From the author of beloved Top Ten bestsellers The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club and The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle comes a delightful new novel about friendship, love and finding yourself.
Far North Queensland, 1993: At 74, former cane farmer Grace Maud is feeling her age, and her isolation, and thinks the best of life may be behind her. Elsewhere in town, high school teacher Patricia has given up on her dreams of travel and adventure and has moved back home to look after her ageing parents, while cafe owner Dorothy is struggling to accept that she may never have the baby she and her husband so desperately want. Each woman has an unspoken need: reconnection. And that’s how they find themselves at Orange Blossom House, surrounded by perfumed rainforest, being cajoled and encouraged by their yoga teacher, the lively Sandrine. Together, they will find courage and strength – and discover that life has much more to offer than they ever expected.
Set amid the lush beauty of tropical Queensland, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a heartwarming story of friendship and family, of chances missed and taken, and the eternal power of love.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is an enjoyable, charming, and easy to read story about three women from different generations. Set in Queensland, Patricia, Dorothy and Grace, who are all experiencing their own pains and anxieties, happen to meet each other at Orange Blossom House for yoga classes. Guided by their yoga teacher Sandrine, she supports the three women through breathing, mediation and poses while offering the women wise words and encouragement. At the end of the story, I felt so refreshed and uplifted from the feel-good charm Sophie Green incorporates into her writing. This heart-warming story was beautifully written and shows us the incredible power of female connection, friendship and love. Brittany, VIC, 5 Stars
What a thoroughly enjoyable book. I was so excited to receive it on a cold, wintry day. I found the character development enjoyable and felt like I went on a journey of discovery with Grace Maud, Dorothy and Patricia as they came to know each other. It just goes to show that you never know where you will meet girlfriends that “get you” and reinforced that age is not a barrier to friendship. Each of the women learns something from the other women and also unknowingly brings something of value to this friendship. Their friendship helps them better understand and deal with their own lives. The setting of Orange Blossom House is integral and I feel like I have been there and been part of Sandrine’s classes. I look forward to reading another novel by Sophie Green. Leanne, SA, 5 Stars
An endearing story of 3 unlikely friends. Reminds me of my group of friends, we’re an unlikely bunch and met through work, I doubt we would have been friends any other way. But we too share the highs and lows of life together. A great read, I really enjoyed this book. Rachael, NSW, 5 Stars
An enjoyable story of new friendships and mindfulness. Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a beautifully told story that explores the issues of three women of different generations who meet at Orange Blossom House for yoga classes. Grace Maud is a retired cane farmer dealing with her son taking over the family farm, Patricia is a high school English teacher, who cares for her elderly parents and Dorothy is a café owner, struggling to overcome a history of miscarriages. The story is told over eighteen months, in the 1990’s where their friendship develops. As their friendship develops, they help each other deal with their issues that they are having in their lives. I have not read a Sophie Green novel before, however, I look forward to reading more of her novels. Teresa, VIC, 5 Stars
Sophie Green has written an utterly absorbing and blissful read about 4 women travelling through the ups and downs of big life challenges and their yoga instructor who is there to guide them along the way. If you are just a little bit interested in yoga and its life teaching, this is the remarkable read that will make you crave taking out the yoga mat and joining your friends for a time of peace and calm from the challenges of family life and conflicts and deep loss. My favourite character was Sandrine the yoga teacher. I think she was a remarkable friend and mentor to the women in this tale. This book is beautifully written and an exquisite tale of reconnecting friendships and learning to trust each other and backing each other up. This is not a fantasy tale although fiction. These are the real stories of the kind that you will have experienced at some point in your life as a woman and I would highly recommend for a ladies book club in the future. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
