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The Outback Heart
The most heartfelt and moving novel yet from favourite Australian rural romance writer and bestselling author of The Family Farm.
Indianna Wilson is a country girl through and through. She'll do anything she can to save her beloved home town from disappearing off the map – even if she has to die trying. She brings Troy Mitchell to her tiny outback town, with hopes that he can bring a breath of fresh air to the Saints football club and lift the wider farming community.
He's just the spark they need in Hyden but it's the fire that he ignites in Indi's heart that takes her by surprise. She knows he's feeling something too – why, then, does he insist on pushing her away? What is it from his dark past that's preventing them from sharing a future?
As the town rallies together and their fighting spirit returns, Indi and Troy discover that sometimes life offers up a second chance – you just have to be brave enough to take it.
Indianna Wilson is a country girl through and through. She'll do anything she can to save her beloved home town from disappearing off the map – even if she has to die trying. She brings Troy Mitchell to her tiny outback town, with hopes that he can bring a breath of fresh air to the Saints football club and lift the wider farming community.
He's just the spark they need in Hyden but it's the fire that he ignites in Indi's heart that takes her by surprise. She knows he's feeling something too – why, then, does he insist on pushing her away? What is it from his dark past that's preventing them from sharing a future?
As the town rallies together and their fighting spirit returns, Indi and Troy discover that sometimes life offers up a second chance – you just have to be brave enough to take it.
389 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2013
7 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Palmer
26 books316 followersBestselling rural author of books set in outback Western Australia. Small communities, farming, great aussie characters and mother nature. Also writes YA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 1, 2013
This is the first book I've read by Fiona Palmer and it certainly won't be my last. I really enjoyed this book and I didn't want this story to end.
Indianna Wilson (Indi) not only has a love for her local football team but she also has a greater love for her small home town of Hyden. Indi and her two brothers Patrick and Jasper have grown up in Hyden and there's not a thing they wouldn't do for their home town community.
Two years ago their mother passed away and since then Indi seems to have stepped into her mothers shoes. Making sure the house she shares with her father and brothers is always clean and there is always a meal on the table.
Then there is her full time job which also keeps her busy. And if that's not enough she also helps out with the local football team and volunteers for the local CWA.
Her father Allan worries about Indi as he feels she takes on too much and that she should be out enjoying hey life.
Troy Mitchell is passionate about his football so when he get the opportunity to go and coach a team in Hyden he jumps at the chance. But once he arrives in Hyden he wonders what he's got himself into. On his first meeting with the team only seven blokes turn up and he know this is going to be a bigger challenge than he imagined.
Indi helps out whenever she can from rustling up players to helping with injuries which might include a bit of strapping or the odd massage. In time the team begin to improve which Troy is thrilled about. Indi tries to get to know Troy better with showing him the sights of the town and hanging out with him although Troy doesn't give much away about himself. Troy has his own personal problems which he doesn't wish to share with Indi or anyone else.
The ending of this story sends out a very important message to all of us which could change the lives of so many people.
This is a brilliantly written story by an Australian author and I highly recommend it.
Indianna Wilson (Indi) not only has a love for her local football team but she also has a greater love for her small home town of Hyden. Indi and her two brothers Patrick and Jasper have grown up in Hyden and there's not a thing they wouldn't do for their home town community.
Two years ago their mother passed away and since then Indi seems to have stepped into her mothers shoes. Making sure the house she shares with her father and brothers is always clean and there is always a meal on the table.
Then there is her full time job which also keeps her busy. And if that's not enough she also helps out with the local football team and volunteers for the local CWA.
Her father Allan worries about Indi as he feels she takes on too much and that she should be out enjoying hey life.
Troy Mitchell is passionate about his football so when he get the opportunity to go and coach a team in Hyden he jumps at the chance. But once he arrives in Hyden he wonders what he's got himself into. On his first meeting with the team only seven blokes turn up and he know this is going to be a bigger challenge than he imagined.
Indi helps out whenever she can from rustling up players to helping with injuries which might include a bit of strapping or the odd massage. In time the team begin to improve which Troy is thrilled about. Indi tries to get to know Troy better with showing him the sights of the town and hanging out with him although Troy doesn't give much away about himself. Troy has his own personal problems which he doesn't wish to share with Indi or anyone else.
The ending of this story sends out a very important message to all of us which could change the lives of so many people.
This is a brilliantly written story by an Australian author and I highly recommend it.
September 30, 2013
The Outback Heart is Fiona Palmer’s fifth contribution to the Australian Rural Romance sub-genre. After reading her fourth novel, The Sunburnt Country, and thoroughly enjoying it, I didn’t hesitate to devour this latest offering when it presented itself and was definitely not disappointed with this heart-warming and, at times, tear-jerking story of one woman's quest to save her small town’s footy club and one man’s determination to steer clear of all attachments.
Indianna Wilson (Indi) loves her small home town and, unlike so many of the young people she grew up with, has no plans to ever leave! With her “finger in many pies”, she works hard, holding down a full-time job as well as running the household she shares with her father and two brothers, while going out of her way to volunteer for a variety of other organisations she feels need her help to keep their town going – organisations who benefited from her mother’s assistance before her passing. The loss of her mother two years previously still haunts her and, while she goes out of her way to make a difference in the lives of her father and brothers, her passion lies in footy! So it’s no surprise that when the town’s club finds itself deteriorating to the point of becoming non-existent, she decides to do her best to keep it going and enlists the help of a former footy player as coach.
