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Maybe It's Fate
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
24 days and 05:29:04
100 copies available
U.S. only
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.
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.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2026
2122 people are currently reading
4438 people want to read
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
132 books7,476 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
REVIEW TO COME💔💔😭😭!!!!!!!
💔✂️I feel like ugly crying this weekend💔✂️!!!!!!!
💔✂️I feel like ugly crying this weekend💔✂️!!!!!!!
March 14, 2026
Following an accidental pregnancy, and a deadbeat boyfriend, who wants nothing to do with Miri and their baby, her BFF Tony, vows to always be by her side and care for her kids if anything were to happen to her. Unfortunately, that promise would come to mean everything later, when Miri finds out she is to battle terminal cancer.
Based on my star rating, it’s obvious I did not like this book. Here are my reasons why.
1. It lacked emotion. The themes here are very heavy. There should’ve been an emotional reaction. But instead, I was just bored.
2. The writing came off as very immature. It lacked flow, and if I didn’t know better, I would’ve guessed it was written by a high schooler or a very young adult.
3. The amount of idle chit-chat and non pertinent information dragged to the story on for a painful amount of time and kept the plot from moving forward.
4. There were a few things I think could have been minimal parts of the story that weren’t. (The boyfriend arch and Cutter’s POV, for example.)
5. The book is categorized as a romance and I didn’t see anything romantic about it. The relationship with the boyfriend lasted way too long and Tony’s relationship with Wes felt rushed in the end because of it.
Based on my star rating, it’s obvious I did not like this book. Here are my reasons why.
1. It lacked emotion. The themes here are very heavy. There should’ve been an emotional reaction. But instead, I was just bored.
2. The writing came off as very immature. It lacked flow, and if I didn’t know better, I would’ve guessed it was written by a high schooler or a very young adult.
3. The amount of idle chit-chat and non pertinent information dragged to the story on for a painful amount of time and kept the plot from moving forward.
4. There were a few things I think could have been minimal parts of the story that weren’t. (The boyfriend arch and Cutter’s POV, for example.)
5. The book is categorized as a romance and I didn’t see anything romantic about it. The relationship with the boyfriend lasted way too long and Tony’s relationship with Wes felt rushed in the end because of it.
April 1, 2026
Was this my first Heidi book? I'm not sure, but I think it must've been.
And it was ... hearbreaking. I think I cried from the first chapter all the way to the end.
I kind of expected something a little different from reading the blurb. I thought her friend died and then she 'inherits' the kids and we go from there - with 'just' a little bit of sadness in the past. But it was so much worse. We get so many heartbreaking and sad moments. Ugh.
But it was also so very sweet and adorable and funny and I loved all the people and the dog and the locations.
I want my own Weston and my own Cutter too - if I was a few tiny decades younger. LOL.
It could've been a tiny bit longer. With more falling in love moments and not so many quick summaries of what happened the last few months - especially towards the end. I just wanted more. More sad kids moments. More Toni + Weston. More HGTV projects. There was room and potential for so much more. But I still loved reading it.
MAYBE IT'S FATE was such a heartbreaking and sweet and beautiful story about family and friendship and life and love and grief and finding happiness and so much more! Read it!
click ► HERE! to buy the book!
April 3, 2026
El libro esta lleno de emociones y siento que si bien hay romance entre los protagonistas ese no es el punto principal del libro ya que la mayor parte nos "muestra" como es la vida cuando la persona que amamos sabe que en algún momento va a partir, sin avisos y de un día para el otro. Me gusta mucho que hubiera puntos de vista de diferentes personajes porque ayudaba a comprender sus sentimientos.
Antonia es una gran mujer, hermana y amiga y el papel que tomo cuando descubrió lo de Miri fue muy importante y admirable porque a pesar de su dolor se esforzo para hacer las últimas semanas de su mejor amiga las mas felices del mundo porque quería que se fuera con la tranquilidad de que sus bebés serían cuidados y criados en un hogar lleno de amor. Además estaba pasando por una ruptura que siento que esta situación la ayudo a darse cuenta que su ex no era su persona para pasar el resto de su vida juntos, porque con el ultimátum que le dió su ex se dió cuenta que sus metas personales eran diferentes y que era hora de poner sus emociones y sueños en primer lugar sin dejarse influenciar por un hombre que la quería pero no la amaba.
Weston es muy lindo y me encanta su personaje tan amable y lleno de amor para todo el mundo, el fue una gran figura parterna para Cutter y un gran compañero para apoyar y aconsejar a Antonia en este momento tan difícil que estaba pasando y como todo caballero cuando descubrió que estaba en pareja dió un paso al constado para no complicar las cosas pero cuando se dió cuenta que estaba soltera dió lo mejor de su para conquistarla sin abrumarla y abriendo su corazón, hablando de un futuro estando juntos, criando a los niños en un hogar lleno de amor y felicidad ♥️🫂
Antonia es una gran mujer, hermana y amiga y el papel que tomo cuando descubrió lo de Miri fue muy importante y admirable porque a pesar de su dolor se esforzo para hacer las últimas semanas de su mejor amiga las mas felices del mundo porque quería que se fuera con la tranquilidad de que sus bebés serían cuidados y criados en un hogar lleno de amor. Además estaba pasando por una ruptura que siento que esta situación la ayudo a darse cuenta que su ex no era su persona para pasar el resto de su vida juntos, porque con el ultimátum que le dió su ex se dió cuenta que sus metas personales eran diferentes y que era hora de poner sus emociones y sueños en primer lugar sin dejarse influenciar por un hombre que la quería pero no la amaba.
Weston es muy lindo y me encanta su personaje tan amable y lleno de amor para todo el mundo, el fue una gran figura parterna para Cutter y un gran compañero para apoyar y aconsejar a Antonia en este momento tan difícil que estaba pasando y como todo caballero cuando descubrió que estaba en pareja dió un paso al constado para no complicar las cosas pero cuando se dió cuenta que estaba soltera dió lo mejor de su para conquistarla sin abrumarla y abriendo su corazón, hablando de un futuro estando juntos, criando a los niños en un hogar lleno de amor y felicidad ♥️🫂
November 26, 2025
4⭐️ I chose to read this ARC as the plot sounded like an emotional rollercoaster, and it is exactly that. I think I cried a good few times from beginning to end.
First of all, the main storyline being Toni and Miri's relationship, is a dream. You truly feel the love that these two characters have for one another, more so Toni with her being the FMC. I enjoyed all the different POVs and learning about each character's own relationship with Miri and their own journey with grief. The whole plot was written really well.
Toni and Weston's relationship was kind of subtle, growing in the background, which I appreciated for this storyline. A romance can easily turn distasteful in a plot like this, but I didn't once get that feeling. Towards the end I wish there were more details and development into their relationship, maybe it was a bit rushed.
I also feel that there were some plot developments that never came to a head, I was expecting some things to happen that just didn't.
Overall, a lovely, emotional book. I would recommend to someone looking for a good cry!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in return for an honest review🤍
First of all, the main storyline being Toni and Miri's relationship, is a dream. You truly feel the love that these two characters have for one another, more so Toni with her being the FMC. I enjoyed all the different POVs and learning about each character's own relationship with Miri and their own journey with grief. The whole plot was written really well.
Toni and Weston's relationship was kind of subtle, growing in the background, which I appreciated for this storyline. A romance can easily turn distasteful in a plot like this, but I didn't once get that feeling. Towards the end I wish there were more details and development into their relationship, maybe it was a bit rushed.
I also feel that there were some plot developments that never came to a head, I was expecting some things to happen that just didn't.
Overall, a lovely, emotional book. I would recommend to someone looking for a good cry!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in return for an honest review🤍
November 21, 2025
I have an Ugly Cry booklist and for eight years the same title has been at the top, but no more. Maybe it's Fate now sits there. There is a good reason for that. Maybe It's Fate is a story of love, friendship and heartache reminding the reader that life is not always fair. It's worth the pain and the tears, in order to gain the moments you’ll treasure forever. I had periods of crying to the very end. Not sniffles. Huge, crocodile tears. Best Friends Forever has gained new meaning thanks to Heidi McLaughlin's book.
As teens, Toni promised to always be there for Miri's unborn child. It was a promise most make without thinking about the future. The time has come and Toni doesn't let Miri down. Toni is there for the long goodbye. Toni is there for the children and Miri. She picks up and moves to a small town leaving her life in Boston in the rearview mirror.
Toni finds a new friend in Weston. She is one lucky girl. He is not only a neighbor but he is a retired professional baseball player turned high school coach. He doesn't take no for answer. He stands by her side through the difficult times. He becomes so much more for Toni, for the family. The slow burn romance took some of the pain away for Toni, for the reader.
The real life situations added so much to the story. I found myself completely invested in the characters. The story's flow never faltered. Having Cutter, Miri's son, have his own chapters was absolute genius. The reader gets a better perspective. The emotions---just WOW.
As teens, Toni promised to always be there for Miri's unborn child. It was a promise most make without thinking about the future. The time has come and Toni doesn't let Miri down. Toni is there for the long goodbye. Toni is there for the children and Miri. She picks up and moves to a small town leaving her life in Boston in the rearview mirror.
Toni finds a new friend in Weston. She is one lucky girl. He is not only a neighbor but he is a retired professional baseball player turned high school coach. He doesn't take no for answer. He stands by her side through the difficult times. He becomes so much more for Toni, for the family. The slow burn romance took some of the pain away for Toni, for the reader.
The real life situations added so much to the story. I found myself completely invested in the characters. The story's flow never faltered. Having Cutter, Miri's son, have his own chapters was absolute genius. The reader gets a better perspective. The emotions---just WOW.
March 22, 2026
This book was incredibly predictable, but I also cried my eyes out multiple times while reading! Would recommend!
February 14, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, HaperCollins and Alexandria Bellefleur for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
2.75⭐️ rounded up.
This book hit me straight in the heart. This is the second book I’ve read from this author and both were very emotional.
The storyline itself was interesting and a beautiful example of friendship and found family.
