Tuesday, September 30, 2014

September 2014 Update

 
I haven't had as much time to read this month as I would have liked but I have still read 17 books, 5327 pages in total.

List of books:

  1. Devious Magic by Camilla Chafer
  2. Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf 
  3. Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
  4. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  5. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
  6. The Secret History by Donna Tartt 
  7. The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
  8. Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein 
  9. Altered Soul by Karice Bolton
  10. A Dangerous Witch by Debora Geary 
  11. Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl 
  12. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
  13. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 
  14. Monsters by C. Gockel
  15. The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards
  16. Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer
  17. Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer

Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9 - Update

Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9 hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads.

Saturday 27th
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman - listened to 58 pages.
Monsters by C. Gockel - finished the last 190 pages (Book finished)
The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards - 113 pages (instead of One Tiny Miracle )
(Saturday total pages 361) total pages 361

Sunday 28th
The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards - 133 pages (Book finished)
Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer - 259 pages (Book finished)
(Sunday total pages 392) total pages 753

Monday 29th
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman - listened to 51 pages.
Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer  by Camilla Chafer - 250 pages (Book finished)
(Monday total pages 301) total pages 1054

Tuesday 30th
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman - listened to 60 pages.
(Tuesday total pages 60) total pages 1114

Wednesday 1st
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman - listened to 40 pages. (Book finished)
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman - listened to 23 pages.
Color My Horse by Bev Pettersen  - 354 pages (book finished)
(Wednesday total pages 417) total pages 1531

Thursday 2nd
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman - listened to 58 pages.
Dracula by Bram Stoker - 80 sider
(Thursday total pages 138) total pages 1669

Friday 3rd
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman - listened to 58 pages.
Dracula by Bram Stoker  - 247 sider
(Friday total pages 305) total pages 1974

Monday, September 29, 2014

The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches! Finished

September 2014 Creature ~ Witches! hosted by The Challenge Factory on Goodreads.

HOW IT WORKS:

♦Pick a Level♦:
•Easy-1-3 book
•Medium-4-6 books
•Hard-7+ books

♦Duration♦: September 1st–31st, 2014

♦Choose a Book(s) that features one or more of the below topics...:
Creature: Witches
Genre: PNR/UF
Location: .Salem Massachusetts...anywhere really
Event: Halloween, Political Witch hunt etc
Cover: Bats, brooms, etc


**Be Creative and Have Fun!**

♦Your List♦:
Make sure to list your books! And to Rate them when your done! Updates along the way (in both your original list and a new post) are helpful for you and myself to keep track of your progress! 


My Goodreads post.

I have completed this challenge as I just managed to read 7 books about witches this month.

List of books:
  1. Devious Magic by Camilla Chafer
  2. Altered Soul by Karice Bolton
  3. A Dangerous Witch by Debora Geary
  4. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
  5. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 
  6. Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer
  7. Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer

Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer

All is well in Stella’s world. For the first time in a very long time she feels safe and secure in the knowledge that she’s put the Brotherhood behind her. However, she’s desperately searching for an answer that will set her ex-boyfriend free from a dangerous pact he agreed to in order to protect her, and ensure the survival of the witches. So when her old friend Etoile asks her to run a few secret errands prior to the swearing in of the High Council, Stella cautiously agrees. However finding a dead man on her doorstep, clutching a torn note bearing only her name, doesn't figure into any of her plans. Who is he and what does he want?
With neighbour and old flame Gage in tow, they head north to discover more about the dead man. There they are plunged into a mystery that appears to span every faction of the supernatural world, and more danger than they could possibly imagine. Just what is it that the werewolves, demons, and witches are searching for and how far will they go to gain the ultimate prize?
With the High Council inauguration drawing close, Stella must race against time to save what could be their only hope of peace, draw out the enemies in their midst, and find the answers she is so desperately searching for.
 
From Goodreads.

Another really good book in the Stella Mayweather series. It all starts nice and cosy but that quickly changes and the book is full of intrigues and secrets. I knew from another reader that this book would end in a cliffhanger, I just didn't realise how big a cliffhanger. I will definitely get the last book in the series as soon as it gets published in December.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014 
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (E-vulture)
Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9
FrightFall Read-a-Thon 2014

FrightFall Read-a-Thon 2014 - Goals

FrightFall Read-a-Thon 2014 hosted by Michelle @ The True Book Addict.

My goal for this week will be to read 4 books and one has to be scary.

As usual I have a list which might change.

List of books:
  1. Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer
  2. Dracula by Bram Stoker
  3. Moxyland by Lauren Beukes 
  4. True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer 
  5. Color My Horse by Bev Pettersen 
  6. Victoria Line, Central Line by Maeve Binchy
  7. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
  8. Mænd er fra Mars, Kvinder er fra Venus by John Gray

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer

For Stella, the Witches’ Council Summit is supposed to be about getting to know her fellow witches but instead she finds herself on trial for murder. The accusations may be evidence of a sinister plot at work or they may be a ruse to draw attention away from the mounting tensions as the witches vie for supremacy. Reaching out to her boyfriend Evan for help would be reassuring… if he wasn’t oddly unreachable, working a case even his closest friend doesn't know anything about
As the ominous reasons behind the trial come to light, an assassin unleashes a terrifying campaign against the Council candidates. With tensions running high and accusations flying faster than a backfiring spell, the witches are forced to gather together for safety, but that might just lead to an implosion as the culprit is sought.
Plus there’s the small matter of an ancient talisman the werewolves want, a talisman that they say was stolen, but the more she investigates, the more it appears that it isn’t the simple artefact they claim it to be.
With Evan still missing and her world more complicated than ever, the choices Stella must make might confirm her place as a formidable witch in her new world or leave her excommunicated… forever
.
From Goodreads.

