Neena Lee Is Seeing Things

by Sheila Athens

When a travel writer haunted by old ghosts comes face to face with a new one—who just happens to be one of the most famous men in the world—she has no choice but to dig into his past … and her own.

Fifty-six-year-old Neena Lee is determined to revive her career as a travel writer. Trouble is, the upstart editor at the travel magazine where she works has fired everyone else over the age of forty. Worse yet, Neena is still plagued by the panic attacks she’s been suffering since her brother’s death.

Despite her fragile condition, Neena’s flatlining bank account means she must go back to work. When the baby-faced editor finally offers her an assignment, she jumps at the chance. Even better: She’s being sent to the remote barrier island off the coast of Georgia where John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette pulled off a secret, paparazzi-free wedding.

But when Neena arrives at the tiny church on Cumberland Island where the fairytale wedding took place, she’s shocked to see John F. Kennedy, Jr. himself waiting for her in the back pew…even though he’s been dead for almost twenty-five years. Though Neena is sure she’s hallucinating, John begs her to hear him out—and to help him reunite with his wife.

Thanks to John’s continued presence and trademark charisma, one mission soon leads to another, and soon Neena has befriended a dead man. Nevertheless, she knows she needs to get back to the harsh realities of her real life if she’s going to save her job, her reputation, and her home.

But the more Neena interacts with John, the more he pushes her to confront her own demons—encouraging her to worry less about not having saved her brother…and more about saving herself.

A clever, thought-provoking novel that will resonate with those looking for peace amidst the overwhelm of life.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Magical Realism, Paranormal

293 pages, Paperback

Published November 17, 2023

About the author

SHEILA ATHENS writes smart contemporary women's fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve—whether they’re battling an external foe or an internal one (or both). Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world. Her debut novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE, was a finalist for the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart award, and her stories always have strong romantic elements. Please visit her on the web at www.sheilaathens.com.

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzy Approved always has the best book on her tours. This one did not disappoint. A new author with a good story.
Now to find out if this author has any more books out...
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Valerie Bowman]

This book has a quirky premise but I loved it. It was funny and poignant at the same time. I love the beautifully drawn characters and relatable struggles, plus when Neena argued with JFK Jr's ghost it was just downright funny. It also has a distinctly southern flair that fun to read and several very interesting details about Cumberland Island, GA. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to smile and tear up a bit...but in a good way.

[Desiree Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exited at 60%.

THE GOOD:
Absolutely lovely descriptions of NE Florida and SE Georgia… the live oaks, the Spanish moss, the seashore and salt air.

THE BAD:
Gay high school boy character (seriously, not every book needs a gay character).

ODDNESS:
Both standing up for Southern culture several times, and slamming on it a bit, at the same time.

OVERVIEW:
Kinda quirky and definitely fun.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming tale of perseverance, love and letting go of life's tragedies to once again live a life deserved.
Neena's life has been turned upside down by the recent death of her brother. His death has had a profound effect on her and she now suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. As a freelance travel writer, the magazine she writes for most is undergoing major changes and while most of the staff were let go she's been given one chance to write an article that will improve the magazines sales and audience while also saving her only source of income. The article she's been tasked to write is about a little private island where John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bassette were married. Once on the island, Neena meets John's ghost and he promises to help her with her article if she helps him find Carolyn.
From here this delightful story had me feeling all the feels and left me smiling.

This was such a nice departure from what I usually read. The author has done a great job of writing about things like mental illness, grief and self doubt with such care and understanding that it's impossible not to have empathy for Neena as she navigates life. The whole cast of characters are also a joy to hang out with while reading this one. If you like a story on the lighter side that will have you rooting for its protagonist and then leave you smiling, I highly recommend you take some time to enjoy this one.

Thank you to the author and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[2manybooks2littletime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my partner, Suzy Approved Book Tours, and the author. I appreciate the gifted and signed paperback, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 - Neena truly finds inspiration and healing in the least likely source. JFK Jr arrives in Neena’s life just when she needs him, and although it takes some time, she sees the reason behind his appearance.

2. 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - As parents, we do think we know what is best for our kids; however, there comes a time when we need to allow our children to make their mistakes. That is how they grow. Neena and Rosie grapple with this gridlock throughout the story.

