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Hedgehog Hollow #1
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow
CAN LOVE REALLY BE FOUND WHEN YOU STOP LOOKING FOR IT…?
As Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman, she’s ready to give up hope of finding her happy ever after.
But when a chance encounter leads Sam to find friendship in Thomas – a lonely, grumpy elderly widower living at derelict Hedgehog Hollow – her life is about to change forever.
Glad to have a distraction from family feuds and match-making, Sam vows to fulfill Thomas and his wife, Gwendoline’s, dreams of restoring Hedgehog Hollow to its former glory, and to open a hedgehog rescue centre.
Throwing herself into the task at hand, little does Sam realise that the keys to love and happiness may also be found at Hedgehog Hollow, when she least expects it…
As Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman, she’s ready to give up hope of finding her happy ever after.
But when a chance encounter leads Sam to find friendship in Thomas – a lonely, grumpy elderly widower living at derelict Hedgehog Hollow – her life is about to change forever.
Glad to have a distraction from family feuds and match-making, Sam vows to fulfill Thomas and his wife, Gwendoline’s, dreams of restoring Hedgehog Hollow to its former glory, and to open a hedgehog rescue centre.
Throwing herself into the task at hand, little does Sam realise that the keys to love and happiness may also be found at Hedgehog Hollow, when she least expects it…
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2020
1812 people are currently reading
2042 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Redland
53 books1,185 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 578 reviews
July 9, 2020
What a magical tale! Jessica Redland has spun A beautiful story packed with charm, compassion, hope and heart. Oh and I mustn’t forget all the lovely hedgehogs. The book kicks off with Samantha attending the wedding of her cousin chloe to The man that Sam thought she was going to marry. Rough, right? To pour even more salt in the wound cousin Chloe sends Sam on a wild goose chase to pick up a plant that she left at home that absolutely MUST make it to the wedding reception. Sam gets all kinds of lost on the way back to the wedding reception and when she gets there she finds out the plant is for an aunt that absolutely cannot stand her. Then this Aunt gets all rude, and then Chloe has the nerve to get mad at Sam when Chloe is married the guy Sam was dating first. Talk about a bad day... but wait it gets worse, to top it all off Sam’s mother *a true witch* finds it necessary to throw even more unkind words at her daughter. Ugh! The silver lining to this very dark cloud is that when Sam was all kinds of lost she ran across a farm called Hedgehog Hollow where she pretty much save the life of the owner Thomas. A beautiful friendship develops between Tomas and Ssam even though Thomas is reluctant in the beginning. This begins Sam’s passion for the hedgehogs and turns her life around. Even though this sounds like sad start, there is so much more to this amazing story.
Sam was such a wonderful character, so kind, so caring, so unselfish. I really did not understand why so many of her family members treated her so poorly, especially her mother? I really did like her dad, but I could not understand why he did not stand up to his wife, tell her that she needed to treat their daughter better? Seriously all of the interactions between Sam and her mother were so painful. That’s why I think the relationship between Thomas and Sam, and then ultimately the hedgehogs was so special. There were also several other Great supportive people in Sam’s life throughout the story. There was also a love interest, a sweet and touching romance. This was truly a gorgeous story of hope, sprinkled with some sweet magic.
This book in emojis 🦔 💕 🦔 🐱 🦔 🏡
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Sam was such a wonderful character, so kind, so caring, so unselfish. I really did not understand why so many of her family members treated her so poorly, especially her mother? I really did like her dad, but I could not understand why he did not stand up to his wife, tell her that she needed to treat their daughter better? Seriously all of the interactions between Sam and her mother were so painful. That’s why I think the relationship between Thomas and Sam, and then ultimately the hedgehogs was so special. There were also several other Great supportive people in Sam’s life throughout the story. There was also a love interest, a sweet and touching romance. This was truly a gorgeous story of hope, sprinkled with some sweet magic.
This book in emojis 🦔 💕 🦔 🐱 🦔 🏡
*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 20, 2020
5☆ Utterly Charming, Uplifting and Heartwarming Must Read!
When I picked up the blurb for this story and it featured hedgehogs I was sold!
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a utterly charming, uplifting and beautiful story.
Samantha isn't having a great time, she's attending her cousin Chloe's wedding which should be a happy and joyous day, except it's not. As the man her cousin is marrying is the man Samantha is in love with! Rough right! My heart went out to her!
But then she meets Thomas. The grumpy man who owns the Utterly charming Hedgehog Hollow. I mean who wouldn't fall in love with a place called Hedgehog Hollow that literally has Hedgehogs.
The two reluctantly become friends and Sam's life begins to start looking a lil brighter. Not only does Sam need Thomas, but he needs her too!
I love Jessica Redland's books and once again she didn't disappoint.
Her characters were wonderfully developed and relatable. The setting was charming.
This is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, drama, Ups and Downs, relationships and finding love.
If you adore animal's as much as I do then you won't be disappointed there is quiet a bit of animal love to go around!
If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading Redland's books then I highly recommend you picking up a copy of Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
When I picked up the blurb for this story and it featured hedgehogs I was sold!
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a utterly charming, uplifting and beautiful story.
Samantha isn't having a great time, she's attending her cousin Chloe's wedding which should be a happy and joyous day, except it's not. As the man her cousin is marrying is the man Samantha is in love with! Rough right! My heart went out to her!
But then she meets Thomas. The grumpy man who owns the Utterly charming Hedgehog Hollow. I mean who wouldn't fall in love with a place called Hedgehog Hollow that literally has Hedgehogs.
The two reluctantly become friends and Sam's life begins to start looking a lil brighter. Not only does Sam need Thomas, but he needs her too!
I love Jessica Redland's books and once again she didn't disappoint.
Her characters were wonderfully developed and relatable. The setting was charming.
This is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, drama, Ups and Downs, relationships and finding love.
If you adore animal's as much as I do then you won't be disappointed there is quiet a bit of animal love to go around!
If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading Redland's books then I highly recommend you picking up a copy of Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow you won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/07...
October 8, 2022
Let me start this review by saying that if you’re looking for a cutesy, feel-good romance novel this won’t be the right pick for you.
I was certainly disappointed because I had been looking forward to exactly that: a cutesy, easy-to-swallow romance that would be a very light and easy read. Instead, I got the most annoying audiobook narrator I’ve ever had the misfortune to listen to, insta-love (yikes), the two romantic leads lacking depth and an incredibly toxic mother-daughter relationship which took up a lot of the novel’s space.
Sam is a 29-year-old nurse currently living with her parents after breaking up with her boyfriend more than a year ago. While her dad is incredibly supportive of everything she does, her mum treats her like garbage. We don’t know why, she just does; she never explains herself, which is one of the reasons why this book was such a taxing read. The mother-daughter relationship is toxic (yes, I’m repeating myself but for lack of a better word….) and simply not what I expected or indeed wanted from the book.
