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The Swallow's Fall #5
The House at the End of the Street
Bestselling Australian author Jennie Jones takes us back to Swallow's Fall for one more story: Gemma has a burning need to stay and make a home. All Josh has ever wanted is to get out. Now he has the chance, and all he needs to do is tie up a few loose ends ... Gemma Munroe loves hard, laughs hard and plays hard. Or at least she did before today. Her dream is finally within her grasp, owning the toy shop in Swallow's Fall and establishing herself permanently. Only one person has the power to get in her way: Josh Rutherford the love of her life who kissed her and left her ten years ago is coming home. Josh will be in town for five days. Only five days. He'll finally sever the ties to a youth filled with poverty by selling the properties that are now his. He's returning healthy, wealthy and emotionally stable, and then he'll leave forever. It's all in the plan. Everything ... except for Gem. He never forgot her, but he definitely forgot the effect she has on him. Now she's got problems, and he can't seem to leave without trying to help her solve them. The town itself also has its own plans: Gemma and Josh are thrown together in Speed, Date fiascos, kissing experiments, bar fights and an issue with the North Star Josh's compass and the road to his next adventure. Seven weeks later Josh is still in town. Gem has to get through her best friends' wedding and Josh has to get over Gem. Because he's not staying. Is he?
396 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
26 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Jennie Jones
18 books201 followersJennie Jones has been professionally involved in the arts most of her life. Theatre by theatre, stage by stage and later, book by book. From Wales to London to Auckland to Australia.
Jennie lives in Perth, Western Australia and remains a countryfied girl at heart. She has a passion for stately homes and rustic cottages, is fond of collecting too many vintage wares, has numerous pot plants she’s learning how to keep alive, and is happiest when writing stories about life, love, and everything between.
Jennie lives in Perth, Western Australia and remains a countryfied girl at heart. She has a passion for stately homes and rustic cottages, is fond of collecting too many vintage wares, has numerous pot plants she’s learning how to keep alive, and is happiest when writing stories about life, love, and everything between.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 27, 2015
Gemma Munroe knew Josh was coming home to Swallow’s Fall – but it was only for a few days while he tidied up business. He owned the toy shop in the town and had no idea that it was his old friend Gemma who wanted to buy it. Josh Rutherford had left the town ten years previously; her heart had been broken and he hadn’t contacted her or any of his friends from the town in the time he was away. The kiss he had left her with was fresh in her mind – when she thought about it. Which was often; but she only admitted that to herself.
The shock Josh felt when he first spotted Gemma hit him hard enough to take his breath away. He had no idea she was still in town. But he remembered her; he hadn’t forgotten her over the years. As Josh reacquainted himself with the town and its people, he realized that not that much had changed. But he also knew he wouldn’t stay – he couldn’t stay; he needed to keep moving; keep following his North Star.
Gradually the days Josh was staying in town stretched out; there were things to do – people to help. And when the unexpected happened and Gemma was in trouble, Josh knew he had to help her. But with the torment and stress of what was happening, Gemma also had to harden her heart; lock the door and keep her resolve strong – Josh was leaving town and she was staying. That’s just the way it would be…
What a delightful final story in the Swallow’s Fall series by Aussie author Jennie Jones. I thoroughly enjoyed it; laughed out loud at some of their antics, commiserated at their issues. I loved Edie – she is a great character! A mixture of love, loyalty, family and friendship makes up The House at the End of the Street, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
The shock Josh felt when he first spotted Gemma hit him hard enough to take his breath away. He had no idea she was still in town. But he remembered her; he hadn’t forgotten her over the years. As Josh reacquainted himself with the town and its people, he realized that not that much had changed. But he also knew he wouldn’t stay – he couldn’t stay; he needed to keep moving; keep following his North Star.
Gradually the days Josh was staying in town stretched out; there were things to do – people to help. And when the unexpected happened and Gemma was in trouble, Josh knew he had to help her. But with the torment and stress of what was happening, Gemma also had to harden her heart; lock the door and keep her resolve strong – Josh was leaving town and she was staying. That’s just the way it would be…
What a delightful final story in the Swallow’s Fall series by Aussie author Jennie Jones. I thoroughly enjoyed it; laughed out loud at some of their antics, commiserated at their issues. I loved Edie – she is a great character! A mixture of love, loyalty, family and friendship makes up The House at the End of the Street, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
December 2, 2015
Four and a half stars.
My book was not an e book but a paperback with the same cover.
