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Hedgehog Hollow #2
New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow
With new arrivals comes new responsibilities...
The sun is shining, wild flowers are blooming and Hedgehog Hollow is officially open for business.
For Samantha, the proud owner of this beautiful rescue centre, life has never been busier. But with an influx of new hogs and hoglets to take care of, not to mention a full-time job and ongoing family issues, can she accept the possibility that she has taken on more than she can handle?
Fortunately, she has the love of her life, Josh, by her side for support and encouragement. But Josh has his own family troubles to deal with. And soon he must decide if he's ready to do the one thing he swore he’d never do - forgive his father.
For both Samantha and Josh it's a season of change and for figuring out whether the past can ever truly be forgotten.
Escape back to wonderful Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for the perfect uplifting read full of love, hope and forgiveness.
The sun is shining, wild flowers are blooming and Hedgehog Hollow is officially open for business.
For Samantha, the proud owner of this beautiful rescue centre, life has never been busier. But with an influx of new hogs and hoglets to take care of, not to mention a full-time job and ongoing family issues, can she accept the possibility that she has taken on more than she can handle?
Fortunately, she has the love of her life, Josh, by her side for support and encouragement. But Josh has his own family troubles to deal with. And soon he must decide if he's ready to do the one thing he swore he’d never do - forgive his father.
For both Samantha and Josh it's a season of change and for figuring out whether the past can ever truly be forgotten.
Escape back to wonderful Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for the perfect uplifting read full of love, hope and forgiveness.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2021
624 people are currently reading
962 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
61 books1,151 followersI was born in Teesside but now live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set many of my books although the Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous new countryside setting in the Yorkshire Wolds.
I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.
Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I'm a self-confessed stationery addict with a ridiculously large collection of notepads who loves chocolate (although it doesn't love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.
Other than a career detour into retail to set up and run my own teddy bear shop (the inspiration for novel Bear With Me), I've always worked in HR, specialising in resourcing, coaching and L&D. Writing always had to take a back seat to the day job until June 2020 when I left the world of HR to become a full-time author. I'm so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can't believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
January 6, 2021
New arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is the sequel to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow. It is better read the books in order, but if you haven't read the first one, don't worry: Jessica provided a very helpful summary and list of recurring characters at the beginning of the book and made me feel at home straightaway.
Samantha/ Sammie finaly opens The Hedhog Hollow Rescue Center, and immediately has her work cut out for her with new patients brought in or left out on her doorstep. She is still recovering from her coma after her newly inherited farm was set on fire. It isn't easy to juggle her full time teaching job with taking care of new arrivals at the hedgegog shelter, some of which are tiny new born hoglets. Luckily for her, her boyfriend Josh isn't just understanding and supportive, he is also a veterinarian who is totally committed to animal rescue. What Sammie might not have realised before she opened the centre was that it would require her being there for her helpless patients all the time. This kind of work can also be heartbreaking as not all hedgehogs are going to survive. On top of all this, a spate of threatening vandalism incidents puts Sammie under additional emotional strain she could really do without.
There is a lot of family drama in this book. Samantha and Josh's relationship is getting stronger, but they both have a lot to learn about their respective families. Josh is trying to reconcile with his estranged father, while Sammie is getting a deeper insight in her own mother's past. Not everything is what it seems at first sight. Sometimes children have a certain idea of what their parents' marriage is like which is not entirely true.
Sammie is a wonderful character. She hates letting peope down and she is kind and considerate. Sammie has to ask herself some really hard questions to find out what she really wants from life. I love the way she often reframes her own negative experience to provide the most benevolent explanation and how she is ready to give anyone a second chance. I also really enjoyed meeting Fizz, a lovely secondary character who I hope is going to feature again in the next book.
What I liked the most about this book is all the information about hedgehogs and how to take care of them. This book is so much more than just romance (in fact, although present, it isn't very prominent in this book). It is more about families, friendships, kindness, forgiveness and life in general.if this is something you like reading about, welcome to the world of Hedgehog Hollow!
Thank you to Rachel, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Jessica Redland for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Samantha/ Sammie finaly opens The Hedhog Hollow Rescue Center, and immediately has her work cut out for her with new patients brought in or left out on her doorstep. She is still recovering from her coma after her newly inherited farm was set on fire. It isn't easy to juggle her full time teaching job with taking care of new arrivals at the hedgegog shelter, some of which are tiny new born hoglets. Luckily for her, her boyfriend Josh isn't just understanding and supportive, he is also a veterinarian who is totally committed to animal rescue. What Sammie might not have realised before she opened the centre was that it would require her being there for her helpless patients all the time. This kind of work can also be heartbreaking as not all hedgehogs are going to survive. On top of all this, a spate of threatening vandalism incidents puts Sammie under additional emotional strain she could really do without.
There is a lot of family drama in this book. Samantha and Josh's relationship is getting stronger, but they both have a lot to learn about their respective families. Josh is trying to reconcile with his estranged father, while Sammie is getting a deeper insight in her own mother's past. Not everything is what it seems at first sight. Sometimes children have a certain idea of what their parents' marriage is like which is not entirely true.
Sammie is a wonderful character. She hates letting peope down and she is kind and considerate. Sammie has to ask herself some really hard questions to find out what she really wants from life. I love the way she often reframes her own negative experience to provide the most benevolent explanation and how she is ready to give anyone a second chance. I also really enjoyed meeting Fizz, a lovely secondary character who I hope is going to feature again in the next book.
What I liked the most about this book is all the information about hedgehogs and how to take care of them. This book is so much more than just romance (in fact, although present, it isn't very prominent in this book). It is more about families, friendships, kindness, forgiveness and life in general.if this is something you like reading about, welcome to the world of Hedgehog Hollow!
Thank you to Rachel, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Jessica Redland for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 12, 2021
Charm, and forgiveness, and hedgehogs... oh my! This is the second book in Jessica Redland’s’s Hedgehog Hollow series. This book can certainly be read as a standalone, Jessica does a great job of catching you up with characters from the previous books. But I’m pretty certain after you have read this you’ll wish you’d read the first. The book picks up with Samantha recovering from being in a coma after being injured in a fire in the previous book. The hedgehog rescue is now officially open and their are no shortage of hedgehogs in need. even little baby hoglettes needing tended to. Lucky Samantha‘s boyfriend Josh is a vet and also shares a passion for these adorable creatures. there is a lot more to this book than hedgehogs. this is a heartwarming story filled with love, friendship, family, and forgiveness. seriously Samantha and Josh must be two of the most forgiving people ever. Both of them have some major family drama going on and the fact that they could be so forgiving was inspiring. I consider myself a pretty forgiving person, but I have to say some of these things going on were pretty unforgivable. probably why Samantha and Josh are so well-suited for one another. we are also introduced to a new character in the story Fizz, who I absolutely adored. this was just such a feel good Story. So much whimsy cuteness, and wonderful characters. I learned so much about hedgehogs which BTW we don’t have in the US(other than in zoos or as pets). and probably fortunately I found out I cannot have a hedgehog legally in the state of California, so no more additions to my zoo. it’s been a tough week and this really was a perfect book to restore my hope in humanity.
