This is my 5th visit to Hedgehog Hollow and I am still enjoying my time there, meeting up with both familiar and new characters and seeing what is going on in Samantha's life. Samantha and Josh have returned from their honeymoon and are quickly getting back to normal. She is a bit stressed, trying to settle in to married life, running the rescue center, planning for The Family Fun Day, and keeping a secret that will change all they had planned for starting their life together as a married couple. We also get a story from Lauren, Josh's aunt. Lauren has been married twice with both marriages ending in very different ways. She is still not sure what happened between her and Shaun, her BFF and love of her life, and she has never stopped loving him. Although she is happy for Josh and Sam, she has given up on love for herself. What Lauren doesn't know, is that she is about to get closure in her relationship with Shaun, so she can finally move on.

I really enjoyed this book, especially learning about Lauren, her past, her relationships and what is next for her. She is a lovely character, but has not had an easy life. Sometimes, our past has us making the wrong decisions and unfortunately that happens with Lauren. Just when she starts having feelings for a man again, something comes between them. It seems she is extremely unlucky at love. There are many secondary characters who also play a part in both Lauren's and Sam's story that flesh out the town and rescue center. The story is told from the POV of Lauren and Sam. Although there is story set in the past and present, the story meshes together well. There are parts of the story that had me laughing, and others that almost had me in tears. Life is not easy, we all have our trials and tribulations, and Jessica Redland shows us that everyone has things they are dealing with, but it doesn't mean we can't move forward and find what we are looking for. I enjoy Jessica Redland's writing, the descriptions, the well developed characters and the uplifting endings. She always leaves me with a smile on my face and wanting more. I always learn something about hedgehogs in every book and that is a recurring theme that is wonderful. As with all the books in this series, there are several themes including found family, complicated family relationships, community, friendship, bullying and emotional abuse, sexual identity, addiction, secrets, starting over, animal rescue, and reconciliation. I recommend this book to those who enjoy women's fiction, uplifting stories and animal rescue.

Samantha (Sam) Alderson (née Wishaw) is the proud owner and full-time manager 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 and her husband, Josh Alderson is willing to lend a hand, though he is a vet and a partner at Alderson & Wishaw Veterinary Practice. Sam has a number of volunteers and employees - Fizz Kinsella, Phobe Corbyn and Zayn Hockley. Sam's parents are Debs and Johnathan; Josh's mum is Connie Harbuckle, the twin of Lauren Harbuckle.

Although Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow is the fifth 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 Sam and Lauren, Josh's auntie, I got acquainted more with Lauren very quickly and continued to warm to Sam who always shows how big-hearted she is, even whilst struggling with her own challenges. Lauren has 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 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 onward. All in all, Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely, heartwarming, as well as emotional and sad novel that I have no hesitation in recommending. I look forward to reading more from Jessica Redland, especially the next in this series, Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow.

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

Easily my favorite feel-good series, this, the penultimate book in the #HedgehogHollow series, may just be the best of all.

With all the gang back, settling into this story (as is the case with this entire gorgeous series) is a familiar and comforting visit with dear friends, a journey into kindness, community and caring, broad enough to encompass injured animals, hurting humans, and any reader who craves a literary hug.

As Samantha and Josh settle into married life, jetting off to Tanzania to enjoy an absolutely dreamy honeymoon (who wouldn’t enjoy a wildlife safari with elephants! thatched bungalow on the beach! Snorkeling over coral reefs and swimming with turtles!), the story shifts gears to open a deep and intimate glimpse into one of the series most enigmatic characters thus far - Lauren, Josh’s smart, professional and always-supportive Auntie - who it turns out, perhaps unsurprisingly, has buried layers of pain so thickly entrenched they are cloaking her own need for healing and support.

As we travel back in time to learn Lauren’s oh-so-tragic backstory, with not one, but two failed marriages in her past - the first, quite likely the most poignant marriage break-up this reader has ever encountered between the pages - it’s impossible not to become lost in a world where dreams are shattered, so resoundingly and evocatively that it feels like one’s very own heart is breaking.

Without giving the plot away (no spoilers here), it should come as no surprise that, if you look hard enough, and in all the right places, it’s clear that solace and repair can be found for every trauma.

As broken dreams cluttering the past are replaced with possibilities, hope, and the shameless delight that comes with new love and new beginnings, I am so grateful every time I visit with these characters that such a world exists, and that this reader, for one, has had another chance to share in it.

