A warm, uplifting story of female friendship, community and new beginnings from the beloved Sophie Green, the Top Ten bestselling author of The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle and The Bellbird River Country Choir.
Noosa Heads, 1987: Newly divorced Cynthia has returned to her hometown from Los Angeles to reconnect with her 19-year-old daughter, who is pregnant and determined not to listen to her mother’s advice. Cynthia’s former best friend, Lorraine, has been stuck mowing lawns as part of a business she shares with her husband – his dream, not hers. When Cynthia convinces Lorraine to join the local Sunshine Gardening Society, they meet young widow Elizabeth, and rootless, heartbroken Kathy.
The four women soon discover the society is much more than an opportunity to chat about flowers. Rather, it offers them the chance to lend a helping hand to people whose lives need a bit of care and attention right along with their gardens.
Between pulling up weeds and planting natives, the women learn from each other that some roots go deep, and others shallow; that seeds can lie dormant for a long time before they spring to life, and that careful tending is the key to lives and friendships that reach their full potential.
Buy a copy of Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I love Sophie’s style of dedicating individual chapters to one main character, allowing each story to unfold organically, yet seemingly randomly. With each chapter, the connections of the characters to each other become more apparent. This book is a beautiful story of friendship and growth, filled with loveable, and relatable, characters. I wasn’t ready for it to end. Chrissie, WA, 5 Stars
I really loved reading Sophie Green’s latest novel, Weekends with The Sunshine Gardening Society. Do you love Noosa? Do you love gardening? This is the book for you! The delicate drama and intricacies of day-to-day life happening in the lush setting of Noosa keep the pages turning. The story follows an ensemble of compelling characters on different journeys involving grief, family drama, relationships and unexpected life changes. This novel really got me thinking about how the different facets of gardening are just like life: the weeds we pull out, what we choose to plant and the pruning to encourage further growth. Some of the characters we meet gradually learn about the restorative and therapeutic nature of community and gardening as they navigate and embrace all of life’s complexities. Sophie’s novel highlights how the act of gardening transforms a garden, and similarly the gardener experiences transformation. After I finished the last sentence I ventured into the garden and enjoyed the beautiful scents and bird songs that surrounded me. This book reminded me about the nourishing joy of learning from friendships, community and nature. I loved reading this novel and would highly recommend it for your next book club selection. Vanessa, NSW, 5 Stars
Another great read from Sophie Green. Comforting characters and themes of family, friendship, and overcoming personal and relationship challenges. I really enjoyed reading The Sunshine Gardening Society. It did take me a little while to sink into the story but when I did the characters felt familiar and the Australian setting was warm and comforting like listening to a story from a friend over a cup of tea. Following the ladies through their challenges, building friendships and rebuilding old ones, is an enjoyable read, perfect for holidays or as a reprieve from the endless news cycle and daily grind. A lovely read I really enjoyed. Tamika, SA, 5 Stars
A treasure of a book. Sensitive family relations, rich female friendships, with well-rounded characters. I wanted to stay in this world long after the book ended. Loved it, thoroughly recommended! Sylvia, QLD, 5 Stars
A heart-warming story about four women and their struggles with love, loss, families and friendships. I didn’t just fall in love with one character, but all four, who each had a different story to share. Combining friendship and gardening, a beautiful book – a must read! Kylie, SA, 5 Stars
Sunshine and soil prove to be the healing that a group of women need after different hardships in their lives. The act of service brings them together for friendship, support and a way to move their lives forward. Set in the warmth of Noosa and surrounds, we follow the healing that is needed after grief, loss, change, deceit and heartbreak. Tina, QLD, 5 Stars
Sophie Green’s new novel, Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society, is an entertaining escape that leaves you reflecting upon your own garden and relationships. This absorbing and delightful read, set in Noosa Heads, Queensland, leads the reader to the late 1980s and the world of four women: Cynthia, Lorraine, Elizabeth and Kathy. Whilst each woman has to contend with their own personal circumstances, and, in some cases, family dramas, they all find themselves a part of a tight-knit community of volunteer gardeners. Green’s reference to various plants, gardening tips and the need to nurture not just our gardens but also our friendships, new and old, establishes familiar themes that will resonate with the reader long after the last page has been read. Genene, SA, 5 Stars
I found the book to be most enjoyable and something just about anyone should be able to sit back and enjoy. A group of women are brought together in a common task of beautifying and helping tidy gardens of those in need. As they work together removing weeds and pests from the jungle of gardens, they also find that they are removing the ‘weeds’ from their own lives and making themselves beautiful as well. Definitely pack a copy in your luggage for that next holiday read, or just to have on the coffee table at home. Highly recommended. Terry, SA, 5 Stars
Sophie Green’s latest novel Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society is a beautifully written book about the women who voluntarily work as part of the Sunshine Gardening Society, giving their time to work on other people’s gardens. The book focuses on the relationships of the women who make up the club, their trials, tribulations and loves, and the changes in their lives. Set in Queensland, the book is of particular interest to those who love gardening and love books about women and their relationships. I loved this book as well as each of Sophie Green’s other books. Highly recommended! Renate, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book based in Noosa, QLD. This is the story of four ladies and how they come together to form a friendship group through weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society. It is a story of the ladies’ self-discovery and reflection on their lives and what they learn about each other, themselves, family and friends. Highly recommend for a good read. Anna, TAS, 5 Stars