Reading a Sophie Green novel on a cold winter’s day in front of a blazing fire lifts your spirits and makes you wish you were in the tropics. Grace Maud, retired cane farmer, unwilling to let go of her past and the legacy left to her by previous generations. And the next generation wanting more than Grace Maud. Patricia the school teacher has given up her dreams to return home to look after her aged parents. Her siblings are always critiquing her but never helping her with their parents. Dorothy is struggling to achieve the one thing she and her husband want most in their life, a baby. Each woman connects at the Orange Blossom House on a Thursday and form friendships that bond them together. A very enjoyable read, one I found hard to put down. Congratulations Sophie Green on writing a book that many women will be able to associate with. Jan, SA, 5 Stars
They say people come into your life for a reason, well I think the same can be said about books as well. Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a story of friendship and hope, just what I needed in my life at this moment in time. The story follows the lives of three vastly different women, Grace Maud, Patricia and Dorothy, all at different stages of their lives. The ladies are brought together by their newfound interest in yoga at Orange Blossom House, taught by the intuitive Sandrine. Grace Maud, 74 years young, an ex-cane farmer coming to terms with letting her son take control of the family farm. Patricia a 40 something single woman looking after her ailing parents and full-time teaching career with little time to look after herself and Dorothy, struggling with fertility issues and running a café with her husband. As the friendship develops over time for these women, we find them supporting and encouraging each other as well as opening themselves up to find a friendship that it seems none of them have had for a while. It reminds us that we all need that human connection and friends that will push us that little bit extra when we need it. Veronica, QLD, 5 Stars
Sophie Green has such a graceful style in her writing making it really easy to read and submerse yourself in the content and become one with the story. The characters are genuine with their personalities attracting you to them and wishing you could be part of their friend group. Thursdays at Orange Blossom House unveils truths for many. We all have dreams and aspirations that may seem distant or put on hold for many reasons but it’s never too late and there’s always a way, we just have to unlock the why, the when, the how and go for it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It’s like the pages of this book hug you, and it’s a warm embrace to the very last page. Sharon, QLD, 5 Stars
A beautiful story of finding friendships and yourself in the most unexpected of places. The characters in this book were so refreshing and instantly relatable. It was lovely to read a book where the focus was on strong female characters from different backgrounds and generations and that shows the sense of empowerment that comes when women are supportive towards each other and building each other up. It was also a reminder that self care is not just a fad but a necessity if we want to find connections with others in our lives. An easy, uplifting read. Left me with a smile and feeling a sense of positivity, as calm as if I had been in Sandrine’s class myself, and thinking about taking up yoga! LT, VIC ,⭐️ 5 Stars
Thursdays at Orange Blossom House was like a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon! It was a delightful story full of warmth, humour, characters that seemed like friends and brimming with hope. The book follows the lives of 3 unlikely friends who meet at a yoga class, who are all transformed in their own way through the power of yoga and female friendship and support. Green’s writing style is engaging and fast-paced without being rushed. Overall, I absolutely loved the book and am looking forward to reading more of Green’s books in the future. Brooke, NSW, 5 Stars
I love yet another Sophie Green novel and she is fast becoming a favourite author of mine. This is a story of friendship, of three very different women who live three very different lives. But they come together, share their lives, past and present and become not only friends but confidants as well. The characters, Grace, Patricia and Dorothy are real, could be you, your friends, your family or your neighbours. They are humans who need camaraderie, friendship and they are believable. Sophie Green makes you feel you know these characters and that is a brilliant way to read a book. I love the book flowing by seasons, I love that each of these three main characters have a voice throughout and sections revolve around each one. It’s a book that is easy to read yet makes you think and makes you feel emotions as you relate to certain topics or events in the book. There is life in this book, there are emotions, there is happiness and sadness and even a few twists and turns. It’s a book to read with a cuppa in front of a warm cosy fire or with a cocktail on a warm sunny beach. Donna, TAS, 5 Stars
Thanks to Better Reading for this ARC. I had already added it to my want to read pile, so was very excited to receive a copy and it did not disappoint. I loved the way the characters were woven together, and could relate to their issues. Particularly Dorothy and Patricia. The story was very close to home but written is such a way, I almost felt like part of the yoga class and the friendship group;. It makes you stop and think and rethink how we deal with situations. Highly recommend this book. Keryn, SA, 5 Stars