A few well-placed hints, some doors that are opening - for Samantha, Josh, Lauren and the entire Hedgehog Hollow family and community, there appear to be changes approaching the horizon. I can’t wait to read the next, and final, book in this series.

It is continuation story where we get to witness Samantha and Josh’s wedding on the 1st anniversary of the Sanctuary.

This is the 5th book of Hedgehog Hollow series and my 2nd book in the series. The story started at a slow pace but pick up towards the middle. Whilst the previous book focus on Sam and Josh, this story focus on Lauren. She discovered that she has made redundant as the college where she worked been sold. I was surprise with Lauren’s story which came as unexpected to me especially about what happened to her ex- husband. As her life hits a crossroad, Lauren was forced to find closure to her past.

It was a heartwarming story with wonderful characters. I love how each of them entwined together. I love reading the way the author wrote the more complication situation sensitively.

*review post scheduled on 18 July 2022*

Oh what a joy it is to be back at Hedgehog Hollow, it feels like coming home. This series is one of those that I never want to end, I want to know every part of everyone’s life because they all have become like my friends.

I really enjoyed learning more about Lauren in this book. Her back story and why she appears so closed off to romance. When we find out what actually happened to her husband, its one of those “oh ok, didn’t see that coming at all” moments but it explains a lot and is dealt with clearly and sensitively. I think it was a brilliant addition to the beautifully heart-warming story that Chasing dreams is.

Jessica has a writing style that speaks to the heart. She creates her characters with such death and warmth that they just come alive on the page. I want to pop round to Hedgehog Hollow with cake and hugs and help out with the hedgehogs. I adore how much Phoebe and Darcie are just blossoming. Lauren hopefully being able to put her ghosts to rest. Sam and Josh newly married. I actually loved going on their Honeymoon with them, it brought out a whole new side to them that, for me made them even more a wonderful, perfect match.

There are many dreams yet to be achieved, a lot more dreaming and creating to be done. Hedgehog Hollow will go in my heart forever. One of the great things about Jessica is that she obviously not only has a knack for writing such beautiful stories she also believes in what she writes and that falls out of every single page. She is so invested in her characters that we become invested too. Just the perfect series.

There is a quote in the epilogue that reads “You don’t have to set out to write the best book every time; just the best book you’re capable of at that time” and this really made me think how hard it must be to be a writer yet hugely rewarding to. A little life lesson in there for us all.

One more thing I must add is, Who said you can’t learn anything from fiction? Well go the back of Jessica’s book I say. There is a fabulous amount of stuff to learn about hedgehogs. Do’s and dont’s some great hedgie facts. Just a brilliant end for this marvellous book. This whole series will not let you down. A wonderful time was had by all. 10 Stars for me.

Each visit to Hedgehog Hollow is like being given the biggest and warmest hug. I absolutely love this series! Although this book did not make me cry as much as some of the others, it was still a 5 star read that I loved every minute of. The characters are all so special and ones I think of long after finishing their stories.

I had expected Lauren's story to be completely different and that she was just a happy spinster by choice, but her story and what she her been through... oh my! It's amazing the kind of woman, sister and aunt she was after all that!

This was a good book in the series. There are many stories interwoven in here. Lauren/Shaun/Riley, Chloe, Samantha and Josh, Phoebe and Darcie, Johnathon and Connie. So good to have the focus be on so many characters and how they all fit together.

Contains a transgender theme which i thought was done realistically and done well.

I love this series and I will be sad when it ends! Hedgehog Hollow has finally seen Sam and Josh finally get married and make there way to their dream safari honeymoon leaving behind the others to hold down the fort.

Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow focuses more on Lauren’s story. There are changes in her life happening from all directions for her, work is being restructured and she may be out of a job, she has become enarmoured with the guy who is doing restructuring but in doing so it is opening old wounds – in fact no, not opening as they were never closed. For Lauren 26 years ago her husband just up and left without an explanation, this was her one true love and that action by Shaun devastated her and her love life there after. When she begins to have felling for Riley, she feels she can’t move on until she gets answers from her past.

Out of the blue Lauren receives a letter from Shaun offering her her long awaited answer to what lead to him leaving all those years ago. Now I had no idea what his reasonings would be and we we had no indication but on a whim I called it! And I was actually quite surprised when I was right!

I felt Lauren’s heart break all over again when they met up and discovers the truth, but the reasons where 100% valid, but still it could have been handled in a different way? I am not sure how I would have reacted but I loved the way this was handled and felt was well written.

This is a great series with down to earth real characters, you will not regret picking up this series as any book can be easily read as a stand alone.