Well if that gorgeous cover hasn’t got your attention then the beautifully written story within will. The story of four women, all facing different challenges in their lives, who come together to help others through making their gardens stunning, and that makes the Sunshine Gardening Society. Just the name made me want to join the group. The story is told with kindness, compassion and understanding. I loved each character but my favourite was definitely Shirl as she had that little extra spark that I want to have myself and she made me laugh often. A wonderful book to brighten up your day! Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
Once again, Sophie Green has written a delightful story, full of real, relatable characters. Set on the Sunshine Coast, the book is sure to trigger good memories for all those who have lived or holidayed in the area. This is one of those books that you don’t want to finish, so immersed in the lives of the characters that you want to see what happens next in their lives. It’s got everything you need for a great weekend read – sadness, joy, romance, families, gardens, new beginnings. Oh, and feuding mothers-in-law, temperamental teens, unreliable husbands and plenty of weeds! Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
Sophie Green never disappoints! Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society is a beautifully written book about friendship, community, understanding, and the strength of female determination. The setting is exquisite, the characters are truly relatable and very lovable, and the reader feels that they too are part of the journey these women traverse! I experienced every emotion possible, loved every moment and feel grateful for getting to read this brilliant book! I so look forward to the next creation by Sophie Green. Ilona, VIC, 5 Stars
Such a warm weekend read. I love the small-town vibes that were described in the book and the small-town dramas that come along with it. Jen, NSW, 4 Stars
Superficially, I loved the cover and title which is what attracted me to pick it up. But reading Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society was honestly a real treat. The pacing between each chapter, sectioned into months named with wildflowers, felt fast-paced enough to keep my attention, but didn’t rush through the events and important moments throughout the book. I ended up loving each of the four main characters, whose perspectives alternated from chapter to chapter (and so many wonderful side characters!), and appreciated their individual stories. In the beginning, it was a little difficult to keep track of everyone and how they were connected, but I love small-town stories and this one is no exception. I especially loved how the author dealt with some serious and significant life events without losing hope, and reminding us to seek opportunities and friendship by stepping out of that comfort zone. Will definitely be picking up more from this author! Claudia, QLD, 4 Stars
Sophie Green is incredibly talented and this heart-warming novel kept me entertained from start to finish. I loved getting to know the characters, especially Cynthia. The female friendships are relatable and it goes to show how people from all walks of life can learn from each other and appreciate their differences. Great ‘warming’ read. Bianca, NSW, 4 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Loved the way the characters mixed even though they were all so different and had different stories. Didn’t want to put it down but when I did it was easy to pick up where I left it from. Lots of little storylines but not confusing or hard to follow. Great book. Amanda, SA, 4 Stars
Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society explores the power of female friendship and the healing properties of gardening and plants. As we get to know the main characters, we learn that even when life throws a curve ball, friendship can help you survive. The book’s setting in and around the Sunshine Coast gives the book a fabulous location for our girls to garden and immerse themselves in the healing powers of nature. While the plot moves along, this is no twisty thriller, but rather a warm, cosy, enjoyable read. All the characters are finely drawn, each has its flaws and challenges but the strength of their friendship helps them through and each gets something they need from the Society. I had not read any of Sophie Green’s books and to be honest I probably wouldn’t have picked this up, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Christine, NSW, 4 Stars
Sophie Green is a wonderful Australian author who writes fantastic stories about Australian women and this one is no different. Sophie is an auto-buy author for me as her heartwarming stories give you all the feels in just the right way. This time around we are in 1987, with the Sunshine Gardening Society. We have a cast of characters who all have secrets and interesting pasts to unravel over the course of the book. The women really grow on you and you feel like you’re a part of the story too. The women are all written like people you would meet in the real world and I think that’s part of the reason we connect with them so well. I really like this element of Sophie’s books as I find the stories about the women so interesting and it makes it more of a page-turner. You want to keep reading to find out more about the women and how it’s going to end even though you don’t want it to end. The other great thing about this one is that each section is named after a plant. I found this interesting and then to learn a little about the plant in that section too added to the authenticity of the story. I do enjoy reading stories that are set in Australia as there’s nothing like reading a story based in your own country that you can relate to or have an understanding of. I look forward to what Sophie writes next and getting to know the women involved in the story. Michelle, NSW, 4 Stars
Noosa Heads, 1987. Newly divorced Cynthia has returned to her hometown from Los Angeles to reconnect with her 19-year-old daughter, who is pregnant and determined not to listen to her mother’s advice. Cynthia’s former best friend, Lorraine, has been stuck mowing lawns as part of a business she shares with her husband – his dream, not hers. When Cynthia convinces Lorraine to join the local Sunshine Gardening Society, they meet young widow Elizabeth and rootless, heartbroken Kathy. Firstly, what a beautiful cover: so enticing to pick up. This novel is set in the 1980s on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and revolves around the women who join the Sunshine Gardening Society and the two stalwarts of the Society to volunteer garden. Firm friendships are made, helping each other, learning gardening with native Australian flora. An enjoyable book, I loved the characters, the short chapters and the ending. Nicky, QLD, 4 Stars