Gemma Munroe and Josh Rutherford have a history from the time they were young. Gemma wants to always stay in Swallow’s Fall, whereas Josh comes home after ten years only to tie up some business deals including the sale of the toy shop before planning to quickly leave again. Gemma meanwhile is hoping to buy the toy shop which unknown to Josh she has been running. Shortage of finances is her problem.
What to say about Gemma and Josh? Sometimes I became exasperated with both of them for their stubbornness, but on the whole I liked them as characters. There are some amusing moments in this novel and some that will anger. Like all good stories there is a villain and he is a nasty piece of work.
I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the Swallows Fall series, so maybe I didn’t understand quite how a place with a population of 129 people could possibly support a toy shop, but that is a minor quibble in what, on the whole, is a delightful story. I liked the Alpine setting around Cooma area and many of the characters. Like any town, Swallows Fall has its secrets which are uncovered in time.
I actually read this book after putting side another book I was reading because it was negatively affecting my mood and leaving me depressed. This story was just the pick me up I needed. It is an entertaining read.
My book was not an e book but a paperback with the same cover.
Gemma Munroe and Josh Rutherford have a history from the time they were young. Gemma wants to always stay in Swallow’s Fall, whereas Josh comes home after ten years only to tie up some business deals including the sale of the toy shop before planning to quickly leave again. Gemma meanwhile is hoping to buy the toy shop which unknown to Josh she has been running. Shortage of finances is her problem.
What to say about Gemma and Josh? Sometimes I became exasperated with both of them for their stubbornness, but on the whole I liked them as characters. There are some amusing moments in this novel and some that will anger. Like all good stories there is a villain and he is a nasty piece of work.
I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the Swallows Fall series, so maybe I didn’t understand quite how a place with a population of 129 people could possibly support a toy shop, but that is a minor quibble in what, on the whole, is a delightful story. I liked the Alpine setting around Cooma area and many of the characters. Like any town, Swallows Fall has its secrets which are uncovered in time.
I actually read this book after putting side another book I was reading because it was negatively affecting my mood and leaving me depressed. This story was just the pick me up I needed. It is an entertaining read.
October 20, 2019
The House at the End of the Street is book five in the Swallows Fall series by Jennie Jones. Gemma Munroe dreams were to purchase the Toy store she is working at in Swallows Fall. However, before Gemma could implement her plans, the owner's son, Josh Rutherford, arrived in Swallows Fall to sell the shop. The readers of The House at the End of the Street will continue to follow Gemma and Josh to find if Gemma fulfils her dreams.
The House at the End of the Street is another fantastic book by Jennie Jones. The House at the End of the Street is the last one in this series, and I am sad to say goodbye to the lovely characters of Swallows Fall. The way that Jennie Jones portrays her characters allows me to engage with them from the start. I love the interaction between the characters that complement the plot of this book well. The House at the End of the Street is well written and researched by Jennie Jones.
The readers of The House at the End of the Street will learn about running a toy store in a small rural town. Also, the readers of The House at the End of the Street will understand the problems that children have when they do not have a stable home life.
I recommend this book.
The House at the End of the Street is another fantastic book by Jennie Jones. The House at the End of the Street is the last one in this series, and I am sad to say goodbye to the lovely characters of Swallows Fall. The way that Jennie Jones portrays her characters allows me to engage with them from the start. I love the interaction between the characters that complement the plot of this book well. The House at the End of the Street is well written and researched by Jennie Jones.
The readers of The House at the End of the Street will learn about running a toy store in a small rural town. Also, the readers of The House at the End of the Street will understand the problems that children have when they do not have a stable home life.
I recommend this book.
November 18, 2017
Josh had been so much part of the series growing up from a seventeen year old whom Ethan Granger (hero of book one) had taken under his wing to teach carpentry to the dashing, twenty-three year old, hard-working bartender in book three, that I missed him so much in book four and was so glad he had a book of his own with Gemma Munroe, the teenager who always had a crush on him.
Soon after he'd impulsively kissed Gemma, Josh had left town without a word to her or to anyone and for the past ten years, he hadn't looked back on anyone of them. Up until now Josh's lawyers and trustees were handling his properties - his mother's house and the toy shop that she owned, which she'd bought from Gemma's mother, and which Gemma wanted to buy back. Gemma too, had left Swallows Fall few years after Josh had left and went to Paris to learn art, but returned three years before to Swallows Fall after she'd been cheated of money by the man she was planning to marry
Josh, now thirty-three, is back in Swallow Falls for a short while to sell his house and the toy shop and finds himself in receipt of a cold welcome from Gemma and most of the town people. It broke my heart to see Daniel Rutherford treating Josh so coldly considering the two of them made such a good team in book three. Glad they came around later on in the book.
