Wacky Reading Challenges - Autumn Fun - Finished

Autumn Fun hosted by Wacky Reading Challenges on Goodreads.

My goal was level 2: 11-20 tasks and I managed that goal and completed 16 tasks.

Autumn Fun
September 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015

Spice up your Autumn with our new seasonal challenge. Choose a Level of Participation and join the fun.

Level 1: Mellow Yellow - 5 to 10 Tasks
Level 2: Enjoying the Season - 11 to 20 Tasks
Level 3: Reaping the Harvest - 21 or more Tasks

Challenge Rules:
All books must be at least 125 pages in length. All formats are acceptable. Re-reads are fine but please be sure to re-read the entire book. When updating your challenge with books you've read, please include a link to the book title, the author's name, and the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover when a cover item has been asked for.

Tasks

☙ Back to School - Read a book where the main character is in school or is a teacher/instructor or read a book where books are an important part of the plot.
A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter (MC still in school and it is about old books)

☙ Carve a Jack-o-Lantern – Read a book with a pumpkin on the cover or a book with a character named Jack.
The Wild by Christopher Golden  (about Jack London)

☙ Tailgating – Read a book where the characters get together to party or a book whose author’s first AND last initials can be found in the words TAILGATING.
Fire at Twilight by Lila Ashe

☙ Get Cozy – Read a book that is tagged “mystery-cozy” or a book that has a cozy scene on the cover.
Poisoned by Elaine Macko (Mystery > Cozy Mystery on main page)


☙ Navigate a Corn Maze – Read a book that has a lot of twists and turns in the plot or was hard for you to navigate.

☙ Be Scared!! - Read a book from one of the following Listopia lists. Let us know which one you chose from.
Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood
Best Horror Books of the 21st Century
Scariest Books of All Time
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (number 21 on Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood / number 125 on Scariest Books of All Time)

☙ Take a Nature Walk – Read a book that has a nature setting or a book that has a path of some sort on the cover.
A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews 

☙ Watch Season Premiers – Read a book published in 2015 or the latest book from one of your favorite series.
I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet (Published July 17th 2015)

☙ Turn Your Clocks Back – Read a book with a clock or watch on the cover or a book with one of the following words in the title: CLOCK, TURN, BACK or TIME.

☙ Celebrate Oktoberfest – Read a book that takes place in Germany or book that was originally published in October.
Bound by C.K. Bryant (first published October 3rd 2011)

☙ Build a Bonfire - Read a book with a fire or fireplace on the cover or a book that has a "hot" scene in it.

☙ Count your Blessings – Read a book with a number in the title or a book with a count-down of some sort in the plot.
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber (number in title)

☙ Go for a Hayride – Read a book with a horse in the story or read a book that took you for a leisurely ride.
Rasmus - Tales of a Utah Cowboy by Jay Anderson and Beth M. Stephenson

☙ Rake Leaves – Read a book with a character that is a “rake” or a book with leaves on the cover.
Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (leaves on cover)

☙ Enter a Chili Cook-Off – Read a book that has a contest of some sort in the plot or a book you entered a GR giveaway for (you don’t have to have won the giveaway).

☙ Stomp Grapes - Read a book that has grapes or a glass/bottle of wine on the cover or a book whose cover is predominately the color of the wine you drink (ex. white, red, pink).

☙ Eat Turkey - Read a a book that mentions Thanksgiving or a book with a character that is a bit of a “turkey” (tell us why).
Opening Hearts by Iona Findley (mentions Thanksgiving)

☙ Shop Black Friday – Read a book with a black cover or a book that you got a great deal on.

☙ Bake a Pie - Read a book with a character that likes to bake or a book that was completely satisfying.
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager (likes to bake)

☙ Make a cup of tea - Read a book with a warm drink on the cover or a book that takes place in a country where tea comes from. Tell us where.

☙ Trick or Treat - Knock on the door of a GR friend (metaphorically) and read a book from their READ shelf. Tell us who you visited.
The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (Shelleyrae at Book'd Out’s read shelf)

☙ Donate or Volunteer - Read a book with a character that helps others or is involved in a community project.
Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall (MC volunteers in / runs an animal shelter)

And last but not least...
☙ Enjoy the Fall Colors - Read a book with each of the following fall colors on the cover(should be at least 50% of the cover). Each color counts for one task.

