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Outback Dreams

(Bunyip Bay #1)

Rachael Johns (Goodreads Author)

4.17 · Rating details · 1,112 ratings · 118 reviews

Faith and Monty are both looking for love...but they’re looking in the wrong direction.

Faith Forrester is at a crossroads. Single, thirty and living on a farm in a small Western Australian town, she’s sick of being treated like a kitchen slave by her brother and father. Ten years ago, her mother died of breast cancer, and Faith has been treading water ever since. She wants ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published October 1st 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Australia

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Feb 13, 2016 Brenda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: own-read, read-on-kindle, rural, romance, 2013-release, aussie-authors

Faith and Monty – best friends since childhood where their farms were side by side and they did everything together. Then came the day that Monty’s parents sold their farm and took both Monty and his brother Will to live in Perth. Monty was devastated – as a ten year old child he couldn’t comprehend what his parents were doing; the farm had been in the family for generations – just because Will needed medical care on a constant basis didn’t mean they should move away from everything they’d known Faith and Monty – best friends since childhood where their farms were side by side and they did everything together. Then came the day that Monty’s parents sold their farm and took both Monty and his brother Will to live in Perth. Monty was devastated – as a ten year old child he couldn’t comprehend what his parents were doing; the farm had been in the family for generations – just because Will needed medical care on a constant basis didn’t mean they should move away from everything they’d known and loved all Monty’s life; did it?

Boarding school and college over, both Faith and Monty were adults now – Faith still living on the family farm at Bunyip Bay and Daniel (Monty) Montgomery back and working odd jobs to save enough money to buy his own farm. The two of them remained fast friends – best buddies – helping each other out, enjoying a beer together. But things had changed (as they tend to do). Faith’s Mum had passed away ten years prior to cancer and while her Dad and brother Ryan continued to work the farm, Faith wanted more than just cooking for the men and cleaning the house.

When Faith decided to do a fundraiser to raise money for autism and the special dogs which were needed to be companions to autistic children, she settled on the Barking Ball to be held in Bunyip Bay. As the members of the town rallied around her to help, Monty’s dreams of owning his own farm were coming closer to fruition. Unexpectedly though the two best friends were feeling uncomfortable around one another – what was going on? Faith knew she couldn’t lose the friendship she’d cherished her whole life; Monty wasn’t sure what to do…

Outback Dreams by Aussie author Rachael Johns is the first in the Bunyip Bay series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having already read the third and fourth in the series, which I loved, I decided I needed to read the first two. Outback Dreams is a delightful rural romance with characters that I had already met in the later books, so it was like catching up again (though in a back to front way) The descriptions of farm life were authentic and real – Clancy’s Breakaway was beautiful. (I wondered if it’s the author’s home or the one she dreams of having) I especially loved Jenni and Nora. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Outback Dreams.
...more

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Mar 04, 2017 Jenny rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance

Outback Dreams is book one of the Bunyip Bay series by Rachael Johns. The readers of Outback Dreams will see how childhood friends Daniel Montgomery and Faith Forrester realise that they have fallen in love. Outback Dreams also discusses Daniel Montgomery family and how they handle when they realise their youngest son William had autism. However, until one night of passion with Faith, no one understands how William affected the way Daniel feels and behaves. Another, story in the background of Ou ...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Sharon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie-authors, borrowed-from-library

This is the first book I've read by Rachael Johns and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Faith Forrester and Daniel 'Monty' Montgomery have been best friends since childhood. Having grown up together they know just about all there is to know about one another. Faith lives Bunyip bay with her father Frank and her brother Ryan. Faith's mother passed away from breast cancer eight years ago. Her father and brother work on the farm each day whilst she is left to do the cooking and all the cleaning. In fact Fait This is the first book I've read by Rachael Johns and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Faith Forrester and Daniel 'Monty' Montgomery have been best friends since childhood. Having grown up together they know just about all there is to know about one another. Faith lives Bunyip bay with her father Frank and her brother Ryan. Faith's mother passed away from breast cancer eight years ago. Her father and brother work on the farm each day whilst she is left to do the cooking and all the cleaning. In fact Faith is treated more like the hired help most days especially by father. Faith feels like she hasn't accomplished anything in her life and decides this year things are going to change. She starts with organising a fundraiser which will be a ball to raise money to train companion dogs for autistic kids. The Barking Ball Charity event.
And she feels it's about time to find herself a man, but this may seem harder than she thinks.