I really recommend reading this book. The Cairns setting, a yoga class and a developing friendship of 3 women at different stages of life. I enjoyed reading about this evolving friendship that gave each women the confidence to follow their hearts. Sophie Green has written a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more of her books. Pamela, NSW, 5 Stars
This book is a delight! The location of the story, the time, the women – it all clicked with me. The cane fields in northern QLD caught me from the start, taking me back to living across the road from cane fields when I was a little kid. It takes a talented author to do that to me, and Sophie Green is just that author. The three main characters are brought together through a woman called Sandrine, and I was worried Sandrine may become a central figure, like a guru, who would solve all the problems and through her ‘wisdom and life experience’ would bring happy endings to all. But that’s not how this story works and I love it! Sandrine is a side feature that enables the women to get in touch with each other, and is a conduit of sorts, but the stories of the three woman are bigger and more involving which kept me reading until the end. On the strength of this novel, I am off to buy another of Sophie Green’s titles. Rebekah, NSW, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this latest novel by Sophie Green. Like her other novels this focuses on a group of strangers, who through circumstances, develop a strong friendship. Set in lovely tropical FNQ, many of the settings are familiar from previous holidays to the region. I loved that I was therefore able to picture the story playing out. The characters are well developed, and like other Sophie Green novels, initially appear mismatched. As each individual backstory develops, so does their love and support of each other. I would love to see an epilogue, or follow up book, at the end, although that would take away the fun in guessing how things ended up. Jodie, WA, 5 Stars
Loved it. Have read Sophie Green’s first book and enjoyed it and this one is just as good. I love that Sophie’s books are based in different parts of Australia and she paints lovely word pictures of those places. This story takes a look at three different women of different ages who become friends and help each other out. By helping each other they discover more about themselves. The book is easy to read (chapters not too long) and each chapter is voiced by one of the characters. Than you Better Reading for the chance to preview this wonderful book. Denise, SA, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book! With characters you can totally imagine in your own life, this book is just a giant hug wrapped in a novel. Highly recommend. Stacey, WA, 5 Stars
An uplifting novel about family feuds, fresh friendships, mindfulness and yoga. What more could you ask for in this crazy world at the moment! Sophie Green has compiled pure relatable escapism within the covers of her new novel Thursdays At Orange Blossom House. Like her previous novels of The Inaugural Meeting of the Fairvale Ladies Book Club and The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle, Sophie Green introduces us to formidable women who escape their everyday reality by attending a weekly yoga class. Not only do they find themselves but they establish firm friendships together outside of the classes. There is nothing that these women can’t deal with in the face of the myriad of their adversities and age differences. Maud’s wise cracks and advice come from 74 years of experience running a cane farm in Far North Queensland. Patricia is caring for her aged parents and feeling her life slipping through her fingers. Dorothy is dealing with multiple miscarriages and facing IVF. While Sandrine is seen as a light at the end of their tunnel providing them with an hour of escapism every Thursday night by providing a life changing yoga class at Orange Blossom House. But what has brought Sandrine to develop this place of enlightenment? And how will these four women come together to form such a formidable bond? Put the kettle on or pour yourself a glass of your favourite wine and enter the soothing world of Thursdays At Orange Blossom House. Michele, QLD, 5 Stars
I loved this book! Despite the characters being at different life stages, they were all very relatable. They were well-rounded and their lives described so vividly that I could visualise and empathise with their circumstances and experiences. Each woman is met with obstacles but with inner strength and the support of friends, discovers ways to find solutions. The writing flows effortlessly and is very easy to follow. There are many everyday situations treated in this novel experienced by 100s if not 1000s of people in our communities. Sophie Green has written a story for these times- of challenges met, and overcome. What would the human spirit be without HOPE, LOVE and FRIENDSHIP? Highly recommended if you are looking for a “feel-good” read. Sandra, NSW, 5 Stars
