Well-crafted story with an intriguing premise. I liked that there was a later-in-life FMC with relatable struggles and flaws. This is a fun, relatable story about a woman who's looking to reclaim her life and find her voice. I'd definitely read more by this author.

Neena Lee is getting it together. She’s ready for her first big assignment since her brother’s death. She’s fine. She’s better than fine. She’s…still pretty anxious, but truly trying to do her best. When she’s offered the chance to write a piece on the closest thing to American royalty, the Kennedy family, she jumps in with both feet, vowing to write the best piece of her career. She is fine. She is just fine. She can do this. Everything will be fine. So she takes herself to Cumberland Island, checks into the inn, and promptly sees - and converses with - the ghost of JFK, Jr. Because, you know, she’s fine. Just fine. .

This book was very entertaining. Kinda reminded me of Lincoln in the Bardo, which I also enjoyed. Athens keeps it light-hearted and funny where possible, but there are some heavy themes, so be sure to check trigger warnings before reading. I found these characters easy to like. Neena was struggling - but for very real reasons and trying so hard to do her best despite her trauma. She was not whiny, she was not insufferable, she was a go-getter just trying to get back on her feet. (Her daughter wasn’t my favorite, but she’s a pretty minor character). I love novels set in the south, especially near Savannah, so that was a plus for me, as well.

Overall, I recommend picking up a copy of this book. It’s not a beach read, but perfect for a weekend home alone on the couch. Especially if it’s raining. This book is perfect for the rain. Fairly quick read, but some deep feels and a bit thought-provoking.

Thanks to Sheila Athens, Quiet Coast Press and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

Received via NetGalley. The concept of the spirit of JFK Jr visiting a mortal seemed bizarre and far-fetched to me. The author nicely pulled the story together. The topics of drug abuse, suicide, ageism and mental health can be difficult to discuss but the author did. Great job. Fun read.

"Neena Lee is Seeing Things" is a feel-good novel about grief, perception, and finding wisdom in uncommon (and even magical) ways. I love that Athens uses the ghosts of John F. Kennedy Jr and Caroline Bessette in the plot. I also love that it is a mid-life woman's story. Recommended for fans of novels about starting over again, women's fiction, and/or the Kennedys. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. #NeenaLeeIsSeeingThings #NetGalley

What a fun, insightful book Sheila Athens has written. Thank you to Quiet Coast Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Neena Lee is 56, trying to keep her career as a travel writer alive (while it's under new management.) She's got one chance, but she's having panic attacks, with her brother having passed only a month prior.
She's sent to Cumberland Island to write about the site of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette's wedding, but somehow...she's able to see JFK Jr. He needs help, but he also has the insight to know that Neena also needs some help. It sounds crazy, but it's touching, funny, and I really identified with it, being 60 myself now. I highly recommend this book.

Neena is trying to pull herself back together after the loss of her brother and her mental breakdown. I enjoyed this read and it was so well written on the aspect of dealing with panic and anxiety following trauma — as well as dealing with grief— it was written with care and understanding — I enjoyed Neena as a character and was invested in her and her connection with those on the island where she was sent to do her first journalist job after her mental health issues started. I hated Neena’s daughter Rosie — but to make me hate a character in my books is proof of good writing. Though dealing with heavy topics it is written from a light and cozy perspective and feel. I did find the story dragged a bit near the end but overall it was a great read and had a good balance in the writing with paranormal, mental health and romance all mixed together.

Thanks to Netgalley and Quiet Coast Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.

The book opens with Neena being told her freelance writer job is essentially being let go. She has bills to pay so this is very bad news. Neena also suffers from anxiety but does not want anyone to know because of the impact she thinks it would have on how others treat her. I immediately related to Neena as I was at a very similar point in my past. I understood exactly what she was thinking. Reading this book was like sitting with a friend. It has a beautiful setting and wonderful characters. Throw is a little JFK Jr. and you have a perfect book! I can’t say enough great thing about this book. If this sounds like your kind of book put it on your TBR and don’t wait long to read it. You will thank me!

I've always had a fascination with JFK Jr and the tragic way in which his life was cut short. I remember being a young kid when his plane went down and just how heartbroken such a promising young life could be cut short as well as his passengers. I cannot wait to read this and share my full thoughts and review what an interesting concept for a book. We've all dealt with grief at some point so this should really hit home for a lot of people.