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

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Suzie wrote: "Finished my R book: Raylan by Elmore Leonard. 3 1/2 stars"

Hey - someone else who reads Elmore Leonard. He was recently recommended to me by a friend. I have read just one of his books so far and really enjoyed it.

[Lynxie]

I finished my sixth for the challenge.

5.TBR
Speculative: Decrypted by Lindsay Buroker (Indie) ★★★

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

[Suzie]

Phrynne wrote: "Suzie wrote: "Finished my R book: Raylan by Elmore Leonard. 3 1/2 stars"

Hey - someone else who reads Elmore Leonard. He was recently recommended to me by a friend. I have read just..."

I liked the TV series Justified, so I read the books relating to the character Raylan Givens. They were enjoyable but I'm not sure I'll read other titles by Elmore Leonard

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 17th - first I - The Insanity of Murder by Felicity Young 4.5★s

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

[Steve]

Last night I finished my ninth, my first 5c. Historical, Atonement, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

While on the way to the airport and then stuck in a metal tube for an hour (I'm in Brisbane for a week), I made a start on my first 1a. Spell it Out (W), Watership Down.

[Sally906]

Steve wrote: "Last night I finished my ninth, my first 5c. Historical, Atonement, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

While on the way to the airport and then stuck in ..."

You spend a lot of time in Aeroplanes - I think you do it deliberately so you can read ;)

[Bronwyn]

Ok. So, I have finished

1.
W The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole 3★
R Ransom by David Malouf 5★

2.New Release
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid 5★

5. June Historical Fiction Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner 5★
July Speculative Fiction The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead 3★

Currently reading:

August Mystery Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood

I I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

[Anna]

onto my 6th for this challenge Looking for Alibrandi


W - What Have I Done? by Amanda Prowse
I - I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
N - Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
T - The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
E - Evidence of Love by Elisabeth Rose
R - The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings

NEW RELEASE: You're Never Weird on the Internet - Almost by Felicia Day

YOUNG ADULT: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters

OWNED TBR:
SPEC FICTION - The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold completed in June (more or less)
HISTORICAL FICTION - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
MYSTERY - Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett completed in July

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're doing well Anna!

[Trevor]

Bit behind schedule on this challenge, just finished my 5th book:

W - When Skies Have Fallen by Debbie McGowan - 4★

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

[Stef]

FINISHED!!!!! With Bridie's Fire an easy yet complex historical read that I would recommend!

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

This was a good challenge being both long enough to give me time to source (and read) decent books AND interresting in challenging me

[Carolyn]

Finished my 11th book, T of WINTER Turn of the Tide by Margaret Skea 4★
Recommended if you enjoy Scottish history.

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

One more to go - In the Blood by Lisa Unger

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Stef wrote: "FINISHED!!!!! With Bridie's Fire an easy yet complex historical read that I would recommend!

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

This was a good challenge..."

The quarterly challenges are good for that. Time to choose and read some really good books:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Carolyn wrote: "Finished my 11th book, T of WINTER Turn of the Tide by Margaret Skea 4★
Recommended if you enjoy Scottish history.

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

An excellent book for your last one Carolyn. I hope you enjoy it s much as I did:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Stef wrote: "FINISHED!!!!! With Bridie's Fire an easy yet complex historical read that I would recommend!

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

This was a good challenge..."

Well done Stef! Especially after saying you wouldn't be able to do it!!!

[Trevor]

Book number 6 finished:

N - A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan - 3★

[Bronwyn]

Have just finished my
I I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore 5 stars
T Torn Trousers: A True Story of Courage and Adventure: How A Couple Sacrificed Everything To Escape to Paradise by Gwynn White 4 stars

[Anna]

6th done now onto no. 7

W - What Have I Done? by Amanda Prowse
I - I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
N - Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
T - The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
E - Evidence of Love by Elisabeth Rose
R - The Redemption of Althalus by David Eddings

NEW RELEASE: You're Never Weird on the Internet - Almost by Felicia Day

YOUNG ADULT: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters

OWNED TBR:
SPEC FICTION - The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold completed in June (more or less)
HISTORICAL FICTION - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
MYSTERY - Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett completed in July

[Odette]

Finished this challenge! Early as well.

Some of the titles have been substituted due to availability.

1.
W
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill 4★
I
Intensive Care 3.5★ by Nicki Edwards
N
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah 4★
T
TimeStorm by Steve Harrison 4★
E
The Enemy Inside by Vanessa Skye 3.5★
R
Restless by William Boyd 4.5★

2. Winter release:
Hush, Little Bird by Nicole Trope 4.5★

3. A Young Adult Title by an Aussie Author
Restless by William Boyd4★

4. Aussie Indie Author
Under Fire by Rachel Amphlett3.5★

5
Speculative (read in June):
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson 5★
Historical:
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson 5★
Mystery:
Nefarious Doings by Ilsa Evans 3.5★

[Lynxie]

Well done Odette!!

[Odette]

Lynxie wrote: "Well done Odette!!"

Thanks, Lynxie

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

And nearly a whole month in hand! Congrats Odette:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Well done Odette!!!

