Sort of Seeing Someone

by Emily Bond

For most, love is a matter of the heart. For Moonie Miller, it's a matter of the hand. On her twenty-sixth birthday, Moonie Miller develops the mystifying ability to glimpse a person's future by touching palms. Initially in denial, she leans into her sudden gift-slash-family trait and creates a business, Moon Batch Apothecary. Before she knows it, influencers grab on to her candles, crystals, and potions, launching her-hand over fist-into the world of Insta-witches. Moonie is determined to keep her never-for-sale visions under wraps, however-until she shakes hands with Olrik Zetterlind. Super cute, super analytical, and super Swedish, this tall, blond engineer is everything she never wants in The One. But her visions don't lie and suddenly he, with her, become the stars of the show. Pragmatic and precise, Ollie always sees everything coming until he runs into the strange girl with the Wednesday Addams wardrobe not once, not twice, but three times. What are the odds? He may have the exact answer to that, but he definitely can't explain how he falls under the spell of someone who puts French fries on her burritos and who makes potions in her bathtub. Opposites might attract, but how long can "Chicago's most popular witch" and Sweden's most analytical export really last? Are they both just chasing what the other lacks-him, a sense of wonder; her, a sense of reality? Or is their happily-ever-after just a matter of a little wishcraft that's written in the stars?

Genres: Romance, Beach Reads

300 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2025

About the author

Emily Bond (aka Belden) is an author with Harlequin/HarperCollins and a Stage 2 Breast Cancer Survivor. She inked a two-book deal and her starred-review debut novel HOT MESS came out via Graydon House—a select hardcover and trade paperback imprint dedicated to publishing book club-worthy fiction with strong commercial appeal. Her sophomore novel HUSBAND MATERIAL is sold in bookstores nationwide, including mass retailers Target and Kroger. She is also the author of coming-of-age memoir, EIGHTYSIXED. Her most recent work is a magical realism rom-com entitled, SORT OF SEEING SOMEONE.

She is represented by literary agency, Browne & Miller. For PR inquiries or film and TV rights, please contact the president of the agency, Danielle Egan-Miller: danielle@browneandmiller.com

Emily lives near Chicago with her husband Matt and son Atlas. Besides writing, she spent the majority of her career as a director of marketing in the luxury hospitality industry.

Emily and her work has been featured on The Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, in Men’s Journal, The Everygirl, BuzzFeed, PopSugar, and more.

Reviews

[Emily Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story set in San Diego and Chicago. I enjoyed the magical plot line and the how each city played a supporting role. I haven’t read many books set in San Diego and the author did a wonderful job bringing Ocean Beach to life.

[Lynn Schollins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story of witchcraft, magic and love. Much of the book was set in Ocean Beach, which is next-door to Pacific Beach where I lived for many years.

[Stephanie Kelly]

Not going to give a star rating because I really wished I liked this book. Having met the author and having the book signed, I really thought I would have at least liked it. It wasn’t that it was “witchy woo woo stuff” - that was actually kinda fun and cute. But it all felt sort of faked and disingenuous. I got the idea that the whole point is to make some magic for yourself, to believe in yourself, and to go after it but it ultimately fell a little flat for me. Missed opportunity of having the sisters more involved in the story, dumbest third act breakup I’ve read (didn’t even want him to come back and I’m all about that kinda stuff), and the overnight success of someone who has just found out about their special gifts was just not believable. If you read and loved it, good on you! This one just wasn’t for me.

[Erin H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced and fun read. Perfect for my beach vacation! If you own crystals, you’re going to love this book or if you don’t (like me) you may still love it! The book starts in Orange Beach, CA and moves us to Chicago as we follow Moonie Millers 26th Birthday where a series of events unfold.

Living in Chicago in my 20s this book transported me to so many places I’ve been to which I absolutely loved. Also the pop culture references were spot on (Taylor Swifts popcorn bucket reference had me chuckling 😆).

[Aleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming and sweet story! I couldn’t get enough of Moonie and her magical gift. This book has so many elements that instantly suck you in and grab hold of you - magical realism, dreamy beachy vibes, Chicago in the fall, a swoon-worthy Swedish man, pop culture references, laugh out loud puns and a sharp wittiness that made it hard to put down.

Sort of Seeing Someone is a perfect and fun read for anytime of year but would be a wonderful and vibey book for the fall!🔮✨

[Dr. Jennifer Culver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a mystic at heart, I enjoyed all the detailed mystical practices. I graduated with my PhD from the University of Sedona so even those references delighted me.

I also recommended this to my “witch” friends and my daughter for they too will enjoy it all. The ending was predictable but I still enjoyed it so.

[Kelly Banti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is a favorite author of mine and I was super excited with her release of sort of seeing someone! I brought this book with me on a vacation and it was the perfect pool side and plane ride read. I was entertained the entire book and all the characters were fun to follow.

[Megan Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has done it again! Her books are funny, cute, and hard to put down. I’ve read them all and this one kept me going with all the Chicago references ❤️

[Cara Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It was a great story and I enjoyed the depth of the characters as well. It’s a must-read for me!

[Sara Fujimura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of adult romance, but this was so cute. If you are looking for something unique and witchy for PSL weather, give it a try!

[Kerry Hammock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Love the setting between San Diego and Chicago. Makes me wish I had a beach house; and maybe a crystal too. Pretty much zero spice.