We start off with 3 different women of varying ages and status. Grace Maud who has grown up on a sugar cane farm in Cairns, who lets her son run it as she is now retired. Patricia who is a school teacher and lives with her elderly parents. And Dorothy and Frederick who own the local cafe and are desperate for a baby. By chance they all meet at the Orange Blossom House with yoga instructor Sandrine. Sandrine can READ them and tells them things about themselves through the way they perform at the classes. Slowly they become friends and their stories unfold to each other. Very lovely book. It was a quick read and didn’t want it to end. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
This book felt like a breath of fresh air! The split perspectives worked really well, and the range of ages and life circumstances of the three main characters is so varied that everyone is sure to find some aspect of their life that resonates with one of the three. The book deals with serious issues, but still manages to be lighthearted and funny. The plot felt comfortable, but still held surprises. It dealt with the messiness and darkness of real life; but mixed with hope. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
You can usually tell if a book has a good story to tell, right from the opening page, this book was no exception, I was hooked from the beginning, 3 women about to embark on their discovery of what more life has to offer. I could relate to Grace Maud, being the same age, & Patricia, not Pat 🤦♀️🤦♀️caring for parents & even Dorothy wanting a child more than anything, with close family members going through a similar situation. A great read to wile away the day, I read this book in 2 days, was hard to put it down, so much I could relate to, laughter, tears, & hard times, I loved the saying “No one can make you happy but Yourself “ What an excellent saying & so true 💖💖 I would definitely recommend this book, it has something for everyone. Well done Sophie Green & thank you for the chance to read your book & review it. Betty, NSW, 5 Stars
Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is another uplifting novel by Australian author, Sophie Green. Set in tropical North Queensland, the story centres around Grace Maud and her family and new friends. I enjoyed the TV, movie and song updates, dating from the early 1990’s, that were scattered throughout the book. They took me back to my late childhood! Thanks to Better Reading Preview for my ARC. Sharah, QLD, 4 Stars
Sophie Green has created another beautifully warmhearted and nourishing read with Thursdays at Orange Blossom House. The setting is the lush Far North Queensland rainforest and surrounding sugar cane fields. Green’s ability to capture the essence of farm life across the Atherton Tablelands is so vividly depicted, I could almost smell the flaming fields as the seasonal cane burning commenced in the opening scene. The story revolves around three local women, retired sugar cane farmer Grace Maud, high school teacher Patricia, now living back with her ageing parents as their carer, and Dorothy, a cafe owner who’s struggling with fertility issues. These women are not connected, aside from their shared yet unspoken desire to reconnect with themselves… When they meet in a Yoga class with the charismatic Sandrine as their teacher, they soon discover that despite their differing age and lifestyles, they’ve bonded in an unlikely friendship that will last a lifetime. I loved these vibrant and very relatable characters — the friendships they formed felt so authentic I was left feeling like I’d been wrapped up in a cosy, warm embrace. The seasonal notes about the 1993-94 pop-culture were an unexpected treat for those born in that era. Linda, QLD, 4 Stars
Thursdays at Orange Blossom House was a beautifully written story. The ladies lives all entwined in a lovely friendship that they had not realised they needed. Never too old or set in their ways to fulfil their dreams or assist in making the dreams of others come true. Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
What do you get when a crotchety old farming woman, a middle aged duty bound teacher and a younger woman desperate for a child all decide to go outside their comfort zones and try a yoga class? An incredibly charming story! An unlikely trio, all attending the yoga class for their own, very different reasons, whose friendship grows as the story goes on. The characters are all so real, as if I knew them personally, and it’s definitely a group I’d like to be in. An easy, very enjoyable read. Katrina, VIC, 4 Stars
Having arrived in Australia in 1993 when this book is set resonated greatly with me. Sophie Green’s rich descriptions of the everyday Australian life of her characters are like a warm, welcoming hug. Despite the age difference of her main characters watching their friendship develop and their reliance on each other is a gentle reminder to truly embrace the love and company of those nearest to you. If you have enjoyed Sophie Green’s previous two novels then Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is definitely for you. Juliet, WA, 4 Stars
Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a deliciously hope-filled read. Promising the reader that there is something beautiful to be found in each of life’s seasons. Amy, NSW, 4 Stars