Monty's parents sold their family farm when he was ten years old and moved to Perth. This move was to enable them to get more help and support for Monty's brother Will who has autism. Since Monty was young he always dreamed of owning a farm and thought it would be the family farm, but this was not too be. Monty's dream never faded and once he was old enough he worked so hard towards he's dream. He worked on other peoples farms and on crayfish boats between seasons and saved like mad. And it seems like his dream was getting closer as he is told about a farm that has come on the market and of course Monty is thrilled. He has all his finances sorted only to be disappointed as the sale falls through. A short time later Monty is told about another farm that has just been listed but it's eight hours away. He discusses it with his best friend Faith and ask her to come with him to take a look and she agrees.Once they reach the farm they are both in awe of the farm as it's so beautiful and more than either of them expected. The people that own it have named it Clancy's Breakaway and they are a lovely couple who want someone who will appreciate their home and surroundings. They will not just sell to anyone it has to be the right person. So will Monty be that person? After spending the night at the farm Monty and Faith see each other differently but could this make their lives more complicated.

This is a beautiful story of romance, friendship and community. I really enjoyed all the characters although Faith's father wasn't very pleasant I did warm to him in the end. I honestly didn't want this story to end it was a lovely easy read and I can't wait for the next one in this series Outback Blaze. A remarkable story written by an Aussie author and I highly recommend you read it. ...more

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Jan 01, 2021 Natalie M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, women-s-fiction

I need Book 2 NOW!

Just a fantastic contemporary fiction read! Loved the characters, the complexity of the plot, the rural setting, the strong female voices and of course outback Aussie larrikin fun.

Awesome book to start the year with - thank you Rachel Jones for kicking 2021 into the bleachers!

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Sep 03, 2013 Monique Mulligan rated it really liked it

After reading Man Drought earlier this year and then hosting Rachael Johns as a Stories on Stage speaker (read my interview with her here), I was more than happy to receive an advance copy of her next book, Outback Dreams. Hands up if you wish you received that advance copy … if your hand is waving, then you’ll be happy to read that I have one copy to give away to AU readers. More on that later. I was hoping for another fun-loving romp in John’s refreshing style and I’m happy to say that’s just After reading Man Drought earlier this year and then hosting Rachael Johns as a Stories on Stage speaker (read my interview with her here), I was more than happy to receive an advance copy of her next book, Outback Dreams. Hands up if you wish you received that advance copy … if your hand is waving, then you’ll be happy to read that I have one copy to give away to AU readers. More on that later. I was hoping for another fun-loving romp in John’s refreshing style and I’m happy to say that’s just what I got – an enjoyable story of two people looking for love in the wrong direction.

Thirty-year-old Faith Forrester lives on a farm in a small Western Australian town with her father and brother. Her mother died of breast cancer 10 years earlier and since then Faith has been running around after her brother and father like a chook with its head chopped off … but, she’d much rather be running around on the farm. That doesn’t seem to be an option so when Faith is at a boarding school reunion, she decides to take part in a fundraising challenge and prove to herself (and her old school peers) that she’s doing something worthwhile. That’s not the only complication Faith has added to her life in one fell swoop – when asked about her love-life, which is non-existent, she thinks on her feet and tells everyone that her long-time best friend Monty (Daniel) is her boyfriend, hoping that will satisfy their lust for information.

Back in town, she updates Monty, and is surprised to find that she’s looking at him in a new way. He looks pretty good, she thinks, wondering why she’s never really noticed before. Turns out Monty has news of his own. After years of dreaming of a farm to call his own, Monty has the deposit he needs to buy a property. With Faith’s new charity mission and Monty’s real-estate venture, things look like they’re falling into place … apart from the fact that neither of them have partners, Monty has a crush on a girl who doesn’t seem interested, and Faith can’t stop looking at Monty’s ripped bod. When the two travel down south to check out a property Monty is interested in, a few too many red wines lead to an amorous night under the stars and suddenly life is more complicated than ever before. Both want to be in love, but they just didn’t expect it to be with each other.

What an enjoyable read! Just the right amount of conflict, heat and romance, played out by two great characters in Faith and Monty. I read this after a few heavier books and it turned out to be the perfect antidote for a weighed-down mind! Johns has really found her forte in romance writing; she tells a good yarn, uses humour well, and she makes her rural settings look darn inviting. I’m looking forward to the rest of what is, as I discovered later, a three-book series (you can read this as a standalone, though) and I think for her growing fan base, Outback Blaze and Outback Ghost won’t come fast enough.

One of the key elements in determining whether a romance works or not, aside from the requisite conflict of sorts, is the chemistry between the leads. I really liked that Faith and Monty started out as friends first and that the romantic attraction was a later addition to their relationship – it gives me faith in their longevity. Often with a fast-burn relationship I wonder what will happen once the lust and desire wears off (or at least dims, as it is wont to do). Once the attraction was sparked, I found it believable; at different times I felt frustrated by the characters’ miscommunications and wanted to give them a shake! Other characters, such as Ruby and Adam, who will be highlighted in the next two books, rounded out the story well, providing stability, added interest and a little extra conflict (as well as friendship and a voice of reason for the love-addled Faith and Monty).

It’s not all sweetness and light; the storyline also explores a touchy relationship between Faith and her still-grieving father, as well as an issue close to Johns’ heart, autism. Yes, in essence it’s a romance, but I do like a bit more depth and Outback Dreams delivers that with a gentle touch. ...more

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Jul 10, 2013 Tamara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: australian-author, signed, read-in-2013, rural-fiction, favourite-series

Outback Dreams has been one of my most anticipated reads of 2013, and when I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced copy, I couldn't wait to dive in - so eager in fact, that I stayed up until 1am finishing it (note to self, don't start a book you know you won't want to put down late at night!)

Rachael Johns has firmly cemented her place at the top of my "must read authors" list, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the books the Bunyip Bay series.

I will definelty be buying my own copy ...more

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Nov 01, 2013 Bettina rated it it was amazing

Rachael's books always manage to captivate me from the first page. Thanks so much for raising the issue of Autism in your book and proving just because you have a disability it doesn't mean you can't lead a happy life. Loved the storyline of best friends falling in love, was kind of sweet. :) Can't wait for the next 2 books in the series! ...more

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Jul 24, 2013 Bree T rated it it was amazing

Shelves: australian, arc, contemporary, romance, series, rural-lit, aww2013

A school reunion has forced Faith Forrester to recognise that her life is going no where. Almost 30, she lives on the family farm with her widowed father and brother but she isn’t allowed to assist with any of the farm work. Instead Faith cleans and cooks, picking up after her relatives like some kind of slave. She has a half finished agriculture studies degree that she gave up ten years ago to nurse her mother through the last stages of breast cancer and never went back. She wants to do farm wo A school reunion has forced Faith Forrester to recognise that her life is going no where. Almost 30, she lives on the family farm with her widowed father and brother but she isn’t allowed to assist with any of the farm work. Instead Faith cleans and cooks, picking up after her relatives like some kind of slave. She has a half finished agriculture studies degree that she gave up ten years ago to nurse her mother through the last stages of breast cancer and never went back. She wants to do farm work but she has come to the realisation that it isn’t going to happen as she cooks the next Sunday roast. To do what she loves, she will have to leave the family farm.

Faith’s best friend Daniel Montgomery (aka ‘Monty’) is doing everything he can to get back to a farm. His parents sold their family farm and moved to Perth when Daniel was 10 in order to get more help and support for Daniel’s autistic brother Will and ever since then, everything Daniel has done has revolved around his dream of being able to own his own farm. He’s worked hard for years doing every job he could find and carefully saved all his money when his friends have been partying and holidaying. Now he thinks he finally has enough to go to the bank with a good deposit in order to get a loan to make his dream come true.

Faith has decided to embark on a charitable project, raising money to help fund companion dogs for autistic children and she has roped in many of the locals to help her, including Monty. The two have been friends since they were kids but now both of them are slightly startled by the distinctly more than friendly feelings they are having towards each other and when visiting Monty’s dream property together, a night of too much alcohol and a shared tent leads to a night of passion. Both of them are taken aback by this new direction and in their attempts to banish any awkwardness, only end up creating more. And although Monty now has a date with the girl he’s been chasing for months, he finds that he only has Faith on his mind.

Is it possible that what Faith and Monty have been looking for, the reason that neither of them have ever had a serious partner, is because what they want has been right in front of them all along?

Outback Dreams is Rachael Johns’ latest novel and the first of her Bunyip Bay trilogy. Faith has grown up in the town, departing only for boarding school and part of her university degree. Since the death of her mother from breast cancer, Faith and perhaps the whole family, have been in a sort of limbo. A tedious reunion for her school makes her realise this and that she wants to change something, do something meaningful. She vows to enter the Ms Alumna award, which celebrates the woman whose project has raised the most for charity. While Faith is vowing to change her life, her best friend Monty is about to do exactly that, finally able to secure a bank loan to fulfill his dream of purchasing his own farm.

One thing I love about all of Johns’ rural romances are the communities she creates within each one. I think I liked this one best of all – Bunyip Bay is full of characters you want to know more about, from the shy Ruby who clearly has something going on in her past, to Faith and Monty’s lovely friend Adam, to the elderly ladies that Monty has done work and odd jobs for. Luckily this is part of a trilogy (each installment with a new couple but with some threads of plot that run through all 3) so we will get to read much more about these wonderful people, who contribute so much to this story. Everyone pitches in to help Faith with the ball she decides to have in order to raise money for her chosen charity – it’s the sort of place you can imagine yourself living very easily.

Both Faith and Monty are incredibly well-rounded characters complete with some rather glaring flaws to flesh them out. Monty grew up the neurotypical or “normal” child in a family that also had an autistic child who needed so much more. He resents the fact that his parents sold the farm, the farm that would’ve been his in order to move to Perth and help Will get the support that he needed in order to live as full a life as possible. Monty has seethed on this for years and he rarely sees his family and Will and finds it hard to relate to his brother and is surprised to learn just how far Will has come in living a “normal” life with a job and even a girlfriend. Will is a highly functioning autistic who as a child would melt down at the vacuum cleaner, the jars in the pantry not being arranged, even having his hair washed. Will’s needs have coloured Monty’s life and he has a lot of inner resentment and anger over that. It creates difficulty between him and Faith after they decide to try a relationship, because Monty is adamant he wouldn’t sell his dream for anything. And to be a family, you need to put that first and not a property. I found that I could understand Monty’s feelings and sympathise with them even though I knew they weren’t healthy and that he needed to move past them and let it all go in order to be truly happy. He isn’t deliberately cruel, he honestly believes that he’s doing the right thing in making the decisions he does. I also really enjoyed the way Faith’s difficult relationship with her father was explored and the reasons why he found it so difficult to have her help on the farm. It seemed like he was treating her like a slave but he was doing the best he could to actually keep her on the property so that she didn’t have to leave. He didn’t know that she was so dissatisfied with her life and felt as though she’d accomplished nothing.

Outback Dreams is a fresh take on the friends to lovers story. Quite often one character has had long running feelings and the other is oblivious. In this one Faith and Monty genuinely only see each other as friends, almost siblings until their lives begin to change. Monty realises that he wants someone to go with the dream of his own farm and that the only person he can really see playing that role is Faith. Likewise, Faith finds that the Monty she thinks she sees is long gone and it’s a man in front of her, not a teenage boy. I think it works, because they both have hit a stage in life where what they want is different. They are looking for the same thing at the same time and they are quite honestly, made for each other. They just needed to see beyond the whole ‘best friends’ thing.

This is a complete story in its own right but it also lays the groundwork for the threads to continue running throughout the next 2 installments, Outback Blaze and Outback Ghost. Waiting is torture! ...more

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Jul 19, 2013 Katie rated it it was amazing

I have fallen in adoration for Rachael Johns. This is my first experience reading a novel written by Ms Johns and most certainly not the last. I do have a couple of other’s on my to-read list, Jilted and Man Drought, which have moved up my list now. Outback Dreams was absolutely fantastic; I loved every aspect of this book and cannot wait to read the companion novels Outback Blaze and Outback Ghost (TBC). This will be one awesome series, with the characters and friendly small town quality, but a I have fallen in adoration for Rachael Johns. This is my first experience reading a novel written by Ms Johns and most certainly not the last. I do have a couple of other’s on my to-read list, Jilted and Man Drought, which have moved up my list now. Outback Dreams was absolutely fantastic; I loved every aspect of this book and cannot wait to read the companion novels Outback Blaze and Outback Ghost (TBC). This will be one awesome series, with the characters and friendly small town quality, but also the realistic associations with family issues.

Faith Forrester is thirty and attending a boarding school reunion. Everybody there is so successful and happy, or so they appear, that Faith feels jealous and alone. The girls sidle up to Faith and ask about her life. Faith is frozen, with no ring on her finger, is there anything she can say. Working on her family farm, she cannot say she is a successful lawyer or doctor and thinking quick, creates a fiancé. Faith created a fiancé in Daniel Montgomery, known to all as Monty.

Not having accomplished anything in her life, Faith was determined to change it. She pledged to raise money for a charity and hope to win Alumna of the Year by raising the most money. Heading home to an unhappy house, Faith is determined to gain confidence and make a change.

Monty and Faith have been friends since forever. Monty has had a dream of owning his own farm ever since his parent’s sold theirs and moved to the city. Devastated by the move Monty is determined to save and work as much as possible to buy that dream farm. Monty is a jack-of-all-trades and the eldest child, his younger brother, Will has Autism and they have had to change their life in order to accommodate to Will’s needs.

Since Faith decided Monty was her fiancé, she has been looking at Monty in a new light. Realising how hot and wonderful he is, Faith is going to flaunt her curves. Heading to the pub to celebrate Monty’s achievements towards his dreams, Faith shows up in a dress. This is highly unusual for her and everybody was shocked, but in a good way. Monty has had his sights on Ruby, recently returned to Bunyip Bay and all the blokes in town are smitten.

Monty cannot remember ever seeing Faith dressed that nice before. All of a sudden he is thinking about her long legs and beautiful curves. Ruby is next to him, but he can’t stop looking at Faith and puts it down to protectiveness. All the blokes are vying for her attention and Monty is worried.

Monty takes Faith to check out an available farm 8 hours away and they spend the weekend camping on the property. Monty is excited to have Faith with him; she is his best mate after all. Reaching Clancy’s Breakaway, they are both in awe of the homestead. Beautiful and impressive, they head in and meet the old couple that own it.

Having a good time, they have a few too many drinks, with their heads fuzzy, their hearts break through and heading to bed they kiss. Things turn into more, but will this ruin their lifelong friendship?

The next morning is awkward to say the least and it appears they have crossed a line. Everything in Faith’s life lately has gone from bad to worse. Her Father has turned to anger now and Faith only has him as a parent, so nothing is going right.

Can Monty and Faith overcome their awkwardness and discover their true feelings for each other? Will the Barking Ball charity event be a success? What will Faith decide to do with her life? Will Monty get his outback dream?

This was fabulous. The characters had depth and although I got annoyed with Monty at times for his selfishness, I can understand why he held onto his resentment for so long. I loved Faith’s strong will and no bars hold attitude, but with a delicate heart she shows she is still a woman. Ms Johns is remarkable; all the research into Autism and the minute detailing throughout the book really brought me into Bunyip Bay and Clancy’s Breakaway. I highly recommend this to all romance readers.
...more

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Sep 21, 2013 Sam Still Reading rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: all romance fans

Recommended to Sam Still Reading by: ARC from publisher - thank you!

Oh gosh. Outback Dreams – where do I start with this book? I’ve written three different openings to this review and none of them seem good enough compared to this wonderful story. Rachael Johns has done it all brilliantly with this book – the characters are likeable (and gorgeous in the case of Monty), the setting beautiful and the storyline is a ripper. At heart a romance, this book also has a number of non-romantic plot threads deftly woven through it to maintain your interest while you’re rea Oh gosh. Outback Dreams – where do I start with this book? I’ve written three different openings to this review and none of them seem good enough compared to this wonderful story. Rachael Johns has done it all brilliantly with this book – the characters are likeable (and gorgeous in the case of Monty), the setting beautiful and the storyline is a ripper. At heart a romance, this book also has a number of non-romantic plot threads deftly woven through it to maintain your interest while you’re reading and to have you thinking about the book when you’re not!

I do love books set in my native Western Australia, and Outback Dreams is set in a rural area that I’m fairly familiar with. While Bunyip Bay is a fictional town, those who know the area will see that Johns has remained faithful to the spirit of the area, as well as the local industries. There’s farming, fishing and a big town (Geraldton) close by, plus the Big Smoke of Perth is not that far away. This makes for plenty of opportunities for characters to move about and new characters to come in. I loved how the friendliness of the small country town is captured and how there’s no sugar coating of the downsides (such as wildfire gossip).

So what’s this story about? Monty (Daniel Montgomery) and Faith have been best friends since they were kids in Bunyip Bay. While Faith has stayed on in town as a frustrated cook and cleaner for her dad and brother, Monty’s family moved away to Perth to be nearer resources for Monty’s brother Will, who is autistic. Monty has always longed for a farm to call his own, and now he’s working feverishly in Bunyip Bay to earn the deposit. Monty’s got his eye on Ruby, the daughter of the family who runs the local Ag Store while Faith takes up a half-hearted romance with a man in town for crayfish season. When Monty asks Faith to accompany him to see a farm south of Perth, things go awry after one too many drinks and the friends get intimate. Mistake or meant to be?

