Cover Image: A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow

A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow

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Member Reviews

When I requested this book I didn’t realize it was part of a series but I while reading it, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. I had the sweetest hedgehog named Harvey and honestly that’s the only reason I chose to read this book- but I was pleasantly surprised by how great it was and plan to read more in the series!

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From the moment we were introduced to Phoebe in the last Hedgehog Hollow book I was intrigued. Who was this reticent girl? What could her story possibly be? How would Samantha play a role in her life? All those questions and more are answered in A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow… and they are well worth the read!

Quick note on the series: Technically, each of the books in this series works as a standalone. However, you won’t get the full tension and character development if you haven’t read the previous stories. This book is partly about Sam and Josh getting to their big, happy day. Their romance is solid. There’s no conflict here. Our conflict really is with how Phoebe and Darcie recover from their exposure to the wicked Grimes family. Even Samantha’s relationships with her Mum and cousin, Chole, are dealt with through the lens of readers who have witnessed that journey. I think of each subsequent Hedgehog Hollow book as a treat for readers of the series.

On the note of Sam and her Mum… wow. I did not think I could ever like or feel sympathy towards Samantha’s mother. Jessica totally turns that relationship on its head for us in this one! What I really, really love about how their relationship has changed over the course of the series is that Samantha takes control of it. As she points out, she chooses to be in that relationship, knowing she can walk away if she needs to. It is quite empowering to read and really show the value of true contrition, forgiveness and redemption.

As for cousin Chole… well… yeah… she’s alright but I’ll never be a fan. Haha.

Phoebe and Darcie are a fantastic addition to the Hedgehog Hollow family. I was completely gripped and immersed in their scenes with the Grimes family. I felt scared for them and angry on their behalf. It’s easy to fall in love with these two darlings and recognize how much they deserve a happier life… one that Sam and Josh ultimately play a big role in.

The story ends with the big wedding and it is just perfectly described. There is a sense of coming full circle as all Sam and Josh’s family and friends come together. It’s not a perfect family… whose is?! It’s messy and troubled and unconventional… and totally full of love. Again, as a reader of the series, I can’t say how much this wedding and all the players fit in so perfectly in how the characters have evolved.

One of my favourite parts of this series is that we are not given perfect resolutions. People make giant strides towards becoming better individuals. They grow, they commit to change, but sometimes they fall… and their loved ones help them back up again.

Overall, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is a powerful story that shows the value of true contrition, forgiveness and redemption.

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So good to be back at Hedgehog Hollow with Samantha and her prickly charges.
Once again Jessica Redland hits just the right spot for a feel-good book that captures the emotional, challenging and caring relationships within families and between friends.
This time Samantha’s story is mixed with that of Phoebe, trainee accountant and volunteer at Hedgehog Hollow, as she tries to navigate the desperate situation she finds herself in. Phoebe’s story is sensitively handled and pulls at the heartstrings of the reader as her story unfolds in front of us as we read.
So pleased that there’s another Hedgehog Hollow story on its way as several loose strings were left dangling, hooking is reader in ready to find out what is going to happen next.

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Another adventure at the hedgehog rescue centre to start the new year. I now feel like these characters are old friends and felt as excited to be part of the long-awaited wedding. Again there are threats to the centre and obstacles to overcome but once again friends and family and love (and little prickly hedgehogs prevail).

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This is not first book by Jessica that I have read, but it is the first set in Hedgehog Hollow for me – whilst this is book 4 in the series and it is cleat that a lot has happened to Samantha in the prior books, it can be read as a stand alone as enough is given of the backstories to get you going (however so much went on that I went back and started at the beginning as I needed more answers lol) I would like to say that this not a cozy read that I thought it would be, it had elements yes but it was so much than that – Jessica weaves some serious storylines (featuring mental, emotional and physical abuse) into this book that will have you feeling angry, shocked and saddened at how people can treat other human beings, and there are moment that will bring you joy.

It is clear that the rescue centre at Hedgehog Hollow has had a rough start in coming into fruition, but it seems to be on track that is until Sam discovers the centre’s bank account completely empty! She discovers that Phoebe, who has been helping with the accounts is connected to the horrible Grimes family – the very family that has been attacking not only Sam but the centre since she inherited Hedgehog Hollow from her friend Thomas (there is a huge back story this which is more in depth in book 1 of the series)

Sam doesn’t want to believe that Phoebe is capable of doing something like this, and what follows is Phoebe’s tale of her horrible upbringing with the Grimes family – we learn that her family marries into the Grimes and when he passes away the mental and physical abuse that is directed at Phoebe increases ten fold. It was a harrowing tale, and instantly felt protective of her along side Sam when she comes to realise the truth surround Phoebe’s background.

Phoebe’s friend Rosemary was a force to be reckoned with – blind and elderly she faces the force of the Grimes family as well and instantly blames Phoebe for bringing them to her doorstep – in way she was right but the way she treated Phoebe was just awful and selfish, and I really didn’t like the character she became and even when realised Phoebe’s truth she was still not on my radar as likable.

