Just Look Up Review

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.

Just Look Up by Courtney Walsh is a wonderful, sweet novel full of romance, faith and family. I quickly connected to the characters and the message relayed through this story. "The very best things are found when we just look up". This statement is perfect for today's world with it's many distractions, whether it be simply looking up from our phones to the people and places around us or "looking up" on a spiritual level. Overall I loved this book and look forward to rereading it in the future. 

5 out of 5. 

 I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for an honest review.

Wings of the Wind Review

Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting and survival. When her family is killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving. 

Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, is shocked to find an unconscious, wounded woman among the Canaanite casualties. Compelled to bring her to a Hebrew healer back at their camp, he is soon confronted with a truth he can't ignore: the only way to protect this enemy is to marry her.

Unused to being weak and vulnerable, Alanah submits to the marriage--for now. As she comes to know and respect Tobiah and his people, however, she begins to second-guess her plans of escape. But when her past has painfully unanticipated consequences, the tentative peace she's found with Tobiah, the Hebrews, and Yahweh is shaken to the core. Can Alanah's fierce heart and strength withstand the ensuing threats to her life and all she's come to love?

Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette was a gripping tale of biblical times. I quickly fell in love with both Alanah and Tobiah and in their story of love, forgiveness and second chances. Wings of the Wind is an amazing fictional account of the times of wandering for the Hebrews after their escape from Egypt. If you're anything like me you won't be able to set this story down until you reach the end. Connilyn Cossette is my favorite new biblical fiction writers.

5 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.