Just Look Up

I really connected easily with these characters and enjoyed every moment of this story. I've known people who felt like Lane did...an outsider in their own family. Not just any family to feel alone in, either—five kids and many honorary kids, because her parents had huge hearts and wanted to help all sorts of people. But Lane is so different, and all she can see are the differences, and the pain of having been teased in school mercilessly (and her mother doesn't think the teasing was that bad, because her mother is determined to think well of everyone).

It's tender, heartfelt books like this one that make me keep reading contemporary fiction. I've never enjoyed contemporary to quite the same level as historical, but every now and then there's one that just fills up my heart and warms it all through. This is a delightful story, and I loved spending time with Lane, Ryan (“Brooks”), and (most of) the whole colorful cast of side characters. For now it's a stand-alone, but I hope Courtney Walsh will consider returning to this cozy small town for another story at some point! (Edit, 9/2017: It is now listed as #1 of a series. So happy!)

Anyway, Ryan, a veteran, has his own issues to think about, including an alcoholic father and a best friend in a coma in the hospital. He was deployed when Lane's life fell apart and he hadn't kept up with her much before that. To me, I didn't connect emotionally with him to the same degree as to Lane, partly because he was further along the road to healing, and she had so many more things to work through in the present. But he was a great hero, and he showed so many great hero qualities.

I liked it that both characters are already Christians, and though there wasn't tons of Christian-y stuff in the book, it's to the point and enjoyable. While you couldn't accuse it of being preachy, it's clear where the characters are in their beliefs and that they grow to be more dependent on God through the course of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy. Positive review not required.