3. 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 - Why is it so easy to hold onto guilt even when it is not something we should feel responsible for? Neena has two incredibly tragic events in her life that have been detrimental to her well-being: one for many years and one more recent. She has to learn how to forgive herself for things that were not in her control.

4. 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 - A little bit of history is interwoven within the story with the Kennedy/Bessette wedding. What an interesting piece of history with how they were able to keep it secret even with their celebrity. Cumberland Island sounds like an idyllic destination!

5. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐭 - Isn’t it wonderful when amazing things happen in the least likely of times. Besides “meeting” JFK Jr, Neena finds herself immersed in the lovely people at the inn - both the workers and the fellow visitors. Just when her heart needed healing, Neena triumphs and moves some mountains!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this paranormal, magical realism, self exploration book set in Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Neena Lee, the main character, is 56 years old. She has experienced a recent loss of her brother. She is a free lance travel author and her usual “bread and butter” magazine seems to be taking on a younger look. Neena gets one chance to stake her claim by going to Cumberland Island and writing an article about the place where John F. Kennedy, Jr. had his secret wedding in 1999.

Neena comes into contact with John’s ghost. He wants to find his wife and he needs Neena’s help. He also says he can help Neena with her “soul burden”. Neena needs to write the article and keep her sanity intact.

Neena comes into contact during her stay on Cumberland Island with a variety of people which enriches an already interesting story.

I thought every detail of this book is well thought out and I read this book in two easy sittings.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: NEENA LEE IS SEEING THINGS
AUTHOR: SHEILA ATHENS
PUB DATE: 11.17.2023 Now Available

When a travel writer haunted by old ghosts comes face to face with a new one—who just happens to be one of the most famous men in the world—she has no choice but to dig into his past … and her own.

Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this very unique story and I loved the writing that really immersed me into this heartwarming story.

Neena is a travel writer grieving the loss of her brother - during her assignment in Cumberland Island, the same place where the fairytale wedding of John F Kennedy, Jr and Carolyn Bassette took place. Through these visions of ghostly appearances and new found friends, Neena finds her way through this downward spiral and find the light of hope. I enjoyed this moving and touching story of a woman overcoming an emotional hardship in life, that we all glean and relate to.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neena had recently lost her brother to an overdose, got out of a mental hospital for panic attacks, and is trying to keep her freelance job secure. She is sent to an Island where JFK Jr married Caroline, away from the public for this article.

What she finds is JFK Jr's Ghost who pleads with her to help him find his love, Caroline so he can rest at peace. She also meets a lovely old man named Gus who has worked on the island forever and Dwight, another guest who might become a romantic interest. All of them will teach Neena lessons and help her let go of the things she's held into that she had no control over.

It was just a lovely and moving story. I can't imagine the guilt that Neena had been carrying around and I'm glad to see her let go of those burdens.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Susan Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neena Lee is Seeing Things is an enjoyable and compelling blend of women’s fiction and paranormal fiction. When we meet Neena, she is reeling from grief, she’s having a hard time communicating with her daughter, and her job as a freelance travel writer is in jeopardy. When she is given the chance to write an article about the wedding of John Kennedy, Jr on Cumberland Island, she jumps at the chance—not knowing all that would lie ahead! This story takes some fun turns as Neena learns about the history of the Island, encountering guests, residents, and even a ghost or two! Through it all, Neena makes a lot of discoveries about herself, too, and what she can do to change her own life’s trajectory.

[Élise Ouellet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I'm not from the USA so I didn't know anything about John F. Kennedy Jr.

I really liked the story of "Neena Lee is seeing things". The characters were well developed and multi-dimensional. The mystery and the history aspects were interesting.

Certain aspects of the writing were not my cup of tea. I felt like the author repeated infos about the characters too often (Neena doesn't have a lot of money, Neena's therapist told her to take deep breaths...). Also, I found the ending a little too spelled out, I would have preferred a more subtle approach.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the read a lot. The psychological aspects and the way the characters dealt with grief were really beautiful. I recommend!

