Just Look Up

Chicago designer Lane Kelley’s life gets flipped upside down when her brother is in a serious motorcycle accident. Forced to leave work to be at his side, she plans to work remotely via her laptop and phone like any good executive. But her family back home mocks her devotion to her job and its constant electronic notifications. Nor do they respect the adult she has become—slimmed-down, professional, and accomplished. They’d rather revisit how she used to be—pudgy and shy—though they are careful to avoid addressing the painful events that drove Lane away years before. But Ryan Brooks, her brother’s longtime friend, has always accepted and pined for the girl he grew up with. He steadily attempts to work past Lane’s emotional walls, even as secrets from his past rush up to jeopardize their future. Both lean on their faith to give them courage as drastic decisions are forced upon them. Walsh (Paper Hearts)competently addresses issues of self-worth, shame, and redemption in this sweet, well-paced story. She lapses into preachiness at times, particularly when lamenting the ubiquity of mobile electronics, but likable characters and the strong message of discovering what truly matters carry the story to a satisfying conclusion. (July)