While this is happening, Faith is organising a charity ball in Bunyip Bay to support dogs for autistic children after attending her yearly school reunion (poor Faith – imagine one of those every single year). Her father is barely speaking to her after Faith asked to be involved in the working life of the farm, rather than just the kitchen. Plus she’s not too sure what to make of Ruby, who has come to Bunyip Bay under a cloud – is she friend or foe? Monty’s trying to make sense of his future and where his fears regarding Will fit in.

It’s pretty rare in the book that I love all the major characters. But in Outback Dreams, I can honestly say that I did. Monty is a genuine gentleman, who is caring, clever and handsome. Faith is the kind of friend I’d like to have – she’s down to earth and unpretentious. Ruby is someone I’d like to know more about – I think what Faith mistook for a cold exterior hides a shy girl who’s been hurt. Will is just lovely (except for his spider addiction, I could have lived without that) and Mr and Mrs Montgomery are sweet with delightful quirks. I’d also like to know more about a minor character, Drew the policeman – I think he has a story too…

I loved this book; I could talk and write about it for hours! The spirit of Australia (and particularly country Australia) is evident in Outback Dreams. It reminds me of something we tend to lose in the city, heads down pushing through peak hour…the loss of mateship, helping a friend out. Bunyip Bay is full of good characters who help each other out – Monty helping out the elderly ladies in town with their gardening, Faith coaching the youth netball team… Johns gets the plot balance exactly right – there’s drama, conflict and love that will keep you turning the pages for hours until you finish.

Thank you to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.

http://samstillreading.wordpress.com ...more

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Jul 29, 2013 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-are, provided-by-publisher, aussie-author

Australian rural romance author Rachael Johns begins a new trilogy with her latest release, Outback Dreams. This novel, and the two to follow, will be linked by location, set in the small Western Australian town of Bunyip Bay, and will each feature two people finding love.

In Outback Dreams, Johns introduces Faith Forester and Daniel 'Monty' Montgomery. Best friends since childhood, neither is prepared when their feelings for each other begin to change. Faith is suddenly achingly aware of Daniel' ...more

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Aug 04, 2014 Dísir rated it it was ok

Shelves: contemporary-romance, chick-lit, hair-pulling-frustrating, eyeballs-rolled-into-my-head, idiotic-lead-character, annoying-brainless-wimpy-female, antipodean-authors, oh-for-fucks-sake, category-books, why-god-why

I like the build-up and the sense of rural community relationships, until...

There's always a moment where the conflict hits its highest point and unfortunately, I found it breathtakingly stupid when it came. From the heroine too, which makes me grimace and hunker down and whimper because I feel the need to excuse for the silliness in my own gender. Seriously? Faith's desire to have children leads her to break-up with Monty without taking the time to understand the resentment that he'd has for ye ...more

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Aug 12, 2013 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: physically-on-michelle-s-bookcase

Rachael Johns has fast become one of my favourite Australian authors, even if she does make me cry – EVERY single time I think. I have previously read and reviewed Jilted, Stand In Star and Man Drought. I have been itching to get my hands on Outback Dreams for months so when it arrived I wanted to drop everything and dive in, which didn’t quite happen but I did manage to devour it in the space of 12 hours.

Outback Dreams is set in the small Western Australian farming town of Bunyip Bay. A beautif ...more

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Sep 22, 2013 Ann-Marie rated it it was amazing

Outback Dreams is a wonderful story about country girl Faith that just wants to work on her family farm with her father and brother as an equal and not be treated like a slave. Being sent away to boarding school Faith has the love of the land in her heart and blood she wants nothing more than to be a part of her family farm so moves back home. Monty her best friend forever had to move to the city when he was 10. Still shattered at having to sell the family property when he was a child has moved ...more

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Aug 25, 2013 Trudie Campbell rated it really liked it

Another awesome read from Rachael Johns.

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Sep 17, 2013 Amanda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, australian-country-romance

I could not put this book down! All the characters were really well written and the setting really came to life! Its going to be a long wait for the next one!

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Jun 14, 2016 Gillian Murrell rated it liked it · review of another edition

A nice mushy Aussie romance in the WA outback. After growing up together life long friends Faith and Monty discover there is more to their relationship than just friendship.