With not many great relationship prospects around town and rumours about her sexual preferences abounding, when Troy Mitchell arrives, she’s not expecting the visual feast which presents itself nor the depth of emotion and passion he ignites in her.
Unfortunately, Troy has only one goal in life and that is to steer clear of any form of relationship with anyone, including his own family! Still trying to come to terms with a loss that he has suffered as well as the event in his teenage years which changed his life forever, Troy is pretty much a loner who has resigned himself to the hand that life has dealt him, preferring to never settle in one place for too long. He doesn’t feel that he will ever be ready to make a commitment which he is afraid he may not be able to keep!
Initially aloof and indifferent to Indi’s attempts at conversation and friendship, a tentative rapport begins to develop between the two of them when they find themselves working together as coach and assistant coach of the newly revived footy team. While we see Indy’s bubbly personality and her commitment to rejuvenating her home town’s footy team - not to mention her sexy little body – begin to draw him in, we also see him withdrawing whenever he gets too close. However, he never bargained on Indi’s tenacity.
I am a known sook when it comes to stories that touch my heart and, to my mind, this is a story that did just that. I became so invested in the lives of Indi and Troy, thanks to Fiona Palmer’s expertly crafted characters, whose lives are propagated by real-life issues which went a long way to creating great emotional depth thus pulling me in to the immediacy of their lives. Indi’s passion and spiritedness had me cheering her on and turning the pages in anticipation of the outcome, while Troy’s indifference had me wound so tight that, by the time I reached the end, my heart was almost broken.
Despite the fact that the central issue of this novel is a serious one, Ms Palmer doesn’t burden the story with needless medical jargon, but rather goes into just enough detail to assure the reader that she has done her research, while her depiction of Australian small town life and the landscape are brought into vivid clarity, providing the reader with a real sense of place and confirming that she writes what she knows.
Told with warmth and humour, this is a story of hope, courage and the ability to recognise and embrace second chances, even while knowing that a single day could change our lives forever.
Indianna Wilson (Indi) loves her small home town and, unlike so many of the young people she grew up with, has no plans to ever leave! With her “finger in many pies”, she works hard, holding down a full-time job as well as running the household she shares with her father and two brothers, while going out of her way to volunteer for a variety of other organisations she feels need her help to keep their town going – organisations who benefited from her mother’s assistance before her passing. The loss of her mother two years previously still haunts her and, while she goes out of her way to make a difference in the lives of her father and brothers, her passion lies in footy! So it’s no surprise that when the town’s club finds itself deteriorating to the point of becoming non-existent, she decides to do her best to keep it going and enlists the help of a former footy player as coach.
With not many great relationship prospects around town and rumours about her sexual preferences abounding, when Troy Mitchell arrives, she’s not expecting the visual feast which presents itself nor the depth of emotion and passion he ignites in her.
Unfortunately, Troy has only one goal in life and that is to steer clear of any form of relationship with anyone, including his own family! Still trying to come to terms with a loss that he has suffered as well as the event in his teenage years which changed his life forever, Troy is pretty much a loner who has resigned himself to the hand that life has dealt him, preferring to never settle in one place for too long. He doesn’t feel that he will ever be ready to make a commitment which he is afraid he may not be able to keep!
Initially aloof and indifferent to Indi’s attempts at conversation and friendship, a tentative rapport begins to develop between the two of them when they find themselves working together as coach and assistant coach of the newly revived footy team. While we see Indy’s bubbly personality and her commitment to rejuvenating her home town’s footy team - not to mention her sexy little body – begin to draw him in, we also see him withdrawing whenever he gets too close. However, he never bargained on Indi’s tenacity.
I am a known sook when it comes to stories that touch my heart and, to my mind, this is a story that did just that. I became so invested in the lives of Indi and Troy, thanks to Fiona Palmer’s expertly crafted characters, whose lives are propagated by real-life issues which went a long way to creating great emotional depth thus pulling me in to the immediacy of their lives. Indi’s passion and spiritedness had me cheering her on and turning the pages in anticipation of the outcome, while Troy’s indifference had me wound so tight that, by the time I reached the end, my heart was almost broken.
Despite the fact that the central issue of this novel is a serious one, Ms Palmer doesn’t burden the story with needless medical jargon, but rather goes into just enough detail to assure the reader that she has done her research, while her depiction of Australian small town life and the landscape are brought into vivid clarity, providing the reader with a real sense of place and confirming that she writes what she knows.
Told with warmth and humour, this is a story of hope, courage and the ability to recognise and embrace second chances, even while knowing that a single day could change our lives forever.
October 6, 2013
The Outback Heart is Fiona Palmer's fifth novel, a heartfelt story of loss, life and love in rural Western Australia.
Indianna 'Indi' Wilson loves her small outback town and is determined to ensure Hyden not only survives, but thrives. She is sure rebuilding the local Saints football team will unite the community, if only they can get off the bottom of the ladder. Troy 'Yoda' Mitchell has a reputation for turning teams around and Indi is thrilled when he agrees to move to Hyden and do what he can for the club. As training begins, Troy quickly proves to be not only the coach the team needs, but the man Indi wants.
Footy is such a ubiquitous Australian sport (the same way that baseball is in the US and soccer in Europe) and I found I really enjoyed the role it played within this novel. A year ago I would probably not have found the focus on the game (AFL to be particular) at all interesting but both my sons started with Auskick this year and their enthusiasm for the sport has naturally involved us.
