13 in '13 - Reading Challenge

It is the end of the 2nd month of Rachel's challenge. And I'm doing well with 4 books read so far.

I quite enjoyed this short easy-read novel aimed at late primary- early high-school students about a different take on the trenches of WWI.

The 'War to end all Wars', as seen through the eyes of three young women It is 1915. War is being fought on a horrific scale in the trenches of France, but it might as well be a world away from sixteen-year-old New Zealander Midge Macpherson, at school in England learning to be a young lady. But the war is coming closer: Midge's brothers are in the army, and her twin, Tim, is listed as 'missing' in the devastating defeat of the Anzac forces at Gallipoli . Desperate to do their bit - and avoid the boredom of school and the restrictions of Society - Midge and her friends Ethel and Anne start a canteen in France, caring for the endless flow of wounded soldiers returning from the front. Midge, recruited by the over-stretched ambulance service, is thrust into carnage and scenes of courage she could never have imagined. And when the war is over, all three girls - and their Anzac boys as well - discover that even going 'home' can be both strange and wonderful. Exhaustively researched but written with the lightest of touches, this is Jackie French at her very best. Ages 12+
Blurb from the Book Depository

I've also joined the band-wagon although stylishly late and read the first 2 books in the '50 Shades' Trilogy.

Although they seem 'rushed' in the writing of them and terribly predicable, the story line is intriguing enough to have me looking for the 3rd one.

And the 4th book although the one I finished first was  'An Elm Creek Quilts Collection' by Jennifer Chiaverini. It is actually a 3-books-in-1 book but I had already read the other book so I didn't bother reading it again.

The first sotry - The Sugar Camp Quilt

History is thick with secrets--and Pre-Civil War America comes to vivid life--in this stunning and suspense-charged Elm Creek Quilts novel from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer ChiaveriniAbolitionist schoolteacher Dorothea Granger faces the ultimate test of her courage and convictions when the national debate over slavery sets friends and neighbors against one another in rural Creek's Crossing, Pennsylvania. . . . When her cantankerous Uncle Jacob designs five unusual patterns--and gives Dorothea an urgent deadline for assembling them into a quilt--she reluctantly agrees. But annoyance turns to intrigue when she learns her handiwork contains hidden clues to guide runaway slaves along the Underground Railroad. As her family embraces her uncle's clandestine mission to help runaways escape to freedom, Dorothea embarks upon a dangerous, heroic journey that allows her to discover her own courage and resourcefulness, newfound qualities that may win her the heart of the best man she has ever known.

Blurb from the Book Depository  

The second story - Circle of Quilters

When Elm Creek Quilts announces openings for two new teachers, quilters everywhere are vying to land the prestigious post. The impending departure of two founding members means untold changes for the Elm Creek Quilters. As they begin the interview process, a single question emerges: Who can possibly take the place of beloved colleagues and friends? "We must evaluate all of the applicants' qualities," advises Master Quilter Sylvia Compson. "Our choice will say as much about us as it says about who we decide to hire." Who merits a place among the circle of quilters? Will it be Maggie, whose love of history shines through in all her projects; Anna, whose food-themed quilts are wonderfully innovative; Russ, the male quilter with a completely original style; Karen, a novice teacher whose gifts for language complement her deep understanding of the quilters' mission; or Gretchen, the soulful veteran whose craft is inspired by quilting tradition?

Blurb from the Book Depository

I've started on the next one already and the pile beside my bed isn't getting any smaller!