How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract–and that God has a sense of humor. Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, … is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds–or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.
When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe–just maybe–Sam will reconsider his future with the church.
As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?
“Original, heartwarming, full of lovable characters amid a fast-paced plot. Romance readers will love the bicontinental adventure of a sassy, strong-willed woman going across the ocean to win back the Aussie man who holds the key to her career dreams–but also, as it turns out, so much more.” –Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating Charade
“Combining breathtaking realness, natural humor, and scorching romantic chemistry that leaps off the page, author Jessica Kate has given us a thoroughly modern tale about risk, acceptance, and the true meaning of home. Crackling with electricity and overflowing with heart, A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is one you won’t want to miss. Fair dinkum!” –Bethany Turner, award-winning author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and Wooing Cadie McCaffrey
“A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is as charming as it is hilarious! Jessica Kate’s fresh and unique voice is both humorous and endearing, leaving you no choice but to abandon all personal responsibilities so you can devour every page. This is one of those stories that leaves you looking around for the characters after you’ve finished reading, because they just had to be real.” –Betsy St. Amant, author of The Key to Love, coming October 2020
- Contemporary inspirational romance novel
- Includes characters featured in Jessica Kate’s debut Love and Other Mistakes but can be read as a standalone
- Book length: 90,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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This story is a great blend of romance, spunky characters, animated banter, and deep relationships! I found myself transported to the Australian setting and immersed in the descriptions of farm life. I liked how the characters transformed and changed throughout the story as they grow both individually and in their friendships and relationships. The spiritual content was woven well among the plot, and definitely had elements that were relatable to my own life. This story reminded me of a fun romantic comedy, with the ups and downs in the relationships, and I found myself really enjoying how everything came together in the end. Jessica Kate definitely is a talented writer and I highly recommend her books!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A story of belonging
My rating is 4.5 stars
You may remember Kimberly, the annoyingly perfect woman who competed with Natalie for the internship in Love and Other Mistakes. And you will, of course, remember Sam, the handsome, dynamic Australian youth pastor. Who could forget him?! Well, they’re back. . .
Kim and Sam’s three-and-a-half-year working relationship was full of misunderstandings. Both had read into the other’s words and reactions and had pictures of the other that were completely wrong. Kim’s aura of strength and confidence was born out of a desire to just once, please her mother and be good enough. Sam was insecure about his dyslexia and thought everyone considered him to be dumb.
I loved the way Sam and Kim began to see each other in a new light when they were no longer in the office environment. And as they saw the truth about each other, they were able to move past a world of hurts.
I appreciated that despite the fact kangaroos and koalas did make an appearance in the story, their presence wasn’t overblown, nor were other Australianisms. When expressions unique to that continent were used, they were explained in a manner that blended with the story instead of feeling stuck in there.
As a bonus, there were two romances here, not just one. Julia, Sam’s sister, and Mick, their neighbor-turned-vet had some very rough times. Yet Mick was so sweet to her. I loved the way he swept her away when she was dealing with her grief and knew just how to care for her.
I recommend this story for anyone who enjoys romance and changed lives.
Read my review of A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate at AmongTheReads.net
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is a hilarious, inspirational rom com, and you’re going to love it! I’m a sucker for Australia…except for all of the wildlife that want to kill me. I mean Australia has the Sydney Opera House, beautiful beaches, Chris Hemsworth… You get the picture.
Kimberly Foster has a head for business, and Sam Payton has a passion for reaching youth who are hurting and need Jesus. Together they’ve made the Wildfire ministry a success. But for two people who work so well together, they sure don’t like each other. Oh, it’s not that they don’t respect each other – they just don’t understand each other. They’ve never taken the time to really get to know each other either.
When Sam leaves the ministry to head back to help his sister, Jules, with the family farm that’s in danger of going under, Kimberly is tasked with finding his replacement. Wildfire quickly realizes that Sam is irreplaceable, so they send Kimberly off to “woo” him back. Sam makes a deal with Kimberly. He agrees to come back but only for six weeks to help train a replacement youth pastor. In exchange, Kimberly will comb the farm’s financials for a way to help save the farm from going under.
