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Common Ground
A love letter to community and the power of activism, from the author of Ginger and Me and Graffiti Girls.
Germaine only accepted the job at the Kenmar allotments for a fresh start. Far from anyone who knows her history she can focus on work and tending to her own plot. Most of the other plot-holders keep to themselves and that suits her just fine.
But when the local council announces plans to turn the allotments into luxury housing, Germaine finds herself leading a battle to save the place that has become a sanctuary for fractured souls.
Amidst crumbling sheds and overgrown paths, the rag-tag band plan protests, forge alliances and uncover long-buried secrets. Soon they’ll learn that the allotments aren’t just plots of land but a place to belong.
Germaine only accepted the job at the Kenmar allotments for a fresh start. Far from anyone who knows her history she can focus on work and tending to her own plot. Most of the other plot-holders keep to themselves and that suits her just fine.
But when the local council announces plans to turn the allotments into luxury housing, Germaine finds herself leading a battle to save the place that has become a sanctuary for fractured souls.
Amidst crumbling sheds and overgrown paths, the rag-tag band plan protests, forge alliances and uncover long-buried secrets. Soon they’ll learn that the allotments aren’t just plots of land but a place to belong.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set on the Kenmar Allotments in Scotland, Common Ground follows a group of unlikely friends on their mission to stop the council from closing down their allotments, the only common ground this group of misfits shares.
Germaine is the allotment manager, a recovering alcoholic and still struggling with the grief of her fathers death. Stanley, the almost octogenarian, tends his plot from dusk til dawn. Mohid and Farah long for children, but after suffering several miscarriages, their allotment is a place for them to find peace. Kevin, horrifically scarred after an awful accident, hides away from judgmental stares and bullying comments. For Isobel, the allotment is a place where her husband George can feel safe as his mind succumbs to early onset dementia, and for their son Isaac to hide from school. Lawrence and Adrian are meant to tend their plot together, but Adrian is far too busy going to the gym, and Dorothy hasn’t set foot on her husband Eddies plot since he died. Each person knows the other merely through nods or cursory hellos but none of them have ever had any particular interest in getting to know anyone else. That is until two men in suits start sniffing around the allotments and the council declare they are selling off the land to developers. So begins their mission to do whatever it takes to save the land they all love and find comfort in.
I genuinely do not know where to start with this book it ticked so many boxes for me. It is funny, heart warming and heartbreaking in equal measure, and leaves you with the warm fuzzies when you finish. Each of the characters has so much personality and as you learn their backstories your heart absolutely breaks for them. It’s not all doom and gloom however, as the threatened closure of their beloved allotments allows each of them to go through a journey of self discovery that sees them gain confidence and connections with the other plot holders that enables them to heal. There is a budding romance between two of the characters, but its not a massive focus and is used more of a way to show us as the reader how these particular characters are growing within themselves. While the story is told from many many points of view, you definitely get the sense that the place itself is just important as the people telling the story, this place where a found family is built and a sense of community shines through.
Germaine is the allotment manager, a recovering alcoholic and still struggling with the grief of her fathers death. Stanley, the almost octogenarian, tends his plot from dusk til dawn. Mohid and Farah long for children, but after suffering several miscarriages, their allotment is a place for them to find peace. Kevin, horrifically scarred after an awful accident, hides away from judgmental stares and bullying comments. For Isobel, the allotment is a place where her husband George can feel safe as his mind succumbs to early onset dementia, and for their son Isaac to hide from school. Lawrence and Adrian are meant to tend their plot together, but Adrian is far too busy going to the gym, and Dorothy hasn’t set foot on her husband Eddies plot since he died. Each person knows the other merely through nods or cursory hellos but none of them have ever had any particular interest in getting to know anyone else. That is until two men in suits start sniffing around the allotments and the council declare they are selling off the land to developers. So begins their mission to do whatever it takes to save the land they all love and find comfort in.
I genuinely do not know where to start with this book it ticked so many boxes for me. It is funny, heart warming and heartbreaking in equal measure, and leaves you with the warm fuzzies when you finish. Each of the characters has so much personality and as you learn their backstories your heart absolutely breaks for them. It’s not all doom and gloom however, as the threatened closure of their beloved allotments allows each of them to go through a journey of self discovery that sees them gain confidence and connections with the other plot holders that enables them to heal. There is a budding romance between two of the characters, but its not a massive focus and is used more of a way to show us as the reader how these particular characters are growing within themselves. While the story is told from many many points of view, you definitely get the sense that the place itself is just important as the people telling the story, this place where a found family is built and a sense of community shines through.
