Anxious Hearts

If crushing anxiety and an all-consuming drive to succeed rule your life, can there still be room for love?

Kelly O’Mara is relentless in her pursuit of excellence. In her late twenties, she’s an outstanding junior doctor preparing to sit her specialist paediatric exams. She will sacrifice friendships, a social life and romance to be the best among her peers. But this self-imposed pressure means she’s constantly on edge – an explosion waiting to happen.

Finn Walsh understands Kelly better than anyone. On the surface, he’s a successful actor, but behind the television smile he’s battling an overwhelming fear that every move he makes could lead to disaster. Anxious, self-loathing and plagued by a sense of impending doom, away from the camera Finn struggles to hold back the darkness of everyday life.

Kelly and Finn have been inseparable since childhood; two broken souls with a powerful bond. Through their shared struggles and quiet understanding, they’ve always been each other’s safe place, source of healing and strength. Until now, when the oppressive weight of their own fears and expectations has begun to overwhelm them both. A rift opens in their relationship, gradually sending each of them into a toxic spiral.

How much will these flawed but fiercely loyal friends be willing to sacrifice to save each other … and themselves?

Written with insight, compassion and humour, Anxious Hearts is a heart-filled exploration of love, mental health and the impossible standards we set for ourselves in an ever more demanding world.