Out of the Blue

by Penelope Janu

For readers of Karly Lane and Fleur McDonald, comes this fresh rural romance about courage, hope and learning to believe in love from an award-winning, much-loved author.


A traumatic past, a charismatic stranger, a closeknit community...life is about to get complicated.

Flick Atherton loves the country towns where she lives, her work with migratory birds and the bond she shares with her late brother's daughter. The last thing she needs is a man telling her what to do. Particularly the arrogant, frighteningly competent Norwegian air-force pilot Sebastien Thorsen. When she accepts an assignment in the sub-Antarctic, her biggest challenge isn't the sub-zero temperature or her long-held fears, it's Sebastien.

Head of the UN environmental team funding Flick's position, and an all-round adrenaline junkie, Sebastien is the last man Flick should be attracted to. But the tiny Antarctic community is closeknit and vulnerabilities, both Flick's and Sebastien's, are impossible to hide. Working to finish a job he didn't want to take, Sebastien finds Flick a risk unlike any he has ever encountered, and he is frustrated yet entranced by her impossible mix of fragility and independence.

When the assignment is over and Flick is home again, can she leave her fears and the shadows of the past behind her? Will she accept that the love she's found, even when it is out of the blue, might be all she'll ever need?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Penelope Janu writes contemporary fiction about clever and adventurous women who don’t mean to fall in love, but do. Penelope’s novels, whether coastal or rural, celebrate Australian communities.

Penelope is a lawyer with an interest in social justice issues and the environment. She has six children, a big dog, a distracting husband and never enough time to write. Now that she lives on a small farm, she also has an impossibly large garden, a vegetable patch and a herd of cattle that never get taken to market.

Penelope hopes readers will fall as passionately in love with her heroines and heroes as she invariably does. She has travelled to many places in the world but has lived most of her life in Sydney, Australia. When not reading or writing Penelope can be found walking the coastline, or in the bush (though she's not much of a walking companion as she plots as she walks).

Penelope loves to hear from readers so please contact her via Goodreads, or on her website http://www.penelopejanu.com, or email her on penelopejanu@penelopejanu.com.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another totally awesome story from one of my favourite authors, Penelope Janu’s stories are always filled with emotion, they are moving with strong caring and for her male heroes somewhat arrogant characters and her story lines involve the environment and the care it should be having and this one takes us to the sub-Antarctic, come along for a story that is sure to keep you turning the pages.

Felicity “Flick” Atherton has had a somewhat emotionally troubled past but has moved on and is an ornithologist who studies the migratory patents of birds and she also shares the care of her late brother’s daughter Matilda and has to contend with her uncaring and demanding mother, she has had many jobs and at present is at the Dubbo Zoo but that job is coming to an end and she needs something else to help pay the bills when an offer comes from UN Environmental team funding to take on an assignment on Morrison Island in the sub-Antarctic Flick is challenged because of her past but needs must but the UN representative Sebastien Thorsen comes across arrogant and she will not let a man tell her what to do but she will do her job efficiently.

During the flight and ship crossing Seb stays by Flick’s side but, Sebastien is not sure in the end that Flick is the right person for the job and their relationship is one battle after another this is a very close knit community and Flick has been making friends and they can see the tension that is there between them and Flick is so determined to her job and more if she can to prove Seb wrong about her but the feelings between them grow and get more complicated and then when Nate arrives and asks Flick to do more danger arrives and Seb is determined to keep Flick safe but will he be able to?

Flick arrives home to her life with plans to change some things for the better but can she truly leave Seb out of her life forever?

This is such a brilliant story I loved it from start to finish and of course it is always great catching up with characters that I have gotten to know from other stories and to finally see Nate get his story was so good, this is a story that I do highly recommend Penelope Janu’s tenth and they just get better, her take on environmental issues and the research she does makes the stories not only wonderful but you learn so much from them as well, the characters, Nate, Angelina, Robin added so much to the story and the setting what can I say it was the best I felt like I was there with the penguins, the albatross and the seals, yes don’t miss this one, and I would really love to see Fin get his story now. Thank you MS. Janu for another awesome story.

My thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin AU for my copy to read and review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★s

Felicity (Flick) Atherton loved her job at the Dubbo Zoo, working with the animals and birds. Her life revolved around migratory birds; her research, photography and all it involved, kept her mind where it should be. Flick's life had been a harsh one - the death of her big brother, the narcissism of her mother, and the love she had for her brother's daughter - all formed who she now was. When Flick was approached by head of the UN environmental team to accept an assignment for six months in the sub-Antarctic, she originally said no. Her fears of flying and small spaces meant it wasn't possible. But she changed her mind when she lost her job at the Zoo.

After a traumatic and seemingly never ending trip, Flick arrived and was soon involved with the birds and animals she was surrounded by. She delighted in her work and her colleagues were impressed with her devotion. But something was happening in the background - something which shouldn't be there...

