There’s nothing I’d rather do on a Sunday than laze around in bed with a good book and a pudgy cat. While everyone’s off running errands, working out and being productive, I’m unashamedly still in my PJs sipping coffee and immersing myself in a new story. When I came across the Midnight Book Girl’s cool meme, I couldn’t resist joining my fellow book bloggers – my soul sisters – in their blissful Sunday morning reading adventures!
This morning I’m completely wrapped up in Beth Hoffman’s debut novel, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt. One hundred pages zipped by in a flurry and now I’m in need of another box of Kleenex! I haven’t been this moved by a book since I read The Help.
The story revolves around Cee Cee Honeycutt, a lonely little girl who really got the shaft in the parent department. The first riveting chapters take you through Cee Cee’s plight as the daughter of a bat-shit crazy mother and absentee, alcoholic father. Shunned by the neighborhood kids, she longs for a best girlfriend more than anything in the world. To shut out her grim reality, she devours books – especially Nancy Drew mysteries.
When tragedy strikes, Cee Cee’s great aunt Tootie swoops in and whisks her off to Savannah, Georgia. Like little orphan Annie, Cee Cee instantly goes from an abusive, loveless existance to a wondrous world of prosperity, hope and friendship.
A huge lump formed in my throat when I read this exchange between Aunt Tootie and Cee Cee.
“Your mind must be swimming right now, but I want you to know that I’ve got a big ole house with plenty of room, and I’d love to have you.”
Those six simple words echoed around me and filled the room with light: I’d sure love to have you…I’d sure love to have you…
My shoulders began to shake, and to my disbelief, hot tears spilled from my eyes and ran down my cheeks. Aunt Tootie wrapped me in her arms and pulled me close.
Wow! I can tell you right now that this book is going to be one of my faves!
So what are you reading this morning?
BUBBLE BUBBLE BOOKS & TROUBLE 
Saving CeeCee is a good book! I just finished Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn! Wow. That was intense. 🙂 Have a good Sunday. I am cooking hubby pork chops, blackeyed peas, rice, and German choc cake (his fav!) xx, Lauren
I thought this book might be right up your alley! Gone Girl sounds like my kind of book. I’ll put it on my to-read list! Have a most splendid Sunday with the hubster! You inspire me to strap on an apron and spoil my man with some good home cooking. Hmm…maybe I should start wtih Hamburger Helper and take baby steps. I have a way of setting off the smoke detector!
Sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday! I made pancakes & I’m reading Kat Fight by Dina Silver. 🙂
It was a fabulous Sunday! I, too, enjoyed a glorious mountain of pancakes! Us bookworms know how to treat ourselves on the weekend. 🙂 Kat Fight sounds divine. I’m putting it on my list!
I haven’t heard of Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, but I loved The Help so I’ll give it a try. I have worked so hard this week that I’ve decided to spend the whole day in my PJ’s reading and commenting. And I’m not ashamed either! 🙂
Oh you will love this one. I don’t see how anyone couldn’t fall in love with the characters in this book! And the writing is top notch. Hope you had a wonderful day of reading and lollygagging!
Wow … you’ve really made my day! This is a wonderful review of my novel. Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m delighted that you’re enjoying CeeCee’s story!
Thank you Beth!!! What a compliment! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love your book. There are so many parts that really hit the sweet-spot in my heart. The characters are fascinating, especially Oletta. And the voyeur peacock had me in stitches! Stay tuned for the full review soon.