That’s not where Sam’s problems end though. Her cousin - who is also her best friend and the sister Sam never had - is getting married to James, Sam’s ex-boyfriend with whom she is still in love. Sam’s heartbroken but a turn of events leads to her meeting Thomas, a grumpy elderly widower who owns a farm that he and his deceased wife meant to run as a hedgehog rescue centre.
The beginning of the book makes it clear that Sam is a total push-over. Girl lets her family and friends treat her like a walking doormat. 😩 It was annoying how Samantha tried over and over to make everyone feel comfortable by never putting her needs first, always compromising her happiness for someone else's. On top of that, she was also annoyingly obsessed with finding true love, finding her ‘one true person’. I think I simply prefer stories in which the MC sort of accidentally falls in love without initially meaning to instead of being obsessed with it. It often comes across as pathetic to me.
Now, regarding Josh, the male love interest: the minute the author compared him to chrisp rat, it was pretty much over for me. It’s creepy and weird when (female) authors repeatedly reference famous (male) actors (chrisp rat, Adam Driver) in contemporary fiction or when they explicitly state that they’ve modelled their male characters after them. It makes me feel icky plus it’s cheap. Saying this or that character looks like crisp rat/ Adam Driver/… without properly describing the character’s appearance feels like a cop-out. chrisp rat more like cheap prat.
I wasn’t only disappointed with the male love interest but with the whole romantic relationship itself. First of all, some other reviewer tagged this as “friends to lovers”; uhhhh, no, this was another case of haters-to-lovers (the first and second time they meet they naturally can’t stand each other) which quickly transitions to insta-love (is there anything worse?).
After their first one-night stand, Sam’s already deeply in love with Josh, he’s fallen in love with her and suddenly they’re in a relationship and each other’s most important person.
Given the fact that this is a contemporary romance novel, I expected the romance to take centre-stage but it was never the focus of the story and only really began after the 50% mark. Everything that came before was just Sam and her relationship with her mum, her cousin, befriending Thomas the widower, getting to know about hedgehogs etc. In any other genre, I would have appreciated the love story not being in the foreground but when I’m reading a contemp. romance I’d like the romantic stuff to be up and centre, thank you very much.
On top of all this, the audiobook narrator was pretty awful. I don’t know why she felt the need to shout the word “chapter” whenever she announced a new one but it was annoying as hell. I was contentedly listening to the story and then BAAAM, the narrator would shout “CHAPTER” into my ears. Furthermore, she managed to let the main character sound super childish whenever Sam spoke which was, uh, tiring.
I also think that an interesting case for speciesism can be made based on how the characters treat and think of hedgehogs. Sam’s dad is a vet, so is the male love interest, and Sam proclaims to love all animals (at one point she even risks her life for a hedgehog), yet the opening of the hedgehog centre is celebrated with a barbecue?? Anything for the animals as long as they’re cute and not part of traditional western cuisine, right?
If they turn this into a Netflix adaption I just know that I’d eat this up but there wasn’t much I liked about the book itself.
PS: I listened to the one-night stand scene whilst being on a train surrounded by little children on their way to the zoo. Nothing quite like listening to a sexy times scene while kids are sitting to your left and right.
I was certainly disappointed because I had been looking forward to exactly that: a cutesy, easy-to-swallow romance that would be a very light and easy read. Instead, I got the most annoying audiobook narrator I’ve ever had the misfortune to listen to, insta-love (yikes), the two romantic leads lacking depth and an incredibly toxic mother-daughter relationship which took up a lot of the novel’s space.
Sam is a 29-year-old nurse currently living with her parents after breaking up with her boyfriend more than a year ago. While her dad is incredibly supportive of everything she does, her mum treats her like garbage. We don’t know why, she just does; she never explains herself, which is one of the reasons why this book was such a taxing read. The mother-daughter relationship is toxic (yes, I’m repeating myself but for lack of a better word….) and simply not what I expected or indeed wanted from the book.
That’s not where Sam’s problems end though. Her cousin - who is also her best friend and the sister Sam never had - is getting married to James, Sam’s ex-boyfriend with whom she is still in love. Sam’s heartbroken but a turn of events leads to her meeting Thomas, a grumpy elderly widower who owns a farm that he and his deceased wife meant to run as a hedgehog rescue centre.
The beginning of the book makes it clear that Sam is a total push-over. Girl lets her family and friends treat her like a walking doormat. 😩 It was annoying how Samantha tried over and over to make everyone feel comfortable by never putting her needs first, always compromising her happiness for someone else's. On top of that, she was also annoyingly obsessed with finding true love, finding her ‘one true person’. I think I simply prefer stories in which the MC sort of accidentally falls in love without initially meaning to instead of being obsessed with it. It often comes across as pathetic to me.
Now, regarding Josh, the male love interest: the minute the author compared him to chrisp rat, it was pretty much over for me. It’s creepy and weird when (female) authors repeatedly reference famous (male) actors (chrisp rat, Adam Driver) in contemporary fiction or when they explicitly state that they’ve modelled their male characters after them. It makes me feel icky plus it’s cheap. Saying this or that character looks like crisp rat/ Adam Driver/… without properly describing the character’s appearance feels like a cop-out. chrisp rat more like cheap prat.
I wasn’t only disappointed with the male love interest but with the whole romantic relationship itself. First of all, some other reviewer tagged this as “friends to lovers”; uhhhh, no, this was another case of haters-to-lovers (the first and second time they meet they naturally can’t stand each other) which quickly transitions to insta-love (is there anything worse?).
After their first one-night stand, Sam’s already deeply in love with Josh, he’s fallen in love with her and suddenly they’re in a relationship and each other’s most important person.
Given the fact that this is a contemporary romance novel, I expected the romance to take centre-stage but it was never the focus of the story and only really began after the 50% mark. Everything that came before was just Sam and her relationship with her mum, her cousin, befriending Thomas the widower, getting to know about hedgehogs etc. In any other genre, I would have appreciated the love story not being in the foreground but when I’m reading a contemp. romance I’d like the romantic stuff to be up and centre, thank you very much.
On top of all this, the audiobook narrator was pretty awful. I don’t know why she felt the need to shout the word “chapter” whenever she announced a new one but it was annoying as hell. I was contentedly listening to the story and then BAAAM, the narrator would shout “CHAPTER” into my ears. Furthermore, she managed to let the main character sound super childish whenever Sam spoke which was, uh, tiring.
I also think that an interesting case for speciesism can be made based on how the characters treat and think of hedgehogs. Sam’s dad is a vet, so is the male love interest, and Sam proclaims to love all animals (at one point she even risks her life for a hedgehog), yet the opening of the hedgehog centre is celebrated with a barbecue?? Anything for the animals as long as they’re cute and not part of traditional western cuisine, right?
If they turn this into a Netflix adaption I just know that I’d eat this up but there wasn’t much I liked about the book itself.
PS: I listened to the one-night stand scene whilst being on a train surrounded by little children on their way to the zoo. Nothing quite like listening to a sexy times scene while kids are sitting to your left and right.
