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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I am addicted to Christian romances and I love it when the author is not overly controlling the love story and shows that God has a beautiful purpose for each one of us
Kimberly and Samuel have been working together for a while and there is a certain animosity between them and when her insistence to expand the youth center where they work, encounters his reluctance to take risks, he decides it’s time to go back to Australia and help taking care of the family farm that is in serious financial difficulties.
Although the story focuses well on the insecurities of each protagonist, the writer also gives a certain emphasis to the behavior of Samuel’s sister, Jules, and I loved to follow the journey and the evolution of all these characters.
4/5 stars
I loved this book! A Girl’s Guide to the Outback was such a fun romance in a great setting. Sam and Kimberly were secondary characters in the book Love and Other Mistakes, however, this book definitely reads as a stand alone novel and there are no worries if you have not read Love and Other Mistakes.
This book had so much heart and I loved all of the nuances to this unique story. It was interesting to see how both Sam and Kimberly struggled with things that had happened in their pasts and allowed those situations to impact the decisions they made and what they were willing to risk (or not risk).
The chemistry was great between these two and I also loved the secondary romance between Jules and Mick, which was a second chance possibility for two people who allowed each other to slip away the first time around.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved it! Jessica Kate’s sense of humor is one of my new favorite things. And as a woman who wrestles with fear and is currently trying to learn how to trust God more, I was blown away by the spiritual truths sprinkled throughout this book.
Also, Sam’s great, but Mick is where it’s at. “Of course I came, Jules.” I MELT.
I just have to say…I loved this book! It has such a positiveness and such sense of adventure, and was a really fun read. A Girl’s Guide to the Outback was not what I was expecting, though it was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t read the synopsis beforehand (I’m one of those readers that enjoys being surprised) and I think this benefited my reading experience.
This is definitely a feel good book yet it still has that deepness, with almost character in a journey to self-discovery. The imagery of the Australian outback captures the imagination in such a wonderful way. The ending, though predictable, captured my heart. I knew that Sam and Kimberly would find out a way to be together somehow, but who I really wanted to see, and rooted for throughout the novel, is Jules and Mick. I adored their magnetism and Jules and her sass was perfection!
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is the perfect balance of faith, love, and the messiness of life. Highly recommend!!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher/author through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
I wasn’t sure what to think about this novel as I got into it. The book didn’t seem like a Christian book for a while even though the main characters worked for a church and ministry. Some of the words didn’t seem like ones that church leaders would use. However, as I stuck with the story and watched Sam, an Australian, and Kimberly, an American, overcome their hurts from the past and change and grow and face uncertainties and setbacks and come to depend on God more, I came to care more for them and empathized with them in their misfortunes. The story contains humor and wit, along with lots of Australian lingo and scenes and plenty of surprises. The characters all seem quite real, along with their quirks and foibles, and the plot is compelling. It should certainly hold the readers’ interest. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
”Samuel Payton was an idiot. ” What a great opening sentence to A Girl’s Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate. Kimberly Foster and Samuel Payton may work together, but they seem destined to be each other’s number one antagonizer.
Wow, this is the rom-com book to pick up for something light, yet with a message.
I liked and disliked all four main characters by turns, depending on whose point of view examined them. Kimberly, Sam, Jules, and Mick all have lots of personalities but the lies they believe often cause them to act as if there is only one possible trajectory for their lives. When their eyes see their own weaknesses, it tends to be through magnifying glasses that so enlarge their weaknesses and fears they can’t move forward. They have trouble viewing themselves in light of God’s Word, based on their own experiences or others’ perceptions of them.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in a lighter, clean rom-com with spiritual overtones.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. This is no way affects my opinions for which I am solely responsible.
My Thoughts on A Girl’s Guide to the Outback:
Such a fun novel! No huge suspense or mystery but just good old fashion protagonist and fun! This author is fun and engaging. She makes me feel like I’m right there on the dairy farm or in Virginia.
Bad things happen to good people, but we need to rise above them! Follow along as Sam and Kimberly overcome but also find out just what they’re made of and what they can actually do!
The cover is cute. I can’t say it totally made me want to read the book on my own. In fact, when I first read the title I really wondered what the book would be about. I wasn’t sure I just wanted a tour of Australia by book. Well, I didn’t get that though I did get a great visual of a dairy farm in Australia. I got so much more though! This is an excellent piece of Christian fiction that I recommend.
