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In marriage a lot of things are forgivable, a few are not. This one was... definitely in the Oh-hell-no! category.

Thank goodness for a BFF that’ll do anything for you, and can kick butt in the courthouse too.

Even then, if you think starting over after 40 sounds tough, try making sense of it all after waking up and finding out you’re Seeing Dead Things!

Get ready for the first of Roxie’s Midlife Adventures where you won’t always know for sure whether to laugh, cry, or... wet your pants!!

179 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2020

517 people are currently reading
380 people want to read

About the author

Leigh Raventhorne

7 books66 followers
Leigh Raventhorne lives in southeastern Michigan, United States. She's a country girl who loves animals, and loves to read and write. Currently, she's into writing snarky, humorous, PWF novels (Paranormal Women's Fiction) starring midlife female characters. She likes including her beloved animals in her stories. #Who'sDamnStoryIsItAnyhow?

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5 stars
581 (53%)
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321 (29%)
3 stars
145 (13%)
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25 (2%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,213 reviews2,341 followers
June 29, 2021
Seeing Dead Things
(Roxie’s Midlife Adventures #1)
by Leigh Raventhorne

This is a different midlife crisis book from the other books I have read. This has a serious issue with a cruel husband that puts our gal in the hospital with a severe brain injury. Fortunately for her, she makes it, she has a BFF that is a top lawyer, and she loses weight when her mouth is wired shut. Now, she can see ghosts and other creatures of the night. This ends up to be quite the adventure!
Somethings are after her. She helps a few ghosts, and she meets a super hot ghost she can touch!
This seems to be the starts of a great series!
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,170 reviews86 followers
October 16, 2021
I really thought I'd like this. Something about it made me think of the Betwixt & Between series by Darynda Jones. I was wrong though. It wasn't that it was boring. It was just a bit dull and predictable. The main character was WAY too focused on her age. I just don't feel that the author's view of being 40 is realistic for the average woman. But maybe that's just me.

I really don't think I'll continue this series. I'm a little curious to see how the budding romance and how things with her ex-husband and step-daughter turn out. But not enough to bother with another book. I think mostly I just don't feel like this book offers anything to really hook me.

How I choose my rating:
1* Didn't like it at all. These are rare as I usually just don't finish any book I dislike this much.
2** Didn't like it. Again usually DNF if I dislike it this much, but occasionally I feel it still has potential and I try to stick with it to the end.
3*** I liked it. It wasn't great but it was enjoyable enough. It is unlikely I'll ever reread it but I might finish the series if it is a part of one.
4**** I really liked this book. Maybe not a work of genius, but highly entertaining. I might reread this at some point, and I will almost always finish the series if part of one.
5***** I loved this book. I found little to no issues with it at all. I will probably reread this and possibly more than once. I will definitely finish the series if it's part of one.
Profile Image for SheLove2Read.
3,105 reviews203 followers
December 22, 2020
This is my 4th women's paranormal fiction and I have to say I'm so glad it exists! I'm not always in the mood for a romance, but I'm not a big traditional mystery fan. This genre and this book specifically, fits the bill perfectly with humor, Magick, and kickass women who are just like you and me. I really enjoyed it! 4 stars
Profile Image for Crystal Smith.
637 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2020
This was such a great surprise! I prefer PNR over most other genres and love finding new authors. Seeing Dead Things was an unexpected pleasant surprise! I wasn’t quite sure at first, you know how it is when you read a new another and try to get into the groove of their writing style, and while I wasn’t a huge fan of all the exclamations, they were easily overlooked. AND OMG TELL ME IM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT TEARED UP AT THE END?! I want my own Jake and Toby and fiercely protective friends circle! And i can’t wait for more in Seeing Witchy Things.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,040 reviews89 followers
April 26, 2023
This was one of the books from my last week post of 'Pick my next read based on 1 star reviews.'
And that particular review went like this: 'This started out kinda cute and then went straight down hill, then crashed and burned.'

After reading the book, I just HAVE to say: colour me stupid please because I simply just DON'T GET which part of this book's beginning was 'KINDA CUTE'!
The part in which the FMC is almost killed by her husband and ends up in a coma in the hospital? The part in which she needs to undergo several surgeries and has her jaw fixed back together with metal screws and plates? Perhaps the part in which she can't even eat or speak for a long time and slowly and painfully recovers? Or maybe that in which she is literally afraid to set foot into her own home, even for a few minutes alone?