This book in emojis 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This book in emojis 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
January 11, 2021
I loved the first book of this series and Redland continues with another corker of a read. Although I only recently read the other novel, I did appreciate the character list and a brief summary of what happened previously – a thoughtful touch and helpful if you haven’t had the chance to encounter the first story.
This book carries on just a few weeks on from where the last story concluded. Differently, the narrative switches between Samantha and Josh’s perspective, reflecting how important he is to Samantha’s life. The Grimes family continues to haunt Samantha and Hedgehog Hollow, showing that the people are still not satisfied with Samantha’s inheritance. Alongside this, Redland also explores Josh’s past; the revelations that we learned about in book one are finally brought to light in this story.
Josh’s past is a complicated one and it was interesting to read the developments. I could not believe how accepting Samantha became, particularly at the end, but I think this merely reinforced her kind-hearted nature towards others. On the other hand, her relationship with her own mother and cousin, Chloe, remains especially estranged. Chloe’s husband, James, rarely features this time, and neither do these other negative relationships. However, more information is given about why Samantha’s mother is so cold. I, along with some of the other characters, could not understand why Samantha was so willing to keep giving Chloe chances for a friendship, especially as she is such a selfish, harsh woman at times!
Undoubtedly, my most favourite part of the story were the Hedgehogs themselves. They are a massive feature in this story (as you would expect!), and since opening the sanctuary, Samantha’s prickly residents increase fairly rapidly. I felt like I was learning about Hedgehogs like Samantha, so immersive was the narrative. A special mention must go to my favourite hedgehog, Snoop Hoggy Hog, and this cracked me up for ages when I read the name. All in all, it just added to the feel-good factor that this novel brings; escapism at its best.
At the last paragraph, I could not help but gasp with the surprise that the writer closes the story. There is clearly another book in the series to look forward to… I just hope the wait will not be too long! Although this is a book about love, family and animals, it is such an enjoyable read that I think you will fail to read it without it bringing a smile to your face. And that, as I think everyone would agree, is so important at this time.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book carries on just a few weeks on from where the last story concluded. Differently, the narrative switches between Samantha and Josh’s perspective, reflecting how important he is to Samantha’s life. The Grimes family continues to haunt Samantha and Hedgehog Hollow, showing that the people are still not satisfied with Samantha’s inheritance. Alongside this, Redland also explores Josh’s past; the revelations that we learned about in book one are finally brought to light in this story.
Josh’s past is a complicated one and it was interesting to read the developments. I could not believe how accepting Samantha became, particularly at the end, but I think this merely reinforced her kind-hearted nature towards others. On the other hand, her relationship with her own mother and cousin, Chloe, remains especially estranged. Chloe’s husband, James, rarely features this time, and neither do these other negative relationships. However, more information is given about why Samantha’s mother is so cold. I, along with some of the other characters, could not understand why Samantha was so willing to keep giving Chloe chances for a friendship, especially as she is such a selfish, harsh woman at times!
Undoubtedly, my most favourite part of the story were the Hedgehogs themselves. They are a massive feature in this story (as you would expect!), and since opening the sanctuary, Samantha’s prickly residents increase fairly rapidly. I felt like I was learning about Hedgehogs like Samantha, so immersive was the narrative. A special mention must go to my favourite hedgehog, Snoop Hoggy Hog, and this cracked me up for ages when I read the name. All in all, it just added to the feel-good factor that this novel brings; escapism at its best.
At the last paragraph, I could not help but gasp with the surprise that the writer closes the story. There is clearly another book in the series to look forward to… I just hope the wait will not be too long! Although this is a book about love, family and animals, it is such an enjoyable read that I think you will fail to read it without it bringing a smile to your face. And that, as I think everyone would agree, is so important at this time.
With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2020
This was a lovely follow on book to read. It picked up where the last one finished which was great and it looks like there will be another one after this, can’t wait!!!! I really enjoyed this “feels good” book, it had its ups and downs as with life in general and at times I felt the main character Sam had so much going wrong for her if made me sad. But, whether it turns out alright for her we will have to wait for book three. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
One of my beautiful reads of this year, the sequel to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, where I got to see the lives of Samantha and Josh as they started a new chapter of rescuing hedgehogs and helping people.
This was not a romantic book, but a story about relationships and the way the couple found their way of binding their family with forgiveness and love. The author, with the power of her words, showed how easy it would have been to let go of people and how rewarding it was when we didn’t.
I would say the story weaved one heart after another via Samantha and Josh into the lattice of what we called life. The generosity after the difficult period of anger was well perceived. The writing was not emotional, but it was rich with the bonds of the family. I would call this couple the sun who pulled the people into their lives by the gravity of their love.
Or better yet, I would call this book a saga of Jessica’s love who pulled the readers into the lives of her characters by the gravity of her words.
P.S. I wanted to cry more, and it had a mini cliff-hanger.
This was not a romantic book, but a story about relationships and the way the couple found their way of binding their family with forgiveness and love. The author, with the power of her words, showed how easy it would have been to let go of people and how rewarding it was when we didn’t.
I would say the story weaved one heart after another via Samantha and Josh into the lattice of what we called life. The generosity after the difficult period of anger was well perceived. The writing was not emotional, but it was rich with the bonds of the family. I would call this couple the sun who pulled the people into their lives by the gravity of their love.
Or better yet, I would call this book a saga of Jessica’s love who pulled the readers into the lives of her characters by the gravity of her words.
P.S. I wanted to cry more, and it had a mini cliff-hanger.
March 1, 2024
Det var kul att vara tillbaka på Hedgehog Hollow. Jag hade saknat Sammie och igelkottarna.
Det är en fin och mysig berättelse med lite skrämsel när det sker otäckheter på gården.
Jag har dock några kommentarer:
- Jag ogillar verkligen tanken att det är synd om ett barn som inte har några syskon. Förmodligen är jag en av få som stör sig på det. Men som ensambarn så har jag aldrig saknat något och jag har snarare varit glad att slippa syskon. Men jag har fått kommentarer om att det är synd om mig som inte har syskon. Egentligen var det kanske inte en stor grej i berättelsen, men jag fastnade på kommentaren.
