Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

Looking for Me, Beth Hoffman.  New York:  Penguin Books, 2013.  e-book, 322 pps.

@wordrunner on twitter

http://bethhoffman.net/


Looking for Me is Beth Hoffman's second novel.  Teddi is from the farmlands of Kentucky where she lived with her mother, father, grandmother, and younger brother.  Josh, the younger brother that Teddi sort of named, is very much into the woods and nature.  He knows all about birds and their feathers.  He collects arrowheads, bones, and fossils.  Teddi taught herself to refinish furniture at a young age.  A chance meeting with an antique furniture dealer from Charleston encourages her toward her dream of owning her own antique furniture shop.

Something happens and Josh disappears into the wilderness.  Teddi survives the death of her dad, her mother, her gram, and the break-up of the family property.  She has her own life, a dog, her shop, and some painful questions that receive partial answers.


sapphoq reviews says:  Beth Hoffman has written an outstanding novel again.  Looking for Me is rich in imagery and emotional tone.  Fans of decent chick lit will love Looking for Me as I did even though Teddi hadn't yet adopted a cat or two by the end of the book.  Highly recommended.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt: A Novel, Beth Hoffman.  New York: Penguin Group, 2010.  e-book, 256 pps.


CeeCee Honeycutt is a tween with a problem.  Her mother is psychotic and her father has run off to immerse himself in his job and sharing sheets with another woman.  CeeCee is left to take care of her mother the best that she can.  One day, something happens to her mother.  CeeCee is sent off to live with an elderly relation in Georgia.

CeeCee is surrounded by many strong women in her new home.  The women are older and wiser.  CeeCee is suddenly freed from the responsibility of looking after her parent.  She finds joy and a certain amount of wisdom in her new life.

sapphoq reviews says:  Saving CeeCee Honeycutt is an excellent novel.  I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Georgia-- very much like the Georgia that I have known-- and the subplots.  There is racial tension in the air.  The women themselves know better.  But a few men do not.  The main character is infinitely likeable.  The dialogue and situations are realistic.  The fights between two neighbors left me screaming with laughter.  Absolutely recommended to everyone who loves a good chick fic.