I am totally into this series at the moment and I am going to read the next one right away. In this one Stella finally starts acting more independently and I am looking forward to the next book.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014 
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (E-Umbrellabird)
Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9

The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards

Camille Chandler is a tabloid journalist whose career is right on track--until her boss sees a curious ad in the L.A. Trades.
Wanted: Single actress for an extended gig abroad.
France's mega-rich playboy Julian de Laurent is up to something and Camille's boss expects her to find out what. Who knew the eccentric gazillionaire was looking to hire a temporary wife?
When Camille refuses to accept Julian's proposal--and secretly write a juicy tell-all about the de Laurent family--she's fired and left financially destitute, forcing her to entertain Julian's proposal for real.
But what'll happen at the end of the contract period, after Camille has spent six months as the wife of a man she learns is capable of stealing her heart?
From Goodreads.






This was an okay romance. Not very plausible but a quick, cosy read.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
Jumble Your Genres Reading Challenge 2014
CCC A-Z Authors 2014
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (E-seal)
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon
Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Monsters by C. Gockel

After being attacked by a serial killer, saved by Loki — so-called God of Mischief, Lies and Chaos — dragged to Alfheim, losing every cent in her bank account, and caring for her grandmother, Amy Lewis has lost her scholarship to veterinary school. But it’s alright. She has a plan. If she manages to keep her day job as a receptionist, and her night job as a vet tech, she may be able to get her scholarship reinstated and save enough money for the dreaded ‘miscellaneous fees.’
Too bad her day boss is unbearable...
Agent Steve Rogers has political aspirations, but when a suitcase nuke turns out to be something much worse and so-called Norse gods start showing up in his life, he has a priority shift.
Meanwhile, Loki’s priorities and plans haven’t changed at all. He wants Asgard to burn. Of course, earthly pleasures can be so distracting.
These three disparate characters have little in common, but they’ll have to join forces to save earth from trolls, wyrms, frost giant invasions, and an old evil growing beneath Chicago’s streets.
In this second volume of “I Bring the Fire,” chaos comes to our world and decides to stay. The nine realms will never be the same.
From Goodreads.


Book 1 in this series had a very abrupt ending and I knew I wanted to read the second. Unfortunately it often takes me a long time to get to the next in the series, this time over a year. This meant I actually went back and read the last chapter in the first book just to remind myself of the story.
In this second book Loki is trying to free Cera, an entity, that has been captured on earth by the help of Odin. Amy is mad at Loki but of course also in love with him. This book introduce Steve, an agent, who is part of the team looking after the entity. I now need to read the third book.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Crazy Challenge Connection - Sub-Genre Challenge 2014
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (L-wolf)
Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9

Friday, September 26, 2014

Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9

Crazy Challenge Connection 2014 RaT #9 hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads.

September is almost over, and that means it's time for our next Read-a-Thon!

Our next RaT will begin at 12:01am on Saturday, September 27 and end at midnight on Friday, October 4, a total of seven days. (Use your local time for start/end times.) We're hoping that this will help you finish your September reading lists/challenges and get a head start on next month's reading!

Again, our goals for this RaT will be to:
(1) complete any challenges ending in September that you haven't finished yet and start on your October challenges (when appropriate) and/or
(2) work on that pile of library or borrowed books that's waiting for your attention and/or
(3) read anything you want to read, just because!

If none of these goals suit your reading this month, create your own goal and let us know what you hope to accomplish :) As you read, be sure to check in here and let us know what you've read, what you think of the book, and anything else you want to tell us about it!

What do you "need" to read? And what do you *want to read? If you want to set a goal -- books finished, pages read, time spent reading -- you can do that too :)  


It has been a few months since I last took part in this end of the month RaT but I am behind in my reading this month and need to finish a few books for my challenges and hopefully this can push me to read.

Apart from the books on the list below I might add books when I Saturday evening and Sunday morning get told which books to read for the Bookshelf battle challenge and Super Speedy Series challenge

For September I NEED to read:
  1. Monsters by C. Gockel (Super Speedy Series, need to finish by Saturday 27th in the evening)
  2. Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer (September 2014 Creature ~ Witches! and Yahtzee Challenge.)
  3. Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer (September 2014 Creature ~ Witches! and Yahtzee Challenge.)
  4. One Tiny Miracle by Carol Marinelli (Jumble your genres challenge - September.)
For October I WANT to read:
  1. Dracula by Bram Stoker (Frightfall RaT and 2014 Literary Exploration and Eclectic Reader Challenge 2014)
  2. Moxyland by Lauren Beukes (Jumble your genres challenge - Oktober and for Sub-Genre Challenge 2014)
  3. True of Bloodby Bonnie Lamer (Monthly Motif and Monthly Key Word challenge.)

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth. From Goodreads.





This was okay. I liked Jade the baker, the shape shifters and the vampire. It was very easy to read ( I read it in an evening), unfortunately the mystery is no mystery. It is clear from very early on who the villain in the story is.
I am not quite sure if I want to continue this series. This was a free book but the next books need to be cheaper before I buy them.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Northern Lights by Philip Pullman

This is the first book in the Carnegie Medal and Guardian Award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials, from Philip Pullman. Set in a parallel world very similar to our own, Northern Lights tells the compelling story of 12-year-old Lyra's quest to rescue her friend and find her father, aided by her daemon, an armoured bear, and a witch-queen. This prize-winning tale is narrated with vigour and dynamism by the author and a full cast. Written and read by Philip Pullman. From Goodreads.