You don't need to be a footy fan to enjoy The Outback Heart however, the appealing characters and heartfelt story are sure to engage you. I liked Indi for her enthusiasm, her spirited attitude and her admirable commitment to her family and her community. Having lost her mother two years previously to breast cancer, Indi has stepped into her shoes, caring for her father and brother and supporting various committees and organisations like the CWA, despite a full time job driving grain trucks, but football is her passion and she relishes her role as assistant coach/strapper/cheerleader.
Troy is somewhat of an enigma. While he genuinely enjoys coaching AFL it is also a cutting reminder of all he has lost. Having convinced himself he is better off alone, Indi's overt interest in him is unnerving and as the novel unfolds we learn why he is so reluctant to admit that he is attracted to her. I think the author handled Troy's dilemma well, his motivation is credible and Troy evokes both sympathy and admiration in the reader.
The Outback Heart is moving and engaging story, told with warmth and humour. I was particularly touched to learn that the story was inspired by the life, and death, of a young man in the author's community, to whom she pays tribute at the end of the book.
Part of the proceeds of this book is being donated to Transplant Australia and I implore you to visit and register at http://www.donatelife.gov.au/.
November 19, 2013
Indi lives in Hyden, home of Wave Rock. She loads road trains in hi-vis gear for a living, she loves football, she's a community mover and shaker, and she's grieving her mum.
Troy blows into town and begins work coaching the footy team. He's also carrying a weighty load of grief and baggage, and is emotionally shut off. He eventually comes round to the idea of Indi as a coaching assistant, since she's a better player than most of the motley crew who form the Saints. And so, we are set up for a well-executed "Can she break down his emotional barriers?" romance.
In the spirit of Aussie outback romances, the romance isn't the only issue in the story, and the hero and heroine aren't the only fleshed-out characters. The football team and the town Hyden are characters in themselves, and the motley supporting crew: Jasper, Teegs, Jaffa, Patrick, Maddie, Trevor, Spud and more - are all individuals, and all (well, most) are likeable. It's a definite challenge to write that many individuals well in a single novel, and I felt Fiona Palmer carried it off. It's also a bit different to have the woman pursuing the man in a romance, and I enjoyed that element. Is a hi-vis outfit really that unsexy, though? I'm sure some people like it...
The importance of sport and of community organisations in struggling small towns is well addressed in The Outback Heart. The football team brings the town together, and the key roles of the CWA and volunteer firefighters are also highlighted. Palmer also makes the point to us - showing, not telling - that just a couple or three dedicated people can motivate others, spark change, and make a big difference to an entire town.
One for Western Australians, footy fans, and romance fans everywhere.
Troy blows into town and begins work coaching the footy team. He's also carrying a weighty load of grief and baggage, and is emotionally shut off. He eventually comes round to the idea of Indi as a coaching assistant, since she's a better player than most of the motley crew who form the Saints. And so, we are set up for a well-executed "Can she break down his emotional barriers?" romance.
In the spirit of Aussie outback romances, the romance isn't the only issue in the story, and the hero and heroine aren't the only fleshed-out characters. The football team and the town Hyden are characters in themselves, and the motley supporting crew: Jasper, Teegs, Jaffa, Patrick, Maddie, Trevor, Spud and more - are all individuals, and all (well, most) are likeable. It's a definite challenge to write that many individuals well in a single novel, and I felt Fiona Palmer carried it off. It's also a bit different to have the woman pursuing the man in a romance, and I enjoyed that element. Is a hi-vis outfit really that unsexy, though? I'm sure some people like it...
The importance of sport and of community organisations in struggling small towns is well addressed in The Outback Heart. The football team brings the town together, and the key roles of the CWA and volunteer firefighters are also highlighted. Palmer also makes the point to us - showing, not telling - that just a couple or three dedicated people can motivate others, spark change, and make a big difference to an entire town.
One for Western Australians, footy fans, and romance fans everywhere.
August 1, 2017
It has been a while since I read a Fiona Palmer book, and this one did not disappoint. In fact, it was my favourite of hers so far (I've only read The Family Farm, Heart of Gold, and The Road Home). Even though I have no idea about AFL, I loved the community sport theme to this book and the characters passion for their footy. But of course, the whole heart transplant storyline was a real eye-opener.
Fiona really captures something special in this book. Indi is an amazing girl with a big heart and a great love for her family and community. Troy...well, he's just another stubborn bloke. Very lovable though and you can see why Indi likes him. Their love story is frustratingly passionate and you feel compassion for Indi as well as Troy. The ending is sad in a way, but the underlying message in this book will leave you thinking differently about life.
A very wonderful and entertaining read.
Fiona really captures something special in this book. Indi is an amazing girl with a big heart and a great love for her family and community. Troy...well, he's just another stubborn bloke. Very lovable though and you can see why Indi likes him. Their love story is frustratingly passionate and you feel compassion for Indi as well as Troy. The ending is sad in a way, but the underlying message in this book will leave you thinking differently about life.
A very wonderful and entertaining read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2013
Indianna Wilson loves her small town Hyden with a passion. But like a lot of other country towns, people are leaving for the city. The community spirit and passion is suffering. The local footy team the Saints, once responsible for bringing those that live locally together to socialise as they support the team are languishing on the bottom of the local footy ladder and people have stopped going to the games. Indi is passionate about her football – she cares about it just as much as she cares about her town. Unfortunately, she was born the wrong sex so she can’t play in the local team and she’s not sure they’d take her seriously as a coach either. So she finds Troy Mitchell.