Through all this Sam and Josh are also preparing for their upcoming wedding, which is hanging on a thread for a beat or two. Eventually everything goes to plan, and you left with a warm fuzzy feeling and also a few teasing’s of what may come in future books!

This was a great book, and I loved with hedgehog knowledge slipped in throughout.

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“It’s not how long you know someone, it’s the impact they have on you during that time that makes the difference.”

✮✮✮✮✮

Book four and the lead up to the biggest, most highly anticipated, wedding of this year! Hedgehog Hollow got a hell of a lot more interesting in this instalment of Sam and Josh’s life. Sam hiring Phoebe without vetting who she was may have had disastrous consequences, but will she get something out of it?

Hedgehog Hollow has done it again! With each book, Jessica brings disaster as well as amazing things to the characters! I loved how in particular this book, brings about real world problems that need talking about, so as a warning, history of neglect and abuse feature heavily in this book.

I have really enjoyed this series so far, and I’m really looking forward to the release of book five, it’s on my list to watch for! I like the fact that the story never stops between the books, and that each new instalment just carries on from where the last left off, so you never miss anything.

Phoebe is a great character in this book, and I feel a whole mix of emotions for her throughout, however I definitely need an answer on whether she ever tells Fizz ! Thank you for another great read Jessica Redland!

Thank you to Boldwood Books, Jessica Redland and NetGalley for providing me with a copy!

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4.5 Stars

Jessica Redland is at her enchanting best with her heart-warming new novel, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow.

Life at Hedgehog Hollow is anything but dull and nobody knows this better than Samantha. Despite all of the challenges of running the refuge, Samantha wouldn’t have it any other way and she cannot imagine living anywhere else. With her wedding to the love of her life fast approaching, Samantha hopes that the coming year will be less hectic, however, it looks like she is destined for disappointment because when she checks the rescue centre’s bank account, she is shocked to her very core when she finds it emptied. Just what is going on? Who would do such a thing? And why? Will Samantha’s plans for the future be completely dashed? Or will there be an unexpected surprise that will turn things around at the eleventh hour?

Phoebe would love nothing more than to escape the confining shackles of her bullying family. With their relentless attacks on Samantha and her rescue centre, Phoebe’s family have succeeded in turning her away. Finding herself at Hedgehog Hollow, Phoebe feels like she has found somewhere she can finally belong and the fresh start she had been desperate for, but will her family put her bright new future in jeopardy? Or could a happy ending be on the cards for Phoebe at long last?

Will Samantha’s wedding take place? Can Phoebe break free from her family and find the happiness she craves? One thing’s for certain: life at Hedgehog Hollow will never be the same again!

I always look forward to Jessica Redland’s book! Her books are bursting with humour, heart and charm and A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is certainly no exception. A beautifully written story about friendship, putting down roots and fighting for the future you really want, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is immensely readable, wonderfully romantic and so enjoyable readers simply won’t be able to put it down.

A treat guaranteed to brighten up dull and dismal January, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is another triumph for Jessica Redland!

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I love this series by Jessica Redland, and finding out everything I didn't know I wanted to know about hedgehogs, which are not found in Canada. Samantha and Josh are excited to be getting married, but finding out that all the money in the account for the rescue centre has been stolen, has put a damper on their joy. Continued family drama adds to Samantha's stress levels, but her heart is touched by the story of Phoebe and Darcie, and the abuse they have suffered at the hands of the Grimes family.

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Life at Hedgehog Hollow is never dull, although Samantha hopes that the new year ahead will be a little less chaotic as she prepares to marry the love of her life, Josh. But disaster strikes when she checks the rescue centre's bank account after the festive season and discovers it has been emptied. Who would do such a thing, and why? With the future of Hedgehog Hollow now in jeopardy, planning a wedding has lost its shine. Sheer escapism, beautifully written, I will look for more of this author’s work.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this title. I highly recommend it.

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Brilliant book loved the storyline and how descriptive it was, characters were amazing, loved reading this book

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What a lovely book it was an honour and privilege to be able to read an arc in exchange for an honest review for netgalley. Sam and Josh and their lovely hedgehog retreat are still being horribly targeted relentlessly by the Grimes family.
This story unpicks just how horrible evil the family actually are.
Sam and Josh work together through their troubles and they are kind and decent and help those around them when they can.
The story of Darcy and Phebe is so sad and I’m so glad they have the hedgehog hollow and m it’s a inhabitants both human and hoggy to support them through it.
Sam’s growing stronger with each book and that’s lovely to read.

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A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland is the 4th book in Hedgehog Hollow series, and another fun addition . Samantha Wishaw and her boyfriend Josh, are getting married. Unfortunately disaster strikes when someone has empties the Hedgehog rescue bank account. Can Samantha and Josh get to the bottom of whats going on and still get married? You got to read the book and find out. I love this series, it has a bit of everything, but I suggest reading the books in order. 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.

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Samantha (Sam) Wishaw is the proud owner of Hedgehog Hollow, a hedgehog rescue centre located in the Yorkshire Wolds. Managing the rescue centre that is tremendously busy with new influxes of hedgehogs and hoglets is hard work. Sam gave up her full-time job at the local university, as she has her fiancé, Josh Alderson, willing to lend a hand. She has a new work experience assistant, Phoebe and Sam is due to marry Josh but who has emptied Hedgehog Hollow's bank account?

