**Winter Reading Challenge - 1/6/15 - 31/8/15**

[Carolyn]

I've finished my 7th book #4. Aussie Indie Brittle Shadows by Vicki Tyley 4★

Another excellent thriller from Ms Vicki!

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

[Steve]

I have finished my fourth, my first 4. Aussie Indie Author, White Gold, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 1e. Spell it Out (E), Ella Enchanted.

[Sally906]

I can't believe how I've zoomed through this challenge - I only have 2 books to go - my July one and my August one!

Here is my list of completed books - all 4 star reads except for I Take You Which is 2 star and I am trying to write a review for netgalley which has some positives for a book that only got finished as I look at ARC's as a contract and as such I finish.

1. Spell it out! Read 6 books whose titles spell out WINTER
W - The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
I - I Take You by Eliza Kennedy
N - No Ghouls Allowed by Victoria Laurie
T - Treasured Secrets by Kendall Talbot
E - Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
R - Ruby by Lauraine Snelling

2. Read a NEW RELEASE which is published in JUNE, JULY or AUGUST 2015 - Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty (July release)

3. For International Children's Day choose a YOUNG ADULT title by an AUSSIE author - Wolves of the Witchwood by Kate Forsyth

4. Choose a book written by an AUSSIE author who is independently published - an AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR - In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers - currently reading

5. From your OWNED TBR books choose one SPECULATIVE FICTION, one HISTORICAL FICTION and one MYSTERY for JUNE, JULY and AUGUST (to be read in your month of choice!)
Speculative Fiction – The Hunt is On by Natalie Herzer - June
Mystery – Murder on the Bucket List by Elizabeth Perona - July
Historical Fiction - The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies - August

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Sally!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Good work Sally.
I must get back to this challenge myself.......

[Kira]

Wow, some people are flying. I'm falling behind - eek. Only two books read so far. I need to get my butt into gear.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kira wrote: "Wow, some people are flying. I'm falling behind - eek. Only two books read so far. I need to get my butt into gear."

Still two months to go Kira:)

[Sally906]

Kira wrote: "Wow, some people are flying. I'm falling behind - eek. Only two books read so far. I need to get my butt into gear."

You have plenty of time Kira - I am just being super fast this season - not sure what has happened as normally I am winging that I have too many left and not enough time and go into panic melt down mode - LOL.

Is a nice change for me.

[Steve]

I have finished my fifth, my first 1e. Spell it Out (E), Ella Enchanted, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next is my first 1c. Spell it Out (N), Need.

[Suzie]

Just finished my W book: Washington Square by Henry James, 3 1/2 stars

[Elaine]

Sally906 wrote: "I can't believe how I've zoomed through this challenge - I only have 2 books to go - my July one and my August one!

Here is my list of completed books - all 4 star reads except for [book:I Take Yo..."

Wow Sally you've really powered through this challenge. Good on you!! I've only read one so far and almost finished my second!!! Ha,ha!!

[Carolyn]

Sally906 wrote: "I can't believe how I've zoomed through this challenge - I only have 2 books to go - my July one and my August one!

Here is my list of completed books - all 4 star reads except for [book:I Take Yo..."

Well done Sally! I guess you'll manage to find something to read over the next two months while waiting for the Spring challenge!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Suzie wrote: "Just finished my W book: Washington Square by Henry James, 3 1/2 stars"

Washington Square by Henry James

[Elaine]

Finished my second for this challenge, my W read. What Came Before . A great 5 star read. My review /www.goodreads.com/review/show/9733952...

[Kathryn]

I finished my 4th read for this challenge last night - my "N" read - Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh- 4.5★.

So at the moment I am on track (1/3 of the way through for both number of books read and time), however I'm going away at the end of this week, and not sure how much reading time I'll get for 7 days, although the plane trip will be 3 hours each way (although some of that time may be spent chatting to my travelling companion!), and I've got a few e-books loaded on my iPad...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I finished my 4th read for this challenge last night - my "N" read - Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh- 4.5★.

So at the moment I am on track (1/3 of the way through for..."

Have a wonderful week away Kathryn:) And don't stress - I'm sure you'll catch up!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Kathryn wrote: "I finished my 4th read for this challenge last night - my "N" read - Nightingale by Fiona McIntosh- 4.5★.

So at the moment I am on track (1/3 of the way through for..."

Have a great trip Kathryn! ;)

[Kathryn]

Thanks, Brenda and Julie! I'm sure I shall - sounds like NZ is having some good snow - someone told me that somewhere just south of Mt Cook was -21 degrees C last week - will make sure I pack my thermal underwear!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Thanks, Brenda and Julie! I'm sure I shall - sounds like NZ is having some good snow - someone told me that somewhere just south of Mt Cook was -21 degrees C last week - will make sure I pack my t..."