4 stars

Another fabulous read from Redland and I will be sorry when the series ends. Once more we return to Hedgehog Hollow but with Sam and Josh taking more of a backseat to the story. Initially I was worried that this wouldn’t have the same atmosphere as the previous books but in fact, this made for a refreshing and surprising tale.

Following immediately on from the previous book, this is definitely one where reading the series in order is essential. Not only to really connect with the characters and understand their relationships, but also because you can truly appreciate the cuteness of the hedgehogs! Personally, each time I read these books I find myself falling in love with these prickly creatures all over again and I think it is great that Redland has reinvented the hedgehog in such a lovely set of stories.

This time, Sam and Josh are off on their honeymoon. Although they head off on Safari, I loved how Redland adds in the hedgehogs’ foreign cousin – it is all so in keeping with the books. Yet, whilst they are gone, life at Hedgehog Hollow continues and this story focuses on Lauren, one of Sam’s close friends. Having an older, more mature character step forward definitely created a different sort of atmosphere and I enjoyed watching a character who has more experience and life choices, in comparison to the younger personalities that dominate the series.

However, I was completely surprised at the change in direction that Redland takes Lauren’s story. It was completely unexpected, particularly the revelations about Shaun. Over the story, Redland takes readers into the past as we learn more about Lauren’s background. Not only developing her character further, it gave an insight into the personality we see in Lauren in these books: it explains her emotional barriers and the strength she portrays to those around her, even if she doesn’t feel it inside. Yet, I am not sure if I have still recovered with the answers Lauren discovers and I wonder if a more obvious revelation would have worked better within the plot? It’s not something I can easily describe without revealing too much of the plot but, one thing is for sure, it certainly made for a more memorable story.

Despite Lauren being a central figure to this story, Sam’s character is still the lynch pin to Hedgehog Hollow. I saw a lot of myself in Sam and could really relate to the vulnerabilities that she experiences over the novel. Reading these scenes were quite poignant and I felt so relieved that she had the support of Josh and her family – a complete contrast to the earlier books in the series. I could relate to how Sam was feeling and it was reassuring to see how she copes with her internal struggles. It definitely added to the realism of her character.

All in all, you definitely can’t go wrong with this series. It is full of such heart-warming… hedgehogs! The characters too, of course, are just as lovely and I like how they have evolved over the series. With just one book left, I know I will feel bereft finishing this series even though I know it will be covered in tinsel and snow. For once, Christmas can’t come soon enough!

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.

Just like with every previous book by Redland I really enjoyed this, especially getting to know more about Lauren as she’s been in the sidelines for all the previous books. I absolutely loved Riley and really was hoping for that connection between him and Lauren to blossom into something so special.

Sam and Josh are still there working tirelessly to manage their multitude of commitments and it really warms me every time that they hit a bump because you know that together they’ll get through it and it’ll make their relationship even stronger. They are both such lovely characters and always put others first instead of themselves, you only have to look at the rescue centre to see that.

I also loved hearing more from Phoebe and Darcie from the previous book, seeing them both so happy and relaxed together loving life was amazing and that’s all down to Sam and Josh. Their day trip to the aquarium and the beach felt so close as I could relate these memories to those of my childhood.

Another amazing instalment from Jessica for Hedgehog Hollow and I’m so excited to see what comes next! Thank you to Jessica and Rachel for allowing me to review such wonderful books!!

I adore Jessica's books and was delighted to take part in the tour.

Another fabulous journey to Hedgehog Hollow. In this installment Lauren's story was the main focus and I found it highly emotive, credible and relatable.

As always the characters are familiar and I've loved seeing them coming into their own throughout the series.

If you happen to need a quick refresh you'll find a full cast listing at the beginning of the book.

Beautifully written, heartwarming and full of drama The more serious issues were handled sensitively.

Highly enjoyable, roll on the tour for the Christmas book, which is sadly our final visit to Hedgehog Hollow 😢

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot.

Rating 🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔

Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow is book 5 in the series and focuses on Lauren's story as well as Sam's ongoing one. Lauren is still hooked on her ex-husband after over 20 years and feels certain that she won't love anyone else.. Her job is ending and she doesn't wish to apply for either of the roles that were suggested to her. Meanwhile, Samantha and Josh leave for their honeymoon in Tanzania, what's they see lots of different animals to usual including an African hedgehog! Go and tear all of these Hedgehog Hollow novels, you won't regret it!

