absolutely gorgeous read by an amazing author. LOVED everything about this one. I cannot say anything negative about this book.

I fell in love with the first book in series and this one welcomed me back into the warmth of Hedgehog Hollow like a much-needed hug. I am local to the Wolds and Jessica Redland captures the beauty of the setting in her writing, and as someone shielding the descriptions gave me a view of the outside and an escape. Thomas’ meadow is vivid and somewhere I wish I could spend time there myself.
  The novel begins with a giggle when  the rescue centre opens and I was immersed back into the lives of Sammie and Josh. It catches up with them a few weeks after the end of the previous book and covers the consequences of the Grimes brothers’ actions, family rifts, mental health as well as discovering more about Josh and his background. All topics are covered sensitively with some unexpected turns when family secrets are revealed. The hedgehogs are adorable and I have learnt so much about them by reading these novels, which is great for awareness.
The handy recap provided means it can be read as a standalone novel, but personally I think you gain so much more by reading the first book beforehand.

Having read the first book in this series, I was full of anticipation for this second book; it felt a little like meeting much loved friends again. New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow did not fail to both deliver and delight, with the perfect mix of love and roma. Vmn

Samantha and Josh seem to be the perfect couple, but both have things on their minds. Josh is being bothered by his ex, Beth and Samantha has the farm and the Grimes cousins on her mind, as well as her Mother

Goodness knows how Sam copes with her Mother. She is, quite simply, vile. Nothing nice ever seems to come out of her mouth and the reader despairs for poor Sam, having to put up with her.

The characters in the book seemed so life-like, I really cared what happened to them and I found myself on tenterhooks every time a hedgehog was rescued; I deeply cared whether it lived or died. I can only hope that I do not have too long to wait, until the third instalment of this story makes it to the shelves!

I love this series I was very lucky to read the first book but if you haven't read the first one it does give you a run down of what has happened and who the characters are.

🦔 we are back with Samantha and Josh at hedgehog hollow we are rejoining them for the opening day at the center. 
As we go through Samantha wanders whether or not she can do the center justice for Thomas and gwendoline. 
The family dramas are still sadly with them and this time we meet josh's dad and Beth his ex girlfriend now his father's partner. And Josh has to face up to his past to have any hope of moving on. 
And Samantha is still having issues with her mother and cousin Chloe.

🦔 you will absolutely fall in the love with the area the book is based and with the characters. 

I can not wait for another trio to hedgehog hollow.

New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollows picks up shortly after the events of Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollows and follows the lives of our two favorite lovebirds Sam and Josh. 

Once again, I am shocked by how much I love Jessica Redland’s writing style. This book switches back and forth between the two main characters and I had no problem reconnecting with them both on personal levels. Although the drama included in this book (and the previous) seems a bit over the top at times, it is clear that this is all orchestrated to give the book a stronger message. Bad things happen to good people and sometimes you just have to do the best with what you’ve got.

One of the main reasons why I rated this book lower than its predecessor was because although they both had very similar morals, New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow pushed this lesson much harder, to the point where I felt like it was straying very very close to preaching toxic positivity rather than support, validation, and healing.

There were two messages that I felt the book pushed often that I disagree with.

Every misdeed, no matter how bad, should be forgiven.
You should always put everyone else first.
Both of these are things that may seem reasonable at first glance but can quickly turn into toxic behaviors because they don’t put any emphasis on self-care. I don’t think that this was Jessica Redland’s intention at all since there were plenty of other powerful messages that I agreed with throughout the book–and Sam is by far one of the best characters I’ve ever read–but it was something that continuously rubbed me the wrong way as I made my way through the story.

That being said, I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye on Jessica Redland and her books. In fact, I recently told my partner Rob that I’d like to buy a physical copy of Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow to show my support for her and so that he can also have the chance of reading it.

I can’t say that New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is a light read because it covers very hard topics, but I’d recommend this series for anyone who is interested in reading powerful stories of overcoming pain and trauma of the past.

Samantha has achieved her dream as owner of The Hedgehog Hollow Rescue Centre she has also met her perfect man in Josh so everything is perfect right ?

This was my first trip to Hedgehog Hollow but not my first Jessica Redland book so I knew I was in for a treat. When Beth who is Josh’s ex turns up he is upset and angry and after what she did with his Father it is hardly surprising. Samantha is lovely with the Hedgehogs and she is desperate to make a difference. She starts to feel dizzy and Josh is worried that she is overdoing things.

