I was drawn to this book because of the lovely cover and who could resist a novel/series that features hedgehogs! I am disappointed in myself for not immersing myself in the Hedgehog Hollow series until now and I need to read all the others ASAP! I missed the first two novels in the series, so I read this as a standalone. Although there was the right amount of backstory to help the reader catch up, I would recommend starting with book one and work their way up to this one. If read in order, the reader can develop a deeper connection to the overall story and to the characters that are featured throughout the series. There are many complicated family dynamics, so, for me reading this as a standalone, it took me a little bit to piece it all together, but it was not impossible.

Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow is a fitting title as Chloe, Samantha’s cousin, from the previous novels, has shown up with her infant son, Samuel. She is no longer with her husband James, but the reasons are initially kept hidden. In addition to Chloe, Samantha has James, her father, Beth, and their two children all living at the farmhouse. It is a busy time at the rescue, so Samantha hires interns to assist with animal care and accounting. There are, therefore, many characters to keep track of, but it was easy enough to keep everyone in order. Although the novel includes plots for multiple characters, the main story focuses on Samantha and Chloe and is written from dual perspectives.

Josh was a super sweet character and fiancé as he is very supportive and understanding of Samantha. She is a very compassionate character that not only wants to help animals but also assists those around her in any way that she can. Sometimes helping everyone else leaves no room for helping herself, so Samantha goes through a lot of growth as she tries to balance her want for helping others without forgetting herself along the way. The themes of family, friendship, and love throughout this novel were well thought out and incorporated in the story and it never felt forced.

At first, it is frustrating trying to figure Chloe out with her motivations and backstory. She is full of secrets and they are slowly revealed throughout the story. I have heard that this character was fairly unlikeable in the previous novels, so my curiosity is definitely peaked to go back and read the others to see what she was like before this story. She was okay at the beginning of this book where I neither liked her nor hated her, but I had a lot of sympathy and love for her by the end. I would not call her a favorite, for me, but I loved how complex she became with many layers added to her character from the beginning to the end of this story.

The novel itself does end on a cliffhanger, so it looks like I will be returning to Hedgehog Hollow as I am now firmly invested in the story and need to figure out what will happen next. I absolutely loved all the facts and care tips for hedgehogs at the end. The story is light-hearted and easy to breeze through, yet it does touch on deeper topics, such as PTSD and the struggles of being a new mom. Now that I have read this novel, it is going to be difficult waiting until the next one is released, as I want to keep going and see what will happen next. As an excellent first read from Jessica Redland that will definitely not be my last!

**I give a special thank you to Rachel @rararesources, the author, Jessica Redland, and the publisher, Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate via Netgalley with this excellent and entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

A lovely story filled with hope, heart, and hedgehogs! This is the third story in this wonderful heartwarming series. While it can be read as a standalone I am certain you will want to read them all! Hedgehog Farm is filled to capacity with both people and hedgehogs. The latest arrival is Chloe, Samantha‘s selfish witch of a cousin. Don’t want to give up anything from the previous books, but what Chloe did to Samantha was terrible. I’m still impressed that Samantha was able to forgive her. Anyways Chloe has recently left her husband for a reason she has not divulged to anyone. Josh‘s dad and stepmom and their two kids are in residence as well. Josh‘s dad is still looking for a bone marrow donor. The hedgehog sanctuary is running at capacity and Samantha is hosting school trips and volunteers. She also is still very affected from things that happened in the past books. Thank goodness she has such a strong character and such a great support in boyfriend/fiancé Josh.

The story bounces back-and-forth between the perspective of Samantha and Chloe. We really get to dig into Chloe‘s past and get to know her better as a character. I’m still not completely sure I like Chloe but I do understand her a lot better. Samantha is just such a warm caring person it’s hard not to be a little protective of her. We also get lots of fun informative times with the hedgehogs who are now being named after famous authors. Would’ve liked a little more time with Fizz, maybe next book? Although I’m thinking next book is going to be about a younger character? This was just such a fun feel good heartwarming story that made me smile and want a pet hedgehog.

This Book in emojis 🦔 🦔 🦔 🦔

*** Big thank you to Boldwood Books for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

Right from the start…
...I knew this was going to be a TOUGH one.
Not the reaction you were expecting, right?
Well, for those who know the characters, you’ll probably have guessed why right from the start.


