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

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

With WINTER almost upon us, sit yourselves down with pen and paper and work out your lists for our Winter Challenge....

To help reduce our HUGE TBRs, let's try to choose every read for the WINTER challenge from our TBR lists

Don't forget to post your lists (AND link your books) here in this thread when you have worked it all out!



Spell it Out! Read 6 books whose titles spell out WINTER. Don't count the, a, and an - for example:

1...
W The Wicked Wager
I Intensive Care
N Naughty in Nice
T Tell the Truth
E EMBRYO 5: SILVER GIRL
R Reckless Rescue

2... Read a NEW RELEASE which is published in JUNE, JULY or AUGUST 2015

3... For International Children's Day choose a YOUNG ADULT title by an AUSSIE author



4... Choose a book written by an AUSSIE author who is independently published - an AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR

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!)

Links to help you choose!
Best Australian YA
Best Books to read while Snow is Falling!
AR Aussie New Releases
AR Bookshelf
Speculative Fiction
Historical Fiction
Crime & Mystery
Aussie Indie authors
Aussie & NZ Indie authors Pick only the Aussies from this list:)
FROM LYNXIE
Indie authors - ONLY CHOOSE AUSSIE FROM HERE
Lynxie's Indie List - choose ONLY AUSSIE AUTHORS




There is a total of twelve (12) books to read for our WINTER challenge - so snuggle up with a hot chocolate (or that glass of red wine!) plus your book of choice and ENJOY!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Excellent Rita:) Can't wait to see your list!

[Jülie ☼♄ ]

Will have to check out my TBR's ;)

[Sally906]

My Winter Challenge list:

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 – Aunty Lee's Delights by Ovidia Yu - July
Historical Fiction - The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies - August

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda; I remember that you read The Stone Gate by Mark Mann. Is that indie? I'm not too sure how to tell."

To be honest with you, I'm not sure either. I know when you look at a book's page and where the publisher is supposed to be, if it's the author or CreateSpace or Amazon they're indie - I tried to find more information, but it was incredibly difficult.

Lynxie reads a lot of Indie - she might be able to give us more info:) Sorry!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

OK I'll keep checking to see if I can find more information for everyone:)

[Janine]

I am in and this is my draft list from a quick look at my bookshelves.
1.
W - Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans
I - The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
N - Not Without You by Harriet Evans
T - Things We Never Say by Sheila O'Flanagan
E - Everything Changes But You by Maggie Alderson
R - A Rural Affair by Catherine Alliott
2. Winter New Release
Truly Madly Montana by Fiona Lowe
3. Young Adult by Aussie Author Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart
4. Aussie Indie Author
Behind the Mask by Juliet M. Sampson (I hope this qualifies)
5.TBR
Speculative: American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Historical: The Last Dance by Fiona McIntosh
Mystery: Breaking Creed by Alex Kava

[Lynxie]

Hi guys,

So I read almost only indie books. There's a bunch of lists on here that say they're indie (Indie Author Lists) but to check if they are, you should look at the publisher details for the book.

If they say Createspace or Amazon, or the Author's name, that's a good sign, but indie also means those published through small press companies.

Also, if you want some ideas, I have shelves specifically for indie authors and I mark if they're Aussie too.

(My Indie author list)

Check my shelving for Aussie Author or AWW2013/14/15.

RitaSkeeter wrote: "Brenda; I remember that you read The Stone Gate by Mark Mann. Is that indie? I'm not too sure how to tell."

Yes Rita, he's considered Indie :)

[Carolyn]

I'm definitely in but will need some help finding an Indie. Thanks for letting us trawl through your list Lynxie!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

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

Subject to change as per usual:)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Lynxie wrote: "Hi guys,

So I read almost only indie books. There's a bunch of lists on here that say they're indie (Indie Author Lists) but to check if they are, you should look at the publisher details for the..."

Many thanks Lynxie:) I've added your two links to the original post!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I've added Lynxie's links to the original post on HOW TO CHOOSE AUSSIE INDIE AUTHORS!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great lists Rita and Janine:)

[Lynxie]

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)

[Carolyn]

Have spent my lunch break browsing my kindle and have my list of all owned tbrs :)


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★

Should be a good winter! Can't wait to start!

[Renee V]

Just picking my books now will update when all done :) Excited! I love this bit of challenges.

Here are my books ->
✔ W- The Winter People (I had ordered this from the library in anticipation of the winter challenge)
✔ I- I Am Legend and Other Stories
✔ N- The Night Guest
✔ T- The Truth and Other Lies
✔ E- Eutopia
✔ R- Rivers of London

✔ New release- To Hold the Bridge

✔ Aussie YA- A Confusion of Princes

Aussie Indie- The Stone Gate

Owned-
(June) Speculative Fiction- The Slow Regard of Silent Things
✔ (July) Historical Fiction- The Paying Guests
(Aug) Mystery- The Big Nowhere

[Kira]

You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list.

[Sally906]

Kira wrote: "You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list."

That's fine Kira - there are a couple of weeks until it starts :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! It's the excitement that gets us going Kira:)

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Kira wrote: "You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list."

I always take a while too Kira. It needs careful consideration:)

[Sally906]

For my Indie I was thinking of In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers - I think it mught be indie - but not sure

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sally906 wrote: "For my Indie I was thinking of In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers - I think it mught be indie - but not sure"

I'm pretty sure she is Sally:)

[Carolyn]

Kira wrote: "You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list."

I'm trying to use books I already have this year so a stroll through the kindle usually sorts me out pretty quickly. Perhaps I'm just overly enthusiastic!

[K]

Nah. Skipping this. Only got a couple read for the Autumn challenge and none of the ones I have on the go at the moment fit in with this one.