December 24, 2020
I loved this book so very much. It was sweet, interesting and I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down. I got so into this story that I just kept on reading it. I hadn’t read Jessica Redland’s books before but I will from now on. In fact I’m going to start the next one in this series straight away.
December 22, 2020
I had heard a lot about this novel and I was definitely not disappointed. It was such a wonderful read and I was completely immersed in the novel. It certainly was no bad thing that each chapter opened with a small, cute image of a hedgehog either!
What I found most surprising with this book, is how many different themes run throughout the story. It’s not like so many stories that I have read in the past where the protagonist decides to change the direction of her life and start something new. Oh, no. There is more to it than that. Sam’s relationship with Thomas is incredibly touching and equally sad at the same time. I loved watching their connection grow and knew that both Sam and Thomas needed each other – they just were not aware of it.
Whilst there is such a positive relationship, the stark contrast with Sam and her mother is just as negative and painful. I actually felt sick with anxiety and worry when reading the scenes with Sam and her mother, because the relationship is so cold. It is only towards the end do readers become aware of why Sam’s mother is such a horrible person, but that still did not redeem her, in my opinion. I could not believe how badly she behaved towards her daughter; I felt the need to speak my mind! Of course, this was all part of the story but I do think it reflects Redland’s brilliant characterisation.
As you would expect, Sam’s path to establishing the hedgehog sanctuary was never going to run smoothly. With challenges from Gwendoline’s estranged family that has significant impacts on the land, to seeing her best friend and ex-boyfriend marry, Sam is definitely up against it at all times. It was impossible to not feel sorry for her, especially as she felt so alone: her “best friend” had managed to turn most of her family against her and Sam was forced to seek new connections.
I loved how the new relationships that Sam establishes are so meaningful. It really added a hopeful element to the story and restored faith in humanity – especially because of her mother’s attitude. Reading this book, I always found I had a smile on my face because it was such an enjoyable read. As the focus was not completely on the hedgehogs, it meant that the plot was rather diverse and interesting. This, of course, added to the length of the book, but at no point did I find the narrative was prolonged.
I am so excited to be able to review the sequel that is coming out next year! It feels so natural to want to find more about Sam and how her sanctuary is progressing. Furthermore, I want to know more about all the other character around her because they were so significant in the story. Redland has created a lovely setting with cute animals; it would do the hedgehogs an injustice if they did not return.
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.
What I found most surprising with this book, is how many different themes run throughout the story. It’s not like so many stories that I have read in the past where the protagonist decides to change the direction of her life and start something new. Oh, no. There is more to it than that. Sam’s relationship with Thomas is incredibly touching and equally sad at the same time. I loved watching their connection grow and knew that both Sam and Thomas needed each other – they just were not aware of it.
Whilst there is such a positive relationship, the stark contrast with Sam and her mother is just as negative and painful. I actually felt sick with anxiety and worry when reading the scenes with Sam and her mother, because the relationship is so cold. It is only towards the end do readers become aware of why Sam’s mother is such a horrible person, but that still did not redeem her, in my opinion. I could not believe how badly she behaved towards her daughter; I felt the need to speak my mind! Of course, this was all part of the story but I do think it reflects Redland’s brilliant characterisation.
As you would expect, Sam’s path to establishing the hedgehog sanctuary was never going to run smoothly. With challenges from Gwendoline’s estranged family that has significant impacts on the land, to seeing her best friend and ex-boyfriend marry, Sam is definitely up against it at all times. It was impossible to not feel sorry for her, especially as she felt so alone: her “best friend” had managed to turn most of her family against her and Sam was forced to seek new connections.
I loved how the new relationships that Sam establishes are so meaningful. It really added a hopeful element to the story and restored faith in humanity – especially because of her mother’s attitude. Reading this book, I always found I had a smile on my face because it was such an enjoyable read. As the focus was not completely on the hedgehogs, it meant that the plot was rather diverse and interesting. This, of course, added to the length of the book, but at no point did I find the narrative was prolonged.
I am so excited to be able to review the sequel that is coming out next year! It feels so natural to want to find more about Sam and how her sanctuary is progressing. Furthermore, I want to know more about all the other character around her because they were so significant in the story. Redland has created a lovely setting with cute animals; it would do the hedgehogs an injustice if they did not return.
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.
January 9, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
Shit happens and it’s how you deal with it that makes you happy or miserable. You can roll in that shit and stink up your life or you can spray the air freshener and move on.
Always remember that you shine. Those who try to take away your sparkle aren’t worthy of it.
It’s not the time someone’s in our lives but the impact they have on us.
My Review:
I adored these oddly endearing characters and their poignantly written tale. I was quickly immersed in their engaging story that kept me entertained while plumbing all the emotions from one end of the scale to the other. What a delightful beginning to a new series that has me primed and ready for more. My perusal had me bouncing from smirks and giggle-snorts to the peculiar sensations of my heart being squeezed while hot rocks filled my throat and my eyes began to leak a salty fluid. And this mysteriously rare phenomenon occurred several different times. What madness!
Jessica Redland is a master storyteller and one of my all-time favorite wordsmiths. Her emotive and cleverly insightful descriptions skillfully placed me in the room with her uniquely enticing yet struggling characters as their lives took various turns and painful nosedives. Her pen undoubtedly contains magic ink.
Shit happens and it’s how you deal with it that makes you happy or miserable. You can roll in that shit and stink up your life or you can spray the air freshener and move on.
Always remember that you shine. Those who try to take away your sparkle aren’t worthy of it.
It’s not the time someone’s in our lives but the impact they have on us.
My Review:
I adored these oddly endearing characters and their poignantly written tale. I was quickly immersed in their engaging story that kept me entertained while plumbing all the emotions from one end of the scale to the other. What a delightful beginning to a new series that has me primed and ready for more. My perusal had me bouncing from smirks and giggle-snorts to the peculiar sensations of my heart being squeezed while hot rocks filled my throat and my eyes began to leak a salty fluid. And this mysteriously rare phenomenon occurred several different times. What madness!
Jessica Redland is a master storyteller and one of my all-time favorite wordsmiths. Her emotive and cleverly insightful descriptions skillfully placed me in the room with her uniquely enticing yet struggling characters as their lives took various turns and painful nosedives. Her pen undoubtedly contains magic ink.
August 9, 2020
When I saw the cover and title, I thought to myself "this looks like a cute and sweet romance story" and "I need it". So obviously, I requested a review copy because I knew I would be in the mood for a book like that. Unfortunately, my expectations weren't exactly met. My biggest issue was Samantha's family. They made me so angry and it tainted my enjoyment of the book.
Honestly, Sam seemed a bit pitiful because she let herself being the victim and never stood up for herself. She put everyone else's needs before her own and yet, she still found herself being blamed for loving her ex-boyfriend. Because apparently, giving him up to her cousin Chloe and giving them their blessing to be together (even though she was in love with him and thought he would be her future) wasn't enough. It was a pain to listen to her family treat her horribly and I just wanted to shake them all. If that part would have been shorter, perhaps I wouldn't have felt so frustrated.
The best part of this book was when Sam saved and met Thomas, an old man who lost his wife and had lost his will to live. They connected and were adorable together. Sam managed to give him a bit of happiness and it warmed my heart. When Thomas was gone and left her his property as heritage, I was hoping to finally meet the love interest but the romance only happened during the last 25% or so and I wish it would have been a bigger part of the story.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
Honestly, Sam seemed a bit pitiful because she let herself being the victim and never stood up for herself. She put everyone else's needs before her own and yet, she still found herself being blamed for loving her ex-boyfriend. Because apparently, giving him up to her cousin Chloe and giving them their blessing to be together (even though she was in love with him and thought he would be her future) wasn't enough. It was a pain to listen to her family treat her horribly and I just wanted to shake them all. If that part would have been shorter, perhaps I wouldn't have felt so frustrated.
The best part of this book was when Sam saved and met Thomas, an old man who lost his wife and had lost his will to live. They connected and were adorable together. Sam managed to give him a bit of happiness and it warmed my heart. When Thomas was gone and left her his property as heritage, I was hoping to finally meet the love interest but the romance only happened during the last 25% or so and I wish it would have been a bigger part of the story.
(Thank you for letting me read and review an ARC via Netgalley)
May 28, 2025
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow
4✨
the community looking out for each other, sp much kindness. Saving the hedgehogs, rebuilding the barn. 💜
4✨
the community looking out for each other, sp much kindness. Saving the hedgehogs, rebuilding the barn. 💜
June 22, 2020
I devoured this book but honestly the relationship between Sam and her mum was so painful to read about that I cannot recommend this as an escapist read. Very harsh stuff including Sam being walked all over by most members of her family, including her best friend and cousin Chloe. It's obvious to the reader that Chloe is a terrible person, but Sam seems to continue to think the world of her. Knocks the otherwise smart Sam down quite a few pegs in the eyes of the reader.
If the smarmy cruelty regarding Sam's mum is removed, this book would be a way better read. The level of cruelty was out of this world. Just terrible to read about. The reader is never really sure why Sam's Dad just stood back and watched the cruelty.
Honestly I would remove all the stuff about Sam's mum myself and possibly some of the cruelty from Chloe. The rest of the book was adorable and mostly uplifting.
I don't know about other readers of cosy romance and escapist fiction but the general nastiness of the characters here just disgusted me and is not what I expect to find in this type of fiction. The hedgehog part of the plot was cute.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review, all opinions are my own.
If the smarmy cruelty regarding Sam's mum is removed, this book would be a way better read. The level of cruelty was out of this world. Just terrible to read about. The reader is never really sure why Sam's Dad just stood back and watched the cruelty.
Honestly I would remove all the stuff about Sam's mum myself and possibly some of the cruelty from Chloe. The rest of the book was adorable and mostly uplifting.
I don't know about other readers of cosy romance and escapist fiction but the general nastiness of the characters here just disgusted me and is not what I expect to find in this type of fiction. The hedgehog part of the plot was cute.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review, all opinions are my own.
November 15, 2024
Four and a half stars
Samantha Wishaw watches the man she loves marry her cousin Chloe, who has been Sam’s best friend ever since Sara, can remember. Somehow Chloe always seems to get what she wants, from Sam’s toys to her own mother’s favouritism for her niece and now Sam’s ex boyfriend James. Sam’s father loves her but as far as she is concerned it appears her mother hates her. Sam has no idea why. Then she encounters Thomas, a lonely, grumpy old man who is mourning his beloved wife Gwendoline who died twenty years before. She left him alone with an unfulfilled dream for a hedgehog rescue centre at Hedgehog Hollow. Sam saves his life as she cares for him till paramedics arrive. She goes to visit him in hospital, but Thomas is not exactly thankful.
Something about Thomas reminds her of her beloved grandfather, so she feels she can’t just walk away from Thomas despite his rudeness and ingratitude. She is unaware how much that decision will change her life.
At the same time, she is putting aside her nursing career and taking on a new job as a Health and Social Care Tutor. It will be a relief to put some physical distance between the chaos with Chloe and James and rest of the family. So Sam leaves Whitsborough Bay where she grew up and a new life in the Wolds. But will she ever find love and happiness?
Sam is a person who is generous to a fault. She puts everybody’s needs above her own. Chloe, her cousin is used to always being the centre of attention. I felt like giving her a good clip around the ears. Friends Hannah, Rich and Dave and Sam’s father are great supporting characters. I loved this story though I became frustrated at times with the way Sam allowed people to treat her. I was cheering when she responded.
Thomas and vet Josh are interesting characters. And the love of Thomas and Gwendoline shines through the pages.
A great book that certainly involved me and I learned a lot about hedgehogs along the way. It’s all about seeing who people are in the inside as shown by their actions rather than just the outside appearance. A real feel good read. Glad I gave this book a go.
Samantha Wishaw watches the man she loves marry her cousin Chloe, who has been Sam’s best friend ever since Sara, can remember. Somehow Chloe always seems to get what she wants, from Sam’s toys to her own mother’s favouritism for her niece and now Sam’s ex boyfriend James. Sam’s father loves her but as far as she is concerned it appears her mother hates her. Sam has no idea why. Then she encounters Thomas, a lonely, grumpy old man who is mourning his beloved wife Gwendoline who died twenty years before. She left him alone with an unfulfilled dream for a hedgehog rescue centre at Hedgehog Hollow. Sam saves his life as she cares for him till paramedics arrive. She goes to visit him in hospital, but Thomas is not exactly thankful.
Something about Thomas reminds her of her beloved grandfather, so she feels she can’t just walk away from Thomas despite his rudeness and ingratitude. She is unaware how much that decision will change her life.
At the same time, she is putting aside her nursing career and taking on a new job as a Health and Social Care Tutor. It will be a relief to put some physical distance between the chaos with Chloe and James and rest of the family. So Sam leaves Whitsborough Bay where she grew up and a new life in the Wolds. But will she ever find love and happiness?
Sam is a person who is generous to a fault. She puts everybody’s needs above her own. Chloe, her cousin is used to always being the centre of attention. I felt like giving her a good clip around the ears. Friends Hannah, Rich and Dave and Sam’s father are great supporting characters. I loved this story though I became frustrated at times with the way Sam allowed people to treat her. I was cheering when she responded.
Thomas and vet Josh are interesting characters. And the love of Thomas and Gwendoline shines through the pages.
A great book that certainly involved me and I learned a lot about hedgehogs along the way. It’s all about seeing who people are in the inside as shown by their actions rather than just the outside appearance. A real feel good read. Glad I gave this book a go.
May 14, 2020
I have no idea where to start in trying to explain how fabulous this book is.
I mean there are hedgehogs and memories of The Hedgehog lady are so lovely.
There is Thomas who eventually strikes up a beautiful friendship with Sammie, even if he isn't sure about it at first.
There's Sammie's incredibly tricky relationship with her mother to explore and other huge family rifts.