Sam is celebrating her recent engagement, or well at least she should be, but those she wants to share the news with seem to be keeping her at more than arm’s length, and a text message seemed so impersonal, until it wasn’t, and the outcome seemed catastrophic. Okay, so Chloe’s arrival wasn’t purely prompted by the news being delivered so, but it definitely seems to ignite a chain of events that spiral into a long boxed up memory being dredged up from the depths, a potential separation that may be longer than expected, and a surprising twist of events that you won’t quite see coming.

I loved catching up with Sam and friends, as well as the familiarity of the setting. It makes it feel like old friends you're catching up with every time you pick up the next installment. Honestly though, I’m in the same boat with Chloe as I have been throughout the series...I just don’t like the woman. I understand her more now, and I’m glad to see some change, but all the backstabbing, big drama, and hate that’s been spewed have left their mark and I’m afraid it’s fairly indelible for me. That being said, I still enjoyed this story and her character’s growth, and being the soft hearted individual that I am, still feel bad for the past that has haunted her, and the future that she’s uncovered. Here’s hoping all turns to right. I was expecting a GIANT TWIST of events by story’s end, but not the one we received! I really saw that whole connection thing going another way, not that I’m disappointed in the least, but still...the nerve! Sorry, I’ve said too much, but you’ll have to read it to see...just cross your fingers that our gal Sam can pull through this one!

All in all, all is not well a Hedgehog Hollow...but with time, patience, and a whole lot of heart, it’s definitely on its way to happier times once again (minus that ending...OMG, that ending!). I know I’ll be staying tuned for our next visit to see just how it all unfolds...

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is the third book in the series he is every bit as good as the first 2.

The book follows Sam owner of hedgehog hollow and her family. Sam’s cousin Chloe turns up at the farm unannounced with her son Samuel after walking out on her husband James who a happens to be Sam’s ex-boyfriend. Hedgehog hollow is already busting at the seams with Sam’s boyfriend Josh’s dad, partner and 2 small children who moved in following an accident. Can Sam find out why Chloe walked out on James and help her to rebuild her relationship?

This is my third visit to Hedgehog Hollow. Although you can read this as a standalone, I think you would understand more about the relationships between the characters if you have also read the first two. Sammie's kind qualities come to the fore in this story and you can absolutely believe that people would be attracted to volunteer at her hedgehog rescue shelter. Despite her difficulties with her relatives in the past, she keeps her sights focussed on the present and the future. That's not to say that she isn't under pressure, especially as the secrets from the past start to emerge.
Hedgehog Hollow is a gorgeous setting as several characters play out their own stories. You are not just given Sammie's perspective but get to see through other character's eyes as well which sheds light on certain behaviours. I was quite shocked by the cliffhanger ending but took heart that that means that the series must continue!
In short: You can't hide from the past for ever!
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

******WARNING, THEMES INCLUDE CHILD ABANDONMENT, PTSD AND POST PARTUM MENTAL HEALTH******

I honestly didn’t think I could love hoglets any more but this book reminded me why I fell in love with Hedgehog Hollow in the first place. This new addition to the series starts off where the second book finishes. Sam and Josh are trying to move on from the events in the previous book, after realising life is too short to hold grunges. Josh’s dad is still holding out for a miracle whilst his partner Beth is still recovering, with two young kids and the family can only hope time is on their side.

But just as everyone is adjusting and the family’s getting closer, a surprise visitor drops in looking for sanctuary. The book follows two points of view, the first being our favourite Sammie, the second being the total B of a cousin that I gained a severe dislike to during the second book and who I regrettably share my first name with, Chloe. When Chloe turns up, asking for a place to stay with no comment on why she has left her marriage, you can only assume the usual. But family secrets normally come from the dark parts of your past, and Chloe’s is starting to creep back up on her.

I will be honest with you, when Chloe first cropped up as a point of view, I was dubious. Actually I was sightly annoyed that a character I had gained a severe dislike to was one of the main points of view. But her point of view became an emotional recovery that had me in tears as she dived into her past. Her story was one about self acceptance, about allowing yourself to ask for help rather than listening to your inner sabotage and about falling in love all over again.

What I love most about this book is the characters. Jessica has a way with words and manages to put together such real characters. They are human, they are damaged, flawed and dealing with real problems. And I mean real and relatable problems. Better yet, they are always written in a way that makes them loveable, relatable and full of personality. Every time I have picked up on of her stories, I have journeyed with the characters and I think I loved this tale the most. So far at least.

What I also love is the easy feel of the writing and the stories that stick with you even though the pages have ended. I also kind of hate her for the ending and leaving my desperate for the next one, in a life or death sort of way. Well, in a bookworms life or death sort of way. I need to know what happens next and I bet as a writer she is loving the reactions to that ending.

