A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow - Jessica Redland

 

It's time for the wedding we've all been waiting for...

Life at Hedgehog Hollow is never dull, although Samantha hopes that the new year ahead will be a little less chaotic as she prepares to marry the love of her life, Josh. But disaster strikes when she checks the rescue centre's bank account after the festive season and discovers it has been emptied. Who would do such a thing, and why? With the future of Hedgehog Hollow now in jeopardy, planning a wedding has lost its shine.

Phoebe is desperate to escape the shadow of her family, infamously known for their attacks on Samantha's beloved rescue centre. Could the kindness of the Hedgehog Hollow team be the chance she needs for a fresh start, or will her family's secrets continue to drag her back?

My Review:

A lovely return to Hedgehog Hollow, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this next book in the hedgehog loving series and let me say – the wait was worth it!

I flew through this book; I just didn’t want to put it down as I was so keen to know what was happening. Jessica Redland has been so clever in encompassing many issues within this storyline, tackling some very serious and sensitive problems that will have readers riding an emotional rollercoaster. I was ranging from outraged to concerned, from upset but then full of hope, with lots of happiness and a heart full of love.

Whilst we primarily are catching up with Sam and her wonderful family/friends and hogs, we are also given a chance to discover Phoebe’s story. She is the accountant Sam has sources vis the local college and she has more then one secret she is trying to hide.

The more I read of Phoebes life, the angrier I became. Working in the profession I do; this is something I hear of regularly and it never changes how it makes you feel; Jessica Redland has done such a clever job incorporating this storyline into the book.

Sam’s character is slowly moving forwards after events in the past but that doesn’t mean she’s completely over them; when reminders threaten to set back the progress, she’s made she must be careful with choices she makes regarding the people she keeps close by.

An excellent and very enjoyable read, even if a little hard going to at time. I will (impatiently) wait for the next book in the series and see what happens next at Hedgehog Hollow.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3nVUBLA

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland is the top 10 bestselling author of over thirteen novels, including The Secret to Happiness. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRedlandAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicaredlandauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

The Minute I Saw You - Paige Toon

The brand new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Paige Toon. The perfect summer read for 2020!

Some people believe that it’s possible to fall in love simply by gazing into another person’s eyes . . .

When Hannah and Sonny meet, a spark ignites that is hard to ignore and impossible to forget. Weeks later, their paths cross again, but Sonny appears distant and reluctant to meet Hannah’s eye. It soon transpires that Sonny is at a crossroads. He’s committed to making serious life changes – ones that can’t and won’t include romance.

Hannah has her own reasons for wanting to keep their budding friendship platonic. Plus, she’s only in town temporarily, housesitting for her uncle. But as the summer hots up and the chemistry between them intensifies, Hannah and Sonny discover that there’s more to each other than meets the eye...

My Review

Breathtakingly heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Paige Toon just melts my heart every single time. I absolutely adored this latest release from Paige. 'The Minute I Saw You,' had me from the very first word, I couldn't put it down - not that I even wanted to!

I enjoyed the bubbling chemistry between Hannah and Sonny, from the moment they met it was clear there was something special between them and that made their second meeting all the more surprising as something had fundamentally changed. 

Both characters have led lives that would set them apart from others, both are hurt, living with scars from traumas that are very different. Hannah and Sonny are struggling with their own secrets but feel so drawn to one another. The blossoming friendship is a joy to behold. 

I enjoyed watching Hannah and Sonny get close, seeing their friendship grow and evolve throughout (without them realising how close they were actually getting). I loved the rest of the additional characters – Bertie for one will having you laughing but Matilda and Archie will prove extra special too. 

I don't want to talk about the story too much, it is so special that I want you to discover Hannah and Sonny's history for yourself. I will say my heart broke a little, the secrets and surprised were not what I expected. I think we all try to guess what may happen, or what the dramatic twist may be and I hadn't predicted this at all, well not completely. 

I love that Paige doesn't shy away from things, takes something so unique and creates a beautiful story that is empathetic yet enjoyable. She writes with such delicate care and consideration. 

 The Minute I Saw You is a very poignant love story. It was funny, romantic, frustrating but essentially very moving. Every aspect is written sensitively and ensured I loved both Hannah and Sonny equally. 


I cannot recommend it enough. Paige Toon never fails to deliver an absolute beauty of a book. 

Wishes Under a Starlit Sky - Lucy Knott

 

About the book:

When life doesn’t go to plan, you can write yourself a new story…

From the outside, Harper Hayes looks like she is winning at life.

