Looking for Me. Finished 5-19-13, rating 4.5/5, 354 pages, ON SALE MAY 28, 2013
I was a little hesitant when author Beth Hoffman offered to send me her new book. I loved her first, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, so much and I’ve also grown to be a fan of Beth Hoffman the person, so I was afraid of what would happen if I didn’t like it, if I would be disappointed. I needn’t have worried since Teddi, while not quite as endearing to me as Cee Cee, is great heroine.
Teddi grew up on a Kentucky farm with her parents, brother, and grandmother. She was close to her loving father and her nature loving brother, but her relationship with her mother was prickly on a good day. Especially after Teddi takes off after graduation and her brother goes missing. Teddi makes a life in Charleston restoring furniture, but she is always drawn home where her brother’s disappearance still haunts her.
Teddi was refreshing. She knew what she wanted to do from a young age and went after it, and in the process found a new family for herself. I loved the fact that she was so determined in her goal to own an antique shop and she wasn’t distracted. She was a successful woman who didn’t lament the lack of a man in her life, instead she lamented the fact that she was so happy without one. Like most women, the relationship with her mother was a central to her life, and wanting to make her proud was something Teddi was hoping for. That storyline was such a strong one for me and I was rooting for Teddi and her mother. As for her brother, he was an odd duck and I had a hard time loving him as much as Teddi, but he had a sweet relationship with his sister.
Beth Hoffman knows how to make me feel the southern atmosphere which is no small feat since she grew up not far from where I am in northeast Ohio. I am especially grateful for her Buckeye roots since that means she always makes a stop here and I will get to see her on June 1st. I had such a blast meeting her on the last book tour with fellow blogger Bonnie. Beth is such a warm soul and I think this book showcases that.
Stacy's Books 
Wow. You’re the 4th blogger, I think, that has highly rated this book. Looks like I’m going to have to get it and read it.
Yay! Add my voice to the choir singing the praise of this wonderful novel!
I’m really excited about this book and looking forward to seeing Beth on tour too!
Good news for me. I went on Beth’s website and see that she will be in Northern California for 2 appearances – June 6 and 7. I will make every effort to see her and get her new book signed.
On Wed, May 22, 2013 at 8:19 AM, Stacy’s Books
Oh, I hope you get a chance to go. She’s a treat!
I’ve got three books chomping at my heels right now that need to be experienced on audio. This one, The Fifth Wave, and the new Hosseini book. I need to listen faster!
Stacy … I loved your headline “no sophomore slump here” … I sighed with relief! *Whew* Thanks so much for your lovely review of my new novel. I’m delighted that you enjoyed Teddi’s story. Can’t wait to see you (and Bonnie) in person again … Just a few more days!
Judging by the early reviews you’ve got another hit on your hands 🙂 Congratulations 🙂
I remember reading Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt a while ago; I had resisted but read it because a good friend suggested it – thoroughly enjoyed it! Did not realize Hoffman had a new one – will look for it now – thanks!
I’m right in the middle of this one and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my most anticipated read and I am so glad to read your thoughts! I am jealous that you get to see her IRL again!
Loved it as well – so happy it worked for you as well.
So glad you loved it, I loved Saving CeeCee and can’t wait to read this one. Beth seems like the loveliest, most genuine person too.
PS you need to email me regarding win of Katherine Howell audiobook, please check your emails 🙂
sounds really good. will definitely put on my to read list!
I didn’t love the first one (like everybody else), so I’m a little apprehensive about the second. I will probably give it a try though. It’s hard to ignore such positive reviews.
I loved this one too… a favorite for the year!
I’m so glad to see you enjoyed it. I loved CeeCee, too, so I can’t wait to read this one.
I need to get to Cee Cee on my shelf. Looks like I’ll like both as well!
I am really looking forward to reading this one! I am glad you liked it so much.