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Review The Island House – Simon & Schuster book review

The Island House – Simon & Schuster book review
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The Island House - Simon & Schuster book review :
4.4 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.
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The Island House is the fifth novel from Posie Graeme-Evans.

In 2011 Freya Dane, a Ph.D. candidate in archaeology, arrives on the ancient Scottish island of Findnar. After years of estrangement from her father, himself an archaeologist who recently died, Freya has come to find out what she can about his work. As she reads through his research notes, she sees he learned a great deal about the Viking and Christian history of the island. But what he found only scratches the surface of the discoveries Freya is about to make.

In 800 A.D. a Pictish girl named Signy loses her entire family during a Viking raid. She is taken in by the surviving members of the Christian community, but when she falls deeply in love with a Viking boy, she is cast out. She eventually becomes a nun and finds herself at the center of the clash between the island’s three religious cultures. The tragedy of her story is that, in the end, she must choose among her adopted faith, her native religion, and the man she loves.

Centuries apart, Freya and Signy are each on the verge of life–changing events that will bring present–day and Viking–era Scotland together.

The Island House, written by Posie Graeme-Evans, is a new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available where all good books are sold in paperback for $19.99  Also available as an ebook for $17.99.

Find out more about The Island House here.

 

Published 4th November 2013

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  • Intriguing

    I wasn’t selected but have since been given this book for my birthday earlier this year & loved it. There’s a bit of everything from mystery, romance, murder but it kept me highly interested. I love the authors style of writing, it was easy to follow but ever so interesting. I would def read more from her.

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  • Sweeps you away

    This book is a great read, encompassing past & present. Written well and a pleasure to follow as you ride the waves of the island past & present. A treasure, not of the gold & riches kind, is hidden on the island enveloping those who are on the quest to uncover the hidden truth. You too will be enveloped as you join them on their journey. Highly Recommened

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  • The Island House

    The only books I have ever read were Stephen King books. So when I got the chance to review the Island House I was blown away. I love reading books, so it was good to also be able to read another book by a different author. I really did enjoy reading this book, and will be looking into other books by the author. Thank you again for letting me review The Island House.

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  • Don't judge a book by its cover...

    I finally finished reading it last night, the cover seems boring but as I have learnt it is usually these books that are the most interesting. I really enjoyed reading a chapter from the present and then one from the past and so on, it was almost like reading 2 books but I was totally captivated by how detailed it all was, from clothing to the ‘raids’. All day I have walked around thinking about things that happened in the book and to the characters. I will definitely go and buy more books written by Posie Graeme-Evans!

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  • This book is great read.

    When I first received the book I wasn’t sure it was going to be something that would interest me. When I start reading a book I either can’t put it down or can’t pick it up again. I’m happy to say this book has been very hard to put down. It is very well written and has a way of keeping you in suspense and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. As I am only half way through this book so far I will post another review once I have finished it. :)

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  • Great Read

    Really loved how the story keep going from the past to the present and the way the writer in twined them and how the spirits were reborn into the present day people and how the contection was instant from the start. The only thing was the way it ended for me ( I think that somehow the woman’s bones mad there way to her true love ) But that wasnt quite conformed. But overall a great book and I would recommend others to read it :-)

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  • Start reading now - fantastic book

    For the other Mum reviewers who have not started this book – START NOW.
    I do not read many books and I am half way through this book. Posie’s style of writing is captivating and easy to read and immerse yourself in the story. I like how there are two stories within one book and I am enjoying the tale unravel.

    Thank you!

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  • intriguing, a real page turner - you'll love it!

    Well I’m just over a hundred pages in. I got the book yesterday and pretty much started ready straight away. It’s a peek into ancient times as well as a story that follows Freya an archaeologist student working on her thesis. She inherits an Island from her tragically deceased archaeologist father, she has his finds to go through as well an unearthing some secrets herself. She leans more about her father along the way. It has 2 storylines and is well written. I’m also looking forward to finding all about Signy and the people left behind after a Viking raid, including one of there own who was injured and left for dead. A real page turner, can’t wait to find out more about the Island and the artefacts her father found. I’ll post more later…….

