Back in Calingarry Crossing to sell the family pub, Maggie Lindeman has no idea a perfect storm is heading her way until her past and present collide with the unexpected. Maggie once had a crush on Dan Ireland, now a work-weary police crash investigator, still hell-bent on punishing himself for his misspent youth. Dan has ample reason for not going home to Calingarry Crossing for the school reunion, but one very good reason why he should. Maggie is dealing with a restless seventeen-year-old son, a father with dementia, a fame-obsessed musician husband, a dwindling bank account and a country pub that just won’t sell.
What a Great read . Great story line, and once hooked I hung out for the next bit of "me time" to continue reading . I loved the way Jenn J McLeod wrote this novel as it really made me feel connected to the characters and the events that unfolded throughout. I would definitely recommend Simmering Season to others and have actually started passing it around to my Book Club Mums - and it has also prompted me read more from this author .
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the moment I picked it up it had me hooked. I thought it was a great story admittedly it was a bit slow to start but it got there in the end, a great novel about second chances in my opinion. After googling the author have just purchased House For All Seasons. So thanks so much MoMs for giving me the pleasure of reviewing this book. Have passed onto my Mum also, hope she and everyone else that does read Simmering Season enjoys it as much as me. :)
FINAL REVIEW FOR SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
The plot keeps you on your toes the whole way through. With so many secrets popping up from chapter to chapter. Maggie enduring many up and downs with finding out about her son’s sexuality. The death of her father, the break up of her marriage and her new rekindled relationship with Dan.
You will be on the edge of your seat, not been able to put the book down.
Enjoy the late night reading you won’t be disappointed.
Half way through the book and I am really loving the country setting and characters. Having to return to the hotel was good for Maggie allowing her spend time reflecting and finding herself again. I am from a small country town and can relate to the busyness of the local hotel, and it being a great place for socialising.... can't wait to finish this book!
Maggie has her hands full with trying to sell her fathers pub in her childhood town of Carlingarry Crossing which isn’t doing well at all, a teenage son who wants to go back to Sydney and a husband who is still in Sydney and she just realising her marriage may be in trouble and a father with dementia.
Fiona has moved in with Maggie and Noah causing some rift between mother and son. I’m sure there is a lot more hiding in the past with Fiona’s mother, grandmother,
Maggie and Dan which I’m hoping to find out with the school reunion coming up.
Starting to get to the stage where I don’t want to put the book down (intriguing).
This is one of those books that just sucks you right in and you can't put down. While reading this book I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. The relationships and situations written about are believe able and a true reflection on how life really is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and high recommend it.
After receiving this book I started reading immediately - and from the start was drawn in. Jenn writes with such honesty and this heart wrenching story could feel close at home to many. Her magnificent character portrayals tug at your heart strings and take you on an emotional roller coaster. I have not yet finished reading - but will be sure to post another review once I have completed this wonderful piece of Australian literature.
SIMMERING SEASON by Jenn J McLeod is a fabulous book. It is like reading about people you know, that's how realistic the characters and settings are. Jenn J McLeod is a great author and I love reading her books. Her novels have a flavour that is uniquely Australian and she has a flare of making the reader feel as though they are there, part of the story.
I am a fan of Jenn McLeod books and Simmering Season was a great read. I love that its set in a small rural community and the characters are believable and intriguing. I found it hard to put down the book once I started and felt that as a reader I could relate / connect with the characters created in the novel. I think reading previous books of her make it easier to place the characters.
After reading the review’s this was on the to buy list,I have finished this book now and I really loved Jenn McLeods style of writing it was a great easy to read Australian story. This story sucked me and I could not get out. Thankful we were on holidays worth reading to laugh along with the characters. Great story line and I am looking forward to reading more
This is one of those books that just sucks you right in and you can't put down. While reading this book I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. The relationships and situations written about are believe able and a true reflection on how life really is. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and high recommend it.
I have finished this book now and I really loved Jenn McLeods style of writing it was a great easy to read Australian story. Would I read other novels by this author? Yes most certainly! A really great book to read while relaxing on holidays.
What a Great read . Great story line, and once hooked I hung out for the next bit of "me time" to continue reading . I loved the way Jenn J McLeod wrote this novel as it really made me feel connected to the characters and the events that unfolded throughout. I would definitely recommend Simmering Season to others and have actually started passing it around to my Book Club Mums - and it has also prompted me read more from this author .
Interesting, compelling read that I really enjoyed.
Despite being a lover of reading, being a busy mum of 2 had meant it had been a long time since I read a book. Simmering Season captured my imagination and really allowed me to get hooked on the story and I found it hard to put down. Instead of watching TV once my girls were in bed I found myself reaching for Simmering Season. I was a heartwarming story with a nice think, intertwining plot and it has left me wanting to read more from Jenn J McLeod. I highly recommend this book.
Finally finished this book! enjoyed it more and more as i continued and found it too be an interesting break from studies. A story about the trials and tribulations of women's lives and the events that occur which leave us in awe and confusion :) A book that many would be able to relate too. :)
Enjoyable read with some really likeable characters.