Actually as someone who could see some of her own mums characteristics in Sammie's I had a great deal of empathy and sympathy for her and her relationship.
There's clearly a love of all animals in this story with two vets playing starring roles. Plus with Sammie being a nurse there is a lot of caring going on too.
As a fan of the author I smiled anytime Whitsborough Bay is mentioned, while loving this new setting on the Yorkshire Wolds a lot too.
It's a book that took me on a journey of emotion both ups and downs, with very realistic characters and Jessica Redland's wonderful writing style.
I adored every single moment of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I mean there are hedgehogs and memories of The Hedgehog lady are so lovely.
There is Thomas who eventually strikes up a beautiful friendship with Sammie, even if he isn't sure about it at first.
There's Sammie's incredibly tricky relationship with her mother to explore and other huge family rifts.
Actually as someone who could see some of her own mums characteristics in Sammie's I had a great deal of empathy and sympathy for her and her relationship.
There's clearly a love of all animals in this story with two vets playing starring roles. Plus with Sammie being a nurse there is a lot of caring going on too.
As a fan of the author I smiled anytime Whitsborough Bay is mentioned, while loving this new setting on the Yorkshire Wolds a lot too.
It's a book that took me on a journey of emotion both ups and downs, with very realistic characters and Jessica Redland's wonderful writing style.
I adored every single moment of this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
This was…cute. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I wouldn’t call this a typical romance. For one thing, we don’t meet the H until over 50% of the book has passed. Which is fine, because what it really was is a story about a woman who has come second to almost everyone in her entire life. She’s never been loved right by anyone other than her father. Her mother and great aunt in particular treated her horrendously, and I hated them both.
The man she loved left her to be with her beautiful cousin, and she was a total doormat to everyone simply because she’s nice and didn’t want to make waves. So she was in the wedding and got sent on an errand, which led to her getting lost, and after finding an old farm, she saves the owners life, starting a wonderful friendship and eventually inheriting the farm, which is turns into a hedgehog rescue. She meets a great vet, Josh and they fall in love after a series of non-starts. It was all very sweet!
This was a pretty cozy, English countryside story with a lot of hugely hateful women, and an FMC that gradually came into her own after being bullied her entire life. It was nice to see her get an HEA!
The man she loved left her to be with her beautiful cousin, and she was a total doormat to everyone simply because she’s nice and didn’t want to make waves. So she was in the wedding and got sent on an errand, which led to her getting lost, and after finding an old farm, she saves the owners life, starting a wonderful friendship and eventually inheriting the farm, which is turns into a hedgehog rescue. She meets a great vet, Josh and they fall in love after a series of non-starts. It was all very sweet!
This was a pretty cozy, English countryside story with a lot of hugely hateful women, and an FMC that gradually came into her own after being bullied her entire life. It was nice to see her get an HEA!
August 27, 2020
It was for me the first time reading a book by Jessica Redland, so I didn't know what to expect but I am so happy to have given a try with this author because I can say that I absolutely adored this book! It was so well written, and the storyline and characters are so charming! It's a very cute and charming book and there is always something happening, you will never get bored! I read this book super fast as it was so entertaining! A real page turner!!!!
July 7, 2020
A lovely story of resilience and forgiveness.
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely story of resilience and forgiveness.
Samantha Wishaw had the worse possible family. Really, it sucked!
Her mother hated her, her aunts bullied her, her cousin stole all her things, and her father watched it all happen doing very little.
Every possible bad thing happened to Samantha. She was cheated, ostracized, humiliated, and, when she liked someone, they tended to die.
Despite all that, Sam had an infinite reserve of forgiveness; she chose to give second, third, and fourth chances. She kept reaching out and caring.
Sam is a lovely human being. Reading her story made me feel good about my family and friends. I felt loved, respected, and valued.
Apart from her obnoxious family, she had some adorable friends like Mr. Thomas Mickleby (he was grumpy but improved on acquaintance), David, Robin, and her boss Lauren. She also had the hedgehogs.
Yes, there are tons of lovely hedgehogs all through the pages, and Sam is determined to rescue them all.
She ended up rescuing more than hedgehogs. She also saved a lovely and troubled veterinarian. It was beautiful to see two broken hearts speaking to one another.
There is a tiny paranormal element that was charming and a perfect closing to the story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely story of resilience and forgiveness.
Samantha Wishaw had the worse possible family. Really, it sucked!
Her mother hated her, her aunts bullied her, her cousin stole all her things, and her father watched it all happen doing very little.
Every possible bad thing happened to Samantha. She was cheated, ostracized, humiliated, and, when she liked someone, they tended to die.
Despite all that, Sam had an infinite reserve of forgiveness; she chose to give second, third, and fourth chances. She kept reaching out and caring.
Sam is a lovely human being. Reading her story made me feel good about my family and friends. I felt loved, respected, and valued.
Apart from her obnoxious family, she had some adorable friends like Mr. Thomas Mickleby (he was grumpy but improved on acquaintance), David, Robin, and her boss Lauren. She also had the hedgehogs.
Yes, there are tons of lovely hedgehogs all through the pages, and Sam is determined to rescue them all.
She ended up rescuing more than hedgehogs. She also saved a lovely and troubled veterinarian. It was beautiful to see two broken hearts speaking to one another.
There is a tiny paranormal element that was charming and a perfect closing to the story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2020
One of the most beautiful books that I have read in this lifetime. Author Jessica Redland is truly the queen of hearts. She knew how to dip each word in the ink of emotions and wrench my heart into a state that I could not help but sob. The feelings were like a tempest of waves that couldn’t be controlled.
The story unfolded so brilliantly that at times my heart shattered into a million pieces where each piece was laden with so many emotions that I didn’t know where one began and the other ended. A rich tapestry of a story, it bound Sam to the other characters with silken threads giving them a choice to be stronger or set free. The author knew how to wrap those same bindings around me, giving me inner joy and the most blessed peace.
The story unfolded so brilliantly that at times my heart shattered into a million pieces where each piece was laden with so many emotions that I didn’t know where one began and the other ended. A rich tapestry of a story, it bound Sam to the other characters with silken threads giving them a choice to be stronger or set free. The author knew how to wrap those same bindings around me, giving me inner joy and the most blessed peace.
June 30, 2020
When Sammie stumbles across elderly - and very grumpy! - Thomas and effectively saves his life, little does she know how much he'll save hers too. As they get to know each other and their pasts and futures intertwine she embarks on a journey that will make her face family rifts and a broken heart.
I wish I could give this story 6 stars! It is addictive. Charming. Romantic. I loved the character of Sammie and warmed to her straightaway, mentally fighting her corner. It is a pacey read and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to discover the ending.
An absolute treat!
I wish I could give this story 6 stars! It is addictive. Charming. Romantic. I loved the character of Sammie and warmed to her straightaway, mentally fighting her corner. It is a pacey read and I couldn't turn the pages quick enough to discover the ending.
An absolute treat!
