This is the place we will keep up with things we think are important and want stickied at the top of our forum:

2014 Historical Fiction Challenge
Challenge Information: 2014 Historical Fiction Challenge
Lists Only Thread: 2014 Historical Fiction Challenge - Lists Only

2014 Historical Mystery Challenge
Challenge Information: 2014 HF Mystery Mini-Challenge~~Info and Discussion
Lists Only Thread: 2014 HF Mystery Mini-Challenge~~LISTS ONLY
2013 Historical Fiction Challenge
Challenge Information:2013 Historical Fiction Challenge - A House of Cards
Lists Only Thread: 2013 Historical Fiction Challenge - A House of Cards LISTS ONLY
Discussion Threads:2013 HF Forum Classic Challenge - Ace thru 6 Discussion 
                                2013 HF Forum Classic Challenge - 7 thru King Discussion 
                                2013 HF Forum Un-Challenge - Ace thru 6 Discussion 
                                2013 HF Forum Un-Challenge - 7 thru King Discussion 
                                2013 HF Forum Bonus Mini-Challenges - Discussion


2013 Historical Mystery Challenge
Info and Discussion: 2013 HF Mystery Challenge--Info and Discussion 
Lists Only Thread:  2013 HF Mystery Challenge---LISTS ONLY 
 

2012 Historical Fiction Challenge
Challenge Information: 2012 Historical Fiction Challenge
Lists Only Thread: 2012 Historical Fiction Challenge - LISTS ONLY
Discussion Threads:  2012 HF Challenge Course 1 - Celebrate our PBS Community - Discussion
                                         2012 HF Challenge Course 2 - Celebrate History - Discussion
                                         2012 HF Challenge Course 3 - Celebrate Your Self - Discussion
                                         2012 HF Challenge Course 4 - Celebrate Your Local Library - Discussion
                                         2012 HF Challenge Course 5 - Celebrate Our Past - Discussion

2012 Historical Mystery Challenge
Challenge Information and Discussion: Discussion thread for the 2012 Historical Mystery Mini - Challenge
Lists Only Thread: 2012 Historical Mystery Mini-Challenge LISTS ONLY
Banners and Buttons: Historical Mystery Challenge Banners/Buttons
 

2012 Read Alongs
February
Crystal Cave Prologue Book 1 Discussion
CC Book 2 discussion
CC Book 3 discussion
CC Book 4 discussion
CC Book 5 discussion

April
Titanic Read Along.

June
Silent in the Grave 1-9
Silent in the Grave 10-19
Silent in the Grave 20-29
Silent in the Grave 30-41
Silent in the Grave cast it.

August (The Adventures of Ailinore Audley)
August Read Along part one
August Read Along part two
 

October
Blood Lance Chapters 1 to 9
Blood Lance chapters 10 to 17
Blood Lance Chapter 18 to 26
The Offical Jeri Westerson Q&A thread!

Other Challenges
Super September Series Mini-Challenge 2012

New Releases to Wishlist
2012 Upcoming Books
2013 Upcoming Releases

Current Month WL Books Available
December Available Books

Other Useful Stuff
HF deals for Kindle (and maybe Nook) ;)
What are your Best Reads of 2012?


Just for Fun - posts that we like to go back and giggle over occasionally
Somebody Stop Me! I'm on a Bernard Cornwell Rampage!!!
Holly's 2010 Secret Santa Post
Advice for HF Forum Newbies -- Quit Now!!
Historical Hunk Tour

Biggest Book Loser Challenge - a.k.a The Most Ill-Conceived HF Nonsense To Date
With apologies to the beloved Valli, this seemed like a great idea on the surface...reduce the number of books on your TBR.  But seriously....we generally found that we are an undisciplined lot of unashamed book lovers and had no idea how to actually accomplish this task.  A few brave souls did manage to reduce their TBR (yes, we still claim them as part of our group!) but the rest of us pretty much gave up and just laughed at ourselves.
Mini-Challenge: The Biggest Book Loser: CHAT HERE
Biggest Book Loser Challenge: LISTS ONLY

And just to prove we aren't really serious about that book losing thing, we have this thread (also started by Valli!) where we celebrate our newest HF acquisitions:
H/F Shopping Bag....
 

Our Favorite Books
Essential Historical Fiction  - This started out as a list of our favorite HF books, but has grown into an unwieldy list of what seems like every HF book ever published.  It's fun to scroll through and get ideas of books and authors.  One day, when we get ambitious, we will re-vamp it or do something different, but for now, it's the best we've got if you want to know what books we like.

 2011

2011 Historical Fiction Challenge
Challenge Information:  2011 Historical Fiction Challenge
Lists Only Thread:  This thread...scroll on down past this first post
Discussion Threads:  2011 HF Challenge #1 It's About Time - Discussion 
                                        2011 HF Challenge #2 It's A Small World - Discussion 
                                        2011 HF Challenge # 3 It's Up to You - Discussion 
                                        2011 HF Challenge #4 It's All Relative - Discussion

2011 Historical Mystery Challenge
Challenge Information:  Another Challenge??? OMG the mini-historical mystery challenge is back!
Lists Only Thread:  Mini - HF Mystery Challenge LISTS ONLY

Other 2011 Challenges
Super September Series Mini-Challenge!

2011 Read-Alongs
October: Lionheart
Lionheart Prologue to Chapter 9
Lionheart: Chapter 10 to 20
Lionheart: Chapters 21 to 30
Lionheart: Chapter 31 to authors notes

August:  Widow's War
Widow's War Discussion Chapter 1-13
Widow's War Discussion Chapter 14-27
Widow's War Discussion Chapter 28-39
The Widow's War Discussion Chapter 40-49

June:  Veil of Lies
Veil Of Lies Discussion Chapter 1-10
Veil Of Lies Discussion Chapter 11-20
Veil Of Lies Discussion Chapter 21- 29
Veil Of Lies Questions for Jeri Westerson

April:  Genghis: Birth of an Empire
Genghis Read Along Prologue to Chapter 10.
Genghis Chapter 11 to End Part 1
Genghis read Along Chapters 20 to 27
Genghis Read Along Chapter 28 to Afterword

February: The Secret History of the Pink Carnation
Pink Carnation read along Prologue to 10
Pink Carnation read along chapter 11 to 20
Pink Carnation read along chapter 21 to 30
Pink Carnation read along Chapter 31 to end.

My H/F top 10, 2011 What are your?
 

The remainder of the posts in this thread are the individual lists for the 2011 HF Challenge.

I'm marking my spot.  At this point, because I feel all ambitious, I'm going for the Gold!  My goal is all four challenges, no duplication, and four achievements:  the Time Traveler, the Over Achiever, the Trend Setter AND Around the World in 80 Days.

*This may be subject to review a bit later.*   This looks like fun!

ETA:  Ask me about the When, Exactly, Did You Lose Your Mind Achievement!  

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods~~Finished!

Achievement:  Time Traveler~~Done! 

Pre-500 BC ~~ The Song of Troy by Colleen McCullough~~Finished May 16

500 BC - 0 BC ~~ The Mask of Apollo by Mary Renault~~Finished May 22

0 AD - 500 AD ~~ The Death of Attila by Cecelia Holland~~Finished June 15

500 AD - 800 AD ~~ Whose Song is Sung by Frank Schaefer~~Finished June 18

800 AD - 1000 AD ~~ Soul Thief by Cecelia Holland~~Finished July 22

1000's/1100's ~~ No Dark Place by Joan Wolf~~Finished July 25

1200's/1300's ~~ The Cups of Ghosts by Paul Doherty~~Finished August 10 

1400's/1500s ~~ A Saint, More or Less by Henry Grunwald~~Finished August 23

1600's/1700's ~~ Death of a Musketeer by Sarah D'Almeida~~Finished August 28

1800's ~~ India Black by Carol K. Carr~~Finished September 27

1900 - 1960 ~~ The Song of the Rainbird by Barbara Whitnell~~Finished October 8

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)~~Finished!

Achievement: Around the World in 80 Days~~Done!

North America ~~ Dovey Coe by Frances O'Roark Dowell~~Finished April 7

South America ~~ Deadly Shoals by Joan Druett~~Finished April 3

Europe ~~ The Winter Mantle by Elizabeth Chadwick~~Finished Feb. 18

Asia ~~ The Falcons of Montabard by Elizabeth Chadwick~~Finished Feb. 21

Africa ~~ Skeletons on the Zahara: a true story of survival by Dean King~~Finished April 14

Australia/Oceania ~~ Remembering Babylon by David Malouf~~Finished Mar. 19

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories~~Finished!

