The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
bubba499's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
randikaye's review against another edition
4.0
When I read Jessica Kate's first novel- Love and Other Mistakes- I was an instant fan. I loved her fun romantic comedy style that had be laughing throughout the story. Naturally, I could not wait to read this one, her second novel- A Girl's Guide to the Outback.
As the name suggests, this book takes place in the author's home country of Australia. I thought this added a really fun element, hearing some of the Australian slang--- some of which I'd heard before, but others that were new to me. Likewise, it lead to some fun 'fish out of water' type moments throughout the story as well, aiding in that great romantic comedy style that I'd so enjoyed from the first book. Whereas her previous book was labeled as a Christian fiction, but read more like a mainstream fiction in which some of the characters happened to be Christian, I felt like this one had more faith content which I very much enjoyed. There were great messages about giving it to God and following His plans, as well as forgiveness and grace. It wasn't preachy, but certainly seemed to play more of a role in the story than the previous... so for anyone who liked the style but wanted more of that Christian content, this one might be more up your alley.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between our romantic leads- Sam and Kimberly- as their relationship kicked off from barely tolerating each other to falling in love. They were quite different in so many way, but complimented each other well. I always personally enjoy a good ol' fashioned opposites attracting story, as my husband and I likewise have completely different personalities too. Though in the case in this story, it was not as much their personal differences, but rather their personal hangups that seemed to get in the way. Either way, their fun banter made for a cute story that I enjoyed reading about. And while it was the main love story, it wasn't the only one! We get to know another couple throughout the story which is a great added bonus for us true romantics!
Overall, this was a great story and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. As much as I enjoyed her previous book, I thought this one was even better. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Kate in the future!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
As the name suggests, this book takes place in the author's home country of Australia. I thought this added a really fun element, hearing some of the Australian slang--- some of which I'd heard before, but others that were new to me. Likewise, it lead to some fun 'fish out of water' type moments throughout the story as well, aiding in that great romantic comedy style that I'd so enjoyed from the first book. Whereas her previous book was labeled as a Christian fiction, but read more like a mainstream fiction in which some of the characters happened to be Christian, I felt like this one had more faith content which I very much enjoyed. There were great messages about giving it to God and following His plans, as well as forgiveness and grace. It wasn't preachy, but certainly seemed to play more of a role in the story than the previous... so for anyone who liked the style but wanted more of that Christian content, this one might be more up your alley.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between our romantic leads- Sam and Kimberly- as their relationship kicked off from barely tolerating each other to falling in love. They were quite different in so many way, but complimented each other well. I always personally enjoy a good ol' fashioned opposites attracting story, as my husband and I likewise have completely different personalities too. Though in the case in this story, it was not as much their personal differences, but rather their personal hangups that seemed to get in the way. Either way, their fun banter made for a cute story that I enjoyed reading about. And while it was the main love story, it wasn't the only one! We get to know another couple throughout the story which is a great added bonus for us true romantics!
Overall, this was a great story and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. As much as I enjoyed her previous book, I thought this one was even better. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Kate in the future!
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for consideration. All thoughts are 100% my own.
jazzyjan94's review against another edition
2.0
This review appears on my blog: https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/2020/02/05/blog-tour-and-giveaway-a-girls-guide-to-the-outback/
Iâm going to be honest and start off by saying that I almost put this book down after the first few pages after I read the following line, âKimberlyâs uterus did a backflip of approval.â when the main character sees her boss in a Captain America costume. Iâm no prude, but that line rubbed me the wrong way for a couple of reasons: 1) I personally feel like this is a poor way to describe being attracted to someone; and 2) it doesnât seem like something that is appropriate for a Christian romance novel. And then there was a description of Kimberly from Samâs point-of-view that seemed more lustful than just mere attraction. However, after the first two chapters it seemed to get better and I didnât cringe as much. For the most part it was an okay story, however about halfway through the story started to lag, but once I got passed the 70% mark it picked up again.
Now I feel like Iâve spent enough time focusing on the negatives, itâs time to talk about some of the things I liked about this book.
First, I liked how this book is set mainly in Australia. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about the culture and the slang. I think I enjoyed reading about the different kinds of foods, especially discovering that there are a few brand names of food that are available in South Africa (where I grew up).
I also liked how we see both Sam and Kimberly struggle with self-doubt ad trying to figure out their purpose in life. I personally think there were times when Sam was too hard on Kimberly and often shot her down without listening to her ideas and how she came up with them.
I also liked the relationship between Samâs sister (her name escapes me right now) and Mick and seeing both of them wrestle with past hurts.
However there were times when the plot seemed repetitive and I think thatâs why I eventually felt like it dragged on.