August 16, 2020
What a beautiful, emotive read this book proved to be, a story of someone who seems to keep getting figuratively kicked when she’s down by those who really should be loving and supporting her. Despite this, she’s always there to help and support others, prepared to go that extra mile to help someone else even if they don’t appreciate it at all.
Sometimes getting lost can help change your life for the better, even if you don’t realise it at the time! This is the story of Samantha Wishaw, who gets lost whilst trying to do a favour for her cousin Chloe for whom she’s being a bridesmaid. Sam ends up at Hedgehog Hollow where she finds Thomas, an elderly widower, collapsed. Sam’s a nurse and calls for an amubulance. This introduces her to a paramedic who will become a supportive friend and helps her get back on route to the wedding reception but that’s when everything hits the fan and her dysfunctional family show their true colours.
Sam’s Dad is lovely but the rest of them, especially her Mum, are absolutely awful to her! I just couldn’t believe how they treated this kind young lady yet, despite this, she carries on striving to help others and rarely retaliates despite terrible provocation. It is heartbreaking . . . . but keep on reading as this is a delightful story of overcoming the negativity of those around you, helping others, discovering true friendship and romance as well as helping others achieve their goals. I admit to spending a lot of time with tears running down my face as I read this story. Sam deserved so much more praise and support from her female relatives. She definitely made a huge difference to Thomas and I was rooting for her throughout the story and loved the ending. I will definitely be looking out for other books by this author in future and have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and crying my way through it! I have to say this is now one of my all time favourite books.
Sometimes getting lost can help change your life for the better, even if you don’t realise it at the time! This is the story of Samantha Wishaw, who gets lost whilst trying to do a favour for her cousin Chloe for whom she’s being a bridesmaid. Sam ends up at Hedgehog Hollow where she finds Thomas, an elderly widower, collapsed. Sam’s a nurse and calls for an amubulance. This introduces her to a paramedic who will become a supportive friend and helps her get back on route to the wedding reception but that’s when everything hits the fan and her dysfunctional family show their true colours.
Sam’s Dad is lovely but the rest of them, especially her Mum, are absolutely awful to her! I just couldn’t believe how they treated this kind young lady yet, despite this, she carries on striving to help others and rarely retaliates despite terrible provocation. It is heartbreaking . . . . but keep on reading as this is a delightful story of overcoming the negativity of those around you, helping others, discovering true friendship and romance as well as helping others achieve their goals. I admit to spending a lot of time with tears running down my face as I read this story. Sam deserved so much more praise and support from her female relatives. She definitely made a huge difference to Thomas and I was rooting for her throughout the story and loved the ending. I will definitely be looking out for other books by this author in future and have no hesitation in highly recommending this book.
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and crying my way through it! I have to say this is now one of my all time favourite books.
June 24, 2020
Wow-what an amazing read this was. I started it as I got in the bath, 2 hours later I decided I really need to get out the bath! I then got dry, warmed up in PJ’s and then finished reading the book.
This is the story of Samantha and her life, the people in her life and how she is treated. She has not had the best relationship with some of her family and when her cousin, who is also best friend marries her ex-boyfriend, then things take a real turn after the ceremony.
But in some ways, this leads Samantha to what will be the best fresh start she will ever have. It will also bolster her confidence, give her some well-deserved respect and make her realise that she is as good as everyone else.
This is a story that is so full of emotion, and not just the happy ones either. There were times where I was so frustrated at how Samantha was being treated, she is such a nice person and has the biggest heart, but this is just what some people need to take advantage and to manipulate.
Samantha has the sort of determination to crack even the grumpiest person and make their lives better for it. Thomas was just what she needed and without realising it, he needed her as well. Their relationship was very special, it brought back forgotten happy memories for both.
This is as much about the bond of friends and family as it is about making changes to life. It's about taking opportunities and chances and running with them. Most of all it is about fulfilling a long lost dream and surrounding yourself with positive and special people.
A gorgeous book full of beautiful descriptions and it was an absolute pleasure to read. A romance with a whole lot of heart and soul and one I would absolutely recommend.
This is the story of Samantha and her life, the people in her life and how she is treated. She has not had the best relationship with some of her family and when her cousin, who is also best friend marries her ex-boyfriend, then things take a real turn after the ceremony.
But in some ways, this leads Samantha to what will be the best fresh start she will ever have. It will also bolster her confidence, give her some well-deserved respect and make her realise that she is as good as everyone else.
This is a story that is so full of emotion, and not just the happy ones either. There were times where I was so frustrated at how Samantha was being treated, she is such a nice person and has the biggest heart, but this is just what some people need to take advantage and to manipulate.
Samantha has the sort of determination to crack even the grumpiest person and make their lives better for it. Thomas was just what she needed and without realising it, he needed her as well. Their relationship was very special, it brought back forgotten happy memories for both.
This is as much about the bond of friends and family as it is about making changes to life. It's about taking opportunities and chances and running with them. Most of all it is about fulfilling a long lost dream and surrounding yourself with positive and special people.
A gorgeous book full of beautiful descriptions and it was an absolute pleasure to read. A romance with a whole lot of heart and soul and one I would absolutely recommend.
March 5, 2021
Way too much angst. Sam is completely spineless and enables her families bad behaviour (borderline emotional abuse) dreadfully. I wouldn't have so much of an issue if the author dealt with the themes responsibly. Chloe and Sam's mother are narcissistic and abusive in their treatment of Sam, but it all just gets swept under the carpet by Sam. The message seems to be that Sam is better person for allowing her family to continue to treat her like dirt. Instead of a light read, all this angst turns this book into an exercise in frustration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
*Enchanting Bittersweet Tale*
My heart really went out for Sam, she meets James who quickly becomes the love of her life but he ends up Marrying another woman. A person so close to her and an awkward situation at the wedding means most of her family cut her off and she is innocent.
Sam’s woes are the story of her life she has a wonderful relationship with her Dad and Grandad who shower her with love and her mother has no time for her, no matter what Sam does her mother’s behaviour is hateful - what is the reason?
When tragedy strikes Sam never feels more alone. One day she stumbles upon Thomas a elderly man who is distraught from losing his wife who died over 20 years ago she is a nurse and saves his life. She then starts visiting him in hospital to check on him and he is far from warm but over time they both start to realise why they were supposed to meet.
My heart really broke for Sam because she has been missing her mother’s love she is needy and puts herself aside for the sake of others happiness and never gives up.
Will Sam ever put herself first? How will she react when facing another tragedy? This tragedy means she has to gather up every ounce of strength she possesses to tackle what lies ahead….
My heart really went out for Sam, she meets James who quickly becomes the love of her life but he ends up Marrying another woman. A person so close to her and an awkward situation at the wedding means most of her family cut her off and she is innocent.
Sam’s woes are the story of her life she has a wonderful relationship with her Dad and Grandad who shower her with love and her mother has no time for her, no matter what Sam does her mother’s behaviour is hateful - what is the reason?
When tragedy strikes Sam never feels more alone. One day she stumbles upon Thomas a elderly man who is distraught from losing his wife who died over 20 years ago she is a nurse and saves his life. She then starts visiting him in hospital to check on him and he is far from warm but over time they both start to realise why they were supposed to meet.
