by Jenn J McLeod
RRP $24.99
Bequeathed a century-old house, four estranged friends return to their home town, Calingarry Crossing, where each must stay for a season at The Dandelion House to fulfil the wishes of their benefactor, Gypsy.
But coming home to the country stirs shameful memories of the past, including the tragic end-of-school muck up day accident twenty years earlier.
Sara, a breast cancer survivor afraid to fall in love; Poppy, a tough, ambitious journo still craving her father’s approval; Amber, a spoilt socialite addicted to painkillers and cosmetic procedures Caitlin, a doctor frustrated by her controlling.
At The Dandelion House, the women will discover something about themselves and a secret that ties all four to each other and to the house – forever.
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I thought the book was just ok. I enjoyed the first character but felt the rest kind of dragged on a bit and I wanted to just get to the point. I could not relate to some of the characters which left me at a loss. I probably would not recommend it to my friends. I was excited to read it from the description but felt it didnt live up to my expectations.
Thank you for the chance to read it though 🙂
Well ladies, I received the book and had it completed in 4 days – which is a rarity for me. I’m normally one of the last to make comment but was emailing Beauty and Lace to find the link as I thought I’d misplaced it. Thanks Anne for helping me out.
I really enjoyed the story and all the characters – with their flaws and personal discoveries along the way. Jenn J McLeod had me curious as to how the accident happened and why these friends had separated and not spoken in 20 years. I got carried away with Poppy, Sara, Amber and Caitlin and enjoyed the character differences – it reminded me that sometimes our friends have characteristics that we are lacking and that is what attracts us to them to start with.
Gypsy is a character I loved. We didn’t meet her but her involvement in the girls lives is evident. She would be one I’d love to know more about. She was such a support to the girls as they were growing up, and in her passing, provided them each an opportunity to make connections with their past – loves, losses, missed opportunities and also to understand where their futures are heading. She gave love and support without expectations.She sounds like a lady I would like to have around.
I always enjoy a story set in and around Australia and this one didn’t let me down. It allows us to laugh at ourselves and our Aussie-ness.
I have already passed it onto friends – loved it Jenn. Will look forward to your next book. Congrats on the debut!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although as previous reviews have pointed out, it did get a little slow in parts.
It was a lovely story and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for something light.
Gypsy just seemed to be the glue that held the whole thing together, yet she really wasn’t in the book. The four women had to confront their pasts and embrace who they truly were, with guidance from beyond the grave, or so it would appear.
House for all seasons was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it for light hearted chic-lit. I thought the story was quite clever in how it used the seasons to tell each characters story and how Gypsy had orchestrated their reconciliation from beyond the grave. She obviously recognised each girls issues and angst when they were younger and hoped to fix it in her own way. But how much influence she had on what happened to them during their stays, we don’t really know.
Here is where I find fault with the book. It’s almost as if the author lost interest or rushed it. Each character’s time at the house seemed shorter and shorter. I ‘felt’ Sara was there for 3 months but by the time we got to Caitlin I had to check back as I honestly thought she was only there a week. I also felt that Poppy and Ambers stories were told within the first 2 weeks of their stay’. This was a shame for me as I think there was so much more scope.
I found many unanswered or ambiguous questions. Did Sara stay on with Will or go back to the city? Was Alex really gay or just joking as he seemed to do about many things? Does Caitlin always trust so easily? Did Eli exist or was he a result of Poppy’s medication? I could go on, hence why I think serious readers would not like this book.
Like I said enjoyable and quite funny in places but just lacking depth.
This was a great Australian read. I loved the country life they portrayed and the women going back to the town they grew up in to my peace with themselves and what happened in their lives growing up there. The characters were left a house by their childhood friend’s mother Gypsy. They were described well with interesting personalities. I questioned if some of the characters were spirits and not really there. It seemed convenient that each woman staying had a different person involved in the upkeep of Gypsy’s house. Resolving their past issues and making amends to some of the people hurt by their actions was a gentle enjoyable read. I would recommend it, not too heavy, just right.
I quite enjoyed this book. I found it very easy to read but as many have noted it did drag in parts.
Besides that, I loved the characters and getting to know these 4 girls. It is amazing how 4 very close friends can grow up and change so much.
I enjoyed the pairings of characters however there were a few parts in the book that were a tad too predictable.
I felt a real magical feeling playing it’s part in the background which I quite enjoyed.
It was overall a very light and pleasant read, I would recommend this to others for something a little out of the ordinary.
This book reminds me of when i was younger how close i was to my friends . I really enjoyed reading this book back in a country Australian life style i could relate abit with these 4 friends i just found it was lacking abit of depth i really wanted to get into the characters but over all i absolutly luved it i passed it on to my girlfriend she getting right into it now she can’t put it down just like me can’t wait for the next one bring it on
Hello lovely B&L members,
It’s been a huge month for me so I am just now stopping by to let you know how much I appreciate the time you’ve invested—first in reading House for all Seasons, and then reviewing it here on B&L. Thirty-eight reviews is a wonderful sample and with so many similar comments it’s a great indication of overall reader enjoyment.
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What I loved more than anything is the very clever précis of the story that so many of you provided. Do you know how big a struggle it is for an author to write a short synopsis of their story? It stumps the very best. (I sure know where to come next time I need to do one!!) Hearing your re-telling of the story and your amazing understanding of the characters and their struggles warmed me to my toes. (Unless that was a hot flush I was having at the time!!!!)
I see a few of you have joined me on my Facebook page and I love that. Welcome. (I even met a member f2f at my local shops. What a thrill.) Now I am about to dive into the editing process for The Simmering Season. It’s another Calingarry Crossing novel because while writing House for all Seasons, I’m afraid I also fell in love with Calingarry Crossing and did not want to leave. But alas, the story needed to end.
Regards, Jenn J McLeod
Facebook FYI https://www.facebook.com/JennJMcLeod.Books?ref=hl
How lovely to get a response to our reviews from the author. I look forward to reading Shimmering Season. Any idea of the likely publishing date?
I wasn’t lucky enough to receive this book to read but after reading the reviews it sounds like a book I’m going to have to grab for myself.
I also have to say I think it’s a lovely touch Jenn J McLeod, for you to come onto the forum and thank the B&L reviewers for their time and effort….you can tell you’re sincere and truly appreciate their opinions. You’ve made a new fan here!
It’s lovely to connect with readers. Readers is why authors write and to read some of those reviews, where the person totally got the tiniest plot detail and the character’s motivations gave me goosebumps. You can connect anytime with me. I set up a Reading Parlour on my website for people to ask questions or leave comments (no spoilers though!). As for The Simmering Season, it will be out March next yea, Margo.
I am looking forward to next March then 🙂