Red -
Yellow -
Gold -
Brown -
Orange -  Fire Country by David Estes

Opening Hearts by Iona Findley

Pregnant and alone at 35!
Jessalyn O'Donnell returns from her best friend's wedding with a surprise of her own. She knows how it happened -- three sex-filled nights with a smokin' hot guy, known only as Sam -- but she has no way to get in touch with him.
When smokejumper Sam Ricci returns to his hometown after the annual firefighting season ends, he has no plans for fatherhood. His lifestyle is too risky, and he loves his job -- almost as much as he loves women. Everything changes when he runs into Jessalyn again and discovers her plans for single parenthood.
Sam doesn’t want to be tied down. Jessalyn would rather go it alone than deal with an absent husband. So why, when a twist of fate brings them together again, does it feel so right?  From Goodreads.




This was okay but no more. Though it was nice with a mature strong woman who could make decisions on her own.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...
Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help... From Goodreads.

I remember being slightly disappointed in book two because this series is not about the same main characters in each book, though the main character is a person we have met in a previous book. This has changed as I find it quite interesting to read about a person who was a minor character earlier. Kaldar Mar is the main character but Georgie and Jack, who we met in the first book, are also important and I like them. I am continuing this series and already have book 4 ready.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet

A feel-good book about how searching for the perfect man can blind you to the good guy next door! “If you read one romance novel this summer, choose “I Need a Hero,” it’s witty, fun, and completely addictive.” Ann Abrams
A lovely summer romance read that you won’t want to put down
Romance writer Bronte Huntington has vowed she will never settle for anything less than ‘the one.’ When pleasant red-haired dentist Ryan moves in next door he just doesn't fit the bill. They have plenty in common but Bronte wants nothing more than friendship with him.
Then it looks like Bronte’s dreams have finally come true when dashing Sebastian Fairfax rescues her on his horse after she has an accident in the countryside around her idyllic little cottage. Sebastian is tall, dark, handsome, and heir to a massive country estate!
But is Sebastian the one? Or will Bronte’s romantic dreams of the perfect hero turn out to be as fictional as her novels? And will Bronte's temperamental cat ever stop getting in the way?!  From Goodreads.

This was okay but I like Ryan a lot more than Bronte. A cosy afternoon's read.

This book qualifies for:

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015

Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015

The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI

Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted

Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt

Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015

Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers

A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe

Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House

Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager

Carol Gabriel hates Christmas. Not just a little bit, but quite a damn lot.
She can’t even stand having a boyfriend over the Christmas period and habitually dumps them just before the season begins.
Even the restaurant she co-owns, a French bistro called Carol’s, doesn’t do a Christmas menu and it doesn’t do Christmas decoration, either.
But then she gets some bad news; the bistro is failing.
There’s too much local competition, they don’t have enough customers and there’s a risk that the business may have to sold.
For the sake of the restaurant, her glamorous business partner Roksana and all its much-loved employees, Carol takes on her mother’s advice and creates a Christmas menu for the first time.
She may even tart the place up with some decorations.
But it’s an uphill struggle. There’s a reason Carol doesn’t like Christmas and it’s one that she keeps to herself…
As time is running out Carol wonders if she’s left it too late.
Will her fabulous and charming employees be able to boost the restaurant's popularity?
Will there be Christmas at Carol’s?  From Goodreads.

There was a couple of funny things happening in this book, but that is the best I can say. It used an enormous amount of French cooking expressions and names. It also keeps going on about how beautiful all the employees are. Not for me.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber

Olivia Lockhart
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader, 
If you've been to Cedar Cove before, you've probably met my friend Grace Sherman. You can usually find her at home she lives at 204 Rosewood Lane or at the public library, where she works. Like me, she grew up in this town and she's raised two daughters here. But did you hear that about six months ago, her husband disappeared? Just …disappeared. Where's Dan? Why did he go? Who's he with? Will Grace ever find out?

I hope that all of us, her family and friends, are bringing her comfort during this difficult time. Comfort and a sense of shelter. I'm continually reminded that life can and does go on. For instance, everyone's been discussing weddings and babies lately. Justine, my daughter, rather impulsively got married a little while ago. Grace's daughter Kelly recently had a baby. Unfortunately, she refuses to accept that Dan might not return to see his first grandchild. Grace's older daughter, Maryellen, is more realistic. Grace thinks she's seeing a new man but for some reason won't say who it is.
Then there's Jack Griffin, our local newspaper editor, the man I've been seeing. And… well, I have lots to tell you. Come on over and we'll talk!
Olivia. From Goodreads.

