Beth Hoffman is a wonderful story teller, she has a way of making you feel like you are truly in the story along with, her genuine and so likable characters. I just finished reading, "Saving Cee Cee "Huneycutt". It was so good that I could not wait to see if she could follow it with another that had the same enjoyable quality. Thankfully, a repeat performance, this book was a bit more serious but an excellent story non the less. Teddi our main character has a fire in her belly and refuses to be a conformist. At a time when women were expected to be clerical workers Teddi refuses to let any one break her spirit or ruin her dream of becoming an antique dealer/rest-orator. She moves from Kentucky to Charleston to follow her passion. With some help from a seasoned antique shop owner and all the courage and perseverance she could muster, she eventually becomes the owner of her own shop. One year when she returns home for Thanksgiving things become very complicated with her family when, her 18 year old brother, who has always had an uncanny connection to nature, decides to disappear after an unavoidable, turned tragic, family conflict. A splendid journey through a honorable life. Theodora is surrounded by love, complex family relationships, deserved rewards for good deeds, and a whole wonderful amazing cast of long term friendships. A cozy bit of romance and a side-bar of mystery thrown in, makes this a well rounded, fantastic listen. Jenna Lamia captures all the nuances of each character in their dialect and tone, she makes them all come to life. I realized that when the story was on a happy note her voice and pace made it happier and when it was sad she can make you cry. Another bright success by Hoffman and Lamia, I hope we don't have to wait too long for another. Definitely credit worthy. When I read this authors first book, Saving Ceecee Honeycutt, I read it in one sitting and was then disappointed because I'd finished it.With Looking For Me I decided to take my time, reading a little at a time and making it last. By the time I'd read about a quarter of the book I realized that it was not one of my better ideas. I didn't feel any connection to the characters.So...I went back to the start, immersed myself in the story, and didn't come up for air until I read the very last word. I love the way this author writes. She breathes life into all her characters, not only the main ones. They're believable and likable, and I find myself genuinely interested in their lives.There is a little animal cruelty, but it's not too bad, and I found that I could read it without too much distress. There's also a romance, but it didn't turn my stomach, so that's a plus!A beautiful story, beautifully written.
Do You like book La Bottega Dei Sogni Smarriti (2014)?
I loved the main character, but found the whole story with the brother too strange and contrived.
—AnneElise
A lovely story about a sister and her love for her brother.
—Gauri