Once a football prodigy with the world at his feet, Troy hasn’t played in years. He coaches instead, moving around from team to team, lifting them up into the finals with his passion, knowledge and drive. But he might’ve bitten off more than he can chew with the Saints when only a handful of them turn up for the first training session. Troy sends them packing, ordering each man to come back with another person to the next session. If they’re going to be a team, especially a team that wins, then they need to up the dedication and start training.
Troy proves to be just the thing that Hyden, the Saints – and Indi – need. He gets the boys fired up and training well and although success doesn’t come overnight, their performances are improving and when they win their first game, people are there to see it. Before long, the crowds are growing and Indi sees that it can be like the old days once more, the footy games bringing the town back together.
But Troy isn’t known for sticking around. Indi knows that he fires something in her that no one ever has before and she thinks he might feel something for her too – but why does he keep pushing her away? What secret is he hiding that prevents him from allowing her to get closer to him? That prevents both of them from taking the happiness that seems to be right in front of them?
I’ve read two of Fiona Palmer’s books before and she’s become a bit of a must-read for me and this book is no exception – in fact it’s the best one I’ve read. The story centers around Indi, a young woman who abandoned her studies in Perth to come back to her country town and care for her ill mother. Indi has stepped into her mother’s shoes in so many ways – she takes care of her father and her brothers and she helps out with just about everything around town. She also finds the time to maintain a full time job and she is also crazy about the local AFL football team where she fulfills a sort of assistant coach role as strapper, physiotherapist, runner and general dogsbody. She desperately wants it to be competitive again and she’s pretty sure Troy Mitchell is the answer.
Whereas Indi is surrounded by people, Troy lives a very solitary life. He was a burgeoning football superstar in his teens until it was all snatched away from him but that pales in comparison to what else was taken away. Troy has erased people from his life and he thinks he has the perfect reason to have done so. He moves around a lot, never making strong friend connections, never having relationships. When he finds himself attracted to Indi, he knows that he needs to get out when the local football season is over. He can’t afford to stay – to stay would be dangerous. He tries to warn Indi away from him but she just refuses to listen. And that threatens Troy’s self control.
Oh these two poor characters! I felt so sorry for them and the way in which they were tortured! I loved Troy and the reasons behind his actions – his heartache was so real and so well written. I understood his motivations – I think it would be easy to think the way Troy did in the same situation, to be tempted to isolate yourself in that way. He thinks he’s doing the right thing but all he’s doing is making people miserable, especially himself. It was really interesting to read about what happened to Troy and the procedures around it and what he had to go through and how it still continued to affect his day to day life. It’s clear that Troy is really attracted to Indi and he is tempted by a future that he thinks doesn’t belong to him. Indi isn’t shy about her feelings about him or what she wants and at first, this only leads to him rejecting her time and time again, but also sending her mixed signals as he fights to keep his growing feelings for her under control. It almost made me cry actually at one stage, so heartbroken for Indi was I. Actually, for both of them, because Troy wasn’t doing it to be a jerk, or because he was frightened of commitment for some ridiculous reason. He actually had a really good reason to fear it but as Indi finally tells him, he has to let her make the choice about whether or not she takes the risk.
I really liked this book – loved the inclusion of football and the way in which it was done. Not long ago several bloggers were talking on twitter about a lack of really good romances that contain football and I’ll be happy to recommend this one in future if the topic ever comes up again. However I do question the epilogue. It left me feeling really deflated and a bit confused because it felt like it was in the wrong spot. I don’t want to say too much about what it contained, because I don’t want to give it away but to sucker punch the reader like that at the end, felt a bit…harsh. That’s not the note on which I like to finish a book that’s going to be marketed as a rural romance.
However – despite the fact that I believe that event should’ve occurred at a different spot within the story, I loved the characters and the writing and the family and friendships. I especially have to mention Troy’s friendship with his childhood friend Freddie. Awesomely done.
Once a football prodigy with the world at his feet, Troy hasn’t played in years. He coaches instead, moving around from team to team, lifting them up into the finals with his passion, knowledge and drive. But he might’ve bitten off more than he can chew with the Saints when only a handful of them turn up for the first training session. Troy sends them packing, ordering each man to come back with another person to the next session. If they’re going to be a team, especially a team that wins, then they need to up the dedication and start training.
Troy proves to be just the thing that Hyden, the Saints – and Indi – need. He gets the boys fired up and training well and although success doesn’t come overnight, their performances are improving and when they win their first game, people are there to see it. Before long, the crowds are growing and Indi sees that it can be like the old days once more, the footy games bringing the town back together.
But Troy isn’t known for sticking around. Indi knows that he fires something in her that no one ever has before and she thinks he might feel something for her too – but why does he keep pushing her away? What secret is he hiding that prevents him from allowing her to get closer to him? That prevents both of them from taking the happiness that seems to be right in front of them?
I’ve read two of Fiona Palmer’s books before and she’s become a bit of a must-read for me and this book is no exception – in fact it’s the best one I’ve read. The story centers around Indi, a young woman who abandoned her studies in Perth to come back to her country town and care for her ill mother. Indi has stepped into her mother’s shoes in so many ways – she takes care of her father and her brothers and she helps out with just about everything around town. She also finds the time to maintain a full time job and she is also crazy about the local AFL football team where she fulfills a sort of assistant coach role as strapper, physiotherapist, runner and general dogsbody. She desperately wants it to be competitive again and she’s pretty sure Troy Mitchell is the answer.
Whereas Indi is surrounded by people, Troy lives a very solitary life. He was a burgeoning football superstar in his teens until it was all snatched away from him but that pales in comparison to what else was taken away. Troy has erased people from his life and he thinks he has the perfect reason to have done so. He moves around a lot, never making strong friend connections, never having relationships. When he finds himself attracted to Indi, he knows that he needs to get out when the local football season is over. He can’t afford to stay – to stay would be dangerous. He tries to warn Indi away from him but she just refuses to listen. And that threatens Troy’s self control.
Oh these two poor characters! I felt so sorry for them and the way in which they were tortured! I loved Troy and the reasons behind his actions – his heartache was so real and so well written. I understood his motivations – I think it would be easy to think the way Troy did in the same situation, to be tempted to isolate yourself in that way. He thinks he’s doing the right thing but all he’s doing is making people miserable, especially himself. It was really interesting to read about what happened to Troy and the procedures around it and what he had to go through and how it still continued to affect his day to day life. It’s clear that Troy is really attracted to Indi and he is tempted by a future that he thinks doesn’t belong to him. Indi isn’t shy about her feelings about him or what she wants and at first, this only leads to him rejecting her time and time again, but also sending her mixed signals as he fights to keep his growing feelings for her under control. It almost made me cry actually at one stage, so heartbroken for Indi was I. Actually, for both of them, because Troy wasn’t doing it to be a jerk, or because he was frightened of commitment for some ridiculous reason. He actually had a really good reason to fear it but as Indi finally tells him, he has to let her make the choice about whether or not she takes the risk.
I really liked this book – loved the inclusion of football and the way in which it was done. Not long ago several bloggers were talking on twitter about a lack of really good romances that contain football and I’ll be happy to recommend this one in future if the topic ever comes up again. However I do question the epilogue. It left me feeling really deflated and a bit confused because it felt like it was in the wrong spot. I don’t want to say too much about what it contained, because I don’t want to give it away but to sucker punch the reader like that at the end, felt a bit…harsh. That’s not the note on which I like to finish a book that’s going to be marketed as a rural romance.
However – despite the fact that I believe that event should’ve occurred at a different spot within the story, I loved the characters and the writing and the family and friendships. I especially have to mention Troy’s friendship with his childhood friend Freddie. Awesomely done.
June 4, 2021
I give this 3 stars because although it may not win any literary prizes, it was a lovely story and a great in-between book for me. At the start I wasn't sure about it because the chapters are so small and I didn't see a connection between them. It doesn't have a great start, but I'm glad I persevered because I did enjoy this quick romantic read.
August 16, 2021
Love the setting, the characters and the backstory to this incredible book! It was heartwarmingly (I know that's not a word!) brilliant! Fiona Palmer dealt with real medical issues with aplomb and the emotive response it deserved. Love and the willingness to live life to the full prevails over grief and loss which is such an inspiring thematic element of the novel.
June 25, 2023
I found this to be a great story of being reminded to face your fears. That there is no use trying to run from them as they will always find a way of catching up with you. Troy tried to keep his past hidden, but when Indi came into his life, he found that he couldn't keep running from his past anymore, he had to accept it and move forward. Thanks Fiona for a great book that I couldn't put down.
July 3, 2023
Loved this book. The on going story between Troy and Indi kept you guessing right till the end. Lovely rural story about how the towns people keep the little town of Hyden going. The ending was a little surprising but again kept you guessing. I have loved all the books that I have read from Fiona and I have read many. Keep writing. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 15, 2024
This author is quickly becoming my favourite Aussie romance author - I can't wait to get my hands on her other books! I love the inspiration she takes from real towns and real people, it makes the stories feel more authentic (and heartbreaking).
December 6, 2019
Good read with a real rural flavour.
December 13, 2019
A good read love this author
May 2, 2020
Very heartfelt, great characters. You really get a sense of the community Fiona describes so well.
September 26, 2023
So good! I couldn't stop turning the pages!
February 10, 2024
Absolutely loved it!!! A very easy read with a plot that’s beautifully Australian!
June 21, 2024
A surprising end I was so sure that it was Troy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2013
I absolutely loved this book. I haven’t read a Fiona Palmer book previously and I will certainly be grabbing any new releases, this was fantastic. I am thoroughly enjoying Australian contemporary lately and this one is definitely not an exception. Ms Palmer has a style of writing that draws the reader into the life she has written about. The Outback Heart was set in Western Australia and the scenery sounds wonderful, I personally haven’t been to that part of Australia yet, but the descriptive Ms Palmer used were so vivid.
Indianna Wilson or better known as Indi is a 23 year old that has had to endure something that nobody should. Her mother, Lizzy passed away two years ago to breast cancer. Indi returned home from the city to take care of her Mum and help about the house when she became ill. She didn’t get to finish her university degree and now she has taken over the reins to look after her Dad, Allan and brother Jasper at home. Indi is very passionate about her town, Hyden and especially the local footy team. If Indi was allowed she would play herself, but AFL rules won’t allow it.
Playing footy has been family affair for a long time, Indi’s Dad used to play and her two brother’s both play for the local team. Indi always goes along to training to help out and strap or massage any injuries. This year though they have planned something different. The team hasn’t been placing well and this year they have talked a well-known footy coach from another town to head to Hyden and coach the Saint’s. Indi was excited to meet the coach she sought out, Troy Mitchell.
Troy Mitchell has had a very traumatic life and football is the only thing that makes him happy. He isn’t able to play anymore, but coaching is the next best thing. When Troy was a teenager, in the prime of his footy life, dreaming of being drafted into the professional league, he collapsed and found his heart was broken. Troy was attached to a battery pack to keep his heart pumping and wait for a heart transplant.