It is quite a while since I read this trilogy and it is interesting listening to them. This is different from the other audio-books I have listened to as this is narrated by Philip Pullman and a full cast, that makes it special.
Just now it is Banned Books Week 2014 - Affirm the Freedom to Read in USA. I am very lucky to be in a country that does not ban books and let me have the right to chose whichever book I want to read. Why would I mention that in this post? Well this book has at least been challenged (groups have tried to get it banned) if not banned in some schools and libraries in the States.
I believe in the right to read anything you want. There are books I will not read but it is my choice not because somebody else decides it has bad language, wrong religious viewpoints or any other reason they can think of.

This book qualifies for:
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (L-vulture)
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Monday, September 22, 2014

Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl

"Am going to cross Pacific on a wooden raft to support a theory that the South Sea islands were peopled from Peru. Will you come?...Reply at once." That is how six brave & inquisitive men came to seek a dangerous path to test a scientific theory.
On a primitive raft made of 40' balsa logs & named Kon-Tiki in honor of a legendary sun king, Heyerdahl & five companions deliberately risked their lives to show that the ancient Peruvians could have made the 4300-mile voyage to the Polynesian islands on similar craft.
Life on the raft was strange & wonderful. Perhaps the most amazing part of the whole voyage was that not once during the 101 days were the men bored. The always present danger of storms (& the storms themselves), the eternal, ever-changing sea & sky, & their own ingenuity took care of that. & the huge company of fish. They encountered the rare whale shark--"Walt Disney, with all his powers of imagination, could not have created a more hair-raising monster"--& they were the 1st men ever to see a live snake mackerel.
On every page of this true record--from the actual building of the raft thru all the dangerous & comic adventures on the sea to the spectacular crash-landing & the native islanders' hula dances--each reader will find a wholesome & spellbinding escape from the 20th century.
From Goodreads.


This was quite interesting, all of it. The whole preparation, the trip itself and the end of the trip. Thor Heyerdahl and his companions survived an impossible trip. I am impressed by this undertaking. Now I want to watch the film.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Bookshelf Battle Team Challenge #4
Crazy Challenge Connection - Oktoberfest
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Saturday, September 20, 2014

A Dangerous Witch by Debora Geary

It's the end of an era. This is the final release in the world of A Modern Witch. If you haven't met my witches yet, this is not the book you want to read . Go find A Modern Witch and begin where it all started.
I figure the final book doesn't need much introduction. Take one last journey with your favorite witches as an oversized marble calls another member of Witch Central on a journey...
Thank you for reading. It has been an amazing honor to be Witch Central's chief storyteller for the last four years.
From Goodreads.





I am going to miss Debora Geary's books about the witches at Witch Central. This book is as usual about Nell, Daniel and their family and friends.
These books are very easy to read. They are cosy, sometimes sad, lots of humour and they all end happily.
If you want to read the books, you have to start with A Modern Witch. Each book as such is a standalone with an end but there are so many characters that it is necessary to read the books in order to figure them out.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Friday, September 19, 2014

Altered Soul by Karice Bolton

The realm of Altered Souls brings nothing but unrest, deceit, and pain forcing Triss to come face to face with heartbreak from her past.
Facing a betrayal like never before, Triss questions everything she thought she knew about her family, coven, and abilities.
With the help of Logan, she embarks on a journey enabling her to confront the dark side of magic and the person who controls it. Realizing Triss’s ancestors have been seduced for centuries by the dark side, Triss and Logan must ensure no more in their world fall victim to the realm of Altered Souls, even if that means ending the ones they love.
From Goodreads.





As it is almost 2 years since I read the first book in this series it was slightly difficult to remember what happened. No problem after I started reading though. Triss feels she has been betrayed by several friends and family and has difficulties trusting again but she and Logan sort themselves out and continue to look for her mother who has been taken by Triss' evil father.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection: 1000 Member Celebration!
The Challenge Factory - September 2014 Creature ~ Witches!
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (A-umbrillabird)
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

In one of Robert Heinlein's most controversial bestsellers, a recruit of the future goes through the toughest boot camp in the Universe--and into battle with the Terran Mobile Infantry against mankind's most frightening enemy. From Goodreads.





This was okay, I liked most of it. It was interesting enough to follow Juan Rico through training and in combat. But there were parts that I found boring, especially a long section while he was at officer training. I have seen the film but can't really remember it, I will watch it again.

This book qualifies for:
2014 Ebook challenge
You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Bookshelf Battle Team Challenge #4
The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
Crazy Challenge Connection - Sub-Genre Challenge 2014
Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (R-zorilla)
Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

FrightFall Read-a-Thon 2014 - Sign up

FrightFall Read-a-Thon 2014 hosted by Michelle @ The True Book Addict.

It is that time again, this will be my third time taking part in FrightFall RaT. I try to take part in all of Michelle's RaT's.
I am not sure what I will read yet but I will have a list of books ready for the start. Most likely it will include both Gothic and witches.

I'm so very excited that it's almost officially Fall again (although I always kick off Fall personally on September 1...haha)! The FrightFall Read-a-Thon is only two weeks away! Official dates are September 29 through October 5. I hope you're ready to get your scary on! Guidelines for the read-a-thon can be found HERE or you can access in the tab at the top of the blog. Any information you need about the read-a-thon can be found there. We will have one Twitter chat. I will announce the date and time in the starting post. Please do be sure to check the guidelines, as I've made changes regarding signing up and the starting line. Our Twitter hashtag is #FrightFall

Just remember...the one main "rule" of FrightFall is that you must read ONE scary book (which can be a thriller, mystery, Gothic novel, or similar for those who are faint of heart).

Crazy Challenge Connection - Fall Seasonal Scavenger Challenge - Oktoberfest Start

Fall Seasonal Scavenger Challenge - Oktoberfest hosted by Crazy Challenge Connection on Goodreads

Since I discovered different reading challenge groups on Goodreads I have been taking part in more and more challenges. I like those challenges that set you different tasks. Actually I like most challenges.