April 9, 2026
Common Ground is a feel good easy read that will leave you with a satisfyingly warm glow.
The story is set in the Kenmar community allotments in Uddingston. At the beginning of our tale the allotments are made up of a disparate group of people brought together by a shared love of gardening - growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in neighbouring plots. But that’s where the sense of community ends - other than the occasional formal greeting, a nod of the head, a brief grunt, the plot-holders are virtually strangers.
It soon becomes clear, however, that each of our new friends have found their way to the allotments for a specific reason and each is hiding some form of heartbreak: self-confidence, child loss, bereavement and grief, dementia, a controlling partner, alcoholism. Common Ground really does highlight that we can encounter people every day but never really get to know someone or understand the challenges that they are facing behind closed doors. Common Ground is a reminder that we are all dealing with our own secret demons that threaten to pull us under.
When their allotment sanctuary is threatened because of council funding cuts this group of virtual strangers must get to know each other and work together to fight the injustice and make it clear that closing the allotments would be a massive mistake.
This is a feel-good story that pulls you in. There are books that you read and enjoy and then there are books where the characters become firm friends, to the point where you wonder what they’re doing after you’ve read the last word.
It has been a real treat to sink into this beautifully heartwarming story. If you’re looking for a few hours of complete relaxation, then this may well be the book for you.
“…we have to be vigilant of what’s ours, all of us. Of the allotments, yes, but also of our public swimming pools, our libraries, our youth clubs, our senior citizens’ dance clubs, all of our community spaces.”
The story is set in the Kenmar community allotments in Uddingston. At the beginning of our tale the allotments are made up of a disparate group of people brought together by a shared love of gardening - growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in neighbouring plots. But that’s where the sense of community ends - other than the occasional formal greeting, a nod of the head, a brief grunt, the plot-holders are virtually strangers.
It soon becomes clear, however, that each of our new friends have found their way to the allotments for a specific reason and each is hiding some form of heartbreak: self-confidence, child loss, bereavement and grief, dementia, a controlling partner, alcoholism. Common Ground really does highlight that we can encounter people every day but never really get to know someone or understand the challenges that they are facing behind closed doors. Common Ground is a reminder that we are all dealing with our own secret demons that threaten to pull us under.
When their allotment sanctuary is threatened because of council funding cuts this group of virtual strangers must get to know each other and work together to fight the injustice and make it clear that closing the allotments would be a massive mistake.
This is a feel-good story that pulls you in. There are books that you read and enjoy and then there are books where the characters become firm friends, to the point where you wonder what they’re doing after you’ve read the last word.
It has been a real treat to sink into this beautifully heartwarming story. If you’re looking for a few hours of complete relaxation, then this may well be the book for you.
“…we have to be vigilant of what’s ours, all of us. Of the allotments, yes, but also of our public swimming pools, our libraries, our youth clubs, our senior citizens’ dance clubs, all of our community spaces.”
March 7, 2026
A disparate group of allotment holders bond when the allotments are threatened by closure from the local council.
This sounds a very formulaic and familiar plot, but it's made fresh by the skill with which author Elissa Soave portrays her characters. There's Germaine, the grumpy manager hiding personal secrets: sweet Kevin with his ravaged face; militant feminist Dorothy who can whip the troops into submission, but can't control her own daughter; Mohid and Farah, a lovely couple grieving unborn babies; gay Lawrence with relationship problems; grumpy widower Sid, and couple George and Isobel, facing the challenges that George's early onset dementia brings.
Add in troubled 11-year-old Isaac who hangs around the allotment looking for Tunnock's teacakes from the local factory and the scene is set.
Each person's strengths and weaknesses are explored in the challenges they face in life outside the allotment.
It's a sweet story, full of humour and wisdom, and the author brings a unique Scottish flavour to it, just as she did to her previous books. There's even a wee cameo appearance from Wendy of "Ginger and Me" fame, and a reference to the Graffiti girls.
Though this story doesn't have the strong impact of Ginger and Me, the author's debut novel, it's a good, strong, heartwarming tale of a community coming together, growing in strength and character and finding resolutions to challenges that we all face in one way or another.
An empathetic and entertaining read.