I can't wait for the next book in the series but I'm sad about it because it will be the last one 😢

Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow
Book 5 Hedgehog Hollow Series
by: Jessica Redland
Boldwood Books
Pub date: June 28, 2022
General Fiction (Adult), Women's Fiction
Tour: Rachel's Random Resources

Review: Once you visit Hedgehog Hollow, you'll never want to leave. The characters are so deeply developed that readers savor every interaction and are left longing to know more about their lives. What I love most about this series are the connections the people have to each other and within the splendid setting. Watching them grow and change individually is amazing.

This fifth book in the series offers the love, friendship, and family that are so compelling in Redland's writing. She takes things to new levels in the plot with surprises, revelations, and special occasions. I recommend reading this whole series in order to fully understand the character's stories and lives. You might just fall in love like I did.

Synopsis: Samantha has a secret. Returning home from her dream honeymoon to the normality of running her beloved Hedgehog Hollow rescue center, she's ready for the next chapter of her life with Josh. Or is she? Samantha is hiding something which could forever change the dreams they shared and bring their happy ever after crashing to the ground.

Lauren has given up on love. Twenty-six years ago, the love of her life, Shaun, left her a note and was never seen again. Two painful divorces later she still can't face opening up to anyone. But little does Lauren know that the closure she's dreamt of for all these years may be closer than she thinks, and perhaps the only way to let new love in is to forgive and forget.

Samantha and Lauren will need the love and support from the Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever. After all, some dreams are worth chasing...

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, Net Galley, and Boldwood Books for the advance reader's copy, blog tour spot, &opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
 #ChasingDreamsatHedgehogHollow #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks #BookandTonic #JessicaRedland #blogtour #Rachel's Random Resources

Thank you @jessicaredlandauthor @bookandtonic and @rachelsrandomresources for providing me with an eARC of this book for review via @Netgalley.

🦔 My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading the 5th book in the Hedgehog Hollow series which kicks off just after the events of Samantha and Josh's wedding in the previous book.
As well as featuring chapters from Samantha's POV, in this installment we also get to know the story of Lauren who is Josh's aunt. The focus is very much on her as we learn about everything she has dealt with in her past with both of her ex-husbands. I was definitely rooting for her & her new potential love interest Riley (who has also dealt with his own personal traumas). Jessica Redland once again has written about serious topics with sensitivity.

I am so fond of this series.

I’ve been a part of the blog tour for each book so far and thoroughly enjoyed every one. One thing I particularly like is that while there us a central story each book develops the world of Hedgehog Hollow and explores more of the characters we have met along the way.

Samantha and Josh’s story continues to develop as they head off on their honeymoon and make some bug decisions about their future.

The hedgehogs and hoglets continue to come and go at Hedgehog Hollow.

But the real star of this book is Lauren – Josh’s aunt and the woman that introduced Sammie and Josh.

Lauren is at a cross roads. Fancy redundancy from a job she loves and disappointment in her love life she is unsure what to do next.

Lauren begins to reflect in her past relationships – two very different failed marriages – and the impact they have had on her.

This is a book about hope and dreams and taking opportunities. As always, Jessica Redland explores sensitive subjects with care and compassion and humour. The characters are complex and relatable. There’s laughter and tear along the way.

This is a book that you simply won’t put down.

As always with the Hedgehog Hollow books it works as a standalone. But I do recommend the whole series as the whole journey so far has been fantastic.

When I got this ARC I tought it was a stand alone book, but when I started reading it and found a summary for the past books I was so shocked so I literally have to read all the other 4 books before reading this one.
After I finished the 4 books which I loved too much, seriously Sam and Josh are my babies forever and ever.
This book it's the story about Lauren (Josh Auntie) a sckeptical about love with 2 divorces in her notch but a hopeless romantic inside her heart.
This story starts with Sam and Josh wedding were Lauren starts having flashbacks of her 2 previous weddings,specifically her 1st one with Shaun who she tought was the love of her life, the one who hurt her the most since he left her after some years of being married, one day she came back home thinking they were going to a weekend a vacation only to found an empty house and a a note that Shaun left without an explanation.
During the next chapters you see how this afected Lauren life, we have some mix fo throwbacks chapters and some actual chapters, that elps you to start making major sense of why Lauren personality it's the way it is.
In the book she lost her job, she lost her purpose and I might even say she's kinda depressed at some point, she got angry that no one has time to talk to her now that she's ready, everyone of her close people are doing her own thing and moving on on their lifes except her, it but as people would said that after the storm comes the rainbow and this exactly what happend to Lauren. She started reflecting on how been clossed of her feelings have affected her personal relationships specially with her dead mother and her twin sister.
In the middle of her life crisis she founds Riley and unexpected frienship blossom between these 2 that end it up been more since both of them have happend for the same things, losing too soon their 1st love and making a mistake with a 2nd marriage, when the time came and Lauren founds why Shaun left her (most shocking part of the book), he was the 1st that was there for her. They found companion and love in the most unexpected way but just so unique at the same time.
Another thing that I enjoyed was Chloe and Lauren friendship, I think the way they bond over art and crafts was unexpected and out of the blue but I love it so much, for some who says that hates to do girly things aparetly she was so good at sewing as a pre scholar teacher.
Anyways moving on into the story anothet thing I loved so much was the way Sam and Josh made Hedgehog Hollow rescue center a family farm in all the ways that count. In this book you see how what used to be an empty farm is now full of noise,people, hedgehogs(bonus points for the cutets names ever), cats and love, which was Gwendoline and Thomas dream.
I seriously can't wait for the next book and what the future holds fot all these amazing carachters, Thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange of an honest review.

