Maybe It's Fate

By: Heidi McLaughlin

Narrated by: Kacy Combest, Christian Barillas, Graham Halstead, Charlotte Lobdell

In a moving story of love and loss, a corporate consultant leaves her life behind to care for her dying friend’s children—and finds hope with the small-town coach who steps up to the plate with her.

From the author of The Art of Starting Over comes a heartfelt portrait of what it means to build a family, as a young woman navigates grief, guardianship, and the bittersweet gift of falling in love.

The only thing that could pull Antonia Bernardi away from her high-powered career is her lifelong best friend. And with two children and a cruel prognosis, Miriam Vaughn needs her now more than ever.

Antonia drops everything—her job, her relationship—to be there for the Vaughns. Playing mom to Miriam’s teenage son and seven-year-old daughter is a tall order made heavier by grief. But the kids need her, and she needs them.

Then there’s the boy’s coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt. He’s a pillar of support, a safe space for Antonia to rest. But there’s too much going on to even think about romance … or maybe that’s exactly why they should.

Adjusting to life without her best friend, Antonia leans into her new role as guardian, doing work she loves and repairing the old farmhouse Miriam cherished. Nothing can stop the world from spinning—but Antonia has every reason to keep on going.

©2026 by Heidi McLaughlin. (P)2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

I loved this one!

This was a story about life, love and the truest, deepest form of friendship.
Antonia and Miriam are best friends and would do anything for the other. When Miriam finds out she’s pregnant and has decided to keep the baby, much to her parent’s anger. She moves in with Toni and her parents.
Years later, Miriam is diagnosed with cancer. Antonia is there to help take care of her and her kids. That’s where she meets Weston, the sports coach and Miriam’s neighbor. Together they take care of the kids, making sure they have everything they need and always putting them first.
I loved the bond between Miriam and Antonia. They had the kind of friendship that lasts a lifetime.
These were new to me narrators and I really enjoyed their each their takes on the characters. I felt they matched the vibe and feel of the story.
I laughed and I cried reading this story, and I absolutely recommend it.

Wonderful!

Such a heartfelt story! Great narration- this is one of the most moving books I’ve read. Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful

The storytelling and narration were absolutely lovely. The story and character development unfolded so naturally, end with such genuine love. I cried as much as I laughed, and will very likely listen to this title again. Absolutely heartwarming, and so worth the listen.

Seeing loss & continuing living

I have lost my mother & this was heartbreaking. But seeing the parts of that how they relate to me - doing things to remember my mom. Knowing she’s there. Wanting to make her proud.
And how the author expressed the feelings of living without this person. You do feel like you can’t. It wasn’t picture perfect but real feelings.
Such hard feelings.

Sweet & Sad Story

I truly enjoyed this story so much. The loss and love was a roller coaster that I welcomed.