Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh

After tirelessly climbing the ranks of her Chicago-based interior design firm, Lane Kelley is about to land her dream promotion when devastating news about her brother draws her back home--a quaint tourist town full of memories she'd just as soon forget. With her cell phone and laptop always within reach, Lane aims to check on her brother while staying focused on work--something her eclectic family doesn't understand.

Ryan Brooks never expected to settle down in Harbor Pointe, Michigan, but after his final tour of duty, it was the only place that felt like home. Now knee-deep in a renovation project that could boost tourism for the struggling town, he is thrilled to see Lane, the girl he secretly once loved, even if the circumstances of her homecoming aren't ideal.

Their reunion gets off to a rocky start, however, when Ryan can't find a trace of the girl he once knew in the woman she is today. As he slowly chips away at the walls Lane has built, secrets from his past collide with a terrible truth even he is reluctant to believe. Facing a crossroads that could define his future with Lane and jeopardize his relationship with the surrogate family he's found in the Kelleys, Ryan hopes Lane can see that maybe what really matters has been right in front of her all along--if only she'd just look up.

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I was hearing some good things about this book and so I decided that I should pick it up and give it a read too!  I'm sure glad I did.  This book tackles some important issues of today and I felt like Courtney Walsh did a great job of making everything feel real.

Lane is an interesting character.  In the beginning of the book we see Lane as she is now- fully engrossed in her work and locked up tight in herself.  She is her own island.  As the book progresses and Lane's story begins to fill in, we understand Lane a bit better, even if we don't agree with her choices.  Lane lives her life with something to prove.  She works hard and is one determined girl.  (Determined is a nice word for stubborn.  We use it a lot in my house.)  Her transformation is gradual and slow but thanks to some persistent people, love really does conquer all.

Ryan is really a hero.  Solid, kind and ever so patient.  It's interesting to see the difference between Ryan and Lane, both of whom suffered with hurt, heartache and betrayal but because of choices they ended up in very different places.  Lane hardened her heart and Ryan opened his up.  

My take away feelings from this book?  Put down the electronic devices and enjoy the moments you have with the people you love.  Forgive.  Be kind.  Love well.  

Content:  mention of alcoholism, child neglect and abuse with no details, bullying, Christian Fiction

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.