For me, this book started with a bang. The kind that has you instantly glued to the pages - hook line and sinker. And it went on with a ghostly twist just about as sweet as it gets, keeping me there, turning pages until the very end, and having me jump straight into the sequel despite the huge TBR pile waiting on the side.

Seeing Dead Things was the perfect cozy, feel good read for me. Even in the way domestic violence was handled. Because it gave hope after heartbreak and allowed for a new beginning in a wonderfully uplifting manner.
Great characters that feel real, amazing friendship and a totally awesome ghost dog I wish I had for my own. This book has it all and more, in a paranormal women’s fiction tale that had me both laugh out loud and tear up, while keeping me up long into the night because I simply couldn’t stop reading!
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,458 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2021
Leigh Raventhorne has written a light paranormal story in the paranormal womens fiction category that was a fun read. I like Roxie and her friend Sam. They are both women in the early 40's who are mature and strong. I enjoyed watching Roxie grow from her years of abuse by her husband and his daughter into a new and better version of herself. I'm eager to read more about her paranormal adventures.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
August 22, 2020
Roxanne Bell wakes up to find herself in the hospital with her best friend, Sam, keeping vigil. Roxie's husband, Steven, in a fit of anger had blindsided Roxie with his fist. The last thing, Roxie recalled was a black blur and fear on Steven's face.

Roxie moves in with Sam, who is also her attorney, and is surprised to find an old man sitting on a stool. Cool as a cucumber, Elmer Jenkins, informs Roxie that he lives there for over thirty years unknown to Sam, who has been living with a ghost she can't see. It wasn't until at an attempt to poke Elmer, that Roxie's finger went right through him that Roxie acknowledged she was seeing a ghost and it must be related to getting a bump on the head. Roxie learns that Elmer had seen what Steven did, and sent his Newfoundland dog, Jake, to her side.

Elmer's family is known for their sight, and Elmer gifts Roxie a box of trinkets from the women in his family, that also comes with a book. The problem is Roxie can't read it to learn what the jewelry is about. Elmer explains that besides ghosts, there are other things that only gifted people can see, and some are not nice.

Roxie discovers that by wearing a ring, she has the ability to call Elmer's kin from the other side. First, it was a cousin, Rosemary, then it was the cousin plus Grandmam.

I enjoyed this book and the fact that Roxie is forty years old. She's bumbling her way through this new sense she has, and learning what each piece of jewelry can do. Rosemary & Grandmam are a hoot! Turns out that Roxie actually unknowingly saved Rosemary, when she was young. Roxie's life has gotten a lot more interesting!

I borrowed a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited, and voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Linzi Day.
Author 9 books288 followers
February 10, 2021
The author is new to me, found her on KU and through the PWF (Paranormal women's Fiction) team.

Fun, tightly plotted with some actual laugh-out-loud moments. Ghost dogs and much, much more.

Bit of a trigger warning for violent ex's and if you know me - you know I'm not much of a one for bothering overmuch with trigger warnings. This one may be personal - perhaps it's just that I had my jaw broken about 25 years ago and it's still aching this morning even though I loved this book.

I definitely recommend it and I have book 2 planned for tonight :)
Profile Image for Julia.
270 reviews3 followers
January 23, 2022
4 Stars

A book that departs slightly from the general MO of the many midlife paranormal books out there. The author creates characters you can relate to and care about. A great read and wonderful book!
Profile Image for Jodi W.
238 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2020
Good read

This was a nice, easy read. I would call it a cozy mystery but in the paranormal realm. I always enjoy reading about characters around the same age as me. It makes the much more relatable than the 20 somethings.
Profile Image for Nita.
541 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2020
This was a kewl read!

Thank you Leigh, I'm glad you joined the PWF gals. Roxie is totally kickass! I hope she tells Sam everything soon.
3,212 reviews67 followers
April 11, 2022
Disliked the exaggeration of aging issues. It's clearly a common theme in the midlife stories, but I can't relate to being 40 and having aching knees and a weak bladder. No reason for it, she's healthy, no kids and no sporting injuries, so where's this come from? I did like the plot, including the surprising brutality from her ex. Loved the magical elements.
455 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2020
Great story!!