Overall, this was an okay read there were quite a few things I didnât like. The plot was good, but also dragged at times. The main romance seemed to more lust-filled for about half the novel than I wouldâve liked, but it was still okay. 2.5/5 Stars.
Iâm going to be honest and start off by saying that I almost put this book down after the first few pages after I read the following line, âKimberlyâs uterus did a backflip of approval.â when the main character sees her boss in a Captain America costume. Iâm no prude, but that line rubbed me the wrong way for a couple of reasons: 1) I personally feel like this is a poor way to describe being attracted to someone; and 2) it doesnât seem like something that is appropriate for a Christian romance novel. And then there was a description of Kimberly from Samâs point-of-view that seemed more lustful than just mere attraction. However, after the first two chapters it seemed to get better and I didnât cringe as much. For the most part it was an okay story, however about halfway through the story started to lag, but once I got passed the 70% mark it picked up again.
Now I feel like Iâve spent enough time focusing on the negatives, itâs time to talk about some of the things I liked about this book.
First, I liked how this book is set mainly in Australia. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about the culture and the slang. I think I enjoyed reading about the different kinds of foods, especially discovering that there are a few brand names of food that are available in South Africa (where I grew up).
I also liked how we see both Sam and Kimberly struggle with self-doubt ad trying to figure out their purpose in life. I personally think there were times when Sam was too hard on Kimberly and often shot her down without listening to her ideas and how she came up with them.
I also liked the relationship between Samâs sister (her name escapes me right now) and Mick and seeing both of them wrestle with past hurts.
However there were times when the plot seemed repetitive and I think thatâs why I eventually felt like it dragged on.
Overall, this was an okay read there were quite a few things I didnât like. The plot was good, but also dragged at times. The main romance seemed to more lust-filled for about half the novel than I wouldâve liked, but it was still okay. 2.5/5 Stars.
adventuresofaliterarynature's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Contemporary romance with humor is my absolute favorite and this book had it in spades! From the very first sentence I was grinning like a fool and it didnât stop the whole time I was reading! Often it actually made me laugh out loud! But it wasnât all humor, this book has a lot of heart to it as well and I really resonated with some of the lesson the characters had to learn!
At first glance Kimberly and Sam are too opposite to work together (and believe me itâs hilarious) but I loved watching them discover how well the actually complimented each other and balanced one another out! Kimberly had the vision and plans and Sam had the heart and they really just made a perfect team. It was so fun to see them move from constantly frustrating each other to cautiously working together, to realizing that they were made for each other!
I also absolutely loved the secondary story between Jules and Mick! Their story was sweet and I really enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other!
It was really fun to have the story set in rural Australia and I loved all the Aussie stuff and lingo that was in it! And the farm life was really well-written giving the reader an extremely clear picture of how it was run without ever leaving me feeling bogged down by the details!
In short this book was amazing and it may have been my first Jessica Kate but it for sure wonât be my last!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
At first glance Kimberly and Sam are too opposite to work together (and believe me itâs hilarious) but I loved watching them discover how well the actually complimented each other and balanced one another out! Kimberly had the vision and plans and Sam had the heart and they really just made a perfect team. It was so fun to see them move from constantly frustrating each other to cautiously working together, to realizing that they were made for each other!
I also absolutely loved the secondary story between Jules and Mick! Their story was sweet and I really enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other!
It was really fun to have the story set in rural Australia and I loved all the Aussie stuff and lingo that was in it! And the farm life was really well-written giving the reader an extremely clear picture of how it was run without ever leaving me feeling bogged down by the details!
In short this book was amazing and it may have been my first Jessica Kate but it for sure wonât be my last!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate is a delightfully charming Christian romance.
Kimberly Foster and Samuel "Sam" Payton always seem to be at odds. Kimberly is a business expert who is quite passionate about expanding the ministry Sam founded. Just as they clash over her latest business plan, Sam abruptly returns to Australia to work with his sister, Julia "Jules", on their family dairy farm. With their business on the verge of going under, Jules convinces Sam that Kimberly is the only person who can come up with a plan to save their dairy. The scheme perfectly coincides with the news that the ministry is in danger of closing unless Kimberly can convince Sam to return and help find and train his replacement. With the holidays approaching, Kimberly knows it is the perfect time to travel to Australia to devise a financial plan for the Payton family farm and ask Sam to return to America to help the ministry. Will spending so much time in one another's company bring Kimberly and Sam closer?
