Outback Magic

Outback Queensland Romance #5

by Rhonda Forrest

A Journey of Heart and Home

Penny and her cousin Robert arrive in Australia with dreams of adventure, but when Penny is asked to deliver a mysterious letter to an estranged uncle in the outback, things take an unexpected turn. What was meant to be a brief stopover soon becomes a deeper connection with her uncle and his wife.

As she settles into the rhythm of country life, Penny finds herself drawn to Todd, the laid-back, charming local who’s always nearby. Their chemistry is undeniable, though they can’t seem to stop irritating each other. But with Penny’s time in the outback limited, she’s torn between continuing her travels and the unexpected pull of a life—and a man—she never anticipated.

In this romantic tale set in the Australian outback, Penny must decide if her future lies on the open road or in Todd’s arms, while Todd must figure out if he’s ready to risk his heart before she leaves for good.

Genres: Romance

290 pages, Paperback

Published May 18, 2025

About the author

An Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.

Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.

After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.

Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.

Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny and her cousin Robert flew into Sydney from London after the borders had reopened with Covid, planning at least a year of travels and exploring the country. But first, Penny had to find her father's brother, Oscar, who had left England before Penny was born, and never returned. She had no address, but the envelope she had to deliver was a priority. Aunt Penelope, who lived in the US, had given her a little bit of information, but she wasn't sure if it'd be enough.

After a week in Sydney, the pair took the train to Brisbane, onto Rockhampton then west, deep into outback Australia, where the heat and humidity was dense and enervating. Eventually, the small town of Matfield was reached, and Oscar and his wife Patti were found. What was to follow saw Robert and Penny's plans altered, their lives changed...

Outback Magic is the 5th in the Outback Queensland Romance series by Aussie author Rhonda Forrest and I think it might just be her best yet!! The stunning cover is meaningful, with the magical colours, the brolgas dancing and the hum of ancient legends rippling through the breeze. The author's descriptive prose is beautiful; I could feel the heat and humidity, see the billabong with its cool waters and brolgas putting on a show as the humans watched. All in all, a novel I've no hesitating in recommending.

With thanks to the author for my ARC to read and review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this is book five, but I have not read any of the others in the series and it can be read as a standalone and I loved it, I loved the descriptions of the outback, the colours the feel that Rhonda Forrest bought to life in her descriptions and I loved Penny and Todd, come along for an adventure with them.

Penny is in her late twenties she has been through a couple of not so good relationships but in her heart she knows she wants to travel and Australia is the place she wants to start and when her cousin Robert wants to join her they start the planning on the trip of a lifetime. When one Penny’s uncles learns of her trip he asks her to take a letter and locate a long lost, estranged brother and hand it to him, they learn that Oscar is living in a small town in outback Queensland and this then is their first stop after a few days enjoying Sydney.

A long train trip with a stopover sees Penny meet Todd and he offers them a lift to Matfield and to meet her Uncle Oscar for the first time, what is in that letter shocks them all but this trip also opens up a whole new world for Penny and sees chemistry spark between her and Todd, could this trip, letter delivering be fate, could this be the place that Penny will make her home with Todd?

Could the outback magic see them come together in a long-lasting love? This is a beautiful romantic story that pulled me in from page one the start of an adventure, a journey to true love and this is one that I would highly recommend, it left me smiling.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Rhonda for gifting us a copy to read and review.
Outback Magic is the latest in Rhonda’s Outback Queensland Romance Series.
Book 5 is a charming, lovely and refreshing contemporary romance and a delight to read.
After failed relationships continue, Penny decides to travel to Australia with her cousin Robert.
But before they set off, a distant family member asks them to deliver a mysterious letter to a long ago estranged brother.
In far, far outback Queensland, Penny discovers her missing uncle, a laid back town and a handsome Todd.
Penny and Robert don’t get very far as the district worms its way into their hearts.
Also with the chemistry strong between Todd and Penny, could love be on the cards……
A country adventure where love steps in and creates magic.
Rhonda’s beautiful writing shines and her storytelling is divine.
Rich in emotion, relationships and community spirit.
Her characters feel authentic and rise from the pages and there’s a small mystery woven throughout.
I always love my time with a Rhonda Forrest book and look forward to my next encounter.

[Melanie Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outback Magic by Rhonda Forrest

(Book 5 in the Outback Queensland Romance Series)

Dancing brolgas in a land of vast differences. A twisting and turning of souls in nature.

Rhonda Forrest weaves a tale unlike any other romance author. Penny and her cousin, Robert are sent on a mission to deliver a letter to their Uncle who left England for Australia years ago. The trip to Australia is a once in a life time adventure for Penny and Robert. They uncover more about Penny's Uncle and her own family than ever expected. Be prepared for an emotional discovery. Rhonda has a way of presenting scenarios that positively impact readers' thought processes. Her characters open up ideas that suggest there is always more to a story.