My heart really broke for Sam because she has been missing her mother’s love she is needy and puts herself aside for the sake of others happiness and never gives up.
Will Sam ever put herself first? How will she react when facing another tragedy? This tragedy means she has to gather up every ounce of strength she possesses to tackle what lies ahead….
July 2, 2020
Ok, maybe I’d have liked to see just a few more hedgehogs… but I’m most definitely not complaining, because I really thought this book was pretty close to perfect. This is a series I’m SO looking forward to following.
It’s very much a book of two halves. In the first, we really get to know Sam – her family background (goodness, her mother is truly horrendous – but her lovely dad more than makes up for that), her friendships, and the sad story of her relationship with the man who was the love of her life but who just couldn’t love her in the same way. And we really see how enormous her heart is when she befriends Thomas – a sad and lonely old widower with a broken heart – and slowly breaks down his defences. And then… well, I just had to put the book down for a while because I couldn’t read through the tears.
The second half of the book then focuses on Hedgehog Hollow, its restoration, and Sam’s mission to deliver on her promise to Thomas. And as the restoration work continues, Sam rebuilds her own life too – a fresh start, mending fences (although there are some that will always prove beyond repair), making new and very special friends, and perhaps even finding a little romance coming from a totally unexpected direction.
So that’s the story – well, more or less – but it doesn’t even begin to tell you how thoroughly gorgeous this book is. The author always has such a special touch with relationships – the complexities of families, the way people can hurt each other, the support of friends – and I’ve never seen her do it any better than she does in this book. I felt sheer rage at the way Sam was treated – how could they?! She’s so warm and caring and lovely, and I really hurt for her as everything in her life went haywire – and what’s more, there was a real legacy of injustice and unfairness too that she did absolutely nothing to deserve. Her sadness made me ache inside – all the emotional content is just superbly handled. And as well as the relationships, there’s also some real threat and drama – edge-of-the-seat writing, and so very well done.
The characterisation is exceptional – not just Sam and Thomas, but every single individual in the book, fully rounded, entirely real people behaving as well or badly as people do. The dialogue – another thing she always does so well – is better than ever, conversations and interactions you feel you’ve been allowed to overhear and be part of. And I absolutely loved the setting too – not the familiar surroundings of Whitsborough Bay this time, but the winding lanes of The Wolds, with Hedgehog Hollow itself described in the most loving of detail (goodness, I could smell that wildflower meadow!).
This whole book entirely enchanted me from beginning to end – I lived every twist and turn of the story, and felt a real sense of loss when I reached the end. All I can say is thank goodness it’s the start of a series… I’m going to really look forward to the time I spend at Hedgehog Hollow.
It’s very much a book of two halves. In the first, we really get to know Sam – her family background (goodness, her mother is truly horrendous – but her lovely dad more than makes up for that), her friendships, and the sad story of her relationship with the man who was the love of her life but who just couldn’t love her in the same way. And we really see how enormous her heart is when she befriends Thomas – a sad and lonely old widower with a broken heart – and slowly breaks down his defences. And then… well, I just had to put the book down for a while because I couldn’t read through the tears.
The second half of the book then focuses on Hedgehog Hollow, its restoration, and Sam’s mission to deliver on her promise to Thomas. And as the restoration work continues, Sam rebuilds her own life too – a fresh start, mending fences (although there are some that will always prove beyond repair), making new and very special friends, and perhaps even finding a little romance coming from a totally unexpected direction.
So that’s the story – well, more or less – but it doesn’t even begin to tell you how thoroughly gorgeous this book is. The author always has such a special touch with relationships – the complexities of families, the way people can hurt each other, the support of friends – and I’ve never seen her do it any better than she does in this book. I felt sheer rage at the way Sam was treated – how could they?! She’s so warm and caring and lovely, and I really hurt for her as everything in her life went haywire – and what’s more, there was a real legacy of injustice and unfairness too that she did absolutely nothing to deserve. Her sadness made me ache inside – all the emotional content is just superbly handled. And as well as the relationships, there’s also some real threat and drama – edge-of-the-seat writing, and so very well done.
The characterisation is exceptional – not just Sam and Thomas, but every single individual in the book, fully rounded, entirely real people behaving as well or badly as people do. The dialogue – another thing she always does so well – is better than ever, conversations and interactions you feel you’ve been allowed to overhear and be part of. And I absolutely loved the setting too – not the familiar surroundings of Whitsborough Bay this time, but the winding lanes of The Wolds, with Hedgehog Hollow itself described in the most loving of detail (goodness, I could smell that wildflower meadow!).
This whole book entirely enchanted me from beginning to end – I lived every twist and turn of the story, and felt a real sense of loss when I reached the end. All I can say is thank goodness it’s the start of a series… I’m going to really look forward to the time I spend at Hedgehog Hollow.
January 29, 2022
“Wounds could be cleaned and dressed, medication could be prescribed, and comforting words could be given to a patient facing terminal illness. But there was no bandage for loneliness. No prescription. No words of comfort. Yet it was a growing epidemic and just as destructive as any diagnosed illness. Thomas Mickleby was so lonely that he wanted to die.”
✮✮✮✮✮
Samantha watches the love of her life marry her cousin. On the wedding day, they ask her to quickly run an errand before the reception, to which she dutifully agrees. Almost by fate, during this errand, she helps an elderly gentleman who needed medical attention, who she forms the closest relationship with. This is the story of loves lost, loves found, family feuds, but most of all, finding oneself at Hedgehog Hollow.
I loved this book. That’s it. I said it. I full on happy escapism loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I gaped open-mouthed in shock many, many times. This was so emotional, and the storyline never went where I was expecting!
Hedgehog Hollow is somewhere I really wish was real. It’s the perfect place to go and escape, and find yourself again. Maybe they should make it a resort! But anyhow, I loved the characters and the relationships that formed amongst the drama, and I’m excited to read book two!
✮✮✮✮✮
Samantha watches the love of her life marry her cousin. On the wedding day, they ask her to quickly run an errand before the reception, to which she dutifully agrees. Almost by fate, during this errand, she helps an elderly gentleman who needed medical attention, who she forms the closest relationship with. This is the story of loves lost, loves found, family feuds, but most of all, finding oneself at Hedgehog Hollow.
I loved this book. That’s it. I said it. I full on happy escapism loved this book. I laughed, I cried, I gaped open-mouthed in shock many, many times. This was so emotional, and the storyline never went where I was expecting!
Hedgehog Hollow is somewhere I really wish was real. It’s the perfect place to go and escape, and find yourself again. Maybe they should make it a resort! But anyhow, I loved the characters and the relationships that formed amongst the drama, and I’m excited to read book two!
April 23, 2025
Je pensais lire une romance légère et mignonne, mais en fait, Jessica Redland y aborde des sujets plus profonds que ça.
