Do you even need to read the review? It’s by Jessica and it’s set in Hedgehog Hollow… spoiler alert… it’s a 5 star read!!!
It’s time for the wedding we’ve all been waiting for…
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.
Phoebe is desperate to escape the shadow of her family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha’s beloved rescue centre. Could the kindness of the Hedgehog Hollow team be the chance she needs for a fresh start, or will her family’s secrets continue to drag her back?
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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.
I give it 5/5 robust espresso shots!
About the Author
Jessica Redland is the top 10 bestselling author of over thirteen novels, including The Secret to Happiness. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.
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Blog Tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources. Check out the tour for more reviews and info on A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow.
The Cozy Pages 
Happy New Year, Nina! Aw, what a gorgeous review. Thrilled that you loved your 4th trip to Hedgehog Hollow. I completely agree with you about reading it as a full series because it all builds and is so much richer seeing the development the characters go through when a reader goes on their full journey with them. Loved reading this. Thank you so much for all your kind comments. The hedgehogs and I are doing a happy dance xx
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I enjoy big wedding at the end. Great review!
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What a terrific review. I do enjoy books with fun weddings in them.
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Wah who! Sounds like a good one. Great review, Nina.
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