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Bunyip Bay #4
Outback Sisters
A Bunyip Bay novel
Frankie and Simone are sisters and best friends. Could a new man in town drive a wedge between them for the first time ever?
Cafe owner Frankie has been unlucky in love all her life. It's hard in a small town like Bunyip Bay to meet prospective partners. Her sister, Simone, lost the love of her live years before and is now devoted to raising their two teenage girls, leaving little time for romance. When Frankie is kissed by a handsome stranger who calls her Simone, it's a case of mistaken identity – but who is this man and how does he know Simone?
Logan Knight is in town to meet up with a woman he has met online. Although raised on a farm with his brother Angus, he has travelled the world as a journalist and is now looking forward to meeting a girl and settling down. The girl in the cafe was an amazing kisser – but not the one he thought he was meeting!
Reclusive farmer Angus wants nothing to do with Logan's plans for improving the property's finances and finding a partner – until he meets the sisters at a wedding. Who is attracted to whom? More importantly, can Frankie and Simone sort out their feelings for the two brothers without destroying their very close bond.
Frankie and Simone are sisters and best friends. Could a new man in town drive a wedge between them for the first time ever?
Cafe owner Frankie has been unlucky in love all her life. It's hard in a small town like Bunyip Bay to meet prospective partners. Her sister, Simone, lost the love of her live years before and is now devoted to raising their two teenage girls, leaving little time for romance. When Frankie is kissed by a handsome stranger who calls her Simone, it's a case of mistaken identity – but who is this man and how does he know Simone?
Logan Knight is in town to meet up with a woman he has met online. Although raised on a farm with his brother Angus, he has travelled the world as a journalist and is now looking forward to meeting a girl and settling down. The girl in the cafe was an amazing kisser – but not the one he thought he was meeting!
Reclusive farmer Angus wants nothing to do with Logan's plans for improving the property's finances and finding a partner – until he meets the sisters at a wedding. Who is attracted to whom? More importantly, can Frankie and Simone sort out their feelings for the two brothers without destroying their very close bond.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2016
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464 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 11, 2021
Outback Sisters is the fourth book in the Bunyip Bay series from Australian writer Rachael Johns. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, including this book. It was so nice to catch up with the characters from Bunyip Bay a little country town that sounds like a wonderful place to relax and forget your worries.
Rachael Johns is fast becoming another favorite author of mine. I love how she writes on everyday matters such as relationships and family. I really enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending this book or any book by this wonderful author.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
Rachael Johns is fast becoming another favorite author of mine. I love how she writes on everyday matters such as relationships and family. I really enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending this book or any book by this wonderful author.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review.
February 20, 2016
When a hot stranger burst into Frankie’s café, and then proceeded to kiss her senseless, she had no idea what was going on, or who this deluded but delicious male was. She also had no idea he would come to feature in her life and the lives of her family in a big way!
Simone and Frankie were sisters and as close as best friends could be. They shared everything; supported each other in life’s highs and lows. Simone had lost her husband ten years previously and Frankie had been treated badly before she returned to lick her wounds and open a café in Bunyip Bay. The success of her café was legendary; and while Simone was struggling with teenage daughter Harriot’s moodiness, Grace was still the gorgeous loving girl she had always been.
Logan Knight was a journalist who travelled all over for his stories – he’d been raised on a farm with his brother Angus and little sister Olivia and liked to spread his time between both. He enjoyed his work on the farm, as well as the company of his taciturn brother Angus, but missed the company of a woman since his wife had left him for another man. The woman from the online dating site that he was meeting sounded lovely, but Logan hadn’t done it like this before and was slightly nervous.
Would Frankie find love again? And was Simone destined to be a widow for the rest of her life – raising her girls the best she could? And how would the two Knight brothers impact on the lives of the two sisters?
I thoroughly enjoyed Outback Sisters by Aussie author Rachael Johns. Beautifully written, the characters are completely engaging and easy to know. Bunyip Bay is a great little country town – I’d love to visit, especially to have a white hot chocolate at Frankie’s café! This is the 4th in the Bunyip Bay series; I read Outback Ghost (#3) last year and loved it too but have yet to read #1 and #2! Outback Sisters to my mind would be under the romantic suspense genre, as there is mystery blended with romance throughout. Author Rachael Johns is a very talented writer and I’ll be reading more from this lady! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Simone and Frankie were sisters and as close as best friends could be. They shared everything; supported each other in life’s highs and lows. Simone had lost her husband ten years previously and Frankie had been treated badly before she returned to lick her wounds and open a café in Bunyip Bay. The success of her café was legendary; and while Simone was struggling with teenage daughter Harriot’s moodiness, Grace was still the gorgeous loving girl she had always been.
Logan Knight was a journalist who travelled all over for his stories – he’d been raised on a farm with his brother Angus and little sister Olivia and liked to spread his time between both. He enjoyed his work on the farm, as well as the company of his taciturn brother Angus, but missed the company of a woman since his wife had left him for another man. The woman from the online dating site that he was meeting sounded lovely, but Logan hadn’t done it like this before and was slightly nervous.
Would Frankie find love again? And was Simone destined to be a widow for the rest of her life – raising her girls the best she could? And how would the two Knight brothers impact on the lives of the two sisters?
I thoroughly enjoyed Outback Sisters by Aussie author Rachael Johns. Beautifully written, the characters are completely engaging and easy to know. Bunyip Bay is a great little country town – I’d love to visit, especially to have a white hot chocolate at Frankie’s café! This is the 4th in the Bunyip Bay series; I read Outback Ghost (#3) last year and loved it too but have yet to read #1 and #2! Outback Sisters to my mind would be under the romantic suspense genre, as there is mystery blended with romance throughout. Author Rachael Johns is a very talented writer and I’ll be reading more from this lady! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 19, 2019
Outback Sisters is book four in the Bunyip Bay series by Rachael Johns. Journalist Logan Knight decided it was time to met a woman and settled down. To achieve this aim he signed up to RuralMatchmakers.com.au and met online Simone and on the way home from Perth drop into town to surprise her. However, on arrival Logan kissed the wrong girl and this mishap changed Logan's life, Simone's and the girl Logan kissed. The readers of Outback Sisters will continue to follow Logan to see what happens between Simone and the young girl he kissed.