Kimberly is a headstrong and confident businesswoman who is completely devoted to the ministry. She is frustrated by Sam's cautious approach to running the business but she can usually persuade him to see things her way. But with an unexpected failure behind them, Kimberly knows Sam will be a tough sell with her newest venture. What she does not expect is for him to completely walk away from the ministry. Kimberly is emotionally invested in the ministry and determined to not only keep their doors open but to expand in order to aid more people. So when Sam and Jules present their offer to her, Kimberly does not hesitate to travel to Australia.
Sam does not have a theology background yet he is an immensely gifted pastor. He is genuine and sincere in his beliefs and his need to help others. But, due to his past, Sam is reluctant to take chances. He is quick to shutdown Kimberly's latest efforts at the ministry and he is skeptical of asking her for business advice for their family farm. But with the very real possibility of losing their family's legacy, Sam tries to be open-minded about Kimberly's business recommendation.
Kimberly adjusts surprisingly well to life on the farm and she throws herself into helping Jules and Sam. She is also enjoying her unexpected friendship with Jules, who is struggling not only with the business but her continued feelings for former boyfriend, Mick Carrigan. Kimberly is also happy that her relationship with Sam turns less adversarial but she doubts their truce will hold indefinitely.  As she and Sam get to know each other outside of a business setting, they realize they harbor many misconceptions about one another. And underneath their newfound friendship, Sam and Kimberly gradually become aware of a simmering attraction. Will their past issues prevent them from exploring their newfound feelings?
A Girl's Guide to the Outback is an adorable novel with a beautifully developed cast of characters. Kimberly and Sam might come from different backgrounds but they both allow the wounds from their respective pasts guide their choices in the present. The spiritual messages are gently interwoven into the story in a natural, non-preachy manner and provide added depth to an already strong storyline. The Payton family farm is a wonderful setting that is vividly portrayed and easy to visualize. Jessica Kate brings this captivating novel to an emotional and heartwarming conclusion. A heartfelt and tender romance that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate is a delightfully charming Christian romance.
Kimberly Foster and Samuel "Sam" Payton always seem to be at odds. Kimberly is a business expert who is quite passionate about expanding the ministry Sam founded. Just as they clash over her latest business plan, Sam abruptly returns to Australia to work with his sister, Julia "Jules", on their family dairy farm. With their business on the verge of going under, Jules convinces Sam that Kimberly is the only person who can come up with a plan to save their dairy. The scheme perfectly coincides with the news that the ministry is in danger of closing unless Kimberly can convince Sam to return and help find and train his replacement. With the holidays approaching, Kimberly knows it is the perfect time to travel to Australia to devise a financial plan for the Payton family farm and ask Sam to return to America to help the ministry. Will spending so much time in one another's company bring Kimberly and Sam closer?
Kimberly is a headstrong and confident businesswoman who is completely devoted to the ministry. She is frustrated by Sam's cautious approach to running the business but she can usually persuade him to see things her way. But with an unexpected failure behind them, Kimberly knows Sam will be a tough sell with her newest venture. What she does not expect is for him to completely walk away from the ministry. Kimberly is emotionally invested in the ministry and determined to not only keep their doors open but to expand in order to aid more people. So when Sam and Jules present their offer to her, Kimberly does not hesitate to travel to Australia.
Sam does not have a theology background yet he is an immensely gifted pastor. He is genuine and sincere in his beliefs and his need to help others. But, due to his past, Sam is reluctant to take chances. He is quick to shutdown Kimberly's latest efforts at the ministry and he is skeptical of asking her for business advice for their family farm. But with the very real possibility of losing their family's legacy, Sam tries to be open-minded about Kimberly's business recommendation.
Kimberly adjusts surprisingly well to life on the farm and she throws herself into helping Jules and Sam. She is also enjoying her unexpected friendship with Jules, who is struggling not only with the business but her continued feelings for former boyfriend, Mick Carrigan. Kimberly is also happy that her relationship with Sam turns less adversarial but she doubts their truce will hold indefinitely.  As she and Sam get to know each other outside of a business setting, they realize they harbor many misconceptions about one another. And underneath their newfound friendship, Sam and Kimberly gradually become aware of a simmering attraction. Will their past issues prevent them from exploring their newfound feelings?
A Girl's Guide to the Outback is an adorable novel with a beautifully developed cast of characters. Kimberly and Sam might come from different backgrounds but they both allow the wounds from their respective pasts guide their choices in the present. The spiritual messages are gently interwoven into the story in a natural, non-preachy manner and provide added depth to an already strong storyline. The Payton family farm is a wonderful setting that is vividly portrayed and easy to visualize. Jessica Kate brings this captivating novel to an emotional and heartwarming conclusion. A heartfelt and tender romance that I absolutely loved and highly recommend.
abigailrbooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25