This has been an absolutely gorgeous read and I do feel like this series gets better with each book. It is like returning to a second home, or meeting up with old friends after a busy period. It really is very comforting and wonderful.

Jessica once again absolutely nails the use of multiple perspectives. Multiple perspectives, I think, is really hard to pull off in this genre. In the thriller genre, it serves the purpose of ramping up the tension, but I do feel some authors in the romantic fiction genre do it because it’s fashionable or makes their book appear original, but can’t always fully pull it off. This is not the case with Jessica Redland. We are pulled into the characters lives, and she reveals quite a lot of their heart, as well as their important and complex back stories, which add a beautiful layer of depth to her books.

In this book, the narrative mainly focuses in Samantha and Lauren. Lauren’s story in particular makes this an easy read as a standalone, because it has enough drama and depth to carry the book. I loved getting to know Lauren. She is a resilient, brave and kind character. I particularly liked her exploration of career choice, and the way she talked about needing to do something that carried a purpose struck a chord with me. It’s clear Lauren wants to make a difference, but can she be brave enough to embrace the changes in her own life and find closure?

Samantha and Josh’s story runs parallel to this, and is also cleverly intertwined, and I loved following their journey on their honeymoon and afterwards. They are the glue that holds the series together, and I am glad they still play a big part in the book. Not forgetting, of course, the gorgeous hedgehogs!

Maybe I’m going too deep, but I think the reason the setting works so well is that it serves as a symbol for what a romantic fiction author always aims to do. At Hedgehog Hollow, the hedgehogs arrive in all shapes, sizes and conditions. Much like the characters in a romantic fiction book, the aim is to show them love and care until they are happier and able to live more freely. I definitely feel like this is the journey some of the characters in this series have gone on!

I want to thank Jessica Redland for once again delivering a beautifully heart-warming book that balances cute hedgehogs with realistic characters and gutsy drama! I’m already excited for the next installment!

Omg what a fantastic book. I love this series so much. This one we find josh and Sam have got married and are having an amazing honeymoon in Africa. But when they get home she is struggling with decking If she is ready to start a family. We also hear more about joshs auntie Lauren and her past marriages and how she has ended up on her own. I think you will definitely be needing tissues again for this book. I can not wait for the last book now that comes out at Christmas.

Thank you #netgalley and #boldwood for allowing me to read part 5 of 6 the Hedgehog Hollow Series.
Jessica is incredible about bringing hot topics to the forefront and she's done it again. Amazing.
My favourite character Misty Blue finds her way back into the pages as we continue on Sam's journey which interweaves beautifully with other sometimes heavy going strands. There's something for everyone in this book. Friendships, family planning, loss, love and those cute little Hedgehogs who as ever feature as part of the series and their rescue centre continues to thrive. Yes, there are some beautiful hedgehog moments to enjoy.
For me, I got super excited at the mention of elephants. I absolutely recommend this book, if it doesnt open hearts and minds, in a loving and respectful way, I don't know what will.

What a treat to be back at Hedgehog Hollow again in this, the penultimate story in the series. In Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow we follow Lauren and I’ve loved getting to know her story. She’s just the perfect character - a little flawed ( aren’t we all?) but so warm-hearted and kind. Learning about her history was really emotional and she was so strong to keep going. It was also wonderful being back at the hedgehog sanctuary- to follow the next stage in Sam and Josh’s lives and meet up with the others involved in this brilliant community.