Although A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is the fourth in a series, it is complete in itself so you can dive in here should you wish to. In a story written in alternating viewpoints from both Sam and Phoebe, I got acquainted with Phoebe very quickly and continued to warm to Sam who always shows how big-hearted she is, even whilst struggling with her own challenges. Phoebe has exceptionally difficult issues that are slowly revealed.

In her compelling tale Jessica Redland realistically portrays complicated and painful family relationships and I adore the author's descriptions of the charming setting. Along with the (mostly!) pleasing characters and dashes of romance, I really enjoy the snippets of information about hedgehogs. In a tale that covers families, friendships, kindness and unpleasantness, forgiveness and general life, there were dramatic moments as well as touching scenes. It was great to see how Sam's life has been going since the previous book and for her story to move onwards. All in all, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely, heartwarming, as well as an emotional and sad novel that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Redland.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

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This is my first Jessica Redland book. I have read a lot of reviews of the Hedgehog Hollow series on Facebook, Amazon and in magazines. I was lucky to receive this from Netgalley for an unbiased review. This book covers some really intense storylines and early on I wondered if I actually wanted to continue. In the end I became so engrossed that I was reading until 3am to finish it! I believe there is another book to complete this series in due course. I am now going to try the Castle Street series.

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I love all Jessica's books and especially the Hedgehog Hollow series!

Alongside another visit to HH this book tackles some really difficult themes. Painful at times but so important. Well done Jessica.

Can't wait for the next book!

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As always, the Hedgehog Hollow series does not disappoint. Such a great story with family, friends, theft, love, and a wedding. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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I love Jessica Redland books and Hedgehog Hollow is one of my favourite series.

The last book in the series ended with the shocking cliffhanger that left the future of the rescue centre in peril and this book picks up the story where it left off.

Samantha amd Josh are planning their wedding, running the rescue centre and the veterinary practice and continuing to rebuild their relationships with their complicated families.

When the rescue centre bank account is emptied Sam is facing a crisis that will impact her ability to rescue hogs at one of their busiest times of the year. When it is revealed that volunteer book keeper, Phoebe, is related to the hideous Grimes whose grudge against Samantha has led to previous criminal damage and prison sentences, it seems clear that Phoebe is behind the theft. But is she?

Redland is so good and blending lighthearted humour and heart-rending stories. Phoebe’s story is a real tear jerker and utterly heart breaking. Criminality, drugs, child abuse – it doesn’t sound like the topic for a.book.wotj such a pretty cover, but believe me when I say it all comes together so well. Phoebe has become one of my favourite characters in the series and I was rooting for her all the way.

Hedgehog Hollow rescues more than just our spikey friends. It’s fast becoming a focal point for the community and a place where people can find the time and space they need to recover. Samantha just needs to remember to look after herself sometimes too.

This is a great installment in the series. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The characters are wonderful and I love the hedgehog info.

Jessica Redland has created something really special with Hedgehog Hollow. I have loved the whole series so far and will definitely be reading the next book when it’s published.

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A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is the 4th book in the Hedgehog Hollow series. If you have not read three previous books, so it would be better to read them first in order.
As for me, I haven't read the first books, but that didn't stop me from falling in love with the book. After reading this amazing book, I wish to read them all of the series, to know more about the characters and hedgehogs.
I enjoyed reading this book and so happy to add Jessica Redland in the list of my favourite authors. The book is brilliant and unputdownable.
I will highly recommend Hedgehog Hollow series and this book in particularto everyone who loves well-written beautiful stories.
Thank you Jessica Redland, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

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Absolutely excellent fourth instalment in the Hedgehog Hollow series of books. Jessica’s writing style creates a world in which you can immerse yourself into. This time it’s Samantha and Josh’s wedding to be held at their new home. As usual things do go quite as smoothly as planned or hoped. Buy this book, you won’t be disappointed.

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This is the fourth installment in the Hedgehog Hollow series but it can be read as a standalone novel because there is "the story so far" round up at the beginning of the book.

The book is told from a dual POV with chapters alternating between Samantha who runs the Hedgehog Rescue and Phoebe a young student accountant doing work experience for her.  I enjoyed reading this book and was really engaged with the characters, especially the story of Phoebe & little Darcie.  I was so pleased when things finally started to look up for those 2 after the trauma they had endured.

However, I feel I must say that the cover and title of this book mislead me greatly.  I thought that the focus would be on Samantha's Spring wedding but that actually equates to a very small part of the content of the book. The story arc runs from New Year's eve to the wedding in May and encompasses so much more that at least 70% is not relating to the wedding.

Having read a couple of Jessica's books now it's evident that she likes to pull on the readers heartstrings quite a bit before her characters get a happy ever after!

Overall a great read, just don't go into it expecting a fluffy tale of wedding preparations.

Thank you to Boldwood Books & Netgalley for providing me with a copy for review.

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