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just finished listening to Prickly Company by Kitty Johnson and here are my thoughts.
Frances Mathews has been a homebody since her husband died but her love for the hedgehogs sparks a campaign to create a hedgehog highway in her neighborhood in hopes of the hedgehogs not getting run over. Much to Frances' delight most of her neighbors are amenable to her plans.
Jess is struggling to connect to the little boy that she and her husband Michael adopted. Their daughter isn't happy about his arrival and the strain in the marriage is palatable.
Ryan, a war correspondent injured on assignment, in a wheelchair and estranged from his young son, plus a single mom with an interesting viewpoint on the world seem to be on board while the snobby couple with the immaculate lawn aren't as happy with the new campaign.
You would think that saving a few hedgehogs wouldn't be so exciting but for the people of hilltop, none of their secrets will stay buried and people will get their feelings and hearts destroyed in the worst of ways.
Stacey strikes again with not reading the synopsis and I am actually really glad I didn't because I would have missed out on this amazing book if I had. It may not sound very exciting but actually the whole concept of the book was the connections between the neighbors coming together for a common cause and each one finding new friendships and relationships while others found themselves.
It was beautifully written and the audio narrator was top notch. One of the best voices I have ever listened to and highly entertaining. Women's fiction covers all manner of sins so it really doesn't give away much of what you can expect but the author does a great job of covering the hardships that can come with adoption and that is can lead to stresses within a relationship and with the other kids if there are any.
I would also highlight that there is some emotional abuse and infidelity if those things are a trigger for you. I also felt that Ryan's struggle with PTSD was handled really well. The whole book has this light hearted feeling to it even with all the heavier topics in it.
I loved the heck out of it! Well done.
That was a 4.5 star audio.
Thank you @brilliancepublishing and @netgalley for my gifted audio copy! Out tuesday!!
“Prickly Company” by Kitty Johnson is one of those books that just grabs you and doesn't let go. It's all about the drama, love, and laughs in this little community, where even the hedgehogs play a part in the story. The way Johnson writes makes you feel like you're right there, living alongside characters like Frances, who's trying to make the world a better place for hedgehogs, and others who are dealing with all sorts of life stuff like rocky marriages, parenting challenges, and the messiness of just being human. I was totally wrapped up in their lives, laughing one minute and getting teary the next. The story's got twists that keep you guessing and moments that warm your heart. It's really about the big, messy, beautiful thing called life, and it's told in a way that's both down-to-earth and deeply moving. Incorporating the story of the hedgehogs, was a fun and meaningful way to show how we really are all interconnected. Plus, they're cute! Do not skip this book in 2024!