So I suggest you pick this newest one up, or if this is the first you are hearing of Jessica Redland or Hedgehog Hollow, hunt down the first book or maybe take a stroll down Whitsborough Bay. You won’t be disappointed, they are all easy stories that will pull your heartstrings and take you on an emotional rollercoaster. But there are hoglets. Lots of cute and defenselesa hoglets.y

You can’t say no to Hoglets right?

5 Word Review: Family, secrets, regrets, love, hedgehogs.


Oh Hedgehog Hollow, how I've grown to love you. The first book in the series was a five star read for me, and it's only got better. So err... Read it. Get it and read it. Get the whole series and prepare to lose your heart to a hedgehog sanctuary, Hedgehog Hollow is a place you will want to visit again and again.

The first book focuses on Samantha, the second book adds Josh, and in the third book we have Chloe joining the narrating characters. I thought that the addition of a narrator with each book was very clever and it rounded out the characters so well. Each has their own distinct voice and it adds another slant to every event. The emotions are heightened, the reader knows secrets before the characters, and it leads to the most delicious building on tension and anticipation.

Samantha has had it rough - so much has happened to her in such a short time, and she is really feeling it. I thought the exploration of the mental impact of her trauma was excellently done and it was very sympathetic in how it was dealt with.

I liked seeing Josh grow and mature. His family issues he has to deal with are pretty extreme, there is so much going on, and he has such a right to be angry. It was amazing to see him be willing to listen and set that anger aside.

Chloe was a big surprise. I wasn't expecting any of the story to be told from her perspective, but so much makes sense now about her. I understand her motivations. I couldn't put this book down as I wanted to know exactly what secrets Chloe had lurking in her past. And I wasn't prepared. Chloe changes so much between the first and last pages of the book and I loved to see it.

This book did at times have a bit of a domestic-thriller feel, especially for Chloe's narration as more of her story was revealed. My heart broke for her, and although I had resented her somewhat in previous books I really empathised with what she's been through. She has her reasons for being the way she is.

The settings of Hedgehog Hollow, the Yorkshire Wolds, and the seaside village of Whitsborough Bay and not only stunning and vividly detailed, but they are almost characters in themselves. The places have personality, they come alive, and I feel like I've been on a bit of an adventure. I feel like I've been there. But oh, what I'd give to sit on the bench and stare out at the meadow.

Hedgehog Hollow really has it all - drama, secrets, messy families and hidden pasts. It breaks your heart and then puts it together piece by piece, sticking everything together with hope and kindness. I have cried and laughed and cried again.

The ending was... Well, not quite what I wanted but in a really good way. But can book four hurry up please?

This book can be read as a standalone - there is an excellent recap at the beginning that gives you the gist of what's happened and the story stands well on its own. But by doing that you will miss out on the most incredible story arc: Hedgehog Hollow is a very special series, and one I hope I can read more of in future. It's one I'll definitely revisit too as the characters have worked their way into my heart.

Another fabulous book in the series from Jessica Redland! Come on Redland, hurry up and write book four (I don’t think I could possibly wait until next year!). This is a lovely series and I can’t praise it enough. After all, who could resist some cute hoglets and injured hedgehogs that need rescuing?

If you haven’t read the predecessors of this series, you definitely need to start from the beginning to get a true appreciation of the characters and their backgrounds. So much feeds in to this story that it wouldn’t make as much sense as if you have read all the books so far. However, I love that Redland includes a short catch-up at the start of the book so that you can revise what has happened previously. For someone who only read the last book a few months ago, but many hundreds of pages ago, this is a great help! Thank you!

This time, Sam fades a bit into the background and her cousin, Chloe, takes more of a centre stage. Interestingly, this is the same as Sam’s awful mother; I think Redland has explored their seriously estranged relationship quite far in the previous books and I don’t think there is anything new to add to their negative background. Therefore, it is like Chloe steps in as the witch of the story. Very quickly, I seethed over her treatment of Sam and her selfish behaviour. I could not like her at all! In fact, I grew a little angry at my Kindle with the way Sam allowed Chloe to be so rude and aggressive. I actually cheered when Sam stopped making excuses for Chloe’s behaviour and even stood up to her – someone had to because, if it were me, I would have sent Chloe packing a long time ago!