Achievement: The Over Achiever~~Done!

1.  Deflowering ~~ Bernard Cornwell!  The Last Kingdom ~~ Finished Jan. 6

2.  Proud to Be an American~~ The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent ~~Finished June 24

3. Historical Hunks ~~ The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell  ~~ Finished Jan. 13

4.  Wild Women ~~ Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier ~~ Finished Feb. 28

5.  Follow the Leader ~~ Achievement Trend Setter ~~ Done!

a.  Translation:   The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon~~Finished April 22

b. Highbrow: Ransom by David Malouf~~Finished April 17

c. Ancient Greece: Phaedra by June Rachuy Brindel ~~ Finished Feb. 1

d. Headless Lady: The Conquest by Elizabeth Chadwick~~Finished Feb. 8

6.  Shiny and New ~~Troubled Bones by Jeri Westerson~~Finished Oct. 14

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend ~~ The Burning Land, by Bernard Cornwell ~~ Finished Jan. 26

8.  In the Name of Love ~~ The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain~~Finished August 26

9.  This Means War ~~ Sword Song: the Battle for London, by Bernard Cornwell~~ Finished Jan. 21

10.  On this Day in History ~~ The Swords of December by Robert York~~Finished Feb. 11

11.  Play It Again Sam ~~Whiskey River by Loren D. Estleman~~Finished Oct. 2 

12.  Hidden Gems ~~ Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell ~~ Finished Jan. 16

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related ~~ Elizabeth Chadwick novels

1.  The Wild Hunt ~~ Finished March 6

2.  The Running Vixen~~Finished April 16

3.  Shadows and Strongholds~~Finished May 1

4.  Lords of the White Castle~~Finished May 7

5.  The Champion~~Finished July 8

6.  The Marsh King's Daughter~~Finished May 11

Linda is going for the GOLD! Achievement goals are Time Traveler, Around the World in 80 Days, Over-Achiever & Trend Setter.

CHALLENGE # 1 -It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods; (in order, for the Time Traveler Achievement)

Pre-500 BC: Daughter of the Red Deer, Joan Wolf - completed 1/22/11

500 BC - 0 BC: Persian Boy, Mary Renault - completed 2/3/11

0 AD - 500 AD: Dark North, Gillian Bradshaw - completed 3/5/11

500 AD - 800 AD: Brendan, Morgan Llywelyn - completed 3/21/11

800 AD - 1000 AD: Byzantium, Stephen Lawhead - completed 3/30/11

1000's/1100's: The Proud Villeins, Valerie Anand - completed 4/7/11

1200's/1300's: Lords of the Bow, Conn Iggulden - completed 4/16/11

1400's/1500s: Cry 'God for Harry', Martha Rofheart - completed 5/8/11

1600's/1700's: Daughters of the Witching Hill, Sharrat - completed 5/12/11

1800's: The Rose of Sebastopol, Katherine McMahon - completed 5/17/11

1900 - 1960: Day After Night, Anita Diamant - completed 5/18/11

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each continent (except Antartica) (Planning going Around the World in 80 Days.)

North America: Roses, Leila Meacham - read 1/16/11

South America: Our Lives are the Rivers, Jaime Manrique - read, 1/4/11

Europe: Luncheon of the Boating Party, Susan Vreeland - read 1/7/11

Asia:  My Splendid Concubine, Lofthouse - read 1/14/11

Africa:  Trade Wind, M M Kaye - read 1/12/11

Australia/Oceania: Outback, Aaron Fletcher - read, 1/2/11

CHALLENGE # 3-It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories. (Going to attempt all 12 categories for the Over-Achiever Achievement.)

1.  Deflowering: The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas - completed 6/4/11

2.  Proud to Be an American: Cape Cod, William Martin - completed 6/23/11

3. Historical Hunks: Dark Road to Darjeeling, Deana Raybourn (Nicholas Brisbane !!!)  - completed 2/8/11

4.  Wild Women: Queen of Swords, Judith Tarr - completed 2/24/11

5.  Follow the Leader (Trend Setter Achievement?)

• Foreign HF translated into English: The Road to Jerusalem, Jan Guillou - completed 6/12/11
• HF as "highbrow" literature: Angel of Repose, Wallace Stegner  (Pulitzer winner) - completed 2/20/11
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt: Hand of Isis, Jo Graham - completed 6/19/11
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover: Rivals for the Crown, Kathleen Herbert - completed 3/7/11

6.  Shiny and New India Black, Carol Carr - completed 5/10/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend: Quickenberry Tree, Annette Motley (Misfit recommendation) - completed 2/13/11

8.  In the Name of Love: Washinton's Lady, Nancy Moser or Claude & Camille, Stephanie Cowell - completed 4/25/11

9.  This Means War: Liberty Tavern,  Thomas Fleming - completed 5/15/11

10.  On this Day in History: Day the Falls Stood Still, Cathy Marie Buchanan - completed 4/18/11

11.  Play It Again Sam:  Here be Dragons, SKP - completed 6/27/11

12.  Hidden Gems: Men on White Horses, Annette Motley - completed 4/22/11

CHALLENGE # 4 -It's All Relative - Books by a new-to-me author

1.  Lily Cigar,  by Tom Murphy - completed 3/17/11

2.  Medicus, by Ruth Downie - completed 3/23/11

3.  Under an English Heaven, by Robert Radcliffe - completed 3/25/11

4.   The Desperate Remedy, by Martin Stephen - completed 4/14/11

5.  Genghis, Birth of an Emire, by Conn Iggulden -  completed 4/3/11

6.  The de Lacy Inheritance, by Elizabeth Ashworth - completed 4/17/11

 * Books not on our TBR or already on our WL, but rather books we're getting specifically for this challenge.

Kelly is going for the GOLD. but, (as of 1 November) is realizing she will probably only achieve the SILVER. once again thinking she can achieve the GOLD, but may have to abandon the Over-Achiever Badge.  I have accomplished the Achievement Badges in Time Traveler & Trend Setter.

CHALLENGE # 1 -It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods; (in order, for the Time Traveler Achievement)

Pre-500 BC: Song of Troy, Colleen McCullough. Finished 2 Feb.

500 BC - 0 BC: Fire from Heaven, Mary Renault. Finished 28 Feb.

0 AD - 500 AD: Dreaming the Eagle, Manda Scott. Finished 23 Jun.

500 AD - 800 AD: Brendan, Morgan Llywelyn. Finished 18 Sep.

800 AD - 1000 AD: The Edge of Light, Joan Wolf. Finished 28 Sep.

1000's/1100's: The Kings in Winter, Cecilia Holland. Finished 1 Oct.

1200's/1300's: To Defy a King, Elizabeth Chadwick. Finished 8 Oct.

1400's/1500s: Azincourt, Bernard Cornwell. Finished 20 Oct.

1600's/1700's: Year of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks. Finished 24 Oct.

1800's: Arabella, Georgette Heyer. Finished 31 Oct.

1900 - 1960: Royal Flush, Rhys Bowen. Finished 4 Nov.

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each continent (except Antartica)

North America: Iron Ties, Ann Parker. Finished 19 Nov.

South America: Ines of My Soul, Isabel Allende.* Finished 16 Nov.

Europe: Tuck, Stephen Lawhead. Finished 14 Apr.

Asia: Dark Road to Darjeeling, Deanna Raybourn. Finished 3 March.

Africa: Hand of Isis, Jo Graham. Finished 24 Apr.

Australia/Oceania: Outback, Aaron Fletcher. Finished 26 Nov.

  CHALLENGE # 3-It's Up to You   - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories. (Going to attempt all 12 categories for the Over-Achiever Achievement.)

1.  Deflowering: Hood, Stephen Lawhead. Finished 18 Mar.

2.  Proud to Be an American: Shadowbrook, Beverly Swerling. Finished 15 August.

3. Historical Hunks: Scarlet, Stephen Lawhead. Finished 9 Apr.

4.  Wild Women: Dreaming the Hound, Manda Scott. Finished 16 Jul. *

5.  Follow the Leader (Trend Setter Achievement?)

• Foreign HF translated into English: The Midnight Palace, Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Finished 23 August.
• HF as "highbrow" literature: Sarah's Key, Tatiana de Rosnay. Finished 8 Jun.
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt: Antony and Cleopatra, Colleen McCullough. Finished 15 May.
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover: My Name is Mary Sutter, Robin Oliveira. Finished 7 Mar.

6.  Shiny and New

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - Scandalmonger, William Safire (recommended by Colleen J.). Finished 31 Jan.

