February 15, 2015

Looking For Me. Beth Hoffman

Looking For Me book cover
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.
My thoughts
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.
5 stars

22 comments:

  1. Oh this sounds lovely! I love the idea of the store in Charleston (such a beautiful city!) and the part about Josh sounds intriguing. I will definitely be on the lookout for this one and I'm glad to hear that it's great in audio as well!

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    1. Loved it on audio. I don't know Charleston - good to hear its a beautiful city.

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  2. This one has been on my wishlist for a while, need it

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    1. This sat in my library for ages, so happy to have finally picked it up.

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  3. So glad you loved this one too. I said the same thing, Jenna Lamia was Teddi, love her narration! Have you read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, it's delightful too!

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    1. No but I will, am so annoyed that Looking For Me is the only one I can get from Audible, obviously no world rights!

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  4. Glad you loved this one Kathryn. I've read many positive comments about this book. Thanks for sharing your reveiw.

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    1. Me too, I had read a few reviews of it and then had it sitting in my audio library for quite a few months!

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  5. I really liked this one when I read it. I wanted to open an antiques store, or at the very least, visit one once I had finished it :)

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    1. Smiling! She certainly knew her antiques, even if a few were uplifted by a little old lady!

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  6. This sounds joyful though it does have its sad moments. Making a note of this one

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    1. Teddi is strong spirited and I think that gives it a positive note. It was great.

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  7. I loved this one as well and look forward to her next book!

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  8. I loved Teddi and this book.

    Beth always writes books you don't want to put down.

    Wonderful review.

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    1. Thanks Elizabeth. I am looking forward to reading more by her.

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  9. I loved this book too!! I should give it a listen on audio.

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  10. I loved this book, too! I would like to read more about Teddi...I am glued to Amazon, watching for Beth's newest book, whenever that one comes. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. I loved Teddi and the entire book. I hope there is another one coming up.

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  12. Kathryn: This book was good, but the first one, Saving Ceecee Honeycutt was great!

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    1. Yes, Betty I must read it. Need to look on Audible to see if it is there. Heard it is great, I really like her as an author.

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