- service presse non rémunéré, livre offert par les éditions City
Dans cette histoire, nos suivons Samantha, qui assiste au mariage de sa cousine Chloé avec son ex, James. Ce mariage va déboucher sur une rencontre Thomas, un papi seul qui tente de faire face à la perte de sa femme. La vie de Samantha va prendre un nouveau tournant suite à cette rencontre.
Au-delà des rencontres et de la situation de Sam, à travers cette histoire on va surtout être plongé dans la complexité des relations humaines mais surtout des relations mère/filles et des relations amoureuses. Faut-il tout pardonner ? Faut-il faire confiance ? À quel moment la relation devient-elle toxique ? Est-ce que, sous couvert des liens du sang, on doit tout pardonner ?
Ce livre m’a fait réfléchir et permet aussi de se rendre compte à quel point ce n’est pas normal d’accepter certaines choses juste parce que c’est la famille.
✨ Prenez soin de vous, n’acceptez jamais le manque de respect peu importe de qui cela vient, et n’hésitez jamais à partir d’une relation lorsque vous ne vous y sentez plus à l’aise, amoureuse ou familiale.
- service presse non rémunéré, livre offert par les éditions City
Dans cette histoire, nos suivons Samantha, qui assiste au mariage de sa cousine Chloé avec son ex, James. Ce mariage va déboucher sur une rencontre Thomas, un papi seul qui tente de faire face à la perte de sa femme. La vie de Samantha va prendre un nouveau tournant suite à cette rencontre.
Au-delà des rencontres et de la situation de Sam, à travers cette histoire on va surtout être plongé dans la complexité des relations humaines mais surtout des relations mère/filles et des relations amoureuses. Faut-il tout pardonner ? Faut-il faire confiance ? À quel moment la relation devient-elle toxique ? Est-ce que, sous couvert des liens du sang, on doit tout pardonner ?
Ce livre m’a fait réfléchir et permet aussi de se rendre compte à quel point ce n’est pas normal d’accepter certaines choses juste parce que c’est la famille.
✨ Prenez soin de vous, n’acceptez jamais le manque de respect peu importe de qui cela vient, et n’hésitez jamais à partir d’une relation lorsque vous ne vous y sentez plus à l’aise, amoureuse ou familiale.
July 6, 2020
Finding love and restoring faith in human kindness. This book isn't all about hedgehogs but these spikey cat food eating tiggywinkles provide an adorable theme for the story. Samantha often gets called 'Sammie' by her family but I'm not sure she likes this babyish name. We readers get to learn all about Sam's family dynamics how she has always put other people first. Her nursing career took her to the district where she found herself used. A family wedding provides an unexpected corner for Sam to turn. There are new beginnings a love interest and character growth. Sam learns not to hide behind family excuses and father figures. A great resolution to a heartwarming story.
February 22, 2024
Jag älskade boken från första sidan. Det är en fin berättelse om att det inte alltid är blodsband som ger den bästa familjen utan de personer som man väljer som sin familj är det bästa.
Samantha är en stark karaktär. Jag förstår inte hur hon har orkat med att ha en sådan mamma som beskrivs i boken. Men de andra runtomkring verkar ha varit vettigare och mer kärleksfulla.
Detta är en serie som jag tänker följa. Den är mysig, sorglig, underbar och man åker verkligen berg- och dalbana med allt som händer. Jag satt med tårar i ögonen vid flera tillfällen.
Boken rekommenderas varmt, men man måste vara beredd på mycket känslor på hela spektrat.
Samantha är en stark karaktär. Jag förstår inte hur hon har orkat med att ha en sådan mamma som beskrivs i boken. Men de andra runtomkring verkar ha varit vettigare och mer kärleksfulla.
Detta är en serie som jag tänker följa. Den är mysig, sorglig, underbar och man åker verkligen berg- och dalbana med allt som händer. Jag satt med tårar i ögonen vid flera tillfällen.
Boken rekommenderas varmt, men man måste vara beredd på mycket känslor på hela spektrat.
July 16, 2021
I absolutely loved this!! 💕
August 10, 2020
Even hardened cynics won’t be able to resist Jessica Redland’s enchanting new novel, Escape to Hedgehog Hollow.
Samantha Wishaw has had it with relationships. After watching the love of her life marrying another woman, Samantha has come to the conclusion that a happy ever after is simply not in her future. However, could Samantha’s fortunes be about to change forever after a chance encounter with grumpy widower, Thomas? Elderly Thomas lives at derelict Hedgehog Hollow and he wants Samantha to help restore it to its former glory. Desperate for a distraction, Samantha gleefully accepts and gets ready to roll up her sleeves and do some serious work. But it will not just be elbow grease and back-breaking labour that will prove to be Samantha’s salvation…
When she had accepted this mammoth task of making Thomas’ wife Gwendolyn’s dream a reality of transforming Hedgehog Hollow from a dilapidated ruin into a majestic location once again, Samantha never imagined that she would end up finding not just a refuge from her own troubles and worries, but somewhere she feels she belongs – not to mention the love and fulfilment which have eluded her so far. Hedgehog Hollow is about to make Samantha’s dreams a reality, but only if she has the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on happiness.
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a sparkling, heart-warming and charming tale that makes for perfect summer reading. Feel-good, romantic and deliciously witty, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a brilliant novel about renewal, healing and second chances that ticks all the right boxes.
Jessica Redland writes escapist and enjoyable novels set in wonderful communities you would just love to move to and Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is certainly no different. Witty, entertaining and a joy from beginning to end, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a treat you cannot afford to miss.
Samantha Wishaw has had it with relationships. After watching the love of her life marrying another woman, Samantha has come to the conclusion that a happy ever after is simply not in her future. However, could Samantha’s fortunes be about to change forever after a chance encounter with grumpy widower, Thomas? Elderly Thomas lives at derelict Hedgehog Hollow and he wants Samantha to help restore it to its former glory. Desperate for a distraction, Samantha gleefully accepts and gets ready to roll up her sleeves and do some serious work. But it will not just be elbow grease and back-breaking labour that will prove to be Samantha’s salvation…
When she had accepted this mammoth task of making Thomas’ wife Gwendolyn’s dream a reality of transforming Hedgehog Hollow from a dilapidated ruin into a majestic location once again, Samantha never imagined that she would end up finding not just a refuge from her own troubles and worries, but somewhere she feels she belongs – not to mention the love and fulfilment which have eluded her so far. Hedgehog Hollow is about to make Samantha’s dreams a reality, but only if she has the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on happiness.
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a sparkling, heart-warming and charming tale that makes for perfect summer reading. Feel-good, romantic and deliciously witty, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a brilliant novel about renewal, healing and second chances that ticks all the right boxes.
Jessica Redland writes escapist and enjoyable novels set in wonderful communities you would just love to move to and Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is certainly no different. Witty, entertaining and a joy from beginning to end, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is a treat you cannot afford to miss.
June 26, 2022
Good book, but a bit too much drama for my taste right now.
July 23, 2022
Okej, jag vill ha en igelkott! 🦔
August 14, 2022
3,5 ☆
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