I hate to say it but where I struggled was the writing itself. This felt like reading step by step instructions to lose a friend/mom - there wasn’t enough emotion and showing in the writing. The story was told in 3 perspectives - Toni, Weston and Cutter. I feel like we got to know Toni the best but I felt like Weston and Cutter were slightly underdeveloped and pretty basic characters. Cutter was sad about his mom but very focused on his girlfriend and sports. Weston was immediately obsessed with Toni and had little else we knew about him. He had some serious cheesy lines and inner monologue that made me concerned he might not survive.
I still think it’s worth a read but the writing wasn’t to the level I was expecting.
2.75⭐️ rounded up.
This book hit me straight in the heart. This is the second book I’ve read from this author and both were very emotional.
The storyline itself was interesting and a beautiful example of friendship and found family.
I hate to say it but where I struggled was the writing itself. This felt like reading step by step instructions to lose a friend/mom - there wasn’t enough emotion and showing in the writing. The story was told in 3 perspectives - Toni, Weston and Cutter. I feel like we got to know Toni the best but I felt like Weston and Cutter were slightly underdeveloped and pretty basic characters. Cutter was sad about his mom but very focused on his girlfriend and sports. Weston was immediately obsessed with Toni and had little else we knew about him. He had some serious cheesy lines and inner monologue that made me concerned he might not survive.
I still think it’s worth a read but the writing wasn’t to the level I was expecting.
March 6, 2026
Thank you to Heidi McLaughlin, Montlake and NetGalley for this arc!
I’d never actually read anything by Heidi McLaughlin before, but I loved the film adaptation of Forever My Girl and probably watched it about a hundred times so I had a feeling this book might be my kind of story and I was so excited to get to read it early!
Maybe It’s Fate follows Antonia, who drops everything—her job, her relationship, her entire life—to support her lifelong best friend Miriam after she receives a devastating diagnosis. Antonia steps in to help raise her two kids and keep the life Miriam built from falling apart and finds unexpected support from Weston, a former MLB player who coaches Miriam’s son and slowly becomes someone she can lean on.
It’s been a while since a book had me this emotional from the very beginning (and that’s saying something because I’m pretty easy to set off…) but this one had me fully invested from page one. While I went in expecting a sweet romance with a bit of an emotional twist, what I got was a really beautiful found family story and the romance (although lovely) took a backseat for me. I ADORED Antonia! She was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have, and the way she stepped up for Miriam and her kids was honestly the highlight of the whole book. Watching their relationships grow and seeing how she showed up for them through had me an emotional wreck and I loved how the kids were with her.
Weston was great too, but if I had one complaint it’s that I feel like we only scratched the surface with his character. I would have loved to learn more about his background and spend more time with Weston and Toni actually being a couple. I could have just done with the book being a bit longer overall, because I’d happily have stayed in this story for another hundred pages just to see more from the characters and their new little life!
I know Heidi McLaughlin has written a few series before, so I’m not sure if this story is meant to be a standalone or the start of another series but I’d absolutely love to return to this world and see what these characters are up to in the future so fingers crossed!
All in all, this was a lovely, heartfelt read that had me in tears throughout. It definitely touches on some heavy topics, so it’s not the lightest story to get through but it was handled so well and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from start to finish.
I’d never actually read anything by Heidi McLaughlin before, but I loved the film adaptation of Forever My Girl and probably watched it about a hundred times so I had a feeling this book might be my kind of story and I was so excited to get to read it early!
Maybe It’s Fate follows Antonia, who drops everything—her job, her relationship, her entire life—to support her lifelong best friend Miriam after she receives a devastating diagnosis. Antonia steps in to help raise her two kids and keep the life Miriam built from falling apart and finds unexpected support from Weston, a former MLB player who coaches Miriam’s son and slowly becomes someone she can lean on.
It’s been a while since a book had me this emotional from the very beginning (and that’s saying something because I’m pretty easy to set off…) but this one had me fully invested from page one. While I went in expecting a sweet romance with a bit of an emotional twist, what I got was a really beautiful found family story and the romance (although lovely) took a backseat for me. I ADORED Antonia! She was the kind of friend everyone hopes to have, and the way she stepped up for Miriam and her kids was honestly the highlight of the whole book. Watching their relationships grow and seeing how she showed up for them through had me an emotional wreck and I loved how the kids were with her.
Weston was great too, but if I had one complaint it’s that I feel like we only scratched the surface with his character. I would have loved to learn more about his background and spend more time with Weston and Toni actually being a couple. I could have just done with the book being a bit longer overall, because I’d happily have stayed in this story for another hundred pages just to see more from the characters and their new little life!
I know Heidi McLaughlin has written a few series before, so I’m not sure if this story is meant to be a standalone or the start of another series but I’d absolutely love to return to this world and see what these characters are up to in the future so fingers crossed!
All in all, this was a lovely, heartfelt read that had me in tears throughout. It definitely touches on some heavy topics, so it’s not the lightest story to get through but it was handled so well and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from start to finish.