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Sep 10, 2013 MarciaB - Book Muster Down Under rated it it was amazing

Best friends Faith and Monty know everything there is to know about one another … or do they!

Faith Forrester is in a bit of a quandary. Thirty years old, more comfortable in sloppy t-shirts and jeans and still living on the family farm with her widowed father and brother, she’s become a slave to them since her mother passed away. Having abandoned her agricultural degree to come home and take care of her mother ten years before, she’s recently started thinking that there has to be more to life th ...more

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Jun 26, 2018 Dominique Bebbington rated it really liked it

If It wasn’t mentioned in the authors letter to the reader I would be annoyed that there were so many stories that were eluded to but not fully discussed. Knowing that there are more books in the series gives me something to look forward to. I can’t wait!

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Aug 08, 2013 Sally906 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: australian-author, favorites, romance

OUTBACK DREAMS was one of my top reads for September, I found myself dragged into the world of Faith and Monty from page one and not allowed to leave until the very final page. Part of the myriad of reasons I loved this book was because I related to some of the backstories in the book resulting in it becoming very personal for me. The first back story was the one about the old girls network at the private girls’ boarding school that Faith attended. Like her I attended one and related to sometime OUTBACK DREAMS was one of my top reads for September, I found myself dragged into the world of Faith and Monty from page one and not allowed to leave until the very final page. Part of the myriad of reasons I loved this book was because I related to some of the backstories in the book resulting in it becoming very personal for me. The first back story was the one about the old girls network at the private girls’ boarding school that Faith attended. Like her I attended one and related to sometimes feeling like a duck out of water with the other girls who were rich and either titled or the offspring of famous people. I have never put myself in a position to compete in the old girls functions – but could totally relate how Faith needed to do it. The other back story that I really related to the most was that of the charity that Faith decided to raise funds for - Dogs for Autism – and the linking story of Monty’s brother Will. Whilst the Dogs for Autism charity is fictional there really are organisations that train companion dogs for the disabled in Australia. Faith picked this charity because Monty's little brother Will had high-functioning Autism; this struck a chord because our oldest grandson is also a high-functioning autistic. The Autism Spectrum covers a wide range of behavioural issues and affects thousands in Australia and around the world. I have learnt so much since our grandson was diagnosed; he is lucky in that he has been diagnosed early and will be able to live a normal life. Some children are not diagnosed and can often end up being the victims of bullying; even those who are diagnosed can end up being bullied. OUTBACK DREAMS gently highlights the issue of having a family member with Autism and how it can affect the whole family. It also was able to convey through Will that with the right intervention high-functioning autistic people can lead normal lives. OUTBACK DREAMS was a great read, a perfect blend of romance, believable conflict, perfect miscommunication and a happy ever after which will melt the most romance reading resistant heart. Rachel Johns brings the outback community alive and makes excellent use of humour to break up potentially traumatic scenes

“…Daisy looked up and Faith swore she actually smiled. Damn traitorous cow. She was such a hussy...”

More importantly there is genuine growth in each of the main characters, both Monty and Faith have to realise that what is missing from their lives is each other. And even once they have realised this then there is another hurdle to overcome.

There were a couple of the supporting characters who obviously need to find their own perfect match – Adam and Ruby. Which is a bit of a lead in because OUTBACK DREAMS is actually the start of a three book series all set in the small Western Australian fictional farming town of Bunyip Bay. Each can be read as a standalone even though the connections to the other books will be there. First Ruby and then Adam will reappear in these next books. I am SO keeping an eagle eye out for the upcoming releases of Outback Blaze (due in January 2014) and Outback Ghost (June 2014).
...more

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Sep 13, 2013 Michelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: zz2013-read

When I first started reading Outback Dreams my initial thoughts were "Great, another 'friends since forever and only just realising they love each other' kind of story". I have read so many other books like this that I was praying this one would have something a little more.
Luckily, it did. Yes, the above theme was definitely a strong part of the plot, but the book did actually contain other elements as well that kept my interest and made it more of an enjoyable read, such as the individual pers ...more

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Sep 14, 2013 Paula Phillips rated it it was amazing

Do you love your Aussie authors ? Love reading novels set in the Country ? Love to scoop up a hot cowboy or in this instance a farmer for yourself ?
Rachael Johns has done it again as McCains Vegetables love to say as she has written another fabulous Outback Australian novel. In Outback Dreams we have several storylines running smoothly together. The first is where we discover Daniel Montgomery aka Monty's little brother Will suffers from a high-functioning Autism. I liked reading about this as ...more

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Sep 20, 2013 Sheree rated it really liked it

Shelves: aussie-author, read-in-2013, reviews, romance

After enjoying Man Drought earlier this year I was excited to get an ARC of Outback Dreams; Rachael Johns is fast becoming a voice to be reckoned with on the contemporary romance scene.

