Scan barcode
jesscr's review against another edition
3.0
*Audiobook*
Easy listen. Enjoyed the plot but felt one or two things were left unanswered.
Easy listen. Enjoyed the plot but felt one or two things were left unanswered.
thatbookishbelle's review against another edition
5.0
I was going to give this book 4 stars, but I really, really loved it.
I wish the romance had had longer to develop, but that's okay! It had cute hedgehogs, a heartwarming story, and compelling characters. I can't wait to start book 2!
I wish the romance had had longer to develop, but that's okay! It had cute hedgehogs, a heartwarming story, and compelling characters. I can't wait to start book 2!
lisa_pilates's review against another edition
1.0
Audible Plus strikes again. I downloaded it because it was free and even that was too much money. I don't know how I finished it.
If there could be conflict, there was conflict. An emotionally abusive mother that simply hates her daughter for existing kept me going, because I hoped for some sort of conflict resolution that would make all the drama worthwhile. But the mother allows for a self-centered cousin to have a hissy fit causing the main character to be tossed out of her family for a misunderstanding that was laughable at best. A great aunt also makes an appearance to show her absolute hatred for the main character for an awful and laughable reason that doesn't make sense in a rational world.
Sam had a twist of fate and meets a man who turns her life around, only he has family drama that leads to an unnecessary 5-10 chapters focused on that. She meets the love of her life, and shocking, he has family drama that leads to a chapter (and second book) about that. And just when you think it can't get any worse, more drama happens.
People who are in her life just to add drama for drama sake include her mom, aunt, cousin, great aunt, cousin-in-law, family friend's children, exboyfriend, and that's just without listing spoilers.
If there could be conflict, there was conflict. An emotionally abusive mother that simply hates her daughter for existing kept me going, because I hoped for some sort of conflict resolution that would make all the drama worthwhile. But the mother allows for a self-centered cousin to have a hissy fit causing the main character to be tossed out of her family for a misunderstanding that was laughable at best. A great aunt also makes an appearance to show her absolute hatred for the main character for an awful and laughable reason that doesn't make sense in a rational world.
Sam had a twist of fate and meets a man who turns her life around, only he has family drama that leads to an unnecessary 5-10 chapters focused on that. She meets the love of her life, and shocking, he has family drama that leads to a chapter (and second book) about that. And just when you think it can't get any worse, more drama happens.
People who are in her life just to add drama for drama sake include her mom, aunt, cousin, great aunt, cousin-in-law, family friend's children, exboyfriend, and that's just without listing spoilers.
kirstyreviewsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Blurb
CAN LOVE REALLY BE FOUND WHEN YOU STOP LOOKING FOR IT…?
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.
Glad to have a distraction from family feuds and match-making, Sam vows to fulfill Thomas and his wife, Gwendoline’s, dreams of restoring Hedgehog Hollow to its former glory, and to open a hedgehog rescue centre.
Throwing herself into the task at hand, little does Sam realise that the keys to love and happiness may also be found at Hedgehog Hollow, when she least expects it…
My Opinion
Last year I read the final book in this series, so when I spotted the first one available in my local library I decided that now was the time to go back and see how it all started. I am glad that I did. This was such a heart-warming story that plays with the emotions of the reader. Samantha finds Thomas in need of medical attention and takes it upon herself to help get him back on her feet - this ultimately changes her life.
Following Sam as she works to open her hedgehog rescue was so nice to read about and was such a magical tale. I already know that I need to return to Hedgehog Hollow, the sooner the better.
Rating 4/5
Blurb
CAN LOVE REALLY BE FOUND WHEN YOU STOP LOOKING FOR IT…?
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.
Glad to have a distraction from family feuds and match-making, Sam vows to fulfill Thomas and his wife, Gwendoline’s, dreams of restoring Hedgehog Hollow to its former glory, and to open a hedgehog rescue centre.
Throwing herself into the task at hand, little does Sam realise that the keys to love and happiness may also be found at Hedgehog Hollow, when she least expects it…
My Opinion
Last year I read the final book in this series, so when I spotted the first one available in my local library I decided that now was the time to go back and see how it all started. I am glad that I did. This was such a heart-warming story that plays with the emotions of the reader. Samantha finds Thomas in need of medical attention and takes it upon herself to help get him back on her feet - this ultimately changes her life.
Following Sam as she works to open her hedgehog rescue was so nice to read about and was such a magical tale. I already know that I need to return to Hedgehog Hollow, the sooner the better.
Rating 4/5
reachant's review against another edition
3.0
This was a cute, fun read, with all the bases covered in terms of drama and happy endings.
portybelle's review against another edition
5.0
I do so enjoy Jessica Redland’s lovely uplifting books and am pleased to say that Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow is just as lovely.
