Review of:  A Girl’s Guide to the Outback

Jessica Kate.  Thomas Nelson, $15.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-7852-2961-2

Australian author Kate brings readers an endearing romance that spans time and continents.  Headstrong business expert Kimberly and risk-averse youth pastor Sam cannot seem to get along as they attempt to launch a youth ministry in Charlottesville, VA (p. 1-19).  Each believes they know best what the ministry needs to succeed; yet, neither can achieve their goals without the other’s support.  After three years of little progress, a call from Sam’s sister informing that the family farm is at risk of bankruptcy leads him to the decision to abandon the ministry in favor of returning to Australia to help save his family’s legacy (p. 19).  However, once there, he and his sister Jules realize they need a business professional to identify what steps should be taken to ensure the farm’s long-term survival (p. 32).  Meanwhile, Kimberly is unable to secure a new pastor for the ministry.  When she receives an offer from Sam to help hire his replacement in exchange for her business expertise, she readily accepts and travels to Australia to assess the farm’s needs (p. 49).  As Kimberly learns a new way of life and starts to trust Sam, she discovers the family she never had (p. 49 ff).  She helps Sam begin to believe in himself and God’s plan (p. 282 ff).  They each experience spiritual growth as they start to see both themselves and each other in a new way that bonds them together and leads to love.  Their journey is paralleled by Sam’s sister Jules’ unfolding relationship with on-again, off-again boyfriend Mick (p. 20 ff).  The beautiful Australian backdrop is detailed expertly by Kate, helping to bring these sweet romantic tales to life and charm the hearts of Christian readers.  4 stars.