I love this series, and Outback Sisters did not disappoint. Rachael Johns description of the settings and plot was done well and ensured that I engaged with the book. I like Rachael Johns portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout the book. Outback Sisters was well written and researched by Rachael Johns.
The readers of Outback Sisters will learn about running a small rural cafe. Also, the readers of Outback Sisters will learn about retinitis pigmentosa and how it affects the suffers.
I recommend this book.
I love this series, and Outback Sisters did not disappoint. Rachael Johns description of the settings and plot was done well and ensured that I engaged with the book. I like Rachael Johns portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout the book. Outback Sisters was well written and researched by Rachael Johns.
The readers of Outback Sisters will learn about running a small rural cafe. Also, the readers of Outback Sisters will learn about retinitis pigmentosa and how it affects the suffers.
I recommend this book.
January 12, 2025
4.5 stars for a lovely rural Aussie romance.
I missed this in Stalin the Bunyip Bay series and it really is one that shouldn’t be skipped! The characters, their dilemmas and challenges, the setting and story telling were all fantastic.
It is a great summer read!
I missed this in Stalin the Bunyip Bay series and it really is one that shouldn’t be skipped! The characters, their dilemmas and challenges, the setting and story telling were all fantastic.
It is a great summer read!
August 2, 2022
3.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 22, 2016
Outback Sisters - was all that I love in a good romance novel. Add to that a good rural Australian romance. There were plenty of little twists and turns, much drama and heartache, and of course love.
If that wasn't enough, I was also reminded of good times, when Rachael Johns mentioned The Magic Faraway Tree (Enid Blyton) which took me off in a little indulgent reminiscence. She also has two characters who love reading - Logan and Frankie, and their book talk was also a little icing on the cake. Actually these two were very good at putting icing on cakes!
Two sisters, two brothers and wires crossed. What fun! Well it did cause them some consternation and setbacks but...in the end perfection! It all started when Simone's two girls Harriet and Grace sign up to a social media dating website as their mother (unknown to her)... and Logan comes calling.
Each of the four main characters have life issues that they are dealing with, they have past hurts and some secrets. Simone is a single parent as her husband died a few years back and it is not easy raising young girls these days. Frankie has been burned in love, Logan and Angus have lost their parents in tragic circumstances and Logan is also hiding something as well.
Each book in this Bunyip Bay series has been stellar. This one - #4 was every bit as good as the others and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While it is part of a series you could read it as a stand alone, but this whole series is too good to miss out on.
If that wasn't enough, I was also reminded of good times, when Rachael Johns mentioned The Magic Faraway Tree (Enid Blyton) which took me off in a little indulgent reminiscence. She also has two characters who love reading - Logan and Frankie, and their book talk was also a little icing on the cake. Actually these two were very good at putting icing on cakes!
Two sisters, two brothers and wires crossed. What fun! Well it did cause them some consternation and setbacks but...in the end perfection! It all started when Simone's two girls Harriet and Grace sign up to a social media dating website as their mother (unknown to her)... and Logan comes calling.
Each of the four main characters have life issues that they are dealing with, they have past hurts and some secrets. Simone is a single parent as her husband died a few years back and it is not easy raising young girls these days. Frankie has been burned in love, Logan and Angus have lost their parents in tragic circumstances and Logan is also hiding something as well.
Each book in this Bunyip Bay series has been stellar. This one - #4 was every bit as good as the others and I thoroughly enjoyed it. While it is part of a series you could read it as a stand alone, but this whole series is too good to miss out on.
January 31, 2026
2 ⭐️s
Why, oh why do authors shove their political views down our throats? I’ve been knee-deep in books pushing various political agendas lately. I DO NOT LIKE IT. Books should have a content warning if major political issues are included.
I thought I was getting a nice rural romance story but sadly not, it was just a lecture on wind farming I could have done without. So, let me get this straight, no one is really in favour of having wind turbines installed on their property, landowners do it for additional income? Wow. So, that’s how the government pull the strings. Because really, no one in their right mind would be for wind turbines. Ever. They are an eye sore and noisy with their whooshing sound. It’s just another government agenda to screw Australia and the Australian people.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda/HarperCollins audiio
Read by Casey Withoos
Duration: 9 hrs 58 min 1.50x Speed
Why, oh why do authors shove their political views down our throats? I’ve been knee-deep in books pushing various political agendas lately. I DO NOT LIKE IT. Books should have a content warning if major political issues are included.
I thought I was getting a nice rural romance story but sadly not, it was just a lecture on wind farming I could have done without. So, let me get this straight, no one is really in favour of having wind turbines installed on their property, landowners do it for additional income? Wow. So, that’s how the government pull the strings. Because really, no one in their right mind would be for wind turbines. Ever. They are an eye sore and noisy with their whooshing sound. It’s just another government agenda to screw Australia and the Australian people.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda/HarperCollins audiio
Read by Casey Withoos
Duration: 9 hrs 58 min 1.50x Speed
February 23, 2016
Review originally appeared at: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
The latest book in the Bunyip Bay series releases later this month, I couldn’t wait for release date so requested a copy from NetGalley as soon as it went up and slipped it into my schedule.
Bunyip Bay is a town I have grown to love, with characters who are like old friends, so any chance I have to head over and see how they’re all going is going to be jumped at.
Originally this series was slated for three books but a major fan outpouring of support saw Rachael head back to the Bay for another book, here’s hoping she will do it again.
Outback Sisters is different from the other Bunyip Bay books in that we have two leading ladies, and two leading men. Two sisters, and two brothers. I have to say I was a little sceptical about how this would all come together but I think Johns has pulled it off beautifully. Yes, there were some pretty predictable plotlines but there were also some super surprises.
Frankie and Simone are sisters and best friends, they’ve always had each others back and been through more than their share of heartbreak together.