This sounds a very formulaic and familiar plot, but it's made fresh by the skill with which author Elissa Soave portrays her characters. There's Germaine, the grumpy manager hiding personal secrets: sweet Kevin with his ravaged face; militant feminist Dorothy who can whip the troops into submission, but can't control her own daughter; Mohid and Farah, a lovely couple grieving unborn babies; gay Lawrence with relationship problems; grumpy widower Sid, and couple George and Isobel, facing the challenges that George's early onset dementia brings.
Add in troubled 11-year-old Isaac who hangs around the allotment looking for Tunnock's teacakes from the local factory and the scene is set.
Each person's strengths and weaknesses are explored in the challenges they face in life outside the allotment.
It's a sweet story, full of humour and wisdom, and the author brings a unique Scottish flavour to it, just as she did to her previous books. There's even a wee cameo appearance from Wendy of "Ginger and Me" fame, and a reference to the Graffiti girls.
Though this story doesn't have the strong impact of Ginger and Me, the author's debut novel, it's a good, strong, heartwarming tale of a community coming together, growing in strength and character and finding resolutions to challenges that we all face in one way or another.
An empathetic and entertaining read.
February 27, 2026
Common Ground by Elissa Soave is a really feel good read full of flawed but incredibly real characters each facing struggles or difficulties of some kind . When the allotments where they all have plots is targeted by a property developer this group of unlikely friends band together to try to save what for many of them has become a sanctuary, a place to escape the hardships of their daily lives. As they go from being strangers to becoming friends they realise that their community is special and worth fighting for.
This might not be a book that will set the world alight with its riveting plot, but it is definitely one that will make you feel, from the young man disfigured by an accident to a woman dealing with her husband's diagnosis of early onset dementia, to a couple dealing with infertility and a woman in recovery from alcohol addiction these characters may be flawed or seem unlikeable but above all else they are human and real and relatable. It is a book that feels like a hug, one that will comfort on even the loneliest of days,
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
This might not be a book that will set the world alight with its riveting plot, but it is definitely one that will make you feel, from the young man disfigured by an accident to a woman dealing with her husband's diagnosis of early onset dementia, to a couple dealing with infertility and a woman in recovery from alcohol addiction these characters may be flawed or seem unlikeable but above all else they are human and real and relatable. It is a book that feels like a hug, one that will comfort on even the loneliest of days,
I read an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Read
February 25, 2026 This one was a treat. I really enjoyed reading Graffiti Girls last year so I was more than ready to read Common Ground. I loved the Scottish setting and the brilliant cast of characters here. The story is set in North Lanarkshire and tells of the fight to save an allotment site from being repurposed by the local council as a housing development. The six allotment plots are rented by a diverse bunch of people and each had their own sad background story to tell. I loved feisty Dorothy and grumpy Stanley and really felt for Mohid and Farah, Kevin and Lawrence and Adrian not to mention George and his wife Isobel. Managing the allotments is Germaine who has problems of her own.
Such an enjoyable story, well written and full of community spirit and a sense of hope. I am so glad that I had the chance to read this one.
Such an enjoyable story, well written and full of community spirit and a sense of hope. I am so glad that I had the chance to read this one.
March 12, 2026
The Kenmare allotments are a place of refuge for their tenants. A place to escape their everyday travails as carers or parents, an infertility journey, grief and a place to hide from the world. So when South Lanarkshire Council decide to sell off the land to a developer the tenants are upset, then comes the anger and then comes the protest. Whilst fighting to save their cherished allotments they also learn more about themselves and each other.
This is Soave's third book and is just as great as the previous two. This could veer very close to being too twee but there is a broad streak of dark Scottish humour running throughout which saves it. Each of the characters has a compelling and different story and, as a reader, I was rooting for them even though I knew that the outcome would be predictable. A gentle read for a miserable evening.
This is Soave's third book and is just as great as the previous two. This could veer very close to being too twee but there is a broad streak of dark Scottish humour running throughout which saves it. Each of the characters has a compelling and different story and, as a reader, I was rooting for them even though I knew that the outcome would be predictable. A gentle read for a miserable evening.
March 16, 2026
Hardback, bookgroup read
A lovely gentle read and a sweet set of characters, all with their own flaws and stories. The Uddingston and Bothwell setting is a central character, as well as the common lack of understanding from the local council who are intent on closing the allotments.
