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Cover of Maybe It's Fate

Maybe It's Fate

Heidi McLaughlin (2026-03-17)

Subgenre
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age16

Content levels

ViolenceNone
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageMild

Trigger warnings

DeathTerminal IllnessGriefDeath of ParentHeartbreak

Positive tags

Found Familyhealing arcHeartwarmingHurt/ComfortSecond Chance

Tropes

AthleteContemporaryFish out of WaterFound FamilyGuardian RomanceHealing JourneyProtectorSecond ChanceSingle ParentSlow BurnSmall Town

Themes

Grief and LossFound FamilySecond ChancesGuardianshipLetting GoBuilding a New LifeFriendshipCommunity Support

Synopsis

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.

Tags

Emotional Fictionsmall town fictionWomen's Fiction