Tuesday, October 07, 2014

Review: Outback Ghost by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Ghost
Author: Rachael Johns
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Bunyip Bay #3
Publication Date: 1st October 2014
Pages: 343
Book Source: Harlequin Mira & NetGalley

Synopsis: Third-generation farmer Adam Burton has always tried to keep his family together, but twenty years after his little sister went missing from the family farm he’s losing hope. His dad has walked out, his mum is as reclusive as ever and he still blames himself for his sister’s disappearance.

When Stella Reynolds and her young daughter arrive from the big smoke to stay at the holiday cottage on their farm for the summer, Adam is immediately attracted to the beautiful single mum. Although he’s always steered clear of children and doesn’t believe he deserves love or a family of his own, he finds himself spending time with Stella and her young daughter, Heidi, and enjoying it.

As the twenty-year old mystery begins to unravel, Stella wonders if she should take her daughter and run. But doing so is easier said than done, because Stella just might be falling in love with Bunyip Bay and a gorgeous, but hurting, farmer.

My Thoughts:
Wow Rachael Johns saves the best 'til last, Outback Ghost is my favourite of the Bunyip Bay series. I love a good romance but there's so much more to love in Outback Ghost ... depth, layers, grief, loss, community; it's a really touching read. 

I've felt for the Burton family since the disappearance of Adam Burton's young sister was first mentioned in Outback Dreams. When single mum Stella books the holiday cottage on Adam's farm to enjoy a much needed break and special time with her 7 year old daughter Heidi, the mystery slowly unravels. 

Adam and Stella, *sigh* I loved their interactions, their chemistry and I really loved that there were no miscommunication issues providing conflict and drama. I loved that Adam saw Stella as a package, the way he related to Heidi was just adorable. And last but not least, I loved the joy that Heidi brought to Adam's mother's life, what a special relationship between Heidi and Esther. 

'I've had sex' she told the cat proudly. 'Hot, messy, crazy, fabulous sex. With a man.' Not just any man but undoubtedly the hottest, sexiest man on the planet. Whiskers merely looked up and then turned her head and walked off in disgust.
'Might not be such a big thing for you,' Stella called out as the cat wandered back into the hallway, 'but this is monumental for me.'

The community really came together with love, support and acceptance in this final installment, a healing time ... and not just for the Burton family.  

Outback Ghost will have you teary, sighing and smiling ... I loved it and I'm sad to say goodbye to Bunyip Bay.


Connect with Rachael Johns


10 comments:

  1. I gave this four and a half stars too , and you'll be happy to know that there will apparently be another Bunyip Bay story so Frankie's can find love :)

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    1. Squeee Shelleyrae ... off to check out Rachael's fb. She's thinking of doing Simone's story too :)

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  2. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and have had good intentions of buying the second book....now I will have to get a move on and add the third to my wish-list! Great review.

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    1. You're going to love this one Karen ... and now it looks like we don't have to say goodbye to Bunyip Bay.

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  3. Replies
    1. Julie, Rachael Johns is my Kristan Higgins crush ... Aussie style lol

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  4. Yes it was very good! I think she is thinking of adding another book to the series - she said on Facebook she is reluctant to let them go so fingers crossed. Would be hard to surpass this one though.

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  5. Sounds like quite a tempting series!

    Deb

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