I’m so delighted today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of the latest book from Jessica Redland, Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow – tinged with a little sadness, because this is the sixth and final book in her quite wonderful Hedgehog Hollow series. Published by Boldwood Books on 6th September, it’s now available as an ebook (free via Kindle Unlimited) and in paperback, with the audiobook to follow on 20th September. Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
I’m sure there can’t be many people – if they enjoy the same books that I do – who haven’t at least dipped into this fantastic series. I know it’s introduced Jessica to a legion of new fans – there can’t be many other authors who deserve it more (and those of us who knew she was something rather special from the very early days will do our best not to say “I told you so…”!). I’ve enjoyed every book of Jessica’s that I’ve ever read (just put her name into my search bar, and you’ll find so many reviews!), but this has been a series I’ve entirely loved, taking its whole cast of characters to my heart. You’ll find my review here of the first book, Finding Love at Hedgehog Hollow; my review of the second, New Arrivals at Hedgehog Hollow is here. There’s a review of the third, Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow too – you’ll find it here. No review of the fourth, A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow, although it might have been the one I enjoyed the most (so far…) – it coincided with my January break, when I’d decided to take a month’s break from writing reviews – but you will find a review of the fifth, Chasing Dreams at Hedgehog Hollow, which immediately became my new favourite (you’ll find it here).
So, the series finale – I had a very clear idea about whose stories I’d like to read the most, and which of them I’d really love to find their happy ending. Might this one just be the best of them all? Let’s take a closer look…
It’s the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember…
It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.
Fizz’s job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.
As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?
Yes, of course it’s sad that this wonderful series is finally coming to an end – the cast certainly aren’t just “characters” any more, but very real people (and friends…) whose stories it’s been a privilege to share. I’m sure some readers might be tempted to pick up this book as a standalone and give it a try, having seen how much others have loved the series – but I’d really recommend that you don’t, and start with the earlier books in the series. The author does make it technically possible by helpfully providing a “story so far” and a list of recurring characters, but you’ll enjoy it far more if you’re with them throughout their journey, understand the complexities of their relationships and the history they share, cry at their sadnesses and celebrate their moments of joy.
Throughout the series, each book has focused on one or more key characters, with the day-to-day efforts of the hedgehog rescue centre and the lives of everyone else continuing in the background. The one consistent voice has been Sam’s – from the point that she met Thomas, her dreams of making good use of his legacy coming to fruition with the beginnings of the hedgehog sanctuary, the love she found with Josh, and her involvement in the sometimes complicated lives of the large cast of friends and family. And at the beginning of this book, it’s really lovely to see her in a particularly good place – the Hollow is no longer just a hedgehog rescue centre but now hosts and cares for a wider range of wildlife, other small businesses have grown alongside it, and she’s happily awaiting the birth of her Christmas baby. There are, of course, a number of ups and downs that follow – the small and larger dramas and emotional moments that the author always handles so very well.
But the other person who takes centre stage – and the other voice of the book – is Fizz, and she’s one of the stalwarts at the rescue centre that I’ve been wanting to get to know rather better since she appeared with her multi-coloured hair and eccentric fashion sense, her humour and lightness, and the wonderful touch she has when dealing with anyone in trouble (whether they have two legs or four). Her story is a traumatic one – but although it deals with a particularly difficult past experience that’s caused untold damage, there was never a time when I didn’t feel in entirely safe hands as her experience was shared. And, of course, what every reader will want is for her to have her happy ending – is there a chance that she and Phoebe (who’s certainly been through some pretty traumatic experiences of her own) might be able to become more than just good friends?
This really is, in every way, the finale the series deserved – every single thread followed through to a tidy (and unfailingly satisfying) ending. There’s a fair measure of sadness and more than a few emotional moments along the way, but there’s a tremendous amount of joy too – this is a book filled to the brim with warmth and love, beautifully written, and wholeheartedly recommended. I’m now really looking forward to seeing what this very talented author does next…
About the author
Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.
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Aw, Anne, what a gorgeous review. You’ve brought tears to my eyes with your kind comments. I’m so delighted the series finale gave you what you hoped for and all the emotions along the way. Thank you for being such an incredible supporter and champion of my writing since long before Boldwood came along and changed my life. It’s meant the world to me xx
Such a pleasure Jessica – this book was just wonderful, and absolutely everything I wanted it to be xx