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  • Gripping!

    This book will suck you in right until the end. I was up until 2am one night as I just couldn’t stop reading. It has murder, mystery, history, love, treachery all rolled in to one fantastic story. It flows seamlessly through time zones and just when you think you know what’s going on, there is a fantastic little twist at the end. Loved it!

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  • Could not put it down - fantastic read

    I love the feeling of reading a good book, I was captivated from chapter one and have just finished it! I love how it ends I found it easy to read. Thank you for introducing me to a fantastic author and re-discovering the joy of reading which I have not done for a long time!

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  • Fantastic

    I loved this book. It is such a good read. Couldn’t put it down. I love the whole thing. How old and new come together to make a good read. I’ve already passed it on to a friend to read so we can talk about it. Soooooo Gooood!!

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  • Intriguing

    I wasn’t selected but have since been given this book for my birthday earlier this year & loved it. There’s a bit of everything from mystery, romance, murder but it kept me highly interested. I love the authors style of writing, it was easy to follow but ever so interesting. I would def read more from her.

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  • Intrigued

    This book will get you hooked. I love the feeling of reading a good book, I was captivated from chapter one and have just finished it! I love how it ends I found it easy to read. Thank you for introducing me to a fantastic author and re-discovering the joy of reading which I have not done for a long time!

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  • Sensational hard to put down

    I am still reading this amazing book and am loving the story so far. Unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of reading time lately bit every chance I get I am reading a page or two. What an amazing story, I can’t wait to read more it is enthralling. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!!

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  • The story is very Interesting, with many changes in the story. History and fiction are combined in this story to make is an entertaining read. The descriptive writing creates visual images in the readers mind as they read – almost like watching a movie of the story! I Throughly enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it to others.

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  • Definitely Worth a Read

    This is a brilliantly researched tale of the clash between the Vikings, the Picts, and the early Catholic Church in Scotland. This story runs parallel to the contemporary one in which Freya, an Aussie archaeologist, arrives on the Scottish island bequeathed to her by her father. He was also an archaeologist but didn’t quite manage to solve the island’s mystery which Freya also inherits.

    The parallel plot works well most of the time, but there is often a lag while one side of the story catches up with the other, so some momentum is also lost. It also means that there are few surprises, other than the supernatural ones and I had difficulty suspending disbelief with these. With so much happening to a large number of characters, we don’t get to know and love the heroine to the same extent as we did “The Dressmaker” which is a shame.

    But Posie’s writing remains a treat and her ability to bring the past to life is astounding. Her sensitive treatment of all three cultures is also to be applauded.

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  • A good love story.

    Upon finishing the Island House, I was satisfied with the story. It kept me, the reader intrigued and interested while offering an insight into the past. The love story between the modern day characters seemed a little too rushed and there was one character that really didn’t need to be there but overall a good story.

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  • Gripping!

    This book will suck you in right until the end. I was up until 2am one night as I just couldn’t stop reading. It has murder, mystery, history, love, treachery all rolled in to one fantastic story. It flows seamlessly through time zones and just when you think you know what’s going on, there is a fantastic little twist at the end. Loved it!

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  • Great Read....once you're into it....

    What a great story,,,, i did find it hard going originally but once i got into it …i could not put it down…although it was almost 500 pages…and the printing was tiny….