This book is highly recommended by me. I have read two of this author’s books now and they’re both amazing.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations
Don’t miss Jessica Kate’s latest. I thoroughly enjoyed her characters and I believed I had traveled to Australia. You get two romances in this book. Sam and his sister find their own true loves in their homeland, but one couple does return to the USA. I highly recommend this story.
“Don’t let fear stop you.”
I loved how funny this was. It was a perfect contemporary rom-com and cleverly written. The antics between Sam and Kimberly made me smile and laugh multiple times.
Sam and Kimberly were polar opposites in a lot of ways. Sam was the epitome of caution and worked within his comfort zone. Kimberly wanted to push and stretch to reach a larger audience through Wildfire, the youth drop-in center they both worked for. When unforseen circumstances take them both to Australia, they each experience personal growth and learn that the other just might be what they need in order to succeed in dreams for their future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE OUTBACK is a story of finding self worth not in others, but in the God who loves you, and being willing to let go of fear in order to let God work in your life. The setting is rugged and charming, with characters who struggle with self-doubt and loss, but who find friendship, family, and love. Highly recommended to inspirational romance fans!
This story was a roller-coaster ride of humor, friendship, struggle, disaster, faith, family, and romance that pulled on all my emotions. I laughed and cried, smiled and swooned. The characters were all easy to relate to and I loved them so much! I also liked that there were two different romances. Sometimes that can be a problem for me in a story, but it worked for me here. I loved all the banter between the love interests and the ribbing between siblings and friends. These characters, particularly Sam and Kim, have some deep heartache and fears to work through. It really broke my heart watching them deal with their hurts, both from the past and during this story. However, it made the sweet and happy moments that much sweeter. There was one thing that tied things up maybe too perfectly having to do with Kim’s mom that could have been left out, but that was a small thing. Otherwise, I enjoyed every minute of this story.
In the end, was it what I wished for? With a charming Australian setting for most of the story, wonderful characters, sweet romance, and an emotional journey that will pull on the reader’s heart, there’s much to love. Grab this one if you’re an inspy contemporary romance reader! I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see what Kate writes next!
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is a wonderful and fun read. I absolutely loved this cute story. It had my laughing throughout. It is by far my favorite I have read by Jessica Kate to date. Samuel and Kimberly were pure delightful getting to know.
I am giving A Girl’s Guide to the Outback a very well deserved five plus stars. I have already highly recommended it to my friends. Readers who enjoy a sweet romance will not want to pass on this one. I loved it!
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
DELIGHTFUL!
Jessica Kate is quickly becoming one of my favorite new young authors! Her latest release, A GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE OUTBACK, is my kind of book! The two main characters Kimberly Foster & Samuel Payton are easy to grow to love and you’ll quickly want to know more of their story. **Part of their introduction is told in Kate’s first book LOVE AND OTHER MISTAKES.**
Although Sam is Australian, he’s been working with WILDFIRE, an organization that provides opportunities for students to hear the Gospel and then get involved in some type of small group to help them continue to grow. Kim is the behind-the-scenes girl who makes sure everything runs smoothly so all Sam has to do is speak to the people the Message of Life! You’d think it would make for a beautiful relationship, right? Not so much! Why? Well, there’s her secret crush on him, his total insecurities about every single thing about himself, the struggling ministry, the guilt of him feeling needed at home and him always seeming as though Kim is on his last nerve.
Sam heads back to Australia to work on his family’s farm, causing the ministry to nose dive. The governing board decides the best idea is to send Kim over to come up with a Master Money Plan to save the Family Farm in exchange for Sam coming back to the ministry to find and/or train his replacement. What ensues is one of the most entertaining and endearing books I’ve read in a long time! Kim is used to an office, not out mucking a cattle stall or hooking a cow up to a milking machine! Readers will find many moments of pure hilarity but the two characters also come to understand and appreciate each other in all manner of new ways. There are also moments of great inspiration as well.
While going about their chores, Sam and Kim had been asking each other the question, “What would you do if you could do anything?” Sam’s response, “Mine’s what you’d expect. Preaching or talking to the kids one on one. Getting to articulate the ultimate truths of the universe and put them into people’s brains. Nothing better.”
Kim was quick to reinforce his gift set. “I don’t think you realize how good you are at it…Talking to people the way you do. When you listen to someone, it’s like you forget the rest of world and they’re the most fascinating thing in the universe to you. That’s why the kids love you so much.” She continued, “You don’t know how much it means for someone who doesn’t have anyone in their corner to really be listened to. It changes everything.”