I have now read this second book in the Cedar Cove series and I really enjoyed it. There is a lot of different people to keep tabs on but I like that. This book is very much about Grace and her life which is quite sad. I am definitely going to continue this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Dewey's Read-a-Thon October 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the hostility of the villagers. From Goodreads.

I should know better than reading anything that is called a classic. This was supposed to be a horror but I didn't find it scary at all, but quite boring. There was never any doubt who the killer was and it all just moved along extremely slowly. Not for me.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
FrightFall RaT 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Book Tag Challenge #7
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Poisoned by Elaine Macko

With Halloween fast approaching, Alex Harris, owner of the Always Prepared temporary agency, has her hands full keeping her assistant from turning the office into a house of horrors. But that’s nothing compared to finding the body of one of Indian Cove’s high society poisoned.
All eyes turn to septuagenarian Robert Brissart. But Alex doesn't believe it for a minute fearing that the old woman was the intended victim all along and that another attempt will be made to finish her off. Alex needs to find out which member of the town’s elite is the killer before they strike again.
There’s something sinister going on in Indian Cove and it’s not just Halloween hi-jinks. The mystery comes to a frightening finale amid the jack-o-lanterns and ghosts on Halloween night when Alex discovers that there are more than just witches and goblins trick-or-treating in her normally peaceful New England village. From Goodreads.


This was an okay cosy mystery. Alex is nosy and starts questioning everybody in the family and is of course the main reason the case gets solved. I do like that it also shows that she has completely misunderstood some of the information she has gotten hold of as that makes it slightly more believable.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
FrightFall RaT 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Breast Cancer
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall

Meet Lyn, a girl from the Welsh valleys who sets out for adventure in 1970's Zambia with her very young daughter and husband. What will happen on the way and when she gets there exceeds all her imaginings. All the content of this book is true with the exception of a few names and small insignificant details. Enjoy xxx. From Goodreads.

This was okay but no more. Lyn was one minute scared of everything around her, the next she would stand up to official people in a very stupid way. Also when she becomes involved with the animal shelter she takes weird chances. During the whole book she seems to be handling herself in this erratic manner. The reason to be in Zambia was her husband's work and what she did was all as a volunteer. He did not seem supportive of her and every time he wanted to do something it seemed that's what they did.
The only reason this book is 3 Polar Bears is that the stupid things Lyn was doing actually were humorous in between.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
FrightFall RaT 2015
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Breast Cancer
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Setting Alphabet Reading Challenge 

The Wild by Christopher Golden

The world knows Jack London as a writer who lived his own thrilling, real-life adventures. But there are parts of his life that have remained hidden for many years, things so horrifying even he couldn’t set them down in writing. These are the Secret Journeys of Jack London.
We meet Jack at age seventeen, following thousands of men and women into the Yukon Territory in search of gold. For Jack, the journey holds the promise of another kind of fortune: challenge and adventure. But what he finds in the wild north is something far more sinister than he could ever have imagined: kidnapping and slavery, the murderous nature of desperate men, and, amidst it all, supernatural beasts of the wilderness that prey upon the weakness in men’s hearts. From Goodreads.

I like fantasy but it was not what I expected of this book and that is the reason it doesn't get a higher rating. I wanted more of the adventure and hardship in the cold climate around the Yukon river which was what the first part of the book was like. It became too mythical with the Wendigo and Lady of the forest. Just the thought of Yukon though makes me look forward to next summer when I am going back there to paddle the Yukon River.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XV
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
A Million More Pages: Reading Under The Stars
A Million More Pages: Summer cAMMP BINGO
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Bound by C.K. Bryant

When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.
BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love. From Goodreads.

This was okay but no more than that. Kira is a likeable teen and accepts weird things quite easy which I like. Her friend Lydia is also interesting but I didn't like Octavion much. Though this ends on a cliffhanger I don't think I need to read the next book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Reading Under The Stars
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Clue#2
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

A phone call from an old friend sets Dr. Giovanni Vecchio back on the path of a mysterious manuscript he's hunted for over five hundred years. He never expected a young student librarian could be the key to unlock its secrets, nor could he have predicted the danger she would attract.
Now he and Beatrice De Novo follow a twisted maze that leads from the archives of a university library, though the fires of Renaissance Florence, and toward a confrontation hundreds of years in the making. From Goodreads.

An interesting vampire story. Though in this one most of the myths of how to kill a vampire don't work and the vampires also have different powers connected to earth, wind, water and fire. It is centred around books and the search for 500 year old books that has been thought destroyed. I might return to this series at a later date.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Get Ready for Autumn!
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Campfire Cookout
A Million More Pages: Reading Under The Stars
Wacky Reading Challenges: Book Tag Challenge #7
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Fire at Twilight by Lila Ashe

Grace is a fixer. She's good at it, too. In her acupuncture practice, she fixes the community of Darling Bay, and in her personal life, she's rescued her sister too many times to count. Her love life, though . . . Grace doesn't think she needs help, especially not from a man whose very nickname is unhealthy.
Tox Ellis is the hazmat expert at the Darling Bay Fire Department, and he knows about harmful substances. He knows what gases to keep apart to prevent explosions. Why, then, can't he seem to stay away from Grace, the woman who seems to think he needs fixing?
Is Darling Bay ready for the chemical reaction Grace and Tox generate whenever they're in the same place at the same time? And who will be standing by to put out the flames?
From Goodreads.





This was okay and also funny in places. I wasn't wild about Grace who seem to think she needs to fix everybody that includes telling them what is healthy or not all the time. She pushed both her sister and Tox away before she finally realised she had to let them live their own way.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XV
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
A Million More Pages: Campfire Cookout
A Million More Pages: Reading Under The Stars
A Million More Pages: Summer Games
A Million More Pages: Summer Song Shuffle
Wacky Reading Challenges: Favorite Album - Away From the Sun 
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

IN THE REAL WORLD, WHEN YOU VANISH INTO THIN AIR FOR A WEEK, PEOPLE TEND TO NOTICE
After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.
But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all. From Goodreads.


I enjoyed this. I feel a bit sad about the way Keirran is turning out but I guess you always need a bad guy. I like the way Ethan and Kenzie's relationship is slowly getting stronger and how Kenzie is quite strong despite of or maybe because of her illness.
I am looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out in November.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XV
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Get Ready for Autumn!
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
A Million More Pages: Summer cAMMP BINGO
Wacky Reading Challenges: Book Tag Challenge #7 
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016 
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Rasmus - Tales of a Utah Cowboy by Jay Anderson and Beth M. Stephenson

Enjoy the true and less true adventures of a real wild west cowboy, Rasmus Anderson. As a Mormon boy forced into manhood before his whiskers sprouted, he lived at the end of his rope. Whether herding wild mustangs or defending life and limb, his lasso was his lifeline. So curl your bedroll around the campfire and settle in for some yarn spinning like you never had the sense to hope for. From Goodreads.

I wasn't that taken with these cowboy adventures and it was also a bit too religious for my taste. In the epilogue it states that these stories are fiction but they are written around a real person, Rasmus who was a second-generation pioneer. The most interesting for me was that the family originated from Denmark.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XV
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Get Ready for Autumn!
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
A Million More Pages: Summer Games
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Fire Country by David Estes

In a changed world where the sky bleeds red, winter is hotter than hell and full of sandstorms, and summer's even hotter with raging fires that roam the desert-like country, the Heaters manage to survive, barely.
Due to toxic air, life expectancies are so low the only way the tribe can survive is by forcing women to procreate when they turn sixteen and every three years thereafter. It is their duty as Bearers.
Fifteen-year-old Siena is a Youngling, soon to be a Bearer, when she starts hearing rumors of another tribe of all women, called the Wild Ones. They are known to kidnap Youngling girls before the Call, the ceremony in which Bearers are given a husband with whom to bear children with.
As the desert sands run out on her life's hourglass, Siena must uncover the truth about the Wild Ones while untangling the web of lies and deceit her father has masterfully spun. From Goodreads.


I like the way this was written from Siena's point of view but it was a well-known male dominant world. Girls and women are treated whichever way the man of the house decides and at a call they are given to whoever the village elders, who are all male, decide. It is also about wanting to do anything to stay alive and in power and not in a good way.
I liked it but I am not convinced I will continue this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Get Ready for Autumn!
Rawk-A-Tiers: Troupe Theme Challenges
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
A Million More Pages: Campfire Cookout
A Million More Pages: Summer Song Shuffle
Wacky Reading Challenges: Book Tag Challenge #7 
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016

A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews

Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick forever. The late-night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time.
When Ella invites them to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change of scenery will help her reconnect with her distant husband.
Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly, incorrigible Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah.
This is going to be one week which will change all their lives forever... From Goodreads.

I really liked this but because I think some of the ending was very clear in the beginning of the story it only made it up to 3 polar bears. I did like Grace and the way she did things and I absolutely loved the setting on the Welsh seaside. I intend to read more by Carole Matthews.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XV
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Words With ... Myself!
Rawk-A-Tiers: I Spy
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: House Games
A Million More Pages: Reading Under The Stars
Wacky Reading Challenges: Favorite Album - Away From the Sun
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Wacky Reading Challenges - Autumn Fun

Autumn Fun hosted by Wacky Reading Challenges on Goodreads.