Simone lost the love of her life early, leaving her a single mother of two young girls – now teens. She has been on her own almost a decade and is a little apprehensive of putting herself out the again, she’s only ever been with one man and that was a long time ago.
Frankie thinks it’s safer to stay away from men after the heartbreak she’s already suffered and her habit of falling for Mr Wrong. She has her cafe, her sister and two gorgeous nieces.
A case of mistaken identity starts a rollercoaster of events that catches that might just tear two families apart…
There were so many important aspects of this book that it’s hard to know what to focus on.
Logan shares the family farm with his brother and sister though big brother Angus is the one living and working their full-time and he will not even entertain the idea of a wind farm on their land, which is something Logan is considering. Wind Farms are quite topical at the moment, even I have heard talk about them and I usually avoid the news. Johns integrates quite a bit of detail about wind farms in the book which I found to be interesting reading and give a new perspective. I had only thought of them in terms of an energy source, I hadn’t thought of the income source for farmers.
Harriet, she’s a prickly teen but she’s a well drawn character and I loved that everyone could see she’s a basically good kid underneath the terrible teen (much worse than the terrible twos). The interaction that stands out the most for me is an argument she has with Simone, one of many, where it’s all Simone’s fault she split up with her boyfriend. This may seem like a ridiculous argument, and completely illogical, but I remember having almost that exact same argument as a 16yr old so it made me giggle a little.
Our leads, all four of them, have suffered more than their fair share of tragedy and they are all still relatively young. It has shaped a lot of their attitudes and goes a long way to explaining why they are all still single. They have different reasons but they can all be traced back to the trauma they’ve already faced. These characters have lost a lot in their lives and how many times can you risk more heartbreak before you decide that’s enough.
Grace has an interesting storyline and it is very well written, and a great reminder. The well adjusted child who is no trouble at all is sometimes not as well adjusted as they seem. It can be easy to miss warning signs and then be taken completely by surprise because there seems to have been no warning, until you start to reflect and look back because once you have all the info you sometimes look back and notice things you didn’t register before.
Outback Sisters was an interesting read and a compelling premise. I loved watching it unfold though there were moments that I was left wondering how Johns was going to get us through this one.
I have recently returned from a holiday in my original hometown with my family so am still feeling a little homesick, and I am going to blame that for the choked up moments I had. There were times that the sibling relationships in this story brought me to the brink of waterworks because of the close bonds they share. I was also left wondering if that ever so close bond was really as close as they thought and if it would survive the bitterness brewing.
Rachael Johns has done it again, she’s presented a compelling story that takes us back to Bunyip Bay, a town full of friends that I was more than happy to visit with. I love being able to peek back into their lives and see where everyone is at. Now to convince her to write another.
Yes, this is a Bunyip Bay book but I think there is enough info in there that you could read it on its own.
Outback Sisters is book #7 for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge.
Rachael Johns can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her Website.
Outback Sisters is available through Harlequin and from Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Booktopia and where all good books are sold.
The latest book in the Bunyip Bay series releases later this month, I couldn’t wait for release date so requested a copy from NetGalley as soon as it went up and slipped it into my schedule.
Bunyip Bay is a town I have grown to love, with characters who are like old friends, so any chance I have to head over and see how they’re all going is going to be jumped at.
Originally this series was slated for three books but a major fan outpouring of support saw Rachael head back to the Bay for another book, here’s hoping she will do it again.
Outback Sisters is different from the other Bunyip Bay books in that we have two leading ladies, and two leading men. Two sisters, and two brothers. I have to say I was a little sceptical about how this would all come together but I think Johns has pulled it off beautifully. Yes, there were some pretty predictable plotlines but there were also some super surprises.
Frankie and Simone are sisters and best friends, they’ve always had each others back and been through more than their share of heartbreak together.
Simone lost the love of her life early, leaving her a single mother of two young girls – now teens. She has been on her own almost a decade and is a little apprehensive of putting herself out the again, she’s only ever been with one man and that was a long time ago.
Frankie thinks it’s safer to stay away from men after the heartbreak she’s already suffered and her habit of falling for Mr Wrong. She has her cafe, her sister and two gorgeous nieces.
A case of mistaken identity starts a rollercoaster of events that catches that might just tear two families apart…
There were so many important aspects of this book that it’s hard to know what to focus on.
Logan shares the family farm with his brother and sister though big brother Angus is the one living and working their full-time and he will not even entertain the idea of a wind farm on their land, which is something Logan is considering. Wind Farms are quite topical at the moment, even I have heard talk about them and I usually avoid the news. Johns integrates quite a bit of detail about wind farms in the book which I found to be interesting reading and give a new perspective. I had only thought of them in terms of an energy source, I hadn’t thought of the income source for farmers.
Harriet, she’s a prickly teen but she’s a well drawn character and I loved that everyone could see she’s a basically good kid underneath the terrible teen (much worse than the terrible twos). The interaction that stands out the most for me is an argument she has with Simone, one of many, where it’s all Simone’s fault she split up with her boyfriend. This may seem like a ridiculous argument, and completely illogical, but I remember having almost that exact same argument as a 16yr old so it made me giggle a little.
Our leads, all four of them, have suffered more than their fair share of tragedy and they are all still relatively young. It has shaped a lot of their attitudes and goes a long way to explaining why they are all still single. They have different reasons but they can all be traced back to the trauma they’ve already faced. These characters have lost a lot in their lives and how many times can you risk more heartbreak before you decide that’s enough.
Grace has an interesting storyline and it is very well written, and a great reminder. The well adjusted child who is no trouble at all is sometimes not as well adjusted as they seem. It can be easy to miss warning signs and then be taken completely by surprise because there seems to have been no warning, until you start to reflect and look back because once you have all the info you sometimes look back and notice things you didn’t register before.
Outback Sisters was an interesting read and a compelling premise. I loved watching it unfold though there were moments that I was left wondering how Johns was going to get us through this one.
