Learn More

Review BEING JADE- Simon & Schuster book review

BEING JADE- Simon & Schuster book review
Average Ratings (from 36 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did you enjoy this book?
Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
Would you read this author again?
BEING JADE- Simon & Schuster book review :
4.31 out of 5 based on 37 reviews.
Post your review

BEING JADE

by Kate Belle

A tragic death. A family divided. Only truth can set them free.

Banjo Murphy is killed on the night he finally walks away from his wife, Jade, after twenty-five years of her adultery. In the aftermath, Banjo is bewildered to discover he still exists, and in despair he watches Jade collapse into deep depression and his daughters, Lissy and Cassandra, struggle with their unexpected loss.

Lissy is tortured by the mystery surrounding her father’s death. What compelled Banjo to leave the night he died? And why won’t Jade talk about what happened? Despite their volatile relationship, Lissy believes her parents’ love to have been enduring, but sensible

Cassandra sees things differently. When Cassy discovers a sketchbook chronicling Jade’s affairs, the truth of their parents’ relationship begins to unfold and Lissy’s loyalties are divided.

Searching for answers, Lissy contacts Jade’s ex-lovers. And watching from afar, Banjo aches as he discovers what these men meant to Jade – until Lissy’s quest reveals an explosive truth …

Being Jade is story about the passion and the bond that is hard to explain but impossible to erase from one’s mind.

Available as eBook or paperback from all major book retailers.

$29.99 paperback, $9.99 eBook

Published 9th July 2014

Share this

  • Terrific book !!

    Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down !!
    Very intriguing, interesting & suspenseful book.
    Loved it !! :)

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Couldn't put it down

    Riveting from the first page, the author has great story telling abilities, the descriptions were so great that you could picture what was happening and what it looked like. Loved the characters, you felt like you knew them. Can’t wait to read more.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Fantastic read. didn't want to put it down

    Great book. Drew me in and made me feel what the characters felt
    I love a book that i cant put down because its so good and this book did that.
    Fantastic

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • A good read

    I found the story different and interesting. The characters were well rounded and very real.
    I enjoyed that the story wasn’t predictable.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • emotional, thought provoking, encouraging you to question social values

    I have enjoyed reading this novel. It had suspense as it unraveled who Jade is as a person. At times I felt sorry for her whilst other times I was left sheathing at her apparent selfishness. As the ending unraveled I was left still disappointment in her. I understood her behaviour better in some aspects but I felt her pride against Banjo’s incorrect assumptions was devastating. I would read a sequel.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Great book

    This book is just amazing it is so hard to put the book after you read the first page. The story line feels like a real story. I’m in love with the book.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Amazing, enthralling and moving

    I’m supposed to post two reviews on this book one when I start it and one when I finish it but I can’t. I was so enthralled with this book that I couldn’t put it down, I had it read in 5 hours from front to back. The story shocked me and moved me, I even teared up at the end which was a credit to the author. The storyline was dramatic yet you believed it all and you felt it all. Simply amazing, I can’t wait to read another book by the incredible Kate belle.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • I read it in one sitting

    BEING JADE by Kate Belle is difficult to review as it is not your typical book. There’s an intriguing plot and vividly drawn characters that engage you in such a way, you can’t put the book down. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting, I wanted to read it that much.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Captivating and enthralling

    I really enjoyed this book. Captivating and enthralling it held my interest from start to finish. Part of the ending I guessed at but, the rest I didn’t see coming. It’s not a light hearted book, rather heavy at times, making you question things you probably would never of thought before. I highly recommend this book.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Fantastic Author. Well written

    Loved this book from cover to cover. Spellbinding, intriguing, mesmerising. So well written you thought you were in the story with the characters. Heart wrenching at times.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Jade needs to be read

    Being Jade is a wonderful book. Kate Bell brings the characters to life so the reader really cares what happens to them. It’s a book you can’t puts down. It is suspenseful and interesting, I loved it and have lent it to a couple of friends who love it as well.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Being read

    I lent my copy of Being Jade to a friend who loved it. She is now wanting to buy her own copy so she can re read it and then hand it on to her family members. Nice to have a positive report when recommending a book as it can be a personal thing where tast differs.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Interesting

    This is a suspenseful book that will test your emotions. It covers lots of contraversial topics. It is a book you will find hard to put down and overall it is a good read. The author is very talented and even though this is not my usual type of book to read, I’m glad I took the time to enjoy it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Reading Jade

    Not my usual type of book to read but it was a good read. A well written novel by a very talented author. The book covered many emotions. I found Jade to be selfish and her morality questionable. Having said that, once I started reading I couldn’t put the book down.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Overall a great book.

    This was a really good read as with all by this author.
    I read it in a couple of days so for me not to put it down much says it was quite good. A friend of mine and my mum have read it and also enjoyed it.
    Love the variety of reviews on mouths of mums. It helps us busy mums make easy decisions about absolutely everything. Thank you. Enjoyed it and would recommend to other mums.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Being Jade

    Being Jade is a throughly entertaining book.
    From the start, and all the way through to the end, it captivated me, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
    It’s not your normal romantic novel, and can be quite brutal in describing the behaviour of Jade however, I think that is part of the appeal, what will Jade do next?
    I have read this book a few times now and whenever I get others to read it, the majority have enjoyed it to.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Great Book!