I loved this story! Rosie is a wonderful main character and her friend Sam is such a fantastic lawyer helping her get out of a bad marriage. When Sam lets Rosie stay with her she sees her first ghost. It's fun, spooky, and an all around fun story!
270 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2020
Thank goodness for BFFs. When the going gets tough, your Best Friend will have your back! Roxie and her husband have a terrible fight that puts her in the hospital in a coma. When she wakes up, she sees Dead People! From page 1, this book held my attention, I finished it in 1 day! And it took place in MI, Flint, Fenton and Grand Blanc were all mentioned! Many don't know these areas, but I sure do! I lived in all three for a while! That had me excited! All that aside, the characters were wonderful and well developed! I can't wait until I read the next one and see what happens next!
778 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2020
Excellent

This is a n awesome, well written paranormal story. The author brought the characters to life. The storyline was unique and quite good.
Profile Image for Valerie - Cats Luv Coffee Book Reviews .
382 reviews38 followers
July 12, 2020
I stumbled into Seeing Dead Things on an author takeover on Facebook. The author linked a chapter preview for anyone who wanted to take a look. After reading just a few pages, there was absolutely no doubt that I was picking up a copy of my own!

There’s a big trigger warning for this one though. In the very first pages, Roxanne is struck by her husband, falls and hits her head. She ends up in the hospital without any idea (at first) of what happened. She also has a broken jaw that was wired together. Luckily, she has an amazing best friend who happens to be an amazing lawyer. She doesn’t stand for the abuse. She immediately files for a restraining order and a divorce, but it might be a difficult read for those who have experienced domestic violence.

The characters are what makes Seeing Dead Things so great. Some PNR characters are supposed to be older but have the social skills and emotional maturity of a 20-year-old. Roxie reads as 40. She’s experienced, but still faces a lot of uncertainties. She’s very relatable. The secondary characters are well-fleshed and equally enjoyable, even the ghosts

As far as the plot goes, it’s nothing new. The “I can suddenly see ghosts” has been done before, but again, the characters are what makes it. The ghosts helping her with her new ability and she in turn helping them was what made it unique. I especially love that there’s a ghost dog! I don’t want to give anything away where the puppers is concerned, but the dog and its owner is my favorite part of the whole thing. It’s sweet and sad and happy all rolled up into one.

Read more at Wicked Cool Flight
Profile Image for CHRISTY WATTS.
52 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2020
Most excellent

I was 100% invested by the end if chapter 2 and found myself blowing off my Saturday chores to read. I'm pretty sure that I am about to do the same thing with Sunday. Starting Seeing Witchy Things now.
Profile Image for Melissa Stiles.
53 reviews2 followers
July 17, 2020
One heck of an amazing story!

Roxie is my new super hero! And Leigh Raventhorne is one new favorite authors! This is such a wonderful story. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it and now I'm ready for the next in this series. The characters are every day normal people, not like with most paranormal / urban fantasy stories I have read. So that just makes you connect so much better to them and the story. I was really amazed at how much I really got into this book because even though I'm an avid reader, I usually start another before finishing one but not with this one. This time I couldn't read 2 out more books at a time because this stole all of my attention. A most definite most read for any fan of the paranormal genre.
Profile Image for Angi Burns ~Rabid Readers Book Blog.
119 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2020
This was an easy read. Smooth and thorough. I had so many emotions. Hatred for her husband and step daughter, laughter and sadness for her ghosts. And laughter with strength from her friends. 

This is the first book of a new series, and I believe first for the author as I couldn't find others by her. This has some strong bones that I think can become a great series. 

Roxanne is a real 40s woman. Real complaints like how to get up after squatting, will she pee her pants if she's laughing too hard or surprised by a ghost. I love that she really captures the insecurities of aging even if 40 isn't that old it's definitely not 29. 

I would have liked more on her family history so I'm hoping we will answer that mystery in future books. 