I have recently returned from a holiday in my original hometown with my family so am still feeling a little homesick, and I am going to blame that for the choked up moments I had. There were times that the sibling relationships in this story brought me to the brink of waterworks because of the close bonds they share. I was also left wondering if that ever so close bond was really as close as they thought and if it would survive the bitterness brewing.
Rachael Johns has done it again, she’s presented a compelling story that takes us back to Bunyip Bay, a town full of friends that I was more than happy to visit with. I love being able to peek back into their lives and see where everyone is at. Now to convince her to write another.
Yes, this is a Bunyip Bay book but I think there is enough info in there that you could read it on its own.
Outback Sisters is book #7 for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge.
Rachael Johns can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her Website.
Outback Sisters is available through Harlequin and from Angus & Robertson Bookworld, Booktopia and where all good books are sold.
February 12, 2016
ARC received from Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for an honest review
I am late to the Rachael Johns train and running to catch up, and although I have not read the first 3 books in the Bunyip Bay series (which I will be rectifying!), this did not take away from my enjoyment or understanding of the characters in Outback Sisters.
I live in a small country town where everyone knows everyone's business, so I get the dynamic of Bunyip Bay. Nothing stays private long!
Frankie and Simone are as close as sisters could be, but when Logan Knight struts into town, things get strained between the two.
I felt for Frankie in this book a lot more than I did Simone - I get Simone has had a rough go of it, but Frankie is just so good, so amazingly kind hearted, I just wanted, no needed her to find happiness.
Where as for Simone, it all of a sudden just fell in her lap. Who would she choose?
I am not going to say which sister ended up with which brother, or if any of them found a HEA, but right from the start I had who I wanted together in my head and it just had to end that way. But did it?
As things progressed, I got sooooo frustrated with all 4 of the main characters. Seriously people, there is this thing called "communication"- you all might want to try and use it some time!!
I felt so many emotions whilst reading Outback Sisters. Love, laughter, hurt, anger, sadness. So much sadness amongst them all.
But most of all, there was a sense of hope.
Ms Johns swept me up in the lives and loves of the people of Bunyip Bay, and I will definitely be going back to the first 3 books very soon.
I am late to the Rachael Johns train and running to catch up, and although I have not read the first 3 books in the Bunyip Bay series (which I will be rectifying!), this did not take away from my enjoyment or understanding of the characters in Outback Sisters.
I live in a small country town where everyone knows everyone's business, so I get the dynamic of Bunyip Bay. Nothing stays private long!
Frankie and Simone are as close as sisters could be, but when Logan Knight struts into town, things get strained between the two.
I felt for Frankie in this book a lot more than I did Simone - I get Simone has had a rough go of it, but Frankie is just so good, so amazingly kind hearted, I just wanted, no needed her to find happiness.
Where as for Simone, it all of a sudden just fell in her lap. Who would she choose?
I am not going to say which sister ended up with which brother, or if any of them found a HEA, but right from the start I had who I wanted together in my head and it just had to end that way. But did it?
As things progressed, I got sooooo frustrated with all 4 of the main characters. Seriously people, there is this thing called "communication"- you all might want to try and use it some time!!
I felt so many emotions whilst reading Outback Sisters. Love, laughter, hurt, anger, sadness. So much sadness amongst them all.
But most of all, there was a sense of hope.
Ms Johns swept me up in the lives and loves of the people of Bunyip Bay, and I will definitely be going back to the first 3 books very soon.
March 31, 2016
I loved this story it was like coming home to family and friends for me, meeting up with the people of Bunyip Bay enjoying a wedding and seeing romance and love come to the small country town again but it will cause a few problems for sisters and best friends Frankie and Simone as both of them have a journey that has a few ups and downs till they get their HEA's that are so deserved after Frankie has been hurt in a relationship before and Simone mother of two lost her husband 10 years ago and he was the love of her life make sure you have a box of tissues at the ready and sit back and enjoy.
Logan Knight has arrived in Bunyip Bay to surprise the woman he met online and arrives at Frankie's café and stuns her with a magical kiss but calls her Simone Frankie is stunned surprised and warmed by the kiss who is this gorgeous stranger to town there is an instant attraction between them and how does he know Simone a lot of questions that need answering and when you get them you will be smiling. But Logan has a brother Angus they are farmers but Logan is also a journalist and has decided that it is time to settle down and he is hoping that he can convince Angus to do the same although Angus can be a bit grumpy but he has his reasons. Things get very interesting when Logan and Angus accompany Simone and Frankie to the wedding of Stella and Adam (Outback Ghost) there is a lot of indecision about who is attracted to who and the sensual vibes are flying of the pages.
This is a beautiful story that has all the emotions that make a great romance the setting the characters are true and come to life on the pages you will smile, cry and thoroughly love this story I mean there are two gorgeous wounded heroes and two strong beautiful heroines and a cast of family and friends to catch up with. If you have already read the first three books in this series get to this one asap and if you have yet to read them I highly recommend that you get Outback Dreams and start you will not want to stop till you have read them all. MS Johns never disappoints me with her stories they are magical and must reads another for the keeper shelf.
Logan Knight has arrived in Bunyip Bay to surprise the woman he met online and arrives at Frankie's café and stuns her with a magical kiss but calls her Simone Frankie is stunned surprised and warmed by the kiss who is this gorgeous stranger to town there is an instant attraction between them and how does he know Simone a lot of questions that need answering and when you get them you will be smiling. But Logan has a brother Angus they are farmers but Logan is also a journalist and has decided that it is time to settle down and he is hoping that he can convince Angus to do the same although Angus can be a bit grumpy but he has his reasons. Things get very interesting when Logan and Angus accompany Simone and Frankie to the wedding of Stella and Adam (Outback Ghost) there is a lot of indecision about who is attracted to who and the sensual vibes are flying of the pages.