- Jag tycker också att det kändes som att författaren försökte väva in informationen om t.ex. hur man blir donator till en med t.ex. blodcancer. Men jag tycker inte det lyckades fu lt ut. Det kändes lite som en föreläsning vid några av tillfällena som det kom upp. Vilket var lite synd. För mig drog det ner min upplevelse av berättelsen något.
Men på det stora hela så är det som sagt en älskvärd berättelse som man mest myser dig igenom, men som ändå tar upp svåra ämnen.
Extremt läsvärd! 😍
Det är en fin och mysig berättelse med lite skrämsel när det sker otäckheter på gården.
Jag har dock några kommentarer:
- Jag ogillar verkligen tanken att det är synd om ett barn som inte har några syskon. Förmodligen är jag en av få som stör sig på det. Men som ensambarn så har jag aldrig saknat något och jag har snarare varit glad att slippa syskon. Men jag har fått kommentarer om att det är synd om mig som inte har syskon. Egentligen var det kanske inte en stor grej i berättelsen, men jag fastnade på kommentaren.
- Jag tycker också att det kändes som att författaren försökte väva in informationen om t.ex. hur man blir donator till en med t.ex. blodcancer. Men jag tycker inte det lyckades fu lt ut. Det kändes lite som en föreläsning vid några av tillfällena som det kom upp. Vilket var lite synd. För mig drog det ner min upplevelse av berättelsen något.
Men på det stora hela så är det som sagt en älskvärd berättelse som man mest myser dig igenom, men som ändå tar upp svåra ämnen.
Extremt läsvärd! 😍
August 7, 2021
Review on my blog here https://veganbookblogger.wordpress.co...
One thing I love about Jessica Redland's books is they are an instant pick me upper, an instant put me in a happy mood kind of book, the perfect escapism.
The setting is delightful, the farm with the sweet little hoglets,the meadow and the cast of characters which I am just meeting now as I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series.
The characters , human and hedgehog alike will settle into a special place in your heart.
Our main character runs a hedgehog rescue center and it takes up a lot of her time. Well it's impossible to save them all and it really makes her so sad if she's unable to .
Like most people I never really thought one way or another about hedgehogs but after reading this I see what a sweet personality they have.
She tries so hard at her hedgehog rescue center almost single handidly and some just don't want her to succeed going as far as being destructive to her property and destroying food for the hedgehogs. That made me feel bad.
With all she has to deal with and family issues creeping in will it be more than she is able to handle?
Published January 7th 2021 by Boldwood Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
One thing I love about Jessica Redland's books is they are an instant pick me upper, an instant put me in a happy mood kind of book, the perfect escapism.
The setting is delightful, the farm with the sweet little hoglets,the meadow and the cast of characters which I am just meeting now as I haven't had a chance to read the first book in the series.
The characters , human and hedgehog alike will settle into a special place in your heart.
Our main character runs a hedgehog rescue center and it takes up a lot of her time. Well it's impossible to save them all and it really makes her so sad if she's unable to .
Like most people I never really thought one way or another about hedgehogs but after reading this I see what a sweet personality they have.
She tries so hard at her hedgehog rescue center almost single handidly and some just don't want her to succeed going as far as being destructive to her property and destroying food for the hedgehogs. That made me feel bad.
With all she has to deal with and family issues creeping in will it be more than she is able to handle?
Published January 7th 2021 by Boldwood Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 21, 2022
This was another really cute book about Sammie the Hedgehog Rescuer and her cinnamon roll boyfriend Josh. We start with the opening of Hedgehog Hollow and the first of Sammie’s rescued hedgies. There are all kinds of rescues, including lots of cute little hoglets. But things aren’t peachy for Sammie and Josh. Josh’s ex-girlfriend who is now with his father comes to the farm to try and get Josh to talk with her. He refuses and wants to continue hating the pair of them in peace.
Meanwhile Sammie is running herself ragged, fainting and not eating, while working two full time jobs and worrying enough for three people. Her farm is still being vandalized, and she’s just figured out a very important thing about herself. Josh finds out why his ex, Beth, is trying to talk to him, and everything he thought he knew about the past is wrong. He’s not sure what to do with that, but he and Sammie lean on each other.
I loved that we have duel perspectives in this book, Josh is just as lovely, if not stubbornly hateful, as he was in book one. I don’t know that I’d really classify this as a romance, she there are really only words spoken between them, but their relationship is wonderful and healing for both of them. I didn’t think I’d read book three, but she threw a sneaky cliff hanger at the end, so now I don’t have a choice, do I?
Meanwhile Sammie is running herself ragged, fainting and not eating, while working two full time jobs and worrying enough for three people. Her farm is still being vandalized, and she’s just figured out a very important thing about herself. Josh finds out why his ex, Beth, is trying to talk to him, and everything he thought he knew about the past is wrong. He’s not sure what to do with that, but he and Sammie lean on each other.
I loved that we have duel perspectives in this book, Josh is just as lovely, if not stubbornly hateful, as he was in book one. I don’t know that I’d really classify this as a romance, she there are really only words spoken between them, but their relationship is wonderful and healing for both of them. I didn’t think I’d read book three, but she threw a sneaky cliff hanger at the end, so now I don’t have a choice, do I?
January 18, 2021
Absolutely delightful read, full of fun, love, family, great characters and just a fabulous story. I love Jessica’s writing, her stories always cheer me up and are perfect escapism. If you want a guaranteed smile and happiness, like a hug in book form , pick this book up you won’t be disappointed
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
March 2, 2021
Samantha (Sam) Wishaw is the proud owner of Hedgehog Hollow, a hedgehog rescue centre located in the Yorkshire Wolds. As well as managing the rescue centre which is tremendously busy with a new influx of hedgehogs and hoglets, Sam also believes she can continue with her full-time job at the local university, but juggling both is proving tough though she has her boyfriend, Josh, willing to lend a hand. However, life for Josh is not proving to be plain sailing either and he has a few issues of his own to deal with.
Although New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is the sequel to another book, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, this one is complete in itself so you can dive in here should you wish to. In a story written in alternating viewpoints from both Sam and Josh, I felt I got know these two main characters very quickly and easily warmed to them both. Sam showed how big-hearted she is, even whilst struggling with her own challenges. Josh has some extremely personal and difficult problems to work through involving his father and a girl from his past.
In her compelling tale, Jessica Redland realistically portrays complicated and painful family relationships and I adored the author's descriptions of the charming setting. Along with the pleasing characters and dashes of romance, I really enjoyed the tidbits of information about hedgehogs and their care. In a tale that was all about families, friendships, kindness, forgiveness and general life, there were dramatic moments as well as touching scenes. All in all, New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely, heartwarming, as well as an emotional novel that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Redland.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Although New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is the sequel to another book, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, this one is complete in itself so you can dive in here should you wish to. In a story written in alternating viewpoints from both Sam and Josh, I felt I got know these two main characters very quickly and easily warmed to them both. Sam showed how big-hearted she is, even whilst struggling with her own challenges. Josh has some extremely personal and difficult problems to work through involving his father and a girl from his past.