I’m not going to spoil this completely adorable book for you because I know you will love it, and I want you to discover all of the swoon-worthy, heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and inspiring moments yourselves. Not only are the main characters well-developed, but the supporting characters also are. My favorite supporting character is Butch who works at the farm. He barely talks, but he listens. He and Kimberly form a real bond during the course of her time in Australia. She was able to open up to him in a way that she couldn’t to others. You’ll find out why when you read this yourself!
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is a Christian romance book, and I found moments of deep wisdom within its pages.
This book challenges my faith, makes me laugh, and makes me cry. If you love Christian romantic comedy, I highly recommend that you read A Girl’s Guide to the Outback soon!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.
4.5 Stars
I enjoyed Jessica Kate’s debut novel, but she’s outdone herself in The Girl’s Guide to the Outback. Kate’s sophomore release felt much more rom-com to me than her first book, yet there was still some wonderful depth to the story amidst the humor.
Sam and Kim are complete opposites, former coworkers, and inexplicably attracted to each other. When Kim flies to Australia to convince Sam to return to the ministry he left, often time hilarious, sometimes dangerous situations arise. Yet, even more than that, as these two struggle alongside each other (with Sam’s sister Jules) to save his family’s farm, both of them are forced to take a hard look at their stubbornness and those parts of their lives they believe they’ve failed at.
I adored that there are two romances in this book (Jules and Mitch are the second couple) and the peek into a lesser-known side of living in Australia. Here’s hoping Kate returns us to the continent in future books.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback was so, so good!! It made me realize it’s been a while since I’ve read a book set outside of the US, but it was just perfect!! I loved the phrase “summer weather at Christmas” because that’s been my whole life! No, that doesn’t mean I’m an Aussie, it just means that people in South America can also relate 😀
I loved the mix of Contemporary Romance, unabashed Christian Faith, and humor. I seriously think I have about 100 highlights on my copy, I kid you not since this book had me laughing, swooning and feeling inspired (or called out) in my faith, that I absolutely know I’ve found a new favorite author.
I absolutely loved all things Sam, Kim, Jules, Mick, and Straya (and its slang, lol), and think this book deserves all the stars in the sky. Well done Ms. Kate!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really enjoyed this chuckle through the ups and downs of outback farm life and adventures in your ministry. Kimberly and Sam are characters that jump from the page and make you join their relational cheer squad. Jessica is all business while Sam is focused on people, not the bottom line. When months of animosity is forced to become teamwork, the sparks do fly. Despite the chuckles, there’s a deeper message about trusting the future to the Lord and I appreciated that along with the witty dialogue, agricultural hilarity and satisfying conclusion.
Now this was the perfect example of how a rom-com should be done! Jessica Kate did a phenomenal job in creating the perfect balance of a love/hate romantic comedy with all the feels. I couldn’t put it down wanting to know what would happen next. There were so many times I literally laughed out loud and yet felt the heart of the characters’ struggles, too. Kimberly Foster was prickly as a cactus, but underneath fierce and loyal. Samuel Payton was a dynamic leader and yet, so afraid of failure. I loved the way their faith and confidence grew as they communicated more. They both had false assumptions rooted in their own struggles. Kate really helped us see how much our focus on our failures and hurts can rob us of all the blessings God has for us. A beautiful story of building trust and faith.
Of course, the whole America to Australia theme is a true favorite for me. I absolutely loved the Aussie slang. Having just been on a holiday there, I found myself relating to her trying to get the slang down. My heart was totally focused on how realistic life in the Outback seemed. I think I even jumped when there was a snake or spider involved! I felt like I was right there and loved Sam’s family. In fact, Jules and Mick just added so much to the storyline with their own relationship struggles. I truly felt the family’s hardships in fighting for their dairy farm and all the work involved. I think the real life struggles in Australia (current wildfires and many losses of home, lives, land, and animals) made my heart root for a happy ending. I loved all the feels, highs and lows of this story.
One of my favorite quotes that had me laughing out loud was when Sam picked up Kate from the bus stop. As Kim’s semi crush hears his voice for the fist time in months…
“Welcome to Australia.” Oh, that voice. A shiver danced between Kimberly’s shoulder blades. It was enough to make a girl throw her passport into the Pacific.” Oh my goodness this quote cracked me up so hard that I laughed out loud! Sam and Mick are totally swoon worthy, too.
