Journey's End

by Jennifer L. Place

Quinn Delaney is dying, and is determined to solve a thirty-year-old mystery. Declan Gray, prominent clothing designer and millionaire, disappeared in 1903, never to be seen or heard from again.

Now, along with his grandson Aidan, Quinn returns to his best friend’s estate, Journey’s End, so that he may begin saying his goodbyes. Recounting the tragic events that shaped Declan’s life to his grandson, Quinn and Aidan grow even closer together.

When Aidan stumbles upon a journal, Quinn wonders if he might finally find the answers to the whereabouts of his long lost friend. Set in the historic Hudson River Valley, Journey’s End narrates a story of friendship, family, love, loss and hope.

178 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Penny Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true love story that spans generations, this book has it all. I fell in love with the characters from the start of the book. It is a book of friendship, love, loss, forgiveness, and finally life eternal. It shows how you need to live life each day as if it were your last and that family is the most important thing. Also, that money may buy things but friendship and love are everlasting.
The relationship that Declan has with his family is amazing. They didn't have much in the way of material things but they made up for it in love. Without Quinn and his family Declan would not have survived his tragic loss. Over the years Declan and Quinn's friendship goes through many stages. Declan never forgot where he came from and always thought of others.
I can say that I was crying while reading some of this wonderful book because I got lost in the characters lives. The love that Declan found with Eilanoir transcended time. She was his soul mate.
And finally, the relationship Quinn and his grandson,Aidan have is so special. It reminded me of my relationship with my own grandfather. Those who are fortunate to have grandparents in their lives need to listen and learn what they teach us and love,family, and friendship are all powerful and should never be forgotten.
I recommend this book to everyone!

[Jessica]

The title of Journey’s End describes many things about this book. It was a place and that estate became a character in itself and it was a state of being for the main characters of Quinn Delaney and Declan Gray. Set in the Hudson Valley in the alternating times of the late 1800s/early 1900s and the 1930s, Journey’s End describes the tragic life of Declan Gray through the stories that his best friend Quinn Delaney relates to his grandson, Aiden. When Aiden discovers Declan’s lost diary, he gives his dying grandfather one of his last wishes, to know what actually happened to Declan when he disappeared 30 years previous. The heart of this novel are the relationships and I wish I could have had more time to delve into them. This is where I felt Ms. Place might have rushed herself. I wanted to see more of the interactions between Quinn and Declan, Declan and his wife, and Declan and his spunky business partner. The only relationship that felt truly satisfying was between Quinn and Aiden and I still would have liked more time with them. Still, Journey’s End is a unique and heartfelt story with above average writing. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes character-driven period pieces.

*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some odd reason (blame the dystopian novels I have been reading lately), I had thought the theme would be a time travel novel. It isn't. What it is though is an absorbing and bittersweet trip through a life time of memories and a mystery to be solved. An old man brings his grandson on a trip to an old family home where they find a hidden diary that finally solves a mystery from long ago. I enjoyed how the author blended past and present and developed the relationship between grandfather and grandson. I would have liked to have delved more into Declan's life on how he overcame hardships and his later life. Hmmm maybe a sequel?

[Joan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply LOVED it!

From the beginning to end I was captured and wanting more. What a delicious story that grew more and more engrossing as it went on. I could not put it down. What I enjoyed most was the beautiful descriptions of places, feelings and emotions that made me want more right from the beginning. Write some more like this. The best I've read since my love of Mave Binchy, my favorite novelist, kept me wanting more!

[Helen Abagael Ann D'Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story

The author's writing made me feel like I was immersed in the story with Aiden and Quinn. The book is not my usual chosen genre, but I'm happy I stepped out to try something different.

[Jenn]

didn't finish didn't catch my interest

[Mary Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for book club. We invited the author and she came and discussed the book with us and answered our questions. We had a lovely evening with her and really enjoyed her company. This is the second book that we have read by her and the first book was well worth reading as well, that book is called Building 51, a must read!!! She is truly an awesome person and writer. Looking forward to reading more of her books and I highly recommend you take the time to give her a chance. You will enjoy her reads. She has such an imagination and draws you in to the characters lives. Have fun reading and going on adventures with Jennifer Place and her characters.