[Lynxie]

Brenda wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "For my Indie I was thinking of In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers - I think it mught be indie - but not sure"

I'm pretty sure she is Sally:)"

Yup, Brenda is correct. She would qualify Sally.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Carolyn wrote: "Kira wrote: "You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list."

I'm trying to use books I already have this year so a stroll through the kindle usually sorts me out pretty q..."

We're trying to get everyone to use books from their owned TBRs for this one...helps us all!

[Kira]

I have heaps on my Kindle app, but I'm picky and I often see things at the library and like to include those too ;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

LOL! Have fun picking!!

[Sally906]

Lynxie wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sally906 wrote: "For my Indie I was thinking of In Strange Worlds by Brenda Cheers - I think it mught be indie - but not sure"

I'm pretty sure she is Sally:)"

Yup, Brenda is correct. She would qualify Sally.
..."


Cool - then another tick!!

[Sally906]

Carolyn wrote: "Kira wrote: "You are all so quick. I will take a couple of weeks to sort out my list."

I'm trying to use books I already have this year so a stroll through the kindle usually sorts me out pretty q..."

I do the same Carolyn - see if any of my ARC will fit, then TBR pile - then Library wish list!

I have never had to go any buy a book for a challenge

[Jess]

I'm with Rita. I've been stalking this group waiting for this challenge. I'm on holidays from June through to July so I'm hoping I can pump the books out! Reading list will be updated ASAP

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Jess wrote: "I'm with Rita. I've been stalking this group waiting for this challenge. I'm on holidays from June through to July so I'm hoping I can pump the books out! Reading list will be updated ASAP"

Good to see Jess:)

[MaryG2E]

Great idea, can't wait to tackle my TBR lists and clear some titles off my 'pending' bookshelves...Thanks for creating such an interesting challenge for this quarter.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

MaryG2E wrote: "Great idea, can't wait to tackle my TBR lists and clear some titles off my 'pending' bookshelves...Thanks for creating such an interesting challenge for this quarter."

Glad you can join in Mary..interested to see your list when you've worked it out :)

[Jess]

W What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges
I The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
N The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor
T Talon: A Jack Rawson Saga by Christopher Gerard
E Emma's Secret by Steena Holmes
R A Reason to Live by Matthew Iden

New Release - The Homestead Girls by Fiona McArthur

YA - On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Aussie Indie - Fatal Liaison by Vicki Tyley

Speculative - Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann

Historical - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Mystery - The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Great list Jess!

[Kathryn]

I'm not really very familiar with the speculative fiction genre, so I wondered whether anyone could tell me whether The Humans by Matt Haig would qualify?

I've looked at the speculative fiction link and some other listopias, but I'm still really none the wiser! I think I found The Humans on one of the speculative fiction listopias, but I may have got confused with other listopias that came up when I typed in "speculative fiction"!!

[Lynxie]

Kathryn wrote: "I'm not really very familiar with the speculative fiction genre, so I wondered whether anyone could tell me whether The Humans by Matt Haig would qualify?

I've looke..."

Yep definitely spec fiction Kathryn. :)

[Ace]

I will give it a go Brenda starting with W - Wise man's fear...

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Ace wrote: "I will give it a go Brenda starting with W - Wise man's fear..."

Great! Work out your full list between now and June 1st Ace (check other lists out if you're not sure) - linking your books that you choose.

The Wise Man's Fear is a good starting point! Good luck choosing the rest of your list!

[Kathryn]

Lynxie wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "I'm not really very familiar with the speculative fiction genre, so I wondered whether anyone could tell me whether The Humans by Matt Haig would qual..."

Thanks, Lynxie! Except now I've seen that Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is also speculative fiction and available at my library as an ebook. I had it on my TBR list ages ago and took it off because I couldn't easily get hold of a copy... Tough decision!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!"

Sometimes when I do my list I put two there for that very reason - if I have them both there I can choose which one I feel like at the time:)

[Kathryn]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!"

Sometimes when I do my lis..."

Yes - I've done that before too! But Doomsday Book looks like it's double the length of the other, so that may play a part! But it does look like an easy reading style...

[Phrynne, Series Queen!]

Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!"

Sometimes when I do my lis..."

I absolutely love Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. It includes some fantastic time travel stuff and historical fiction as well.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Kathryn wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Sounds like a coin toss Kathryn;)"

Or maybe just a wait and see what I feel like at the time... Or which is available when I want it...!"

Sometimes w..."

Good luck with your eventual choices;)

[MaryG2E]

I've had a lovely time browsing round my real and digital TBR shelves this evening, working up my list for this Winter Challenge. Very pleased that it will deal with some of the titles that I've been meaning to read since.......???

1. SPELL IT OUT - Winter
W = The White Earth by Andrew McGahan (contemporary fiction)
I = An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor (humour)
N = Night Heron by Adam Brookes (spy fiction)
T = The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais (crime fiction)
E = The Elegance Of The Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (contemporary fiction)
R = Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini (family drama)

2. NEW RELEASE DURING WINTER t.b.a.
3. YA BY AUSSIE AUTHOR: Contest by Matthew Reilly
4. AUSSIE INDIE AUTHOR: The Road Gets Better from Here by Adrian Scott (travelogue)
5. OWNED TBRs
June - Speculative Fiction: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
July - Historical Fiction: The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
August - Mystery: The Sinkings by Amanda Curtin

[Christy]

Working on my list :). I'm also a little unsure about speculative fiction and want to know if Burn Out would qualify? Help please :). The author is a good friend of mine so I hope it's a fit!!

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

MaryG2E wrote: "I've had a lovely time browsing round my real and digital TBR shelves this evening, working up my list for this Winter Challenge. Very pleased that it will deal with some of the titles that I've be..."

Excellent list Mary!!