Synopsis:~

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, 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?

Necee’s take:~

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 Kim 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 was graciously provided an advanced reader copy through Thomas Nelson and NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. I am giving my honest opinion.

Australian author Jessica Kate writes inspirational romances with wit, sass, and grit. Jessica is a screenwriting groupie, co-host of the StoryNerds vlog and podcasts, and her favourite place to be-apart from Mum and Dad’s back deck-is a theme park. She has travelled North America and Australia, and samples her favourite pasta wherever she goes – but the best (so far) is still the place around the corner from her corporate day job as a training developer. She loves watching sitcoms with her housemates and being a leader in a new church plant.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Jessica’s website and blog
Grab Jessica’s eshorts – The Kiss Dare and The Kiss Thief – for free
Buy at Amazon: A Girl’s Guide to the Outback or Koorong
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