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful experience reading this book it gave me all the feels.
Neena is in her fifties and she’s going through a lot, just saying this is an understatement. Her brother has died recently and she’s now suffering from severe panic attacks. Neena is worried about her mental health as well with everything she’s dealing with. Shes worried she may lose her job since she feels like she’s competing against people who are younger than her who are willing to work for less pay.
When Neena is offered an expenses-paid assignment to stay at the guest house on Cumberland Island, she accepts the opportunity. This is the same place where, twenty-five years ago, JFK Junior and Carolyn Bessette were married!
After arriving by ferry to the remote island, the last person she expects to see is John F. Kennedy, Jr. himself! He’s a ghost! Only she can help him, and only Neena can see and hear him!
She has her assignment to complete which happens to be the cover story, and John is determined to get her attention. Neena soon realizes he may even help her with facing her current life situations. This book was so good!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👻 have ever seen a ghost
✍🏻 want to be a writer
💔 lost a sibling
📖 would like a heartwarming read

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Fifty-six-year-old Neena Lee is determined to revive her career as a travel writer. Trouble is, the upstart editor at the travel magazine where she works has fired everyone else over the age of forty. Worse yet, Neena is still plagued by the panic attacks she’s been suffering since her brother’s death.
 
Despite her fragile condition, Neena’s flatlining bank account means she must go back to work. When the baby-faced editor finally offers her an assignment, she jumps at the chance. Even better: She’s being sent to the remote barrier island off the coast of Georgia where John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette pulled off a secret, paparazzi-free wedding.
 
But when Neena arrives at the tiny church on Cumberland Island where the fairytale wedding took place, she’s shocked to see John F. Kennedy, Jr. himself waiting for her in the back pew…even though he’s been dead for almost twenty-five years. Though Neena is sure she’s hallucinating, John begs her to hear him out—and to help him reunite with his wife.
 
Thanks to John’s continued presence and trademark charisma, one mission soon leads to another, and soon Neena has befriended a dead man. Nevertheless, she knows she needs to get back to the harsh realities of her real life if she’s going to save her job, her reputation, and her home.
 
But the more Neena interacts with John, the more he pushes her to confront her own demons—encouraging her to worry less about not having saved her brother…and more about saving herself.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a unique story. Neena is seeing ghosts?? I love that aspect. I also really related to Neena as I lost a brother at the age of 22, so I was really able to empathize with her character’s loss. I enjoyed the way the author emphasizes mental illness, drug addiction, grief, depression, and more throughout the story. It really felt like a book that spoke to my heart, and would have been helpful years ago. Still, it was incredibly moving! I definitely recommend this one to those experiencing loss.

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t often feel just delighted when reading, but that is the best word to describe my experience of reading Neena Lee is Seeing Things. A just delightful read!

Neena is dealing with a lot. So far, her fifties haven’t been kind. She’s always been a proud single mom, but her relationship with her daughter has become rocky. Her brother died recently and now she’s suffering from severe panic attacks. She’s worried about her overall mental health and resiliency.

Plus, she’s fighting to keep her job and income stream, up against twenty-somethings and other contract travel writers who will do the job for less.

When she is offered an expenses-paid assignment to stay at a fancy guest house on Cumberland Island, she seizes the opportunity. This is the same location where, twenty-five years ago, JFK Junior and Carolyn Bessette were married.

The last thing she expects, after making the ferry ride to the remote island, is to run into John F. Kennedy, Jr. himself! Yup, he’s a ghost, although a very real one. And to make it trickier, only she can help him. In fact, only Neena can even see and hear him!

She has an assignment to complete — a cover story no less — but John is determined to get her attention. What she doesn’t imagine is that he may even help with her current life challenges.

Add in a dose of romance with a real-life guest. Dwight is most certainly not a ghost, he's a romantic hero I wanted to work out for Neena, although they both have challenges to overcome.

I loved learning about a new area and local history with which I’m not familiar, but it’s Neena Lee as a character that sparked my imagination and kept me reading.

What a sweet, fun, enchanting read! With just the right notes of romance.

A kind-hearted, romantic, grown-up novel that I adored!

[Amy Shook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one started out a little slow but once I got into it I knew it would become a favorite!

Synopsis:
Neena is trying to prove to her new boss, who is half her age, at Coastal Living Magazine that she is a capable reporter. She has just returned to work after some time off when her brother passed. Her first assignment is on Cumberland Island along the southern coast of Georgia. This is the Island that JFK JR. and Carolyn wed decades ago and it is meant to be an anniversary article.

