The Forgiving Heart (The Heart of Minnesota Book 1)

Jun 08, Ruth rated it it was amazing. Caleb Knight came to Deep Haven hoping for a fresh start as the new high school football coach. Miss Foolish Heart and BoyNextDoor instantly connect, and through their anonymous rapport Caleb and Issy find the courage to risk their hearts. But when the truth is revealed, Caleb and Issy must find the courage to embrace the love of a Father whose overwhelming gift of love and grace is the only thing that can set them free to embrace a future together beyond their wildest dreams.

The power of a sympathetic voice, and the freedom to be found in open, honest conversation unencumbered by face-to-face pressure was the perfect vehicle to connect two broken souls weighed down by physical and spiritual scars. And, in a classic romance fangirl moment, I was thrilled to see the inclusion of Jane Eyre references to each of the romances in the novel. Much like Rochester and Jane, Issy and Caleb and Lucy and Seb each long to fully known and loved — but in order for that to happen, each individual must come to the realization that whomever the Son sets free is free indeed John 8: If I were to name the biggest thing I battle, the one thing that will try to take me out over and over, that would be fear.

Feb 28, Rachel rated it really liked it. I could cry - I had a lengthy review written for this book and it didn't save. Isadora Presley has struggled with a debilitating case of agoraphobia since the tragic death of her mother by car crash, the same crash that left her father restricted to a help-home.

She runs a widely popular, nationwide radio advice show. She nightly shares her romantic advice to the lovelorn of America under the name Miss Foolish Heart. Her radio persona lives in anonymity, even the people of her I could cry - I had a lengthy review written for this book and it didn't save. Her radio persona lives in anonymity, even the people of her home town, Deep Haven, do not realize just who Issy is. Ironically, Issy, the famed relationship advisor, has never even been in a relationship! She lives her romance life by a series of rules and encourages her devoted listeners to do the same.

Make a Top 10 list of qualities that is a must for your future mate to have and never waver from them. So your current boyfriend is an 8? Okay, so she says it a bit more eloquently, but that is the idea. Her life is tossed into chaos when she meets her new neighbor, high school football coach hopeful, Caleb Knight. He annoys her, with his rather unorthodox ways of trying to get her out of her box - not to mention his messiness! While on the air one evening, a male caller, under the name Boy Next Door, asks Miss Foolish Heart for advice on getting on the good side of a girl he knows.

After multiple call-in's, Issy soon finds herself swooning over BND and fighting jealousy over the girl he is trying to woo. What she doesn't know is, Boy Next Door truly is her new neighbor, the ever thorn in her side, Caleb Knight. And the girl he is trying to woo who she is jealous of is really herself! I can SO relate to the character of Issy, minus the agoraphobia I have never dated, yet all of my friends come to me for their relationship advice.

My best friend and I even made a video of our Top 10 of qualities for our future husbands! But as Issy learned throughout this book, I also discovered that sometimes it IS okay if the man you marry isn't absolutely perfect who is?! While you should have standards and "carved in stone" qualities, some of the more trivial things really aren't important! If you waste your life trying to find someone who is perfect, you'll never get there. Only one man was ever perfect and His name is Jesus!

If I had to name one thing I didn't enjoy as much in this book, it would be that there are at least 4 points of views going on. While I enjoyed reading about the other couple, I would've rather read more of Issy and Caleb. Another excellent book by Susan May Warren! Feb 26, Mishel Forte rated it really liked it Shelves: It was nice to get lost in a town like Deep Haven where the people care about each other, the businesses that have been around for generations, and even the high school football team.

His daughter, Issy, is still suffering from the traumatic event while My Rating: His daughter, Issy, is still suffering from the traumatic event while he spends his days recovering at a care center. She may have walked away from the crash with just a few scratches but she lost a great deal on that night.

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First Caleb Knight, a handsome, scarred man becomes her neighbor and then BoyNextDoor calls in seeking love advice. Caleb and Issy have a lot to overcome and each have their individual weaknesses that keep them from fully living their lives. Seb was the all-star quarterback for the Huskies when he went to the high school. Having just recently returned to Deep Haven in hopes of procuring the new football coach position, he has stirred up a lot of emotions in both Lucy and himself. The two must come to terms with their past and find a way to move forward if they want to be together again. Instead, I became attached to all of the characters individually and their distinctive struggles.