This is a beautiful story that has all the emotions that make a great romance the setting the characters are true and come to life on the pages you will smile, cry and thoroughly love this story I mean there are two gorgeous wounded heroes and two strong beautiful heroines and a cast of family and friends to catch up with. If you have already read the first three books in this series get to this one asap and if you have yet to read them I highly recommend that you get Outback Dreams and start you will not want to stop till you have read them all. MS Johns never disappoints me with her stories they are magical and must reads another for the keeper shelf.
February 7, 2017
The Bunyip Bay series each feature different characters, so the fact that I haven't read the first three didn't detract at all from the story. If you have read them, then you will recognise many of the side characters in Outback Sisters and enjoy it even more. Rachael writes wonderful, likeable characters with depth.
When the outback sisters, Frankie and Simone, meet luscious Logan, the age old question arises - "I wonder if he has a brother?" Why yes, yes he does have a brother... With the little snippets of information that only the reader is privvy to, I had decided early on how these little romances should play out. If only they had all listened to my advice, I could have sorted out their love lives in a chapter or two, but no, they didn't listen to little old me. I thoroughly enjoyed going on the journey with them, seeing them each fall in love and maybe falling in love a little myself.
#TeamLogan
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second of Rachael's books I've read and I'm planning to catch up on as much of her backlist as I can before the next one comes out.
When the outback sisters, Frankie and Simone, meet luscious Logan, the age old question arises - "I wonder if he has a brother?" Why yes, yes he does have a brother... With the little snippets of information that only the reader is privvy to, I had decided early on how these little romances should play out. If only they had all listened to my advice, I could have sorted out their love lives in a chapter or two, but no, they didn't listen to little old me. I thoroughly enjoyed going on the journey with them, seeing them each fall in love and maybe falling in love a little myself.
#TeamLogan
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the second of Rachael's books I've read and I'm planning to catch up on as much of her backlist as I can before the next one comes out.
November 21, 2021
Such an awesome read to follow on from the previous books in the series. In particular this one is a favourite. Great storyline with two relationships mixed with other life issues. Lots of interesting dramas to keep you engaged. Absolutely loved this read and highly recommend it!
September 12, 2021
I thought I’d read this entire series, but I’ve just snuck this one in before the latest book and number 5 in the series is released. Wonderful complex characters and plot, I loved this one
March 10, 2016
This is the fourth novel in Rachael Johns’ highly successful Bunyip Bay series, basically written in response to popular demand from readers who wanted to revisit this small town in Western Australia after the original trilogy concluded. In Outback Sisters we get the double whammy of 2 for the price of 1 with heroines and sisters Simone and Frankie taking centre stage. Both were introduced and featured in the previous novels, with something of each of their stories being told so it was only fitting that they both got to find their own happy ever afters.
Frankie is working in her local cafe when a handsome man strides in and kisses her senseless – quite enjoyable, very enjoyable in fact until she realises that he thought she was her sister Simone. Disappointed, Frankie directs him on how to find Simone, who has been set up by her teenage daughters in what is a pretty funny (but not really for poor Simone) sort of situation. Luckily the handsome stranger, named Logan, is not a serial killer and is just as nice as he is good looking.
Simone and Frankie are about as close as two siblings can be but the arrival of Logan Knight definitely complicates their relationship a lot. Things get even more complicated when Logan and Simone decide to get Logan’s grumpy brother Angus to accompany Frankie to a wedding. The sparks are flying – but they’re not really the sparks you’d be expecting!
The two sisters are remarkably real and I really enjoyed the ups and downs their relationship goes through in this novel as they negotiate some really difficult times and heightened emotions. Simone has been a single mother for a long time and Frankie has always been there to help her (and keep her and the kids fed!). Not having a sister, I really love reading about the intricacies of this sort of relationship and this one definitely explores the connection they have but establishes them very firmly as individuals.
Both Logan and Angus have experienced a lot of loss and family tragedy. Logan has managed to maintain a very positive outlook on life but Angus has his “grumpy” moments, working the family farm and not often getting out and about. Logan’s job as a journalist takes him away from the farm on a regular basis but Angus’ life has become very insular and although he’s often portrayed as being gruff and brusque, there are times when he really connects with some of the characters, even Simone’s very difficult teenage daughter. I found that I really warmed to Angus – the reader hears about him before we meet him and you are prepared for him to be antisocial and grumpy and he’s the sort of character that really grows on you as you discover his hidden depths.
One of the best things about a series, is that feeling of ‘coming home’ with each new installment and this book definitely gives that feeling. Due to a special occasion taking place there’s a whole cast of characters that we’ve previously read about showing up and popping in and out of the narrative and it makes you feel like you kind of belong in this town, like they could all be your friends too. The Bunyip Bay books have always been like this for me – Rachael Johns has created the most amazing small town and filled it with wonderful characters and this book was heaven for people who love a glimpse of past characters and what they’re up to now which satisfies the need to know more in me.
Outback Sisters is another gem, definitely one for the keeper shelf!
Frankie is working in her local cafe when a handsome man strides in and kisses her senseless – quite enjoyable, very enjoyable in fact until she realises that he thought she was her sister Simone. Disappointed, Frankie directs him on how to find Simone, who has been set up by her teenage daughters in what is a pretty funny (but not really for poor Simone) sort of situation. Luckily the handsome stranger, named Logan, is not a serial killer and is just as nice as he is good looking.
Simone and Frankie are about as close as two siblings can be but the arrival of Logan Knight definitely complicates their relationship a lot. Things get even more complicated when Logan and Simone decide to get Logan’s grumpy brother Angus to accompany Frankie to a wedding. The sparks are flying – but they’re not really the sparks you’d be expecting!
The two sisters are remarkably real and I really enjoyed the ups and downs their relationship goes through in this novel as they negotiate some really difficult times and heightened emotions. Simone has been a single mother for a long time and Frankie has always been there to help her (and keep her and the kids fed!). Not having a sister, I really love reading about the intricacies of this sort of relationship and this one definitely explores the connection they have but establishes them very firmly as individuals.