Picking up exactly where the last book finished, we see that Chloe has come to take refuge at Hedgehog Hollow. The farm is quite full now with Sam’s fiancee’s father and his family also staying. But, Sam cannot turn Chloe away – even though she has treated Sam so terribly. Over the story, as the narrative switches between Sam and Chloe, we learn about her past: what has made Chloe the person she has become. It was a complete eye-opener of a narrative and I could never have predicted the revelations that Chloe exposes – totally in keeping with the ‘family secrets’ that are implied in the novel’s title.

Yet, Hedgehog Hollow does not get dominated by Chloe’s past and Sam continues to run a very successful hedgehog sanctuary. I loved the literary-themed animal names but did miss one as epic as in the previous book: topping ‘Snoop Hoggy Hog’ was going to be tricky! I found the treatment of hedgehogs rather interesting and I think it is clear that by this third novel of the series, Redland has done her research. Embedded within this fictional story are some interesting lessons about caring for these animals and this is solidified by Sam’s work with the local schools. Like Sam is educating the primary children, Redland is also raising awareness with her readers about how we can look out for our prickly friends.

This is not a book covered in slushy romance, but more of an exploration of family relationships and caring for those you love the most. Indeed, I found the portrayal of mental health really significant and demonstrates how, what might appear to be a relatively small episode in one’s life, can have a serious impact on our well-being. Several characters in this story suffer from it and I applaud Redland for raising awareness of looking after ourselves, not just others around us. Thankfully, there are services out there that can help us and I wonder if Redland will explore this with those affected characters in the next story.

Finishing on another dramatic cliff-hanger, I was surprised at the unexpected turn of events at the closing of the novel. I am excited at the prospect of a return to Hedgehog Hollow but I really hope that the new book is just as surprising and warming as the others have been. It will be interesting to see how Redland moves the narrative forwards with characters that I feel we have grown to love over the chapters. So, if you haven’t yet read this series, you have until next spring (hopefully!) before the next one is out!

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.

I absolutely love this series and was so excited to be able to visit Hedgehog Hollow again. This story picks up shortly after the end of the last one, so with no gap in the time line within a few pages it felt like I had continued straight on from the last book.

As Sam works to look after Josh's family and devote her time to the growing number of Hedgehogs she is rescuing. She doesn't anticipate Chloe serving notice on her marriage and just appearing on her doorstep, given the fraught relationship they have recently had. With a distraught Chloe and an unsettled baby Samuel to add to her growing list of commitments, we finally see Sam take a stand and start to stand up to those who are prepared to take advantage of her kind and forgiving nature.

I loved learning more about the hedgehogs, especially with it being the time of year that you are more likely to see hoglets in your garden. During this story we learn more about the past and what has caused Chloe and Sam's mum to be so close and we look forward to the future as they search for a match for Josh's Dad to have further treatment for his cancer.

Another wonderful visit to Hedgehog Hollow, where I once again reached the end before I was ready and am already desperate to read the next one.

This story has a serious focus and is full of family drama, which has emotional and physical consequences for lovely Sam. Hedgehog Hollow is full of hedgehog residents, and Sam's house is full of humans who need emotional support from her. The story is a dual viewpoint of Sam and her cousin Chloe. If you've read previous books in this series, you'll know Chloe is not particularly likeable. This book explores her story and past secrets, which shed light on her attitude and motivations.

This is an emotional story, and it immerses the reader in the characters' lives. Chloe's insights make her more understandable, but she is still not my favourite person. Sam is everyone's friend, and whilst this is admirable, you want her to take care of herself too.

This is another absorbing instalment of life at Hedgehog Hollow with characters you are invested in and an enticing mix of humour, poignancy and romance.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Heartwarming Tale...
The third in the Hedgehog Hollow series gives the reader another heartwarming tale of life and drama at the rescue centre. Will Samantha’s good nature, however, be her downfall when family events crash her world?

The cliffhanger at the end of book 2 in the a Hedgehog Hollow series literally made me gasp out loud! And this book picks up where book 2 left off.

The focus for this book is Samantha’s cousin Chloe.

If I’m honest, I have never understood why Sam put up with Chloe. Even though they are cousins and have shared a close friendship in the past, Chloenis certainly not a good friend to Sam. Selfish and distracted she takes little interest in Sam’s life, begrudges her success and flaunts her relationship with Sam’s mum. Plenty of times I have thought that Samantha should walk away, but she still.maintains that their is more to Chloe than nasty sniping.

The Hedgehog Rescue Centre is quickly filling up – and not just with hedgehogs!