It’s the story of Sam, who we meet when she is the bridesmaid at the wedding of her cousin Chloe who is also her best friend. The only slight issue is that she is marrying the man Sam loves, James, who used to be Sam’s boyfriend. While on an errand after the ceremony, she gets lost and ends up finding an elderly man ill in his remote farmhouse, Hedgehog Hollow. As she’s a nurse, she stops to help and this chance meeting leads to a firm friendship between Sam and grumpy Thomas which it’s fair to say, changes both their lives for the better. However, events at the wedding reception when she finally makes it back, very late and rather muddy, result in some very unpleasant scenes and undeserved ill feeling towards Sam.
Jessica Redland explores a lot of very complicated family relationships throughout the book and it was fascinating to read about how the difficult situations had come about and to what extent they resolved over the course of the book. The relationship between Sam and her mum was particularly difficult and was sad to read about. On the other hand, the growing friendship between Sam and Thomas, the owner of Hedgehog Hollow, was just lovely. It was very touching to read about an earlier connection between Sam and Thomas’ late wife Gwendoline. Thank goodness for Sam’s Dad and her other good friends when at times so many people seemed so unjustly against her.
Sam was a character I really took to heart. She really was kindness personified. It was just in her nature to show kindness to people and to animals, even when sometimes the people in particular didn’t deserve it. It was certainly true what her grandad used to say “The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose”. It’s not a phrase I’d heard before but is about acts of kindness ultimately benefiting the giver. Although Sam would never do anything with the expectation of reward, all her kindnesses definitely do reward her.
I have spoken a bit about the relationships within the book and about Sam herself but haven’t even touched on the fact that there is also a rather nicely done romance within the story, as you might guess from the title. It’s not perhaps the main focus but really added to my enjoyment, the way the love was not sought or expected but was without doubt a meeting of minds. And then there’s the hedgehog rescue centre which Sam is tasked with setting up, to fulfil Thomas and Gwendoline’s plans. Perhaps coincidentally, we’ve had visits to our garden almost every evening this week from a hedgehog (sometimes two) – perhaps they knew I was reading about them!
I very much enjoyed Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow. It’s a delightful story of friendship, kindness and love and of being true to yourself. It’s a wonderfully heart-warming story which I recommend if you are looking for a really feel-good read. I am looking forward to reading more about Sam and her hedgehogs in future books about Hedgehog Hollow.
It’s the story of Sam, who we meet when she is the bridesmaid at the wedding of her cousin Chloe who is also her best friend. The only slight issue is that she is marrying the man Sam loves, James, who used to be Sam’s boyfriend. While on an errand after the ceremony, she gets lost and ends up finding an elderly man ill in his remote farmhouse, Hedgehog Hollow. As she’s a nurse, she stops to help and this chance meeting leads to a firm friendship between Sam and grumpy Thomas which it’s fair to say, changes both their lives for the better. However, events at the wedding reception when she finally makes it back, very late and rather muddy, result in some very unpleasant scenes and undeserved ill feeling towards Sam.
Jessica Redland explores a lot of very complicated family relationships throughout the book and it was fascinating to read about how the difficult situations had come about and to what extent they resolved over the course of the book. The relationship between Sam and her mum was particularly difficult and was sad to read about. On the other hand, the growing friendship between Sam and Thomas, the owner of Hedgehog Hollow, was just lovely. It was very touching to read about an earlier connection between Sam and Thomas’ late wife Gwendoline. Thank goodness for Sam’s Dad and her other good friends when at times so many people seemed so unjustly against her.
Sam was a character I really took to heart. She really was kindness personified. It was just in her nature to show kindness to people and to animals, even when sometimes the people in particular didn’t deserve it. It was certainly true what her grandad used to say “The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose”. It’s not a phrase I’d heard before but is about acts of kindness ultimately benefiting the giver. Although Sam would never do anything with the expectation of reward, all her kindnesses definitely do reward her.
I have spoken a bit about the relationships within the book and about Sam herself but haven’t even touched on the fact that there is also a rather nicely done romance within the story, as you might guess from the title. It’s not perhaps the main focus but really added to my enjoyment, the way the love was not sought or expected but was without doubt a meeting of minds. And then there’s the hedgehog rescue centre which Sam is tasked with setting up, to fulfil Thomas and Gwendoline’s plans. Perhaps coincidentally, we’ve had visits to our garden almost every evening this week from a hedgehog (sometimes two) – perhaps they knew I was reading about them!
I very much enjoyed Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow. It’s a delightful story of friendship, kindness and love and of being true to yourself. It’s a wonderfully heart-warming story which I recommend if you are looking for a really feel-good read. I am looking forward to reading more about Sam and her hedgehogs in future books about Hedgehog Hollow.
kirstyami's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5