I am starting at level 2 and see how it goes from there.

Autumn Fun
September 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015

Spice up your Autumn with our new seasonal challenge. Choose a Level of Participation and join the fun.

Level 1: Mellow Yellow - 5 to 10 Tasks
Level 2: Enjoying the Season - 11 to 20 Tasks
Level 3: Reaping the Harvest - 21 or more Tasks

Challenge Rules:
All books must be at least 125 pages in length. All formats are acceptable. Re-reads are fine but please be sure to re-read the entire book. When updating your challenge with books you've read, please include a link to the book title, the author's name, and the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover when a cover item has been asked for.

Tasks

☙ Back to School - Read a book where the main character is in school or is a teacher/instructor or read a book where books are an important part of the plot.
A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter (MC still in school and it is about old books)

☙ Carve a Jack-o-Lantern – Read a book with a pumpkin on the cover or a book with a character named Jack.
The Wild by Christopher Golden  (about Jack London)

☙ Tailgating – Read a book where the characters get together to party or a book whose author’s first AND last initials can be found in the words TAILGATING.
Fire at Twilight by Lila Ashe

☙ Get Cozy – Read a book that is tagged “mystery-cozy” or a book that has a cozy scene on the cover.
Poisoned by Elaine Macko (Mystery > Cozy Mystery on main page)


☙ Navigate a Corn Maze – Read a book that has a lot of twists and turns in the plot or was hard for you to navigate.

☙ Be Scared!! - Read a book from one of the following Listopia lists. Let us know which one you chose from.
Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood
Best Horror Books of the 21st Century
Scariest Books of All Time
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (number 21 on Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood / number 125 on Scariest Books of All Time)

☙ Take a Nature Walk – Read a book that has a nature setting or a book that has a path of some sort on the cover.
A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews 

☙ Watch Season Premiers – Read a book published in 2015 or the latest book from one of your favorite series.
I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet (Published July 17th 2015)

☙ Turn Your Clocks Back – Read a book with a clock or watch on the cover or a book with one of the following words in the title: CLOCK, TURN, BACK or TIME.

☙ Celebrate Oktoberfest – Read a book that takes place in Germany or book that was originally published in October.
Bound by C.K. Bryant (first published October 3rd 2011)

☙ Build a Bonfire - Read a book with a fire or fireplace on the cover or a book that has a "hot" scene in it.

☙ Count your Blessings – Read a book with a number in the title or a book with a count-down of some sort in the plot.
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber (number in title)

☙ Go for a Hayride – Read a book with a horse in the story or read a book that took you for a leisurely ride.
Rasmus - Tales of a Utah Cowboy by Jay Anderson and Beth M. Stephenson

☙ Rake Leaves – Read a book with a character that is a “rake” or a book with leaves on the cover.
Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (leaves on cover)

☙ Enter a Chili Cook-Off – Read a book that has a contest of some sort in the plot or a book you entered a GR giveaway for (you don’t have to have won the giveaway).

☙ Stomp Grapes - Read a book that has grapes or a glass/bottle of wine on the cover or a book whose cover is predominately the color of the wine you drink (ex. white, red, pink).

☙ Eat Turkey - Read a a book that mentions Thanksgiving or a book with a character that is a bit of a “turkey” (tell us why).
Opening Hearts by Iona Findley (mentions Thanksgiving)

☙ Shop Black Friday – Read a book with a black cover or a book that you got a great deal on.

☙ Bake a Pie - Read a book with a character that likes to bake or a book that was completely satisfying.
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager (likes to bake)

☙ Make a cup of tea - Read a book with a warm drink on the cover or a book that takes place in a country where tea comes from. Tell us where.

☙ Trick or Treat - Knock on the door of a GR friend (metaphorically) and read a book from their READ shelf. Tell us who you visited.
The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (Shelleyrae at Book'd Out’s read shelf)

☙ Donate or Volunteer - Read a book with a character that helps others or is involved in a community project.
Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall (MC volunteers in / runs an animal shelter)

And last but not least...
☙ Enjoy the Fall Colors - Read a book with each of the following fall colors on the cover(should be at least 50% of the cover). Each color counts for one task.

Red -
Yellow -
Gold -
Brown -
Orange -  Fire Country by David Estes