I was also moved by the warm welcome Ethan and Sammy Granger gave Josh, even though, like the others had been hurt by his leaving. Their nine year old daughter, Edie, was too adorable. Loved how sweetly she bonded with Josh.
For some reason, as much as I liked Josh's interaction with everyone, I couldn't get into whatever was going on between him and Gemma for a major part of the book. It didn't take Gemma long to realize that she never stopped loving Josh and he too, had similar feelings for her, but both wanted to nip it as they both knew he was going to leave soon. So, for a while there was a cat and mouse game going on between the two and mindless chatter. It only started to get intense once they made love, spoke about why he'd left then realized no matter how much they loved each other he would always leave and she would never leave SF bringing on an angst between then.
And, then there was the shocking revelation of Josh's paternity. But, a very welcoming one.
Like all the books in this series, this one was also an enjoyable read. Very sad to see the series come to an end. Had come to love Swallows Fall and its residents, whether good, bad or eccentric.
Soon after he'd impulsively kissed Gemma, Josh had left town without a word to her or to anyone and for the past ten years, he hadn't looked back on anyone of them. Up until now Josh's lawyers and trustees were handling his properties - his mother's house and the toy shop that she owned, which she'd bought from Gemma's mother, and which Gemma wanted to buy back. Gemma too, had left Swallows Fall few years after Josh had left and went to Paris to learn art, but returned three years before to Swallows Fall after she'd been cheated of money by the man she was planning to marry
Josh, now thirty-three, is back in Swallow Falls for a short while to sell his house and the toy shop and finds himself in receipt of a cold welcome from Gemma and most of the town people. It broke my heart to see Daniel Rutherford treating Josh so coldly considering the two of them made such a good team in book three. Glad they came around later on in the book.
I was also moved by the warm welcome Ethan and Sammy Granger gave Josh, even though, like the others had been hurt by his leaving. Their nine year old daughter, Edie, was too adorable. Loved how sweetly she bonded with Josh.
For some reason, as much as I liked Josh's interaction with everyone, I couldn't get into whatever was going on between him and Gemma for a major part of the book. It didn't take Gemma long to realize that she never stopped loving Josh and he too, had similar feelings for her, but both wanted to nip it as they both knew he was going to leave soon. So, for a while there was a cat and mouse game going on between the two and mindless chatter. It only started to get intense once they made love, spoke about why he'd left then realized no matter how much they loved each other he would always leave and she would never leave SF bringing on an angst between then.
And, then there was the shocking revelation of Josh's paternity. But, a very welcoming one.
Like all the books in this series, this one was also an enjoyable read. Very sad to see the series come to an end. Had come to love Swallows Fall and its residents, whether good, bad or eccentric.
July 27, 2015
We first were introduced to Josh's character in book one of the Swallow's Fall series (The House On Burra Burra Lane). At seventeen the story had Josh at the time working odd jobs, while looking after his mother Patricia. Many books later, in The House At The End Of The Street, we see Josh portrayed at age thirty-three. Gemma is introduced into the series at age eleven in the first book (Burra) and now portrayed at twenty-seven. Between the two of these characters, there's a mountain of history, drama and events throughout the series that come to fruition in this chapter of the series. The House At The End Of The Street contains even more shocks with stunningly brilliant characters that entertained this reader immensely and left me completely swooning :D
Josh - just wow. He is portrayed powerfully right along with Gemma and their reunion after ten years, soccer ball included, was hilarious :)
The twins Jess and Jillian Tillman - their conversations were a bit like a tennis match - except your reading their retorts not watching tennis balls back and forth LOL
5Stars
*Review copy received from Harlequin Australia for an honest review
Josh - just wow. He is portrayed powerfully right along with Gemma and their reunion after ten years, soccer ball included, was hilarious :)
The twins Jess and Jillian Tillman - their conversations were a bit like a tennis match - except your reading their retorts not watching tennis balls back and forth LOL
5Stars
*Review copy received from Harlequin Australia for an honest review
December 7, 2019
Great book hopefully another one to continue
July 31, 2015
This whole series has been great. Jennie Jones writes really likeable characters, she provides everything you want in a romantic novel without the eyerolling induced by others in this category. well done Ms Jones, I look forward to your next creation.
October 20, 2017
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Gemma Munroe loves hard, laughs hard and plays hard. Or at least she did before today. Her dream is finally within her grasp – owning the toy shop in Swallow’s Fall and establishing herself permanently. Only one person has the power to get in her way: Josh Rutherford – the love of her life who kissed her and left her ten years ago is coming home.