8.  In the Name of Love - Claude & Camille, Stephanie Cowell. Finished Oct.

9.  This Means War - The Widow's War, Mary Mackey. Finished 9 Mar.

10.  On this Day in History - Patrick, Stephen Lawhead

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems - Queen of Swords, Judith Tarr. Finished 4 Apr.

CHALLENGE # 4 -It's All Relative -  I am going to read sequels ... books from series started prior to 1 Jan 2011; and all six books must already be on my TBR shelves.

1. Death at Rottingdean, Robin Paige (Charles & Kate Sheridan). Finished 9 Feb.

2. Tears of Pearl, Tasha Alexander (Colin & Lady Emily). Finished 13 Feb.

3. Dawn on a Distant Shore, Sara Donati (Nathaniel & Elizabeth). Finished 26 Mar.

4. Lake of the Clouds, Sara Donati (Nathanial & Elizabeth). Finished 8 Jul.

5. The Angel of Darkness, Caleb Carr (sequel to The Alienist. Finished 4 Aug.

6. Sharpe's Trafalgar, Bernard Cornwell (4th Sharpe book). Finished 29 Oct.

* Books not on our TBR or already on our WL, but rather books we're getting specifically for this challenge.

And others ...

Dreaming the Bull, Manda Scott ... finished Jun.

Dreaming the Serpent Spear, Manda Scott ... finished  Sep.

The Affair, Lee Child ... finished 10 Oct (Non-HF).

Rubies of the Viper, Martha Marks ... finished 30 Nov.

Sharpe's Prey, Bernard Cornwell ... finished  3 Dec. (Copenhagen, 1807)

Gods Behaving Badly, Marie Phillips - finished 11 Dec.

Fire Along the Sky, Sara Donati - finished 19 Dec.

Queen of Swords, Sara Donati - finished 27 Dec.

I'm claiming my spot.  I like to be on the first page so I can find it again easily!    Now, I'd better go check out the challenges to see what I've gotten myself into!  LOL!

Okay, I'm back.  This looks great Christa, thank you!!  You put a lot of work into this, and I appreciate it!

I am going to be a semi-weeny and go for SILVER, attempting all four challenges with some duplication.  As for achievements, I think I'll go for Time Traveler, Around the World in 80 Days and possibly Over Achiever.  We'll see.  LOL! 

CHALLENGE #1 - IT'S ABOUT TIME

 Read one book from each of the following time period categories: 

Pre-500 BC

500 BC - 0 BC

0 AD - 500 AD

500 AD - 800 AD

800 AD - 1000 AD

1000's/1100's

1200's/1300's

1400's/1500s

1600's/1700's -

1800's

1900 - 1960

CHALLENGE # 2 - IT'S A SMALL WORLD

 Read one book set on each continent except Antartica.  The categories for this challenge are:

North America - Shanghai Girls, Lisa See (completed 3/3/11)

South America - Inés of My Soul, Isabel Allende (completed 3/24/11)

Europe - Rasputin's Daughter, Robert Alexander (completed 2/9/11) 

Asia - Peony In Love, Lisa See (completed 2/19/11)

Africa - Trade Wind, M.M. Kaye (completed 5/2/11)

Australia/Oceania - Morgan's Run, Colleen McCullough (completed 2/1/11)

CHALLENGE # 3 IT'S UP TO YOU

Pick any 8 of the following 12 categories:

1.  Deflowering - Michener or Plaidy???

2. Proud to Be An American -

3.  Historical Hunks - Is there any hope of a new Uhtred installment in 2011?  (Note to self:  must nag Cornwell.)

4. Wild Women -

5.  Follow the Leader - Trends come and go...and come...and go... Read a book in one of these recent trends:

• Foreign HF translated into English
• HF as "highbrow" literature
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover

6.  Shiny and New -

7. Recommended by a HF Forum Friend -

8.  In the Name of Love -

9.  This Means War - The Boy In The Striped Pajamas, John Boyne (started and completed 5/2/11!)

 10. On This Day in History -

11. Play it Again Sam -

12. Hidden Gem - Read a book with 2 or less reviews on PBS and write a review for it. Good or bad, your opinion counts!

CHALLENGE # 4 - IT'S ALL RELATIVE

Choose any 6 HF books that are somehow related to each other.   They can be six Historical Mystery, six Historical Fantasy, six books by the same author or part of the same series, six books set in the same country, six books about the Tudors, six HF books already on your TBR ... any way you can relate the 6 books will do!  Be creative!

CHALLENGE #1 - IT'S ABOUT TIME

 Read one book from each of the following time period categories: 

Pre-500 BC    Sarah by Marek Halter 

500 BC - 0 BC  The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough

0 AD - 500 AD  Medicus by Ruth Downie (complete 4/11/11)

500 AD - 800 AD  Winter King by Bernard Cornwell or Byzantium by Stephen Lawhead

800 AD - 1000 AD  The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell (complete 3/17/11)

1000's/1100's  A Place Beyond Courage by Elizabeth Chadwick (complete 2/23)

1200's/1300's  To Defy a A King by Elizabeth Chadwick (complete 6/23)

1400's/1500s  The Adventures of Alianor Audley by Brian Wainwright

1600's/1700's  Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors

1800's  Wench by Doren Perkins-Valdez (complete 5/20/11)

1900 - 1960  The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley (complete 3/26/11)

CHALLENGE # 2 - IT'S A SMALL WORLD

 Read one book set on each continent except Antartica.  The categories for this challenge are:

North America Elizabeth Street by Laurie Fabiano (complete 7/25)

South America  The Pleasure of Eliza Lynch or The Seamstress or City of Silver

Europe  Lords of the North by Bernard Cornwell (complete 10/12)

Asia  Lamb by Christopher Moore (complete 6/10)

Africa Sea Witch by Helen Hollick (complete 8/19)

Australia/Oceania The Touch by Colleen McCullough

CHALLENGE # 3 IT'S UP TO YOU

Pick any 8 of the following 12 categories:

1.  Deflowering - Genghis by Conn Iggulden (complete 4/23)

2. Proud to Be An American - The Widow's War by Sally Gunning (complete 8/2)

3.  Historical Hunks - The Reckoning by Sharon Kay Penman (complete 1/21)

4. Wild Women - Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar (complete 10/25)

5.  Follow the Leader - Trends come and go...and come...and go... Read a book in one of these recent trends:

• Foreign HF translated into English
• HF as "highbrow" literature
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover - The Twentieth Wife by Indu Sundaresun

6.  Shiny and New - Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran  (complete 10/12)

7. Recommended by a HF Forum Friend - My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliviera  (complete 10/2)

8.  In the Name of Love - Outlaw by Angus Donald (Robin Hood and Maid Marian) (completed 10/18)

9.  This Means War - Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

 10. On This Day in History - Martyr by Rory Clements (The assassination of William the Silent plays a part in the setting, William the Silent entered Amsterdam on my birthday 3/17) complete 12/1

11. Play it Again Sam - The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

12. Hidden Gem - Sweet Dates in Basra by Jessica Jiji

CHALLENGE # 4 - IT'S ALL RELATIVE

the first six books in the Tudor Saga by Jean Plaidy

GOAL -- BRONZE MEDAL USING CHALLENGES #1 and #4, plus Time Traveler Achievement

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time 

Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods.

(All are historical mysteries)

Pre-500 BC    The Mask of Ra/P. C. Doherty  finished 1/6/11  

500 BC - 0 BC    Roman Blood/Steven Saylor  finished 1/28/11  

0 AD - 500 AD    Silver Pigs/Lindsey Davis  finished 3/18/11  

500 AD - 800 AD  Absolution by Murder/Peter Tremayne finished 4/30/11

800 AD - 1000 AD  To Know Evil/Stephen Gaspar  finished 5/29/11

1000's/1100's  One Corpse Too Many/Ellis Peters  finished 6/12/11

1200's/1300's  Death and the Devil/Frank Schatzing  finished in August 2011

1400's/1500s  The Squire's Tale/Margaret Frazer finished in September 2011

1600's/1700's  Blind Justice/Bruce Alexander  finished 10/4/11

1800's  A Beautiful Blue Death/Charles Finch  finished 10/8/11

1900 - 1960  A False Mirror/Charles Todd  finished 10/25/11

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related (All about artists)

1.  Tulip Fever/Deborah Moggach  finished 2/2/11

2.  The Forger/Paul Watkins Pictures at an Exhibition/Sara Houghteling finished 4/29/11

3.  With Violets/Elizabeth Robards  finished 2/27/11

4.  Keeping the World Away/Margaret Forster finished 6/5/11

5.  Where the Light Remains/Hayden Gabriel  finished 10/26/11

6.  Luncheon of the Boating Party/Susan Vreeland  finished 10/31/11

I am going for bronze! 

