The former Deniliquin Pastoral Times journalist is usually best known for penning inspirational romances.
She said the new book combines love and adventure with laugh-out-loud story telling.
‘‘This was a very fun novel to write,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve always really enjoyed exploring the intricacies of love/hate relationships, especially when it involves characters who have a long history together.
‘‘This story allowed me to do that while also channelling some incredible memories of my childhood adventures on Aussie farms.’’
A Girl’s Guide to the Outback follows Samuel ‘Sam’ Payton, a youth minister who is struggling with a looming list of past failures, and his co-worker Kimberly Foster, a fiery, fearless start-up expert who despite her best efforts, clashes with Sam at every turn.
After learning that his family’s farm is on the brink of financial ruin, Sam quits the ministry and returns home to Australia to help his sister, Jules.
He soon realises it’s going to take a professional to help ensure the farm’s long-term survival.
Kimberly — now keenly aware that no one at the church can replace Sam — accepts a deal: in exchange for her business expertise, Sam will assist in finding a new pastor for the ministry.
Upon arriving in Australia, Kimberly not only begins to think she’s found the family she’s always wanted, but is also forced face her growing attraction to Sam.
Throughout the story, each character is pushed outside of their comfort zones, and as a result, is left re-evaluating everything they thought they knew about themselves, their faith and one another.
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