She has an amazing job as a script writer, a wonderful house, an awesome best friend and an incredible husband. Yes, life seems to be pretty, dare she say it? Perfect?

But life is about to throw more than one spanner in the works of Harper’s picture perfect existence and at the busiest time of the year too.

As Christmas approaches, Harper will have some soul searching to do to decide if there really is such thing as the happily-ever-after she writes about.

My Review:

A lovely festive treat with themes of heartbreak, friendship and empowerment that really warms the heart and soul. This book emphasises the power of believing in yourself, doing what is best for your own good and surrounding yourself with people who truly care.
Harper deserves a change of luck; her husband betrays her and doesn’t seem to have a shred of decency. In swoops Madi, best friend extraordinaire, who helps put her back together again and is set on getting her back on the right path. 

A year later and Madi takes matters into her own hands, realising Harper needs a shove in the right direction she packs their bags and ships them both off to Colorado – to Harpers parents. 

Whilst she’s with those that she loves, Harper discovers parts of herself she either forgot she had or never explored. She pushes herself out of the comfort zone she’d created. With a new sense of adventure, Harper moves forward and takes opportunity with both hands.
A gorgeous setting that’s written so well you will feel like you right on those Colorado slops. With gorgeous characters, Lucy Knott has given us another brilliant story that’s full of heart and soul. It’s not your typical story either which I really enjoyed – I love a romantic tale but this is something different. 

I’ve enjoyed everything Lucy Knott has written so far and will look forward to the next time.

About the Author:

Lucy Knott is a former professional wrestler with a passion for storytelling. Now, instead of telling her stories in the ring, she’s putting pen to paper, fulfilling another lifelong dream in becoming an Author.
Inspired by her Italian Grandparents, when she is not writing you will most likely find her cooking, baking and devouring Italian food, in addition to learning Italian and daydreaming of trips to Italy.
Along with her twin sister, Kelly, Lucy runs TheBlossomTwins.com, where she enthusiastically shares her love for books, baking and Italy, with daily posts, reviews and recipes.

You can find Lucy on 
Twitter @TheBlossomTwins or @LucyCKnott
Instagram @LucyCKnott

Website: www.theblossomtwins.com

Knowing You - Samantha Tonge

Available to order here 

Goodreads Blurb:
An abrupt change; a new friendship; a dark secret...
Kind-hearted Violet has never fitted in, but despite being bullied at school is now content. She is dating ambitious Lenny, has her dream job in publishing and runs a book club at the local retirement home. However, when her relationship with Lenny begins to falter, Violet, hurt and alone, seeks the advice of her new flatmate, Bella. She changes her image and with her head held high aims to show that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life to be happy and successful.

My Review:
A thought provoking and emotional book. I was not prepared at all for what it a lot of more than your standard 'chick- lit' /women's fiction - I was engrossed throughout, what a brilliantly written tale of the fragility of relationships, friendships and control. 

Violet , our main character, is really likable and relatable. She thinks of herself as an odd ball who doesn't quite fit in or deserve any of the good things in her seemingly happy, comfortable life. She is a normal - kind hearted girl, loved by those around her and is admired for who she is. Only problem being that she doesn't see it. 

The breakdown of her relationship with Lenny is the catalyst for her examining every part of her life and deciding that she needs to stop being the oddity, she needs to be better ao to compete with the type of women Lenny now wants to be with.

I enjoyed the use of flashbacks - helping to understand the reasoning and details of why Violet feels and acts how she does. To see how the issues she struggles with have deep seated roots.

The additional characters in the book are interesting. Some characters are the people she needs - the ones that stick by her no matter what; some are the people she desires - although they aren't necessarily the ones who want the best for her and are people she could do without. I liked how the friendships Violet had remained strong, how she had people on her side throughout.

Admittedly, I had my suspicions about certain elements of the book  but I was still surprised and shocked. I'm not giving anything away - but I was pleased the twists were there. I think it's important to have a book like this around in today's climate. 

Some may find it a tough read, it's emotional and quite hard in some parts. Don't get me wrong, it's not all dark and gloomy, but it is a read that will have you hooked until the end. It tackles some difficult, but realistic themes but Samantha Tonge has done so in a careful way, sensitively where you feel connected to the character and emotionally involved.

My first Samantha Tonge read and definitely not my last.
Comfy rating: 👍👍👍👍
Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for the copy in exchange for an honest review.