After losing the love of his life, Troy left his parents and sister behind not wanting to cause them the pain he received from losing a loved one. Beginning to coach in small towns, he wouldn’t allow anybody to get too close and moved from town to town never staying longer than a couple of years. Troy’s life has worked out well so far, but moving to Hyden, well, Troy is in for a change of heart.
Indi is determined to get under Troy’s skin and find out why this mysterious handsome coach will not let anybody through his internal walls. Troy finds he can’t keep Indi out for long, but he is still determined to move on and turns her away.
Will Indi succeed with getting into Troy’s heart? How will the footy team go with Troy and Indi at the helm? Can Troy overcome his fears and accept that people die in life and he can’t stop them from feeling pain? Will Indi and Troy finally get together?
Indi and Troy are such wonderfully complex characters that I severely love. I love the passion that Indi shows for her town, how she doesn’t want to let anybody down, but is letting herself down by doing too much. I love how Troy tries to protect everybody from being hurt but himself. I am definitely a new fan of Ms Palmer’s and cannot wait to get stuck in The Family Farm, which I had to get. I highly recommend this to all romance readers.
Indianna Wilson or better known as Indi is a 23 year old that has had to endure something that nobody should. Her mother, Lizzy passed away two years ago to breast cancer. Indi returned home from the city to take care of her Mum and help about the house when she became ill. She didn’t get to finish her university degree and now she has taken over the reins to look after her Dad, Allan and brother Jasper at home. Indi is very passionate about her town, Hyden and especially the local footy team. If Indi was allowed she would play herself, but AFL rules won’t allow it.
Playing footy has been family affair for a long time, Indi’s Dad used to play and her two brother’s both play for the local team. Indi always goes along to training to help out and strap or massage any injuries. This year though they have planned something different. The team hasn’t been placing well and this year they have talked a well-known footy coach from another town to head to Hyden and coach the Saint’s. Indi was excited to meet the coach she sought out, Troy Mitchell.
Troy Mitchell has had a very traumatic life and football is the only thing that makes him happy. He isn’t able to play anymore, but coaching is the next best thing. When Troy was a teenager, in the prime of his footy life, dreaming of being drafted into the professional league, he collapsed and found his heart was broken. Troy was attached to a battery pack to keep his heart pumping and wait for a heart transplant.
After losing the love of his life, Troy left his parents and sister behind not wanting to cause them the pain he received from losing a loved one. Beginning to coach in small towns, he wouldn’t allow anybody to get too close and moved from town to town never staying longer than a couple of years. Troy’s life has worked out well so far, but moving to Hyden, well, Troy is in for a change of heart.
Indi is determined to get under Troy’s skin and find out why this mysterious handsome coach will not let anybody through his internal walls. Troy finds he can’t keep Indi out for long, but he is still determined to move on and turns her away.
Will Indi succeed with getting into Troy’s heart? How will the footy team go with Troy and Indi at the helm? Can Troy overcome his fears and accept that people die in life and he can’t stop them from feeling pain? Will Indi and Troy finally get together?
Indi and Troy are such wonderfully complex characters that I severely love. I love the passion that Indi shows for her town, how she doesn’t want to let anybody down, but is letting herself down by doing too much. I love how Troy tries to protect everybody from being hurt but himself. I am definitely a new fan of Ms Palmer’s and cannot wait to get stuck in The Family Farm, which I had to get. I highly recommend this to all romance readers.
January 28, 2016
West Australian writer Fiona Palmer adds to the popular rural romance genre in her fifth book, The Outback Heart. Country girl Indianna Wilson is still recovering from the loss of her mother. She is trying hard to balance her job at the local grain store, ensuring the emotional welfare of her father and brother, while also taking on all the community projects her late mother was involved in. One of these projects involves her tiny farming community’s football club. Indianna hopes by raising the team’s spirits with the involvement of experienced coach Troy Mitchell, the fledgling town will get a new lease on life. What Indianna doesn’t bargain for is to fall head over heels in love with newcomer Troy, as does the community of Hyden. Troy also feels a connection with Indianna, but he is unable to move on from his tragic past. He also has a dark secret that he holds close to his heart, threatening any chance at future happiness. Troy does all he can to sabotage his and Indianna’s chance at sharing a life together.
I was fortunate enough to attend an author event when Palmer released this novel back in 2013. What struck me about The Outback Heart is how Palmer’s experiences of living in her own small town of Pingaring shine through her work. This gives her novels a feeling of genuine authenticity. It also gives her characters credibility and distinct voices. I was touched to read the dedication at the conclusion of The Outback Heart, which explains how this story came to be, inspired by a young man, similar to Palmer’s character Troy, who received a donated heart but tragically passed away. It is hard not to be overcome by strong emotions when reading Troy’s story and the dedication at the close of the novel. Organ donation is sensitive issue and one that needs continual awareness raising. I applaud Palmer for handling this issue with the respect it so deserves. A wise choice on Palmer’s behalf to combine the serious issue of organ donation, with the popular Australian sport of football, in a typical country town setting. Tissues are definitely needed when reading the Outback Heart, I certainly did not see the unexpected, but sad twist that occurred at the very end of the novel.
By selecting The Outback Heart to read, you will be rewarded by an inspiring Australian country tale of community spirit and second chance love.