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods. (In order for the Time Traveler Achievement)

Pre-500 BC   Clan of the Cave Bear   Finished 1-2-11

500 BC - 0 BC   Emperor by Conn Iggulden  FInished 1-23-11

0 AD - 500 AD    Kingmaking  by Helen Hollick  Finished 2-5-11

500 AD - 800 AD  Born Of The Sun by Joan Wolf  Finished 2-13-11

800 AD - 1000 AD   The Edge of Light by Joan Wolf  Finished 6-2-11

1000's/1100's     I am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick  Finished 4-18-11

1200's/1300's     Genghis book 1 by Conn Iggulden   Finished 4-3-11

1400's/1500s     The Last Queen C.W. Gortner  Finished 4-16-11

1600's/1700's    The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee   Finished 5-27-11

1800's     The American Heriess by Daisy Goodwin  Finished 7-11 or there about.          

1900 - 1960         The Midwife by Gay Courter    Finished 4-25-11

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories (do all 12 for the Over Achiever achievement)

1.  Deflowering    A Desperate Remedy by Martin Stephen  Finished 1-25-11

2.  Proud to Be an American  Bone Rattler bt Eliot Pettison  Finished 6-21-11

3. Historical Hunks    Lady of the English by Elizabeth Chadwick FInished 6-15-11

4.  Wild Women     The Countess and the King by Susan Holloway Scott   Finished 1-21-11

5.  Follow the Leader

a. The Road  to Jerusalem book 1   by Jan Guillou, Steven T Murray (Translator)  Finished 5-6-11

b.

c.   Ancient Civilization  Persona non Grata by Ruth Downie  finished 1-19-11   

d.   Headless Lady    Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn  finished 2-9-11

6.  Shiny and New  

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend  Mammoth Hunters by Jean M Auel   Finished 1-5-11

8.  In the Name of Love  The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick  Finished 2-17-11

9.  This Means War  Lionheart SKP  Finished 8-4-11

10.  On this Day in History     Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel   Finished 9-28-11

11.  Play It Again Sam    Pink Carnation   Finished 2-4-11

12.  Hidden Gems     Valley of Horses by Jean Auel  Finished 1-3-11

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Mysteries

1.   A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch   finished 1-15-11

2.   The Black Hand by Will Thomas  finished 1-8-11

3.   Terra Incognita by Ruth Downie  finished 1-18-11

4.   A Corpse in St. Andrew's Chaple Melvin Starr  Finished 1-12-11

5.   Medicus  by Ruth Downie   Finished 1-17-11

6.   Cavet Emptor by Ruth Downie  Finished 1-21-11

Romances

1.  Libertines Kiss, by Judith James      Can't remember when I finished.

2,  The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell  FInished 7-1-11

3. The King's Courtesan by Judith James   Finished 7-17-11

4. Broken WIng by Judith James   Finished 7-25-11

5.  Someone to Watch Over Me Lisa Kleypas 11-4-11

6.  A Night to Surrender Tessa Dare 9-01-11

Audio Books

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 6-24-11

2. A Place Beyond Courage 6-26-11

3. Voyager Diana Gabaldon  5-26-11

4.  The Greatest Knight by EC 7-8-11

5.  A Dragonfly in Amber  DG  7-30-11

6. An Echo in the Bone 8-23-11

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC:

• Song of the River by Sue Harrison

500 BC - 0 BC

0 AD - 500 AD - Imperial Governor by George Shipway

500 AD - 800 AD

800 AD - 1000 AD

• The Beothuk Saga by Bernard Assiniwi

1000's/1100's

1200's/1300's

1400's/1500s

1600's/1700's:

• The Feast of Roses by Indu Sundaresan - Finished!

1800's

• Wench by Dolen Perkins Valdez

1900 - 1960 -
 

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica) -
Add: "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Extreme Explorer" Achievement (Antartica)

North America

• Heartbroke Bay by Lynn D'Urso - Finished!

South America

• Our Lives are the Rivers by Jaime Manrique - Finished!

Europe:

• The World, the Flesh, and the Devil by Reay Tannahill

Asia

• The Street of A Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama - Finished!

Africa

• The African Queen by C.S. Forrester - Finished!

Australia/Oceania

• The Exiles by William Stuart Long   -   Finished

Antartica

• Cold Skin by Albert Sanchez Pinoz -  Finished!

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories, Add: Read all 12 for the "Over Achiever" achievement.

1.  Deflowering -
James Clavell - Shogun

2.  Proud to Be an American

3. Historical Hunks

4.  Wild Women

5.  Follow the Leader - Add: Read each for "Trendsetter" Achievment

• Foreign HF translated into English -
• HF as "highbrow" literature
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover

6.  Shiny and New

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - Guests of the Emperor by Janice Young Brooks

8.  In the Name of Love

9.  This Means War

• Blackout by Connie Willis, **

10.  On this Day in History

11.  Play It Again Sam

• The World from Rough Stones by Malcolm MacDonald

12.  Hidden Gems

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related-  Ideas: Novels about explorers, 1st 6 book in Winston Grahams "Poldark" Saga, 6 book of Historical Fantasy...

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

**Need to WL/Buy

MEDALS AND BANNERS

You can combine challenges to earn MEDALS. 

 Gold Medal  - Complete all 4 challenges with no duplication

Silver Medal  - Complete all 4 with duplication, or any 3 without duplication

Bronze Medal  - Complete any 3 challenges with duplication, or any 2 without duplication

ACHIEVEMENTS

You can complete additional tasks associated with challenges to earn ACHIEVEMENTS 

The Efficiency Achievement

The Time Traveler

Around the World in 80 Days

Trend Setter

Over Achiever

Extreme Explorer

First Timer

Valli Test Search

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC  Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran done April

500 BC - 0 BC Cicero by Anthony Everett

0 AD - 500 AD  Germanicas by David Wishart

500 AD - 800 AD - Absolution by Murder by Peter Tremanyne

800 AD - 1000 AD The Wolf Sea by Robert Low

1000's/1100's

1200's/1300's

1400's/1500s   The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis done 2/5

1600's/1700's

1800's Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez done March 13th

1900 - 1960 Shanghai Girls by Lisa See  done January

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)

North America Honolulu by Alan Brennert March 17

South America    River of Doubt by Candice Millard done Nov 10th

Europe  The Heretic's Wife by Brenda Rickman Vantrease done April 23rd

Asia   Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander done 1/1

Africa - A Dead Man in Tangier by Michael Pearce

Australia/Oceania - Death and the Running Patterer by Robin Adair done 5/15

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering - Cecilia Holland Great Maria

2.  Proud to Be an American  Tory Widow by Christine Blevins done 3/3

3. Historical Hunks  The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell done Jan 17th

4.  Wild Women Dreaming the Eagle - Manda Scott

5.  Follow the Leader   Masquerade by Nancy Moser done January

6.  Shiny and New Sins of the House of Borgia by Sarah Bower done May 30th

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend  One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus done Feb 23

8.  In the Name of Love  Victoria Victorious by Jean Plaidy  March 30th

9.  This Means War   Fall of Giants by Ken Follet done 1/8

10.  On this Day in History  Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems - Bless the Bride by Rhys Bowen done 6/11

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related (Historical Fiction/historical mystery series that I start and never seem to finish)

1. Genghis Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden

Christa, this looks fantastic!   Claiming my spot and going for  GOLD !

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC

500 BC - 0 BC

0 AD - 500 AD

500 AD - 800 AD

800 AD - 1000 AD

1000's/1100's

1200's/1300's

1400's/1500s

1600's/1700's

1800's

1900 - 1960

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)

North America

South America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Australia/Oceania

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering

2.  Proud to Be an American

3. Historical Hunks

4.  Wild Women

5.  Follow the Leader

6.  Shiny and New

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend

8.  In the Name of Love

9.  This Means War

10.  On this Day in History

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related

MEDALS AND BANNERS

You can combine challenges to earn MEDALS. 

 Gold Medal  - Complete all 4 challenges with no duplication

Silver Medal  - Complete all 4 with duplication, or any 3 without duplication

Bronze Medal  - Complete any 3 challenges with duplication, or any 2 without duplication

ACHIEVEMENTS

You can complete additional tasks associated with challenges to earn ACHIEVEMENTS 

The Efficiency Achievement

The Time Traveler

Around the World in 80 Days

Trend Setter

Over Achiever

Extreme Explorer

I'm going to try to go for gold along with the first timer and time traveler achievements!