Both Logan and Angus have experienced a lot of loss and family tragedy. Logan has managed to maintain a very positive outlook on life but Angus has his “grumpy” moments, working the family farm and not often getting out and about. Logan’s job as a journalist takes him away from the farm on a regular basis but Angus’ life has become very insular and although he’s often portrayed as being gruff and brusque, there are times when he really connects with some of the characters, even Simone’s very difficult teenage daughter. I found that I really warmed to Angus – the reader hears about him before we meet him and you are prepared for him to be antisocial and grumpy and he’s the sort of character that really grows on you as you discover his hidden depths.
One of the best things about a series, is that feeling of ‘coming home’ with each new installment and this book definitely gives that feeling. Due to a special occasion taking place there’s a whole cast of characters that we’ve previously read about showing up and popping in and out of the narrative and it makes you feel like you kind of belong in this town, like they could all be your friends too. The Bunyip Bay books have always been like this for me – Rachael Johns has created the most amazing small town and filled it with wonderful characters and this book was heaven for people who love a glimpse of past characters and what they’re up to now which satisfies the need to know more in me.
Outback Sisters is another gem, definitely one for the keeper shelf!
December 17, 2024
This is Rachael Johns fourth book in her rural romance series linked by the fictional community of Bunyip Bay. Readers familiar with the town will recognise Frankie Madden, the owner of a local cafe, and her sister, widowed mother of two, Simone, as the tititular Outback Sisters.
When a tall, ruggedly handsome and desperately sexy stranger strides into Frankie’s cafe and sweeps her into his arms with a bone melting kiss, she is stunned, and then a little disappointed to learn Logan Knight has mistaken her for her sister. Unbeknownst to Simone, her teenage daughters, Harriet and Grace, have been playing online matchmaker.
What follows is a charming, if slightly unconventional, tale of romance when Logan introduces the sisters to his older brother, Angus. Each of the four main characters are wary of love, having experienced hurt and loss in the past, and then there is the complication of their sibling bonds. I really enjoyed the way in which the author developed these relationships, it’s a tricky proposition but one which Johns achieves admirably.
Johns writes with a great ear for dialogue and a wonderful sense of humour. This ensures her characters feel authentic, including the teens. The relatable characters have been one of the strengths of the series.
It is satisfying as always to revisit Bunyip Bay, in this book we learn Faith and Monty (Outback Dreams) are expecting their first child, Ruby and Drew (Outback Blaze) are happily engaged, and we attend Adam and Stella’s (Outback Ghost) wedding.
The Bunyip Bay series has been a delight, I’m sad to see it end with Outback Sisters though it’s a wonderful note to close on.
When a tall, ruggedly handsome and desperately sexy stranger strides into Frankie’s cafe and sweeps her into his arms with a bone melting kiss, she is stunned, and then a little disappointed to learn Logan Knight has mistaken her for her sister. Unbeknownst to Simone, her teenage daughters, Harriet and Grace, have been playing online matchmaker.
What follows is a charming, if slightly unconventional, tale of romance when Logan introduces the sisters to his older brother, Angus. Each of the four main characters are wary of love, having experienced hurt and loss in the past, and then there is the complication of their sibling bonds. I really enjoyed the way in which the author developed these relationships, it’s a tricky proposition but one which Johns achieves admirably.
Johns writes with a great ear for dialogue and a wonderful sense of humour. This ensures her characters feel authentic, including the teens. The relatable characters have been one of the strengths of the series.
It is satisfying as always to revisit Bunyip Bay, in this book we learn Faith and Monty (Outback Dreams) are expecting their first child, Ruby and Drew (Outback Blaze) are happily engaged, and we attend Adam and Stella’s (Outback Ghost) wedding.
The Bunyip Bay series has been a delight, I’m sad to see it end with Outback Sisters though it’s a wonderful note to close on.
April 13, 2016
Frankie had fallen hard for the new guy in town only to find out he was here to see her sister Simone.
Simone tries to set Frankie up with Logan’s brother, Angus, but Frankie only has eyes for Logan. Will Logan drive a wedge between the close knit sisters?
All four main characters were instantly likeable and I wanted them to find happiness. They had all had pain and loss in their lives so it was easy to see why they didn’t open up easily with each other to begin with.
Johns has touched on themes of family, single parents, siblings as parents and parent-teen relationships. My heart broke for Simone, Harriet and Grace as I watched them all struggle with Harriet’s push for independence and her rebellion against her mother. Grace, pushed a little into the background as Simone struggles with Harriet and life in general, has life threatening secrets of her own.
It’s not all anguish, there is plenty of fun and the mood heats up on more than one occasion to keep those pages turning.
Outback Sisters was everything it promised to be. A light, fun and sexy read that you won’t want to let go of.
With my thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Simone tries to set Frankie up with Logan’s brother, Angus, but Frankie only has eyes for Logan. Will Logan drive a wedge between the close knit sisters?
All four main characters were instantly likeable and I wanted them to find happiness. They had all had pain and loss in their lives so it was easy to see why they didn’t open up easily with each other to begin with.
Johns has touched on themes of family, single parents, siblings as parents and parent-teen relationships. My heart broke for Simone, Harriet and Grace as I watched them all struggle with Harriet’s push for independence and her rebellion against her mother. Grace, pushed a little into the background as Simone struggles with Harriet and life in general, has life threatening secrets of her own.
It’s not all anguish, there is plenty of fun and the mood heats up on more than one occasion to keep those pages turning.
Outback Sisters was everything it promised to be. A light, fun and sexy read that you won’t want to let go of.
With my thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
February 28, 2016
Frankie was all heart from the start and Simone was a crack up throughout. The two sisters together were a complete hoot to read :D
Poor Logan. He seemed quite dumbfounded initially given the unconventional introduction to the sisters lol :D and Angus's big heart shows itself also.
I enjoyed reading every character in Outback Sisters by Rachael Johns and I loved the way the author wrote each character perspective. It gave a complete picture of the story. The family solidarity was a huge drawcard, questionable decision making which shocks and the tangled webs that grew and grew were entertaining to say the least :D
Outback Sisters was a read I just wanted to keep going back to. I've enjoyed all of the books in the Bunyip Bay series, some more than others, but Outback Sisters could quite possibly trump the lot.