In her compelling tale, Jessica Redland realistically portrays complicated and painful family relationships and I adored the author's descriptions of the charming setting. Along with the pleasing characters and dashes of romance, I really enjoyed the tidbits of information about hedgehogs and their care. In a tale that was all about families, friendships, kindness, forgiveness and general life, there were dramatic moments as well as touching scenes. All in all, New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely, heartwarming, as well as an emotional novel that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Redland.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 3, 2021
Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This is the second book in the series and is a brilliant follow on to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow.
Samantha is the owner of Hedgehog Hollow a rescue centre for hedgehogs. She thinks she can manage both the rescue centre and working full time at the local university until the amount of hoglet’s increases and she finds it difficult to manage both. She doesn’t want to let anyone down but with support from her boyfriend Josh and both their families they decide she must concentrate on the hedgehogs, A book about relationships and sacrifices that have to made in order to succeed.
This is the second book in the series and is a brilliant follow on to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow.
Samantha is the owner of Hedgehog Hollow a rescue centre for hedgehogs. She thinks she can manage both the rescue centre and working full time at the local university until the amount of hoglet’s increases and she finds it difficult to manage both. She doesn’t want to let anyone down but with support from her boyfriend Josh and both their families they decide she must concentrate on the hedgehogs, A book about relationships and sacrifices that have to made in order to succeed.
January 10, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
If I could turn back the clock… I’d have been honest about that choice right from the start. We’re not time-travellers, though, and life’s about learning to live with the decisions we make and the impact of those decisions.
I’ll always love that man but I’ve come to realise that he was my northwest. Almost perfect but not perfect enough to last forever.
I’ve come to the conclusion that life is pretty strange and sometimes we just have to roll with it.
My Review:
Another winsome and engaging Jessica Redland read that kept me happily entertained and pleasantly amused all day. I am enamored with this delightful series and being a true animal lover, I’m now curiously fascinated and borderline obsessed with hedgehogs, which are creatures I’ve never seen but now have gained an exceptional amount of usable knowledge of their needs and care should I ever meet one in the future.
Jessica Redland is a deft hand at smoothly weaving endearing, easy to fall into, and distinctively satisfying stories that effortlessly pull me into her characters’ uniquely involved vortex where I experience their perils and thrills right along with them as if I were an invited guest with first-hand knowledge. Her characters are so fully inhabited I feel I could reach out and touch them, and often wish I could. I hope this series lasts into perpetuity, as I doubt I could ever grow tired of their oddly complicated family dynamics.
The main character of Samantha is the type of lovely and generously spirited person we all wished we could be but few could ever possibly achieve her level of thoughtful and innate kindness. She is far too empathetic and forgiving of her obnoxious and malicious family members' repeatedly vile exchanges, intentional slights, selfish behaviors, and venomous personalities. While I espouse to the theory of what goes around comes around, I am more the type to grow impatient with the wait and help karma along.
If I could turn back the clock… I’d have been honest about that choice right from the start. We’re not time-travellers, though, and life’s about learning to live with the decisions we make and the impact of those decisions.
I’ll always love that man but I’ve come to realise that he was my northwest. Almost perfect but not perfect enough to last forever.
I’ve come to the conclusion that life is pretty strange and sometimes we just have to roll with it.
My Review:
Another winsome and engaging Jessica Redland read that kept me happily entertained and pleasantly amused all day. I am enamored with this delightful series and being a true animal lover, I’m now curiously fascinated and borderline obsessed with hedgehogs, which are creatures I’ve never seen but now have gained an exceptional amount of usable knowledge of their needs and care should I ever meet one in the future.
Jessica Redland is a deft hand at smoothly weaving endearing, easy to fall into, and distinctively satisfying stories that effortlessly pull me into her characters’ uniquely involved vortex where I experience their perils and thrills right along with them as if I were an invited guest with first-hand knowledge. Her characters are so fully inhabited I feel I could reach out and touch them, and often wish I could. I hope this series lasts into perpetuity, as I doubt I could ever grow tired of their oddly complicated family dynamics.
The main character of Samantha is the type of lovely and generously spirited person we all wished we could be but few could ever possibly achieve her level of thoughtful and innate kindness. She is far too empathetic and forgiving of her obnoxious and malicious family members' repeatedly vile exchanges, intentional slights, selfish behaviors, and venomous personalities. While I espouse to the theory of what goes around comes around, I am more the type to grow impatient with the wait and help karma along.
December 21, 2020
I am so delighted to have found a new favourite series.
Samantha was left the hedgehog sanctuary to set up in memory of her new found friend Thomas and his late wife. She's worked so hard and met some little characters. Her romance with Josh, after an initial frosty start is flourishing but there are some disturbing events at the rescue centre.
The difficult relationships between various characters is explored more with surprising developments. I love Sam's dad- he's such a loving dependable man, who tries to explain why her mum is so frosty.
The little hedgehogs are stars in their own right and lead to new characters being introduced , who will hopefully feature in new books in the series. I am eagerly awaiting the next book .
Samantha was left the hedgehog sanctuary to set up in memory of her new found friend Thomas and his late wife. She's worked so hard and met some little characters. Her romance with Josh, after an initial frosty start is flourishing but there are some disturbing events at the rescue centre.
The difficult relationships between various characters is explored more with surprising developments. I love Sam's dad- he's such a loving dependable man, who tries to explain why her mum is so frosty.
The little hedgehogs are stars in their own right and lead to new characters being introduced , who will hopefully feature in new books in the series. I am eagerly awaiting the next book .
December 21, 2020
In the previous book, Samantha inherited the farm at Hedgehog Hollow, along with funds to establish it as a hedgehog rescue center. Her veterinarian boyfriend, Josh, is a major support, and although not officially moved in yet, is in fact spending most nights at Hedgehog Hollow. Samantha is enjoying her new work, and in many ways, things are going very well.
Unfortunately, the rescue center also has enemies, and Samantha is, at the start of this book, just recovered from serious injuries received when she was rescuing some of her first hedgehog patients when those enemies torched the barn they were housed in. Also, while the rescue center is quickly becoming a full-time job, she's also still working full-time as a teacher and tutor at the local college. Even if she were completely recovered from her previous injuries, two full-time jobs would be too much.
The story is told in Samantha's voice and Josh's, in alternating chapters, giving us insight into both main characters, and the past traumas and current strains of their personal and familial pasts.