Determined to write the best story of her life Neena gets right to work. THe problem is so many things are getting in her way of work. For starters she’s started seeing JFK Jr.’s ghost and he is talking to her! He wants to save her sould and for her to look for his wife so they may be reunited in the afterlife. He sends her on errands that seem ridiculous but help her grow. He’s not the only man distracting her from her work, but also a very handsome Dwight has captured her attention and he is trying ot sweep her off her feet. On top of all that her twenty three year old daughter is throwing a tantrum to get her grandmother’s inheritance. Will Neena ever get her storry written so she can stay employed?

My thoughts:

I could relate to Neena on so many levels; the fact that she was a more mature adult, experienceing romance later in life, feeling insecure in her career., and having a complex relationship with her adult daughter. Some of the characters had been through a divorce and that was another experience I could connect with. THese connections really made me connect with this book and enjoy Neena’s journey. This is definitely a book I will recommend to friends.

Q-What celebrity ghost would you want life advise from?

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheila Athens, the Author of “Neena Lee” is Seeing Things” has written a unique and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this book are Southern Fiction, Fiction, Romance, and Magical Realism. The author vividly describes her colorful and dramatic characters in this well written unusual book. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past. when it pertains to the characters and events.

The protagonist, Neena Lee, 56 years old is a travel writer that has problems in the present. The news company has changed and wants a younger population to read and write. She has a last chance to write a special story on the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of John Kennedy Jr.’s death. Neena Lee is familiar with this time in history, and sets out to the special island to write this article. Recently, Neena Lee’s younger brother passed away after staying in her house. Neena Lee is also traumatized from the death of her mother twenty five years ago. Her relationship with her adult daughter is fragile, and Neena is subject to Panic Attacks.

Once on the island, Neena Lee is attracted to the ghost of John Kennedy Jr., who requests a special favor from Neena Lee. Neena Lee has the ability to see and hear him. In return, Neena Lee finds herself helping other people, and starts to realize that she has to help herself.

I appreciate how the author describes forgiveness, second chances, self-worth, determination, courage, and finding oneself. The author also mentions the importance of family and friends, love and hope. I highly recommend this unusual novel.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this novel says it all. Neena Lee Is Seeing Things, literally and figuratively. Neena is on the brink of breaking down and somewhat unsure her next steps in life. She has recently lost her brother, still grieves the loss of her mother from years ago, may no longer have a job and her adult daughter and her are not seeing eye to eye lately. When her new young boss calls and throws her a bone for a story that he seems to think won't go anywhere, Neeha takes the chance. It's the 25th anniversary of JFK Jr.'s death and she is being sent on assignment to the island and little white church where they were secretly married from all the paparazzi. Neena is ecstatic that this will get her back on track with having a career again with income and help her to move forward with learning to live with her panic attacks. But this island has some unexpected surprises for Neena as well and with being on a tight deadline it doesn't seem she will ever find what she is looking for until an unlikely visitor appears and makes a deal to help her if she helps him. I really did enjoy this story. It was light hearted but yet dealt with some hard issues at hand and I loved the scenery of the island. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fun yet emotional read. It mixes the historical with the paranormal as the characters work through grief, loss, and guilt.

Neena Lee is a freelance travel writer who is struggling with the loss of her brother. Now plagued by anxiety and panic attacks, she is thankful that her new editor allows her to write an article. Neena is to go to Cumberland Island and discover how they secretly pulled off John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s wedding twenty-five years ago.

Being on the island where John Jr. and Carolyn married is amazing, but when Neena sees John Jr., she thinks the stress may be getting to her; then he speaks to her! John Jr.'s ghost asks Neena to help him find his love, Carolyn, and only Neena can help him.

What seemed like a ghost story was a unique and heartwarming story about people carrying around burdens of guilt and grief. Neena and John Jr. helped each other learn to let go so healing could begin.

Neena is also a single mother grappling with her daughter Rosie becoming an adult. She misses the days when she was still the most important person in her daughter’s life.

𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵, 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘰 - 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @sheilaathensauthor for a spot on tour and the gifted book.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all the JFK and finding your true love, this novel will speak to you.

Neena Lee is a fifty-six-year old travel writer whose new boss wants to make the magazine he is now running geared towards the younger generation, and Neena is fighting to keep her job. She suffers from panic attacks and her bank account is dwindling. She really needs to find something new in her life.

Her new boss ends up giving her a chance of lifetime traveling to the coast of Georgia. The anniversary of John F. Kennedy, Jr and Carolyn Bessette’s death is approaching and the magazine wants a story.

