Lauren Willig Reading Challenge

As you all know, Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation Series is a favorite of mine and I have been wanting to re-read through the series for quite some time; well now I have the perfect reason to do so (not that I need a reason to divulge in these fabulous books)! Thanks to Lizzy over at Historically Obsessed, there is a lovely challenge dedicated to this wonderful series, the Lauren Willig Reading Challenge 2011. I had actually thought of hosting a challenge similar to this myself... see how popular this series is! Here are the challenge details:

The Goal:
To read as many books in the series during 2011

The Levels:
Eighth Level: Orchid
Seventh Level: Mistletoe
Sixth Level: Lily
Fifth Level: Jasmine
Fourth Level: Rose
Third Level: Ring
Second Level: Tulip
First Level: Carnation

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My Goal: Level Orchid

My Progress:

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Jane Austen Reading Challenge 2011

Yes, I know I just signed up for an Austen challenge, but can there ever be too much Jane Austen? I think not! Therefore, bring on the second Jane Austen challenge for 2011. This is the second year I am participating in this particular challenge. Unlike The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge, this one shall encompass all of Jane Austen's works. The Jane Austen Challenge 2011 is hosted by Haley at The Life (and lies) of an inanimate object. Here are the challenge details:

Rules:

--Challenge runs January 1st 2011—December 31 2011.

--overlap with other challenges is fine.

--Any format counts: bound book, e-book (check online for free downloads of J.A’s copyright-free books), audio book, or any other thing you can think of. Just no abridged stuff!

--You can change which level you read!

--you don't have to be a blogger or reviewer, just leave a comment letting me know you're joining.


Levels:

**Newbie, 4 books total: 2 books by J. Austen, and 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

**Lover, 8 books total: 4 books by J. Austen, 4 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

** Fanatic, 12+ books total 6+ books by J. Austen, 6+ re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)
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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Newbie, 4 books total: 2 books by J. Austen, and 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs
My Progress:

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The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011

I have been looking for a good Jane Austen challenge to participate in this year and it seems I have finally found one! The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 is hosted by Laurel Ann Nattress at Austenprose. Here is what the challenge entails: 

About: If you have not read Jane Austen’s masterpiece or would like to revisit it in honor of its significant anniversary, see all of the movies or read all of the sequels and spinoffs, this is the year to join the challenge along with other Janeites, historical fiction readers and period drama movie lovers.

Time-line: The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 runs January 1, through December 31, 2011.

Levels of participation: Neophyte: 1 – 4 selections, Disciple: 5 – 8 selections, Aficionada: 9 – 12 selections.

Enrollment: Sign up’s are open until March 1, 2011. First, select your level of participation. Second, copy the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 graphic and include it in your blog post detailing the novels or movies that you commit to reading and watching in 2011. Third, leave a comment linking back to your blog post in the comments of this announcement post. If you do not have a blog you can still participate. Just leave your commitment to the challenge in the comments below.

Check Back Monthly: The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 officially begins on Wednesday, January 26, 2010 with my review of the novelThe Three Weismanns of Westport. Check back on the 4th Wednesday of each month for my next review in the challenge.

Your Participation: Once the challenge starts you will see a tab included at the top of Austenprose called Reading Challenges. Click on the tab and select the Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011. Leave a comment including the name of the book or movie read or viewed and a link to your blog review. If you do not have a blog, just leave a comment about your selection that you finished with a brief reaction or remark. It’s that easy.
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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Neophyte: 1 – 4 selections
My Progress: 

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Chivalrous Deeds: A Historical Fiction Reading Challenge for 2011

When I saw this challenge, I knew right away that I simply had to sign up for it! Most of the historical fiction I read is set within one court or another, so I thought this would be a fun way to learn how varied my reading material is... and of course the beautiful challenge button was hard to pass up (I used to have a poster of this painting when I was about 12)! The Chivalrous Deeds Challenge is hosted by Holly over at Bippity Boppity Book. Here are the challenge details:

The Object of the Challenge: As a Knight or Lady Knight, to visit as many courts as possible. For example, reading Victoria Victorious by Jean Plaidy would count as 1 visit/chivalrous deed achieved at the court of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Reading No Will But His by Sarah Hoyt would count as 1 visit/chivalrous deed achieved at the court of Catherine Howard and Henry VIII, etc...