    Being Jade is a book that I really enjoyed reading.
    From start to finish, this book grabbed my attention and held me interested as the story unfolded.
    Some of the story I could see unfolding, other bits caught me by surprise.
    It’s not the usual lighthearted chic lit but rather deep and heavy.
    I throughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Terrific book !!

    Once I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down !!
    Very intriguing, interesting & suspenseful book.
    Loved it !! :)

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • I read it in one sitting

    BEING JADE by Kate Belle is difficult to review as it is not your typical book. There’s an intriguing plot and vividly drawn characters that engage you in such a way, you can’t put the book down. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting, I wanted to read it that much.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Sad but interesting

    I found this book quite sad. It dealt with some pretty dark and serious topics, death, adultery, depression, but also love. It came down to all being about love. Some of it was a bit predictable but it was still enjoyable. There were some ‘if only’ moments. Jade and Banjo had great love for each other and it was really interesting going back over her extra-marital “relationships”. Not your usual love story.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Recommended

    Being jade
    After reading the reviews I thought I’d give this a read. I’m sure glad I did.
    It’s an interesting plot, with vividly drawn characters that keep you reading I’m finding it incredibly easy to imagining myself in story. Its seems like its getting more interesting as I go
    I’ve not come across this author before, but will definitely follow through on another title to see if she is this strong across all her writings.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Being jade

    It’s an interesting plot, with vividly drawn characters that keep you reading along each night – I had trouble putting the book down at the end of a chapter to go to bed. The author has a clever narration that makes the book flow really well.
    I’ve not come across this author before, but will definately follow through on another title to see if she is this strong across all her writings.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • gripping

    After reading the reviews I thought I’d give this a read. I’m sure glad I did. I couldn’t put it down.definitely not what I was expecting,love, drama, suspense and at times depressing. Give it a read you won’t be disappointed

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Not your typical love story

    I just finished reading BEING JADE by Kate Belle for a second time. This novel is a really great read. Be warned however, that it is not your usual chic lit romance story. It is dark, sad and at times depressing. A love story that endures, even though it is not typical of this genre.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • I love this book!

    I loved this book. I’ve read it twice now, I just couldn’t put it down! It was amazing and gripping
    It was emotional and heartfelt
    It was cold. But inviting
    I could keep writing things but I loved it so much I want to go and read it again :D
    I would recommend this book to anyone
    It was one of the best books I’ve read this year
    I’m so glad I was given the opportunity to read it and fall in love with it

  • Captivating & Sad

    I borrowed this book from the library and have just finished reading it. It was captivating but I thought the story itself and the character Jade was narcissistic and sad. It left me thinking about my own life situation and it is a thought provoking book but I would prefer a book with a happy ending as for me reading is an escape, so while it is a worthwhile read, if you are looking for happy and uplifting, this isn’t it.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • NOT TOO BAD

    I brought the book an don’t mind it at all… I’m finding it incredibly easy to imagining myself in story. Its seems like its getting more interesting as I go :-)

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Captivating and enthralling

    I really enjoyed this book. Captivating and enthralling it held my interest from start to finish. Part of the ending I guessed at but, the rest I didn’t see coming. It’s not a light hearted book, rather heavy at times, making you question things you probably would never of thought before. I highly recommend this book.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • addictive

    Was a very good book to read, one of those where you thought you were part of it. Couldn’t wait to read it again after I finished a chapter

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?

  • Not my style of book!!

    I can’t say I enjoyed this book. A bit abstract for me… I like books that even though they are fiction, they could be about real life situations! Banjo’s character still around is not believable and also I found this book depressing. I like novels that have uplifting moments and hopefully a happy ending! Life is hard enough and I like to escape into literature!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this book to other
    Mums?
    Would you read this
    author again?
Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Article Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Sandhurst to bring you this article.

Share this

  • I’ve really needed some inspiration this year for Christmas and this is great! I Love a good charcuterie board and I think I may do one this year for the family as well as all the regular Christmas trimmings. I have 6 kids and all the extended family coming to entertain and feed!

    Reply

  • I’m loving all the ideas here in the comments and pictures above! I love to be able to just look at what others have done and straight up copy it. Takes all the thinking energy out of entertaining!
    Such a good and trusted brand to purchase over the silly season! You know you are faring great quality and value!

    Reply

  • We often have homemade pizza nights aka fakeaway night! And my pizza is always on a low carb Pizza base with roasted and sundried tomato and capsicum. My fav combo with grilled chicken and a swirl of peri peri mayonnaise! Making our own is always better than takeaway versions and healthier!

    Reply

  • Sandhurst products are my go to for great healthy and tasty snacks, especially after school.

    Reply

  • Great information! Loved it. You can see https://reminiiapp.com/

    Reply

  • Looked so good I couldn’t wait – Dove in off the end of my bread baton and swirled around in a couple of cheesy dips only to finish up at the Sandhurst stackers and sun-dried olives, who needs a Holiday when there is one in the kitchen, I can take any day.

    Reply

  • I have been buying Sandhurst Kalamata Olives, Sandhurst Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sandhurst Baby Capers, Sandhurst Sicilian Green Olives for years as our kitchen staple adding that extra flavours to our dishes. I buy Sandhurst products for Gift Baskets as presents for family and friends and they love this idea as I add a chopping board and a knife and crackers and cheese for a celebration of flavours.

    Reply

  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.

    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen :)

      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply
Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

Join Login

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join