Another favorite quote was in how Kim viewed herself and started seeing who she is in Christ.
“God loves you. To Him, there was nothing about you that was unexpected or less than delightful.”
And how about those communication skills that make us not like each other, when it’s really that we haven’t walked in each others shoes. Don’t you wish someone was there to point out why we aren’t getting along?! Apparently, that’s what Sam’s sister, Jules is for…
“Sam’s overly cautious, and you take it too personally when someone rejects your ideas.”
I highly recommend “A Girl’s Guide to the Outback.” It hit every expectation and then some. Travel, romance, and faith with all the feels. If you love this book, you might love Kara Isaac’s Then There Was You.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I’ll be the first to tell you that Christian fiction is definitely not in my wheelhouse at all. I usually stay away, not because I don’t believe, but because I generally am not fond of being told I’m a loser if I haven’t been saved (and yes I’ve read plenty that had this theme). This book did NOT do that to me in the least. It was a sweet story. Would I classify it as Rom Com…probably not. Romantic in some aspects, and yes maybe a funny moment or two but not really a comedy either. For me, what I took away from this story is that you are loved even when you don’t know, realize or want to be. That family sticks together through thick and thin even if you feel you have disappointed them in some way. That you need to trust in yourself, in the process and yes, in God to guide you to where you need to be. That you need to see yourself as others see you. I enjoyed the story more than I expected to.
I received an e-galley from Netgalley.
This book was so good! It will make you laugh, cry and feel every emotion in between. The author made this book come to life with her words. You could see all the scenery, feel all the emotions and you feel like the people are your friends. This is not a fluffy romance, it deals with real problems and how the people make it through them with God’s help. This book was a joy to read. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Kate and it was a solid 5 star read! Thank you The First Editions and Thomas Nelson via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this sweet Christian romance because it wasn’t just “fluff” but featured 3D characters who were flawed and afraid but grew and learned to trust as the story progressed. I also loved the imagery (from an Australian author) of the workings of a dairy farm in the Outback.
This is really TWO love stories, both fleshed out nicely…Kim and Sam and Jules (Sam’s sister) and Mick…and I loved both of them equally. Loved the humor as well.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson for providing me with an ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
You’d find two love stories in this book. Love stories between two different set of people but above all between the individuals and God.
There is a lesson in this book for everyone. This book is filled with sweet humor, breathtaking chemistry, grit, fearlessness, loyalty, trust in God…
First of, we meet the fiery, fearless Kim and the sweet, scared Sam. Their’s was a roller coaster of insecurities, unrequited admiration and respect and a lot of self discoveries. I’ve never seen a book deal with deeply buried insecurities like this book.
Sam carried his insecurities like a signpost on his forehead, Kimberly had been wounded by those who should have loved her and that made her somewhat fearless and archenemies with Sam for a long time. I loved reading about their individual and collective journeys to letting go and moving on with God’s purpose for their lives. It was so sweet how they complemented each other. A lot of hurt and words flew around but the important lesson here was when God is involved nothing stops Him.
Their story will inspire you to make changes you’ve been afraid and reluctant to.
Then we meet Mick and Jules. Jules is Sam’s sister and in charge of their family farm in Australia that has been in the family for four generations. She allowed her place in the farm to define and cage her. Mick was frustrated with Jules because of their past. Jules had life changing decisions to make if only she could trust God and learn that she wasn’t defined by what she did but by Whose she is.
There is something for everyone in this book. No review would do it justice. You just have to read the book yourself.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion
I loved this book. All of it. The characters, the setting, the witty banter, the topics of faith and surrendering to what God is doing in their lives. Even though Kim and Sam are the main characters, we meet several strong, supportive characters that add depth and round out the storyline. One line in particular stood out that well defined much of the message of this book “’To Him, there was nothing about you that was unexpected or less than delightful’…The truth of the words knocked on the door of her soul, but she could never quite get them to enter.” The soul-stirring truths, humorous glimpses of life in the Outback, and buckle-your-knees kisses make this book a must read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.