Ahh … Rachael … you had us with your take on the good ol’ cuppa ….

‘Tilley all but collapsed into a seat next to Henri and sighed when her mum poured the tea and placed a china cup in front of her. ‘Ah, there’s just something about tea that soothes the soul,’ she said as she lifted the cup to take a sip.’

Along with a soothing cuppa there is much else to be praised for Outback Secrets. It is the fifth book in the Bunyip Bay series by Aussie author Rachael Johns - I have not read the others and had no problem easily reading this as a standalone. Bunyip Bay (fictional) on the west coast of Australia is certainly a place I would want to visit as Rachael made it sound picturesque and the town itself full of interesting characters.

‘She stood in the doorway frozen, feeling like she was lingering between two worlds and she didn’t want to be in either of them.’

I really enjoyed this book. Rachael’s books are like a big cosy blanket that allows you to have all the feels by getting lost in a great story. What she does best is capture the heart of outback Australia with her down to earth writing style and characters that are engaging and relatable. On this occasion the two leads, Henri and Liam, have fabulous character arcs with the back story that each of them bring, really providing that extra layer of depth and engagement. The cast of secondary characters are fabulous with a bit shout out to Rex on his bar stool!

‘… life isn’t a Danielle Steel novel. It just doesn’t work that way for everyone, and I don’t want to sacrifice who I am to get it.’

Outback Secrets takes you into small town living with its family dramas and some hot romance. Yet, kudos to Rachael for really bringing her ‘A’ game to this story with the inclusion of themes such as family pressures, bereavement, the problem of keeping secrets and learning to face life’s challenges. This book is a definite read for all of Rachael’s many fans and indeed anyone who needs a breath of fresh outback air and is looking for a romantic getaway to brilliant Bunyip Bay!

‘Next year she’d make sure she was as far away as possible. Timbuktu was looking good.’



This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Outback Secrets is part of the Bunyip Bay series, and although I don't recall reading the other books in the series, this was fine to read as a stand-alone novel.
I have read quite a few of Rachael's novels as I find them easy and entertaining.
Outback Secrets wasn't one of my favourites of hers but it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the main male character Liam; he had quite a bit of depth and the secret he had hidden kept me interested in the story. He seemed like a genuine and decent character, and probably my favourite in this novel.
The main female lead, Henri, wasn't what I was expecting and she didn't really grow on me much throughout the story but I appreciate that she is a strong character with a can-do attitude, which are admirable qualities.
The story was a little cliched in some of the romantic parts, and the two main characters hit it off pretty quickly, which didn't seem too original but having said that, they were a good fit.
Overall, Outback Secrets will appeal to those who enjoy rural romance with a little bit of mystery thrown in!

Being back in Bunyip Bay was like arriving home. All the characters from previous books make an appearance and plus we get to know Henri and Liam. Loved them and loved the book, simply delightful reading.

Henrietta Forward’s family lived in Bunyip Bay, WA, where she’d grown up, but her flying job kept her away from home a lot. Now with Christmas coming up, and an incident which had shaken her confidence, she was home in the Bay earlier than usual. If only she could put up with her mother continually nagging her about finding a husband and settling down to have children! Henri’s dad had passed a few years prior and she missed him dreadfully – another reason why it was hard sometimes to go home. But with her sister and two brothers, plus their partners and kids, she knew she’d enjoy herself most of the time anyway.

Liam Castle owned The Palace, the local pub, and since he’d bought it from the previous owner ten years prior, the pub was a meeting place for the townsfolk. Liam had renovated it, and loved his job, listening to the customers, keeping control of the few drunks that occasionally graced the bar, and meeting new people when the tourists were around. When Henri first walked into the bar, Liam was gobsmacked. He hadn’t seen her around before, but he liked what he saw. And when Henri came up with a plan for the two of them, why on earth did Liam agree?

Outback Secrets is the 5th in the Bunyip Bay series by Aussie author Rachael Johns and I enjoyed it very much. It’s been awhile since #4 – over 5 years ago – and it was great to go back to Bunyip Bay! I wish I could really visit 😉 Liam and Henri are two very complex characters, and Sheila, Liam’s dog, was gorgeous! All in all, Outback Secrets is a book I can easily recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Henrietta Forward loves her job as a light plane pilot, she musters cattle and works as a crop duster. Henri grew up on a farm, she likes her independence, and not being in the same place for long. With a knowledge of animals, crops and flying, her job suits her perfectly and Henri has the best of both worlds. After an alarming indecent she returns home to Bunyip Bay, to the family property called Bungara Springs and she's staying with her mum.