Josh will be in town for five days. Only five days. He’ll finally sever the ties to a youth filled with poverty by selling the properties that are now his. He’s returning healthy, wealthy and emotionally stable, and then he’ll leave forever. It’s all in the plan. Everything…except for Gem. He never forgot her, but he definitely forgot the effect she has on him. Now she’s got problems, and he can’t seem to leave without trying to help her solve them.
The town itself also has its own plans: Gemma and Josh are thrown together in Speed-Date fiascos, kissing experiments, bar fights and an issue with the North Star – Josh’s compass and the road to his next adventure. Seven weeks later Josh is still in town. Gem has to get through her best friends’ wedding and Josh has to get over Gem. Because he’s not staying. Is he?
This is Book 5 in the Swallows Fall series. It is the second book I have read in this series.
And I did like it better than the previous one. The biggest problem I had with the other book was the reasons for the conflict in the story - this one seems much more natural and resonated with me more.
Like the previous book I read, this has all the hallmarks of a great Australian rural romance novel: great characters, beautiful setting, believable dialogue and heart-warming romance and much more...
I won't say too much more about it except to say...
Go read this series!
Paul
ARH
Gemma Munroe loves hard, laughs hard and plays hard. Or at least she did before today. Her dream is finally within her grasp – owning the toy shop in Swallow’s Fall and establishing herself permanently. Only one person has the power to get in her way: Josh Rutherford – the love of her life who kissed her and left her ten years ago is coming home.
Josh will be in town for five days. Only five days. He’ll finally sever the ties to a youth filled with poverty by selling the properties that are now his. He’s returning healthy, wealthy and emotionally stable, and then he’ll leave forever. It’s all in the plan. Everything…except for Gem. He never forgot her, but he definitely forgot the effect she has on him. Now she’s got problems, and he can’t seem to leave without trying to help her solve them.
The town itself also has its own plans: Gemma and Josh are thrown together in Speed-Date fiascos, kissing experiments, bar fights and an issue with the North Star – Josh’s compass and the road to his next adventure. Seven weeks later Josh is still in town. Gem has to get through her best friends’ wedding and Josh has to get over Gem. Because he’s not staying. Is he?
This is Book 5 in the Swallows Fall series. It is the second book I have read in this series.
And I did like it better than the previous one. The biggest problem I had with the other book was the reasons for the conflict in the story - this one seems much more natural and resonated with me more.
Like the previous book I read, this has all the hallmarks of a great Australian rural romance novel: great characters, beautiful setting, believable dialogue and heart-warming romance and much more...
I won't say too much more about it except to say...
Go read this series!
Paul
ARH
August 19, 2017
Librarians please note: this book published by Harlequin has 283 pages, not 223
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: contemporary Australian romance
Review: OMGosh this was such a cute book! I found it randomly at the library and the synopsis won me over. Didn't know anything about the series or the author but I'm so glad I picked this up. This was such a nice, easy, quick read. You can definitely read this in a day on a holiday or a weekend. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series but this book could be read as a stand alone and I didn't have any trouble picking up the characters in the town.
Josh and Gem have always loved each other, but after 10 years of separation the world has thrust them back together again. Now one of the will have to give up what they want if they want to be together, or choose to let go of the only thing they've ever truly wanted.
The dilemmas the characters faced felt real, and the plot really draws you in. I found myself reading quickly to find out what happens next, not wanting to waste a moment of the love story that was being painted.
The ending was a little rushed, but still sweet. I'm definitely inspired to pick up the other books in the series now, as I'm sure they will be just as good as this one.
Rating: 4 Stars
Genre: contemporary Australian romance
Review: OMGosh this was such a cute book! I found it randomly at the library and the synopsis won me over. Didn't know anything about the series or the author but I'm so glad I picked this up. This was such a nice, easy, quick read. You can definitely read this in a day on a holiday or a weekend. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series but this book could be read as a stand alone and I didn't have any trouble picking up the characters in the town.
Josh and Gem have always loved each other, but after 10 years of separation the world has thrust them back together again. Now one of the will have to give up what they want if they want to be together, or choose to let go of the only thing they've ever truly wanted.
The dilemmas the characters faced felt real, and the plot really draws you in. I found myself reading quickly to find out what happens next, not wanting to waste a moment of the love story that was being painted.
The ending was a little rushed, but still sweet. I'm definitely inspired to pick up the other books in the series now, as I'm sure they will be just as good as this one.
February 20, 2018
What more can I say but another great read in the Swallows Fall Series by Jennie Jones. Another must read.