That really spoke to me as I have been involved in some type of youth ministry for 44 years. I could relate to so much of the lives of these characters and the entire storyline.
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback is a cute, sweet, and funny read. Somehow I missed the fact that it was a Christian romance (I know, I know–clearly I didn’t read the blurb very carefully, or maybe at all?) but for the most part the story just gives gentle nudges toward listening to God and following His will rather than trying to suffocate readers with a specific set of views or beliefs, which for me was a relief. Even though Sam’s a pastor, most of the book takes place on his family farm where one’s faith rather than religion is the focus; I honestly often forgot it was an inspirational romance half of the time 😉
I liked both Sam and Kimberly, though it’s good that we get both of their POVs here, because they really do have a problem with communication for a lot of the book. We barely get to see the two of them sharing an office, since that part of the story’s over practically before it begins, but it’s hard to imagine how they could have worked so closely together yet still not have a clue what was motivating the other or what their true intentions were–it takes them ages to finally sort all of that out, which was frustrating at times. Ms Kate does do a good job of showing how paralyzing their fears are, though, and allows them to work through them, giving us a very sweet HEA in the end.
The secondary romance between Sam’s sister Julia and her ex, Mick, was a lot of fun as well–I almost wish they’d had their own book, because things inside Mick’s head could have been a lot of fun to see as well.
Plus, puppies. Who doesn’t want to read more puppies? 🙂
Rating: 4 stars / B
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Financial whiz Kim is working her dream job… helping a youth ministry grow and help troubled and underprivileged kids. She’s got plans to do more, but is thwarted by Sam, the ministry’s charismatic pastor who has an inexplicable aversion to growing the ministry. When Sam takes off for Australia to help his sister on the family farm, the ministry’s board gives Kim an ultimatum; get Sam back and get him on board with the growth plan, or the ministry’s closing down. Which is how Kim finds herself thigh-deep in mud on a Queensland dairy cattle farm, avoiding Australia’s legendarily lethal wildlife and battling an inexplicable attraction for the man whose fault it is that she’s in this mess in the first place.
There’s a major subplot with Sam’s sister struggling to keep her farm afloat. Kim lends her expertise to try and figure a way out of things, and I have to say I really didn’t expect the eventual outcome here; it fits romance’s definition of a happy ending for the concerned parties, yes, but it didn’t have the feel-good conquering adversity message I expected. What we got was actually more like what happens in real life, when things don’t always turn out the way you thought you wanted, but maybe that’s not actually such a bad thing after all. It was pretty deep and meaningful, and there’s a lot of that in this book, actually; a lot of soul-searching by all the major protagonists.
This is Christian fiction and the romance goes no further than kissing (doesn’t even hint at more, except for doggy romances!) and Sam’s career as a youth pastor makes a certain amount of religious references obligatory. Unlike a couple of Christian fiction books I’ve read recently, though, this one didn’t come off as evangelising at all. The faith expressed by the characters was deeply personal, never obtrusive onto others. It’s subtle and well done, and I think a lot more authors could learn from this author’s light touch on the topic.
At some 368 pages, this is pretty long, and yes, there were a few scenes I thought could have been cut entirely or pared back a lot without affecting the story. Being a little long-winded was about the only critique I really have here, though, so I’m going to give this one a solid four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I thought of this book as a Hallmark movie. Girl is desperate to get guy back to help her with her ministry plans. A sister is in dire need of someone to help save the family farm. Stuck in the middle of the two problems is guy who wants to help his family but is also too stubborn to help girl who wants him back in the states. Well that sums up what the book is about but wait. There is so much more to this little story. For the record, I love Hallmark movies.
The author sets the majority of the story in Australia. I would love to go there and explore the land and listen to the accents of the people. We get a glimpse of life in Australia as Samuel goes home to try to help his sister keep the farm. His abrupt departure from the states has left a void in Kimberly’s plan. I loved getting to know the characters and see inside their heart. It was interesting to read the different words that are used by the Australians. They have funny sayings, but I’m sure they think we do as well.
There are quite a few funny moments in the book as Kimberly tries to maneuver around the farm and get use to Australia. You can feel the tension between Kimberly and Sam. He didn’t want her to come at all and it will take a lot of work to gain his trust. Sometimes I thought Sam was being stubborn and perhaps he didn’t want to believe that Kimberly really has great ideas.