This book is more similar to Graffiti Girls than the much more powerful Ginger and Me. Like Graffiti Girls the ending was slightly lacking. Much of Elissa's writing strength is contained in the development of her characters and often what is written between the lines in regard to their lives. I wonder that she doesn't wish to leave her characters.
A lovely gentle read and a sweet set of characters, all with their own flaws and stories. The Uddingston and Bothwell setting is a central character, as well as the common lack of understanding from the local council who are intent on closing the allotments.
This book is more similar to Graffiti Girls than the much more powerful Ginger and Me. Like Graffiti Girls the ending was slightly lacking. Much of Elissa's writing strength is contained in the development of her characters and often what is written between the lines in regard to their lives. I wonder that she doesn't wish to leave her characters.
March 11, 2026
Review of a copy from NetGalley and the publisher.
Elissa Soave has done it again! A truly heartwarming read.
When the local allotments find themselves facing closure, the group of wonderfully quirky holders find themselves drawn together by their common desire to save this precious space. I loved the references to the characters I’d come to love in Ginger and Me and Graffiti Girls, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with everyone on the allotments, watching them grow in self confidence and seeing the friendships develop.
Absolutely wonderful! Thank you.
Elissa Soave has done it again! A truly heartwarming read.
When the local allotments find themselves facing closure, the group of wonderfully quirky holders find themselves drawn together by their common desire to save this precious space. I loved the references to the characters I’d come to love in Ginger and Me and Graffiti Girls, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with everyone on the allotments, watching them grow in self confidence and seeing the friendships develop.
Absolutely wonderful! Thank you.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to The Bookload Facebook page and HQ Stories for a hardback copy of this book which was published in February 2026.
This is a delightful, feel good read based around the plot holders at Kenmar allotments. All the characters are dealing with their own issues and this book is the perfect reminder that we don’t know what others are going through, so try not to judge and just be kind. The characters assume and presume things about each other and it is only as a sense of community develops, that friendship, support, compassion and understanding grows between them.
This is a delightful, feel good read based around the plot holders at Kenmar allotments. All the characters are dealing with their own issues and this book is the perfect reminder that we don’t know what others are going through, so try not to judge and just be kind. The characters assume and presume things about each other and it is only as a sense of community develops, that friendship, support, compassion and understanding grows between them.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an arc of 'Common Ground'. Elisssa Soave has written another excellent book. It's centered around a mixed group of characters who come together to save their allotments. For me it has everything a good novel needs...well rounded easy to relate to characters, humour and friendship. Perfect heart-warming escapism. I loved it! Highly recommend that it's put to the top of your reading list.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Germaine has moved from Aberdeen to take on the job of allotment manager in Viewpark. She is happily enjoying her new role when the Council announces plans for luxury housing to be built on the site.
Most allotment holders accept this news with resignation, but not Dorothy, a veteran of Greenham Common, she galvanises the others and a protest is formed.
A really engaging story from an author I have not read before. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc
March 14, 2026
Well if there’s one thing that Elissa Soave definitely knows how to do it’s write loveable quirky characters. We follow the story of a mismatched group of allotments holders yet to become friends who are fighting to save the Kenmar Allotments. I loved this story, totally feel good and unputdownable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2026
I read this book because I once lived in Lanarkshire and know the area covered quite well. The story had a quite predictable ending and it reminded me of a semi documentary on a similar background. I think I would have liked to have known more about the characters and their families, such as how did Kevin get a disfigured face etc. The writing was quite simplistic and sometimes I wondered how this writer gets things published.
April 19, 2026
The threat of closure brings a group of allotment holders together. The experiences of the characters in this novel showcase the power of both nature and community in people's mental health.
Although it took a while to get going, the characters whose stories unfold grow on you, are nurtured and find ways of blooming in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
Although it took a while to get going, the characters whose stories unfold grow on you, are nurtured and find ways of blooming in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this title.
March 17, 2026
Loved this book. The characters were a mixed bunch but I felt like I knew them. With some, I was able to connect in some way. Easy, feel good read. Power to the people!
April 17, 2026
So wholesome🥹
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Very slow going and didn't get going till half way through.
A group of people all with different personalities have a plot on an allotment, all keep to themselves until the council decides to sell the land and they all come together to protest, they all befriend each other.
Some very moving scenes, glad I finished it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
A group of people all with different personalities have a plot on an allotment, all keep to themselves until the council decides to sell the land and they all come together to protest, they all befriend each other.
Some very moving scenes, glad I finished it.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.
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