FALL SEASONAL SCAVENGER CHALLENGE - OKTOBERFEST
Duration: September 20 - December 20, 2014


Time to get your party face on!! Raise a glass and join in the fun!

1. The Oktoberfest tradition started in 1810 to celebrate the October 12th marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Louis to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to join in the festivities which were held over five days on the fields in front of the city gates. These famous public fields were named Theresienwiese—"Therese's fields"—in honor of the crown princess; although locals have since abbreviated the name simply to the "Wies'n."
❅ Read a book that was published in October (any year) OR read a book in which a wedding takes place OR read a book whose cover shows a field / meadow / orchard / vineyard.

2. Horse races in the presence of the royal family concluded the popular event. The decision to repeat the festivities and the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the annual Oktoberfest, which now begins in late September and lasts until the first Sunday in October. The horse races were last held in 1960, but the festival still takes place on the "Theresienwiese."
❅ Read a book featuring a horse or horse racing, or with a horse on the cover OR read a book with a royal character or royal family OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in THERESIEWIESE (Discount a, an, the – 2 word minimum).

3. Today, Oktoberfest has become the world's largest beer festival, and is still held annually in Munich, Germany. The 16-day party attracts over 6 million people every year who consume 1.5 million gallons of beer, 200,000 pounds of pork sausage, and 480,000 spit-roasted chickens during the two-week extravaganza.
❅ Read a book that takes place in Germany OR read a book featuring any kind of festival, fair, or circus OR read a book with a “6” in its total page count.

4. While the event reinforces stereotypical images of beer-loving, meat-loving Germans dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, visitors to the annual event come from all over the world. Oktoberfest is in fact one of Munich's largest and most profitable tourist attractions bringing over 450 million euros to the city's coffers each year.
❅ Read a book where someone on the cover is wearing a costume or uniform of any kind OR read a book that takes place in a traditional tourist city/area (tell us where) OR read a book with any form of money shown on the cover or included in the title.

5. The largest Oktoberfest held outside of Germany takes place each year in the twin cities of Kitchener-Waterloo in Canada, where a large ethnic German population resides. The largest such event in the United States is Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati in Ohio, which boasts half a million visitors each year.
❅ Read a book that takes place anywhere in Canada OR read a book that takes place in Ohio OR read a book whose title contains the letter “z.” (Z may be anywhere in the title; it does not have to start a word)

6. The Costume and Riflemen's Procession takes place on the first Sunday of the festival, in which some 7000 performers -- groups in traditional costumes and historical uniforms, marching bands, riflemen, thoroughbred horses and other livestock, old-fashioned carriages, and numerous floats -- parade through the streets of Munich's city center showcasing the diversity of local, regional, and national customs.
❅ Read a book in which a parade takes place OR read a book that takes place in a large international city (Those participants living in the USA, cannot use a US city) OR read a book where a character belongs to an organized group of some kind (i.e. professional group, religious group, recreational group).

7. When the city began allowing beer on the fairgrounds, makeshift beer stands began cropping up, and their number increased steadily until they were eventually replaced by beer halls in 1896. The beer halls, like the beer tents of today, were sponsored by the local breweries. The mayor of Munich opens Oktoberfest at noon on the first day of the fair when he drives the wooden tap into a barrel of beer and proclaims: O'zapft is! ("It's tapped!").
❅ Read a book with any kind of beverage on the cover OR read a book whose publication year includes one of the numbers 1,8,9, or 6 OR read a book whose title ends with an exclamation mark.

8. Oktoberfest beer is a variety called Märzen (March), which is darker and stronger than traditional beer, and contains up to 6% alcohol. Before the advent of modern refrigeration techniques, this type of beer was brewed in March (as its name suggests) and allowed to age through the summer, so that it was ready to drink by late summer or early fall.
❅ Read a book that takes place over the summer OR read a "dark" book - either a dark cover or dark content OR read a book with a character whose first name starts with any of the letters in MARCH.

9. Like all German beer, the Oktoberfest beer is brewed according to strict German standards (called the Reinheitsgebot which have been in effect since 1516) that precisely define the four ingredients allowed in the brewing of beer: barley, hops, malt, and yeast.
❅ Read a book with a strict character OR read a book with a four word title OR read a book with any type of ingredient / spice / herb is listed in the title or shown on the cover (this could be anything from a picture of an apple to make apple pie to nutmeg to basil).

10. Just 6 Munich breweries - Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten - are permitted to serve beer at the festival. 14 larger and several smaller beer tents and beer gardens provide enough seating for 98,000 visitors at a time. Beer is served by the Maß, a one-liter mug, and costs between 9 and 10 euros. Beer maids and waiters must be able to carry 10 of these beer-filled mugs at a time.
❅ Read the 6th book in a series OR choose one of the breweries and read a book where the first letter in each title word may be found in the brewery name (a,an, the DO count – 3 word minimum) OR read a book in which one of the major characters is a waiter /waitress / bartender.

11. Oktoberfest is known as much for its traditional folk music as it is for its beer drinking. Folk music, marches, and polkas make up the typical oompah music for which Germany is famous. As the evening wears on, the music becomes louder and more and more people begin to sing, linking arms and swinging beer mugs from side to side, some standing and swaying and dancing on benches or tables. Before each break, the band will offer up "ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit", a toast to contentment, congeniality, and relaxation.
❅ Read a book where music is a major theme OR read a book whose title or author name contains a double “oo” OR read a book that makes you feel content, congenial, and relaxed.

12. German folk music is not the only sound you will hear emanating from the massive beer tents. International hits like "New York, New York", "Country Road", "YMCA" and even disco- and rock-inspired tunes come from the beer tents.
❅ Read a book whose title is also the title or famous line from a song OR read a book outside your “traditional” genre OR read a book whose author’s last name starts with Y,M,C, or A.