When Penny and Robert arrive in Matfield, it is nothing like their home country. A country outback town with properties and a close-knit community. The natural landscape is vividly described and readers are in for a treat. Australian animals and vegetation jump out of the pages and we are gifted a significant, heartwarming and indescribably beautiful metaphor. Rhonda is an author whose love of language and meaning is a magical experience.

The romance between Todd and Penny is culturally complex, sweet and authentic. The title is accurate. A magical story set in the outback. A romance that will bring you home, just like snuggling up in front of a warm fire with a good book on a winter's night.

Thank you @rhondaforrestauthor for the gift of your storytelling. What a series!! Bring on the next book.

#romanceanz #romance #outbackromance #outbackmagic #rhondaforrest #melaniehunterbooks #love #Queensland #favouritebooks #favouriteauthors

[Joanne McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outback Magic just loved the descriptions of the outback, I could feel the heat and humidity, see the billabong with its cool waters and brolgas putting on a show, loved the story behind the brolgas dance.

Penny in her late twenties she has been through a couple of not so great relationships, she knows she wants to travel and Australia.
Her cousin Robert wants to join her, they start the planning on the trip of a lifetime, agreeing to travel together but happy if one of them wants to stay in one place longer the other can move on.

One of Penny’s Uncle’s learns of her trip, he asked if she would take a letter and find his estranged brother, after some help from Robert friends they learn that Oscar has changed his name and now living in a small outback town in Queensland.
Penny and Robert arrive in Sydney, staying for a week, taking the train to Brisbane and then onto Rockhampton , where they travel to the small town of Matfield, the train doesn’t go all the way so with a stopover at a town close by, Penny and Robert meet Todd and he offers them a lift to Matfield.
Penny meets her Uncle Oscar and his wife Patti for the first time, what is in the letter shocks them all, what was to follow alters Penny’s and Robert’s plans and their lives changed. For Penny her attraction to Todd starts a new adventure, a journey to true love.
This is a beautiful romantic story, highly recommended.

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all—Outback Magic truly is magic. From the very first chapter, I was swept away by Rhonda Forrest’s beautifully written, heartwarming story.

When Penny arrives in Australia with her cousin Robert, she’s full of big travel plans—but a request to deliver a letter to her estranged uncle changes everything. What was meant to be a quick stop in the outback slowly becomes something much deeper, and I loved watching Penny’s connection grow with not just the land, but with her uncle, his wife, and of course, Todd—the charming local who always seems to be nearby.

Their dynamic was a fun mix of tension and chemistry, and I found Penny’s shift from traveller to someone emotionally invested in this dusty little corner of the world so believable and beautifully written.

One of the standout elements for me was the setting. Rhonda’s descriptions of the outback are stunning—I could picture every scene like a film playing out in my head. It made me want to hit the road and head inland immediately.

And I have to mention the Brolgas! I found that part of the story absolutely fascinating. Even though I’ve lived in Australia my whole life, I realised how little I actually knew about them. That storyline sent me off to do some extra reading—and I love when a book sparks that kind of curiosity. It was such a thoughtful, unexpected detail to include.

I enjoyed this book so much that I’ve already gone and bought the rest of the series. Big thanks to Rhonda Forrest for the gifted copy—what a gem of a story.

[TheMadHatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Forrest's books are effortless to read. Her writing is so encompassing that you become one with the story and you feel like you are on a great adventure (like her characters) either experiencing the sights and sounds of the outback or lying on a beach in the Whitsundays soaking up the sun's rays. Because her writing and characters are so authentic, there is no going in and out of the story. You are in the story the whole time. With all her books I say the same thing - there is a sense of authenticity in her writing. She is a story teller who I trust to capture a place or a time in Australia and deliver it with integrity. I always leave her novels feeling like I have experienced another snapshot of my home country that was previously unknown to me.

This was a really charming contemporary romance. There were no bells and whistles - it was a character (and family) driven novel which I devoured. I eagerly await the next release.


Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2025 Annual Bingo: Row 1 - Read a book published in 2025.
Aussie Readers 2025 Annual Australian Authors Challenge: Read a 2025 new release by an Aussie Author.
Aussie Readers 2025 Autumn Reading Challenge: Read a book published in Autumn 2025.
Aussie Readers 2025 Annual A-Z "Real Life" Locations Challenge: Read a book with a location/setting starting with q (Queensland)

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and descriptive with a lovely happy ever after. Makes me want to explore outback Queensland small towns.