Looking For Me. Beth Hoffman

Looking For Me
Beth Hoffman
Published: Penguin Audio
Date: 2013
Format: Audiobook
Length: 12 hrs and 14min
Narrator: Jenna Lamia
Genre: Women's Fiction
Source: Own book

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.

Just like many other readers I loved Looking For Me by Beth Hoffman.  It was a wonderful southern story of family and loss and hope.  

Teddi was someone I'd love to know. Passionate and loving it is her journey and her story.  It is told from her point of view and what a voice.  From early on she loved all things ancient and antique - sold them at her farm gate until later on she opened a shop in Charleston.  I loved that she had two mentors who happened along at the right time and helped her along with her passion.  An expert on antiques and an expert in opening a business.  She also had loyal friends and workers. She had a grandma in her nineties and Teddi took good care of her and her grandma took good care of Teddi.

While she is successful in business she has losses to face and grieving to do for all that she has lost and none so dear as her younger brother Josh who has a passion for protecting nature and the beautiful wildlife that surrounds their Kentucky farm.  When he disappears one day, Teddi almost never gives up hope that he is alive somewhere.  Sometimes the signs seem to say he may have died, but Teddi leaves messages for him.  When the time comes to face the fact that she cannot keep the farm she makes some decisions that are brave and thoughtful.  

This is a story of wonder and joy, heartbreak and sadness, humour and quirkiness.  It's a tale of love - Teddi's love for many people and places and things.  Teddi finds love with someone in an unexpected place and while it did not take centre stage it was a nice touch.

Jenna Lamia did a fine job narrating this book, her voices for various characters was great, her pacing and expression - wonderful.  She was Teddi!  I would happily listen to any book she narrates.  This book was already excellent but with her narration Jenna took it up to another level again.