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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Genius Beach And Pool Tips Every Aussie Mum Should Know
Summer beach and pool days are core childhood memory creators, but getting the kids out the door, not so much! From wrestling wriggly toddlers into rashies to arguing with teens trying to dodge sunscreen and cramming half the house into the car, the exhaustion can kick in before we’ve even set foot on the sand!
But there are some very clever tips that will make even the most stressful summer days smooth sailing – and the Mouths of Mums community know them all! Which is why we asked our mums for their hints, hacks and tips – from sand removal to stress-free sunscreen application (we’re going to introduce you to the fabulous new Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Sprays that will make your life so much easier).
You’ll want to take note before you next hit the beach or pool!
Pack Smart, Not Big
Do you feel like you take waaayyy too much when you head to the beach or pool, and then you seem to forget a couple of key things that would have made life so much easier?
Our Mouths of Mums community swear by this fab list of essentials which should be in every mum’s beach kit, and
A plastic bag for wet towels and bathers
A dry bag for clothes
A bucket or basin to wash off sandy toys
A ‘clean zone’, sand-free blanket or mat for eating and changing
A pop-up tent for changing
Waterproof phone case
Talcum powder to get sticky, wet sand off little feet. Just pop it on and brush it off – it’s magic!
A hand-held car vac for quick sand cleanups!
“The amount of times my kids have gone home in wet chafing swimming costumes because they didn’t want anyone to see them changing is unbelievable! Our pop up tent has been life changing! We all drive home comfy and cosy! Lastly, a sand proof picnic blanket is so perfect for a sand reprieve! The sand literally falls right through them!” – MoM Member
Get Safety Sorted Before The Fun Starts
It’s pretty hard to get the kids’ attention once you’re at the beach or pool, so the safety talk should really start at home. Our mums recommend chatting to the kids about:
Swimming between the flags at the beach
Setting a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated
Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. And set alarms to reapply every two hours throughout the day. Reapply immediately after swimming or using a towel.
Applying sunscreen at the start of the day and regularly throughout is so important, but it usually causes the most arguments. Kids don’t want to stop, teens assure you they ‘did it already’.
That’s where Banana Boat’s new SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ actually makes a difference. The iconic sunscreen brand has just launched its newest product, which turns sunscreen time into something simple and fun. It’s an easy and convenient way to tick off sun safety – which isn’t always easy when it comes to kids!
Why Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Spray makes sunscreen easier
The Smart Control Spray gives you the choice of a short spray for tricky spots or a long spray for larger areas like those wiggly little legs, making application simple and convenient. It also sprays from any angle – just spray, rub in and you’re ready for playtime.
Clear, lightweight formula that absorbs fast and with no greasy feel.
SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 4-hour water resistant.
Kids SmartMist™ is mild and gentle for kid’s sensitive skin, fragrance free and contains Aloe and Vitamin E.
Sport SmartMist™ features high-performance Powerstay Technology™, designed to stay on through sweat and water.
Banana Boat SmartMist makes those important sunscreen stops much easier and effective and is perfect for active Aussie families this summer.
Prep & Time It Perfectly
There’s nothing worse than kids itching to get to the beach while you’re trying to remember everything you need to pack – it makes everyone frazzled. So get prepped early – even the night before. And time your departure to minimise the amount of time in the car (and the amount of times the kids ask ‘are we there yet?!’.
“Packing the car the night before, always a huge help getting the bucket, cabana, and bag of spare clothes/towels in the boot. We usually leave straight after breakfast to avoid heavy traffic as the beach is an hour away.” – MoM Member
Pack Smart Snacks
Snacks are a must, but it can be tricky to know what’s going to survive a hot, Aussie summer day – and what’s good for hungry tummies. Here’s what our mums recommend:
Chopped fruit
Crackers
Boiled eggs
Drink bottles that have been frozen overnight
“We have a few allergies/intolerances, so being prepared with food is helpful and saves us the search and some money. I pre-chop carrots, cucumber, apples, boiled egg, in a handy separating container, a packet of chips, dip, and bring water bottles. If it’s a longer day planned at the beach I’ll bring lunch too.” – MoM Member
A chaos-free beach day. Yes please!
You don’t need a military-style plan to enjoy a sunny day out. A beach trolley, some prep, and an easy sunscreen like SmartMist™ are enough to help things run calmly – or at least calm-ish!
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every 2 hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.
Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Banana Boat to bring you this article.
My biggest tip is to be very clear who’s watching the kids, especially when they’re in the water. Like, actually verbally hand over and make sure it’s acknowledged if you’re going somewhere (like to the bathroom). That can definitely save lives, but also save panics about lost kids in crowded spaces.
Some really good tips here! I had no idea about the talcum powder hack – who would have known! That is amazing and I will definitely try it next time we go to the beach! It is definitely worthwhile getting things ready the night before though, especially if you want to leave before midnight lol.
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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