Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman has been around the blogasphere for a while and many have raved about it and in my opinion, for good reason. I really, really enjoyed this step into the South for a while and into CeeCee’s life. For me, this novel was filled with interesting and quirky characters that managed to fill a place in my heart just when I needed it most.
CeeCee Honeycutt is twelve years old and up to this point has certainly not had an easy life. She’s grown up with a mentally ill mother and has unfortunately been left on her own the majority of the time to take care of her. Her father is a travelling salesman who took the job to mainly get away from home – how unfair to leave young CeeCee to try and make sense out of what was happening to her mother when there was really no way too.
CeeCee’s mother Camille lives in her past when she was young, beautiful and the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. She spends lots of money at the goodwill store buying up party dresses and shoes and then dresses up in them at home and to CeeCee’s horror goes out in public in them as well. Of course the town thinks that Camille is completely crazy as she gives them plenty of reason too and unfair as it is, this has rubbed off on CeeCee. She is laughed and snickered at and has never had a friend other than her old neighbor Mrs. Odell.
Then tragedy strikes and CeeCee has nobody. Her father certainly has no idea what to do with a young girl and fully realizes that he has been a horrible father to her. Soon enough, CeeCee’s great aunt Tootie shows up from Savannah to rescue her and take her home with her. CeeCee is introduced into a wonderful world she never thought possible with a beautiful home, wonderful clothes and most importantly, people who love her.
What a great story. From here CeeCee meets those quirky characters that I was talking about like Miz Goodpepper and Violene Hobbs – both these characters had me laughing out loud at times. Then there is Oletta Jones, the housekeeper/surrogate mother that I just loved. She just warmed my heart with how, in her own way, she helps CeeCee heal from all that has happened to her. My favorite characters were definitely CeeCee and Oletta – CeeCee for her resilience to make it even after all the horrors she’s seen and Oletta for being the kind of woman who knew what CeeCee needed and made sure to give it to her.
This is a beautifully written story that captured my heart. I really loved it and the only bad thing I could possibly say about it is that I wished it had been longer. I would have loved to spend more time in Savannah with everyone! There are many passages that I loved as Beth Hoffman most certainly has a way with words but I’ll just share a few of them…
- ‘A cool breeze ruffled the hem of my nightgown, the birds began to chirp and sing, and the first sparks of sunlight brought the dew-drops to life.’ (page 44)
- ‘I sat quietly and listened as their chatter lifted into the air, gilding all four corners of the kitchen. And as the sweet aroma of the fresh peaches mingled with the sound of their voices, I folded the memory into myself, feeling a peace I’d never known before.’ (page 272)
—Now that passage I like because it evoked memories of my own from back when I was younger and would lay in bed and listen to my Aunt Tally (now passed away) and my mom chattering at the kitchen table. I remember feeling so secure hearing their voices lull me to sleep.
My favorite quote is this one because it’s so true to life for all of us and it really hits home for me right now…
- ‘It’s how we survive the hurts in life that brings us strength and gives us our beauty.’ (page 302)
I read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman for her book tour with Inkwell Management. You can buy your very own copy of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman here in the US and here in Canada. Be sure to visit Beth Hoffman’s website and blog as well!
My thanks…to Allie with Inkwell Management and Shannon with Penguin for my review copy of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Guess what? I have 3 copies of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman courtesy of Allie and Shannon (thank you!) up for grabs. To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with an email address.
- For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you.
- For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway.
This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will be drawing for the winners on Saturday, June 19, 2010. Good luck to all!
Oh Yay! I have been trying to win this book, maybe this will be the one! Hope hope hope.
forevereading at gmail dot com
I am a follower
I will post about it on Mon.
Great review, Dar. No need to enter me in the giveaway as I read it and really liked it.
Please count me in for this giveaway. Wonderful review.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
Please enter me for this one…I've been wanting to read it for such a long time!
ksg_amg(@)yahoo.com
Already a follower
Thanks for the great Giveaway!
Hi Darlene…
I have been reading great reviews for this book by all the book bloggers… I would love to win this book.
archanaskorner(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks
Arch
This one line causes me to want to read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman. 'It's how we survive the hurts in life that brings us strength and gives us our beauty.'
Thanks for the interview.
