I thought I'd start a thread so we can all brag (or lament) about how we did in Christa's game.  If you played, tell us what book you ended up with, and what book you swapped out.

I was thrilled to end up with the choice of The Heretic's Daughter or A Reliable Wife.  A day or two before I was up for what would be my last turn, I was in Target and saw both books. I hadn't heard of them until we started playing Christa's game, and they were revealed. I immediately wanted both of them.  I didn't dare buy both at Target (Mr. Killjoy, a/k/a Book Miser, a/k/a DH was with).  So, I finally went with A Reliable Wife.  I figured if I didn't end up with the books through the game, I'd buy Heretic's Daughter the next time I was in Target.  Well, the books I was holding were stolen, and I had an opportunity to steal THD or ARW and take them out of the game, which I did!  I PMd the offeror that I would take The Heretic's Daughter.  I was thrilled!  (For those of you who didn't play, some players offer a choice of books rather than just one.)

The book I played with was Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin, which coincidentally had been direct wishlisted to me by Kelly & Linda!  Thanks again, ladies!  As you know, it was the hottest property in the game.  It was stolen three times and was out of the game in what, Christa?  Just a day or two? 

Anyway, fun was had by all!  Thanks again, Christa!

And it ended up with me!  I'm looking forward to reading Grave Goods as I loved Mistress of the Art of Death so thank you very much Shelley :)

I liked the daisy chain format that Christa did in hers alot better than the regular elephant swaps.    I just got Reliable Wife @ B&N last night so you'll have to tell me if its any good if you get to it before me :)

I won The Kings in Winter by Cecelia Holland. I am under threat of death to share it with you all.

Oh, you can't go wrong with "A Reliable Wife"! I loved the slow build up of suspense and the darkness of it and thought it was a great read. After I finished it, I checked the reviews at AZN and was surprised that the ratings were all over the place. This might be one of those books people either really love or really hate. Let us know what you think about it!

Genie's catch is a good one too. Holland's writing is really stark and in some of her books, it works really well and in others, it just doesn't work at all. This is one in which it works very well. I think you'll enjoy it.

I haven't read "Grave Goods" yet, but I do have a copy and like Holly, I loved "Mistress".

I definitely want to hear what all you got, just in case it's something I can't live without. :-D

Well done, HF ladies!!

The HF ladies showed up and represented!  They offered great books that had never seen the light of day on the Games Forum.  And they played with gracious good humor, avoiding a marauding groundhog and the limbo-playing white elephant. 

I ended up with the books that Karla offered and she generously allowed me to pick two of the four books she offered.  I was specifically looking for books less than 300 pages long for a reading challenge I'm planning for later this year (hint, hint!), so I took Kydd: A Naval Adventure :: Julian Stockwin and  The Bluestocking : The Story of the Famous Forrest Divorce Case :: David Delman . 

I offered a choice from Mary by Janis Cooke Newman  *OR* The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick *OR* The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen.  They were won by one of my CF buddies and she chose Mary, which I am about one third of the way through. 

I hope a great time was had by all and we'll do it again later in the year!

ETA:  Yes, Shelley earned the very distinguished honor of "1st Book Out" within the first day or so! I knew she was reading that book just before the game started and I was so glad when she offered it! I knew then we were in for a great game!

Initially I was happy with the books that Kelly/Linda revealed for me -- but those, not surprisingly, were stolen immediately. But then I successfully stole Alice's books which I had been eyeing. She revealed three terrific books: Into the Wilderness by Donati, The Love Knot by Chadwick, and The Bruce Trilogy by Tranter, the last two of which were on my WL -- so I picked one for the swap and she graciously sent me the other for a credit.

I offered a choice of Shadow of the Wind by Zafon, Those Who Save Us by Blum, or Sacred Hunger by Unsworth. Someone won them on the third steal and chose the Blum book.

So, from my perspective (since I ended up with two WL books), it was a great swap -- even more so because I avoided being attacked by armed and vicious-looking rodents.

And...I am no longer a swap virgin.

I ended up with a Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander. A historical mystery. Historical mysteries are my favorite genre so I look forward to reading. Deb I am glad you like your books.

Alice

I hang out more in the games than here in the HF forum but I want to share too.  I do "lurk" in this forum alot though.  Any way I won The Zoo Keepers Wife.  I love books about the holocaust so I am very happy about that.  I also was able to get Moloka'i for a credit.  And I added a few books to my WL and RL.  Great swap, I am glad you all came out to play.

Linda & I had a very fun time! We ended up with the first St. Cyr book from the Evil Rodent Mistress herself, Reacherfan. My correspondence with her was very friendly with no problems, no threats, no form letters; although, it must be noted, we didn't try to cross her! 

I was amazed at the fast pace of the game & how consuming it was! I think Christa ran a top-notch, very well-organized game and I would definitely do it again - but only historical fiction genre specific. 

Kelly 

 & how consuming it was

Yes yes, it can suck you in in a hurry!  Glad everyone had fun and picked up some great books!    We'll do it again later in the year.