Josh and Sam both have had bad relationships and they are devoted to each other. I loved the nods to Whitsborough Bay which I love. When Beth turns up again things take a dramatic turn when Beth collapses and Josh ends up having to see his estranged Father again. Samantha’s attachment to her Hedgehogs is heartwarming and emotional at times.

This is another fabulous book from Jessica she writes so dramatically about families and relationships it hooks you into the story and you need to keep on reading. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it was such a welcome escape from these challenging times.

This sequel to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is full of family drama, forgiveness and fabulous hedgehogs. The research of the setting of this story is obvious and gives this story authenticity and depth of interest.

The author provides a list of recurrent characters, and a catch up of the story so far. There is plenty of background in the actual story to make this readable as a standalone, but it's so good don't miss out on the first book in the series.

The story is told from the two main protagonists' points of view, giving valuable insights into Sammie and Josh's personalities and thoughts. Their developing relationship faces conflict, from family dramas and threats to the hedgehog rescue centre. This is a character-driven story, some are not likeable, but this makes the story realistic. It also effectively highlights the protagonists' positive character traits.

Love and forgiveness prevail, making this both heartwarming and uplifting to read.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This arc book was provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review for netgalley.
This book was so sweet and it made me even finderof hedgehogs than before.
I liked that it was written from both Samantha and Joshs perspective, it made it a really refreshing read.
It wasn’t all gushy and made sense of the trials and twists of an older relationship.

I hadn’t read the first book and this didn’t feel like it had mattered.

Looking forward to more books in 🦔 hollow.

🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔

I would just like to start off this review with a massive thank you to Jessica for the previously breakdown at the beginning of this book. Whilst I remembered what had happened in the first, I think previously sections should definitely start becoming a thing within every book series, as sometimes you just need that little refresher – much appreciated, Jessica! 

New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow carries on a few weeks from when we last saw Samantha, Josh and the rest of the gang. Sam’s hedgehog sanctuary has finally opened for business and people are absolutely loving it! In the first book, we was treated to Sam’s perspective, however, this time round, Jessica has decided to treat us with both Sam and Josh’s perspectives – Josh having quite a hefty story-line. We first get a glimpse in to Josh’s back-story and why that had made him the person he is, in the first book of the series, therefore the second book, it was time to dig in to the nitty gritty. Josh has had a complicated past, one that no one should have to endure, however, with the support of Samantha, he really comes through and becomes the bigger person in the situation. I had to give it to Josh for being such an incredible person to people who did not really deserve it. I think my pettiness levels are much higher than his, as I wouldn’t have done half of what he did! That being said, the character developments between Josh and his family were also the most heart-warming moments of the story and I was really pleased to see some closure to the past and the possibility to fresh starts and better relationships. 

Now, how is our oh so lovely leading lady doing, you may ask? Well, I can tell you with full confidence that she is still the most remarkable woman ever and her heart just seems to keep having the ability to grow and grow, despite every awful moment she faces… and there was unfortunately plenty of them. I couldn’t have admired Samantha more for what she did for Josh and his family, she is a woman I definitely aspire to see. Not only is she having to support Josh getting through his family troubles, her mother and cousin are still the most irritating people Sam has to have the unfortunate time in dealing with. Whilst we do get a much more in-depth look in to Sam’s mothers past life, allowing us to understand why she is the way she is, I still found myself furious with the answers. When it came to Sam’s cousin, Chloe, although she was less infuriating, she still made me want to shake Sam’s shoulders and say, “stop giving her chance after chance!” No friendship is worth holding on to, if it resembles any of Sam and Chloe’s, family or not. I just couldn’t understand why Sam kept putting herself through it! 

Last, but most certainly not least, we have to talk about the gorgeous hedgehogs! These darling hedgehogs gave Sam a second chance at a new life and it really couldn’t have worked out anymore perfect. My favourite part when it came to the hedgehogs was all of the insightful information Jessica provided us with. By the end of the book I had learnt so much and would absolutely love to help take care of hedgehogs at some point in my lifetime. I absolutely adored the names given to every hedgehog as well, especially Snoop Hoggy Hog, there was plenty that had me giggling away to myself! Whilst our delightful little friends brought much happiness to the story, they also brought much heart-break, so much so my chest was aching for Sam, who had to put up with so much of it herself. Sam, being the angelic woman she is, was really lucky in making such a positive name and atmosphere to herself, as we gradually get to meet so many other wonderful people who had wanted to support and improve the areas, in order to keep the hedgehogs protected and not in any risk of hurting themselves. The community was just incredible and made sure Sam knew that she wasn’t alone. Of course, she also had her gorgeous companion in Josh, her father and other friends to support her mid-breakdown and when Thomas’ family came to strike their revenge.  