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC - Ramses The Son of Light - Christian Jacq  Finished 1/2/11

/500 BC - 0 BC - Cleopatra's Daughter- Michelle Moran  Finished 1/7/11

0 AD - 500 AD - Mistress of Rome - Kate Quinn  Finished 1/12/11

500 AD - 800 AD - The Court of the Lion - Eleanor Cooney Finished 1/30/11

800 AD - 1000 AD - Pope Joan - Donna Woolfolk Cross Finished 2/1/11

1000's/1100's - Shields of Pride - Elizabeth Chadwick Finished 2/7/11

1200's/1300's - The Illuminator - Brenda Rickman Vantrease Finished 2/19/11

1400's/1500s - The Tudor Secret - C.W. Gortner Finished 3/19/11

1600's/1700's - Exit The Actress - Priya Parmar Finished 3/22/11

1800's - Band of Angels - Julia Gregson Finished 3/26/11

1900 - 1960 - Honolulu - Alan Brennert Finished 3/28/11

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)

North America - A Northern Light - Jennifer Donnelly Finished 5/21/11

South America - City of Silver - Annamaria Alfieri Finished 11/2/11

Europe - Madame Tussaud - Michelle Moran Finished 3/13/11

Asia - The Last Empress - Anchee Min Finished 5/7/11

Africa - The Heretic Queen - Michelle Moran  Finished 8/6/11

Australia/Oceania - The Secret River - Kate Grenville Finished 12/14/11

Antartica - Cold Skin - Albert Sanchez Pinol Finished 3/7/11

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering - 

2.  Proud to Be an American - The Heretic's Daughter - Kathleen Kent Finished 4/2/11

3. Historical Hunks - The Greatest Knight - Elizabeth Chadwick  Finished 4/2/11

4.  Wild Women - Daughters of Rome - Kate Quinn Finished 5/14/11

5.  Follow the Leader - The Queen of Last Hopes - Susan Higginbotham  Finished 6/15/11

6.  Shiny and New - Doc - Mary Doria Russell Finished 5/29/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - The Good Thief - Hannah Tinti Finished 5/20/11

8.  In the Name of Love - Washington's Lady - Nancy Moser Finished 11/5/11

9.  This Means War- My Name Is Mary Sutter - Robin Oliveira  Finished 10/23/11

10.  On this Day in History - 

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related

Six new to me authors

1. Veil of Lies - Jeri Westerson  Finished 6/5/11

2. Medicus - Ruth Downie Finished 9/4/11

3. Mademoiselle Boleyn - Robin Maxwell Finished 9/18/11

4. Poison - Sara Poole Finished 8/28/11

5. Crown of Dust - Mary Volmer Finished 9/9/11

6. Daughters of the Witching Hill - Mary Sharratt Finished 10/8/11

GOAL: Gold with Trend Setter and Over Achiever achievements

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC

The Memoirs of Helen of Troy-Amanda Elyot completed 1/17/11

500 BC - 0 BC

Alexander & Alestria-Shan Sa completed 1/19/11

0 AD - 500 AD

Eromenos by Melanie J. McDonald   completed 7/30/11 
 

500 AD - 800 AD

Jewel of Medina by Sherry Jones completed 12/23/11

800 AD - 1000 AD

Sword Song by Bernard Cornwellcompleted 12/19/11

1000's/1100's

Scarlet-Stephen R. Lawhead completed 3/23/11

1200's/1300's

The Marsh King's Daughter by Elizabeth Chadwick   completed 3/13/11 
 

1400's/1500s

The Borgia Betrayal by Sara Poole   completed 5/30/11 
 

1600's/1700's

The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent   completed 3/10/11 
 

1800's

The Dark Enquiry by Deanna Raybourn   completed 5/14/11 
 

1900 - 1960

Honolulu by Alan Brennert   completed 7/12/11 
 

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica) started 4/23/11, needs to be completed by 7/11/11

North America

Bound by Sally Gunning completed 7/8/11

South America

The Lacuna-Barbara Kingsolvercompleted 12/18/11

Europe

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett   completed 1/15/11 
 

Asia

Shanghai Girls-Lisa See   completed 4/25/11 
 

Africa

The Power of One-Bryce Courtenay completed 12/26/11

Australia/Oceania

The Thorn Birds-Colleen McCullough completed 11/6/11

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering

Here be Dragons-Sharon Kay Penman completed 1/25/11

2.  Proud to Be an American

City of Dreams-Beverly Swerling completed 2/3/11

3. Historical Hunks

Lords of the North-Bernard Cornwell completed 2/18/11

4.  Wild Women

The Raven Queen by Jules Watson   completed 3/8/11 
 

5.  Follow the Leader

1. Translated: Farewell, My Queen by Chantal Thomas completed 7/1/11
2. Literary: The Secret Scripture by Sebastian Barry   completed 1/29/11 
    
3. Ancient Greece/Rome/Egypt: King and Goddess by Judith Tarr   completed 7/25/11 
    
4. Headless Lady: Josefina's Sin by Claudia H. Long   completed 7/17/11 
    

6.  Shiny and New

The King's Daughter-Christie Dickason completed 4/30/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend

The Love Knot-Elizabeth Chadwick  completed 2/14/11

8.  In the Name of Love

Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar   completed 2/20/11 
 

9.  This Means War

March by Geraldine Brooks   completed 8/27/11 
 

10.  On this Day in History

Suite Francaise-Irene Nemirovsky completed 11/30/11

11.  Play It Again Sam

Adam & Eve-Sena Jeter Naslund    completed 8/13/11 
 

12.  Hidden Gems

Daughter of Satan-Jean Plaidycompleted 5/22/11

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related

Queens (either about one or Queen in the title)

1. The Red Queen-Philippa Gregory completed 9/9/11
2. Becoming Marie Antoinette-Juliet Grey completed 8/11/11
3. The Tudor Throne-Brandy Purdy completed 7/20/11
4. Queen by Right-Anne Easter Smith completed 6/10/11
5. To Be Queen-Christy English completed 4/10/11
6. Cleopatra Confesses-Carolyn Meyer completed 5/21/11

So sorry - posted by mistake. KP (P.S. Guess I've earned the first lash with the wet noodle?!?)

I am going for the silver medal  with challenges1, 3 and 4 with no repetitions and possibly some achievement awards as well...we'll see

CHALLENGE #1- IT'S ABOUT TIME  read a book set in each of 11 specific time periods 
COMPLETED 11/17/11

Pre-500 BC  The Hippopotamus Marsh by Pauline Gedge  (completed 4/30/11)

500 BC-0 BC  Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor  (completed 5/18/11)

0 AD-500 AD  The Skystone by Jack Whyte  (completed 2/3/11)

500 AD-800 AD  Queen of the Summer Stars by Persia Woolley  (completed 6/6/11)

800 AD-1000 AD  The Thrall's Tale by Judith Lindbergh  (completed 11/4/11)

1000s/1100s  Queen of Swords by Judith Tarr  (completed 3/31/11)

1200s/1300s  To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick  (completed 3/29/11)

1400s/1500s  Crown of Aloes by Norah Lofts  (completed 4/12/11)

1600s/1700s  Taking Liberties by Diana Norman  (completed 11/17/11)

1800s  Empire of Ivory by Naomi Novik  (completed 7/7/11)

1900-1960  Child 44 by Tom Robb Smith  (completed 7/21/11)

CHALLENGE #2- IT'S A SMALL WORLD  read a book set on each continent except Antarctica

North America  Feathered Serpent by Colin Falconer  (completed 10/6/11)

South America ?  something about the Incas

Europe  1066 The Hidden History in the Bayeux Tapestry by Andrew Bridgeford  (completed 4/14/11)

Asia  Genghis Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden  (completed 4/4/11)

Africa  The Horus Road by Pauline Gedge  (completed 5/31/11)

Australia/Oceania  Outback by Aaron Fletcher

 CHALLENGE #3-  IT'S UP TO YOU  pick 8 of 12 topical categories  COMPLETED 7/18/11