Liam Castle owns and runs the pub in Bunyip Bay, not much happens in town that he doesn’t know about, and he doesn’t mention his own past. He’s from America, single, very good looking and a bit of a mystery man. Henri’s mum’s wants her daughter to settle down, stop gallivanting around, get married and start having babies. The last thing that Henri wants, she likes her freedom, she’s not all that keen on having children and maybe Liam and Henri would make the perfect couple?

They decided to play along with the idea, it will solve Henri’s problems, and the town’s matchmakers will leave them both alone. What they didn’t take into consideration, is that they have fun together, the chemistry between them is electric, the sparks fly, and can they keep their relationship platonic?

Outback Secrets is a story full of small town drama, slightly dysfunctional families, dealing with the loss of loved ones, keeping of secrets, facing fears, life's challenges and a hot romance. Rachael Johns has done it again, I always love the characters in her books, the use of Aussie language, being set in Australia, and it made me laugh out loud. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for my copy, and five big stars from me.

When I started reading this book I didn't think I was going to enjoy it as much as the others in the series. I've given every one of them 5 stars, but I felt this one started a little different to the others. But it ended just the same - me turning the last page, a tear or two in my eye (and a few others shed a few chapters prior) and me wondering if this or Outback Ghost is my favourite? Yet to be decided. But yes, it's another five stars from me.

Great characters, great setting, and well done for keeping the town both familiar and fresh at the same time.

Rachael - I won't complain if you have ideas for another one in the series. There's a few possibilities, after all.

When Henrietta Ford visits her hometown after having an accident during her work as a pilot, she devises a plan to get her mum and her friends off her back about settling down and marrying. The cute and single local publican Liam Castle seems like the perfect man for the job.
Ah I love a good country town romance! This was such a sweet story and the characters were fantastic. I now realise this is the 5th book by Rachel Johns set here in Bunyip Bay but honestly I hadn’t even heard of Rachel Johns before reading this one. I love the town setting and it was beautiful seeing how this romance evolved. Also it’s set at Christmas time so what’s not to love! Henrietta is a well-written strong female lead showing that there is way more to a woman than marrying at the earliest convenience. I really loved the themes from this book that true love can easily overcome an obstacle such as a job that requires you to move around. I also loved the story progression for Liam seeing him overcome his family trauma and finally start to realise that he can learn to be happy as well. It did make me sad too to think that he’d been living without dealing with his grief all this time. I am so glad I was able to read this via Netgalley and really recommend it to others to read too.

Loved it!

Last night I finished reading Outback Secrets by Rachael Johns - releasing October 27. Typically with a Rachael Johns book, I say “one more chapter,” “one more chapter” and this was no exception! I became a fan of Rachael’s life lit first, and eventually started reading her romance books- I don’t read a lot of MF romance! But the storylines are always great and her characters are awesome, too! In this one, I became an instant fan of Liam and thought Henri had a lot of spunk. A few chapters in and I was definitely wishing them together! Chemistry! Fun! Returning to Bunyip Bay was an adventure! This book stands alone, but there are others set in Bunyip Bay. If you’ve read them, you’ll see some familiar characters and places. If you haven’t, it won’t matter at all. Another great book by Rachael Johns! Thanks to NetGallley and Harper Collins for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the fifth instalment in the Bunyip Bay series.

Rachael has given us another lovely story set in the fictional West Australian town of Bunyip Bay.
The story revolves around the local publican Liam and Henri, an ag pilot returning home for a visit with her family.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

Outback Secrets by Rachael Johns held some interesting characters. Henri and Liam's initial pairing is unorthodox, but held some entertaining instances. I found the timeline mixed with the ensuing events, the very fast-paced events only served to make the story implausible for this reader.

Nevertheless, I was really looking forward to the return of Bunyip Bay as the previous books in the series have been good. I liked the heart-to-heart discussion Henri had with Fiona. So too her talk with Tilly. I couldn't understand how Henri's character was so disconnected from friends and family. The first dinner scene in The Palace underpins this point where Tilly and Frankie join in with others at setting Henri up with a partner, despite knowing this is not what Henri wants as Frankie is her best friend and Tilly is her most mentioned sibling, and thus viewed as her closest in the story. Henri's lack of opportunity at spending time with her 'best friend' Frankie was confusing as well.

The narrative was busy. Henri's near-miss plane accident and Liam's historical baggage were both left hanging for much of the story, which was a bit confusing. The town benefactor story arc seemed to take up more airtime. Plus, the reader has to comprehend that in such a short time the two characters were falling in love on top of everything else. It was bewildering.