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com
I will be following your blog from now on.
rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm anxious to read this book. I love quirky characters, I enjoy southern fiction, and a good friend recently recommended this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
+2 I follow through Google Reader.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
This looks great! Please enter me!
bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com
I'm a follower.
bethsbookreviewblog2 AT gmail DOT com
I would love to read Saving CeeCee Honeycutt it sounds like an interesting read.
nancysoffice at gmail dot com
No need to enter me. I just wanted to say that I loved this book and your review. Nicely done.
Oh please enter me in this one! Thanks so much!
poolplayer712 (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would love to win this.
I am a follower
Zia
ziaria(at)gmail(dot)com
I am following your blog!!!
poolplayer712 (at) yahoo (dot) com
This book is on my wish list and I would really like to win it.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
I follow by google reader.
Thanks for this lovely giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
I so want to read this book, so please do enter me in your giveaway!! I loved your review as well, and am glad that the book came at the right time for you!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I am also a follower of your blog!!
No need to enter me Dar, I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your review and also just LOVED this book. I will post the giveaway for you though.
I have this on my wish list! thanks for the great review.
I follow!
This is one on my wish list!
freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca
Follow via GFC.
freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca
tweet; http://twitter.com/fredalicious/status/14767484339
freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca
I would love to read this book—please enter me to win!
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
sounds so good!
sarahjunieatgmaildotcom
I've been looking forward to reading this – would love a chance to enter your contest.
I am also a blog follower.
lisa.2713 at gmail dot com
I've heard/read so many good things about this book.
I'm a follower.
tiredwkids at live dot com
GREAT Giveaway!!! I am a follower.
http://twitter.com/HtxAstrosFan/status/14771505994
tweet!!!
Patientlywaitingbooks at gmail dot com
Great Giveaway!
teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
I am a follower
teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com
Count me in!
d.alexandra2@yahoo.com
I'm also a GFC follower.
I'd love to win – please enter me!
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
I'm a follower
nbmars AT yahoo DOT com
Sounds like a good book!
couponboss at gmail dot com
I keep hearing good things about this book. Please enter me.
I'm a follower.
jen at delux dot com
This looks like a good read for a lazy summer day.
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
I follow your blog as degood with google friend connect.
kerrie@mayansfamily.com
This sounds so good, please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com
I am a GFC follower as Colleen Turner.
candc320@gmail.com
I would really love to read this book.
CarolNWong@aol.com
I am a follower.
been meaning to read this for a while now
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com
i follow through google reader
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com
I'd love to win this book.
I am also a follower of your blog.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net
This one interests me after seeing so many favorable reviews. Please enter me:
theroundfile at live dot com
Plus I am a follower
theroundfile at live dot com
Awesome! I would definitely want to read this! Btw I love your page.
behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com
I'm a follower!
behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com
I won a copy of this so please don't enter me. Loved your review and I must make time to read this one!
I have this book on my wish list. I would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I am am an old follower
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
Follow via twitter(@misskallie2000)
tweet
misskallie2000 http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-review-saving-ceecee-honeycutt-by.html
less than 5 seconds ago via web
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I'm a follower! Thanks for the giveaway!!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
This sounds like an amazing journey into what mental illness can do to a family and children… I *really* need to read this. Thanks for making me aware of the story.
courtney AT kindasassy DOT com
Please enter me.
I am a follower.
ludeluh at yahoo dot com
oooh i would love to win this book!!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
Count me in please!! vivaglampink@yahoo.ca
This one sounds really great!
saz AT chainreader DOT com
I'm already a follower!
I have wanted this one so long! Pick me! Please! LOL!
Thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I'm a follower!
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I've heard such good things about this book, great review Dar!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
This sounds like a wonderful book ~ please enter me
hawkes at citlink dot net
I already follow your blog
hawkes at citlink dot net
I've read nothing but great reviews of this book. Thanks for the chance
msboatgal at aol.com
I'm already a follower
msboatgal at aol.com
New to the blog, am looking forward to reading Saving Cee Cee, it looks to be a perfect summer read. I am pretty new to blogs and find them so much fun to read.
ladybook21@yahoo.com
Lovely review! I enjoyed the quotes you chose. I'd love to read this book.
I am a follower. 🙂
I will post this in my blog's sidebar.
suko95(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
blog follower via GFC
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Another great review of a great book! I felt like I've read the book after reading so many reviews of it. Haha!