1. Deflowering   The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick  (completed 1/14/11)

2. Proud to be an American  The Fort by Bernard Cornwell

3. Historical Hunks   The Steps to the Empty Throne by Nigel Tranter  (completed 6/16/11)

4. Wild Women   The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner  (completed 4/22/11)

5. Follow the Leader - Read 1 of each for the "Trendsetter Achievement"  COMPLETED 10/8/11

a. Foreign h/f translated into English  The Road to Jerusalem by Jan Guillou  (completed 10/8/11)

b. H/F as highbrow literature  Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier (completed 3/23/11)

c. Books set in ancient Greece/Rome/Egypt  The Oasis by Pauline Gedge  (completed 5/21/11)

d. The ever-popular "Headless Lady" on the cover  The Stolen Crown  by Susan Higginbotham  (completed 1/1/11)

6. Shiny and New   Holy Warrior by Angus Donald  (completed 8/26/11)

7. Recommended by HF Forum Friend  The Adventures of Alianore Audley  by Brian Wainwright  (completed 2/16/11)

8. In the Name of Love  Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley  (completed 5/15/11)

9. This Means War  The Path of the Hero King by Nigel Tranter  (completed 6/23/11)

10. On This Day in History  If All the Swords in England by Barbara Willard  (completed 8/31/11)

11. Play it Again Sam   The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett   (completed 7/18/11)

12. Hidden Gems  I Am the Chosen King by Helen Hollick  (completed 8/5/11)

CHALLENGE #4-  IT'S ALL RELATIVE  Read any 6 books that are somehow related  (I'm going to read 6 historical fiction mysteries for this one)

COMPLETED 4/27/11

1.  The Saint John's Fern by Kate Sedley  (completed 4/27/11)

2.  Persona Non Grata by Ruth Downie  (completed 1/27/11)

3.  The Weaver's Inheritance  by Kate Sedley  (completed 3/25/11)

4.  A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor  (completed 1/2/11)

5.  The Wicked Winter by Kate Sedley  (completed 1/1/11)

6.  The Brothers of Glastonbury by Kate Sedley  (completed 1/17/11)
 

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods. (In order for the Time Traveler Achievement)

Pre-500 BC

500 BC - 0 BC

0 AD - 500 AD

500 AD - 800 AD

800 AD - 1000 AD

1000's/1100's

1200's/1300's

1400's/1500s

1600's/1700's

1800's

1900 - 1960

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)

North America

South America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Australia/Oceania

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories (do all 12 for the Over Achiever achievement)

1.  Deflowering -
 James Clavell

2.  Proud to Be an American

3. Historical Hunks

4.  Wild Women

5.  Follow the Leader

6.  Shiny and New

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend

8.  In the Name of Love

9.  This Means War

10.  On this Day in History

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related (Haven't decided on the relationship quite yet; narrowed it down to: King Arthur OR Robin Hood OR Stonehenge and Druids OR Time Travel)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

 COMPLETED:  Challenge 4

A big Thank You to Christa for putting together such creative and intelligent challenges. I plan to go for the Bronze medal (2 challenges with no duplication) and the Time Traveler achievement.

Here is my list at this time.

It's About Time

Pre-500 BC
Helen of Troy by Margaret George Finished

500 BC - 0 BC
Cicero by Anthony Everitt Finished

0 AD - 500 AD
Pompeii by Robert Harris Finished

500 AD - 800 AD
The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell Finished

800 AD - 1000 AD
Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn Finished

1000's/1100's
When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman Finished

1200's/1300's
Falls the Shadows by Sharon Kay Penman Finished

1400's/1500
The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory Finished

1600's/1700's
Tulip Fever by Deborah Maggoch Finished

1800's
The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman Finished

1900 -1960
In This Hospitable Land by Lynmar Brock Jr. Finished

It's a Small World

North America
A Race to Splendor by Ciji Ware Finished

South America
The Luck of Huemac by Daniel Peters

Europe
The Daughter of Siena by Marina Fiorata Finished

Asia
Wisdom's Daughter: A Novel of Soloman and Sheba by India Edghill

Africa
A Cafe on the Nile by Bartle Bull

Australia/Oceania
The Touch by Colleen McCullough Finished

It's All Relative

I added one more challenge since I was getting distracted from my initial challenges.

All ARCs

The Daughter of Siena by Marina Fiorato Finished

In This Hospitable Land by Lynmar Brock Jr Finished

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin Finished

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy Finished

The LightKeeper's Ball by Colleen Coble Finished

Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey Finished
 

Not sure how this will ultimately turnout but I'll give it a go. Going for whatever I can accomplish ( is that being a chicken?) Of course, all titles are subject to change. - OK, adding books as I complete them with date completed.

ACHIEVEMENTS: FIRST TIMER, OVER ACHIEVER, TREND SETTER, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, AND GOLD MEDAL

DIDN'T ACHIEVE: TIME TRAVELER

NOT YET ACHIEVED: EXTREME EXPLORER

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods. - COMPLETE

Pre-500 BC -"Roma" Steven Saylor  8/09/11

500 BC - 0 BC - "Luke's Story" Tim Lehaye and Jerry B. Jenkins   5/13/11 

0 AD - 500 AD - "Emperor- Time's Tapestry Book 1" Stephen Baxter 3/14/11

500 AD - 800 AD -"/Conqueror- Time's Tapestry Book 2" Stephen Baxter  3/24/11

800 AD - 1000 AD -"Byzantium" Stephen Lawhead  8/29/11

1000's/1100's - "The Black Rood" Stephen Lawhead  3/11/11

1200's/1300's - "Wolf of the Plains" Conn Iggulden   8/16/11

1400's/1500s-  "Navigator- Time's Tapestry Book 3" Stephen Baxter  3/29/11

1600's/1700's - "A Crowning Mercy" Bernard Cornwell/Susannah Kells 01/24/11

1800's - "The Black Tower" Louis Bayard  01/19/11 

1900 - 1960 -  Weaver: Time's Tapestry 4 Stephen Baxter  4/17/11

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)  - COMPLETE

(For Around the World in 80 Days- began challenge on 12/28/10)

North America - "Lonesome Dove" Larry McMurtry  1/02/11

South America - "The Last Days Of The Incas" Kim MacQuerrie  1/28/11  

Europe - "The Last Queen" C. W. Gortner 1/08/11

Asia - "Cloud Of Sparrows"  Takashi Matsuoki  1/12/11

Africa -  "An Imperfect Lens" Anne Riophe  1/04/11

Australia/Oceania - "The Potato Factory" Bryce Courtenay 2/04/11  

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories - COMPLETE

1.  Deflowering - "Dissolution" C. J. Sansom  9/16/11

2.  Proud to Be an American - "Valley Forge" William Forstchen/Newt Gingrich 2/12/11

3. Historical Hunks- 'Dragonfly in Amber" Diana Gabaldon  6/27/11  (Claire and/or Jamie Fraser)

4.  Wild Women - "A Woman in Berlin" Anonymous  3/06/11

5.  Follow the Leader

• Foreign HF translated into English - "Cathedral of the Sea" Ildefonso Falcones (Spain) 3/22/11 
• HF as "highbrow" literature -  "Sophies Choice" William Styron  5/29/11
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt - "The October Horse" Colleen McCullough  10/19/11 
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover - The Borgia Bride  Jeanne Kalogridis  10/05/11

6.  Shiny and New - "Under Heaven" Guy Gavriel Kay   9/10/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - "Ysabel" Guy Gavriel Kay 6/20/11

8.  In the Name of Love - "Outlander" Dianna Gabaldon   5/11/11

9.  This Means War -  "Conscience of the King" Alfred Duggan  3/26/11

10.  On this Day in History - "Robinson Crusoe" Daniel Defoe  9/22/11- novel is based on real-life Alexander Selkirk rescued on my bd 1709

11.  Play It Again Sam - "The Great Train Robbery" Michael Crichton  10/06/11

12.  Hidden Gems - "The Man From Yesterday" Wayne Overholser 2/13/11
 

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related-COMPLETE

Historical Fiction novels that hit #1 on the NYT Bestseller's List.

1.  "Fall of Giants" Ken Follett  10/17/2010  3/05/11

2.  "The Name of the Rose" Umberto Eco    8/7/1983  6/10/11

3. "Andersonville" MacKinley Kantor     1/1/1956   9/27/11

4. "The Godfather" Mario Puzo    9/16/1969    10/02/11

5. "Burr" Gore Vidal    12/09/1973   10/21/11

6. "The Caine Mutiny" Herman Wouk  8/12/1951   11/01/11

Antarctic:  

I'M DONE!!!!!  When I first looked at this challenge I was overwhelmed but as I began to sort through my TBR shelf I found so many books I could put into the designated slots.  Not sure which ones I will do and the books may change as I progress.