    But the story of love throughout the ages mixed in with the violence of the vikings, the staunchness of early life in a monastery and the picts ( early english folk) all set in scotland throughout many many centuries as well as present time….made for a very interesting read….my mind was wondering where it was all going to end up…constantly…and sadly it did not go the way i had hoped…but the introduction of new modern characters made me feel they would also come out in the early9th century time…i wasnt sure which way it was going to end…so try for the read… it will delight you and also make you try and guess what will happen next…. thanks for taking the time to read this review… hope it inspires you to read it and then look for more books by this author…. it has me….cheers Cindy

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  • Sweeps you away

    This book is a great read, encompassing past & present. Written well and a pleasure to follow as you ride the waves of the island past & present. A treasure, not of the gold & riches kind, is hidden on the island enveloping those who are on the quest to uncover the hidden truth. You too will be enveloped as you join them on their journey. Highly Recommened

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • The Island House

    The only books I have ever read were Stephen King books. So when I got the chance to review the Island House I was blown away. I love reading books, so it was good to also be able to read another book by a different author. I really did enjoy reading this book, and will be looking into other books by the author. Thank you again for letting me review The Island House.

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
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    books from this
    author?

  • Don't judge a book by its cover...

    I finally finished reading it last night, the cover seems boring but as I have learnt it is usually these books that are the most interesting. I really enjoyed reading a chapter from the present and then one from the past and so on, it was almost like reading 2 books but I was totally captivated by how detailed it all was, from clothing to the ‘raids’. All day I have walked around thinking about things that happened in the book and to the characters. I will definitely go and buy more books written by Posie Graeme-Evans!

    Did you enjoy this
    book?
    Would you recommend
    this to a friend?
    Would you read more
    books from this
    author?

  • Could not put it down - fantastic read

    I love the feeling of reading a good book, I was captivated from chapter one and have just finished it! I love how it ends I found it easy to read. Thank you for introducing me to a fantastic author and re-discovering the joy of reading which I have not done for a long time!

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    book?
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    this to a friend?
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    books from this
    author?

  • It's Here!

    My copy of “The Island House” has finally arrived! I’m so excited to read it; I adored “The Dressmaker”. In fact, Posie Graeme-Evans is one of the few authors who could drag me away from my George R.R. Martin binge. And so far, it’s everything I expected.

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  • secluded escape

    A very good book for all you history fantasy women out there. for me this brings back memories of my years befor children when i was working and backpacking around scotland working in the highlands walking taking photos of pics ogh am stones and being transported to a plane between time and imagination. reading this book will call on your ancestors and commune on your inner spirit x

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  • This book is great read.

    When I first received the book I wasn’t sure it was going to be something that would interest me. When I start reading a book I either can’t put it down or can’t pick it up again. I’m happy to say this book has been very hard to put down. It is very well written and has a way of keeping you in suspense and wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next. As I am only half way through this book so far I will post another review once I have finished it. :)

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  • Has me wanting to read more....

    Visually I did not find the front cover of the book to be very appealing, it would not be something that would attract my attention in a book store.

    Initially I found the first two chapters difficult to read but after things became a little clearer I began to enjoy the book. I am currently up to chapter seven and am looking forward to finding out more….

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  • Great Read

    Really loved how the story keep going from the past to the present and the way the writer in twined them and how the spirits were reborn into the present day people and how the contection was instant from the start. The only thing was the way it ended for me ( I think that somehow the woman’s bones mad there way to her true love ) But that wasnt quite conformed. But overall a great book and I would recommend others to read it :-)

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  • Interesting read.

    The first couple of pages threw me a little bit as I got used to the author’s grammatical phrasing. Once past that, the story really starts to draw you in. The descriptions are well written and the story line is not in the least bit confusing. Can’t wait to read some more!

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  • couldn't put it down - worth staying up for

    Well I have now finished the book. Really well written. If you like archaeological stories with historical drama and family secrets – you’ll love this. It also makes you realise just how horrible the times were back in the day of Vikings, Pagans and early Christians – where superstitions and intolerance created an ugly picture – this era turned humans into animals! This author really has the power to transport you into the story.

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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.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.

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  • 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

  • The simplest way to entertain.

    Reply

  • I love the looks of different finger foods. I don’t think it is hard to put something together and I had many afternoons hanging out with many mums and all the children at the Cul the sac we then lived. At times I had 8 mums coming with over 40 kids. Many sweet memories indeed

    Reply

  • Love the visuals of the chatcuterie board

    Reply
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