work to get much reading done... so frustrating!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

I was thinking the same thing for myself, Lynxie. Do we get a b..."

Not at all Suzie:) As long as you enjoy your reading that's the main thing here:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "Suzie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

I was thinking the same thing for myself, Lynxie...."

Life happens to all of us...don't worry:)

[Suzie]

Lynxie wrote: "Suzie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "I'm probably not going to get this challenge finished... I think this will be my first where I didn't finish. Crazy."

I was thinking the same thing for myself, Lynxie...."

Same here, it's incredibly frustrating as I really want to get reading those books on my list! They're all piled up on my bedside table STARING at me :-/

[Tina]

Brenda wrote: "You're welcome - your list is good - some interesting titles there:)"

Thanks I have been enjoying everyone's lists too. Am now set for adding more!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Tina wrote: "Brenda wrote: "You're welcome - your list is good - some interesting titles there:)"

Thanks I have been enjoying everyone's lists too. Am now set for adding more!"

That's good (I think!) We all find our TBRs grow and grow on here:)

[Kathryn]

It's good to see everyone's completed (or almost completed) lists. I finished my challenge this evening, with Walking on Trampolines. My final list is below.

1. a) Boil the water - A book which is "steamy", set in a hot climate or makes you feel warm inside. Or books where the author's name or book title begins with B, O, I or L - Big Brother by Lionel Shriver - 4 stars

b) Choose your tea - Read books with a colour on the cover to match the type of tea you choose:
Black - black tea – Matthew Flinders' Cat by Bryce Courtenay - 5 stars

c) Steep the tea - Read a book with page counts to indicate how strong you like your tea:
Medium - 151 to 300 pages – Q & A by Vikas Swarup - 4 stars

d) Sweet? - Read a book to indicate how sweet you like your tea:
Artificial sweetener - Book four in a series – An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor - 4th in the Irish Country series - 3.5 stars

e) Black or white? - Read a book to indicate what else to add to your tea:
Just a dash - Romance/chick lit - Alice Brown's Lessons in the Curious Art of Dating by Eleanor Prescott - 3.5 stars

2. At least one book by an Aussie Author from your TBR list - Walking on Trampolines by Frances Whiting - 3 stars

3. A book you've been desperate to read OR re-read an old favourite - either will make you HAPPY - Best Kept Secret by Jeffrey Archer - 3.5 stars

4. A borrowed book - Goodbye Piccadilly by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles - 4 stars

5. A book which has family featured - Family Secrets by Liz Byrski - 4 stars

6. New Release by an Aussie Author - One Life: My Mother's Story by Kate Grenville - 3.5 stars

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Kathryn. Like me you finished in plenty of time!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Kathryn! Mostly good reads for you this quarter:)

[Kathryn]

Thanks, Phrynne and Brenda. It's nice not to be feeling rushed at the end - and nice to be done and dusted before the next seasonal challenge comes out! And yes, all my reads for this challenge were good or better!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

A couple of relaxing "you" reads before the next challenge/s happen! ;)

[Steve]

The First Man in Rome is such a slog. Ten days, and I'm only half way through it, according to my Kindle. However, I suspect my trip to Vancouver in 3 days will quickly finish it.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Steve wrote: "The First Man in Rome is such a slog. Ten days, and I'm only half way through it, according to my Kindle. However, I suspect my trip to Vancouver in 3 days will quickly finish it."

It is a very big book Steve. 1076 pages big:) No wonder it seems never ending on a kindle.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "The First Man in Rome is such a slog. Ten days, and I'm only half way through it, according to my Kindle. However, I suspect my trip to Vancouver in 3 days will quickly finish it."

I hope you're enjoying it then!!

[Steve]

Brenda wrote: "I hope you're enjoying it then!!"

Enjoying it enough to not stop reading it. Part of it might be stubbornness on my part. :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Steve wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I hope you're enjoying it then!!"

Enjoying it enough to not stop reading it. Part of it might be stubbornness on my part. :-)"

LOL! Good on you then:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Steve wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I hope you're enjoying it then!!"

Enjoying it enough to not stop reading it. Part of it might be stubbornness on my part. :-)"

It was a long time ago but I believe I read the whole series. I remember they were a bit heavy going but I still enjoyed them.

[Suzie]

I just finished my International Family Day book - Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri. She writes so beautifully, this was a very moving set of stories. 4 1/2★

Changing tack, I'm about to embark on my Aussie author new release Every Move by Ellie Marney and I'm VERY excited to read the third instalment of this series :-)

[Renee V]

Three more to go for this challenge just started my Australian Oscar and Lucinda

[Janine]

I have finished #5 International Family Day
The Son-in-Law by Charity Norman 5*
One more to go!

[Kira]

I'm on my last book, which means I am going to finish this challenge - yay me!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kira wrote: "I'm on my last book, which means I am going to finish this challenge - yay me!"

Well done:)

[Heather]

I've finished the challenge!

1a)Boil the water - Breaking Creed 4 ★

5. Family Day - Goodnight, Beautiful 5 ★
Now start planning for the next challenge and get through a few TBRs.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Heather! Well done:)

[MaryG2E]

I finished the Autumn Challenge a few days ago, with my last book being The Port Fairy Murders by Robert Gott. Although highly anticipated, it was a definite let-down for me in some areas. So it took me quite a bit of reflection before I could compose a review for sharing online. My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Mary! Well done..bad luck you didn't enjoy your final book as much as you had hoped..

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "I finished my 'happy' book a couple of days ago. Sadly it was more disappointing than happy, but you win some, you lose some!

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

Only one ..."

Go girl! You'll make it:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's what I try to do Rita:) Planning...lol...it's a challenge in itself!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Love the planning. Sometimes it is more fun than the reading:)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Phrynne wrote: "Love the planning. Sometimes it is more fun than the reading:)"

Me too Phrynne, I haven't got any reading done and I still have two outstanding reviews to write....I feel like I'm back at school, haven't done my homework and I'm out playing with my Winter challenge list! :)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Love the planning. Sometimes it is more fun than the reading:)"

Me too Phrynne, I haven't got any reading done and I still have two outstanding reviews to write....I feel like I'm ..."

Exactly!!!!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Finally my review for:

1. Make a cup of tea!
a) Boil the water -> Burnt Paper Sky by Gilly Macmillan

What an excellent book! 5★s

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

[Odette]

I have finished this challenge. and now can enjoy planning the winter one!

I enjoyed reading all these books except for The First Man in Rome which slowed me down.

1. Make a Cup of Tea

(a) Boil the Water - Beginning with B
Band of Gold by Maggie Christensen Read - 3 stars
(b) Choose your Tea - Black Tea
Chelsea Mansions by Barry Maitland Read - 4 stars
(c) Steep the Tea - Over 301 pages
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks - 3.5 stars
(d) Sweet - One spoonful - Book One of Series
The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough Read - 2.5 stars
(e) Black or White - Soy Milk - Mystery/Thriller
The Devils' Cradle by Darcy Daniel Read - 4 stars
2. Aussie Author
Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh Read - 5 stars
3. Happy - Happy to read this
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Read - 4 stars
4. Library Book
Evergreen Falls by Kimberley Freeman Read - 4 stars
5. Family
Wife on the Run by Fiona Higgins Read - 4 stars
6. New Release
The Last Dance by Fiona McIntosh Read - 4.5 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Odette! Great effort:)

[Odette]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Odette! Great effort:)"
Thanks, Brenda
I really enjoyed Nightingale which also coincided with the time of Anzac Day. I gave it 5 stars which I have now edited.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Odette wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Odette! Great effort:)"
Thanks, Brenda
I really enjoyed Nightingale which also coincided with the time of Anzac Day. I gave it 5 stars which I have now edited."

Well worth 5 stars - I agree:)

[Sally906]

Yaaaaaaay - finished Autumn, so can sit back and relax for a week or so until winter starts.

Here is my final list:


a) Boil the water
Read a book set in a hot climate - A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco by Suzanna Clarke - set in Morocco in Africa

b) Choose your tea
black tea - Black book cover - Girl in the Dark by Anna Lyndsey


c) Steep the tea
Medium - 151 to 300 pages - Curve My Attitude by Sarah Gai (180 pages)

d) Sweet?
No Sugar - stand alone - The Chocolate Promise by Josephine Moon


e) Black or white?
Just a dash - Romance/chick lit - Not Quite Nice by Celia Imrie

2. Read an Aussie Author from your TBR list - Night Walker by Aaron L. Speer

3. International Day of Happiness - The Last Place by Michael Adams - is the last book in a trilogy and I am very happy it is in my hot little hands!

4. Read a library book - Lost and Found by Brooke Davis

5. Read a book which has family featured - The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough

6. New Release by an Aussie Author - The Road to Hope by Rachael Johns – March release

[Trevor]

Finished my "Medium Strength Tea" book which was great - The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky 4★, just got two more to finish for the challenge.