Josh's previously very close relationship with his father, Paul, also a veterinarian, has been devastated by Paul having a secret affair with Beth, whom Josh thought was his girlfriend, due to Beth acting very much like his girlfriend. This happened while Paul was still married to Josh's mom, Connie, and the whole deception only came crashing down when Beth became pregnant by Paul. Josh is now not speaking to, or accepting any contact at all with, Beth and Paul, and completely supportive of his mother.
Samantha has a good relationship with her father, Jonathan--who is also divorced from her mother, who has been emotionally abusive to Samantha all her life. Samantha assumes the problem is herself, which is not an uncommon reaction.
In the alternating chapters, we follow the ongoing struggles of the two main characters with their respective broken families, and more of the underlying background as Josh and Samantha learn it. This of course affects their understanding, and response to, what they knew, and what they thought they knew, before. These are complicated and painful family relationships, realistically portrayed.
What's a little unusual about Samantha and Josh is that they have good communication skills with each other, and don't stop communicating no matter how stressed they get.
Both our main characters have lessons to learn and difficult decisions to make, but they have solid values and a solid relationship, and the adorable hedgehogs, whether injured, ill, or little hoglets whose momma has been killed, are always there, offering delightful leavening.
It's a good, interesting, satisfying story.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Unfortunately, the rescue center also has enemies, and Samantha is, at the start of this book, just recovered from serious injuries received when she was rescuing some of her first hedgehog patients when those enemies torched the barn they were housed in. Also, while the rescue center is quickly becoming a full-time job, she's also still working full-time as a teacher and tutor at the local college. Even if she were completely recovered from her previous injuries, two full-time jobs would be too much.
The story is told in Samantha's voice and Josh's, in alternating chapters, giving us insight into both main characters, and the past traumas and current strains of their personal and familial pasts.
Josh's previously very close relationship with his father, Paul, also a veterinarian, has been devastated by Paul having a secret affair with Beth, whom Josh thought was his girlfriend, due to Beth acting very much like his girlfriend. This happened while Paul was still married to Josh's mom, Connie, and the whole deception only came crashing down when Beth became pregnant by Paul. Josh is now not speaking to, or accepting any contact at all with, Beth and Paul, and completely supportive of his mother.
Samantha has a good relationship with her father, Jonathan--who is also divorced from her mother, who has been emotionally abusive to Samantha all her life. Samantha assumes the problem is herself, which is not an uncommon reaction.
In the alternating chapters, we follow the ongoing struggles of the two main characters with their respective broken families, and more of the underlying background as Josh and Samantha learn it. This of course affects their understanding, and response to, what they knew, and what they thought they knew, before. These are complicated and painful family relationships, realistically portrayed.
What's a little unusual about Samantha and Josh is that they have good communication skills with each other, and don't stop communicating no matter how stressed they get.
Both our main characters have lessons to learn and difficult decisions to make, but they have solid values and a solid relationship, and the adorable hedgehogs, whether injured, ill, or little hoglets whose momma has been killed, are always there, offering delightful leavening.
It's a good, interesting, satisfying story.
I received a free electronic galley from the publisher via NetGalley, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
October 15, 2022
Det kändes lite väl sliskigt med en feel good- bok om ett räddningscenter för igelkottar, tänkte jag innan jag började läsa. Men igelkottar skulle visa sig passa alldeles perfekt! Perfekt som mysig höstläsning och dessutom perfekt att använda som motvikt till boken jag slalomläst med denna - som handlade om barnamord, spöken och olycksbådande viskningar i natten. Redlands bok blev som en mjuk kudde att använda som trygg punkt, likt de där youtubeklippen med kattungar man klickar igång efter att ha sett en riktigt läskig film för att påminna sig själv om att det finns fantastiska saker i världen också och inte bara mörker.
Nya gäster på Hedgehog Hollow är uppföljaren till Kärlek på Hedgehog Hollow, och även om jag inte läst första delen var det inga som helst problem att komma in i den här boken. Det inleds med en prolog som fungerar som minneshjälp för det som läst del 1, och för att göra oss som går direkt på del 2 insatta i karaktärerna och deras relationer till varandra.
Vi får följa Samantha och Josh, som börjar komma i ordning med arbetet på centret och hitta sina roller. De mognar i sin egen relation och kan därför istället börja ta itu med de problematiska banden de båda har till sina respektive föräldrar. Och visst är det sötsliskigt och gullegull, men det håller en perfekt nivå. Att igelkottar och deras välmående kunde intressera mig så pass mycket kunde jag väl aldrig ha anat! Riktigt mysig uppföljare, som står sig finfint även på egna ben.
Nya gäster på Hedgehog Hollow är uppföljaren till Kärlek på Hedgehog Hollow, och även om jag inte läst första delen var det inga som helst problem att komma in i den här boken. Det inleds med en prolog som fungerar som minneshjälp för det som läst del 1, och för att göra oss som går direkt på del 2 insatta i karaktärerna och deras relationer till varandra.
Vi får följa Samantha och Josh, som börjar komma i ordning med arbetet på centret och hitta sina roller. De mognar i sin egen relation och kan därför istället börja ta itu med de problematiska banden de båda har till sina respektive föräldrar. Och visst är det sötsliskigt och gullegull, men det håller en perfekt nivå. Att igelkottar och deras välmående kunde intressera mig så pass mycket kunde jag väl aldrig ha anat! Riktigt mysig uppföljare, som står sig finfint även på egna ben.
February 16, 2024
3.5 stars
December 4, 2020
Thank you #NetGalley #BoldWoodBooks @BoldWoodBooks for my complimentary copy of #NewArrivalsAtHedgehogHollow by Jessica Redland at my request. All opinions are my own.
New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is book #2 in the Hedgehog Hollow series. It can be read as a stand-alone but will be a richer reading experience if you’ve read Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow first.
Samantha is the founder and owner of the Hedgehog Hollow Rescue Center. Although she has the support of her boyfriend, Josh, and her father, Samantha is overwhelmed with hedgehog arrivals, working full time, vandalism, and family issues. Samantha and Josh work hard at figuring it all out and growing their new relationship.
I love having a series to look forward to! This is book #2 and it’s fun to return to a setting you love and characters you know. New Arrivals can be read as a stand-alone, however, it will be richer having read Finding Love first. Book #3 will be published in 2021!
What I love about the series:
* Lovely small, rural community setting
* Likable main characters
* Women’s fiction with some substantial themes
* Romance is an element but doesn’t overshadow Samantha’s journey of self-discovery
* Learning about hedgehog rescue
* Family drama
What I especially loved about New Arrivals:
* Hedgehog rescue education
* Substantial themes of friendship, reconciliation, kindness, and forgiveness
* Samantha and Josh have good communication skills (refreshing!)