Review copy received from the Publisher
Poor Logan. He seemed quite dumbfounded initially given the unconventional introduction to the sisters lol :D and Angus's big heart shows itself also.
I enjoyed reading every character in Outback Sisters by Rachael Johns and I loved the way the author wrote each character perspective. It gave a complete picture of the story. The family solidarity was a huge drawcard, questionable decision making which shocks and the tangled webs that grew and grew were entertaining to say the least :D
Outback Sisters was a read I just wanted to keep going back to. I've enjoyed all of the books in the Bunyip Bay series, some more than others, but Outback Sisters could quite possibly trump the lot.
Review copy received from the Publisher
October 18, 2021
I've just finished reading Outback Sisters for the second time and again it had me captivated from start to finish. The close relationship of Simone and Frankie is so very special showing that sisterhood and family can be their for each other and overcome any obstacle if they try hard enough to. Logan and Angus also showed this by being their for each other despite how their relationships with Frankie and Simone began, which was an awesome twist and gave me a giggle. Thanks Rachael for the Bunyip Bay series and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book from Bunyip Bay...Outback Secrets. 😀
March 28, 2016
I always love reading Rachael's books! It was so exciting getting to catch up again with all the characters from Bunyip Bay.
This town seems to have a lot of good looking males in it...I want to live in this town!!! :)
How's a girl supposed to choose...Team Logan or Team Angus? I love them both...I did have a soft spot for Angus though, especially how he had to face his demons and how he raised his sister Olivia after their parents died.
I think the sisters ended up with the right men in the end.
Can't wait for you next book Rachael! X
This town seems to have a lot of good looking males in it...I want to live in this town!!! :)
How's a girl supposed to choose...Team Logan or Team Angus? I love them both...I did have a soft spot for Angus though, especially how he had to face his demons and how he raised his sister Olivia after their parents died.
I think the sisters ended up with the right men in the end.
Can't wait for you next book Rachael! X
March 16, 2016
Strong continuation of the Bunyip Bay families. Sisterly love that gets complicated by handsome brothers who seem at eternal odds with each other. Family conflict, reclusive living and the celebrations of a cousins wedding can lead to some intimate encounters...
Go Frankie, about time Simone got her rocks off after living the life of the widow.
Well worth a read and I can't wait to see what Rachael Johns comes up with next in the Outback Series..
Go Frankie, about time Simone got her rocks off after living the life of the widow.
Well worth a read and I can't wait to see what Rachael Johns comes up with next in the Outback Series..
March 14, 2016
I absolutely loved this book and think that Rachael John's has excelled herself with this story. It is so wonderfully easy to slip back into the characters of Bunyip Bay and pick up their lives. Memories are brought back of other stories about this town as the characters are woven in.
Is there anyone else we can have a story about in Bunyip Bay? I do hope so. Perhaps Harriet when she is older, or Olivia?
Is there anyone else we can have a story about in Bunyip Bay? I do hope so. Perhaps Harriet when she is older, or Olivia?
February 25, 2016
Have to say I really enjoyed this series of books and this one is definitely very entertaining. It's like catching up with old friends reading Rachaels books. I can see another couple in the future following the lives of our couples.
March 16, 2016
An awesome Bunyip Bay take full of feeling and a Mecca of emotion.
Love is complicated
Love is hard to find
Love is variable and comes in all forms
Love is worth the wait
Get to revisit old acquaintances and meet new mates in and around Bunyip Bay in Outback Sisters.
Love is complicated
Love is hard to find
Love is variable and comes in all forms
Love is worth the wait
Get to revisit old acquaintances and meet new mates in and around Bunyip Bay in Outback Sisters.
March 25, 2016
So glad to be back in Bunyip Bay 4.5/5
March 29, 2023
Outback sisters is about sisters Frankie and Simone who have made many appearances in other Bunyip bay books. Frankie is the owner of the local café while Simone is the single mother of two teenage girls. Frankie has been single for years after a disastrous relationship led to her moving to Bunyip bay. But one day a very good-looking man-who turns to be Logan Knight comes in and kisses her. Frankie is very happy about this but then he calls her Simone. Meanwhile Simone is busy raising her teenage girls Harriet and Grace, which she has been doing for the last ten years as a single mother, since the death of her husband. But Harriet is constantly fighting with her and she is doing whatever she wants with her boyfriend and friends. Simone finds out that her daughters set her up on online dating and that Logan is who's she's been online dating ,which was unknown to her. Logan lives part time on the farm with his brother Angus. He is a journalist and he is Bunyip bay to meet up with Simone. They meet and they go on a few dates. During this time Logan meets Simone's daughters. But he soon realises that he has feelings for Frankie instead of Simone. Meanwhile Frankie still has feelings for Logan, despite the fact that he is dating her sister. She soon finds herself jealous of Simone. Meanwhile Logan's brother Angus is is attracted to Simone in many ways after he meets her. But she's his brother's girlfriend and he is scared of commitment after a traumatic past. They all to a wedding and it is there that their feelings for each other are revealed. I really enjoyed this book. I liked Frankie's relationship with Logan and Simone's with Angus. I loved how everyone got their happily-ever-after. I can't wait to read the next book, the last one.
January 29, 2023
Really loving this series, i was glad that Simone and Franky got there stories. This was a complicated plot given the issues delbt with. Looking forward to the final book of the series.
March 16, 2022
4.5 stars enjoyable easy read.
February 10, 2023
Loved it.
February 11, 2023
This fourth book in the series builds on the world Rachael has created - and like the three before this one, I loved it.
Everything that happens is quite unbelievable, but that’s the great thing about stories - you can create scenes that are highly unlikely but are so much fun to read!
I’m looking forward to reading the last book in the series, to see how everything ends.
A great rural romance, good for all ages.
8/10
#bookreview #ruralromance #audiobook #australianauthor #bunyipbay
Everything that happens is quite unbelievable, but that’s the great thing about stories - you can create scenes that are highly unlikely but are so much fun to read!