April 1, 2026
Toni's entire life changed the day her best friend called and told her she was sick. Toni and Miriam had been friends since before they could even remember. When Miriam got pregnant and her parents disowned her, it was Toni's family that took her in. Toni promised Miri back then that if anything happened, she would take care of her baby. Now, with two children and a fixer-upper farmhouse in the small town of Grove Hill, Miriam is diagnosed with cancer and a small amount of time left. Cutter is sixteen and Nova seven and both will need support through their grief, but how will Toni help them when she's so lost herself?
Weston retired from professional baseball after an injury, wanting to give back by coaching the next generation. He's grown close to Cutter, coaching him in both basketball and baseball, and also being his neighbor. When he sees Toni with Cutter and Nova, he's instantly attracted to her, something that's never happened since his divorce. Finding out the reason why she's in town and also that she's got a boyfriend is an unexpected blow to his heart. But he's determined to be there for this family in whatever way he can, even if just as a friend.
This heartbreaking story is told from the alternating perspectives of Toni, Weston, and Cutter. Grab the tissues for this one as each character navigates through the grief of losing a loved one too soon. But through the grief, Toni realizes what a real man will do to support her. She finds out what a narcissistic knob Brendan is in comparison to caring and supportive coach Weston, and I'm glad she finally realized how he felt about her. I don't usually go for tear-jerkers like this book, and I'm definitely ready for something happier, but I'm glad I read this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Weston retired from professional baseball after an injury, wanting to give back by coaching the next generation. He's grown close to Cutter, coaching him in both basketball and baseball, and also being his neighbor. When he sees Toni with Cutter and Nova, he's instantly attracted to her, something that's never happened since his divorce. Finding out the reason why she's in town and also that she's got a boyfriend is an unexpected blow to his heart. But he's determined to be there for this family in whatever way he can, even if just as a friend.
This heartbreaking story is told from the alternating perspectives of Toni, Weston, and Cutter. Grab the tissues for this one as each character navigates through the grief of losing a loved one too soon. But through the grief, Toni realizes what a real man will do to support her. She finds out what a narcissistic knob Brendan is in comparison to caring and supportive coach Weston, and I'm glad she finally realized how he felt about her. I don't usually go for tear-jerkers like this book, and I'm definitely ready for something happier, but I'm glad I read this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
March 16, 2026
Thank you Montlake , Heidi McLaughlin & NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
If you want a good cry I highly recommend this book. This book is about love and loss and also full of emotional rollercoasters.
Antonia dropped everything. Her job and also relationship to be there for her lifelong best friend and her two children after Miriam was given a cruel prognosis. Antonia plays mum to Miriam's teenage son and seven year old daughter whilst they all grieve. The kids need her and she also needs them.
Miriam's teenage son coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt becomes a pillar of support, a safe space for Antonia to rest.
The relationship between Antonia and Miriam was so beautiful. Everyone could only wish to have a relationship like they do. To have someone you know you can relay on when times get difficult and trust to look after your loved ones when your no longer here.
I love the fact that Antonia and Weston relationship was not on the full front and more of something in the background which I appreciated because the story is about Antonia. about her grief and healing.
If you want a good cry I highly recommend this book. This book is about love and loss and also full of emotional rollercoasters.
Antonia dropped everything. Her job and also relationship to be there for her lifelong best friend and her two children after Miriam was given a cruel prognosis. Antonia plays mum to Miriam's teenage son and seven year old daughter whilst they all grieve. The kids need her and she also needs them.
Miriam's teenage son coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt becomes a pillar of support, a safe space for Antonia to rest.
The relationship between Antonia and Miriam was so beautiful. Everyone could only wish to have a relationship like they do. To have someone you know you can relay on when times get difficult and trust to look after your loved ones when your no longer here.
I love the fact that Antonia and Weston relationship was not on the full front and more of something in the background which I appreciated because the story is about Antonia. about her grief and healing.
March 26, 2026
Miriam and Antonia have been friends since they were three and that friendship is brought to fruition when Miriam ( the name Toni calls her) gets pregnant at 17. Her parents are angry and disown her so, she moves in with Toni and her family. Toni even changes her college plans and stays in Boston where they share an apartment and begin to raise Cutter together.
It's not until Miri buys a old house with a front porch on a dirt road that they go their separate ways. And now, Miri has Nova her young daughter, too.
It's now time for you to go get your Kleenex!!
Miri calls Toni to come as soon as possible because she's in the hospital. You guessed it...she has cancer and is going to die! Now that long ago promise for Toni to care for and protect her babies is front and center.
You'll see first hand the struggles for each of the women, Cutter and Nova and how the small town community comes together to support her. You'll learn that Toni's boyfriend of 4 years is a narcissistic jerk and you'll get to meet Cutter's basketball/baseball coach, Weston.
You'll see how Toni and the kids mesh their lives together and strive to have a "normal" life.
But, don't despair... there's a love story, too!
This is a wonderful (but, tearful) story of love, friendship, community and death and dying gracefully.
It's not until Miri buys a old house with a front porch on a dirt road that they go their separate ways. And now, Miri has Nova her young daughter, too.
It's now time for you to go get your Kleenex!!
Miri calls Toni to come as soon as possible because she's in the hospital. You guessed it...she has cancer and is going to die! Now that long ago promise for Toni to care for and protect her babies is front and center.
You'll see first hand the struggles for each of the women, Cutter and Nova and how the small town community comes together to support her. You'll learn that Toni's boyfriend of 4 years is a narcissistic jerk and you'll get to meet Cutter's basketball/baseball coach, Weston.
You'll see how Toni and the kids mesh their lives together and strive to have a "normal" life.
But, don't despair... there's a love story, too!
This is a wonderful (but, tearful) story of love, friendship, community and death and dying gracefully.
April 1, 2026
This was not my usual kind of read - I tend to avoid stories with death but I’m glad I gave it a shot.
There’s definitely plenty of sadness in this story with Miri’s loss but there’s also plenty of love and even some humour. The romance in this one came second for me to the friendship between Antonia and Miri and also the beautiful relationship Antonia had with Miri’s children. Weston definitely gives golden retriever vibes in the best way.
Make sure you have your tissues handy.
T/W - death of character
I received an arc of this book
There’s definitely plenty of sadness in this story with Miri’s loss but there’s also plenty of love and even some humour. The romance in this one came second for me to the friendship between Antonia and Miri and also the beautiful relationship Antonia had with Miri’s children. Weston definitely gives golden retriever vibes in the best way.
Make sure you have your tissues handy.
T/W - death of character
I received an arc of this book
March 11, 2026
Heartbreaking
This book had me crying from the beginning. It was also hard for me to read because the subject matter hit close to home. Told from multiple pov's, it is about a mom who is dying and how it affects different people. It also shows what happens after, and how the ones left behind are left to rebuild. One of the characters is the son Cutter and how he feels before and after. For me, his scenes were the hardest to read. I thought the character development was great and I was so sad when it ended. I would love to see Cutter get his own future book.
This book had me crying from the beginning. It was also hard for me to read because the subject matter hit close to home. Told from multiple pov's, it is about a mom who is dying and how it affects different people. It also shows what happens after, and how the ones left behind are left to rebuild. One of the characters is the son Cutter and how he feels before and after. For me, his scenes were the hardest to read. I thought the character development was great and I was so sad when it ended. I would love to see Cutter get his own future book.
March 21, 2026
Tearjerker
Heidi, there’s no way I could have read this when I first pulled it from NetGalley last fall. One of my besties was just ringing her “no more chemo” bell. As it was, I had to read this in spurts.
If you’re a crier, get the Kleenex ready. I was teary eyed myself through most of the book. It’s in the blurb, so I’m not giving away—one of the main characters passes from cancer. Very moving story of her close friends (especially Miri’s bestie) navigating losing her and moving on with their lives. Weston and Scout are the absolute best for Miri’s small family.
Heidi, there’s no way I could have read this when I first pulled it from NetGalley last fall. One of my besties was just ringing her “no more chemo” bell. As it was, I had to read this in spurts.
If you’re a crier, get the Kleenex ready. I was teary eyed myself through most of the book. It’s in the blurb, so I’m not giving away—one of the main characters passes from cancer. Very moving story of her close friends (especially Miri’s bestie) navigating losing her and moving on with their lives. Weston and Scout are the absolute best for Miri’s small family.
Review of advance copy
I read this book in under 24 hours (only that long because I had to go to bed at 2am and finish in the morning).
I think this book hit somewhat close to home for me because I have a 16 year old son and reading the son’s POV chapters absolutely broke something inside of me. I sobbed so much, so hard.
What a gut-wrenching story of loss, grief and love in many forms.
I think this book hit somewhat close to home for me because I have a 16 year old son and reading the son’s POV chapters absolutely broke something inside of me. I sobbed so much, so hard.
What a gut-wrenching story of loss, grief and love in many forms.
March 11, 2026
I loved this book and couldn't put it down! I cried all the way through it, but what a beautiful story. ❤️
March 17, 2026
went in blindly as this was my march first reads pick from amazon prime. really enjoyed it but keep the tissues close!
April 4, 2026
Immediate 5 stars because I cried multiple times
March 25, 2026
This rating is generous.
Review of advance copy
Not even going to comment on the poor writing. Vaguely misogynistic.
November 17, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
This book was an absolute gem. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it took me through a full rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, I cried, my heart ached, and there were moments that felt both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time. Heidi McLaughlin’s writing is so warm and honest, and the characters felt incredibly real. Antonia especially stood out to me: strong, grounded, respectful, and determined, even when life keeps knocking her down.
For me, the romance is more of a soft undertone in the background, and I actually appreciated that. The heart of this story is Antonia herself, her grief, her healing, and her transition from a career-focused woman to someone suddenly responsible for two kids she loves like her own. That whole journey felt deeply believable and emotional without being overly dramatic.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the use of three POVs: Antonia, Weston, and Cutter. Reading Cutter’s chapters was unexpectedly powerful. Heidi captured the voice of a sixteen-year-old dealing with unimaginable loss while still handling normal teenage confusion and insecurity. His sections added so much depth to the story.
And Weston… he was exactly the kind of presence Antonia needed. Steady, patient, caring without trying to take over. Their connection felt comforting and gentle, even if the romance itself stayed in the background.