Out of the Blue by Aussie author Penelope Janu was an enjoyable read, set in Australia and the Antarctic, with plenty of mystery & intrigue, drama and angst. I loved being in the Antarctic - pleased I couldn't feel the cold! I could visualise the animals and the "dressed for the conditions" community, and found the characters, especially Nate, Angelica & Robin, exceptional. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Harlequin Enterprises AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

EXCERPT: ' . . . you shafted me as soon as I got here.'
'Shafted? What do you mean?'
'Betrayed me. Let me down. You didn't respect me enough to let me speak for myself, and then you undermined me. I thought I could trust you and I couldn't.' My eyes spill over. 'I don't need that. I don't need you.'

ABOUT 'OUT OF THE BLUE': A traumatic past, a charismatic stranger, a closeknit community...life is about to get complicated.
Flick Atherton loves the country towns where she lives, her work with migratory birds and the bond she shares with her late brother's daughter. The last thing she needs is a man telling her what to do. Particularly the arrogant, frighteningly competent Norwegian air-force pilot Sebastien Thorsen. When she accepts an assignment in the sub-Antarctic, her biggest challenge isn't the sub-zero temperature or her long-held fears, it's Sebastien. Head of the UN environmental team funding Flick's position, and an all-round adrenaline junkie, Sebastien is the last man Flick should be attracted to. But the tiny Antarctic community is closeknit and vulnerabilities, both Flick's and Sebastien's, are impossible to hide. Working to finish a job he didn't want to take, Sebastien finds Flick a risk unlike any he has ever encountered, and he is frustrated yet entranced by her impossible mix of fragility and independence. When the assignment is over and Flick is home again, can she leave her fears and the shadows of the past behind her? Will she accept that the love she's found, even when it is out of the blue, might be all she'll ever need?

MY THOUGHTS: Right off, I am going to admit I am an outlier with my thoughts on Out of the Blue by Penelope Janu.

I adored her previous book, The Summerfield Saddler, which is loosely tied to Out of the Blue, but all the things I loved about it seemed overdone in Out of the Blue. There was none of the balance I so admired in The Summerfield Saddler.

There are large tracts of information about the birdlife, some with a little conversation thrown in and some passing as conversation, but it was too much and detracted from the actual storyline. I love birds and am a keen conservationist, but this was too much for what is meant to be a romance.

I found it hard to connect with any of the characters and the 'thriller' element was just a step too far for me.

As I said, I am very much an outlier with my opinions of Out of the Blue, so don't dismiss the idea of reading this without checking out some other more positive reviews.

⭐⭐⭐

#OutoftheBlue #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: PENELOPE JANU lives on a property in the Southern Highlands of NSW with a distracting husband, a very large dog and, now they're fully grown, six delightful children who come and go. A former lawyer, Penelope has a passion for creating stories that explore social and environmental issues, but her novels are fundamentally a celebration of Australian characters and communities.
Penelope enjoys riding horses, exploring the Australian countryside and dreaming up challenging hiking adventures. Nothing makes her happier as a writer than readers falling in love with her clever, complex and adventurous characters. (source: penelopejanu.com)

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via NetGalley for a digital ARC of Out of the Blue by Penelope Janu for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A rural landscape has been replaced by the sub Antartica but the ethos and spirit of community, family dynamics and love are osmotic.
A strong environmental flavour navigates a plot that highlights the fragile environs, bird and sea life need to have protected and preserved.
Flick is a bird specialist and embarks on a mission to the Antartica region.
Endearing Norwegian Sebastien Thorsen tests her patience and resolve.
But cracks in her heart start to swallow the emotional and physical offerings of him.
Family ties and obligations put a financial and frustration strain on her life as she financially helps an irresponsible mother and the daughter of her deceased brother.
Flick not only navigates the blizzards and joys of birdlife on her icy adventures but understands change is needed to manage her mother and her heart strings.
The detail from research is a standout, the tumultuous family dynamic is addictive and the journey of love is a specialty of this talented author.

[beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Janu has swapped her usual rural landscape for the sub Antarctic in her new novel, Out of the Blue.

Felicity 'Flick' Atherton is an ophthalmologist working at Western Plains Zoo. She adores her work with migratory birds, her hometown and most of all, her niece Matilda whom she shares a close bond with

Sebastian Thorsen is a Norwegian UN representative who is leading an expedition to Morris Island, Antarctica. Stern, persuasive and incredibly handsome, he needs Felicity's expertise and won't take no for an answer.

Felicity has concerns. Already financially struggling, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, PTSD often causes an unwelcome premise. She'll need to rely on her strength to make the lengthy trip south. There's also the matter of the building attraction between her and Seb. Any length of time spent together already causes complications ... Extended and isolated? That's entirely another level.

Also, could any relationship between them continue when she returns home?

This is a refreshing take on Penny's usual style. Whilst we are treated to the stunning landscape of Antarctica, her core values regarding family, friends and other relationships remain.

Penny enjoys incorporating environmental issues in her books and yet again, readers are treated to this. It was interesting learning about birds and their contribution to the environment through Flick's eyes.

A fair chunk of familiar faces pop up at times and we are introduced to some new favourites. Matilda is a delight and I hope we get to see her again in the future.

