the blurb for this book caught me when it spoke about Issy needing to move past her panic attacks. As some one who has panic attacks more often then I like, about social situations mainly, I was curious to see how Warren would approach the subject.

I fell in love with the book. Issy, Lucy, Caleb and Seb, they were all damaged in some way and were looking for redemption and resolution in the most stubborn ways possible. Very easily Warren could have made this a more competitive book--with Caleb and Seb both vying for the HS Coach position, and courting Issy and Lucy, it could have gotten nasty. Instead the four them strove to see the good, to ignore the circumstances and understand. Though eliminating the obvious obstacles and confrontations led way a string of misunderstandings that had me grinding my teeth in frustration closer to the end.

I adored Issy, I was rooting for her the entire time and even more than meeting someone to love her I was rooting for her to be able to make those small steps to regain her life. Each time she took a step out of her comfort zone I held my breath hoping she would make it. Understanding that terror that comes from freezing up as panic descends I was worried so much for her.

I really liked Caleb as well. I couldn't get a handle on him at first however. He seemed driven and committed to making a new life for himself, believed he could make a new life for himself, but he'd have these moments of soul-crushing doubt that threw me for a loop. Seb, who I initially pegged to be just a swelled headed jock, grew on me the most as the book went on. I appreciated that he genuinely felt bad about what happened back in HS, that he pulled himself together and wanted a new life for himself.

Lucy...this is where the misunderstanding thing at the end comes in. It took a large leap of paranoia for her to think what she did about Seb. It didn't fit right with me--at least not with how Lucy and Seb seemed together. This isn't to say Seb came back and Lucy suddenly fell into his arms, but the Lucy who began talking to Seb again was stronger and more confident. Little flashes of insecurity would make an appearance, but the off the wall belief she had about Seb and Bam took me by surprise.

In the end I think this was an enjoyable, heart-warming book. It almost made me wish I lived in a small town, Warren's Deep Haven sounds wonderful and warm. A little bit out of sync with the rest of the world (seriously no movie theater?), but the sort of place I'd love to visit sometime. ( )

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2.5 stars
For my full, non-spoiler review: https://christianlovingbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-foolish-heart-review.html ( )

This is the first book I've read from Ms. Warren, and it was a pleasurable experience. My favorite character would have to be Caleb - a wounded war veteran. A hero in every point, Caleb Knight has set his sights on his reclusive neighbor, Issy Presley. I cheered him on at every attempt he made to get to know Issy better, and I actually blushed from embarrassment whenever Issy falsely accused him of some dark deed yet again.
Be sure to read the book and cheer Issy on as she attempts to break out of her self-made prison and fall in love with the cozy town of Deep Haven and its citizens. ( )

Susan May Warren’s My Foolish Heart follows the story of Isadora ‘Issy’ Pressley, who do to an accident has left her with PTSD and the inability to leave the direct vicinity of her house, where she broadcasts her nightly radio show giving advice to listeners about relationships and love, which Issy has not experienced herself.
Warren has created a cast of characters that you cannot help but love and relate too, this modern day romance keeps you glued to the pages.
Warren has crafted a story not only of a developing relationship but also a story of conquering fear, pride and past mistakes and taking what was a crippling experience and transforming those experiences through God’s redemption and abiding love into healing and a strength that only God can provide.
You are not going to want to put down this book, Warren has created a story that you will get completely involved in, where you feel like a member of the town of Deep Haven. The story comes to life on the page and will keep your attention from page one.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of “My Foolish Hearts”