* Caring and supportive community
* The author held a hedgehog naming contest for fans and used the winning hedgehog name in the story
Despite some heavy themes and family drama, the enjoyable and engaging Hedgehog series is heartwarming in tone. I recommend the series for those looking for lighter women’s fiction that doesn’t sacrifice thoughtful themes; for readers desiring a page-turning vacation read; for fans interested in animal rescue themes; and for book clubs.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com (where this review was originally published)
New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is book #2 in the Hedgehog Hollow series. It can be read as a stand-alone but will be a richer reading experience if you’ve read Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow first.
Samantha is the founder and owner of the Hedgehog Hollow Rescue Center. Although she has the support of her boyfriend, Josh, and her father, Samantha is overwhelmed with hedgehog arrivals, working full time, vandalism, and family issues. Samantha and Josh work hard at figuring it all out and growing their new relationship.
I love having a series to look forward to! This is book #2 and it’s fun to return to a setting you love and characters you know. New Arrivals can be read as a stand-alone, however, it will be richer having read Finding Love first. Book #3 will be published in 2021!
What I love about the series:
* Lovely small, rural community setting
* Likable main characters
* Women’s fiction with some substantial themes
* Romance is an element but doesn’t overshadow Samantha’s journey of self-discovery
* Learning about hedgehog rescue
* Family drama
What I especially loved about New Arrivals:
* Hedgehog rescue education
* Substantial themes of friendship, reconciliation, kindness, and forgiveness
* Samantha and Josh have good communication skills (refreshing!)
* Caring and supportive community
* The author held a hedgehog naming contest for fans and used the winning hedgehog name in the story
Despite some heavy themes and family drama, the enjoyable and engaging Hedgehog series is heartwarming in tone. I recommend the series for those looking for lighter women’s fiction that doesn’t sacrifice thoughtful themes; for readers desiring a page-turning vacation read; for fans interested in animal rescue themes; and for book clubs.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com (where this review was originally published)
June 23, 2021
I read the first book in this series a while ago, and thought it was a good read. When reading the second book, however, I was reminded of all the things I disliked in the first - the long dialogues (or should that be monologues?) the characters use to express themselves. You never need to worry or wonder what a someone might be thinking or feeling in this book, because they tell each other all the time. It's usually a long expression of how they're feeling and what they're thinking and then also why they think that and then what their hopes and dreams are and what they think they or the person they're talking to should do about it. Sammie, also, is a character I don't particularly like (she's perfect, in case you didn't catch the memo), and I actually find her flawed antagonists (such as her cousin Chloe, and Sammie's mother) much more interesting - even if they are wholly unlikable characters themselves. Despite that, the book did keep me reading as I did want to know what happens, and the supporting cast definitely has some more likeable members. Plenty of research obviously goes into these books and I definitely enjoyed reading and learning about hedgehogs (fly eggs hatch into maggots four hours after being laid? Yuck). My only other peeve was Sam turning the Aga off after she'd cooked something (huh?). Annoyingly this book ended on a cliffhanger so I'm already reading the next one. It's from Chloe's POV, and she is a much more interesting narrator than Josh. So far, so good!
March 29, 2022
Book Two in the Hedgehog Hollow series, this warm and wonderful story is as magical and uplifting as each of Book One and Four (both of which this reader devoured, on the path to delightedly working a way through the entire series).
A warmhearted and tenderly-crafted character, our main protagonist, Samantha Wishaw - now proud owner of a Hedgehog Rescue Center, occupying an inherited farmhouse and acreage in the Yorkshire Wolds - is both blossoming and worrying under the strain of caring for and providing emergency lodging for wounded, diseased and starving rural hedgehogs, as well as maintaining her full-time job as a teaching nurse at a local technical college.
Vulnerable, kind, clear-eyed and guileless, Sam is the friend every reader wishes they had; a woman who will always put her loved ones front and center, and is only lately learning to respect and protect her own soft heart in the process.
With the help of her gorgeous “true-north” partner, Josh, a veterinary surgeon impeccably aligned with both her heart and her rescue-center mission, Sam’s world, (and her cozily reconstructed farm-house) is never too full to expand to those in need, as circumstances, trials and tragedies befell her circle of charming, quirky, colorful, spiteful and even nasty characters (each of them now regular visitors to this series).
Through alternating first-person POV narrative streams, Samantha and Josh, each candid and compassionate in the telling of their stories, strike the perfect balance between the heady misery of family trauma, interpersonal grief and betrayal, and the soul-stirring joy of finding their forever-footing, (perhaps, along the way, only tentatively, finding peace with other significants and their trappings, but time, and the furtherance of this series, will certainly tell ...)
Do not be surprised, if before you know it, this lovely cheering book (and indeed, the entire series) has found its way deep into the melty center of your heart, as these characters firmly settle themselves down, - quietly, decidedly, taking up root, - a sure and welcome sign that you will be back to visit with them again soon.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
A warmhearted and tenderly-crafted character, our main protagonist, Samantha Wishaw - now proud owner of a Hedgehog Rescue Center, occupying an inherited farmhouse and acreage in the Yorkshire Wolds - is both blossoming and worrying under the strain of caring for and providing emergency lodging for wounded, diseased and starving rural hedgehogs, as well as maintaining her full-time job as a teaching nurse at a local technical college.
Vulnerable, kind, clear-eyed and guileless, Sam is the friend every reader wishes they had; a woman who will always put her loved ones front and center, and is only lately learning to respect and protect her own soft heart in the process.
With the help of her gorgeous “true-north” partner, Josh, a veterinary surgeon impeccably aligned with both her heart and her rescue-center mission, Sam’s world, (and her cozily reconstructed farm-house) is never too full to expand to those in need, as circumstances, trials and tragedies befell her circle of charming, quirky, colorful, spiteful and even nasty characters (each of them now regular visitors to this series).
Through alternating first-person POV narrative streams, Samantha and Josh, each candid and compassionate in the telling of their stories, strike the perfect balance between the heady misery of family trauma, interpersonal grief and betrayal, and the soul-stirring joy of finding their forever-footing, (perhaps, along the way, only tentatively, finding peace with other significants and their trappings, but time, and the furtherance of this series, will certainly tell ...)
Do not be surprised, if before you know it, this lovely cheering book (and indeed, the entire series) has found its way deep into the melty center of your heart, as these characters firmly settle themselves down, - quietly, decidedly, taking up root, - a sure and welcome sign that you will be back to visit with them again soon.
A great big thank you to the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
January 2, 2021
Hedgehog Hollow is up and running and wow there are hedgehogs,. If I thought there were hedgehogs in the previous book, then that is nothing compared with this one. They all sounded so cute, and I loved seeing Sammie and Josh taking care of them all, and I think I have learnt a lot about them too.
Hoglets are a lot of work, more so than human babies, but without a rescue, if their mum isn't about then they stand no chance at all, and even if you do try to rescue them the survival rate still isn't fabulous but any surviving is better than none.
It's not all hedgehogs though, there is a great deal of messy family situations to deal with too. As we learnt in the first book of the series neither Sammie nor Josh have had the best time of it recently with various family members and these storylines are continued into this book.
It is a lot to get your head around but the actions that Sammie especially takes shows just what a big hearted, amazing person she really is, even while struggling with her own issues.
I loved that the book was written in alternating POVs from both Sammie and Josh, so we could get to know them very quickly and thoroughly.
I loved that it was a direct continuation from the previous Hedgehog Hollow book, as it's always good to have really familiar characters from the off. And the amount of stuff both Sammie and Josh go through in this book, is phenomenal and you can't help but really feel for them.
It's a fantastic addition to this series and all I can say is that I want more from Hedgehog Hollow and I really don't want to have to wait!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
Hoglets are a lot of work, more so than human babies, but without a rescue, if their mum isn't about then they stand no chance at all, and even if you do try to rescue them the survival rate still isn't fabulous but any surviving is better than none.
It's not all hedgehogs though, there is a great deal of messy family situations to deal with too. As we learnt in the first book of the series neither Sammie nor Josh have had the best time of it recently with various family members and these storylines are continued into this book.
It is a lot to get your head around but the actions that Sammie especially takes shows just what a big hearted, amazing person she really is, even while struggling with her own issues.
I loved that the book was written in alternating POVs from both Sammie and Josh, so we could get to know them very quickly and thoroughly.
I loved that it was a direct continuation from the previous Hedgehog Hollow book, as it's always good to have really familiar characters from the off. And the amount of stuff both Sammie and Josh go through in this book, is phenomenal and you can't help but really feel for them.
It's a fantastic addition to this series and all I can say is that I want more from Hedgehog Hollow and I really don't want to have to wait!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,
January 18, 2021
I love all Jessica Redland's books and this was another winner.
I was happy to go back to Hedgehog Hollow where Samantha (Sam) has the hedgehog rescue up and running. She never expected that she would have so many residents in such a short time. Still getting over her recent hospital stay, working full-time, and trying to run the rescue, she is finding it all a bit much. They are also still dealing with vandalism, even though the culprits that almost destroyed the rescue in the last book have been tried and charged. If is wasn't for Josh, would she probably have to pack it all in. But Josh has his own family issues to deal with. What will he decide to do about his father and his new half-brother.
This book is full of great characters and they are so relatable. Sam is a great protagonist. She is caring, forgiving, smart, generous, loyal and a hard worker. I have learned so much about hedgehogs and the dangers to them through these books, especially this one. This story is a romance, but has so much more. Animal rescue, forgiveness, family drama, vandalism and more. This is a well-written and plotted story that I didn't put down from start to finish. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Josh, Sam and the rescue. Who was vandalizing the rescue? Was Sam in danger? Would Josh and his father reconcile? I had so many questions when I started this book and the author did a great job answering them all, but she left me with another huge one at the end of this story. This is the second book in the series, but there is a short synopsis at the beginning of the book for those who did not read it. I definitely recommend you start with the first book in the series though, because it is so good, you don't want to miss it.
I was happy to go back to Hedgehog Hollow where Samantha (Sam) has the hedgehog rescue up and running. She never expected that she would have so many residents in such a short time. Still getting over her recent hospital stay, working full-time, and trying to run the rescue, she is finding it all a bit much. They are also still dealing with vandalism, even though the culprits that almost destroyed the rescue in the last book have been tried and charged. If is wasn't for Josh, would she probably have to pack it all in. But Josh has his own family issues to deal with. What will he decide to do about his father and his new half-brother.
This book is full of great characters and they are so relatable. Sam is a great protagonist. She is caring, forgiving, smart, generous, loyal and a hard worker. I have learned so much about hedgehogs and the dangers to them through these books, especially this one. This story is a romance, but has so much more. Animal rescue, forgiveness, family drama, vandalism and more. This is a well-written and plotted story that I didn't put down from start to finish. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Josh, Sam and the rescue. Who was vandalizing the rescue? Was Sam in danger? Would Josh and his father reconcile? I had so many questions when I started this book and the author did a great job answering them all, but she left me with another huge one at the end of this story. This is the second book in the series, but there is a short synopsis at the beginning of the book for those who did not read it. I definitely recommend you start with the first book in the series though, because it is so good, you don't want to miss it.
May 15, 2022
I loved the first book in this series so was looking forward to this book and it was just as wonderful as the first!
It was great going back to Hedgehog Hollow and catching up with everyone. I find it so interesting to read about rescued hedgehogs and how they’re looked after. So much dedication goes into it. Hedgehog Hollow sounds idyllic and it’s beautifully described in the book. Loved the ending and the epilogue! I’m diving straight into the third book now because of that!
I defy anyone not to fall in love with hedgehogs when you read these books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
It was great going back to Hedgehog Hollow and catching up with everyone. I find it so interesting to read about rescued hedgehogs and how they’re looked after. So much dedication goes into it. Hedgehog Hollow sounds idyllic and it’s beautifully described in the book. Loved the ending and the epilogue! I’m diving straight into the third book now because of that!
I defy anyone not to fall in love with hedgehogs when you read these books.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
August 4, 2022
I learned a lot about hedgehogs! This is the second book in the series. I haven't read the first. A hedgehog rescue centre is the theme of the story with problems and loves of the central characters. An easy read. Some profanity.
November 5, 2023
This is book 2 of a 6 book series.
I absolutely loved this book, really am loving my visits to Hedgehog Hollow. The story is well written and flows nicely, lots of drama, events, emotions going on with all of the different characters and throughout it all Sammie excels herself and helps wherever she can despite struggling with her own issues/concerns. I’ve enjoyed following her story, seeing how things pan out and continuing to see thing’s progressing well between Sammie and Josh.
And then there are the adorable hedgehogs, so many of them and I love all of the names that get given to them. I have to say that I have learnt a lot of new things about hedgehogs, things I’d never even thought about before and so much I didn’t know. It’s always extra nice to actually learn something new when reading a story.
Well I’m truly loving this series, so much so that I’m heading into book 3 straight away.
I absolutely loved this book, really am loving my visits to Hedgehog Hollow. The story is well written and flows nicely, lots of drama, events, emotions going on with all of the different characters and throughout it all Sammie excels herself and helps wherever she can despite struggling with her own issues/concerns. I’ve enjoyed following her story, seeing how things pan out and continuing to see thing’s progressing well between Sammie and Josh.
And then there are the adorable hedgehogs, so many of them and I love all of the names that get given to them. I have to say that I have learnt a lot of new things about hedgehogs, things I’d never even thought about before and so much I didn’t know. It’s always extra nice to actually learn something new when reading a story.
Well I’m truly loving this series, so much so that I’m heading into book 3 straight away.
May 4, 2024
4.5⭐ rounded up.
January 8, 2022
Loved this book can't wait for the next one
March 12, 2023
I am INVESTED in this story, truth to be told. There are so many perspectives to follow that you never get tired!
July 17, 2022
Loved it and look forward to book 3
November 13, 2020
A fabulous cover for a fabulous read!
I totally adore this series, they just get better.
Samantha now has the Hedgehog rescue centre up and running whilst still juggling a full time job and someone is still set out to destroy Hedgehog Hollow.
Herself and Josh are now in love and we find out more about Josh's family and the estranged relationship with his father Paul.
I love the way the chapters flowed between the POV from Samantha and Josh and with the cute Hedgehogs.
Jessica wrote in her acknowledgements that this was the hardest to write, but to me by far one of the best books Jessica has written.
Full of drama, love, family and friendships a total joy to devour.
A big fat 5 hedgehogs from me 🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔
I totally adore this series, they just get better.
Samantha now has the Hedgehog rescue centre up and running whilst still juggling a full time job and someone is still set out to destroy Hedgehog Hollow.
Herself and Josh are now in love and we find out more about Josh's family and the estranged relationship with his father Paul.
I love the way the chapters flowed between the POV from Samantha and Josh and with the cute Hedgehogs.
Jessica wrote in her acknowledgements that this was the hardest to write, but to me by far one of the best books Jessica has written.
Full of drama, love, family and friendships a total joy to devour.
A big fat 5 hedgehogs from me 🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔
January 7, 2021
Do try and read the first book, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, before you try this one – although I think it would probably work just fine as a standalone (although, with a bit of a cliffhanger, you’ll definitely want to read the next one as much as I do!), but I do think you’d love it even more if you knew the background to the setting up of Hedgehog Hollow, had met the wonderful Thomas, seen how Samantha and Josh’s lovely romance began, and understood a little more about their relationships with their families.
Samantha and Josh are just the loveliest couple – you can really feel the chemistry between them, all those gorgeous shared moments, so many of them on that bench overlooking Thomas and Gwendoline’s wildflower meadow. But oh my goodness, those family complications – there’s so much that could do with sorting out, and that’s probably the main thrust of the story. I particularly liked the way the narrative was alternately carried by them both – it was good to get an insight into their thoughts, and to understand some of their actions and the possible barriers to their future happiness.
Let’s stick with the humans for now (!), and I have to say that the author always creates the most wonderful living and breathing characters – some are really likeable (I particularly love Josh’s mother Connie, and this time new character Fizz ran her a close second) while there are a number of others who are considerably harder work. The exchanges between them – the nice and the not-so-nice – are so excellent, with that quality of conversations you’re allowed to overhear and be part of, always something I particularly enjoy about the author’s books.
Now although I thought the first book was pretty near perfect, I do remember saying that I’d like to have seen a few more hedgehogs – but I definitely have no complaints this time! Hedgehog Hollow’s now fully up and running, and doing brisk business – I learned so much about the care of hedgehogs, the dangers they encounter, and I think I might even be able to sex one now should one cross my path. Did you know baby hedgehogs are called hoglets? Heavens, they don’t half create some work when they come to the Hollow without their mums, and they really wouldn’t have any hope of survival without Samantha’s tender care.
Every hedgehog is given a name, recorded on a board – they’re working their way through cartoon characters, with a view lovely diversions along the way – and every single one of them becomes a character in their own right (there’s a goodbye to Mr Snuffles, one of the original residents, that really brought a tear to my eye!). We see the downside too, of course, the hedgehogs that can’t be saved… and feel Sam’s sadness when there’s just nothing she can do.
While the main focus is on all the family issues and the growing workload at the rescue centre (and how they cope with it), there are some well written moments of real drama too – not everyone is delighted by Sam’s success, and there’s a fair bit of threat and danger lurking because of that. And I really liked the book’s ending – you could put it down and walk away if you really wanted to, but there are a few loose threads left hanging, and one humdinger I’m looking dying to find out more about in the next book!
I’m already looking forward already to my next visit to Hedgehog Hollow – I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I think I’ve said that about every book Jessica Redland has ever written. A really lovely read…
Samantha and Josh are just the loveliest couple – you can really feel the chemistry between them, all those gorgeous shared moments, so many of them on that bench overlooking Thomas and Gwendoline’s wildflower meadow. But oh my goodness, those family complications – there’s so much that could do with sorting out, and that’s probably the main thrust of the story. I particularly liked the way the narrative was alternately carried by them both – it was good to get an insight into their thoughts, and to understand some of their actions and the possible barriers to their future happiness.
Let’s stick with the humans for now (!), and I have to say that the author always creates the most wonderful living and breathing characters – some are really likeable (I particularly love Josh’s mother Connie, and this time new character Fizz ran her a close second) while there are a number of others who are considerably harder work. The exchanges between them – the nice and the not-so-nice – are so excellent, with that quality of conversations you’re allowed to overhear and be part of, always something I particularly enjoy about the author’s books.
Now although I thought the first book was pretty near perfect, I do remember saying that I’d like to have seen a few more hedgehogs – but I definitely have no complaints this time! Hedgehog Hollow’s now fully up and running, and doing brisk business – I learned so much about the care of hedgehogs, the dangers they encounter, and I think I might even be able to sex one now should one cross my path. Did you know baby hedgehogs are called hoglets? Heavens, they don’t half create some work when they come to the Hollow without their mums, and they really wouldn’t have any hope of survival without Samantha’s tender care.
Every hedgehog is given a name, recorded on a board – they’re working their way through cartoon characters, with a view lovely diversions along the way – and every single one of them becomes a character in their own right (there’s a goodbye to Mr Snuffles, one of the original residents, that really brought a tear to my eye!). We see the downside too, of course, the hedgehogs that can’t be saved… and feel Sam’s sadness when there’s just nothing she can do.
While the main focus is on all the family issues and the growing workload at the rescue centre (and how they cope with it), there are some well written moments of real drama too – not everyone is delighted by Sam’s success, and there’s a fair bit of threat and danger lurking because of that. And I really liked the book’s ending – you could put it down and walk away if you really wanted to, but there are a few loose threads left hanging, and one humdinger I’m looking dying to find out more about in the next book!
I’m already looking forward already to my next visit to Hedgehog Hollow – I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but I think I’ve said that about every book Jessica Redland has ever written. A really lovely read…
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