I am so excited for the third instalment in the series and that last line definitely only means one thing – D R A M A. New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is a story filled with love, family and friends… with a little additional heartache, that will have you smiling from cheek to cheek and welling up with tears from every type of emotion. I’m so glad that I have had the opportunity to start my 2021 with this gorgeous set of characters and can’t wait to return for a catch up.

Readers should note this novel follows on from Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow (which was also one of my top reads from 2020). Some might say you don’t need to read that story to enjoy this one. That’s true, BUT, I pity the hard heart that does not fall in love with our heroine, Sam, in the first book. I think to really appreciate the beauty of New Arrivals, you should read Finding Love first!

This novel is very much about Samantha and her continued journey towards fulfilling her potential both professionally and personally. However, her boyfriend, Josh, is also a central protagonist in this one. In fact, it’s Josh who must undergo the more profound change this time around.

What I love about Jessica’s books is how they delve into the inner workings of her characters. We feel with and for them. Yes, we have a couple who are in love as the main characters but they are also learning how to navigate life together and are both cementing their commitment to supporting each other through all that life throws at them. To really appreciate just how far Sam has come and why Josh admires her so much, you probably have to read book 1.

This story is told from the dual perspectives of both Sam and Josh. The switching POVs works extremely well and is instrumental to the reader’s understanding of Josh and his circumstances.

I love how we see him relate to various people differently. He is warm and loving with Sam, protective of his mother and yet cold and beastly when it comes to his father and Beth. As the novel progresses we find out just why he’s so broken up and we witness how he pieces back together his really big and kind heart. This novel, like most by this author, really is a personal journey to a better life for the central characters.

While we meet some delightful new faces, like the exuberant, aptly named Fizz, we also see some familiar ones we might rather like to forget, like Sam’s mum and spoilt cousin, Chloe. Each of them moves the story forward in one way or another.

Then, perhaps the breakaway stars of the show are the hedgehogs. Jessica’s love for the little critters comes through in the pages of her novel. Seamlessly, we get hedgehog care tips and interesting facts about the cute animals. We can’t help but feel Sam’s sadness when she can’t save some of them, but we also share in her exuberance every time one is restored and released. The hedgehogs also play their role in bringing various characters together who might not have otherwise met. I love that mechanism for this novel.

I should warn readers that this story is part two of three (?) and our epilogue brings us closure of some issues but also opens up a whole new storyline. I’m looking forward to book 3 to find out if a certain character can be redeemed after all…

Overall, this is another winner from Jessica. The story (along with the hedgehogs) will capture your attention and your heart).

Do you love all thing cuddly and cute?

Do you gush at the sight of baby animals?

Throw in all that and some gorgeous love stories and that would make up 75% of the beauty Jessica brings you. The other 25% I will leave for you to discover as a reviewer never gives away a full story. Now the book is set in a gorgeous country farm that has now been refurbished as a hedgehog sanctuary by our main character Sammie and her partner Josh, a qualified vet. These two are adorable together. You will invest in their relationship, I know I did.

As the story develops, you follow the characters through a journey filled with stress, past demons, forgiveness, friendship and compassion. It will definitely remind you that being nice doesn’t come with a cost. In fact it could change someone’s whole story. Plus it brings you wit, cute little baby hoglets. Yes, I even learnt what they were called. It also reminds you that your true north is out there somewhere, whether you’ve already found them or are still looking, they are there and can turn up when you least expect.

As with the previous books of Jessica’s that I have read, this one was well written, easy to digest and knows how to tug your heartstrings. And I mean, mine got tugged so hard, it’s going to take a week of rom com binging to fix them. All the characters, and I mean every single character you meet, feels like a real person or reminds you of your neighbour down the street. I would move to Whitsborough or its surrounding areas if I could. It sounds delightful.

This maybe book 2 of the Hedgehog Hollow series but believe me, book 1 is the same. This is definitely an author to check out, especially if you need a feel good, heartwarming romance tale to curl up on the settee days. Especially with the weather drawing colder. You won’t be disappointed. I wasn’t and I’m the fantasy addict who rarely tried outside the genre unless it was Stephen King or crime. Why not try some sugar in your tea on the bench in the garden and try something new today.

Great book. Even though I hadn’t read the previous one in the series there was enough information in this book to understand what had happened. My first Jessica Redland book and I’ve already ordered two more. So easy and enjoyable to read. The characters had depth and were likeable. The hedgehogs were adorable and I fell in love with them. Great book and I look forward to the next instalment.

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.