I was fortunate enough to attend an author event when Palmer released this novel back in 2013. What struck me about The Outback Heart is how Palmer’s experiences of living in her own small town of Pingaring shine through her work. This gives her novels a feeling of genuine authenticity. It also gives her characters credibility and distinct voices. I was touched to read the dedication at the conclusion of The Outback Heart, which explains how this story came to be, inspired by a young man, similar to Palmer’s character Troy, who received a donated heart but tragically passed away. It is hard not to be overcome by strong emotions when reading Troy’s story and the dedication at the close of the novel. Organ donation is sensitive issue and one that needs continual awareness raising. I applaud Palmer for handling this issue with the respect it so deserves. A wise choice on Palmer’s behalf to combine the serious issue of organ donation, with the popular Australian sport of football, in a typical country town setting. Tissues are definitely needed when reading the Outback Heart, I certainly did not see the unexpected, but sad twist that occurred at the very end of the novel.
By selecting The Outback Heart to read, you will be rewarded by an inspiring Australian country tale of community spirit and second chance love.
March 18, 2014
Fiona has set this book around two main characters Indi and Troy and their stories supported by family and friends set in a small town of Hyden, famous in the story for a rock formation named as Wave Rock. Indi is portrayed as a strong young woman that loves her family, her town and her football who is trying to move on whilst grieving for her recently deceased mother.
Troy comes to Hyden as the new football coach, and whilst tough on the outside he is on the inside full of pain, memories and baggage. With encouragement agrees to have Indi as a coaching assistant - this is largely contributed by the team itself who as a bunch of characters provide further insight into the world of Hyden and how actions affect us all and how we all need our friends at time we just need to let them in.
So Indi has a new guy in her hometown who is also the coach of her beloved saints footy team and the story is set for a "Can she break down his emotional barriers?" romance.
In true Fiona style and traditional spirit of Australian outback romances, the romance isn't the only issue in the story, and the two main characters aren't the only well developed and well explained characters. The football team and the town Hyden are characters in themselves, Jasper, Teegs, Jaffa, Patrick, Maddie, Trevor, Spud and the rest are all individuals, and all help to shape a community and bring the words to life. Fiona has told all of their stories from their perspective and bought them together to shape the whole story into the novel.
As anyone from smaller towns knows we support each other at all times and often the community organisations such as the CWA, local paper and sport teams are the lifeblood for the community.
Fiona shows us all that as individuals we can make small changes as a small to large group our actions can make changes and influence the future of our hometowns.
One for anyone that is a fan of Australian themed novels with a dash of romance, laughs, memories and football
Troy comes to Hyden as the new football coach, and whilst tough on the outside he is on the inside full of pain, memories and baggage. With encouragement agrees to have Indi as a coaching assistant - this is largely contributed by the team itself who as a bunch of characters provide further insight into the world of Hyden and how actions affect us all and how we all need our friends at time we just need to let them in.
So Indi has a new guy in her hometown who is also the coach of her beloved saints footy team and the story is set for a "Can she break down his emotional barriers?" romance.
In true Fiona style and traditional spirit of Australian outback romances, the romance isn't the only issue in the story, and the two main characters aren't the only well developed and well explained characters. The football team and the town Hyden are characters in themselves, Jasper, Teegs, Jaffa, Patrick, Maddie, Trevor, Spud and the rest are all individuals, and all help to shape a community and bring the words to life. Fiona has told all of their stories from their perspective and bought them together to shape the whole story into the novel.
As anyone from smaller towns knows we support each other at all times and often the community organisations such as the CWA, local paper and sport teams are the lifeblood for the community.
Fiona shows us all that as individuals we can make small changes as a small to large group our actions can make changes and influence the future of our hometowns.
One for anyone that is a fan of Australian themed novels with a dash of romance, laughs, memories and football
October 11, 2013
review to follow - but lets just say - 5 stars and a box of tissues!
I'm already a fan of Fiona Palmer and was really looking forward to reading this book while on holidays. I started one afternoon and couldn't put it down. This book had everything - heart-warming moments, light hearted laugh's, tear-jerking heartbreaks - everything you could ask for.
In "The Outback Heart" Fiona introduces us to Indianna "Indi" Wilson, an All-Australian country girl with a heart as big as the Aussie outback trying to fill the large shoes left by her mum. Indi has taken it upon herself to do all she can to save the local footy club, something she is hoping will invigorate the town of Hyden. Between looking after her dad and brother, working hard at the local grain depo, looking after a local legend and all her committees she doesn't have time for matters of the heart.
When footy mad Indi convinces Troy Mitchell to come and coach their team to hopefully a couple of wins she thinks things are finally going to turn around for the town, but she never expected to turn her heart around too.
But as in real life the course of love never runs smooth and Troy is very cautious when it comes to his heart - its already been replaced - and then broken irrecoverably and he doesn't think he can loose it again.
Fiona handles the issues of organ transplant in this book with dignity and respect without dragging it down with too much medical jargon - but be warned you will need tissues to read this book!!
I'm already a fan of Fiona Palmer and was really looking forward to reading this book while on holidays. I started one afternoon and couldn't put it down. This book had everything - heart-warming moments, light hearted laugh's, tear-jerking heartbreaks - everything you could ask for.
In "The Outback Heart" Fiona introduces us to Indianna "Indi" Wilson, an All-Australian country girl with a heart as big as the Aussie outback trying to fill the large shoes left by her mum. Indi has taken it upon herself to do all she can to save the local footy club, something she is hoping will invigorate the town of Hyden. Between looking after her dad and brother, working hard at the local grain depo, looking after a local legend and all her committees she doesn't have time for matters of the heart.
When footy mad Indi convinces Troy Mitchell to come and coach their team to hopefully a couple of wins she thinks things are finally going to turn around for the town, but she never expected to turn her heart around too.