What Neena Lee discovers on the island has her seeing and hearing John talk to her begging her to find his wife. He wants to be reunited with her. Neena Lee finds him at the tiny church on Cumberland Island. He pops up to her during her stay with all kinds of clues as they come to an understanding.

The characters in the town and at the hotel add so much to this story. Neena and “John” both fight their pasts to move forward.

Thank you, Susy Approved Book Tours and author Sheila Athens, for having me on your tour. This novel publishes January 30, 2024.

#neenaleeisseeingthings, #sheilaathens, #suzyapprovedbooktours, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady5o

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neena Lee is Seeing Things by Sheila Athens is an absolutely incredible book.
I related on SO many levels to the main character, Neena Lee.

She has lost her brother to a drug overdose and is dealing with severe panic attacks.
Let me tell you, unless you have had a panic attack you have NO idea. This was so relatable.

She is trying to hold onto her job as a freelance travel writer. Unfortunately, the magazine she works at has a lot of turmoil also going on with most of the staff let go.

She is given an assignment to not only save her job but also to increase sales at the magazine. The assignment is an interesting one, traveling to the small island where John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bassette were married.

When she arrives, she encounters the ghost of JFK, Jr. and promises to help Neena Lee if she can help him find Carolyn's ghost.

I have to admit, I was not expecting that little twist, but I absolutely LOVED it so much.

This book is like a warm hug. I appreciate the thoughtfulness in which the author addresses, addiction, grief, and mental illness.

I just LOVED this book so much; I highly recommend this book that celebrates life and moving on in the face of adversity and grief.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is discovering what lies beneath its surface. Athens is a masterful storyteller, deftly introducing us to multi-dimensional characters with a seamless economic style in which each scene gets right to the essence of the individuals in it. This economy drives the action so that Neena’s quiet adventure gradually takes on urgency. Look at this fun premise: Neena is visited by the ghost of John F. Kennedy Jr. Having just gone through a mental health crisis, she takes the appearance in stride. Dogged in her pursuit to prove to a 20-something arrogant editor that she can deliver masterpiece journalism, she’s forced to confront her own hidden “ghosts” to finish the story. Athens writes Southern fiction with a social justice angle and NEENA delivers on this promise. Mental health issues are out in the open, presented with candor and compassion. That Neena is haunted by an otherworldly character offering guidance and clues is perhaps not that far off from mental health work that addresses unresolved issues. Regardless, you will love Neena for her honesty, humor and finally, for finding the compassion to forgive herself.

[Kate Vocke (bookapotamus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neena is still grieving the loss of her brother as she is sent on her potentially last travel writing assignment - to Cumberland Island - most well known for the fairytale secret wedding of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Neena is in a fragile state but a family connection and the gorgeous location has left her in a state of wonder and nostalgia for the famous couples nuptials.⁣
⁣
That is, until John F. Kennedy, Jr. comes to see her.⁣
⁣
Is Neena hallucinating? Has she really lost it this time? John asks Neena to help him find Carolyn and in turn, he will help her make the article shine, and hopefully save her job. ⁣
⁣
This story was so sweet, and fun - but also delves deep into grief, and the complexities and heaviness of life. It’s such a unique premise - that has just the right touch of magical realism to lend it a beautiful air of whimsy and melancholy. ⁣
⁣
It’s the perfect read for those captivated by the Kennedy dynasty, and a wonderful story for those who love a tale of letting go and moving on, with a little a bit of magic and a whole lot of heart.⁣

[Pat Fayo Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neena now 50, is dealing with the loss of her brother, problems with her daughter and the possibility of not having a job, Neena is full of atress and anxiety. Given the opportunity to ressurect her career, Neena is given a great opportunity. She is asked to cover the 25th anniversary of the plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette. .

