A Girl's Guide to the Outback (Paperback)

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.

“Samuel Payton was an idiot. Kimberly Foster jammed her phone into her pocket and rushed down the sunny Charlottesville street in a Mr. Potato Head costume, peep-toe heels, and murderous rage. It was 10:00 a.m. on a Saturday in June, and she was late for a child's birthday party. But first she needed to strangle a youth pastor.” - Opening lines of A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate From the opening line, our leading lady, Kimberly, has the reader hooked with her wit and sass! She's balanced by our leading man, Samual, who is full of practicality and Australian humour. Whilst the story begins in America, it swiftly moves to the Australian outback, the perfect setting for this romantic comedy with a beautiful heart! Kimberley is a successful business thinker who has helped Samuel grow the outreach church program. When Samuel hears from his sister, Jules, that the family farm is struggling, he sets off to help. Jules realises their need for business advice and Kimberly follows Samuel to join them in the great Australian outback with very little idea of what she's getting herself into! The outback is a brutal place to live and farm but Jessica Kate manages to capture that alongside beautiful and funny moments in A Girl's Guide to the Outback. This book has so many great elements: the business challenges are interesting, the friendships deep, the romance entertaining and, to all this, an engaging perspective on living out our Christian faith. Neither of our leads truly understand each other or have the confidence the project in their skills. In wrestling with these issues, they learn to engage more with life. This was my first opportunity to enjoy a novel by Jessica Kate but I will certainly be reading her future offerings! It's so well-written, each character so distinct and interesting, it's witty and intelligent! I loved it from start to finish and highly recommended! It's a five out of five on the enJOYment scale.