Journey's End in Aussie Readers

Feb 29, 2016 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, net-galley, contemporary-fiction, read-on-kindle, own-read, arc, 2016-release

Two years after the news of Kim Sullivan’s husband, Connor’s tragic death, she and her two children, Jake and Abbey had yet to come to terms with his loss. Jake especially was taking it hard – acting up at school, surly and fighting with both his school friends and his mother and sister. Kim was at her wits end. Her decision to take the children to Journey’s End, the rundown farm Connor had inherited years earlier and which the family had loved was one born of desperation. She knew the farm had Two years after the news of Kim Sullivan’s husband, Connor’s tragic death, she and her two children, Jake and Abbey had yet to come to terms with his loss. Jake especially was taking it hard – acting up at school, surly and fighting with both his school friends and his mother and sister. Kim was at her wits end. Her decision to take the children to Journey’s End, the rundown farm Connor had inherited years earlier and which the family had loved was one born of desperation. She knew the farm had to be sold, but as they set the place ready for sale, she was hopeful of the family finding some peace.

Journey’s End was on the outskirts of the small town of Tingo and an hour from Wingham in country New South Wales. When the natural beauty of the mountains, the wildlife and bush captivated Kim and the children, Kim decided to take a year from her job as botanist in Sydney so they could immerse themselves in the healing of the countryside. When the children settled into the Tingo Primary School they immediately made friends – Kim’s heart was happy to see Jake back to his old self.

Into her life came Ben, the real estate agent she was discussing the sale of Journey’s End with; and Taj, the local handyman who had a deep affinity with animals and knew the bush inside out. Kim’s desire to continue with Connor’s work in rewilding Journey’s End was helped by Taj – but not everyone was happy with what Kim and Taj were doing. And while Kim fought with her lingering grief, she was also aware that Taj had dark secrets of his own. Jake and Abbey had settled into Journey’s End as if they’d never been anywhere else – but could Kim do the same? Then with a shocking swiftness danger circled them – there was anger and bitterness; the threats left Kim shaken. Were her dreams to come to nothing?

Journey’s End by Aussie author Jennifer Scoullar is, in my humble opinion, this author’s best yet! I absolutely loved it – the beauty of the farm; the waterfall and the river; the mountains and the magnificent views; the animals and vegetation – all brought to life by the author’s beautifully descriptive words. There was also a deep love between Kim and her children, as well as Kim’s friendship with Daisy – all the characters were brought to life in a realistic way. Filled with heartbreak and loss, hope, friendship and love, Journey’s End is one I highly recommend to all.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
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Jul 20, 2016 Janine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is the first book I have read by local author Jennifer Scoullar - and it certainly won't be the last. After Kim's husband is killed in Afghanistan her life is in tatters, with the impact of this affecting her son Jake and daughter Abbey. Jake is finding it increasingly hard without his dad and his behaviour at school and his grades Kim decides to take the whole family to Journey's end with the idea being, to do some surface repairs readying it for sale, as without her husband, the dream the ...more

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May 23, 2016 Tien rated it really liked it

Shelves: womens-lit, australian-author, australia

Jennifer Scoullar did not disappoint with her latest instalment. I’d expected lots of environmental titbits and I definitely got that and more! This time, even as she’s garnering support for the regeneration of Australian nature, she’s also explored elsewhere for a little. I’ve read 3 of her novels so far and each contained different animals to be appreciated and preserved. I think I’ve enjoyed Journey’s End most because of the chosen animal here is closer to my personal preference. I know I’m b ...more

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Aug 12, 2019 Lauredhel added it · review of another edition

Shelves: australian-women-writers-challenge, australian, aww2019

There's something about Scoullar's writing - it's so smooooth. I read this in one sitting. Her love of Australian nature and a balanced ecosystem comes through so strongly and authentically, as does her disdain for those who would destroy it. Just a pleasure to read.

CONTENT NOTE (view spoiler). There's a HEA, but I wouldn't really classify this Romance; more Romantic Elements. ...more

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