When Chloe turns up in tears on the doorstep with a binbag full of clothes and announces that the her marriage to James is over after just a few months everybody is stunned. Chloe is keeping tight-lipped about what has happened and James is completely stunned.

What emerges – and I promise no spoilers from me – is an insight into Chloe’s teenage year and some past decisions that have haunted her ever since.

Chloe’s revelations go a long way into explaining the adult she has become and her treatment of Samantha.

The dual narrative works really well for this book as the reader can hear Chloes story in her own words and see the remorse and confusion she often feels after her emotional out bursts.

Samantha is also coping with her own mental health. As well as juggling the hedgehogs (not literally!), raising the profile of the Centrehelping Josh’s father and Beth with their two children and dealing with Chloe, she is struggling with the aftermath of the Grimes’ assault and the Hedgehog Centre fire. Sam begins to realise that she made need some support herself.

Jessica Redland is fast becoming the Queen of cliffhangers! This book ends on another cracking on that will leave you desperate for book 4! There is definitely more from to come from Hedgehog Hollow.

This book has everything I loved about the first two in the series and more.

Warm-hearted and cosy with plenty of drama and twists, this is family drama at its best – with added hedgehogs!

This does work as a stand alone but the series is fab and the characters continue to develop so I would definitely recommend reading Dinding Love and New Arrivals as the characters really develop and you get to know the whole fantastic story.

This was the third book in the Hedgehog Hollow series (4 books in total) Best enjoyed after reading books 1 and 2.
I really enjoyed this book, catching up with Sammy, Josh and family and hearing Chloe’s story, which went some way to explaining why she behaves like she does.
This book is beautifully written, Jessica Redland is on fire with this book! I loved that Sammys character began to stand up for herself in this book. The family relationships in this series are complex, cruel at times , but counterbalanced with love and warmth . As usual there are plenty of secrets and difficult themes which are sensitively handled by Jessica.
The reader was left wanting more! I would highly recommend this book
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood books and Jessica for letting me read this book in exchange for a honest review

I absolutely loved this book. It was interesting getting more of an insight into Chloe as a character and I loved following the twists and turns of her story which alternated between the past and the present day. It was a joy catching up with the familiar characters and seeing how Hedgehog Hollow continues to evolve under Sammie’s care. The first book in the series will always be one of my favourite ever books but I love the whole series and the cliffhanger ending of this book has left me eagerly awaiting the next instalment!

If you like reading about complex family relationships, secrets and a fair bit of drama, animal rescue, love, friendship, and forgiveness, this wonderful, feel-good series is for you. I'd recommend reading the books in order (Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow is the third book), but if you want to start from this one, rest assured you won't feel lost - Jessica provided a helpful re-cap of the previous events to bring you up to speed.

Sammie continues to dedicate herself to giving the best care possible to hedgehog rescues people keep bringing in. She is also quite busy helping Josh's Dad and stepmum Beth and their young family who have been and are still going through a lot of health problems. On top of this, Sammie has to look after her cousin Chloe, who unexpectedly left her husband, and Chloe's baby boy. Not many people would find it easy to forgive Chloe for what she did to Sammie in the first book and her stroppy attitude in the second book. Well, this book might help you understand issues Chloe has been dealing with a bit better. The book is told from two alternating POVs - Samantha's and Chloe's- and we get an insight into what why Chloe didn't find early days of motherhood easy and why she is so prone to self-defeating thoughts and angry at the same time. Chloe goes through a lot of development in this book and I would love to see what happens to her and her family in future.

Sammie continues to be as lovely as she was in the previous books, although she is stronger now. It was a real pleasure to see other familiar faces and learn more about what has been going on in their lives. There were other revelations in the book that changed my attitude towards some of the characters and once again highlighted Sammie's forgiving personality and willingness to give everybody a second chance.

I loved every minute spent with Sammie's little charges and the little factfile (True/ false quiz and Dos and Don't of Hedgehog Care) at the end of the book.

This was a lovely escape from reality and I must admit I was hoping for another cliffhanger at the end of the book, because it would mean we are getting the fourth book in this much loved, heartwarming series. The good news: it was there! Can't wait to read the continuation!

Omg I love this series. I have been lucky enough to read the previous two books and I would say they need to be read in order so you know what has happened and it makes sense why Samantha is running a hedgehog rescue center.
I loved returning and seeing Samantha and Josh at the center along with his father and Beth his ex partner that have moved in with them and also there 2 children. We get to find out more about Chloe and why she behaves how she does at times. But I definetley need to read the next book after the ending this one had.

