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Review SIMMERING SEASON by Jenn J McLeod published by Simon & Schuster

SIMMERING SEASON by Jenn J McLeod published by Simon & Schuster
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SIMMERING SEASON by Jenn J McLeod published by Simon & Schuster :
4.08 out of 5 based on 36 reviews.
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SIMMERING SEASON

by Jenn J McLeod

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.

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$29.99 paperback,  $17.99 eBook

Available as eBook or paperback from your prefered book retailer.

Published 25th March 2014

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  • Simmering Season heated up this winters chill

    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 .

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  • Thoroughly Enjoyed

    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. :)

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  • Loved it

    Very interesting book. I was lost though in the beginning but after a few chapters I was right on track. Would definately pass this on.

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  • great book. i thought maggie was a great character, she stands up for what she thinks is right.
    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 :)

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  • 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.

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  • first review for Simmering season

    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!

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  • REVIEW ON SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD

    Approaching chapter 16 the plot finally thickens,
    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).

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  • sounds awesome and looks great

    sounds awesome and looks great

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  • I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

    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.

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  • Magnificent read - Captivated from the start!

    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.

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  • sounds awesome and looks great

    sounds awesome and looks great

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  • Realistic characters and settings

    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.

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  • Captivating

    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.

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  • Great holiday read

    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

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  • I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

    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.

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  • Simmering Season

    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.

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  • Simmering Season heated up this winters chill

    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 .

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    book?
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  • 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.

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  • Descriptive and Imaginative Writing :)

    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. :)

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  • 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.

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  • Simmering season lives up to its title

    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.

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  • 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 :)

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  • Thoroughly Enjoyed

    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. :)

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  • Enjoyable read.

    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

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  • Took me three days to finish this wonderful book.

    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.

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  • Loved it

    Very interesting book. I was lost though in the beginning but after a few chapters I was right on track. Would definately pass this on.

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  • 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.

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    book?
    Would you recommend
    to a friend?
    Would you read more
    by this author?

  • Great so far

    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.:)

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  • It's ok

    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.

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  • I'm Hooked

    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 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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  • 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

  • Looking forward to summer catch ups! Its always the best time to just chill

    Reply
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