Heart-warming tale that examines the complex relationships we all experience through the course of our lives, and the ups and downs of life in small country town. Throw in an impending storm (figuratively and literally), death, second chances, misplaced loyalty, a bit of romance and a few life lessons, and you have a solid and enjoyable read.
This reads like a prime time soap opera the characters are fleshed well enough but without reading the previous book there seem to be a bit of history missing . Some characters seem to fit the setting well enough . Over all it was a decent read ,not the normal sort of book I would read but saying that I enjoyed it for that reason .i would recommend it to a friend ,it is already on its way for my daughter to read.
A sweet dramatic tale which is good for the ladies :)
I received this book to review and found it had a bit of a slow start and a bit sporadic but once you get to know the first person character better the story gets more and more interesting, the drama that unfolds in a small town community and Maggie's life are a ''cant put this book down'' fashion accessory. I do enjoy a variety of genres and this one was good for girly time out in the bath or on the verandah for me :)
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the moment I picked it up it had me hooked. I thought it was a great story admittedly it was a bit slow to start but it got there in the end, a great novel about second chances in my opinion. After googling the author have just purchased House For All Seasons. So thanks so much MoMs for giving me the pleasure of reviewing this book. Have passed onto my Mum also, hope she and everyone else that does read Simmering Season enjoys it as much as me. :)
I enjoyed this book and would recomend it to anyone who would like a easy, interesting and relatable read. It was a bit slow at first but after the characters developed I found it thoroughly enjoyable
Another wonderful book by Jenn J McLeod. Took me three days to finish, once I had started it was not easy to stop. Simmering Seasons feels very familiar and close to home. It's a heartfelt and poweful story about lifes struggles, our ups and downs. It's very easy to relate to and many of the familiar moments had me in tears quite a few times. I would highly recommend this book to my family and friends. It's may not be as good as her previous book, but it's still quite wonderful. Jenn is one brilliant Australian author and I can't wait for the next book from her.
FINAL REVIEW FOR SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
The plot keeps you on your toes the whole way through. With so many secrets popping up from chapter to chapter. Maggie enduring many up and downs with finding out about her son’s sexuality. The death of her father, the break up of her marriage and her new rekindled relationship with Dan.
You will be on the edge of your seat, not been able to put the book down.
Enjoy the late night reading you won’t be disappointed.
I found it hard at first to understand who was who & what was going on but after a couple more chapters I really started to get into it. I'm half way through it as finding the time has been difficult but I do have a bit more now that I'm home more. Magpie is a great character, we all need alone time. I'm.interested to see what eventuates.:)
I don't mind a good read, I'm half way through it but I'm finding the book a bit slow. I don't mind the story line. It's written beautifully but I feel that it needs to pick up a lot earlier in the book for it to attract the reader. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Its been awhile since I've actually read a physical book, as these days I read books on my iPad its been a nice change. I've only recently been able to sit down and really sink my teeth into it, I must say thought I'm loving it so far its really got me hooked. Can't wait till tonight and I can pick it up again.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
7:21 pm
Simmering Season heated up this winters chill
11:54 pm
Thoroughly Enjoyed
2:13 pm
Loved it
9:30 pm
this book has some sad parts and some twists and turns i didnt expect.
the house guest certainly brings along some challenges and something else maggie wouldnt of expected.
I really liked the spark maggie has with dan and how much fun they have together.
great book i really enjoyed reading it ;) thanks so much :)
11:30 am
FINAL REVIEW FOR SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
You will be on the edge of your seat, not been able to put the book down.
Enjoy the late night reading you won’t be disappointed.
6:00 pm
first review for Simmering season
5:17 pm
REVIEW ON SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
Maggie has her hands full with trying to sell her fathers pub in her childhood town of Carlingarry Crossing which isn’t doing well at all, a teenage son who wants to go back to Sydney and a husband who is still in Sydney and she just realising her marriage may be in trouble and a father with dementia.
Fiona has moved in with Maggie and Noah causing some rift between mother and son. I’m sure there is a lot more hiding in the past with Fiona’s mother, grandmother,
Maggie and Dan which I’m hoping to find out with the school reunion coming up.
Starting to get to the stage where I don’t want to put the book down (intriguing).
1:46 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
5:17 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
10:55 am
Magnificent read - Captivated from the start!
1:46 pm
sounds awesome and looks great
10:17 pm
Realistic characters and settings
8:45 am
Captivating
11:21 am
Great holiday read
5:17 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
11:13 pm
Simmering Season
7:21 pm
Simmering Season heated up this winters chill
1:38 pm
Interesting, compelling read that I really enjoyed.
11:48 am
Descriptive and Imaginative Writing :)
10:42 am
Enjoyable read with some really likeable characters.
5:27 pm
Simmering season lives up to its title
7:38 am
A sweet dramatic tale which is good for the ladies :)
11:54 pm
Thoroughly Enjoyed
5:36 pm
Enjoyable read.
11:58 am
Took me three days to finish this wonderful book.
2:13 pm
Loved it
11:30 am
FINAL REVIEW FOR SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
You will be on the edge of your seat, not been able to put the book down.
Enjoy the late night reading you won’t be disappointed.
10:36 pm
Great so far
11:12 am
It's ok
9:56 pm
I'm Hooked
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