My Foolish Heart is a lovable and charming romance that is both uplifting and sweet. It was a nice part of the story that helped build the personalities and traits of the characters. May 07, Christy rated it really liked it. Ok, so don't shoot me, but I've never read a Susan May Warren book before. She just happens to be one of many authors that I just haven't gotten around to yet.

But ya know, I think I'll be coming back for more Being that this was my first book by Susan, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be i Ok, so don't shoot me, but I've never read a Susan May Warren book before. Being that this was my first book by Susan, I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't be in the loop about this sweet little town. Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about. I jumped right in with both feet to read about Issy and Caleb, and got a bonus with Lucy and Seb's story thrown in.

And I won't lie The intro was a little slow for my taste because Issy and Caleb both came with a lot of baggage. Issy suffered from agoraphobia, which meant that panic attacks were a frequent occurrence for her. Caleb was a vet from the Iraq War, and came home a scarred and wounded soldier. As a reader, it was necessary to really get into their characters before reading their introductions to each another, but I think it could've been done effectively in less than the almost pages it took. What impressed me the most was the story's realness.

Never before have a read a novel that dealt with these types of issues agoraphobia, PTSD, etc. Everything felt so current, especially with the references to Caleb coming home wounded from the Iraq War. The book also addressed struggles with fear and pride, and how those two tiny words had the power to control a life. All in all, I liked that My Foolish Heart had a good mix of the funny with the serious. For readers like me who read books for an escape from everyday life, it's such a pleasure to read a book that not only brings a smile to my face, but can also bring a tear to my eye.

Jun 05, Jules rated it really liked it Shelves: My full review is on my blog: I'd like to thank Amy for including me as a tour stop for My Foolish Heart. It's a story that I may have missed out on if not for her. I don't usually read Christian fiction or books classified as inspirational so this was a departure for me. I'm happy to have made this detour into a different genre. The two main characters My full review is on my blog: It was interesting to see them deal with their issues both separately and together.

Warren has a real knack for creating characters that pull you into their life as well as into their head and heart. I think most readers will be able to find something of themselves in the individuals populating this story. I know I could relate personally with some of Issy's issues and situation. I liked the aspect of getting to know each other through the anonymity of the radio show as I met my own husband online.

We knew each other intimately by the time we actually met in person. The supporting cast of characters is quite strong. Lucy is definitely one of my favorites as I have an awesome best friend too. There is something about having that one person who will always go to bat for you. Caleb is what many women dream of but he just can't see that anymore.

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He also has a lot of emotional and physical "baggage" to deal with before he can move forward with his life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written story with interesting characters. When you add in football, a nutty dog and a small close-knit town you have a winner on your hands. Mar 11, Lydia Overweight Bookshelf rated it it was amazing. Do yourself a favour.

See that link that says "buy this book"? Click on it now. This book needs to be on everyone's summer reading list. Don't be foolish and let this book pass on by. The characters and the story will pull on your heart strings while simultaneously tickling your funny bone. I can never characterize Susie's books by one sub-genre because she skillfully integrates so many qualities; it wouldn't be fair to put her books i First reviewed here: I can never characterize Susie's books by one sub-genre because she skillfully integrates so many qualities; it wouldn't be fair to put her books in a box.

How do you describe a romantic, comedic, dramatic, introspective, discerning, book? Apparently with a shopping list of adjectives that still doesn't cut it. So again, see that link? I am so happy that Susie takes us back to Deep Haven-it is my book home away from home. The Deep Haven books were amongst the first inspirational fiction novels I read, so it and Susie hold a very special place in my [foolish] heart. One complaint I do have about this setting is all the wonderful culinary delights Susie describes that unavoidably give me cravings that I can't fill.

How many times can a girl read about the world's best doughnuts and still be expected to withstand temptation? I saw myself reflected in both Issy and Lucy. Issy's Top 10 Future Husband List? Been there, done that and occasionally revise. Lucy's timidity and self-esteem? Hello teen years and early adulthood! I will keep a cap on my arsenal. These two have a friendship that everyone woman desires and needs. But, Issy has one thing that I would like but a non-fiction, living and breathing form -Caleb. Ok, revived from my swoon. Jun 12, Jill Williamson rated it it was amazing.

Isadora Presley is afraid to leave her house. She does continually embarrass herself, though. And ju Isadora Presley is afraid to leave her house. And just when her neighbor gets up the courage to ask her on a date, Isadora starts having feelings for a mysterious caller on her show.

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• My Foolish Heart (Deep Haven, #4) by Susan May Warren.

He could live anywhere. Or maybe she already has. It did not disappoint. Sure, it was a little predictable, as all romance novels are. I blew through this book, making excuses to finish it when I should have been working. But it was that much fun. A totally clean read that older teensand the rest of us grown womenwill love. Jun 13, Nancy rated it it was amazing. This is my second novel by Susan May Warren and the second time I have loved her style. She does not waste words and does not hesitate to describe or introduce difficult topics.

She takes them head-on and uses my favorite mediums to provide guidance. This time she used my favorite book, Jane Eyre and one of my favorite scriptures from Timothy 1: This book takes on post traumatic stress disorder and the healing power of the Savior. The protagonists are suffering from Iraq and watching a parent This is my second novel by Susan May Warren and the second time I have loved her style. The protagonists are suffering from Iraq and watching a parent die while another was severely injured in the same automobile accident and now an agoraphobic.

The side stories are complementary as Lucy and Seb bungle through to find their own peace through the process of repentance and service. But to achieve this, she often had to pave her own way. Disowned by her father, divorced, and fired from a dozen jobs over the years, Delilah pushed forward through family addiction and devastating loss, through glass ceilings and red tape.

My Foolish Heart

Her consistent goal to help those in need took her everywhere from the streets of Philadelphia to refugee camps in Ghana. Along the way, Delilah was blessed by thirteen children—ten of them adopted. Though many of them contend with special needs and the forever effects of a broken foster care system, her children have been able to transform their own remarkable lessons into guiding lights for other kids in need. Just as Delilah has done. One Heart at a Time exposes the real woman behind the microphone.

In her easy-going style and characteristic, beloved voice, Delilah tells her deeply moving life story as the series of miracles it is. Her self-titled radio program boasts an estimated 9 million listeners nationwide. In addition, several public figures spoke out in favor of forgiveness, thus modeling a way forward for the communities they represented. Nelson Mandela, by publicly forgiving those who had wronged him, became a global symbol for forgiveness, compassion, and peace-building.

Albie Sachs — the anti-apartheid campaigner who lost an arm and was partially blinded in a car bomb in — has spoken about ubuntu, the spirit of reconciliation that allowed a nation not to resort to bloody recriminations post-apartheid. It became possible because millions and millions of African people, despite their hardship, or perhaps because of their hardship, had never lost the deep traditional spirit of ubuntu, a shared sense of humanity: It was a moving encounter, from which we both emerged better human beings.

The key to the encounter was that our country had changed. Ubuntu, the spirit of reconciliation, requires dealing with the causes of the conflict. But it can help overcome those causes, and be liberating to the individuals involved in a very personal way. In a similar matter, reconciliation must involve actively rebuilding relationships by creating opportunities for people to engage with each other through spaces, activities, and enterprises.

In order to build or rebuild relationships, there must be platforms on which to develop understanding between groups and communities. Enabling people to embrace tensions in the process of reconciliation and dialogue is the starting point. Dialogue can take place in many settings, such as a national dialogue or within communities across divisions of race, religion, or gender. Dialogue can be practiced in community halls, schools, prisons, and corporate institutions. However, dialogue by itself can be a fairly shallow gesture. To be effective, it has to include:.

Reconciliation often builds on grassroots initiatives, such as theatre, music, and sport, so that barriers between people can be addressed and broken down. Other examples might include initiatives such as workshops that promote psychological healing, perhaps offering safe spaces for narrative sharing and storytelling; or social projects that bring together individuals from diverse groups and communities. By so working to effect social change, people also learn to respect each other and to coexist peacefully. An important element of the reconciliation process is the restoration of broken relationships, which may be addressed in various ways.

Utilizing the healing power of sharing stories: Stories of hope in hopeless times can change lives. The Forgiveness Project collects and shares real stories of forgiveness in order to create opportunities for people to consider, examine, and choose forgiveness in the face of atrocity.

Its work in restorative storytelling demonstrates that personal narratives can broaden perspectives and bring healing to those impacted — whether victim or perpetrator — as well as motivate others regarding future life choices. Research has shown that storytelling is a powerful tool for which humans are hard-wired. Storytelling enables individuals and groups to form connections and collaboration at the same time as they overcome differences and defenses.

The spiritual teacher Anthony Mello has said: Some other examples follow. At the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda there is the story of Nsengiyuumra, a Muslim who during the genocide is said to have saved over 30 people by protecting or hiding them in his outhouse. I was going to die any second. I banged on the door of the yard. It opened almost immediately.

He Nsengiyumra took me by the hand and stood in his doorway and told the killer to leave. He said that the Koran says: For eight years The Forgiveness Project has run RESTORE , a group-based restorative justice RJ intervention program in England to enable prisoners to turn their lives around and give them the tools to re-enter society as active and responsible citizens.

Restorative justice views crime as injury rather than law-breaking, and justice as healing rather than punishment. This restorative justice process demonstrates how individual transformation can lead to societal change. As participants learn about different aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation, and practice them in their own lives, there is a ripple effect into communities. The overall impact of this restorative program can lead to reduced offending behavior both in prison and beyond release; it has been shown to result in fewer victims and offenders amongst participants, their families, and the communities they live in.

In these communities, naming and shaming is considered justice, and while forgiveness is imperative, it is not granted without remorse. This community-healing process of reconciliation and forgiveness addresses the roots of conflict at the local level, and restores dignity to the lives of those who suffered most directly from violence. The work helps war-affected individuals reflect on the past and move forward in ways that avert the renewal of aggressions.

By grounding reconciliation in traditional practices, it also helps create healthy communities capable of building new foundations of peace. How does the Fambul Tok process work? Hawa Koroma, Moyamba town: With Fambul Tok, we can now share our stories and have the opportunity to forgive and reconcile. Sahr Ngaoja, Lei chiefdom, Kono district: After the war, plenty of people are afraid to return to their homes for fear of revenge.

Now that Fambul Tok is creating the platform for victims, witnesses, and perpetrators to mediate reconciliation for peaceful co-existence, we have no alternative but to welcome Fambul Tok.

One Heart at a Time | Book by Delilah | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster

I am sure community reconciliation will help us fight poverty. Hawah Wurie, Bunumbu, Kailahun district: Some of them amputated hands, some of them slaughtered women, some split women open to see what baby was in their stomach; but at the ceremony most of them came forward and confessed and asked for forgiveness and we have forgiven them. We have encouraged them, embraced them, we do things together. Even myself, my elder sister was killed during this war. Those that killed her, I knew who they were, but when they confessed, I forgave them.

To practice forgiveness and reconciliation in daily life comes with its own challenges, and prompts a number of reflection questions. As one example, there is a popular notion that if you do not forgive you will be depleted in some way, tied to the past, holding on to grudges, filled with negative and even violent thoughts. But it glosses over the fact that forgiveness is a slippery and complex concept, meaning many things to many people. The above assumptions not only ignore the real pain many people suffer, but shame those who chose not to forgive.

Rowan Williams, warned against forgiving too easily. He told the Radio Times: I sought help through Christian literature, but it just told lovely stories about reconciliation. Trusted Christian friends offered well-meaning advice, and in one case an exorcism. It is not hard to see how in this context, forgiveness can allow abuse to thrive. Many of the questions below are thought-provoking and challenging. What are your own answers to them? Forgiveness, as a means of relieving oneself from the burden of victimhood, is intrinsically subjective.

In her book The Forgiveness Project: Stories for a Vengeful Age , Marina Cantacuzino writes:. Forgiveness may unfold like a mysterious discovery, or it may be a totally conscious decision, something you line yourself up for having exhausted all other options. For those working to promote forgiveness and reconciliation, it is important to remember that forgiveness is first and foremost a choice, and not necessarily the best medicine for all people all the time. At the same time, it is also important to remember that when introduced as an option, as a concept with limits as well as opportunities, forgiveness if chosen as a path through trauma is undoubtedly a powerful healing process that can mend broken hearts and repair broken communities.

The Forgiveness Project has no religious or political associations. Visit The Forgiveness Project on facebook and twitter. Stories for a vengeful age. Transforming lives through the power of personal narrative. Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Forgiveness is a c hoice. A research agenda for social and personality psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Review , 7 4 , A human being died that night: A South African woman confronts the legacy of apartheid.

Boston and New York: When the geographies of crime and of healing justice matter. Peace Research , 39, Nos. A review of the theoretical and empirical literature.

Journal of Family Therapy , 20 1 , The b ook of f orgiving. In a search of a common core: A content analysis of interventions to promote forgiveness. Theory, Research, Practice and Training, 42 2 , Forgiveness is an emotion focused coping strategy that can reduce health risks and promote health resilience: Skip to main content. Chapter 28 Sections Section 1. Being Compassionate Section 3. Being Charitable Towards Others Section 4.