Member Reviews
This time the main character is Lauren, Josh's aunt, although all the regulars are there. She has been unlucky in life, with two failed marriages, but is there a chance for a new relationship or is she destined to be alone?
This series is like a warm, cuddly blanket that I become totally immersed in. It is not all bubbly and happy, because life isn't like that, but the overall balance is definitely positive. It does cover some difficult subjects in a sensitive manner and there are some definite surprises, but all the time I was rooting for a happy outcome for Lauren. There is one more book to come in the series, which will be a bittersweet moment as I've loved it, but I hadn't wait to read it.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I really enjoyed this latest installment from Redland. All of the best characters are back, some great progression in Sam and Josh's relationship and a lovely insight into Lauren's past too.
🌄Another great story of family and friends🤗
I have enjoyed every book in this series and Chasing Dreams definitely did not disappoint. By now as the series has progressed Samantha and Josh, who finally get their wedding day and honeymoon in this story, have their lives filled with not just rescued hedgehogs, but there is a goodly contingent of family and friends who've loved and learned and brightened their lives. They all feel like friends to me, too. Seems the good vibes at the hedgehog rescue center have softened some hearts, changed some attitudes and healed old emotional wounds. My kind of positive story.
Lauren, Josh's aunt, is a key focus in this book and her bittersweet tale of love mysteriously lost was a good one. The author tells a sad story but brings in some hope for better times to soften her tragic past. She had me fully, emotionally involved in Lauren's fate and her final scenes with her ex mother-in-law Ivy were terribly poignant. And I am still hopeful that Phoebe, my favorite character from the last book who appears regularly in this story as a resident at the Hollow, will continue to move forward toward her own happiness.
Although the author does provide some brief background on occasion about events that transpired in previous books, I would really recommend reading this series from the beginning. Only two years have elapsed from events at the start of the first book to the end of this one but so much has happened to Samantha and her besties. Why miss it?!
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This was the first book I read in the Hedgehog Hollow’s series, and because of that it took some getting into to. There are a lot of characters to get familiar with and past events referred to. Which took away some of the enjoyment of this book. Definitely cannot be read as a stand-alone.
I got into the story lines eventually, but at some point I got annoyed that every heart-ache, every panic and every onset of trauma was resolved with a good heart-to-heart. If only Shaun had known that at the time; Lauren wouldn’t haven been left with a cryptic note and 26 years of questions of why.
This is the fifth, and penultimate, book in this series, which follows the fortunes of Samantha and her hedgehog rescue centre, based at Hedgehog Hollow farm in the Yorkshire Wolds. I have been following the series from the start and eagerly looking forward to each new part. For those new to these stories, or as an aide memoir, this book begins with a list of recurring characters from previous parts, with details of where they fit into the series, and an explanation of the overall story so far. At the end of the book, there is information about hedgehogs and their care.
This book carries on from the last one, which culminated in the wedding of the two principal characters, Samantha and Josh. This story is told from the point of view of Samantha and Josh’s aunt, Lauren, different chapters being told from the perspective of one or other of them. Following the tragic breakdown of two marriages, Lauren shares her house with Samantha’s dad, who is now separated from his wife. As she begins to wonder if she might have feelings more than friendship for him, it looks as if he may be reuniting with Samantha’s mum. However, a chance for love appears from an unexpected direction, but is Lauren ready to trust another man? Samantha also has a decision to make. Is she ready to take the next step in her relationship with Josh; is there room in her life for the busy rescue centre and a family?
I have loved all the books in the Hedgehog Hollow series, and this one is no exception; I can highly recommend it to readers new to Jessica Redland as well as those familiar with these tales. The descriptions of the hedgehogs at Samantha’s rescue centre are amazing and make me realise how lucky I am to have these nightly spiky visitors to my garden. This story incorporated most of the characters from previous books in the series and I very much enjoyed catching up with them all. Samantha was, of course, one of the principal characters, but it was good to find Lauren coming to the fore. There were some painful and tear-jerking moments for her and some big surprises for the reader which had me, for one, gasping. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, but sad that it will be the last; knowing Jessica’s writing, I am sure that more than one character may appear in future books.
Love the Hedgehog Hollow books and this is no exception. This book is mainly about Lauren's story but still involving everyone else including Sam and Josh's wedding. Can't wait for the last in the series
Returning to Hedgehog Hollow is like meeting up with old friends and getting a big hug from them. I love how every book features someone different and you learn more about them. This book focuses on Lauren, Josh's aunt.
Samantha and Josh are on their dream safari honeymoon in Tanzania and the rescue centre is being looked after by the volunteers. Lauren is still in love with Shaun, her first husband, who left her 26 years ago without explanation leaving her unable to move on properly. But then Lauren meets Riley Berry and her life is turned upside down.
When Samantha and Josh return from honeymoon having made a massive decision Sam begins to have second thought. She will need to pluck up the courage to talk to Josh just as Lauren will need to face her past in order to move to the future. Can both women take a leap of faith in order to chase their dreams or will they be trapped in the past.
Beautifully written with great characters and hedgehogs, what's not to love!
Jessica does it again. The perfect penultimate book in the series. I loved Lauren’s story and was so glad we got to read about it. Hedgehog hollow is the perfect setting yet again and I’ll be sad when this series ends!
This latest instalment of Hedgehog Hollow focuses on Lauren. 26 years ago the love of her life left a note and just walked out and she has never got over it. But little does she know the closure and explication she so desperately needs is closer than she thinks. Once the secret is out will she be able to completely open her heart again?
Returning to Hedgehog Hollow is like a warm hug from a friend I will be sad when the series ends.
Oh what a treat to be back at Hedgehog Hollow with characters I've come to love and some new ones to get to know. This latest book in the series focuses on Lauren who we met previously and I really enjoyed learning her back story. I loved the alternating chapters from hers and Sam's perspective and was intrigued to know where things would lead with the lovely Riley. Also, to share in Sam and Josh's lives - now a married couple - was extra special. I can't wait for the next book in the series to continue sharing the lives of these wonderful characters. I hope Jessica will consider revisiting Hedgehog Hollow in the future. It's just too good to end altogether! My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for which I am happy to give my voluntary review.
Bummed to hear this is the penultimate book in the series. The series could have gone on indefinitely with all the side characters to explore, so it’s a bit of a let down. I enjoyed this one and it was refreshing to hear Lauren’s story as a new focus. Please consider continuing this series.
I believe this is Book 5 in the Hedgehog Hollow series. I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I do wish I'd read the whole series from the start. There's a very large cast of characters and, although they're listed at the start of the book, I still wasn't sure who a couple of them were by the end!
This book alternates the stories of Lauren and Samantha. Interesting characters, particularly Lauren who has a strong back story with two failed marriages. Lauren's first marriage ended in a shocking way and she's never fully recovered. Can the arrival of handsome Riley, change that?
I found myself caring what happened to the people in this book. I shed a few tears and laughed out loud several times.
A very enjoyable read.
I loved being back in Hedgehog Hollow, a other fantastic instalment from Jessica Redland.
This time, we have Lauren's story. I've been intrigued by Lauren, she's always been there in the background, and I'd hoped her story was coming! The story starts as the previous book ended, with Sam and Josh's wedding, and Lauren witnessing something painful. Can she get past her feelings? Can she face her past so she can have a future?
We also have a continuation of Sam and Josh's story, set as usual in the beautiful Hedgehog Hollow. Will the newly married couple decide the time is right to extend their family?
Looking forward to the next book already!
Hedgehog Hollow is a lovely series and this was a great addition. It was an emotional and heartwarming read. I loved how the characters all supported each other which made for a very good read.
Another lovely read in this wonderful series. It follows on from the previous one and has all the ups and downs which I love. Can't wait for the next one in this series. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
What a wonderful, warm story. It had me laughing, crying and holding my breath, definitely all the feels and emotions, I enjoyed it immensely
I have loved all the Hedgehog Hollow books so far, and Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow has been no exception.
It was a joy to be back with so many characters that I’ve come to love. It’s wonderful to see Sam and Josh enjoying their honeymoon and starting to work on their next steps together. There are several other characters that have had difficult times in previous books, and it’s so rewarding to see them being happy now.
I loved the variety of settings in this book. It was great fun travelling to Tanzania (especially the hedgehog), and seeing more of the places where Lauren spends her time. There was also plenty of time spent at Hedgehog Hollow too.
I also really enjoyed exploring Lauren’s past and getting to know her better. I love the way that she and Sam support one another. I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I loved her storyline so much.
I don’t know what else to say really, other than how much I recommend this book. I think it’s even better than the previous one - I found the child neglect and abuse quite stressful to read about, though the story was very rewarding - I found this one much more relaxing. And although it was emotional in parts, it made me feel happy. It’s also very well written, and you can see how much research has gone into it!
Oh, and I love the little hedgehogs at the top of each chapter. So cute.
Overall, this was just such a lovely and emotional (in a good way) story. I really recommend it (and the whole Hedgehog Hollow series).
TW: death from cancer (not a main character).
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
Part 3 of this wonderful series and I can honestly say that this series is wonderful. I adore all the little hedgehogs. The characters are also all likeable, the storyline is feel good and uplifting and joyful.
Always a big fan of Jessica's books and no disappointment here!
In this instalment Sam and Josh take their long anticipated honeymoon and we learn Lauren's (Josh's aunt) story. There's also the opportunity to catch up with other characters from the series.
As ever, Jessica touches on some important, relatable issues and does it with maturity and emotion.
A great read. 🦔
Brilliant !!! what more can I say. So well written and interesting from the very first page, I wish it could have gone on forever. All the Hedgehog Hollow books are fantastic and I can't wait for the next one to be published.. This one was different as it went on honeymoon to Africa and also told a story of another character. All Jessica's books need reading, they wont disappoint anyone. Her books are worth a 100 stars but sorry, she is only allowed 5 and that is what I am giving this wonderful book. As with the rest of Jessica's books I will be buying this one to give as extra gifts to friends. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this e ARC