Great job on this book I can't wait to see where you go from here! 
Profile Image for Myra Ball.
649 reviews
June 20, 2020
A page-turner

This is more a book about how Roxie's life changes and becomes better, than a mystery plot. The book is very captivating and the mysteries that unfold throughout the book keep the story exiting. I like to see strong women who overcome obstacles successfully. I also like a book where the bad guys get what they deserve. The story seems realistic on many levels which is hard with paranormal books sometimes but Raventhorne did an excellent job balancing those issues. I know Roxie has great friends and financial stability that many women in these circumstances don't but it's nice to read a book that justice is served. I much prefer reading a book that leaves me feeling uplifted. Excellent read!
Profile Image for Lisa Maddison.
649 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2020
An interesting take on the paranormal world.

Roxanne is viciously attacked by her husband and ends up hurt so badly that she needs to stay in the hospital for several weeks. She moves into the house of her best friend and starts the process of divorcing her husband, but she also finds she has developed a gift of seeing ghosts. The ghost living in her friend's house starts to help her understand her new gift. It was a good take on the paranormal world, it was a little slow but I will read the next in this series.
Profile Image for Missie Jones.
217 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2020
Absolutely Delightful Read

I am loving this turn to older lead women in novels. This was a great read. The author has a wonderful way of writing that brings you into the novel. Her world building was great. The story really moved me and I loved all the characters.

I absolutely can't wait to read the next book and see what happens next.

Absolutely Recommended

This book contains domestic abuse (not to graphic but still a part of the story) for those that need to know.

Clean Read
Profile Image for Jennifer Bardall.
11 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2020
Just meh

Plenty of grammar issues/typos that could've used a decent editor.

Since when does a 40 year old who never had kids suddenly develop a weak bladder? Like... No. Turning 40 doesn't magically make your bladder go weak. Yet this is mentioned twice, maybe three times and stated as fact. That and creaky joints. I understand the point of PWF but can we not make 40 older than it is for the sake of hitting the tropes?

Situations go nowhere. Characters are flat. Lots of filler. Just meh.
1,231 reviews4 followers
May 16, 2020
Wow!

I highly recommend this fascinating and emotionally evocative paranormal book, however it has scenes that may be triggering to survivors f domestic abuse. I recommend that these folks skip over these scenes to the next great part. I like how this writer empowers and gets justice for both the abused ppl and animals. It is very well written, and the spiritual components are handled in a thoughtful way. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
968 reviews23 followers
September 4, 2020
Excellent story

This is the first time reading a Leigh Raventhorne's book and it won't be the last.
Extremely easy to read and the story just pulled me in
As far as paranormal goes this is right up there...I really enjoyed it
Roxie is starting midlife and she ends up getting seriously hurt and her life changes
The characters are wonderful and easy to fall in love with them...I even cried at the end
If you like paranormal I highly recommend this book
404 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2020
When worlds collide.....

.....and you realize the paranormal is a part of the world you're living in and that it's always been there. You just haven't seen it until now. This was a great introduction to a new series and I look forward to seeing how it progresses and how the paranormal world becomes Rox's new reality and hopefully find out more about her family history and how it managed to stay hidden for so long!
2,166 reviews28 followers
May 16, 2020
This is a Great first book from a talented writing duo. I started with a sample and then downloaded the book. This is a pull you in and keep you there read. I will be reading the next book when it comes out. I highly recommend this as a great paranormal read. This is a midlife woman coming into a magical destiny that she was not expecting and I feel handled it well. You want more read it.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
659 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2020
What a first novel!

This book hooks you in and doesn't let go. I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. A fabulous best friend who just happens to be a fabulous attorney, a lonely ghost and his dog all help a 40 year old on her journey to a better life after an attack by her abusive husband. And the magick helps a lot too.
Profile Image for Julie.
938 reviews
May 18, 2020
A divorce & new powers

The characters in this book were a lot of fun. I really enjoyed Roxie coming into her own and starting to learn her new powers. The ghosts really made the story and it will be interesting to see where her new powers take her. Very much looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Ellen Adams.
19 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2020
A very good book

I wasn't sure about these books when I first heard about them. I was totally wrong. The entire book held my interest. I really liked the characters, and the premise is a new one for me. Since I am past middle age, I am able to relate to the heroine in the book very well. I am looking forward to the next book very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews

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