Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman
Pamela Dorman Books
May 2013
Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
Source: Library
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.Looking for Me
brilliantly melds together themes of family, hope, loss, and a mature
once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. The result is a tremendously moving
story that is destined to make bestselling author Beth Hoffman a
novelist to whom readers will return again and again.
My thoughts: This is the first book I’ve read by Beth Hoffman and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After hearing so many good things about this book, I immediately put it on reserve at the library and am so glad I did – I devoured it once it came in.
It’s so easy to get caught up in this book. Beth has a certain way of writing that just pulls you in. Plus, the story itself is one that’s easy to relate to…how many of us have found ourselves either estranged from a family member or trying to find ourselves? Part mystery, part romance and part discovery of self really make this the type of story that stays with you.
One of the things I loved about this story is that things are revealed slowly, allowing you to take it all in. We know that Teddi has moved away from her family to follow her passion. She’s made a good life for herself, but has never felt that her mother has accepted her decisions. After her mother’s death, she finds out a little more about her mother and why she was the way she was. Then there’s the whole mystery surrounding her brother’s disappearance. Again, little by little we find out what happened to Josh.
All in all, this is a beautiful story and I am definitely putting Beth Hoffman on my list of authors to read. And, I will definitely be picking up a copy of her first book, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt.
Do you find yourself picking up books because of the hype surrounding them?
Hi Kristin … thank you so much for your lovely review of my novel, I'm delighted that you enjoyed Teddi's story!
Wonderful review, Kristin. I've read several glowing reviews of this book, and hope to read it soon! As for hype, it does make me more interested in reading books at times–it's hard to resist the hype!
I read this one and really enjoyed it.
I loved this book, too, Kristin…it made my favorites list for June.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have this one on audio. So glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes I pick up a book because of the hype and sometimes I stay away. I can't explain it.
I loved it too Kristin, the audiobook is beautifully narrated. I think you'll love Saving CeeCee just as much 🙂