Through trials and errors we see characters change , hearts softened and romance that is swoon worthy. I have not heard of this author before but now that I have; well let’s just say that she can write a story that stirs emotions like never before. I can’t forget to mention the faith element that is nicely scattered throughout the story.
If I had to choose a favorite character it would be Sam. I just love his humble heart. He has no idea how passionate he is when he shares Jesus. People listen to him and he is able to reach people in the midst of their struggles. I have nothing but good things to say about a book that fascinated me, drew me into the story with vivid details and characters that I really liked. My advice is to get comfy, forget everything around you and get lost in a story that has all the makings for a good movie. Well done Jessica Tate. You have captured my attention with you charming characters, details of a place I want to visit and faith that fills the pages with hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
What a cute book! I loved the setting and I loved getting to know the characters in this book. They had depth and personality. This author is great at creating scenes that I can easily visualize in my mind and I love how it all played out so vividly.
Kimberly is really like an onion with those layers being peeled back slowly, one at a time. I loved her drive, her determination, her willingness to work hard and her desire to be a part of something bigger than just herself. Who cannot relate with the desire to belong? It really connected me to Kimberly.
When Kimberly arrives in Australia, she begins to become somewhat of a revelation for Sam too. Watching him realize things not only about Kimberly but about his own life and tendencies was very satisfying. And Jules? She was fun. I’m glad she got a happy ending too.
Content: kissing, mild peril, Christian fiction
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read from Jessica Kate and I’m looking forward to going back to read her debut novel, Love and Other Mistakes. I enjoyed the story being set in Australia and the slang terms that we learn while reading. The comedy was fun and the romance was quite enjoyable. Sam and Kim have great chemistry. I enjoyed their story together as well as each of their personal journeys. Quite an enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
HOLY OY!! What a fabulous story!!! Ms. Kate has knocked it out of the park in her debut novel! She’s absolutely an author to watch for in the future!
Right from the start, Kimberly and Samuel are oil and water, fire and ice. But opposites attract, right?
Both with their own issues, each thinks the other unbearable. With the slight complication of their mutual attraction. But as iron sharpens iron, so too do Kimberly and Samuel sharpen and complement one another, grating nerves and tear and all.
The mix of family, of personal issues, heartbreak and first kisses, the reality of life makes this a believable story; I felt as though I was among friends, rooting for both Kimberly and Sam, as well as Jules and Mick.
The setting was a particular favorite for this reader; I’ve an affinity for Australia—something to do with the accent. That Ms. Kate included colloquialisms (and their meanings) was a delight! That she threw her characters into one tail spin after another was a roller coaster gone wild! And her plethora of clever turns of phrase was entertaining. The “…prickliness of a porcupine with PMS” was priceless!
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, A Girl’s Guide to the Outback, Jessica Kate, Celebrate Lit
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I really enjoyed this interesting story from author Jessica Kate. I love that the characters and sassy and stubborn because it kept me more interested in the story and makes me story flow. Written by an Australian author, readers flow the journey with Sam as he returns to his homeland to help out his mom and sister on their farm. And I learned an amazing amount of Aussie slang as it was used throughout the book. I know some missionaries in Australia, so I enjoyed all of the details of the scenes taking place there.
The cast of mixed characters give a lot of flavor to the story. There are many times you will find yourself laughing, and there are some sad moments ad well. The Christian lifestyle was weaved throughout the story in a somewhat subtle way. And it had a sweet ending. The only thing I wasn’t really fond of in the story was some of the ‘words’ that was used to describe a few things. And though its only a few times, it saddens me because I can’t suggest this for a teenager to read. Which I could if these words were left out. I read an ARC, maybe the final release with be different. If you are looking for a humorous, sweet yet crazy read, this is one you will love.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author or publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I’ve always had an itching to visit Australia and I got to do so vicariously through Kimberly Foster in A Girl’s Guide to the Outback. I enjoyed the descriptions of the animals, terrain and Australian slang found among the pages. I felt for her and Samuel both in their conflicted feelings for their responsibilities and for each other. Samuel’s sister Jules added a fun character to the mix. Trying to save Jules diary farm in the Outback during flooding and then high winds brought on an element of “Will they, or won’t they?” My heart almost stopped during the fire when Meg and her babies safety was in question. And not the least of all was a questioning of guilt VS God’s will for your life. All these elements came together to make for an enjoyable story and an introspection of my own life in relation to what God’s will is in my life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.