March 7, 2018
3.5 **
Having not read the other books in the series I was getting a little lost with all the characters.
But I loved Gemma and Josh together.
Having not read the other books in the series I was getting a little lost with all the characters.
But I loved Gemma and Josh together.
March 20, 2018
warm hearted book that was a nice easy enjoyable read ♥
February 2, 2024
Romance novel
September 3, 2015
What would you do if your first kiss, the love of your life, returns home?
The book is about this: dealing with the past, fighting the present and dreaming for a future.
The plot is steady, full of family values and some drama, very likeable characters and a really hateful one. Gemma & Josh are absolutely perfect, the chemistry is intense and at the same time so sweet, they're high on my list of couples!!
Some situations were hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud, and waking up my husband a couple of times, lol.
The reading put me in a romantic mood, and all during the reading time, life was beautiful.
This book is not 5 stars, is 5 Hearts!!
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
February 5, 2017
My book was a paperback copy and not an ebook but it does have the same cover.
At 17 Gemma falls for and finally kisses the gorgeous Josh and not longer after he leaves the small town for a better life but Gemma has never forgotten him or that kiss.
10 years later while Gemma is working at her Toy Store Josh has come back to town.
Small towns and romance always make for a great read and this is no exception.
The house at the end of the street is a beautiful heartwarming love story that will leave you smiling long after you've finished reading it.
At 17 Gemma falls for and finally kisses the gorgeous Josh and not longer after he leaves the small town for a better life but Gemma has never forgotten him or that kiss.
10 years later while Gemma is working at her Toy Store Josh has come back to town.
Small towns and romance always make for a great read and this is no exception.
The house at the end of the street is a beautiful heartwarming love story that will leave you smiling long after you've finished reading it.
October 7, 2015
This is book 5 in the Swallow Falls series. I liked the series. I read the first three books n then the next two. But I had to go back to get the momentum going to follow through. the first book started of with Ethan n Sammy plus Josh n Lily who get there own story. Australian flavour series and I had been left following the characters in my sleep n still seeing them in my mind (one of those books that stay with you) "it and shit" has a mention a number of times in the book but I guess that's how we speak about such matters. The books span over 10 years so sometimes you have to keep up that the kids get older eg Jess n Jill the twins, Janie, Edie.
Read
December 26, 2015This is the second book of Swallow's Fall, written by Jennie Jones, I have read and enjoyed.
I love Jennie's small town nestled in the Snowy Mountains, a place full of quirky characters and interesting adventures. I laughed, I commiserated with the trials and tribulations of the inhabitants, and finally I cried at the beautifully written ending.
I cannot wait to read the others in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to swap their everyday dramas and run away to an oasis of reading pleasure.
A highly enjoyable and satisfying way to spend a few quiet hours during the madness of Christmas.
I love Jennie's small town nestled in the Snowy Mountains, a place full of quirky characters and interesting adventures. I laughed, I commiserated with the trials and tribulations of the inhabitants, and finally I cried at the beautifully written ending.
I cannot wait to read the others in this series. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to swap their everyday dramas and run away to an oasis of reading pleasure.
A highly enjoyable and satisfying way to spend a few quiet hours during the madness of Christmas.
November 19, 2016
I loved this book so much. Mesmerising and gripping. The Swallows Fall series has been amazing but The House at the End of the Street is my favourite. I think it's going to be a little heartbreaking when this series ends.
This has been one of the most endearing series I've read in a long time! One can never tire of reading when there are marvellous books like these out there!
August 10, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much . I had already read the previous books in this series and could follow the characters. Is there another follow on book to come? Maybe the follow on could contain a little more detail as to what "just desserts" one person received at the hands of the courts?
August 5, 2015
Loved it! But sorry to see the end of a series that I have loved from the beginning. Oh well, it wil be nice to re-read.
August 24, 2015
Best yet....
I've read the entire series, and this was my favourite yet. I'm wondering if Edie and Ryan will be next?
I've read the entire series, and this was my favourite yet. I'm wondering if Edie and Ryan will be next?
February 25, 2018
Probably my favourite of the 3 I've read, but still predictable aussie outback romance
October 12, 2015
wonderful
June 17, 2016
amazing read, get to know of rural australia and their feelings. what a family :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
A great quick read! Really liked the characters and the community feeling created in this book! A solid plot! Definitely worth the read! One of my favorites in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2015
Another great read from Jennie Jones. This one's a keeper. Loved it so much I could read it again.
June 7, 2016
Loved following the "Swallow Falls" families.....thanks Jennie Jones..
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