I’m looking forward to reading the last book in the series, to see how everything ends.
A great rural romance, good for all ages.
8/10
#bookreview #ruralromance #audiobook #australianauthor #bunyipbay
March 13, 2016
Reading a Bunyip Bay is like coming home for me (possibly in more ways than one, since I used to live around the area). Naturally I was overjoyed to hear that there was a fourth book in the series, starring Frankie and Simone, supporting characters in the previous books. As Frankie is the owner of the local café and creator of all sorts of drool worthy baked goods, I was really looking forward to reading her story. I got a bonus in learning more about her sister Simone, a widow whose main action in the previous novels was to pursue a man who had a boyfriend (oops).
The story opens as a mystery man (who just happens to be delectably gorgeous) kisses Frankie in her café. The only problem is that Frankie has never, ever met this handsome stranger. It turns out that Logan thought she was her sister Simone. It’s a surprise to Frankie (and it turns out, Simone) that she’s been using an online dating service, but she takes it in her sisterly stride as Logan and his brother Angus become part of the their lives. The tension comes to a head at the wedding of Outback Ghost lovers Stella and Adam. Has each sister made the right choice? How will the decisions of that night affect the relationships between the four?
Rachael Johns’ books are always comforting and satisfying in addition to being page turners with multiple issues affecting the heroes and heroines. Outback Sisters doesn’t disappoint with a mystery surrounding the health of Logan (I was trying to guess what it was all the way through – I was close, but no cigar), a calamity involving a wedding cake (which would have been funny if I wasn’t such a cake aficionado) and a case of mistaken identity that has the local gossips atwitter. (Of course, there are many more juicy parts, but I’m not ruining the surprise for you!).
I’ve loved all the heroes from the Bunyip Bay series (I even have a Team Monty badge on my desk, although I suspect Adam is Hugh Jackman’s secret cousin). Unfortunately Logan has muddled my affections even more! He’s got everything you want in a hero – caring, cute, sensitive and sympathetic. He’s also independent and fights for what he believes in. Logan’s brother Angus was quieter and had hidden depths that had to be more gradually revealed as he was more comfortable around the sisters, but he’s worthy too. As for Frankie, I already loved her character and this book was just the icing on the cake for me. I also felt that I got to know Simone and her daughters much better through this book, and was able to sympathise with Simone’s life as a single mum and questioning when it’s ‘right’ to love again.
Seeing the return of old favourites such as the always gorgeous Heidi, Monty, Faith, Adam, Stella, Ruby and Drew before and at the wedding was just perfect for a fan of the series. It was just so lovely to see how our favourite couples were going post-happily ever after. It’s something you don’t get too see too often in this genre and I felt it emphasised the cosy, familiar feeling of the series. I’d love for there to be another Bunyip Bay book but I’m a bit perplexed as to who could have their story told next – will it be the pub owner (he seems like he needs to wow a lady with his cooking skills)? Could we have a new policeman in town or will the rookie cop find love locally?
If you haven’t read the other books in the series, you could quite happily read this as a stand-alone. I thought it was very clever how none of the backstories of the other couples was revealed, so you can read the wonderful experiences of life and love in Bunyip Bay and still be surprised.
Outback Sisters cements Rachael Johns’ place as the queen of Aussie rural fiction. I guarantee if you read one of her books, you’ll be hooked for life!
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The story opens as a mystery man (who just happens to be delectably gorgeous) kisses Frankie in her café. The only problem is that Frankie has never, ever met this handsome stranger. It turns out that Logan thought she was her sister Simone. It’s a surprise to Frankie (and it turns out, Simone) that she’s been using an online dating service, but she takes it in her sisterly stride as Logan and his brother Angus become part of the their lives. The tension comes to a head at the wedding of Outback Ghost lovers Stella and Adam. Has each sister made the right choice? How will the decisions of that night affect the relationships between the four?
Rachael Johns’ books are always comforting and satisfying in addition to being page turners with multiple issues affecting the heroes and heroines. Outback Sisters doesn’t disappoint with a mystery surrounding the health of Logan (I was trying to guess what it was all the way through – I was close, but no cigar), a calamity involving a wedding cake (which would have been funny if I wasn’t such a cake aficionado) and a case of mistaken identity that has the local gossips atwitter. (Of course, there are many more juicy parts, but I’m not ruining the surprise for you!).
I’ve loved all the heroes from the Bunyip Bay series (I even have a Team Monty badge on my desk, although I suspect Adam is Hugh Jackman’s secret cousin). Unfortunately Logan has muddled my affections even more! He’s got everything you want in a hero – caring, cute, sensitive and sympathetic. He’s also independent and fights for what he believes in. Logan’s brother Angus was quieter and had hidden depths that had to be more gradually revealed as he was more comfortable around the sisters, but he’s worthy too. As for Frankie, I already loved her character and this book was just the icing on the cake for me. I also felt that I got to know Simone and her daughters much better through this book, and was able to sympathise with Simone’s life as a single mum and questioning when it’s ‘right’ to love again.
Seeing the return of old favourites such as the always gorgeous Heidi, Monty, Faith, Adam, Stella, Ruby and Drew before and at the wedding was just perfect for a fan of the series. It was just so lovely to see how our favourite couples were going post-happily ever after. It’s something you don’t get too see too often in this genre and I felt it emphasised the cosy, familiar feeling of the series. I’d love for there to be another Bunyip Bay book but I’m a bit perplexed as to who could have their story told next – will it be the pub owner (he seems like he needs to wow a lady with his cooking skills)? Could we have a new policeman in town or will the rookie cop find love locally?
If you haven’t read the other books in the series, you could quite happily read this as a stand-alone. I thought it was very clever how none of the backstories of the other couples was revealed, so you can read the wonderful experiences of life and love in Bunyip Bay and still be surprised.
Outback Sisters cements Rachael Johns’ place as the queen of Aussie rural fiction. I guarantee if you read one of her books, you’ll be hooked for life!
Thank you to Harlequin for the eARC. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
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