I am a huge fan of this author and this is quite possibly my favourite book yet.

This has been the perfect read to curl up with and it has definitely made me laugh out loud numerous times.

I have been pulled into this one from the very start. This is a fun filled novel guaranteed to cheer you up on the gloomiest of days.

It is impossible to say anything negative about this novel. I have been completely pulled in and have devoured page after page of this book. I love the characters that fill the pages of this one, each feel real and relatable.

I have been pulled in from page one and devoured this gorgeous gem in just one sitting. I definitely recommend this book.

I absolutely love this series and I'm always totally immersed in the story, learning more about the hedgehogs.
Samantha is too nice for her own good and finds herself a little overwhelmed with all her house guests all with their own issues. Her cousin Chloe arriving on the doorstep, just adds to the problems.
Events help her understand a little bit about her family secrets and issues. You just totally feel for her in this instalment of this wonderful series.

Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow – Jessica Redland
MAY 6, 2021 ~ EATWELLAE ~ EDIT
PerfectIon – it’s a big word, not in actual length, but for certain in impact. It is, quite simply, how I choose to describe this book.

It was with overwhelming pleasure that I picked up the third in the Hedgehog Hollow series to read. (Mental note to self to take it more slowly next time and make it last)! Oh and what a cliffhanger at the end! Please @jessica_redland, please please please put me out of my misery by providing the next episode of HH posthaste!


Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3spu7T9
This is a sublime book, and the author makes the characters come alive to such an extent that the reader truly cares about their outcomes. This is a book about love and families, about the fact that family relationships are not always perfect and proof that those relationships can improve. Personally, I got such immense gratification from reading this book, I find it hard to quantify that pleasure. However, if you only read one series of books this year, make it the Hedgehog Hollow series. Impossibly, each book is better than the last and leaves readers like me, desperate for more. The next book in the series cannot be published fast enough for me!

Life is good in Hedgehog Hollow, with a new engagement, and with the relationships between both Josh and his Father and Beth improving at a rate of knots.

Hedgehog Hollow dosn’t know what has hit it when Chloe, Sam’s petulant, cranky, downright obnoxious cousin appears on the doorstep, having left her Husband James. Sam exists in her own attention seeking, self centred world; she is refusing to say what James has done and is predictably rude and snappy to everyone. She is also madly jealous of Sam and Beth’s blossoming relationship. When we eventually find out what the problem is, a hard hitting secret from Chloe’s past comes to light, which everyone struggles to comprehend. As a reader I cannot help but empathise with her.

On the relationship front:

Josh and Sam’s relationship goes from strength to strength.
There are signs of the start of a fledgling relationship between Sam and her Mother (I have been so very desperate for this to happen).
There are potential signs of life in the relationship between Sam’s parents.
Things don’t look good between Chloe and James.
I have however left you with ‘food for thought’ and unanswered questions; some things you will resolve upon reading the book for yourself, whilst others should be revealed in the next book🦔🦔🦔🦔🦔

Will Sam get closer to her Mother?
Why does Sam keep on having panic attacks?
Can Chloe ever become less self centred and behave like a normal person?
Why is Phoebe, the volunteer who does the centre’s accounts, so jumpy around Sam?
Will James and Chloe get back together?
Can Phoebe really have been up to no good?

This book takes us back to Hedgehog Hollow with the lovely Samantha and a rapidly filling home, but the main storyline is focused on Chloe. Now, spoiler if you haven’t read the previous two books, but she’s probably not anyone’s favourite. I mean she stole Samantha’s boyfriend and then kicks her out of the wedding to start with. Then in book two she seemed to be too preoccupied in her own life to even ask Samantha how she was... so much for best friend behaviour?!

However, with the bombshell dropped at the end of book two it was quite clear that there was more to Chloe than first impressions and this book definitely uncovers some surprising events. As we were going along I had my suspicions but didn’t actually think of what was revealed, I thought it was going to be something quite different!

As we uncovered more about Chloe I did warm to her slightly more but I don’t think anyone can take the crown from Sam. Even though she’s going through her own health concerns she is so focused on everyone else that she neglects her own health, not the wisest decision but it wouldn’t be the Samantha we know if she was any different.

I’d love to hear more about Samantha and Josh’s relationship in the next book, I think they deserve a little bit of peace and quiet and their own focus rather than having to worry and care for everyone else. Although Jessica drops another bombshell at the end of this that had me silenced and I’m not sure what book 4 will hold!