January 7, 2022
A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland
Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Animal Rescue, Found Family, England
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My Summary:
Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #AWeddingAtHedgehogHollow upon my request. All opinions are my own.
A long-awaited wedding…….
As Samantha prepares to marry Josh, she discovers that someone has hacked into her bank account and emptied it. Is the future of Hedgehog Hollow in jeopardy? Will she be able to afford the wedding?
In this installment, we become acquainted with Phoebe who is desperate to escape her abusive family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha’s beloved rescue centre. Does the recent bank fraud have anything to do with her family?
My Thoughts:
Series: A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow is the 4th in the Hedgehog Hollow series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, a series is always best when read in order (in my opinion).
Writing: One reason I enjoy this series is for the friendly tone of the writing. The books are easy reading and the stories are engaging from the first page. Although some of the themes are heavy, they are balanced with lighter and happier ones. I appreciate the closed door romance and no offensive language in the stories. I think this series is difficult to pin down to a specific genre. It’s certainly women’s fiction because the storylines and themes are mostly focused on the concerns of women and female characters. Some readers might categorize this as “uplit” because the stories end up on a hopeful note and compassion, connection, caring for others, and kindness are always strong themes. In each of the stories though, there is always one heavy hitting theme. In this recent installment, there is a particularly difficult theme of child abuse and child endangerment.
Main Character: At the center of each story is wise and insightful Samantha (Sam) who is a hedgehog rescuer, a loyal and understanding friend, a helper, a determined problem solver, and an all-around kind, generous, and compassionate person. I love her and her character keeps me invested in the series.
***contains spoilers***
Themes: In all the stories, there are general themes of family loyalty, friendship, second chances, compassion, and kindness. In each story there is at least one hard hitting theme. In A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow, there is child abuse and child endangerment. They can be uncomfortable passages to read but they are not overly graphic. Most of these scenes are told as backstory and could be easily skipped or scanned. You can always trust Jessica Redland to resolve all the issues in an HEA (happily ever after or happy for now) ending (in this case “found family”).
Recommended: I’m recommending A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow for readers who enjoy women’s fiction with substantial themes, for fans of animal rescue, and for those who appreciate an inspirational and likable main character.
My Rating: 4 Stars
A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow Information Here
Meet the Author, Jessica Redland
Thank you so much for looking at one of my books on Amazon and a very warm welcome to two gorgeous Yorkshire settings: Whitsborough Bay on the North Yorkshire coast and Hedgehog Hollow on the Yorkshire Wolds.
I write uplifting stories of love and friendship. You’ll meet some new friends who’ll raise a smile and perhaps draw a few tears. I adore my characters so, if you do find yourself reaching for the tissues, don’t worry because I promise I will never leave them without a heartwarming happy ending.
All my books work as complete standalone stories but some are part of a series and others are connected. The Welcome to Whitsborough Bay series and the Hedgehog Hollow series are best enjoyed when read in order and, if taking a trip to Castle Street at Christmas, I’d recommend Christmas at Carly’s Cupcakes before Starry Skies Over The Chocolate Pot Café.
I hope you decide to dive in and that you enjoy your visit to Yorkshire. Thanks again for looking.
Big hugs, Jessica xx
QOTD:
Is A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow on your TBR or have you read it?
Have you read other books by Jessica Redland?
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Are the Hedgehog Hollow books considered cozy mysteries? I’ve committed to reading a new cozy mystery this year.
No they are not cozy mysteries. Sorry!
I totally agree Carol. I always like the hopeful endings. Wonderful review as always.
Thanks Carla! 🙌
Would these books be considered cozy mysteries?
Sent from my iPad
>
I don’t think so.
No, not cozy mysteries at all. I would say Women’s Fiction, or Up-Lit. Family relationships and animal rescue play a large part as well.
This sounds like a good series. I always appreciate hopeful endings, even when there are some difficult topics covered in the book.
I love a hopeful ending!
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow, Carol. Really enjoyed reading your comments and I do agree with you that series are so much better read in order. Although I take care to wrap up the main story being told in each book so it can work as a standalone, there are threads and character arcs which progress across the whole series so there’s a much richer reading experience.
My publisher and I have had a few conversations about genre over time and their viewpoint would be that my books are contemporary women’s fiction. When I originally started writing, I intended to write romcoms but my characters drive the stories and they often present with deeper themes to be explored. As you’ve recognised, I take care not to cover those issues graphically and focus more on the emotion and impact that they’ve had on the character. Ultimately my aim is to write stories that acknowledge some of the tough times people go through but show that there is hope and light for everyone, no matter how dark things may seem at a particular point x
Awww, thanks so much for commenting and clarifying Jennifer! It’s helpful for me to know the genre you feel best represents your work! I prefer substantial themes in my reading and I also appreciate the strong element of hope because we all face tough times!
love the title of this novel. I’ll add it to my list. Hey this is my first time to your blog. Hope to see you at Sunday post @theglobaldig.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping in and commenting Trin! I’ll hop over and visit your blog!
Sounds like a great series to put in between heavier reads!
Yes I like these lighter reads to even out histfic!
This sounds like a really cozy read. I love a simple and friendly writing style.
She’s easy to read!
[…] 4 Stars. (ARC) #4 in a Series. Contemporary Fiction, England. (Pub Date: 1/6/2022) My review of a Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow here. […]
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