CHALLENGES

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 10 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC - The Bull from the Sea by Mary Renault, finished 1/4/2010

500 BC - 0 BC - The October Horse by Colleen McCullough

0 AD - 500 AD - Pompeii by Robert Harris

500 AD - 800 AD - Druids by Morgan Llywelyn

800 AD - 1000 AD - Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

1000's/1100's -The Conquest by Elizabeth Chadwick

1200's/1300's - To Defy a King by Elizabeth Chadwick

1400's/1500s  - My Enemy the Queen by Victoria Holt

1600's/1700's  -  Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

1800's - The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

1900 - 1960 -  Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)  

Around the World In 80 Days - 2011 HF Achievement Award

North America - Girl in the Glass by Jeffrey Ford

South America - In Evil Hour by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Europe - Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner

Asia - The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Africa - The Magician's Wife by Brian Moore

Australia/Oceania - The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran

Antarctica  - The Home of the Blizzard (A True Story of Antarctic Survival) by Douglas Mawson

NOW ONTO CHALLENGE #3 AND CHALLENGE #4

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories (10 completed 11/18/2011)

1.  Deflowering - In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant

2.  Proud to Be an American - Graveyard Dust by Barbara Hambly (An outstanding detective, an uncommon common man - Creole physician and music teacher - who is "the keenest observer of the custom of the country" according to the New York Times Book Review.)  Or, Widow's War.

3. Historical Hunks - An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon

4.  Wild Women - Roselynde by Roberta Gellis

5.  Follow the Leader - Caesar by Alan Massie (Trend Setter Achievement?)

*Foreign HF translated into English - Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky, in process

*HF as "highbrow" literature - The Good Soldier by Ford Maddox Ford  (This is a classic so I selected it as "highbrow" literature)

*Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt -  The Grass Crown by Colleen McCullough

*The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover - Lady of the Butterflies by Fiona Mountain

6.  Shiny and New - The Tapestry Shop by Joyce Elson Moore

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (recommended by Evelina)

8.  In the Name of Love - The Prince and the Lily by James Brough (a story about Lily Langtry and Edward VII and their love - she was his mistress)

9.  This Means War - White Doves at Morning by James Lee Burke

10.  On this Day in History - When We Were Gods: A Novel of Cleopatra  by Colin Falconer (she committed suicide on my bday)

11.  Play It Again Sam  (Re-read a favorite HF or Classic book, OR Give a second chance to a book you tried but did not finish OR Give a second chance to an author you did not like)  The Man Without a Country by Edward Everett Hale

12.  Hidden Gems - The Turquoise by Anya Seton

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related (Same author and topic - rek)

Arthur by Stephen Lawhead

Tuck by Stephen Lawhead

Merlin by Stephen Lawhead

Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead

Pendragon by Stephen Lawhead

FINISHED my two challenges including the over achiever achievement! That was just enough for me - no stress, plenty of time -perfect!

Well, I'll put my name in this spot and then see what happens as I re-examine the different challenges!

This is PROBABLY what I will go with (and maybe do the overachiever achievement):

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering - The Leopard Unleashed by Elizabeth Chadwick (haven't read one of her books yet - gasp!) - finished on 1/20/2011

2.  Proud to Be an American  - The Widow's War by Sally Gunning - finished on 8/3/2011

3. Historical Hunks- The Demon's Parchment (Crispin Guest) by Jeri Westerson - finished on 2/6/11

4.  Wild Women - The Storm by Margriet de Moor - finished on 3/23/11

5.  Follow the Leader -

• Foreign HF translated into English   - The Murdered House by Pierre Magnan - finished 4/26/11

• HF as "highbrow" literature -  The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer - finished on 8/23/11

• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt  - Medicus by Ruth Downie - Finshed ??? just noting it on 3/8/11
•  
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover   - The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner- finished on 7/1/11

6. Shiny and New - A Secret and Unlawful Killing by Cora Harrison finished on 1/30/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend - Ghost Ship by Brian Hicks- finished on 1/5/11

8.  In the Name of Love - His Last Letter by Jeane Westin - finished 0n 2/7/11

9.  This Means War - City of Thieves by David Benioff - finished on 6/20/11

10.  On this Day in History - The Knight of Maison- Rouge by Alexandre Dumas - finished on 2/22/11

11.  Play It Again Sam - Catch 22 by Joseph Heller - finished on 10/14/11

12.  Hidden Gems -The Desperate Remedy - Henry Gresham and the Gunpowder Plot by Martin Stephen - finished on 1/16/2011

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related

For this Challenge, I will clean up some of my historical mysteries:

Some Danger Involved by Will Thomas - finished on 4/20/11

Cruel As the Grave by SKP - finished early April, 2011

Dragon's Lair by SKP - finished on Apr. 29, 2011

Prince of Darkness by SKP - finished around 5/1/11

To Kingdom Come by Will Thomas - finished5/13/11

The Limehouse Text by Will Thomas-finished 6/1/11

The Hellfire Conspiracy by Will Thomas - finished 6/3/11

The Black Hand by Will Thomas - finished 6/5/11

I'm going for GOLD.

CHALLENGE #1 - IT'S ABOUT TIME    (Time Traveler Achievement)   DONE!

 Read one book from each of the following time period categories: 

Pre-500 BC     The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel      Finished 1/3/11   497pgs.

500 BC - 0 BC   Roman Blood by Steven Saylor    Finished 1/6/11    397pgs.

0 AD - 500 AD  The Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart     Finished 2/4/11   911pgs.

500 AD - 800 AD  Absolution by Murder by Peter Tremayne   Finished 2/21/11   272pgs.

800 AD - 1000 AD    Pope Joan by Donna Cross   Finished 5/1/11  411pgs.

1000's/1100's  The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett  Finished 5/15/11  973pgs.

1200's/1300's   The Canterbury Papers by Judith Healy  Finished 5/20/11  349pgs.

1400's/1500s    Leonardo's Swans by Karen Essex   Finished 5/25/11   340pgs.

1600's/1700's   Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte   Finished 6/2/11  248pgs.

1800's   The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters   Finished 6/20/11  327pgs.

1900 - 1960  Dark Star by Alan Furst    Finished 7/15/11  437pgs.

CHALLENGE # 2 - IT'S A SMALL WORLD  (Around the world in 80 days achievement) (Extreme Explorer Achievement)   DONE!

 Read one book set on each continent except Antartica.  Started July 15th  Ends October 2nd

North America    The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper   Finished 8/25/11   364pgs.

South America   The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto "Che"Guevara   Finished 9/25/11  175pgs.

Europe   Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin   Finished 9/5/11  384pgs.

Asia    Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden   Finished 8/3/11  428pgs.

Africa   The African Queen by  C.S Forester  Finished 9/17/11  308 pgs.

Australia/Oceania   The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough    Finished 7/19/11  189pgs.

Antartica   White-Out by James Vance Marshall   Finished 9/10/11  256pgs.

CHALLENGE # 3 IT'S UP TO YOU   (Trendsetter Achievement)   DONE!

Pick any 8 of the following 12 categories.  You may use a non-fiction book to satisfy one category if you like.

1.  Deflowering -   A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway   Finished 11/11/11   332pgs.

2. Proud to Be An American -  

3.  Historical Hunks -   Purity of Blood by Arturo Perez- Reverte (Captain Alatriste! - He's a swashbuckler!  HOT!)  Finished 8/8/11  262pgs.

4. Wild Women -  Girl with a Pearl Earing by Tracy Chevalier      Finished 1/14/11   233pgs.

5.  Follow the Leader -

• Foreign HF translated into English -  The Sun Over Breda by Arturo Perez-Reverte   Finished 8/12/11   253 pgs.
• HF as "highbrow" literature -  A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens   Finished 10/12/11  307pgs.
• Books set in ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt   Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor   Finished 3/27/11  318pgs.
• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig   Finished 11/20/11    468pgs. 

6.  Shiny and New -   The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon   Finished 12/13/11   507pgs.

7. Recommended by a HF Forum Friend - The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig   Finished 9/23/11   426pgs.

8.  In the Name of Love -  

9.  This Means War -  Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay    Finished 1/12/11   293pgs.

10. On This Day in History  Mistress of the Sun by Sandra Gulland    June 7, 1654  Louis XIV is crowned King of France.   Finished 10/23/11 480pgs.

11. Play it Again Sam -

12. Hidden Gem - 

CHALLENGE # 4 - IT'S ALL RELATIVE

Choose any 6 HF books that are somehow related to each other  BOOKS I REALLY WANT TO READ   DONE!