Once there, the immersion into this book heightens. Being befriended by the ghost of John F. Kennedy Jr., she makes a deal with him. The juxtaposition of this book deals with the ghost and the loss of his wife and compared is to the losses we can suffer in life. The author did a great job detailing how life’s instances and hardships can cause us to see things that may not be there. It shows how traumas and tensions can cause us grief and anxiety. I really liked this book and how the author used many metaphors. Definitely recommend. Thank you to #suzyapprovedbooktour for an arc copy of this book. All opinions here are my own.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect summer read!!!! Neena Lee is a freelance travel writer who finds herself in the middle of a bit of a crisis. She is still grieving her brother’s death (of a drug overdose in her house) and the subsequent mental health challenges it triggered, her daughter is making some questionable romantic choices as she prepares to graduate college with her masters, AND her primary source of income has been taken over by a cocky 20 something who thinks old-timers are old news. Neena needs to get back to work, so she accepts a begrudging offer to write about Cumberland Island and the secret wedding of John John and Carolyn Besset Kennedy that happened there before their tragic deaths. She meets all kinds of interesting characters on the island, including the ghost of John himself in all his “sexiest man alive” glory. Hes there to ask for Neena’s help in finding his wife, but the help he gives Neena is more than she realized she needed. A wonderful feel good story with just a hint of intrigue. I fell in love with Neena Lee, and I think you might as well!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS THE BOOK I HAVE BEEN LONGING FOR!!

Have you ever read a book and it's just utter perfection from the first word on?! That's this book for me. It had all the elements that I love (motherhood, finding oneself, loss, found family, ghosts, magical realism, new beginnings)...and so much more!

Neena Lee is a 50-something woman who lost her mother when she was young and her brother only a month before. She is also on the brink of losing her job and feels the pangs of her daughter slipping from her grasp.

But all is not lost! Setting out to write a travel article about a remote Southern Island, she finds more than she bargains for when the ghost of someone famous helps her out as much as she helps him. It's an unusual situation, an even more unusual friendship, but it is....PERFECTION!

The author's writing style is SO vivid and the emotions just pour out from the pages, I couldn't help but laugh and cry as I traveled alongside Neena Lee.

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neena just turned fifty and life is throwing her curveballs. Her brother has passed away, she's facing problems with her daughter, and if that isn't enough, she might be out of a job. Stress City. Then, Neena gets the opportunity to blow her career up. Will she cover the 25th anniversary of the plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy, Jr. and wife, Carolyn Bessette?

This is where the book takes off. The ghost of John F. Kennedy, Jr. befriends her. Next thing you know, she's making a deal with a ghost. While JFK Jr. is dealing with the loss of his wife, we are reminded of our own life and how precious it and our relationships are. Is Neena seeing things that aren't there due to her hardships? The author does a fabulous job of showing how tension can cause both grief and anxiety. I really wish the cover reflected the story better. I'm a cover snob and probably wouldn't have picked this book up on my own. It would have been a tragedy since I'd surely recommend it.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my journey to diversify my reading this year and mix it up from my usual thrillers, I found myself really enjoying this book!

Neena reminded me a lot of myself in the future. I related to her struggles with anxiety and panic attacks, and really admired her strength and perseverance throughout the story. I also enjoyed the setting choice for the story, and loved getting to learn about the history of Cumberland Island.

This was a really fun and beautiful story. It covered so many big human emotions like love, grief, and anxiety- but still felt light and easy to read. This book came into my life at the perfect time, and I think readers will really enjoy getting to know Neena as she evolves throughout the novel.

Thank you so much to @suzyapprovedbooktours and the author for my copy of this novel to read and review!

[Monica Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific read from Sheila Athens about grief, parenting, love, guilt, and forgiveness.

Neena Lee is reeling from a panic disorder after the death of her brother. Desperate to get back to her life and pay the bills, she takes an assignment to go to Cumberland Island, GA and write a piece about the anniversary of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bissett's wedding that took place on the island in one of the greatest secret celebrity weddings ever pulled off. During a private tour of the small chapel where the couple were wed, Neena is shocked to see JFK Jr himself sitting in the back of the church. Even stranger, he speaks to her, desperate to have help finding his lost bride.

This book is full of emotional heart -- funny, heartwarming, and a realistic depiction of one woman's grief and need to let go of her family's burdens.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neena Lee has just lost her brother and she blames herself. She did everything she could but he just would not stop using drugs. His death sent her into a deep depression with a hospital stay! Needless to say, she is desperate now to get back to work. Her contract job, writing articles for a magazine, seems to be drying up. That is…until the new manager sends her to Cumberland Island, GA.

When Neena Lee arrives on Cumberland Island, she falls into the spell of the island. And this spell includes seeing a famous ghost, John F. Kennedy, Jr.

I loved this tale! The cute characters, the ghost, the setting…it just took me away. I loved reading about all the problems Neena Lee is dealing with and how she became stronger and faced her fears!

Need a thought provoking tale about life…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.