Rules/Guidelines:

1. You can visit any court from any point in history as long as the book you are reading is Historical Fiction
2. You can visit the same court more than once but not consecutively. Knights and Lady Knights have many great deeds to perform and so must not tarry at one court for too long! 
3. No books started before 1 January 2011 will count for this challenge
4. Participants can only win 1 prize in this challenge
5. Entries will be counted by posting a link to your review of the book. You do not have to have a blog to participate as long as you are posting a review somewhere and can provide a link to it (Paperbackswap, Goodreads, Librarything etc...). I will add a place to post these links closer to the end of the year.

Duration: The Chivalrous Deeds Historical Fiction Challenge will begin 1 January 2011 and finish on 31 December 2011.

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My Goal: As many as I can!

My Progress:

1. The court of Queen Victoria
• India Black by Carol K. Carr
2. The court of Octavian/Cesar
• Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray 
3. The court of Margaret of Anjou and Henry VI
• The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham (review coming)
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Gothic Reading Challenge

A new day, another challenge! As I contemplate which challenges to sign up for in 2011, I have been making an effort to choose ones that will help me knock some titles of my TBR list... this challenge will definitely help. I am looking forward to finally reading some of the classic Gothic novels. To sign up, visit the website dedicated to this challenge: Gothic Reading Challenge. 

Here are the challenge details:

There are four levels of participation to choose from:

• A Little Madness - Read just 1 novel with Gothic elements.
• The Darkness Within - Read 5 novels with Gothic elements.
• A Maniacal Frenzy - Read 10 novels with Gothic elements.
• Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know - Read 20 novels with Gothic elements. - Anyone can join and you don't need a blog to participate. (Non-Bloggers: Sign up in the comments section of this post.) -

- Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Young Reader – basically, anything goes as long as it has element(s) of the Gothic. I'm not going to police you. If you think it is a Gothic read, that's enough for me. Crossovers from other reading challenges are fine as well. -

- List your books in advance on your blog, or choose your books as you go along. -

- The Gothic Reading Challenge runs January 1 through December 31, 2011. - 

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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: The Darkness Within - Read 5 novels with Gothic elements.

My Progress:

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Shakespeare Reading Challenge 2011

Yet another reading challenge for 2011 :) I am really excited about this one. I have been wanting to read and reread some of Shakespeare's plays for a while now, so this is perfect! The Shakespeare Reading Challenge is hosted by Elena and is hosted on its own webpage. Here are the details:





First off, the Levels:

1. Puck: Read 4 plays over the year, 1 of which may be replaced by a performance
2. Desdemona: Read 6 plays, 2 of which may be replaced by a performance
3. Henry V: Read 12 plays, 3 of which may be replaced by a performance

Now, the Rules:

1. All plays must be read between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Anything begun before that cannot be included.
2. Audio versions are also acceptable but all plays must be unabridged.
3. You don't need to list your plays ahead of time but you may, if you'd like.
4. Review pages for each month will be created but are optional.
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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Desdemona: Read 6 plays
My Progress:

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Victorian Literature Challenge 2011

The Victorian Literature Challenge 2011 is hosted by Bethany of Words, Words, Words. Here is what the challenge entails:

What you need to know:

This challenge will run from 01 Jan 2011 - 31 Dec 2011.
Participants can sign up at any time throughout the year.

Read your Victorian literature.
Queen Victoria reigned from 1837-1901. If your book wasn't published during those particular years, but is by an author considered 'Victorian' then go for it. We're here for reading, not historical facts! Also, this can include works by authors from other countries, so long as they are from this period.

Literature comes in many forms.
There are so many Victorian reads out there, including novels, short stories, and poetry. One poem doesn't count as a 'book': pick up an anthology instead!


Choose your books.
List your books before you begin, or pick up titles along the way. It's up to you! You can review them if you choose to, but it's not necessary. If you don't have a blog, that's fine! Link to a Facebook, or a page somewhere where you can list what you've been reading. If you can't link up, no problem - feel free to just comment and enjoy.
Spread the love.

Post the reading challenge on your blog.

Make your own post(s), or stick the button on the side of your page. The more the merrier, after all. Let's build a big community of Victorian literature lovers!

Choose from one of the four levels:
Sense and Sensibility: 1-4 books.
Great Expectations: 5-9 books.
Hard Times: 10-14 books.
Desperate Remedies: 15+ books.

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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Goal: Sense and Sensibility 1-4 books.

My Progress:

1. - Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn
2. - India Black by Carol K. Carr
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Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge

Robin of My Two Blessings is hosting the Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge. I am definitely determined to complete this challenge; it should help me keep on track with my reading goals for the year! Here are the challenge details:


The rules are very simple and the goal is to read one book (at least) a week for 52 weeks.

1. The challenge will run from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. 
2. Our book weeks will begin on Sunday. 
3. Participants may join at any time.
4. All forms of books are acceptable including e-books, audio books, etc.
5. Re-reads are acceptable as long as they are read after January 1, 2011.
6. Books may overlap other challenges. 
7. Create an entry post linking to the hosts blog. 
8. Come back and sign up with Mr. Linky in the "I'm participating post" below the post on the hosts blog.
9. You don't have a blog to participate. Post your weekly book in the comments section.
10. Mr. Linky will be added to the bottom of the weekly post for you to link to reviews of your most current reads.

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I will be updating my status here on this post. You can easily find it via the "Challenges" page tab at the top of this blog, or by clicking the Challenge Picture on the left hand side of this blog.

My Progress:

1. - Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn
2. - The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift
3. - India Black by Carol K. Carr
4. - The Gentleman Poet by Kathryn Johnson
5. - Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
6. - The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham
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Jean Plaidy Reading Challenge 2010

So I am already doing seven challenges...whats one more??? I might be crazy for joining number eight but after having read so many great reviews of Jean Plaidy's works, I just had to join this reading challenge.

Plaidy Challenge 2010

Royal Intrigue is hosting a Jean Plaidy reading challenge for 2010. The object is to read as much Jean Plaidy as you can and report back here with your numbers. Prizes go to the top readers and we'll be giving out awards to all challengers at the end of the year! 

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After I finish reading a novel and post my review, I will then catalog it in this original post. This challenge button will always be on my sidebar, so you can check my progress at anytime. All of the challenge participants reviews will also be posted on the hosts website, Royal Intrigue.


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Georgette Heyer Reading Challenge

This is an perpetual challenge over at georgetteheyer.blogspot.com. There is no official reading goal or start/end date, everything is completely up to you! I was so excited about this challenge I decided to create my own button for it...if you like it feel free to use it for your own sidebar :)

My interpretation of this challenge will be to read at least 5 Georgette Heyer novels every year (I may change this as time goes on). After I finish reading a novel and post my review, I will then catalog it in this original post. This challenge button will always be on my sidebar, so you can check my progress at anytime.

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~2010~

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The Royal Mistress Challenge 2010

Oh, what scandals await with this challenge! It will be nice to read about some other women who won the hearts of kings instead of Anne Boleyn (since she is not allowed for this challenge).

The Rules of the Challenge

1. Runs from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2010.  But this is an ongoing challenge and I will be renewing it next year.
2. Join anytime during the year – This challenge is hosted by The Misadventures of Moppet
   
3. Books can be re-reads, or can overlap with other challenges.
4. If you’d like the hostess to include a link to your reviews, leave her a comment or email her at: misadventuresofmoppet@googlemail.com.
5. Choose your own level.  You can change level anytime or change your mind about the books you will read at any time.  I noticed other people have fun names for their challenge levels, so here are mine:

Orange Girl – Read one book

Maid of Honour – Read up to three books

Courtesan – Read up to five books

Maitresse en titre – Read up to seven books

Secret Wife – Read more than seven books!
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Which books qualify for the challenge?

• Royal mistress who really existed 
• Unknown mistresses whom the author has characterized, such as Richard III’s: they can be included too – as long as they had children which really existed.
• Mistresses to junior royals as well as kings’ mistresses.  
• The book has to have the mistress as the central character – not just feature her in a major way.
  
