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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's our plan;)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Well done Bronwyn!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

And I have finished too:)

W - Written in Red by Anne Bishop 3 stars
I - Icebound by Dean Koontz 4 stars
N - Nemesis by Jo Nesbø 4 stars
T - Talulla Rising by Glen Duncan 5 stars
E - Elantris by Brandon Sanderson4 stars
R - Run by Ann Patchett 4 stars

New release Speaking in Bones by Kathy Reichs 3 stars
Aussie YA - Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier 3 stars
Indie, Aussie author - Bitter Nothings by Vicki Tyley5 stars
Speculative - Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines4 stars
HF - At the Water's Edge: A Novel bySara Gruen5 stars
Mystery - The Wrath of Angels by John Connolly. 4 stars

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Phrynne! That's a great result... I hope I can get my last 2 done soon!

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Congratulations Phrynne! That's a great result... I hope I can get my last 2 done soon!"

Still plenty of time:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Hope so!

[Lynxie]

Counting down - only three left to go now.

N - book:Nephilim Prophecy|25154885] by Adrienne Wilder (Indie) ★★

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

[Sally906]

I have finished my Winter Challenge:

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

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]

Congratulations Sally:) Hope you enjoyed most of them if not all of them!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Finished my 23rd - second N - Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash 4★s

Review to follow closer to publication

I'm currently reading my last one! Yay!

[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


not sure I'll finish but I sure will try :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You're doing really well Anna!

[Anna]

Brenda wrote: "You're doing really well Anna!"

thanks. starting You're Never Weird on the Internet now which will leave me with 3 books. not sure i will finish them all though. they're all quite long

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You can always slide them into the spring challenge if you don't finish Anna:)

[Carolyn]

I'm happy to report that I've finished my Winter challenge by reading the gripping psychological thriller In the Blood by Lisa Unger 4★

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


W Web of Deceit by Katherine Howell 4★
I In the Blood by Lisa Unger 4★
N Nice Girl: Whatever Happened to Baby Tegan Lane by Rachael Jane Chin 5★
T Turn of the Tide by Margaret Skea 4★
E Embryo by J.A. Schneider 4★
R Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb 5★

2. Winter release: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French 4★

3. Aussie YA: The Midnight Dress by Karen Foxlee 5★

4. Aussie Indie: Brittle Shadows by Vicki Tyley 4★

5. Speculative: Cinder by Marissa Meyer 4★
Historical: By the Sword by Alison Stuart 4★
Mystery: The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen 5★

Roll on Spring!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Congratulations Carolyn! Looks like you thoroughly enjoyed your reads for Winter!

[Carolyn]

Thanks Brenda - all excellent books!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "Thanks Brenda - all excellent books!"

That's so good:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I have just finished my final one for the challenge:D My 2nd R - Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer 5★s

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

Here's my completed list:

1. Spell it out -
W. - Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight 4.5★s
White Gold by Rachel Amphlett 4★s

I. - It's Murder, My Son by Lauren Carr 4★s
The Insanity of Murder by Felicity Young 4.5★s

N. - No Hard Feelings by Marta Tandori 4.5★s
Never Forgotten by Stacey Nash 4★s

T. - A Tender Deception by Sandy Curtis 5★s
Those Girls by Chevy Stevens 5★s

E. - Eden, Dusk by Archer Swift 4.5★s
Escape from Witchwood Hollow by Jordan Elizabeth 5★s

R. - Runaway Lies by Shannon Curtis 5★s
Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer 5★s

2. New Release (June,July,August) - Hush, Little Bird by Nicole Trope (1/7/15) 5★'s
The Hand That Feeds You by A.J. Rich (1/7/15) 4.5★

3. Young Adult (Aussie author) - The Fat Lady Sings by Clare Havens 4★s
Chasing After The Wind by Dale Harcombe 5★s

4. Aussie Indie Author - The First Lie by Virginia King 4.5★s
The King's Man by Alison Stuart 5★s

5. a) Spec Fict - Treasure, Darkly by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek 4★s
The First Lie by Virginia King 4.5★s
b) Mystery - Devil's Food by Kerry Greenwood 5★s
Found by Harlan Coben 5★s
c) Historical Fiction - The Secret Years by Barbara Hannay 5★s
The Governor's House by J.H. Fletcher 4★s

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

See! Easy!!! With weeks to spare, well almost two weeks anyway. Congratulations on finishing a double whammy:)

[Sally906]

Well done Brenda - maybe next season you can read 3 x minimum challenge. Or take more holidays - LOL!

[Marianne]

whereas I will be a DNF because I don't have an I book and one other I can't remember....

[Stef]

It was a tough challenge Marianne so no shame to you for being an almost

[Elaine]

Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars just seems so inadequate.
My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars just seems so inadequate.
My review: https://ww..."

It was SO good wasn't it! I loved it too:)

[Elaine]

Phrynne wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars just seems so inadequate.
My rev..."

It was Phrynne.Mish and I are seeing her and Graeme Simsion being interviewed by Toni Jordan at the Melbourne Writer's Festival on Sunday. I hope we get a chance to talk to her and have her sign the book, but I have a feeling it will be a very well attended event so maybe not. I'm also hoping to meet Toni and Graeme....as if I'm the only one!!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Phrynne wrote: "See! Easy!!! With weeks to spare, well almost two weeks anyway. Congratulations on finishing a double whammy:)"

Thanks! I really didn't think I'd make it this time:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sally906 wrote: "Well done Brenda - maybe next season you can read 3 x minimum challenge. Or take more holidays - LOL!"

Haha! Spring I'm reading less:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marianne wrote: "whereas I will be a DNF because I don't have an I book and one other I can't remember...."

Never mind - you're going away:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Stef wrote: "It was a tough challenge Marianne so no shame to you for being an almost"

Never tough Stef - just a challenge:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars just seems so inadequate.
My review: https://ww..."

Glad you enjoyed it Elaine! It was great wasn't it:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Elaine wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars just seems so ina..."

Have a wonderful time Elaine! Wow what an event...

[Anna]

Brenda wrote: "You can always slide them into the spring challenge if you don't finish Anna:)"

in my mind that would still count as failing....i am weird like that

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

You don't fail Anna - against our group rules to fail! You've tried your best:)

[Anna]

Brenda wrote: "You don't fail Anna - against our group rules to fail! You've tried your best:)"

Haha well I still have 2 weeks. And I am flying through You're Never Weird on the Internet. It is hilarious. :) Maybe I will get there yet

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Good luck!

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Phrynne wrote: "Elaine wrote: "Finished my sixth for this challenge, Big Little Lies and all I can say is "Oh Wow". Five stars ju..."

Thanks Brenda. Yes it will be great. Plus I'm looking forward to seeing Mish again.

[Elaine]

Brenda wrote: "I have just finished my final one for the challenge:D My 2nd R - Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer 5★s

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

H..."
Well done Brenda. You make me look like a complete amateur but although I probably....definitely actually....won't finish the challenge I have read some great books and really enjoyed my reading. Which as you always say to us is the point of all this. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks Elaine! And that it is:) When it becomes a chore you may as well stop!!

[Kathryn]

I am definitely not going to finish this - I've still got 590 pages of Wolf Hall to go, and 2 others (plus the new release which I wasn't really counting from the outset as that one was always an outside chance!). And while I could conceivably start and finish the other 2 in the time remaining, I can't see myself finishing Wolf Hall - it's a slowish sort of book, unless I just haven't gotten caught up in the story yet...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "I am definitely not going to finish this - I've still got 590 pages of Wolf Hall to go, and 2 others (plus the new release which I wasn't really counting from the outset as that one ..."

You've done your best and hopefully you've had some great reading experiences:) You will finish some more by the end of the month; but just enjoy!

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I am definitely not going to finish this - I've still got 590 pages of Wolf Hall to go, and 2 others (plus the new release which I wasn't really counting from the out..."

Yes, I've had several 4 and 4.5 star reads - and one 2.5 star read... :-) and :-/

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

:)

[Elaine]

Kathryn wrote: "I am definitely not going to finish this - I've still got 590 pages of Wolf Hall to go, and 2 others (plus the new release which I wasn't really counting from the outset as that one ..."

Kathryn, Wolf Hall is one of those books that is quite dense and quite a bit of a slog. I loved it and was really into it but it took me ages to read. I had to keep extending my reservation at the library and finally had to get my own copy. So don't be too hard on yourself and you've done really well with your challenge and like Brenda says you still have a week and a bit to go.

[Marianne]

Brenda wrote: "I have just finished my final one for the challenge:D My 2nd R - Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer 5★s

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

H..."

A brilliant effort, Brenda, that doesn't surprise me one bit! If anyone could do it, that would be you!

[Kathryn]

Elaine wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I am definitely not going to finish this - I've still got 590 pages of Wolf Hall to go, and 2 others (plus the new release which I wasn't really counting from the out..."

Thanks, Elaine - no, I'm not too stressed about not finishing! I've already had Wolf Hall for 2 months and will need to renew it in a week or so if I want it for a 4th month... Maybe I should just buy a copy!! I hope I get into it more than I am currently - it's good, but not gripping...

[Kathryn]

And congratulations to all the recent finishers - I know Bronwyn, Phrynne, Sally, Carolyn, and Brenda have finished in the last week or so - and congratulations to anyone else I've missed!

[Lynxie]

I'm calling my challenge done at 10 out of 12 of my books.

I'll finish my 10th today :)

I'm in :)

1. Spell it out
W - When Angels Cry by Melanie Nilles (Indie) ★★★
I - In the Mirror by Robin Lythgoe (Indie) ★★★
N - Nephilim Prophecy by Adrienne Wilder (Indie) ★★
T - A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley (Aussie indie) ★★★
E - Edith by Jo Barney (Indie) ★★★
R - Red Clover by Florence Osmund (Indie)★★★★★

2. New Release: Koven by Vanessa Skye (Aussie Indie) ★★★

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

4. Aussie Indie Author: Revolution Earth by Lambert Nagle ★★★

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

Historical: Lord Somerton's Heir by Alison Stuart (Aussie Indie)

Mystery: Hold Still by Lisa Regan (Indie)

[Lynxie]

review for my 10th read book

T - A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley (Aussie indie) ★★★

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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Marianne wrote: "Brenda wrote: "I have just finished my final one for the challenge:D My 2nd R - Riverboat Point by Tricia Stringer 5★s

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/sho..."

Thanks for your kind words Marianne :)