Faith and Monty have been the best of mates since forever; they're down to earth, with dreams, fears, jealousies and insecurities, facing real issues, dealing with real emotions in this wonderful, friends to lovers story. I loved that there was a slow awakening for these two, but once awake, wow did the chemistry ...more

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Jul 04, 2013 Roz ~ My Written Romance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2013-reading-challenge, rural-romance, australian-author, friends-to-lovers

This and other reviews can be found on my blog, My Written Romance.

Now I loved this book. The friends-to-lovers trope is done so beautifully here. You could just imagine the struggles that Faith and Monty were confronted with - imagine all of a sudden, your very best friend becomes something so much more to you. I can't say that would be easy.

There was so much that impressed me about Outback Dreams. The believability of Faith and Monty as friends, as well as lovers, was perfect. I love the uniqu ...more

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May 27, 2014 Anne rated it it was amazing

I loved this book plain and simple. I loved the fact Rachael incorporated "The Barking Ball" to explore the effects of Autism on individuals and families in the greater community. I applaud her in depth research on how it affects people in their everyday lives and incorporated that so beautifully into this book.

I loved the chemistry between best friends Monty and Faith and their coming to realise that friendship may just be the beginning and then the wondering if once you cross a line if you ca ...more

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Jun 23, 2014 Jenny Schwartz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: authors-i-know, romance, 2013

Rachael Johns writes emotional, truly Australian romances. I always think this is deeply unfair -- Rachael's a friend -- because she admits she seldom cries at movies or reading books, whereas she has me reaching for tissues when I read her books. "Outback Dreams" is no exception.

Faith is a wonderful heroine. Capable but lonely, looking to change her life. Sharing her journey is a pleasure. And Monty is a great hero (I struggled for a little bit with him, because to me Monty is a dog's name -- n ...more

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Aug 28, 2013 Ceri ( A Book Between) rated it really liked it

Once again Rachael Johns has delivered us with a fantastic portrait of rural Australia. Rachael captured my heart with Man Drought (I really must get a hold of Jilted), and she continues to impress with Outback Dreams.
The gorgeous descriptions transport the reader to the peaceful surroundings of a coastal country town and the wonderful characters make it feel like home. Despite their flaws it is impossible not to love the colourful bunch that Rachael has created.

The story progresses at a steady ...more

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May 05, 2014 Nicki Edwards rated it it was amazing

I recently picked up Rachael's book "Jilted" from the shelves in my local bookshop when I had a gift voucher to spend. I had no idea what else to choose but the title jumped out at me so I bought it and read it in one sitting. I loved it so much I went and purchased every other book Rachael has written and I'm hanging out to see what comes next from this terrific author.
"Outback Dreams" was a brilliant tale from the very first chapter. I don't think I put it down except to eat, sleep and feed my ...more

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Feb 14, 2015 Janine rated it really liked it

This is the first book of Rachael's that I have read. I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy from Rachael herself! This is the second rural romance that I have read and I was disappointed with the other one by another Australian author, but was willing to try this book of Rachael's.

I was pleasantly surprised! The story of Faith and Monty was good, and yes it is a romance, but the story itself had a lot more substance to it with side stories about both of their families, also the autism stor ...more

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Oct 09, 2013 Lisa Ireland rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance

I rarely give books five stars, but this was definitely a five star romance read! It had everything a good romance needs - a hot hero, a feisty heroine, some well placed humour and bucket loads of heart warming emotion.

I am a big fan of Rachael Johns. I loved Jilted and Man Drought, but I have to say Outback Dreams surpasses them both. Her books have an authentic Australian Bush flavour and her characters are always realistic and well-rounded.

I can't wait to read the next book in the Bunyip Bay ...more

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Something Old, So...: October 2013 - Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns	4	9	Nov 10, 2013 01:01AM
Aussie Readers: Giveaway: 2 copies Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns (INT ends 7th Nov)	2	16	Nov 03, 2013 10:45PM
Book Giveaways: Giveaway: 2 copies Outback Dreams by Rachael Johns (INT ends 7th Nov)	2	6	Nov 03, 2013 03:35AM