• If the character really existed, but there is no evidence for a relationship, they will not be included.
• This will not to include Anne Boleyn as she was only a mistress for a relatively short period.
• Although it's called it the Royal Mistress Challenge, books about male favorites such as Piers Gaveston are also allowed.  So it’s really the Royal Favorite Challenge.

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My Goal: Level Maid of Honour

My Progress so Far: (click on title to read my review)

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French Historicals 'Oh la la! Challenge 2010

I am really excited about this challenge since most of the books I read are set in England. I have already been looking at some books to read for this challenge...they all look so scrumptious!

The reading Challenge will run from January 1st to December 15th 2010.

~ This challenge is hosted by: Enchanted by Josephine ~

All you have to do is read any Historical Fiction or Non-fiction books based on French history or French historical figures.  Books can also overlap with other Challenges.

Reading Levels:

La Princesse: Read 3 books
La Dauphine: Read 6 books
La Reine: Read 9 books
L’Impératrice: More than 9 book

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My Goal: Level La Princesse

My Progress so Far: (click on the title to read my review)

1. The Secret Eleanor by Cecelia Holland
2. Claude and Camile by Stephanie Cowell
3. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

A Tournament of Reading Challenge 2010

This challenge is designed to get us all reading a little more medieval literature in 2010.  The challenge will run from January 1st to December 31st, 2010, and will be hosted by Medieval Bookworm.  Challenge genres include history, medieval literature, and historical fiction.  Medieval, for simplicity of definition, will be from 500-1500, and literature from all over the world is welcome, not just western Europe.  There are 3 levels:

• Peasant – Read 3 medieval books of any kind.
• Lord – Read 6 medieval books, at least one of each kind.
• King – Read 9 medieval books, at least two of each kind.

You’re not required to make a list or stick to one, but it would be fun if you did!
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My Goal: Level Peasant

My Progress so Far: (click on the title to read my review)

1. The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick
2. The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham
3. Within the Hollow Crown by Margaret Campbell Barnes
4. The Queen's Pawn by Christy English
5. The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter

Jane Austen Challenge 2010

Rules:

• Anyone can participate. This challenge is hosted by The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object

Levels:

• Newbie 2 books by J. Austen & 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)
  
• Lover 4 books by J. Austen & 4 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)
• Fanatic 6+ books by J. Austen & 5+ re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other authors)

-Challenge books can overlap with other challenges.
-Any format counts: bound book, e-book (check online for free downloads of J.A’s copyright-free books), audio book, or any other thing you can think of.
-You can change which level you read!
-Challenge runs January 1st 2010—December 31 2010.
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My Goal: Level Newbie
My Progress So Far: (click on title to read my review)

1. Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer
   
2. Northanger Abey by Jane Austen
3. The Darcy Cousins by Monica Fairview
4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2010

I am really looking forward to this challenge! I will post all of my book reviews for this challenge here on my blog. I'll also link them to the widget for this challenge on my sidebar so you can check my progress easily. Happy reading everyone!

Challenge Outline:

1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Addicted – Read 12 Historical Fiction novels.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 Historical Fiction novels.

3. Any book format counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

Challenge Host/Link:  Royal Reviews: Historical Fiction Challenge (you can sign up at this location)
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My goal: Level Obsessed.

Progress so far: 16/20

Links to my reviews of these challenge books:

1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 
2. The Queen's Mistake: In the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger 
3. The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner 
4. The Boleyn Wife by Brandy Purdy
5. Island of the Swans by Ciji Ware 
6. Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
7. The Queen's Governess by Karen Harper
8. The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin
9. The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick
10. The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham
11. Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson
12. O, Juliet by Robix Maxwell
13. The Highest Stakes by Emery Lee
14. Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
15. Within the Hollow Crown by Margaret Campbell Barnes
16. Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn
17. The Queen's Pawn by Christy English
18. The Darcy Cousins by Monica Fairview
19. The Botticelli Secret by Marina Firoato
20. The Rules of Gentility by Janet Mullany
21. Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell
22. The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter
23. The Dark Rose by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles