Reading Challenge Book Review #7: Saving CeCe Honeycutt

This book was on my original Fall into Reading Challenge list.

I finished it this morning while waiting for my chiropractor.  It felt so good to finish this book and the only reason I did today is because I took a personal day off from work to get in a chiro appt and finish up my Christmas shopping.

This book was loaned to me by my sister Hope who really enjoyed it.

I LOVED it!!

What a nice book!  I thought it was Christian fiction but I don't think so.....there was a little bit about God and some spiritual stuff but there was also some new age/stuff about Buddhism and that belief system.  That part kind of turned me off, but only because I definitely don't believe in "karma".

The main story line was excellent as was the character development.

STORY SUMMARY

CeCe is a 12 yr old girl who lives in Ohio with her mostly absent father and her mentally ill mother.  The book doesn't call her mother schizophrenic or manic-depressive but based on the description, she was one of the two.  Basically, Mom is living in the past when she was a young girl and crowned Miss Vidalia Onion of Georgia.  She is odd and embarrasses CeCe constantly.

CeCe has no friends other than the next door neighbor lady, Mrs Odell.  Soon, tragedy strikes CeCe and she has to move to Savannah, Georgia with her great-aunt Tootie Caldwell.  Tootie's world seems to be run by women.  There are several eccentric characters:  Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper who skinny-dips in her backyard tub; Violene Hobbs who strip-teases for the local policeman, and Oletta Jones the all-knowing African-American housekeeper, who becomes a best friend to CeCe.

Will CeCe ever find a friend her own age??

How will she deal with her mom's sudden death?

What happens between CeCe and her father??

Does her father really love her??

What does she learn during the summer in Savannah??

To find out....read the book!!

MY THOUGHTS

Excellent novel.  I liked the way the story moved quickly from Ohio down to Georgia...it was very believable and the characters were ones, that although a little "southern stereotypical" were loads of fun to get to know!! I would love to see a sequel and read more of CeCe's escapades through her teen years....I wonder if the author has plans for a second book??

In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.

On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 9.

And now for a prize giveaway!!

Read and comment on this book review for a chance to win a small sampling of my famous Christmas fudge!!  If you can't participate today, I will also be doing one of these giveaways during the Friday Fave Fives!  Read on Friday to find out what you have to do to be entered!

Names will be drawn randomly by a numbered system that my youngest daughter will complete.

You must leave your first name or both initials and comment about why you would or wouldn't like to read this book. Also, you need to share what YOU are currently reading!!

Have fun!!