My only small critique is that a few side plots and mini-arcs didn’t feel entirely necessary and didn’t add much to the main story. And personally, I wish we’d gotten a bit more development between Antonia and Weston — their relationship shifts quickly, even though the buildup takes time. But I also understand that this book isn’t meant to be a traditional romance, and the emotional core isn’t centered on the love story.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, emotional read about grief, chosen family, and finding strength when life gives you no choice. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book was an absolute gem. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it took me through a full rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, I cried, my heart ached, and there were moments that felt both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time. Heidi McLaughlin’s writing is so warm and honest, and the characters felt incredibly real. Antonia especially stood out to me: strong, grounded, respectful, and determined, even when life keeps knocking her down.
For me, the romance is more of a soft undertone in the background, and I actually appreciated that. The heart of this story is Antonia herself, her grief, her healing, and her transition from a career-focused woman to someone suddenly responsible for two kids she loves like her own. That whole journey felt deeply believable and emotional without being overly dramatic.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the use of three POVs: Antonia, Weston, and Cutter. Reading Cutter’s chapters was unexpectedly powerful. Heidi captured the voice of a sixteen-year-old dealing with unimaginable loss while still handling normal teenage confusion and insecurity. His sections added so much depth to the story.
And Weston… he was exactly the kind of presence Antonia needed. Steady, patient, caring without trying to take over. Their connection felt comforting and gentle, even if the romance itself stayed in the background.
My only small critique is that a few side plots and mini-arcs didn’t feel entirely necessary and didn’t add much to the main story. And personally, I wish we’d gotten a bit more development between Antonia and Weston — their relationship shifts quickly, even though the buildup takes time. But I also understand that this book isn’t meant to be a traditional romance, and the emotional core isn’t centered on the love story.
Overall, it’s a heartfelt, emotional read about grief, chosen family, and finding strength when life gives you no choice. I really enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 22, 2025
Such an endearing story of love that will resonate with so many readers. This emotional journey will stay with you beyond the last page. You will be totally invested in their friendship from the first chapter.
Well developed characters like Antonia for her strength, Miriam for her courage, Weston for his love and of course, Carmela for her ability to know exactly what to say and do to love her family.
Losing someone you love that has had such an impact on your life is soul crushing. We can all understand that loss and embrace that feeling. Heidi took this story and brings it to life for her readers. She allowed all the feelings and emotions to pour through while still allowing the characters to move forward in the grief by honoring her wishes and memories.
Cutter and Nova had to deal with so much and the writing of their challenges was so well done it gave them grace while still allowing them to love Antonia in their loss.
I’ve fallen in love with them all. A story I never wanted to end and will remain with me. So very well done. Heidi has a 5 star read with this release.
March 30, 2026
SUMMARY:
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.
REVIEW:
Maybe It's Fate is my first book by Heidi McLaughlin and is my March 2026 Amazon First Reads pick. The story is about two best friends that go through a tough period that includes pain and grief but also has love and family. 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 of a terminal cancer, Miriam Vaughn needs her more than ever before. When Antonia gets a call from Miriam she drops everything, her job and her relationship, to be there for the Vaughns. Playing mom to Miriam's teenage son and seven-year-old daughter is a big responsibility that is made that much heavier by the grief they are all experiencing. Antonia doesn't let her grief from making sure that she takes care of the kids as they need her and she needs them. In comes Cutter's coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt, who is a pillar of support and 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.
Heidi McLaughlin delivered an emotional friends to lovers second chance slow burn small town contemporary romance that had me captivated from start to end and invested in the growing relationship between Antonia and Weston. It was intriguing to read how Antonia adjusted to life without her best friend and leans into her new role as guardian while doing work she loves and repairing the old farm house Miriam cherished. Weston was a big life changer for Antonia in her new life especially after she finally realized that she never felt any love for her now ex-boyfriend Brenden. It was fun to read some chapters in Cutter's POV as it really showed that though he is a teenager he understood that what his mother was going through was very serious and that he needed to cherish every moment they had together before he lost her forever. I'm glad I chose this book to read as this had me realizing we need to enjoy and cherish every moment with our loved ones. This was a good book to read and I'm happy that I chose it.
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.
REVIEW:
Maybe It's Fate is my first book by Heidi McLaughlin and is my March 2026 Amazon First Reads pick. The story is about two best friends that go through a tough period that includes pain and grief but also has love and family. 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 of a terminal cancer, Miriam Vaughn needs her more than ever before. When Antonia gets a call from Miriam she drops everything, her job and her relationship, to be there for the Vaughns. Playing mom to Miriam's teenage son and seven-year-old daughter is a big responsibility that is made that much heavier by the grief they are all experiencing. Antonia doesn't let her grief from making sure that she takes care of the kids as they need her and she needs them. In comes Cutter's coach and mentor, former MLB star Weston Schmidt, who is a pillar of support and 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.
Heidi McLaughlin delivered an emotional friends to lovers second chance slow burn small town contemporary romance that had me captivated from start to end and invested in the growing relationship between Antonia and Weston. It was intriguing to read how Antonia adjusted to life without her best friend and leans into her new role as guardian while doing work she loves and repairing the old farm house Miriam cherished. Weston was a big life changer for Antonia in her new life especially after she finally realized that she never felt any love for her now ex-boyfriend Brenden. It was fun to read some chapters in Cutter's POV as it really showed that though he is a teenager he understood that what his mother was going through was very serious and that he needed to cherish every moment they had together before he lost her forever. I'm glad I chose this book to read as this had me realizing we need to enjoy and cherish every moment with our loved ones. This was a good book to read and I'm happy that I chose it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
So… I cried during the prologue. This book didn’t even give me ONE chapter to settle in before making me cry. I don’t think I knew what to expect from this book, but it definitely exceeded every expectation I might’ve had! This was my first Heidi McLaughlin novel, but it won’t be my last. I laughed and I cried and this was just so much more than I thought it was going to be— in the best way.
Maybe It’s Fate absolutely wrecked me—in the best, most cathartic way possible. This isn’t just a story about love—it’s about showing up when it matters most. It’s a book about love, yes, but also friendship and chosen family and grief and heartache. Antonia dropping her entire life to stand beside her best friend during the unthinkable? That kind of devotion set the emotional tone immediately, and it never once let up. The bond between Toni and Miriam felt and WAS so real, it was raw and vulnerable, and the grief was palpable on every page. It reminded me of the friendship I have with my best friend.
What really stood out to me was how this story leans into found family. Found family is one of my favorite tropes of all time, so watching Toni step into a parental role for the kids—messy, imperfect, but full of love—felt like the heart of the book. The different perspectives added depth, especially seeing how each character processed loss in their own way. It made everything feel more intimate, more human.
And then there’s Weston who is the softest kind of steady. His presence in Toni’s life never felt forced or overwhelming, which I really appreciated given the heaviness of the story. The romance is definitely a slow burn, quietly building in the background rather than taking center stage—but for this book, it worked. If anything, I just wanted more of them by the end. Their relationship felt like it still had room to grow, and I would’ve happily read another hundred pages just to sit in that.
Fair warning: this is an ugly cry kind of book. Not delicate tears—full-on, emotional damage. The grief, the love, the small moments of hope—it’s all handled with such care that it feels earned. While some threads felt like they could’ve been explored a bit deeper, and a few emotional beats wrapped up quicker than I may have wanted, the impact of the story never wavered.
Overall, this is a deeply heartfelt, emotionally rich read about loss, resilience, and the kind of love that reshapes your entire life. It’s heavy and it’ll stay with you long after the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this eARC, and thank you to Heidi McLaughlin for this beautiful story and for making me bawl like a baby.
Maybe It’s Fate absolutely wrecked me—in the best, most cathartic way possible. This isn’t just a story about love—it’s about showing up when it matters most. It’s a book about love, yes, but also friendship and chosen family and grief and heartache. Antonia dropping her entire life to stand beside her best friend during the unthinkable? That kind of devotion set the emotional tone immediately, and it never once let up. The bond between Toni and Miriam felt and WAS so real, it was raw and vulnerable, and the grief was palpable on every page. It reminded me of the friendship I have with my best friend.
What really stood out to me was how this story leans into found family. Found family is one of my favorite tropes of all time, so watching Toni step into a parental role for the kids—messy, imperfect, but full of love—felt like the heart of the book. The different perspectives added depth, especially seeing how each character processed loss in their own way. It made everything feel more intimate, more human.
And then there’s Weston who is the softest kind of steady. His presence in Toni’s life never felt forced or overwhelming, which I really appreciated given the heaviness of the story. The romance is definitely a slow burn, quietly building in the background rather than taking center stage—but for this book, it worked. If anything, I just wanted more of them by the end. Their relationship felt like it still had room to grow, and I would’ve happily read another hundred pages just to sit in that.
Fair warning: this is an ugly cry kind of book. Not delicate tears—full-on, emotional damage. The grief, the love, the small moments of hope—it’s all handled with such care that it feels earned. While some threads felt like they could’ve been explored a bit deeper, and a few emotional beats wrapped up quicker than I may have wanted, the impact of the story never wavered.
Overall, this is a deeply heartfelt, emotionally rich read about loss, resilience, and the kind of love that reshapes your entire life. It’s heavy and it’ll stay with you long after the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this eARC, and thank you to Heidi McLaughlin for this beautiful story and for making me bawl like a baby.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 Stars
One Liner: Good premise, but juvenile writing
Antonia Bernardi would do anything for her lifelong best friend. So, she drops her high-powered career and relationship to be with Miriam Vaughn and her two children after a cruel diagnosis. It’s not easy playing mom to a grief-stricken teen lad and a seven-year-old girl, but they can help each other.
Then there is the former MLB star Weston Schmidt and the boy’s coach, a steady presence offering support and space during the tough phase. It does make going on easier and maybe brighten her life eventually.
The story comes in Antonia, Weston, and Cutter’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
Firstly, this is not romance. It is women’s fiction with some romance. The core is the friendship between the FMC and her bestie and the grief that follows.
