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. 🙂
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 🙂
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!
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).
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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‘A Beautiful Adelaide Blend With A Lighter Alcohol Content!’
For lighter wines that still taste like the real deal, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened range is quickly becoming a go-to. These bottles bring all the flavour with noticeably less alcohol, which is why everyone’s falling in love with them.
Best SIPS’ Chapel Hill Enlightened Wines review team put the Rosé and Pinot Grigio through their paces, and the feedback was unanimous: both are fresh, light and perfect for summer sipping without the unwanted morning crogginess.
A rosé with summer written all over it
Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Rosé is bright, crisp and fruity, hitting all the right notes without tipping into the “too sweet” zone. It’s the kind of bottle you reach for at a casual barbecue or any get-together where you want something delicious but easygoing.
It’s exactly this balance of lightness and full flavour in an affordable bottle that has so many fans raving.
“Light, refreshing and honestly just feels like a little moment of peace in a glass. The flavour is this perfect mix of crisp + fruity without being too sweet — literally the kind of rosé you can sip while you finally sit down after a long day.”
A summer staple … on the lighter side
“Too many of these low alcohol wines just don’t taste enough like the real deal-but this is a sure fire exception. Beautifully refreshing, with a touch of sweetness that’s not overwhelming. A gorgeous colour too, which is a bonus- after all, we also drink either our eyes! Add into the mix a reasonable price point- this rose is a winner!”
“I love a nice glass of Rosé and the Chapel Hill Enlightened Rosé did not disappoint! It’s really light and refreshing and tastes like a really expensive wine. I love that this wine is really affordable, so I can enjoy a beautiful Rosé without breaking the bank more often. Definitely give this one a try!”
If your warm-weather wine rack needs an affordable new staple, this is it.
A Pinot Grigio you’ll be buying again (and again!)
For the white lovers, Chapel Hill’s Enlightened Pinot Grigio is a solid everyday white that ticks all the boxes: crisp, clean, food-friendly and affordable.
Our taste-testers repeatedly praised how balanced and versatile it feels, whether chilled on its own or alongside simple meals and casual gatherings.
“We love a white to pair with our spring/summer lunches and especially our seafood. This option ticked all the boxes …”
A versatile sip you’ll keep reaching for
“I enjoyed the first sip to the last of this Pinot. Anything with pear and citrus is something I want to try and this lived up to that, but with a lighter alcohol content – which I appreciate! Enjoyed over dinner, it paired really nicely with the food I was eating. This wine is something I’d happily recommend to others.”
“The wine offered just the right balance of fruity flavours – fresh and vibrant, but never overpowering or too sharp. It paired beautifully with both our light lunches and dinner, making every meal feel a bit more special. I also appreciated how crisp and refreshing it tasted, perfect for unwinding and enjoying good company. Definitely a Pinot Grigio I’d reach for again.”
Your lower-alcohol go-to
The team rates Enlightened wines 4.34 out of 5 and recommends them for anyone on the hunt for flavour-forward wine with less alcohol. They’re bright, modern and made for the kind of moments where you’d love a glass, but still want to feel good afterwards.
The warmer weather tends to make alcohol go to my head faster – I’m not a big drinker, but just for that reason I’d seriously consider a low alcohol wine. The Pinot Grigio particularly sound as if I might enjoy it. I might well buy a bottle or two for Christmas.
Looks delicious, would be keen to try their wines based off the reviews. Love anything local and the light wine is just an extra win – low alcohol content would be fab for nights with friends where we all still have to drive home afterwards so would be buying for that type of event!
Chapel Hill Wines do have quite a good reputation. I like the fact that it is low alcohol content. Personally, I like a very sweet wine but many would like these as they are not so sweet. I wish them well with sales and think it’s good they are doing something about lowering alcohol level.
Thanks for sharing this review. It sounds that the taste is good, the price is good and the alcohol content is really low indeed. I do like the fact that they’re light. One of the things I don’t like when you’re drinking a couple of glasses that it fills you up and it affects your appetite
I just asked the forum for recommendations on zero alcohol, but this is an attractive option as well! I do enjoy a Rose, so will try this one after all the positive reviews. It’s a shame they don’t have a sparkling in their collection yet! Would have been prefect for all the celebrating at this time of year.
I dislike rose, but the pinot grigio sounds like it might suit me. To be honest, the alcohol content doesn’t bother me all that much – I rarely drink more than a glass or two anyway – but it would probably be nice from a general health point of view to know I’m consuming less alcohol.
This sounds like the perfect glass. I do love being able to have a few drinks and not be all over the place about me. And as a bubbly girlie from Adelaide myself, I’m sure I’ll find a lot to like about this drop. Crisp and not too sweet, I’m sold and will have to try it.
It was the first time for me hearing about the chapel hill brand. And i still recall when i picked up the Pinot Grigio from my local, the staff there actually stopped me and said i picked a winner! She said that it was probably the best Pinot they had available to sell.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Chapel Hill wines and the reviews are always good. I like that they have low alcohol range as I like to have a few glasses when I finally get to have one. Not being too sweet is a bonus that suits me well.
The idea of having a lower alcohol content wine without compromising taste is really exciting. There’s nothing worse than feeling “under the weather” from the effects of alcohol. This lovely wine ticks all the boxes, lower alcohol and a refreshing flavour. I’m keen to get the Pinot Grigio in my cart and into my fridge!
This wine sounds delightful and really refreshing to enjoy on a summer afternoon. I love that it tastes fresh and crisp and still has the same punch as other wine. It sounds like an absolute delight. I will have to give it a try next time i am at the bottle shop looking for some wine.
7:21 pm
Simmering Season heated up this winters chill
11:54 pm
Thoroughly Enjoyed
2:13 pm
Loved it
9:30 pm
11:30 am
FINAL REVIEW FOR SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
6:00 pm
first review for Simmering season
5:17 pm
REVIEW ON SIMMERING SEASON BY JENN J MCLEOD
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
10:36 pm
Great so far
11:12 am
It's ok
9:56 pm
I'm Hooked
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