I didn't glean the usual glow of Bunyip Bay shenanigans in this instalment in the series, however, it was good to get a glimpse of past characters that intermingled in this story all the same.
Review copy received from Harlequin MIRA via Netgalley
2.5 stars

Coming back to Bunyip Bay was always hard for Henri and this time was harder.
Liam liked to keep to himself with enough excitement running a pub.
Together, they were friends supporting one another, getting closer and trying to fool people, without letting on about the secrets they each had.
I loved reading the next book in the Bunyip Bay series. Small towns are so friendly and have each other's backs in times of need, and Bunyip Bay has this in spades. Both main characters were so down to earth.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to pre-read this book.

Once again Rachael Johns has written a page turning story that had me hooked right from the very beginning. Loveable characters Henrietta Forward (Bunyip Bay born & bred), but in recent years has been working & travelling the world as an agricultural pilot returns home for an extended Christmas break. Her mother, with all the very best of intentions is keen to marry Henri off to any eligible bachelors in town. Liam runs the The Palace, the pub in Bunyip Bay, and unwittingly becomes an accomplice in Henri’s scheme to fool her mother that she is at last settling down.
As we learn, Henri is harbouring a secret, and not much is known about Liam’s background, but so it seems is a Bunyip Bay resident whose anonymous generosity helps those in need within the community. The friendship between Henri and Liam blossoms and what started out as an attempt to fool Henri’s mother is soon de-railed.
Henri & Liam’s story and the characters of Bunyip Bay had me laughing – and at times in tears – happy ones! (thanks Chapter 18 – I was in the nail bar) and Chapter 36 (fortunately I was at home!).
I loved everything about Outback Secrets and was really sad when it ended – I knew it had to – but I could keep on reading about Henri & Liam and their life in Bunyip Bay – can’t wait to read the next book in the Bunyip Bay series (I already have my thoughts about who’s going to be doing what!)
Thank you to Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review. If I could give more than 5 stars – I would!

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advance copy of Outback Secrets which will be due out 27 October 21.

Once again Rachael Johns has excelled with Outback Secrets which is #5 in the Bunyip Bay series. While it is part of a series it also reads well as a stand alone book.

Liam Castle is publican of Bunyip Bay's local pub The Palace. He's not a fan of celebrating Christmas and with good reason so he keeps to himself but is also the ear that hears all that is going on with the people of Bunyip Bay. He’s not interested in a relationship  - in fact it's the last thing on his mind.

Meanwhile Henrietta Forward avoids coming home except for Christmas. She's happy being free and not tied to anything except her job and her Kombi - Cecil - but her family have other ideas.

To avoid the constant harassment from her family about settling down, Henri comes up with the hairbrained scheme of a fake relationship with Liam to get them to back down. Ironically Liam goes along with it but before too long sparks are flying and the fake relationship, maybe isn’t so fake any more?

Definitely a must read for all Rachael Johns fans or in fact anyone who loves a good Australian Rural Romance.

There's definitely room for more stories based on the characters of Bunyip Bay and I can't wait to see what Rachael will offer us next.

Outback Secrets ♡ this book was the perfect escape from reality, set in a small country town, fake dating, and excellent mental health representation. Easy 5/5 stars and I'll be reading everything by Rachael Johns

Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinaus for sending an ARC of this book.

Welcome home- to me as an Aussie or welcome 'home' to those from foreign lands. This story so down to earth, authentic and real; it really does welcome all into it's heart.
Set in a small town you get all the feels with the well rounded characters (and there are a a few), the family and the environment.
Henri the bush pilot makes the annual pilgrimage home for Chrissy Hols it's sentimental and taxing for her; because her dad's gone and her mum's trying too hard to get Henri settled down - both with a husband and out of the sky.
Liam lands himself in the middle of Henri's seemingly innocent ploy to shut down her meddlesome family and the townsfolk of Bunyip Bay.
She tells someone she has a man already- Liam!
She then immediately rushes to inform him of his newly orchestrated romance!
Its a tale of family, love, loss and sharing with authentic Australian lingo, countryside and locals. This tale is wonderfully fresh and soulful and I can't wait to get my hands on more story's by Rachael Johns!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the opportunity to review this book. Please note it will be available to purchase from October 27, 2021.

I loved this book, the storyline was completely down to earth and relatable with it being set in a small Australian country town. The characters are engaging from the start and continue to develop through the story. The backstory to the characters helps to build the overall story and gives them an extra layer of complexity while keeping them very much believable and relatable.

