New release titles from Simon & Schuster :
4.32 out of 5 based on 21 reviews.

As mums we know there’s nothing better than taking time out with a beautiful book.

Whether it’s to read to your children or read for your own enjoyment, a beautiful quality book is a joy.  Which is why we’re so excited to bring you the Simon & Schuster Book Review – a unique opportunity to read and review one of four brand new titles!

In this month’s Simon & Schuster Book Review, we will feature the following titles:

How well do you know your own daughter? And how far would you go to find out the truth?

A stunning debut novel told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious enemies – of how well a parent really knows a child and how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.

Reconstructing Amelia, written by Kimberley McCreight, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99.  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Reconstructing Amelia here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of Reconstructing Amelia.  Read their reviews below.

Average Ratings (from 39 ratings)
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A dreamy teenage girl’s world is turned upside down …

by the arrival of substitute teacher Solomon Andrews. But when a harmless crush becomes something more, it reveals a dangerous yearning that should never be fulfilled.

The Yearning, written by Kate Belle, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $17.99.  Also available as an ebook for $10.99.

Find out more about The Yearning here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of The Yearning.  Read their reviews below.

Average Ratings (from 34 ratings)
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Eight years ago Geniver Loxley lost her baby daughter Beth.

Ever since she has been struggling to make sense of what happened and move on with her life. While her husband Art builds his business reputation and their fortune, Gen can’t forget Beth.

Then a stranger turns up at her door telling Gen the very thing she’s been longing to hear – Beth is still alive.

It’s insane. Unthinkable. But why would someone make up such a story? Ignoring the warnings of her husband and friends, Gen begins to hope – hope that quickly turns into fear and paranoia.

With questions swirling around her head, Gen is determined to uncover the truth. But who can she trust? Why is Art so reluctant to get involved? To save his wife from further hurt? Or something much more sinister? Is Beth even really out there? And, if so, who is responsible for taking her?

What is the truth about Beth Loxley?

Close My Eyes, written by Sophie McKenzie, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99.  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Close My Eyes here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of Close My Eyes.  Read their reviews below.

Average Ratings (from 27 ratings)
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Bernard the Robot loses his bottom on the park swing, and sets off to find it.

Every time he gets close, it disappears again! Bird was using it as a nest, but it was too heavy; Bear used it in his drum kit, but it was too tinny; the Squirrels built sandcastles with it…and now it looks as if they’re sailing away in it.

Will Bernard EVER get his bottom back? This fabulous book will have kids – big and small – laughing every time.

No-Bot the Robot with No Bottom, written by Sue Hendra, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $14.99.  Also available as an ebook for $11.99.

Find out more about No-Bot the Robot with No Bottom here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of No-Bot the Robot with No Bottom.  Read their reviews below.

Average Ratings (from 45 ratings)
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Did your child enjoy the book?
Did you enjoy reading this book to your child?
Would you buy other books by Sue Hendra?

Be part of the Simon & Schuster book review team.

In the Simon & Schuster book review, mums selected received one of the four books profiled above. We’ve asked these mums to read the book they receive and then post their review and ratings on the relevant book’s page.

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If you don’t get selected this time around, don’t worry – there are plenty of reviews coming up soon.  Don’t forget, if you have genuinely read one of these books, post a review on the relevant page and you’ll receive 10 points in your MoM Rewards Account.


Published 20th May 2013

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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.
  • 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!

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

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Fantastic Article

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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!

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

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  • 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.

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  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • The simplest way to entertain.

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  • 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

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