But as in real life the course of love never runs smooth and Troy is very cautious when it comes to his heart - its already been replaced - and then broken irrecoverably and he doesn't think he can loose it again.
Fiona handles the issues of organ transplant in this book with dignity and respect without dragging it down with too much medical jargon - but be warned you will need tissues to read this book!!
February 11, 2017
3.5 tähteä. Alku oli hyvä, mutta puolenvälin tienoilla tarinasta katosi fokus. Ikään kuin kirjailija ei olisi osannut päättää, kertooko hän tarinaa rakkaudesta vai pienestä maalaiskylästä ja sen kehityksestä. Aussijalkapallo on tärkeä osa tapahtumia, mutta pelin kuvaukset jäävät loppujen lopuksi pinnallisiksi ja tuntuvat sen takia toistavan itseään. Henkilöistä tykkään, samoin eräästä vakavasta aiheesta jota kirjassa käsitellään. Tämä on oikeastaan koko homman onnistunein osuus. Olen kuitenkin edelleen kiinnostunut Palmerin muista teoksista ihan jo Australia-lukuhaasteen vuoksi ;)
September 8, 2013
As the late arrival of my prize turned up I eagerly threw myself into reading this book, needless to say I was not disappointed from start to finish.
If rural romance is your genre then hold onto your horses. You will fall in love with Indianna Wilson her brother Patrick and especially her brother Jasper. Indianna has a heart way bigger than herself and therefore when it breaks it hurts her more than she could ever hurt herself.
You will find yourself undeniably falling in love with Indianna and those in her life too. And you will find yourself heartbroken by these characters as well.
And just when you think you have things all worked out the end will surprise, shock and hurt you.
I would thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those who love Australian rural romances. It will not disappoint. I will not delve into the story line as I believe it to be needed to be read first hand and experience the whole emotional roller-coaster journey.
So for those with a country heart or those that love a country heart or just experience one, then pick up a copy of Fiona Palmer's A Country Heart, it will not disappoint at all.
If rural romance is your genre then hold onto your horses. You will fall in love with Indianna Wilson her brother Patrick and especially her brother Jasper. Indianna has a heart way bigger than herself and therefore when it breaks it hurts her more than she could ever hurt herself.
You will find yourself undeniably falling in love with Indianna and those in her life too. And you will find yourself heartbroken by these characters as well.
And just when you think you have things all worked out the end will surprise, shock and hurt you.
I would thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those who love Australian rural romances. It will not disappoint. I will not delve into the story line as I believe it to be needed to be read first hand and experience the whole emotional roller-coaster journey.
So for those with a country heart or those that love a country heart or just experience one, then pick up a copy of Fiona Palmer's A Country Heart, it will not disappoint at all.
March 18, 2016
A well writing story very moving would recommend it to friends. Indianna Wilson and her love for her country town and the beloved football club and Troy Mitchell a football coach (AFL) that she bring to the town with the help of a friend he comes. This is a story of triumphs, tragedy, and love.
Troy overcomes a heart transplant in teenage years finds love with another transplant patient that dies. Indianna is caring for her father and two brothers after her mothers death and working as well.
I found this book very good sad a times but it made think about life and we take things for granted. I would recomment this book to friends.
Troy overcomes a heart transplant in teenage years finds love with another transplant patient that dies. Indianna is caring for her father and two brothers after her mothers death and working as well.
I found this book very good sad a times but it made think about life and we take things for granted. I would recomment this book to friends.
November 13, 2013
I think this is Fiona's best book yet. It opens our eyes to the issues of organ donation and how one life ending could save the life of another. This book was really heartbreaking at times, but I enjoyed discovery all Troy's secrets bit by bit. Although the ending was a bit of a shock, I did enjoy seeing Troy have a happy ending. And, Jasper was the best big brother ever. Only one complaint though, when I grew up on my farm I wish I'd had good looking neighbours like Troy and Jasper! ;) Can't wait to see what more awesome stories Fiona comes up with.
November 5, 2013
I have read a lot of Fiona Palmers books and while I have enjoyed them all I particularly loved this one. It is a lovely story of family, friendships and love. It flowed so beautifully and left me with a tear and really believing the end was someone else.
Would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
April 25, 2014
A very enjoyable novel!
A touching story about two young people's love for each other, footy and the outback.
It's actually much more than that, incorporating a sensitive description of family and community life and how love triumphs over tragedy.
A very upbeat story, that is exceptionally well written.
A touching story about two young people's love for each other, footy and the outback.
It's actually much more than that, incorporating a sensitive description of family and community life and how love triumphs over tragedy.
A very upbeat story, that is exceptionally well written.
October 10, 2016
I really enjoy reading Fiona Palmer's stories. Having a strong female character is sometimes a refreshing change and this story had a nice dynamic to it. But of mystery and it was not all about the romance. It allowed us to develop a relationship with the main characters. Have passed it on to friends who also enjoy this Australian romance genre and they also loved it
June 10, 2017
Loved this book! It was so heart warming. I liked the setting.
All the characters were great, lovely, even the sub-characters.
The writing was also of a high quality.
Would definitely recommend this book.
All the characters were great, lovely, even the sub-characters.
The writing was also of a high quality.
Would definitely recommend this book.
May 4, 2023
The Outback Heart by Fiona Palmer is one of the best books I have ever read. I read this book in under 12 hours. It had aspects of country life and how small towns struggle to get teams for sport. Overall I think this book is by far Fiona's best book!
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