Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman and it's not any woman it's her very own cousin. Samantha did not think life could get much worse than today but she was soon to find out this was only the start of her life changing.

This book is full of so much charm and fantastic characters that I just didn't want the story to end. This book is a heartwarming story of friendship, family, dreams, relationships and love. It will make you laugh and it will make you shed a tear but most of all it will make you keep reading to the end.

“Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow” by Jessica Redland is a heartwarming and enchanting novel that will capture the hearts of readers. With its endearing characters, picturesque setting, and emotionally resonant storyline, this book is a standout gem that deserves its well-earned five-star rating.

The story follows Sam, a woman who inherits a dilapidated farm known as Hedgehog Hollow. Determined to restore the property and save the hedgehogs that reside there, Sam finds unexpected friendships, romance, and a journey of self-discovery along the way. Redland’s vivid descriptions of the idyllic countryside bring Hedgehog Hollow to life, immersing readers in a world that is both charming and captivating.

What makes “Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow” truly special is the depth and relatability of its characters. Sam is a protagonist who resonates with readers, as she grapples with personal challenges, loss, and the pursuit of her dreams. The supporting characters, from the quirky and lovable villagers to the wounded souls who find solace at Hedgehog Hollow, are beautifully crafted and add layers of authenticity to the story.

Jessica Redland’s writing style is evocative and emotive, effortlessly drawing readers into the lives of the characters. The author skillfully balances heartwarming moments with emotional depth, weaving a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings without feeling overly saccharine. The themes of love, healing, and second chances are explored with nuance and grace, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

While “Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow” is a satisfying and complete story in itself, it also leaves readers yearning for more. The book’s immersive world and the compelling dynamics between the characters make readers eager to revisit Hedgehog Hollow and explore further tales from the talented author.

In conclusion, “Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow” is an enchanting and uplifting novel that deserves its five-star rating. Jessica Redland’s ability to create relatable characters, picturesque settings, and heartfelt storylines is commendable. Fans of heartwarming contemporary fiction will find solace and joy in this captivating tale. As readers close the book, they’ll eagerly anticipate future works from Redland, eager to be transported to the enchanting world she creates once again.

First of all a big thank you to netgalley, the authors and the publishers for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.

I absolutely loved the relationships in this one. Not just the romantic relationship between our love interests, but the amazing friendship between Sam and Thomas. My heart was broken so many times throughout this book that I almost cried. But it was also filled with so much love and hope. The circle of support that she has around her by the end is something that we all wish for but very rarely receive.

I also really loved seeing the parental dynamic of this book and the fact that it was the mother that was indifferent to Sam rather than the father and I appreciated what she did with the dynamic. It was nice to see that it was the other way round to what is usually portrayed.

This was a very sweet uplifting book.

Sam is having the worst day, having to watch the man she loves, marry her cousin, she's sent off on an errand to collect an errant plant for her Aunt (who is one mean old bat) and gets lost on-route and finds herself at Hedgehog Hollow cottage and finds the owner Thomas in desperate need of medical attention. She calls the ambulance and gets him the help he needs before heading back to the wedding, only to be berated by the aforementioned cousin, aunt and also her own mother (a truly nasty piece of work). Only her best friend and father have any kind words for her.

She decides to check in on Thomas, the old man she rescued at Hedgehog Hollow and begins to look after him, despite his initial reluctance and the two become friends, helping each other find glimmers of hope and happiness.

And then there are hedgehogs too, Sam turns the place into a sanctuary for hedgehogs with the help of some new friends she's met along her journey.

A real feel-good book, with a hint of romance and a dash of hedgehogs.

I have to be honest and say I haven't read as many of Jessica Redland's books as I would like, something which I am slowly amending, but I do hugely enjoy her light and carefree writing. Finding love at Hedgehog Hollow is utterly charming, it's full of romance, laughs, love, it will make you feel all the happy cheerful feels and warm your heart - its like sunshine peeking through the grey clouds!

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.

I think all Jessica Redland books have got 5 stars from me I love her books, they always make you want to laugh and cry. Hedgehog Hollow is a new series and I have already fallen in love with the characters, as always there is a great story with sadness as well as romance and you are hooked from the first pages. Highly recommended

This isn’t the first novel by Jessica Redland that I have read, so when I saw the book I was curious and ended up reading the synopsis and getting even more interested in reading this story.

As we follow Sam and her life, we get to meet other people, feel the friendship grow between her and Thomas, and learn more about Hedgehog Hollow. Of course, there are problems, obstacles, but life isn’t just flowers, and seeing the character development was fantastic.

This is a story with amazing characters that were relatable, because we all know people like these. And it had some drama, romance friendship and family, and a heartwarming story. The author explores lots of elements about life, and that I enjoy a story that is character based and makes me think about the community, about our own lives and relationships.

Plus, if that doesn’t convince you to give the book a chance, some character are animals. And I love when a story has animals, and not in a “bad things happen because of them”, but in a fun way, pet and farm animals.

Overall, it was a warm storytelling with friendship, kindness and love, that made me dream and feel all of the characters emotions as I was reading, page after page.

[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jessica Redland for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

I am very behind on reading this book, bit sometimes the book you need right at that moment finds you and this is one of them.
I'm not sure I've read anything by this author before but I have to say I will be looking out for her now. I really enjoyed this book it had just the right amount of everything. Love, loss, new romances and family drama!

Cant fault it, I really enjoyed it.

Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Sammie’s a nurse who is lovely inside and out with a perchant for not being able to pick men. After the worst family wedding in her life she is forced to leave home for the second time in her life. Having been forced by ‘Mummy Dearest’ of the worst kind. Her life will eventually change after a chance meeting she least expected.

A fantastically well written book by Jessica Redland.

A marvellous wealth of characters of the best and worst kind. You experience every human experience under the sun whilst reading this book.

The best most enjoyable book I have read in a long time from the first page to the very last you just don’t know what to expect when you turn every page.

Read in one sitting!

Have a handkerchief ready for happiness and sadness in this book.

Thank you Jessica for a thoroughly enjoyable enjoyable evening.

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.

This was one of my treasured finds of this year- I absolutely adored this story. There were aptly some very prickly characters in this book and it was great to see how they developed over the course of the book. Some thawed throughout and some still had those prickles very much in evidence.
Samantha is dealing with such a lot- her ex boyfriend is marrying her difficult cousin, her mum doesn't ever engage pleasantly with her, despite her best efforts . When she gets lost carrying out an errand at the wedding, she comes across an elderly gentleman who needs medical help.
I loved the way that he thawed towards her as she refused to take 'no' for an answer. He grudgingly said she could bring more grapes if she insisted on returning. You could just imagine it! Their friendship emerged as Samantha proved what a beautiful soul she was.
This book has everything- difficult family relationships, romance in the air, heartbreak and a wonderful hedgehog rescue centre. There are some very sad scenes and you are drawn in because you care so much about everyone.
Samantha doubts herself, due to the difficult life she's living. But she proves that she's there for everyone.
I fell in love with the characters, the rescue centre and the beautiful writing. I was over the moon to find that it was part of a series and jumped into book 2 straight away.

Fell absolutely in love with this book and couldn't get enough (I was impatient for any free time when I could delve back into this story!). The writing was so flowy, and Samantha's character, although I wanted to shake her sometimes for being such a pushover, had a humanity and innocence to her that I just couldn't help rooting for.
Some things did feel a little too convenient in there (meeting Rich and becoming BFFs with him and his partner, Josh needing a new vet, that sort of thing), but I also love that Ms. Redland didn't wrap it all in a tidy bow at the end. It did have a happy ending on almost all fronts, but that's just it - life doesn't always have happy endings everywhere, but you take what you can get and make the most of it.
I think it's that message which resonated most with me and made me enjoy this story so much. Cannot wait for Book2 now as I really want to be back with Sam and her entourage

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.

This is the first book I have read by Jessica Redland so I didnt quite know what to expect, but this book captured my heart immediately.

A truly charming story, full of characters that are lovable and relatable at times. The story has such a perfect plot that the little twists and turns thrown in along the way truly engross the reader from beginning to end. I adored this story and I look forward to reading other books by this wonderful author in the future.

I very much enjoyed this book. It has a good story and excellent main characters. I would definately recommend this book.

Really enjoyed this book. I’ve read a few from this author & they never disappoint. Heart warming amazing characters. I did find it sad about her mum but shows real life & not everything has a fairy tale ending.

this is such a sweet summer read. i'm really glad i read this one and got to read it earlier than everyone else. thanks netgalley for supporting me!!!

This was Samantha’s story .
It was a fantastic read though at times not an easy read, her family were challenging and I found myself hating her mums treatment of her
It had a strong storyline with many twists and turns which engaged the reader. Locations were beautifully described, relationships fully explored and throughout the story was the realisation that there are some relationships that just can’t be fixed
A superbly written story that will keep the reader engaged to the end
I would recommend this book
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and Jessica Redland for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review

I swear it wasn’t the word HEDGEHOG that made me want to pick up this book, but it certainly played a role. See, I love hedgehogs. Adore them. I have stuffed hedgehogs, hedgehog dog toys and hedgehog figurines. And of course you can see the beautiful hedgehog book sleeve I have from @bookinasweater in my photo. I could go on and on but hey, let’s get back on point here.

When the love of Sam’s life marries her cousin, Sam is more than heartbroken, yet you would never know. As the only bridesmaid in the wedding Sam is nothing but dedicated to her cousin Chloe and keeps her feelings hidden well. When on a mid-wedding errand for Chloe, Sam gets lost and wanders into a nearby farm for directions. When she finds the owner of the farm collapsed on the floor, being the nurse that she is, Sam is in her zone and saves the elderly man. From this a friendship develops, and though Sam originally was lost when she stumbled onto Hedgehog Hollow, it turns out that it just may be the place she needed to allow herself to be found.

Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is truly the feel-good read it’s blurbs claim it to be. You walk into this one thinking you are getting a cozy romcom like book from the title, but what you get is so much more. A book about love, loss, heartache, difficult family, and finding yourself again. Veteran author Jessica Redland has given us the uplifting and inspiring read we all need right at this tumultuous time.

This is my first Redland book, and it reads like a Hallmark movie. I laughed, I cried, I felt like I was there. And it has hedgehogs, did I mention the hedgehogs? This is more than the cutesy cover and title, this book is moving and heartfelt and encouraging. It covers family drama like its your own, and leaves you walking away fulfilled. I can’t recommend this read enough. Clearly 5 stars from my perspective. (This one is available now and if you are a kindle unlimited member this one is free at the moment).

Oh yeah, and hedgehogs….. did I tell you there was hedgehogs??