[Odette]

Thanks all. The Kate Atkinson books were the highlight. It was interesting reading one after the other in a relative short time. I rated Life After Life as a 5 star. However, after reading A God in Ruins found that this book appealed to me more. For the main character, there was a limited number of alternative lives, as opposed to different stages of life. It is hard to explain without giving too much away!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Odette wrote: "Thanks all. The Kate Atkinson books were the highlight. It was interesting reading one after the other in a relative short time. I rated Life After Life as a 5 star. However, af..."

I loved them both as well:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 18th - second E - Eden, Dusk by Archer Swift 4.5★s

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

[Sally906]

Odette wrote: "Finished this challenge! Early as well.

Some of the titles have been substituted due to availability.
..."

Well done :)

[Ace]

Odette wrote: "Finished this challenge! Early as well.

Some of the titles have been substituted due to availability..."

Good work there...

[Anna]

if i have any chance of finishing this, i needed to add an easy read

W - What Have I Done? by Amanda Prowse
I - I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
N - Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
T - The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
E - Evidence of Love by Elisabeth Rose
R - The Redemption Of Rico D'Angelo by Michelle Douglas

NEW RELEASE: You're Never Weird on the Internet - Almost by Felicia Day

YOUNG ADULT: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters

OWNED TBR:
SPEC FICTION - The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold completed in June (more or less)
HISTORICAL FICTION - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
MYSTERY - Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett completed in July

[Sally906]

I have just started my last book The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies. I am only 4% into the book and have already been swept into 1930s Celon ( as Sri Lanka was then)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's my next one Sally:) I'm lagging with this challenge - 4 left!!

[Sally906]

Brenda wrote: "That's my next one Sally:) I'm lagging with this challenge - 4 left!!"

But you have a relaxing week ahead of you - 4 will be a doddle:)

All hell is going to break loose for me :) Still this time in a fortnight the last relative will have flown out and I will have my life back :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Hopefully you're right (for me anyway) - hope you can manage to stay sane for the next couple of weeks Sally!

[Anna]

finished Evidence of Love my E in Winter book. 4 stars

[Anna]

W - What Have I Done? by Amanda Prowse
I - I Work at a Public Library: A Collection of Crazy Stories from the Stacks by Gina Sheridan
N - Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
T - The Tea Chest by Josephine Moon
E - Evidence of Love by Elisabeth Rose
R - The Redemption Of Rico D'Angelo by Michelle Douglas

NEW RELEASE: You're Never Weird on the Internet - Almost by Felicia Day

YOUNG ADULT: Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta

AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: Life Lived Twice by Sherrie Wouters

OWNED TBR:
SPEC FICTION - The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold completed in June (more or less)
HISTORICAL FICTION - The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
MYSTERY - Mistake Creek by Rachel Amphlett completed in July

[Steve]

While waiting for the correct station to appear at the train I was on while traveling to the airport for a quick trip to Taiwan, I finished my tenth, my first 1a. Spell it Out (W), Watership Down, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

I have made a start on my first 3. International Children's Day, Obernewtyn. If I finish that while still on the plane, I'll start on my second 5b. Speculative, Seveneves.

[Lynxie]

Finished my 7th:

1. Spell it out:
E - Edith by Jo Barney (Indie) ★★★

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

[Bronwyn]

Only two to go!

1.
W The Warlord Wants Forever by Kresley Cole 3★
I I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore 5★
N Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake
T Torn Trousers: A True Story of Courage and Adventure: How A Couple Sacrificed Everything To Escape to Paradise by Gwynn White 4★
E The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe 5★
R Ransom by David Malouf 5★


2.New Release
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid 5★


3. YA Aussie Author
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman

4. Aussie Indie Author
Don't Look Back by S.E. Gilchrist 3★


5. June Historical Fiction Seven Little Australians by Ethel Turner 5★
July Speculative Fiction The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead 3★
August Mystery Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood 5★

I have especially loved Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood for the decadence of the era and the great voice of the protagonist, Phrynne Fisher. I also will return to The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe for the beautiful story of a mother and son and the many fantastic book recommendations. Far from being sad, this was a real celebration of books, life and courage.

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Go Bronwyn!!!

[Nicola]

Finished my W read
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West / Gregory Maguire
still not sure what I feel about it!
and I've changed my I as I couldn't get hold of the book, so I've substituted
I Am Number Four/ Pittacus Lore

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I've just finished my 21st - second I - It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr 4★s

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

3 to go!

[Bronwyn]

Thanks Phrynne! Have now finished my second last,

3. YA Aussie Author
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman 4★

[Jess]

Only two books left on my list to read. Not sure if ill finish both. But will definitely finish Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Started reading it today and cant put it down!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jess wrote: "Only two books left on my list to read. Not sure if ill finish both. But will definitely finish Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Started reading it today and cant put it down!"

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is an excellent book Jess:) I agree!

[Steve]

While on the way home from the airport, I finished my eleventh, my first 3. International Children's Day, Obernewtyn, with my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....

Up next will be my first 2. New Release, Fool's Quest, after I've managed to sleep off the horribleness of an international flight departing at 6am.

[Lynxie]

Eighth done and dusted:

3. Young Adult by Aussie Author:
The Stone Gate by Mark Mann (Aussie Indie) ★★★

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Just finished my 22nd - first N - No Hard Feelings by Marta Tandori 4.5★s

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

[Bronwyn]

Yay! Challenge complete! Have finished my last book!
N Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake 4★

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Bronwyn! Great effort:)

[Bronwyn]

Thanks Brenda! The challenges have been a great push to read outside my usual genres-loving it!