I absolutely loved "Outback Secrets".
Another 5 star novel by Rachael Johns.
I could not put it down.

An interesting story incorporating the two main characters in professions one doesn't often read about. A female pilot and a publican.
Touching on mental health, ptsd, alcohol, and society pressures

I loved the story line, pace and way it was written. It was refreshing, I personally enjoyed how the romance side played out too,

The only downside to this novel is that it ended, we had to leave the characters in Bunyip Bay, and will have to wait patiently to get my hands on another wonderful Rachael Johns creation.

Thanks for the opportunity to read an amazing novel by Rachael Johns

A little bit mystery, a little bit sexy, a lot enjoyable. Have loved all in this series and once again it feels like leaving friends behind now that I have finished. You don't need to have read the others for this to be a fabulous reading experience. Rachael has again created in depth characters that are relatable and loveable. Can't wait to get my hands on an actual book so I can read it again.

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advance copy of outback secrets.

Returning to bunyip bay for outback secrets, was exactly like catching up with old friends. Outback secrets is the fifth book in the series and dare I say it, probably my favourite one yet!

Outback secrets follows the quiet, sexy publican Liam in the small town of Bunyip Bay. He’s always kept to himself until firecracker Henri turns up and hits him for six. Suddenly his plan of not getting involved with locals seems very difficult.

Henri only visits her home town at Christmas and rarely otherwise. As the youngest of the family she is constantly being harassed about why she hasn’t found a partner and ‘settled’ down. What better way to throw her family off the scent then to invent a fake boyfriend? It isn’t long before sparks are flying and the fake relationship, maybe isn’t so fake?

Rachael created a chemistry that you could almost feel while reading. I loved heading back to bunyip bay and seeing what everyone was up to 😜 I also feel their may be (fingers crossed) potential for another follow up with Harriet and one of the locals!

Another amazing Rachael Johns creation and I already can’t wait for her next creation.

5/5

Outback secrets will be available in stores on the 27th of October 2021.

Review summary: Rachael Johns has returned to Bunyip Bay, and number 5 in the series is sure to exceed reader expectations. A great addition to the series that will bring new fans to the Rachael Johns (and Bunyip Bay) fan club.

Star rating: 4.5/5

** Content warning: this book may trigger traumatic memories, cause anxiety or may upset some readers due to references of aircraft safety and gun violence.

Bunyip Bay is a small country town in regional Western Australia with a run of creating perfect couples in the last few years. However, romance is the last thing on the minds of agricultural pilot Henrietta Forward and publican Liam Castle. When Henrietta returns home for Christmas with a secret, her family’s pressure to find a man leads to her world colliding with Liam. A female companion, let alone a girlfriend from the local community isn’t what Liam wants for Christmas. Next thing Liam knows he’s in a fake relationship and is on a mission to convince the town the love is real. The magic that is Bunyip Bay brings these two together in a way neither thought possible. But can it last?

Henri is a complicated character, and her relationship with her family is something a lot of readers can relate to (pressure to settle down and start a family). She is a strong female character who works in a male-orientated profession; her strength is relatable and showcases one of the many things Johns does well – gives us strong female leads who are vulnerable, life-like and elicit empathy.

Liam, the publican, is a character that makes many minor appearances in books 1-4 in the series, and his story is intriguing. This mystery helps drive the plot, and it is a nice change in the plot to see the ‘farming’ component is the heroine. The exploration of Liam makes him one of my favourite Bunyip Bay males. Although his actions are frustrating at times, they only build your empathy and love for him.

The plot of this book sounds like a rom-com out of the 90s or early 2000s (which I consider some of the greatest films ever made, and part of the reason I was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this book).

Outback Secrets sees Johns take a different approach to the love scenes in this book than she previously has. I won’t give spoilers, but I did enjoy the change in writing, pace and style. This changed helped drive the chemistry between the main characters, wider plot development.

As a reader of the Bunyip Bay series, I enjoyed all of the insights into characters we’ve previously met to see how their stories have continued a few years on. For new readers they may find it confusing, however this is a risk when you don’t read a series in sequential order.

Overall, Johns takes us on a journey with two characters you fall in love with, and you find yourself hoping they realise what is in front of them. A charming book that is just as enjoyable when re-read.

The only negative I have for this book is that I’ve already read it (twice) and there has been no announcement about a sixth.

Thank you to NetGallery and Harlequinn Australia for the opportunity to review this book.