Seb and Flick's path to happiness starts off rocky and turbulent but gradually builds into one that is entirely encompassing. Slow burning, their continual toeing the line is worth it in the end.

Penny really knows her stuff. The mental health issues Felicity is burdened with are common with many and Penny not only has described them accurately but with a lot of emphany.

What a beautiful, tender and enjoyable read. Penny's books just keep getting better and better.

5 🌟

[Karmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that flowed smoothly and was easy to read.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dubbo, New South Wales. Flick Atherton is an ornithologist and she’s an authority on wetland migratory birds and is working at the zoo. Sebastien Thorsen is a Norwegian air-force pilot, he’s head of the UN environmental team and going to the sub-Antarctic.

Flick struggles to make ends meet and she’s paying for her niece Matilda to attend a private school and she wants her to have the opportunities she missed out on. They need an avian expert to join the expedition, Flick is reluctant at first accept the offer but the money is good and she has to overcome many challenges to make it to the base at Morrison Island which is located in the between Tasmania and Antarctica.

Sebastien is contracted for a year and looking at the environmental impact all forms of transportation are having. While he comes and goes, Flick forms a strong bond with others, I liked Robin, Angelina and Professor Johnson's characters.

Flick is unlike any other woman Sebastien has encountered, her temperament is a real mixture, she can be fragile and vulnerable one minute, and then fiercely independent and stubborn the next. This is due to the loss of her brother when Flick was a teenager and she made mistakes and paid the price.

The narrative focuses on being a member of a team, in an isolated and remote place, with some secrets and danger. Romance and falling in love isn't on Flicks agenda, she thinks it's impossible due to Seb being a risk taker, he lives in a different country and backgrounds?

Matilda was delightful, her relationship with Flick proved she had a heart and a big one.

I received a copy of Out of the Blue from Harlequin Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Penelope Janu is one of Australia’s leading contemporary fiction authors, she did extensive research on the sub-Antarctic, about living and working on an outpost, the birds and wildlife, climate and environment and it shows in her vivid and descriptive prose.

Five stars from me and I highly recommend Out of the Blue and the author’s previous book The Summerfield Saddler and hopefully Finn the youngest Thorsen brother will feature next!

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Janu does it again! I haven’t read one of her lovely books for a little while so getting into Out of the Blue feels like a warm hug – so much familiarity and comfort 💖 The writing is deft, characters are vivid, and the romance is delicious – what more could a reader want?

Felicity Atherton is a traumatised avian expert, with secrets. Sebastien Thorsen is a hyper-competent Norwegian pilot and environmental-something officer… with secrets. Seb has some work in Antarctica and he offers Flick a job for four months at the Australian Antarctic Division. After some argy-bargy Felicity accepts the job, even though getting there is no simple matter for her. While most of the action takes place on Morrison Island, travel is challenging for Felicity and this is when she and Seb bicker and bond and fall in love.

Seb and Flick are actually talking to each other, so secrets hidden become secrets shared. There’s a contrast between the warmth of Seb’s family and the toxicity of Flick’s, apart from her young niece, who is utterly delightful but still a financial responsibility. And don’t forget Flick’s awful mother – what a monstrous manipulative narcissist she is! A mystery plot takes shape as well – dialled up for the Antarctic setting where it’s hard enough to survive, let along manage a baddie, in that incredibly hostile climate.

The whole book is brimming with birdlife and a clear environmental message about the importance of the Antarctic stations and saving habitat for our birdlife is done with a light touch. Flick has so much random bird knowledge - she’s persuasive and I was as fascinated as Seb :)

Penelope Janu has written a romance that is both adventurous and comforting – and it’s terrific!

Thank you Penelope Janu and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope Janu always does her homework before penning her stories, and this certainly shows in Out Of The Blue, which is set partly in rural NSW and partly on sub-Antarctic Morrison Island. Once again we have two strong yet flawed characters in ornithologist Felicity Atherton and Norwegian Air Force Captain Sebastian Thorsen, who is currently on secondment to the United Nations while recuperating after an accident forced him out of the cockpit. Flick is beset by nightmares caused when she witnessed her brother die when his light plane caught fire while landing. She struggles with confined spaces particularly planes and small ship cabins. She is also preyed upon by a narcisistic mother, who is bleeding her dry financially and added to that she supports her brother’s daughter Matilda. Flick is very insular, preferring not to get inviolved rather than face the loss of anyone else and is far from enthusiastic about Seb, despite a very inconvenient physical attraction. Seb, too, generally prefers his hook-ups to be for mutual pleasure rather than the start of a relationship, though his feelings for Felicity mean that he throws that rule out the window immediately. While their romance is simmering, a secondary theme is developing on the frozen island where they are working. With suspicion growing about HR officer Dougie and his enthusiasm to help with the spreadsheets Flick is working on, the tension is ramped up. As with all Penelope Janu’s books, this one had me oin the edge of my seat throughout. It is both emotionally engaging and informative and made for an extremely enjoyable read.

[Claire Louisa]

Rtc

[Janene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon