Looking for Me

March 11, 2013
Hoffman’s follow-up to Saving CeeCee Honeycutt presents her fans with a delightful character piece for a lazy day. Upon graduating from high school, Theodora “Teddi” Overman leaves her childhood home in rural Kentucky to pursue her passion for restoring old furniture. Her decision strains an already fragile relationship with her mother, but Teddi is content with the life she makes for herself in her Charleston antiques shop. One item from her past, however, continues to haunt her: the still-unexplained disappearance of her brother, Josh. When Teddi’s mother dies after an unexpected stroke, clues start to emerge that Josh has been alive all these years, and Teddi must confront her painful memories anew. On a trip back home, Teddi returns to Red River Gorge, the beautiful, secluded area where her brother was last seen. Though readers may question certain plot turns, these less plausible moments won’t detract too much from the enjoyment to be found in Teddi’s story. Hoffman’s novel of a woman putting the pieces of her family’s secrets together combines a deep dramatic impact with Southern charm. Agent: Catherine Drayton, Inkwell Management.

Teddi Overman, born and raised in rural Kentucky, becomes an accomplished furniture restorer and antiques dealer in Charleston. Jenna Lamia performs this journey of self-discovery and love in a melodious Southern accent that suits the characters perfectly. Lamia's voice becomes that of that of the adventurous and determined Teddi, as well as differentiating the secondary characters with skill: a toothless old man; a wizened, expert furniture restorer and gruff millionaire; a self-assured book conservator, and many others. Teddi's journey is intertwined with her search for her missing brother, Josh, who disappeared one day into the Kentucky wilderness. Lamia's soft tones deliver the luscious descriptions of Kentucky farmland, isolated wilderness, and antique furniture. This memorable story will charm listeners. M.B.K. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine