Book: This is not a drill: just another glorious day in the oilfields

Summary: He's back on the rigs and back in trouble.

Picking up right where he left off, Paul Carter pulls out more tall tales of a mad, bad and dangerous life in the international oil trade. Starting with action and mayhem galore This Is Not A Drill sets an unrelenting pace that just doesn't let up, as Paul almost drowns when the Russian rig he's working on begins to capsize; is reunited with his Dad - another adrenaline junkie; gets married; hangs out with his rig pig buddies in exotic locations; gets hammered on vodka in Sakhalin; and spends a couple of interesting weeks in Afghanistan with some mates who run an outfit that just happens to contract out mercenaries for hire ...

What I thought: A good funny laugh. Quick and enjoyable.

Book: Red Sand Sunrise

Summary: From the internationally bestselling author Fiona McArthur comes a heartfelt story of family ties, the power of love and the passion of ordinary people achieving extraordinary things.
When the father she barely knew dies suddenly, midwife Eve Wilson decides she owes it to him to go to the funeral and meet her stepfamily in Red Sand. She doesn't expect to be so completely charmed by the beautiful remote township in far west Queensland – or by local station owner, Lex McKay.
After disappointment and heartbreak in Sydney, Dr Callie Wilson doesn't hesitate to move home and spend some time with her grieving mother. When she is approached to oversee the establishment of the area's first medical clinic, it seems the perfect opportunity. And Callie is keen to involve Eve, the sister she's just getting to know. Melbourne-based obstetrician Sienna Wilson can't understand why anyone would want to bury themselves in the outback, but when her hospital sends her north to research the medical mystery affecting women in Red Sand, it seems fate is intent on bringing the three sisters together.  And when disaster strikes, they must each decide if being true to themselves means being there for each other . . .

What I thought: LOVED! A new rural romance author - yah! I was hooked into this. Sure it was all a bit far fetched but I didn't care - really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more in this genre from this author.

Book: Outback Blaze

Summary: Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary.  So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life.  The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever  believe in love again.Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay — he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the  community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.
When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.
Soon  these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts — not only to the town but to each other.

What I thought:  Back to my fav genre - rural chick lit. Another good book (not super) but still enjoyable. Looking forward to reading book 3 in the series soon.

Book: Disgraced

Summary: Brought up in a violent Muslim household, where family honour is all, Saira is watched 24 hours a day. However, an innocent friendship with a boy is uncovered and Saira is sent to Pakistan, punished for dishonouring her family. There, the nightmare really begins. Forced to marry an older stranger who rapes her repeatedly and makes her his round-the-clock sex slave, she eventually plots her escape but, destitute, has to return to the family home in England. Once there, she discovers that one of her brothers has run up huge drug debts and Saira must earn money in the only way she can: by selling her body. Disgraced is the true story of an innocence ruined and a life shattered. But it is also a tale of survival told by a woman who has finally discovered her true voice.

What I thought: A great riveting yet sad read. Didn't quite believe all of what I read but it was fast paced which I enjoyed (although bits were left out where I wanted more detail).

Book: Caching In

Summary: Is there cash in the final cache? Eric and Chris are avid geocachers who stumble into a very strange search for a series of geocaches. At first they are merely curious, but as the stakes rise and the challenges become more trying, the boys get truly hooked. Convinced they are indeed on the trail of treasure, they become consumed with the search, and though their quest tests their strength, intelligence, courage and even their friendship, they don't give up.

What I thought: Loved it! Quick read which feed my current geocaching obsession! Pretty basic but still a fav :)

Card Swap 3 2014

Card Swap 2 2014

Card Swap 1 2014

I've been slack with uploading all our card swap cards so this is the first batch from 2014