13. Oktoberfest visitors won’t lack for a good meal. Readily available all over the fairgrounds are Hendl, whole chickens grilled on a spit, roasted meats, especially pork, and potato dumplings are served up with the traditional red cabbage and apple dish (Blaukohl). Sauerkraut and soft pretzels are found on just about every menu.
❅ Read a book whose cover shows a meal, picnic or buffet OR read a book with a red cover OR read a book that almost everyone seems to be reading (a best seller).

14. For those with a sweet tooth, typical dessert dishes include Dampfnudel, a steamed honey-dumpling served with vanilla sauce, apple strudel, and Kaiserschmarrn, a sugared pancake with raisins. Also available is a variety of sweet snacks scattered across the Wies’n. From pan-roasted, sugar-glazed almonds (gebrannte Mandeln) to cotton candy (Zuckerwatte), from glazed fruits to ice cream.
❅ Read a book with a character known for their sweet tooth OR read a book whose cover features a dessert or candy OR read a book featuring a baker or candy maker (not a cook).

15. Between events and beer tents, guests can traverse the 103 acre Oktoberfest grounds to ride a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, or water slide, navigate their way through a labyrinth, visit a haunted house, be entertained by numerous types of performers, take a look at the flea circus, stop off at one of dozens of game booths, or take a festival tour, among other things.
❅ Read a book takes place in an amusement park OR read a book featuring a performer of some kind (does not have to be professional) OR read a book in which some kind of game is played (real games, not mind games).

16. The last day of Oktoberfest is the first Sunday in October. Over the past 200 years, Oktoberfest has been canceled 24 times due to cholera epidemics and war.
❅ Read a book that is first or last in a series OR read a book whose publication date contains a “2” and a “4” OR read a book with a war or disease epidemic as part of the plot.

CHALLENGE RULES

♣ When you sign up for the challenge, please post a challenge template so we have a post to which to link your name; post #2 will list participant links which can then be used for making challenge updates.

For each book you read, please indicate the title, the author and the date you finished reading it. If a challenge task gives several options, please make it clear which option you’ve chosen. If the task calls for an item on the cover, include a link to the book cover.* If it’s not obvious from the book title or cover, be sure to explain how your book fits the task. If you don’t, you won’t get credit for completing that task.

♣ Unless otherwise noted, books must be at least 150 pages long.

♣ Books may only be used for one task in this challenge, but cross-challenge posting is encouraged!

♣ If you want the challenge moderator to check your progress as you make updates, please copy/paste your update into a new message . We don't have time to scroll back through the entire thread looking for "message #15," or to follow links back to an original post.

♣ When you complete the challenge, please post your entire list as a new message to make it easier for everyone to see what you've read. If you don't repost your list, you won't be included in the list of those who have completed the challenge.


1. ❅ Read a book that was published in October (any year) OR read a book in which a wedding takes place OR read a book whose cover shows a field / meadow / orchard / vineyard.
The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards (the same couple gets married 3 times)

2.❅ Read a book featuring a horse or horse racing, or with a horse on the cover OR read a book with a royal character or royal family OR read a book where the first letter of each title word may be found in THERESIEWIESE (Discount a, an, the – 2 word minimum):
Color My Horse by Bev Pettersen 

3.❅ Read a book that takes place in Germany OR read a book featuring any kind of festival, fair, or circus OR read a book with a “6” in its total page count:
The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman (326 pages)

4.❅ Read a book where someone on the cover is wearing a costume or uniform of any kind OR read a book that takes place in a traditional tourist city/area (tell us where) OR read a book with any form of money shown on the cover or included in the title.
The Magician by Michael Scott (Paris)

5. ❅ Read a book that takes place anywhere in Canada OR read a book that takes place in Ohio OR read a book whose title contains the letter “z.” (Z may be anywhere in the title; it does not have to start a word) The Witch with no Name by Kim Harrison (Cincinnati, Ohio)

6. ❅ Read a book in which a parade takes place OR read a book that takes place in a large international city (Those participants living in the USA, cannot use a US city) OR read a book where a character belongs to an organized group of some kind (i.e. professional group, religious group, recreational group).
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman (Father Gomez belongs to the Consistorial Court)

7.❅ Read a book with any kind of beverage on the cover OR read a book whose publication year includes one of the numbers 1,8,9, or 6 OR read a book whose title ends with an exclamation mark.
Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl  (published 1948)

8.❅ Read a book that takes place over the summer OR read a "dark" book - either a dark cover or dark content OR read a book with a character whose first name starts with any of the letters in MARCH.
Monsters by C. Gockel (Amy is main character)

9.❅ Read a book with a strict character OR read a book with a four word title OR read a book with any type of ingredient / spice / herb is listed in the title or shown on the cover (this could be anything from a picture of an apple to make apple pie to nutmeg to basil).
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

10.❅ Read the 6th book in a series OR choose one of the breweries and read a book where the first letter in each title word may be found in the brewery name (a,an, the DO count – 3 word minimum) OR read a book in which one of the major characters is a waiter /waitress / bartender.
The Enchantress by Michael Scott

11.❅ Read a book where music is a major theme OR read a book whose title or author name contains a double “oo” OR read a book that makes you feel content, congenial, and relaxed.
True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer

12.❅ Read a book whose title is also the title or famous line from a song OR read a book outside your “traditional” genre OR read a book whose author’s last name starts with Y,M,C, or A.
Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer

13.❅ Read a book whose cover shows a meal, picnic or buffet OR read a book with a red cover OR read a book that almost everyone seems to be reading (a best seller).
quiet storm by Romanus Gabriel

14.❅ Read a book with a character known for their sweet tooth OR read a book whose cover features a dessert or candy OR read a book featuring a baker or candy maker (not a cook).
Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge (main character a baker)

15.❅ Read a book takes place in an amusement park OR read a book featuring a performer of some kind (does not have to be professional) OR read a book in which some kind of game is played (real games, not mind games).
The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild

16.❅ Read a book that is first or last in a series OR read a book whose publication date contains a “2” and a “4” OR read a book with a war or disease epidemic as part of the plot.
Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer (published June 2nd 2014)


List of books:
  1. Kon-Tiki by Thor Heyerdahl 
  2. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 
  3. Monsters by C. Gockel
  4. The Marriage Bargain by Sandra Edwards
  5. Magic Rising by Camilla Chafer
  6. Arcane Magic by Camilla Chafer
  7. Color My Horse by Bev Pettersen 
  8. The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman
  9. True of Blood by Bonnie Lamer
  10. quiet storm by Romanus Gabriel 
  11. The Magician by Michael Scott
  12. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
  13. The Witch with no Name by Kim Harrison 
  14. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent 
  15. The Enchantress by Michael Scott 
  16. The Circus Is Coming by Noel Streatfeild

    The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

    As the War of the Rings builds in intensity and the dark minions of Sauron look to extend their evil influence over Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam edge ever closer to Mount Doom. Desperate to avoid the watchful eye of the Dark lord and the treacherous betrayal of Gollum, the two noble hobbits struggle through the Land of Shadow in an attempt to destroy the One Ring of Power and end Sauron's evil reign forever. From Goodreads.





    The final book in the trilogy The Lord of The Rings. The part I miss in the film is the return of the hobbits to the Shire. It seems in the film that the Shire has not been affected by the war at all. This is not correct, I can see why it is not in the film but I miss it none the less as it is one of my favourite parts of the book.
    If you have only seen the films, try reading the books. As with most books to film there is a lot more happening in the books.

    This book qualifies for:
    You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
    Romance Readers Reading Challenges: 2014 Chubby Chunkster
    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
    Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet R-vulture)
    Crazy Challenge Connection Scrabble, anyone?
    Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

    Sunday, September 14, 2014

    What’s In A Name 2014 Finished

    What’s In A Name 2014 hosted by The Worm Hole.

    I have now finished this challenge. It has been fun and interesting to look for books that fit this challenge. It started with five categories but a new was added and I read 6 books.

    List of books at the bottom of this post.
    The basics

    The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories (examples of books you could choose are in brackets):

    • A reference to time (Eleven Minutes, Before Ever After)
    • A position of royalty (The People’s Queen, The Last Empress, The Curse Of The Pharaoh)
    • A number written in letters (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, A Tale Of Two Cities)
    • A forename or names (Rebecca, Eleanor & Park, The Unfinished Work Of Elizabeth D.)
    • A type or element of weather (Gone With The Wind, Red Earth Pouring Rain)
    • A book with a school subject in the title. (And yes, that does mean you can get creative and use a magical academic subject if you wish – Hogwarts is a school, after all.) 

    Remember the titles I’ve given here are only examples, you can by all means use them if you want to – some are classics after all – but it’s not necessary. There are plenty of other books that will fit the categories and you may have some in mind already or even some on your shelves you can read. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about whether there will be a sixth category – not this year. I realised too late after publishing the post that I hadn’t included a sixth, so as not to confuse everyone we’ll be sticking with five this time around.

    Extra information

    • Books can be any format (print, audio, ebook).
    • It’s preferred that the books don’t overlap with other challenges, but not a requirement at all.
    • Books cannot overlap categories (for instance my first example, Eleven Minutes, could be used for category 1 or 3 but not both).
    • Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed, it’s encouraged!
    • You don’t have to make your list of books beforehand, you can choose them as you go.
    • You don’t have to read your chosen books in any particular order.
    List of books:
    1. A reference to time: Forever Fae by L.P. Dover
    2. A position of royalty: Death on the Aegean Queen By Maria Hudgins
    3. A number written in letters: Honeymoon For One by Chris Keniston
    4. A forename or names: John Macnab by John Buchan
    5. A type or element of weather: After the Storm by M. Stratton
    6. A school subjec: The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality their lives are changed profoundly and forever, and they discover how hard it can be to truly live and how easy it is to kill. From Goodreads.





    I am not sure what to think about this book. It is a murder / mystery but in the way that we are told right away who did it, then the next 620 pages tells why. Richard, the person, who is telling the story is part of a group of 6 college students who study Greek but as a newcomer he is also set apart from the group.
    I didn't really like any of the characters in the book but it was still a strangely compelling read.

    This book qualifies for:
    I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014
    What’s In A Name 2014
    You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
    Romance Readers Reading Challenges: 2014 Chubby Chunkster
    Crazy Challenge Connection - Bookshelf Battle Team Challenge #4
    The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
    Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet
    Nothing but Reading Challenges - 50 States Challenge
    Crazy Challenge Connection Scrabble, anyone?
    Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

    Tuesday, September 9, 2014

    All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy

    All the Pretty Horses, the first novel of the Border Trilogy, published in 1992, was an international bestseller, winning both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. It tells the tale of John Grady Cole, who at sixteen finds himself the last bewildered survivor of generations of Texas ranchers, cut off from the only life he ever imagined. With two companions, he sets off for Mexico on a sometimes idyllic, sometimes comic journey to a place where dreams are paid for in blood.  From Goodreads.





    This wasn't as good as I had hoped. It is an interesting tale of John Grady, a young man (16 years old), and his friend going from Texas to Mexico and all that happens on this trip. It just didn't grip me and I found it quite depressing. I don't think I am going to continue this trilogy.

    This book qualifies for:
    2014 Ebook challenge
    2014 Literary Exploration Reading Challenge
    You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
    Crazy Challenge Connection - Bookshelf Battle Team Challenge #4
    The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
    Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy!
    Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (A-zorilla)
    Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

    2014 Audio Book Challenge Finished

    2014 Audio Book Challenge hosted by Teresa's Reading Corner.

    I have now reached my goal of 12 audio books and completed this challenge. I am sure I will continue listening as I am now starting to enjoy audio books when I go for walks, clean and cycle in the fitness centre. Last year I listened to 7 books in total which means I am nearly sure to double that.
    Unfortunately for this challenge, the host blog has been down since very early on, instead I have updated my books to Teresa's facebook page.

    List of books at the bottom of this post.

    Welcome to the Original Audio Book Challenge. This challenge is for Audio Book lovers as well as those who are brand new to them.
    There are five levels to the challenge
    • Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
    • Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
    • Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
    • Married-Listen to more than 25 Audio Books
    • You Define the Relationship- Create your own challenge (choose your own name and level starting as low or going as high as you’d like)
    This challenge is completely laid back. I want it to be as enjoyable as possible.
    • Audio Books can be any genre
    • You can cross challenges
    • You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. You can tell us about what you are listening to in the comments of the monthly link up.
    There will be a monthly link up that is certainly not required, but I’d love it if you would share what you’ve been listening to. I’ve gotten some great listening suggestions from the link ups.
    I hope I’ve enticed you to join in the 2014 Audio Book Challenge. I’m really looking forward to reading your reviews and experiences over the next year.
     
    Official Challenge dates: 1/1/2014-12/31/2014.

    List of books:
    1. Steel and Other Stories by Richard Matheson 
    2. A Clockwork Christmas by J.K. Coi, P.G. Forte, Stacy Gail, Jenny Schwartz  
    3. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch 
    4. Hex Appeal edited by P.N. Elrod  
    5. Broken Homes by Ben Aaronovitch 
    6. Boneland by Alan Garner 
    7. Tarka the Otter by Henry Williamson 
    8. I am Legend by Richard Matheson  
    9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien  
    10. The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien  
    11. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien 
    12. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien 

    The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

    The Fellowship was scattered. Some were bracing hopelessly for war against the ancient evil of Sauron. Some were contending with the treachery of the wizard Saruman. Only Frodo and Sam were left to take the accursed Ring of Power to be destroyed in Mordor–the dark Kingdom where Sauron was supreme. Their guide was Gollum, deceitful and lust-filled, slave to the corruption of the Ring. Thus continues the magnificent, bestselling tale of adventure begun in The Fellowship of the Ring, which reaches its soul-stirring climax in The Return of the King. From Goodreads.





    I am enjoying listening to this trilogy, more than I expected. I am also watching the movies of the books just now and of course noticing all the differences but also the similarities between them.

    This book qualifies for:
    2014 Audio Book Challenge
    You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
    Nothing but Reading Challenges - Spell it Out - Animal Alphabet (L-umbrillabird)
    Crazy Challenge Connection Scrabble, anyone?
    Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

    Friday, September 5, 2014

    Size 12 Is Not Fat by Meg Cabot

    HEATHER WELLS ROCKS!
    Or, at least, she did. That was before she left the pop-idol life behind after she gained a dress size or two -- and lost a boyfriend, a recording contract, and her life savings (when Mom took the money and ran off to Argentina). Now that the glamour and glory days of endless mall appearances are in the past, Heather's perfectly happy with her new size 12 shape (the average for the American woman!) and her new job as an assistant dorm director at one of New York's top colleges. That is, until the dead body of a female student from Heather's residence hall is discovered at the bottom of an elevator shaft.
    The cops and the college president are ready to chalk the death off as an accident, the result of reckless youthful mischief. But Heather knows teenage girls . . . and girls do not elevator surf. Yet no one wants to listen -- not the police, her colleagues, or the P.I. who owns the brownstone where she lives -- even when more students start turning up dead in equally ordinary and subtly sinister ways. So Heather makes the decision to take on yet another new career: as spunky girl detective!
    But her new job comes with few benefits, no cheering crowds, and lots of liabilities, some of them potentially fatal. And nothing ticks off a killer more than a portly ex-pop star who's sticking her nose where it doesn't belong . . .
    From Goodreads.

    This was okay. It is a very light read. Chick lit with a cosy mystery (if you can call several murders cosy) thrown in. It had its fun moments but it was also very repetitive. I got this from the library and I might continue the series at a later date (if I can get them from the library).

    This book qualifies for:
    I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014
    You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge 2014
    The Challenge Factory - R4: Team Challenge SSS
    Goodreads Reading Challenge 2014
    Crazy Challenge Connection - Let's Play Jeopardy
    Crazy Challenge Connection Scrabble, anyone?
    Crazy Challenge Connection Bard of Avon

    Wednesday, September 3, 2014

    2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge - Finished

    2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen.

    My goal for this challenge was to read 36 free books and I have now completed this. I am sure I will read more Freebies this year but I am not sure I will be able to reach 50 which is the next level.
    I am very please The Book Vixen decided to continue this challenge and I will definitely take part again in 2015 if she decides to host it again.

    List of books at the bottom of this post.

    In 2011, Missie @ The Unread Reader started the Show Me the Free reading challenge as a way to get some of those freebie ebooks read. It was a hit and in 2012 it morphed into the Why Buy the Cow? challenge and she invited Kelly at Reading the Paranormal to join her as a co-host. Missie was unable to continue hosting and handed the challenge off to Kelly and Amanda @ On a Book Bender. Unfortunately, Kelly and Amanda are unable to continue hosting and graciously handed the challenge off to me. While the hosts have changed, the goal remains the same: read those freebies!
    I bought my first Kindle back in 2010 and I’ve been hoarding collecting free ebooks ever since. I currently have 300+ free ebooks on my Kindle, so you can see how badly I need to participate in this reading challenge. If you’re like me and have lots of free ebooks sitting on your reader waiting for you to read, then this is the reading challenge for you!

    Reading Challenge Details:

    • Runs January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2014 (books read prior to 1/1/2014 do not count towards the challenge). You can join anytime before 9/30/2014. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
    • The goal is to read at least twelve (12) free ebooks. While twelve is the minimum, there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. You can move up a level as often as you’d like but no moving down.
    • This reading challenge is for LEGALLY obtained FREE ebooks. We do not condone ebook piracy. These can be books offered through bigger sites, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or smaller sites, such as Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks. Ebooks offered through author or publisher websites are acceptable as well, provided they are available free to everyone at the time of download.
    • Any ebook format will work for this challenge (azw, EPUB, iBooks, mobi, PDF, etc.). You DO NOT need to have an ereader to participate in this challenge. You can read ebooks using Amazon’s Free Kindle Reading Apps, which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more. Free audiobooks also count towards this challenge provided they are free to the public. They can't be free as a condition of signing up for a service and they can't be provided by the publisher for review.
    • Only ebooks and audiobooks that were available free, in a legal manner, to the public will count towards this challenge. eARCs, library books, ebooks free through Amazon Prime, and/or books won or gifted are not eligible for this challenge.
    • Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.).
    • Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, however, re-reads are not eligible for this challenge. The goal is to read the freebies you’ve legally acquired so that they are off your TBR pile.
    • To join this challenge, grab the 2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, LibraryThing, BookLikes, Libib, etc., so as long as you have a dedicated shelf for the 2014 Read Your Freebies! Reading Challenge and your profile is not private. The point of linking up is to have a place where people can see what you’re reading.
    Levels:
         Coupon Clipper: read 12 books
         Penny Pincher: read 24 books
         Buying in Bulk: read 36 books
         Super Saver: read 50 books
         Extreme Couponer: read 100+ books


    List of Books:
    1. A little Christmas Magic by Sylvie Kurtz (free on Amazon.co.uk 9th of January 2013)
    2. Deep Blue Secret by Christie Anderson (free on Amazon.co.uk 28th of August 2013) 
    3. Aurora Sky by Nikki Jefford (free on Amazon.co.uk 18th of November 2013)
    4. Unexpected Gifts by Elena Aitken (free on Amazon.co.uk 13th of November 2013)
    5. The Highlander's Hope by Cali MacKay (free on Amazon.com 30th of August 2013)
    6. Honeymoon For One by Chris Keniston  (free on Amazon.com 21th of January 2014)
    7. What Stays in Vegas by Beth Labonte  (free on Amazon.co.uk 15th of July 2013)
    8. Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer (free on Amazon.com 10th of September 2013)
    9. Forever Fae by L.P. Dover (free on Amazon.co.uk 4th of June 2013)
    10. An Unlikely Match by Barbara Dunlop (free on Amazon.co.uk 15th of March 2014)
    11. The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill (free on Amazon.com 21th of January 2014) 
    12. The Bride wore Chocolate by Shirley Jump (free on Amazon.co.uk 24th of February 2014)
    13. A Charming Crime by Tonya Kappes (free on Amazon.co.uk 11th of April 2014)
    14. Death on the Aegean Queen By Maria Hudgins (free on Amazon.co.uk 6th of October 2012)
    15. The Breeders by Katie French (free on Amazon.co.uk 31st of May 2013)
    16. Along Came A Demon by Linda Welch (free on Amazon.co.uk 21st of August 2013)
    17. The Way They Were by Mary Campisi (free on Amazon.com 27th of July 2013)
    18. The Keepers by Donna Augustine  (free on Amazon.co.uk 18th of May 2014)
    19. The Cold Moon Run by L. Filion  (free on Amazon.com 27th of June 2014)
    20. Drip Drop Teardrop by Samantha Young (free on Amazon.co.uk 18th of May 2014)
    21. After the Storm by M. Stratton (free on Amazon.co.uk 28th of June 2014)
    22. Cart Before the Horse by Bernadette Marie (free on Amazon.co.uk 16th of May 2014)
    23. The Tiger Princess by Sarah Renee (free on Amazon.co.uk 25th of April 2014)
    24. If the Shoe Fits by Laurie LeClair (free on Amazon.co.uk 13th of November 2013)
    25. Untouched by Robert J. Crane (free on Amazon.co.uk 11th of April 2014)
    26. Champagne and Lemon Drops by Jean Oram (free on Amazon.co.uk 11th of April 2014)
    27. Reckless Nights in Rome by C.C. MacKenzie (free on Amazon.com 12th of November 2013)
    28. One Sweet Summer by Cali MacKay (free on Amazon.co.uk 26th of July 2014)
    29. Texas Secrets: The Gallaghers of Morning Star by Jean Brashear (free on Amazon.com 7th of October 2013)
    30. Illicit Magic by Camilla Chafer (free on Amazon.co.uk 21st of August 2013)
    31. Macaron Murder by Harper Lin (free on Amazon.com 29th of July 2014)
    32. Winter's End by Clarissa Cartharn (free on Amazon.com 3rd of August 2014)
    33. Hot Summer by Judy Powell (free on Amazon.com 6th of August 2014)
    34. Gnome on the Range by Jennifer Zane (free on Amazon.com 21st of November 2013) 
    35. Kept by Elle Field (free on Amazon.com 19th of March 2014)
    36. The Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang (free on Amazon.co.uk 27th of December 2011)
    37. Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf  (free on Amazon.co.uk 16th of January 2014)