What an absolute joy it was to go on this journey with this lovely bunch of women! I did struggle to keep up with who was who initially, but once I got that down pat, I loved it! Such a fun read full of friendship, love and camaraderie. I would definitely recommend this book! Emily, VIC, 4 Stars
This was an enjoyable easy read, centred around three women – Patricia, Grace Maud and Dorothy, who meet at a local yoga class and quickly form a close friendship. They all have vastly different personal circumstances and different issues and concerns they are dealing with in their lives. Each of the three women are likeable and relatable characters, they are dealing with issues of love, loss, family responsibilities and relationships. The story is set in Cairns, QLD and has some vivid descriptions of the landscape and features of the area. I enjoyed the chapters being told alternately from the perspective of each of the three characters, and finding out more about them as the book progressed. I also loved the way in which other characters were introduced in an interesting and meaningful way, which gave a deeper insight into who Patricia, Grace Maud and Dorothy are and what is important to them, their values and the experiences that have shaped them. This is the first book I have read by Sophie Green and will definitely be seeking out her other books to read. Bree, NSW, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading Thursdays at Orange Blossom House, the novel features three main female characters that have a range of positive and not so positive characteristics. The first third or so of the book develops each of the characters, and this is done in quite a gradual manner. As we learn about our the three female friends we also learn about the beautiful setting of far North Queensland. The descriptions are very evocative and realistic causing the reader to have a strong feeling of actually being there. If readers have not been to Cairns and surrounds the books lovely style will encourage visits. As the book eases into the half way mark the story begins to pull together as the characters interact more with each other and their individual back ground stories have more meaning as daily happenings affect each of them in different ways. As the story winds to its conclusion the reader now knows the characters very well – it was one of those novels that I was quite sad to finish and I wondered for a few days afterwards about how they were going and what else was happening in their lives. I very much look forward to reading other books by this author. Toni, QLD, 4 Stars
What a lovely and heartwarming story! Thursdays at Orange Blossom House makes you feel like hanging out with your best girlfriends. I would highly recommend this book. Daneka, QLD, 4 Stars
This was one of those nice books where you know in the end everything will work out well. It lived up to expectations and provided me with some feel good vibes. It also left me thinking I should find a good yoga class! It is definitely a book worth having a look at, if you enjoy happy endings, and who doesn’t? Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
Grace Maud, is a retiree who used to run sugar cane farm belonging to her family. Now, her son, Tom runs the farm but at some point she experiences a clash with her son over different opinion. Patricia, is an English teacher and also busy taking care of her elderly parent and she is kind of being taken for granted by her siblings. Dorothy, runs a busy Cafe in Kuranda with her husband, and they both struggle to have a child after three miscarriages. Three women from different age generation and background, yet their friendship blooming remarkably since they meet at Orange Blossom House for a yoga class. Message from this book: “Don’t ever scare to try new things in your life and always have an open mind” It’s an enjoyable read for my winter with hot chocolate and snuggle blanket, their friendship really warms my heart. Vivi, NSW, ❤ 4 Stars
This was an enjoyable read about three women at different ages and times in their lives, whose stories intertwine with one another after a yoga class. The yoga class helps them face their struggles, move on, and gives them a new perspective of life. I specifically enjoyed the way their characters developed throughout the story. I personally, found the circumstances and characters difficult to relate to, however, was still enthralled by this story and how believable it was. I very much enjoyed the writing style, settings, and pace. I look forward to reading other novels by this author. Katherine, VIC, 3 Stars
This is an enjoyable story about three quite different women who meet at a yoga class and become good friends. The yoga class helps them to see their lives differently and to get on with it. Grace Maud is in her 70s, and lives in Cairns after leaving the family cane farm in her son Tom’s care. Patricia is a high school teacher, single and therefore her two brothers and sister leave her to live with and care for their elderly parents, especially her mother who has worsening dementia. Lastly is Dorothy who with her husband runs a cafe. She’s had three miscarriages and wondering whether to try IVF. I liked these women, they’re well written characters and very human. Janelle, NSW, 3 Stars
Would like to read Orange
Blossom House,