Thursday, July 11, 2013

Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman

Genre: General Fiction
Publication Date: 28th May 2013
Pages: 354 - 12hrs 14mins
Book Source: Own audio purchase
Narrator: Jenna Lamia

Synopsis: Beth Hoffman’s bestselling debut, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, won admirers and acclaim with its heartwarming story and cast of unforgettable characters. Now her unique flair for evocative settings and richly drawn Southern personalities shines in her compelling new novel, Looking for Me.

Teddi Overman found her life’s passion for furniture in a broken-down chair left on the side of the road in rural Kentucky. She learns to turn other people’s castoffs into beautifully restored antiques, and eventually finds a way to open her own shop in Charleston. There, Teddi builds a life for herself as unexpected and quirky as the customers who visit her shop.  Though Teddi is surrounded by remarkable friends and finds love in the most surprising way, nothing can alleviate the haunting uncertainty she’s felt in the years since her brother Josh’s mysterious disappearance. When signs emerge that Josh might still be alive, Teddi is drawn home to Kentucky.  It’s a journey that could help her come to terms with her shattered family—and to find herself at last.  But first she must decide what to let go of and what to keep.

My Thoughts:
It's times like this I wish I was a writer so I could eloquently express just how Beth's writing makes me feel, how it touches, comforts and warms the heart. 

I adored Saving CeeCee Honeycut, and I shouldn't be surprised that Beth has outdone herself with Looking For Me but how is it possible for me, all the way over here in Australia to feel like I belong in the south, in Teddi's circle of friends? 

Whenever I teased Oliva and called her a junkaholic, she'd lift her chin and fire back, "And you are a furniture slut. I swear, you just about drop your panties for any old walnut chest that comes your way."
Then we'd both laugh at the truth of it. 

Beth Hoffman has a gift, for storytelling, for emotionally engaging readers and tugging on their heartstrings. The beauty of Looking For Me lies in it's honesty and simplicity. I laughed, I cried, I loved and I didn't want to leave. 


I love this piece of wisdom from Teddi's mum - "Never tie your happiness to the tail of someone else's kite." 

Turning toward the window, I looked into the morning sky, so blue and bright with the promise of a new day. I wanted to rip it down and throw it away. I wanted black clouds, thunder, and unforgiving winds.
I wanted the world to hurt like I did. 

Let you in on a little secret, I purchased this for my kindle and then I just had to hear it, so a couple of chapters in I purchased the audiobook, I'm greedy like that lol. Jenna Lamia's narration is nothing short of brilliant ... she is Teddi Overman and I fell completely in love with this delightful, authentic girl. 


Recommend: 110% YES ... Looking For Me is pure delight! 

Connect with Beth




20 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, Teddyree! Thank you so much for your wonderful review of my novel. I'm delighted that you enjoyed Teddi's story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Enjoyed says too little Beth, I shout-it-from-the-rooftops-loved-it :)

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. B you soooo have to get it, treat yourself for holidays :)

      Delete
  3. Wasn't it great? I read it and will probably get the audio at some point.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You'll love the audio Mary, I rarely re-read or re-listen to books but this is one I will!!

      Delete
  4. I loved Saving CeeCee Honeycut!! I will have to check this one out!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you loved Saving CeeCee you'll love this one, I know it!!

      Delete
  5. Adored this one too! I also have a hard copy and a copy on my Kindle. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lol another greedy Beth Hoffman reader ... love it :)

      Delete
  6. Great review, Sheree! I'm glad the audio lived up to the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Stacy, couldn't have asked for better. I can't wait for Beth's next book, whatever it is!

      Delete
  7. Its wonderful when you come across a book that evokes so many emotions...nothing quite like it! Lovely review Teddyree and it has certainly made me want to try Beth's books.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. can't wait to hear what you think Karen, want you to love Beth's books as much as I do lol

      Delete
  8. I'm glad you loved this too! I'll have to check out the audio sometime. I also want to listen to Saving CeeCee Honeycutt someday. I think that would be a fun audio book too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it was Christina, I'm sure you'd love them both on audio!

      Delete
  9. I totally agree, and I loved that quote too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wish you were a writer? Are you kidding me? You are a fantastic writer, Sheree. Serious. Dead. Serious.

    Wonderfully moving review of Beth's book. I feel the urge to listen to it now!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. aww Staci you say the nicest things. It's always hard when you love a book so much to convey that and do it justice!

      Delete

Thanks for taking the time to leave some comment love, I'm a 'comment back' kinda girl. Don't forget to check the 'Notify me' box