Living Lies By Natalie Walters

Charlie Lynch was starting a new job as deputy in Walton. His Uncle Sheriff Higgins hired him because he had recently left the Marines where he was a MP. His father had been a career Marine, but Charlie didn't feel that was the path he wanted to follow.

One of the first people he met was Lane Kent. Lane was standing dangerously close to the edge of the bridge, looking into the water. Charlie grabbed her arm to make sure she was safe. Was she trying to jump? Charlie couldn't tell. Lane insisted she was alright, left Charlie and entered a nearby wooded area. There she tripped over something which ended up being a dead body. It was a young girl. Her screams brought Charlie running. Thus began Charlie's first day as a deputy. Charlie was put in charge of the case. It ended up being a local high school student. What was she doing in the woods? Who in Walton would actually kill someone? The investigation into the murder takes many different directions.

Lane owns a café called Way Station Café. She is the daughter of a judge who is looking to run for senator. The judge is constantly concerned about appearances. Could Lane hurt his chance to win the election? She is also a widow with a 4-year-old son, Noah. She has always had pressure from her family to be perfect, yet she knows she is far from it. Her father had actually threatened to take her son away from her claiming she was an unfit mother. She has a serious case of depression. She had tried to commit suicide before.

The café was a popular place. The food was great and Lane was always ready to help those who needed it. Miguel was a regular. He had PTSD from his service in the Vietnam War. Lane considered him her friend. She relates to Miguel feeling that they are both damaged people. Mrs. Huggins works with Lane and tries to assure her that she is of value and deserves a second chance. Lane feels Charlie deserves better than her.

This book addresses attitudes toward mental illness. Natalie Walters weaves a tale that gives compassion for those who struggle with mental illnesses. Yes, they are valuable to society. They have to fight for their life.