No need to enter me for the giveaway as I'm not eligible…
I have heard so many great things about this book! Thanks for the chance to win!!
areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com
I also follow!!
areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com
I want to read this one! Please enter me in the giveaway.
vtgoat[at]gmail[dot]com
I want this one!
tbranco(at)hughes(dot) net
I'm a follower
tbranco(at) hughes (dot)net
Your contest is posted on the giveaway sidebar of my blog Tutu's Two Cents
tbranco (at) hughes (d0t)net
No need to enter me in the giveaway, Darlene. I have a copy that I am looking forward to reading. I am so glad you enjoyed this one. It sounds so good.
This book sounds so interesting.
Please enter me….{hope I win}
RJB
loki304[at]tds[dot]net
Great review! I have been wanting to read this for some time! It's on the top of my wishlist! Please enter me!
* I am a "forever" follower! 🙂
* I posted about this giveaway on my blog's sidebar!
(http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com)
*quzy at mac dot com
Thanks for hosting!
Suzanne
I've wanted this book forEVER! Thanks for the chance to win.
moellermom5 AT yahoo DOT com
I'm a Follower
I've heard nothing but great things about this book. I'd love to read it.
litandlife@gmail.com
I'm a follower.
Please enter me in this giveaway – Thanks!
seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a follower
seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you! I am a new follower thur Google Reader.
debraldufek AT hotmail DOT com
I would love to get in on this giveaway
leann.luckett@gmail.com
I also follow your blog
I've heard lots of good things about this book. Enter me in the contest please.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a GFC follower of your blog.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
No need to enter me in the giveaway. I just loved this book! It was such a great read!
This sounds wonderful. I really want to read it.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I follow on gfc/blogger.
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Sounds really fascinating!
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Forgot to say – yes I Follow on GFC!
adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com
Hearing such great things about this book. Please count me in. Thank you!
I follow
Blogged:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-05-29-10.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Please enter me – thanks so much.
+2 GFC Follower – Libby's Library
+3 Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/LibbysLibrary/statuses/15356676426
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
This book sounds wonderful. I'm always in search of a new and interesting read!
* For 1 entry I left a comment with an email address:
kzupancic[at]yahoo[dot]com
* For 2 entries I followed your blog.
* For 3 entries I tweeted this giveaway:
https://twitter.com/KarenZupancic/status/15375869107
I'd love to read this!! Thanks for the giveaway.
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
I'd love to read this
reneesuz82(at)msn(dot)com
I'm a follower on google friend connect
reneesuz82(at)msn(dot)com
Please enter me.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Google follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I'm already a Google follower.
JHS
Colloquium
admin at jhsiess dot com
I've heard a lot of great comments about this book. Add my name to the drawing.
luann (at) gpcom (dot) net
Blog follower – Annie
Tweeted giveaway @luannschindler
Hi, I just became a new follower and I am very interested in reading this book. Thanks for the great opportunity.
Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/
Please count me in!!
+2 I'm also a GFC follower.
d.alexandra2@yahoo.com
need some summer reading,please enter me & thx for the contest..
thehighflyer3(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have wanted to read this for the longest time!
fourkidsrgreat@gmail(dot)com
I'm a follower.
fourkidsrgreat@gmail(dot)com
I would love to win this one!
I'm already a follower.
crystalfulcher(at)ec.rr.com
Would love to win and read this book.
Michelle H.
cmichellehofer@gmail.com
I would love to be entered in this contest!! Thanks for hosting!
I am a follower through Google Reader.
isaacson.holly at gmail dot com
I found your review to be intriguing and one that I think I would take pleasure in reading.
Thank you so much for hosting this giveaway.
steven(dot)capell(at)gmail(dot)com
Really wanting to read this one. Please enter me.
allygotts567 at hotmail dot com
I'm a follower
This book is set in the South and during an interesting time period!
Please count me in…Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I am a follower of your delightful book blog…
Again, many thanks!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
"Tweet!"
http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/16116061670.
Merci, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Would love the chance to read this. Count me in, please! :0)
I follow.
Thanks!
librarygrinch at gmail dot com
great review–I am a new follower
Another book with great comments everywhere on the net. Would love to read it.
polo-puppy-fluffy[at]hotmail[dot]com
I'm a follower on GFC as MarionG.
polo-puppy-fluffy[at]hotmail[dot]com
I would love to win one of the 3 copies of this book. Thank you for offering them.
terrymac1a at hotmail dot com
I am a follower of your blog too.
terrymac1a at hotmail dot com
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/16524070569
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/16524070569
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/16524070569
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#3
i follow your blog
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
i'd love to read this – i have a weakness for books that take place in the south….
k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com
Did I miss the post of who won the giveaway?
candc320@gmail.com