This story set in Noosa is about a group of diverse women who find a common interest and develop a special bond. I found it a bit confusing to begin with as each chapter was about a different person; however, as they started to meet each other, I found it easier to follow. Each of the women is at a different stage of her life, so I am confident most women readers would find at least one character they could identify with. I am not really interested in gardening but managed to learn a bit about it during the course of the book. Cynthia, VIC, 4 Stars
Gardening is a great leveller and Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society shows that no matter who you are or what sufferings you are experiencing, it is always a wonder what nature can do to make the worst of things better. A lovely read that brings joy. Joan, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. It is not my usual genre, but the character development really drew me in. I felt like I knew the characters. Skye, QLD, 4 Stars
From the bright yellow cover to the sections named after native wildflowers, there is a lot of warmth and charm about Sophie Green’s latest novel, Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society. Sophie Green, herself a Bushcare volunteer, clearly understands the joys of companionship and community contribution that volunteer gardening brings. Set in a time capsule of the late 1980s, with references to T-shirts with shoulder pads and sequins and Hey, Hey It’s Saturday, the story focuses on the lives of four women, each dealing with their own versions of love and loss. Elizabeth, Cynthia, Lorraine and Kathy join Shirl and Barb, two stalwarts of the Sunshine Gardening Society, to volunteer their time on the weekends to provide gardening services to people or places that need a little help. The gardening outings not only provide structure to the novel, but also allow for the exploration of gardening as a metaphor for life and fulfilling potential. A pleasant dose of optimism encouraging you to embrace life, grasp opportunities and ‘to keep turning over your own soil so that it doesn’t get old and you don’t stay stuck thinking and doing what you’ve always done.’ Michelle, VIC, 4 Stars
Sophie’s books are like a big warm hug!! I loved this latest release from Sophie. A story of friendship, new beginnings and forgiveness. I live in SE Queensland and was delighted to see the story is based in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. I loved the characters and their stories. Mark, QLD, 4 Stars
Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society is such a sweet book. It follows the lives of four lovely women at different life stages coming together to volunteer and help others through gardening while also building long-lasting friendships. The character personalities the writer has created are amazing, especially Shirl, Barb and Olive. They seem like they would be a lot of fun to hang out with. I would love to join the Sunshine Gardening Society, I feel like I would have so much fun with them. I liked how the chapters were short and would focus on a particular character for that chapter. I found it helped to keep me engaged throughout the book and helped me to identify who the author had written about in the chapter. Love the cover of the book, it is very cute and aesthetically pleasing and would make someone want to pick up the book to read as that is one of the reasons why I did read this book. Emma, WA, 4 Stars
A feel-good story that will leave you smiling and wanting to get into a gardening society of your own! Following four women whose experiences have been vastly different, yet when their paths cross due to an unexpected hobby, beautiful friendships form. When reflecting on the difficult circumstances life throws at them, they realise that the support of these newfound friends is just what they need to help them move forward. Sarah, QLD, 4 Stars
Sophie Green, author of Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society, has written a delightful story of several women facing different trials in their lives, who come together thanks to two industrious women who work to help people with their gardens. Somehow they are helped and healed with the friendships they form. The characters are all believable and I loved the stories of new friendships found and problems solved! Set on the coast north of Brisbane, Queensland, I felt happily familiar with the places mentioned! For a light, entertaining read with lots of “feel good” vibes, I would certainly recommend this book to other women – possibly in the over 40’s age group, but I certainly wouldn’t like that suggestion to stop anyone from reading it. Marilyn, NSW, 4 Stars
Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society was a lovely read to start my own weekend and has given me the extra push to tackle more of the weeds in my own garden, but I surely would appreciate the helping hands of Shirl, Barb, Elizabeth, Loraine, Cynthia and Kathy. The ladies not only get together to do a good deed in the garden of strangers but also to get away from their own worries and through this task also form special connections along the way. It’s a lovely read and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. Sabine, NSW, 4 Stars
I have loved reading other Sophie Green books so I was super excited to get an advanced copy of her new book, Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society. And I have to say, Sophie’s newest book does not disappoint! The book follows the same theme as other Sophie Green books – you get to know a variety of characters individually, but their stories ultimately overlap. Each main character is at a different point in their life and overcoming a life challenge. For someone with no green thumb, reading this book has made me wish I was a gardener! An easy and enjoyable read. Suzanne, NSW, 4 Stars
Green has offered a mostly cheery story about a group of women in Noosa over a 15-month period in the late ’80s. Her story weaves together the lives of four women, intertwining old and new friendships. These women learn a bit more about themselves and their families while they volunteer their weekends weeding, pruning and planting as members of the quasi-secret Sunshine Gardening Society. Each woman discovers that connecting with the gardens and each other helps to heal old wounds, as well as allowing them to move forward. This is an easy book to read, with a warm and endearing story. Tracy, VIC, 3 Stars
Buy a copy of Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society here.
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