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. ***

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for offering this book for an honest review.
This is the Sequel to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, which I didn’t know when I first began. There are many complex relationships in this series and it is probably best to start with Book for maximum enjoyment. But Redland provided a great summary and character list at the beginning of the story so it only took me a quick little bit to get caught up and understand who all the characters are.

I’m a huge animal lover, which is honestly what drew me to this book to begin with. I know next to nothing about Hedgehogs but Redland wrote about Hedgehog rescues in such away that you became a little attached to them and learned a few things as well.  Unfortunately, there is also a sad side to rescues and those stories were also included. So be forewarned that there were some sad moments.

The character relationships are crazy! I felt like I dropped into a Soap Opera. There have previously been several affairs, so lots of people aren’t talking to each other.  Samantha and her boyfriend Josh are the MC’s. Samantha’s previous boyfriend was having an affair with her cousin and they are now married and pregnant.  Josh’s Dad was having an affair with Josh’s previous girlfriend and when it was uncovered, he divorced Josh’s mom, and they’ve now had one child and have another on the way.

Whew!  Apparently in England there are lots of Hedgehogs and lots of cheating!  There is more drama between characters other than just these two main ones, so if you like some drama with your Chick-lit, then this is the book for you!  It was a little bit too much for me but there were a lot of sweet things that happened as well so it helped to even out some of the drama. Solid 3 stars

I loved Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow when I read it last year, so I was keen to read the next of Samantha and Josh’s story.

The reality of running an animal rescue centre is sinking in. Hedgehogs and hoglets are arriving and it’s hands on deck to feed the babies and help them return to health. There’s lots of hedgehog info included as Sam learns about the creatures and teaches the local community how to to help the hogs.

This book fills in some the gaps in Samantha and Josh’s individual stories.

Why is Samantha’s mother so hostile and horrible? What exactly happened between Josh and his father? Finally I got some answers

Both Josh and Samantha go on a journey of acceptance and forgiveness as they build a new life together.

With complicated families, busy jobs and some ongoing issues with some unfriendly neighbours there is a lot going on at Hedgehog Hollow.

And the ending! I actually gasped out loud. There’s definitely more to come.

I loved the first book, really enjoyed this sequel and now can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Thank you Bolwood Books and Netgalley for the gifted copy of the book in return for a review

I have been a fan of Jessica’s work for a little while now.  I haven’t quite caught up with everything that she has written but I am getting there.  I read the synopsis for ‘New Arrivals At Hedgehog Hollows’ and it certainly sounded like Jessica had another winner on her hands.  I eagerly started reading and to say that I enjoyed this book is a massive understatement.  I ADORED reading ‘New Arrivals At Hedgehog Hollow’ but more about that in a bit.
Well what I can say about ‘New Arrivals At Hedgehog Hollow’?  It really is an amazing read and I cannot think of one thing I didn’t like about it.  This book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that lasted throughout the book.  I just couldn’t put my Kindle down.  It wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me.  I couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story.  I took to the characters of Samantha and Josh from the start and it didn’t take me long to feel as though they had become friends of mine.  I had to keep reading to find out what happened to them.  The pages turned at a fairly fast pace as I seemed to charge my way through the story.  I had mixed feelings about reaching the end of this book.  Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended but at the same time I was enjoying the book so much that I just didn’t want it to end.
‘New Arrivals At Hedgehog Hollow’ is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Jessica’s books that I have had the pleasure of reading to date.  Jessica has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with.  In fact reading one of Jessica’s books is more like a chat between friends rather than reading an actual book.  I hope that makes sense.  She has the knack of catching your attention from the start and draws you into the story.  She creates characters that are impossible to dislike and you find that you care about the characters and what happens to them.   The story is written from the points of view of Samantha and Josh with the different chapters interlinking really well.  For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace.  Jessica has a way of making me feel as though I am part of the story and that’s all thanks to her very realistic and vivid storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘New Arrivals At Hedgehog Hollow’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.  I will certainly be reading more of Jessica’s work in the future.  The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

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…

(Review copied to Amazon UK, but link not yet available)

New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland is the follow up book to Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow, and another fun addition . Samantha Wishaw and her  boyfriend Josh, have completed the hedgehog rescue in honor of Thomas and Gwendoline, and are opened for business.  Samantha life is really busy between a full time job, taking care of her health, saving the Hedgehogs, and people trying to sabatosh the rescue, she's exhausted.  Samantha must decide how to make it all work, and make tough decisions.  I highly recommend this book/series for anyone who enjoys family drama, friendship, romance, and animals. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Redland.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.