1.  I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis   Finished 4/9/11   515pgs. 

2. Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant    Finished 3/18/11   406pgs. 

3.   The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig  Finished 10/16/11  425pgs.

4. The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig  Finished 10/27/11  426pgs.

5. The Seduction of the Crimson Rose  Finished 11/1/11  429pgs.

6.  The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig   Finished 11/14/1 1   468pgs.

I'm going for Gold. Not sure about the Achievements - haven't had a chance to look them over

This looks very ambitious . . .

 Challenge completed 12/28/11!!!

CHALLENGE # 1 - It's About Time - Read a book in each of 11 specific time periods.

Pre-500 BC   Wolves of the Dawn - Sarabande  completed 1/31/11

500 BC - 0 BC   The Art of War - Sun Tzu  completed 2/8/11

0 AD - 500 AD   The Winter King - Cornwell  completed 2/18/11

500 AD - 800 AD   Richard the Fearless  completed 3/8/11

800 AD - 1000 AD   Pride of Lions - Llywelyn  completed 4/2/11

1000's/1100's   When Christ and His Saints Slept - Penman  completed 8/5/11

1200's/1300's   Here Be Dragons - Penman   completed 11/12/11

1400's/1500s   Portrait of an Unknown Woman - Bennett  completed 11/29/11

1600's/1700's   Chains -  Anderson  completed 12/2/11

1800's   The Magician's Wife - Moore  completed 12/27/11

1900 - 1960  A Season of Gifts - Peck  completed 12/28/11

CHALLENGE # 2 - It's A Small World - Read a book set on each contintent (except Antartica)

North America   Fields of Gold - Bostwick  completed 4/15/11

South America   The News From Paraguay - Tuck  completed 4/3/11

Europe   The Story of Lucy Gault  - Trevor  completed 4/12/11

Asia   Women of the Silk - Tsukiyama  completed 3/20/11

Africa   Middle Passage - Johnson   completed 2/28/11

Australia/Oceania   The Ladies of Missalonghi - McCullough   completed 4/19/11

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering - The Greatest Knight - Elizabeth Chadwick  completed 5/29/11

2.  Proud to Be an American   Reapers of the Dust - Lois Phillip Hudson

3. Historical Hunks

4.  Wild Women   The Widow's War completed 8/3/11

5.  Follow the Leader    Foreign HF translated into English: Voltaire's Calligrapher - Pablo de Santis  Completed 3/13/11

6.  Shiny and New  To Be Queen - Christy English  completed 10/18/11

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend   Dark North -  Bradshaw (Linda) completed 4/11/11 

8.  In the Name of Love  Winter Garden   completed 5/22/11

9.  This Means War   War Horse - Michael Morpurgo  completed 10/29/11

10.  On this Day in History  Jan. 15 Edward IV inquisition at Lincolnshire, The King's Grey Mare - Jarman  comp 4/22/11

11.  Play It Again Sam

12.  Hidden Gems  

CHALLENGE # 4 - It's All Relative - Read 6 books that are somehow related - World War II

1.  Willow Run - Giff  completed 1/3/11

2.  All But My Life - Gerda Weissmann Klein   completed 11/22/11

3.  Those Who Save Us - Jenna Blum  completed 12/26/11

4.  Day After Night - Diamant  completed 2/4/11

5.   The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay  completed 12/24/11

6.  Through The Burning Steppe - Elena Kozhina  completed 8/24/11

The Efficiency Achievement - Complete all 4 challenges using as few books as possible.  The mathematical minimum is 11 - can you do it?  For this achievement, you may use the same book for as many challenges as it will fit, but may only use it for one category within a challenge.  For example, if you read The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick, you could use it for the 1000/1100's in Challenge #1 and for Historical Hunks in Challenge #3.  You could also use it for Europe in Challenge #2 , but not for  Deflowering in Challenge #3.

Time Traveler - Complete Challenge #1 in Chronological Order

Around the World in 80 Days - Complete Challenge #2 in 80 Days.  You do not have to read them back to back.  As long as you finish the last one within 80 days of starting the first one, you can read others in between.  You can do this challenge any time during the year.  It does not have to be done in the first 80 days of the year.

Trendsetter - Read one book in each of the options for the Follow the Leader category in Challenge #3.

Over Achiever - Complete all 12 of the Categories in Challenge #3

Extreme Explorer - Find and read an HF book set in Antartica

First timer here...looking forward to it, Jerelyn tells me there will be naked men involved...

I choose #3   and will also attempt the first timer achievement and the over achievement (I know I'm excited too!)

CHALLENGE # 3 - It's Up to You - Pick 8 of 12 topical categories

1.  Deflowering    The Queens Man by Sharon Penman  finished 1/30/11

2.  Proud to Be an American    The Widows War by Sally Gunning  finished   8/11

3. Historical Hunks  The Greatest Knight by Elizabeth Chadwick  finished 6/15

4.  Wild Women...Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross  finished 1/21/11 

5.  Follow the Leader   The Secret of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig    finished 2/4/11

6.  Shiny and New         The Land of Painted Caves by Jean Auel     finished 3/17/11 

7.  Recommended by an HF Forum Friend   Daughter of Kura by Debra Austin   finished  1/25/11 

8.  In the Name of Love       Time and Chance by SKP finished 5/10/11

9.  This Means War   When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman finished 2/26/11

10.  On this Day in History  The Fifth  of March by Ann Rinaldi  finished 9/11

11.  Play It Again Sam     To Kill A Mockingbird  by Harper Lee finished 10/20/11

12.  Hidden Gems      The Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent  Finished 1/9/11

I'm going for the Gold, Time Traveler, and Around the World in 80 Days. I have tons of historical fiction on my TBR pile that I need to read. I finally gave up on the 2010 challenge. Life got in the way of reading this year and I haven't been as active as I was on PBS this year. :(

blue - on my TBR pile

salmon - from the library

CHALLENGE #1 - IT'S ABOUT TIME    (Time Traveler Achievement)

 Read one book from each of the following time period categories: 

Pre-500 BC

Helen of Troy by Margaret George

500 BC - 0 BC

Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George

0 AD - 500 AD

Mary Called Magdalene by Margaret George (subject to change)

500 AD - 800 AD

tbd

800 AD - 1000 AD

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

1000's/1100's

Mistress in the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

1200's/1300's

Katherine by Anya Seton

1400's/1500s

Signora Da Vinci by Robin Maxwell

1600's/1700's

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

1800's

Victoria Victorious by Jean Plaidy

1900 - 1960

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake (subject to change)

CHALLENGE # 2 - IT'S A SMALL WORLD  (Around the world in 80 days achievement) (Extreme Explorer Achievement)

 Read one book set on each continent except Antartica. 

North America

The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks

South America

tbd

Europe

The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier

Asia

The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee

Africa

tbd

Australia/Oceania

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCoullough - I've been wanting to read this for some time, so I'm excited about this one!

Antartica   

CHALLENGE # 3 IT'S UP TO YOU (Over Achiever Achievement) (Possibly Trendsetter Achievement)

Pick any 8 of the following 12 categories.  You may use a non-fiction book to satisfy one category if you like.

1.  Deflowering - Since I have almost every book by Margaret George but I've yet to read even one, I think I'm going with her.

Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles by Margaret George

2. Proud to Be An American

The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton

3.  Historical Hunks - Jamie, duh! Wherever I am in the series, but probably...

The Fiery Cross OR A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

4. Wild Women

TBD

5.  Follow the Leader

• The ever-popular Headless Lady on the Cover

To the Tower Born by Robin Maxwell

6.  Shiny and New

TBD

7. Recommended by a HF Forum Friend

8.  In the Name of Love

9.  This Means War

The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

 10. On This Day in History -On my birthday August 2, I have picked these events to find a book from:

1492 Jews are expelled from Spain by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

1776 Formal signing of Declaration of Independence

1802 Napoleon declared "Counsel for Life"

1934 Adolph Hitler becomes commander-in-chief of Germany (exactly 50 years before I was born....weird)

11. Play it Again Sam - Second chance

A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory

12. Hidden Gem - Read a book with 2 or less reviews on PBS and write a review for it. Good or bad, your opinion counts!

CHALLENGE # 4 - IT'S ALL RELATIVE

Choose any 6 HF books that are somehow related to each other.  

I'm doing Tudor England since my TBR pile is full of them (but I could probably do Plaidy books since I have a ton to read as well)

1.The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy

2. The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George

3. Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes

4. Mistress Shakespeare by Karen Harper

5. Queen of this Realm by Jean Plaidy

6. TBD (but probably another Plaidy)