Ooh I didn't realize it's the NZ trip Kathryn! Lots of thermals needed there:) You'll have bucket loads of fun...take care! No broken bones;)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Thanks, Brenda and Julie! I'm sure I shall - sounds like NZ is having some good snow - someone told me that somewhere just south of Mt Cook was -21 degrees C last week - will make ..."

No, I don't want broken bones either. On the plus side, if it does happen (preferably on the last day if it has to happen), it might mean plenty of reading time while recovering!

[[deleted user]]

Kathryn wrote: "Thanks, Brenda and Julie! I'm sure I shall - sounds like NZ is having some good snow - someone told me that somewhere just south of Mt Cook was -21 degrees C last week - will make sure I pack my t..."

Have fun in NZ - I do hear they are getting a bit of snow.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Thanks, Brenda and Julie! I'm sure I shall - sounds like NZ is having some good snow - someone told me that somewhere just south of Mt Cook was -21 degrees C last we..."

Haha! Certainly one way of looking at it!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 13th (a couple of weeks ago) - second T - Those Girls by Chevy Stevens 5★s

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

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Finished my #2. Winter release: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman ...............5★s.

Brilliant! Loved it!!

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

[Anna]

for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

It looks that way Anna as I notice Sally (see above) has nominated a book for each month and has read June, with July and August remaining. In which case I have totally missed out on reading my June choice?!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

That was the original plan but it's not a drama if it's done all over the place :)

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Brenda wrote: "Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

That was the original plan but it's not a drama if it's done all over the place :)"

Lol...we always screw up something with our challenges! ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Now Jools, that's not right! ;)

[Anna]

ok cool. i have almost finished my june one. i read it mainly in june but moving house caused a lack in time :(
unfortunately it meant i didn't quite get to finish my june challenge ah well.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Anna wrote: "ok cool. i have almost finished my june one. i read it mainly in june but moving house caused a lack in time :(
unfortunately it meant i didn't quite get to finish my june challenge ah well."

Never mind! Life manages to get in the way sometimes, doesn't it!

[Elaine]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

It looks that way Anna as I notice Sally (see above) has nominated a book for ea..."

Ooops!!! I missed that bit too Anna and Brenda. But it looks like just by fluke I managed to read one of those books this month. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Should be fine now for the other two. :)

[Janine]

I have finished my 6th
#1 W Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans 3*

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

It looks that way Anna as I notice Sally (see above) has nominat..."

LOL! I don't think we'll specify months again!!

[Lynxie]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

It looks that way Anna as I notice Sally (see abo..."

Oh, we were meant to read our june book in June? I didn't do that LOL! oops!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL Lynxie!!!

[Lynxie]

Brenda wrote: "LOL Lynxie!!!"

I just had a look, and technically I didn't specify which month I'd read them in, I just put the genres! hehehe gotta love those loopholes :D

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)

[Lynxie]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)"

Sleepy Lynxie :) I've been sick on and off for about 7 weeks. Kinda over it.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)"

Sleepy Lynxie :) I've been sick on and off for about 7 weeks. Kinda over it."

Oh dear! That's no good Lynxie:( Hope you're on the mend...

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Lynxie wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)"

Sleepy Lynxie :) I've been sick on and off for about 7 weeks. Kinda over it."

Oh no! I hope you are on the mend now Lynxie? Sleepy is good when you are not well, its healing time.

[Lynxie]

☼♄Jülie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)"

Sleepy Lynxie :) I've been sick on and off for about 7 weeks. Kinda over it."

Oh no! I hope you are on the mend now Ly..."

Thanks guys :) I think so... more sleep sounds like a plan. :) I might sneak in some reading too heh

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Lynxie wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Lynxie wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Oooh is that scary Lynxie?? Bad hair day? :)"

Thanks guys :) I think so... more sleep sounds like a plan. :) I might sneak in some reading too heh
."

Now you've got the idea, and maybe some hot cocoa ;)

[Carolyn]

Lynxie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "☼♄Jülie wrote: "Anna wrote: "for number 5 where one needs to be read each month... does it have to be completed within that month?"

It looks that way Anna as I notice..."

I read my June & July book in June before I realised it was one per month so I was sleeping too!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! That's funny!

[Carolyn]

Maybe you just have to keep the challenge instructions really simple for some of us Brenda ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "Maybe you just have to keep the challenge instructions really simple for some of us Brenda ;)"

Haha!! Well as the mods forgot too Carolyn.... (other than Sally of course!)...

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

I was trying to keep quiet about that Brenda:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "I was trying to keep quiet about that Brenda:)"

LOL!!! Oops!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Carolyn wrote: "Maybe you just have to keep the challenge instructions really simple for some of us Brenda ;)"

Lol! There's no stopping us once that gong says start reading!!
At first I understood it to mean that I had to choose a book that was released in each of those months!....after putting that in the too hard basket I just looked at what others were doing and followed like a lemming :))