The prologue was pretty good, so I did have some expectations from the book. However, as the story progressed, I was surprised by how juvenile the writing was. Not something I expected from an author with tons of books to her name! There was a lot of telling, probably because the story packed too many elements.
The grief was handled very well. No denying that. I could feel the characters’ emotions in those scenes. But the rest of it wasn’t up to the same standard. Moreover, the romance track was badly done. While the MMC was a good guy, his POV has been wasted since we read more about his love (at first sight) for the FMC. For someone supposed to be in his mid-40s, he sometimes sounded like a teenager.
Also, the first-person POVs were indistinguishable most of the time, though the chapters had clear markers. I like the dog, though!
Cutter’s POV was good, though. For me, it was the best part of the book (since I didn’t read this as romance). He sounds like a teenager should, wavering between grief, anger, pain, love, lust, determination, etc.
A lot was going on, too. I can see why some developments were included to create parallels, but I don’t think that level of preaching was necessary. The point was made early on quite well with the FMC’s parents being such lovely characters. The new developments just weighed down the plot and took the focus away from the main characters.
To summarize, Maybe It's Fate has a good core premise, but the writing and execution don’t work in its favor. I’m more of an outliner so far, so do read the other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MaybeItsFate
One Liner: Good premise, but juvenile writing
Antonia Bernardi would do anything for her lifelong best friend. So, she drops her high-powered career and relationship to be with Miriam Vaughn and her two children after a cruel diagnosis. It’s not easy playing mom to a grief-stricken teen lad and a seven-year-old girl, but they can help each other.
Then there is the former MLB star Weston Schmidt and the boy’s coach, a steady presence offering support and space during the tough phase. It does make going on easier and maybe brighten her life eventually.
The story comes in Antonia, Weston, and Cutter’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts
Firstly, this is not romance. It is women’s fiction with some romance. The core is the friendship between the FMC and her bestie and the grief that follows.
The prologue was pretty good, so I did have some expectations from the book. However, as the story progressed, I was surprised by how juvenile the writing was. Not something I expected from an author with tons of books to her name! There was a lot of telling, probably because the story packed too many elements.
The grief was handled very well. No denying that. I could feel the characters’ emotions in those scenes. But the rest of it wasn’t up to the same standard. Moreover, the romance track was badly done. While the MMC was a good guy, his POV has been wasted since we read more about his love (at first sight) for the FMC. For someone supposed to be in his mid-40s, he sometimes sounded like a teenager.
Also, the first-person POVs were indistinguishable most of the time, though the chapters had clear markers. I like the dog, though!
Cutter’s POV was good, though. For me, it was the best part of the book (since I didn’t read this as romance). He sounds like a teenager should, wavering between grief, anger, pain, love, lust, determination, etc.
A lot was going on, too. I can see why some developments were included to create parallels, but I don’t think that level of preaching was necessary. The point was made early on quite well with the FMC’s parents being such lovely characters. The new developments just weighed down the plot and took the focus away from the main characters.
To summarize, Maybe It's Fate has a good core premise, but the writing and execution don’t work in its favor. I’m more of an outliner so far, so do read the other reviews before you decide.
Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MaybeItsFate
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's always been Miriam and Antonia. Best friends since early childhood, they have weathered many of life's storms together. Not teen pregnancy, different careers, or lives in different states even have managed to tear apart their bond. When Miriam contacts Antonia out of the blue one day and tells her that she needs her, an explanation is not even required. Antonia leaves a meeting at her high-powered Boston job and immediately travels to Miriam and the small town that she has made her home in. Miriam needs Antonia for more than just a short visit - Miriam has been diagnosed with cancer and needs help with her two children. Antonia immediately steps in with Miriam's teenage son and young daughter. With help from Miriam's community, including high school basketball coach and Miriam's neighbor, Weston, Antonia tries to prepare herself and Miriam's children for a world in which their mother is no longer with them.
Where this novel really shines is the relationships between Miriam and Antonia, and their relationships with Miriam's children. The way that they handle Miriam's diagnosis and the grief accompanying it are really well done. I struggled with the romance portion of the novel, but that may be more of a personal issue for me rather than the novel itself. I just found the relationship between Weston and Antonia to be not quite believable for me - it felt sort of like insta-love (at least for sure on Weston's part) which I don't really like very much, and the relationship in general just did not feel like it's something that would actually be happening at this point in these characters lives. Antonia came to the Vaughns during a fraught time in their lives - her best friend is dying, her god children need her, and she's already in a long-term relationship when she shows up (even if it was getting stale before she moved in with Miriam). I just couldn't find myself personally entertaining a new relationship in the midst of their circumstances, so I found it really hard to enjoy the romance aspect of this novel. Perhaps if it had been a very gradual slow burn, I could have found myself warming to it. I really enjoyed the rest of this book and the found family that Miriam has created in her life. I do believe that my issues with the romance are more personally based, and not because of McLaughlin's storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Heidi McLaughlin for the eARC of this novel to read and review.
Where this novel really shines is the relationships between Miriam and Antonia, and their relationships with Miriam's children. The way that they handle Miriam's diagnosis and the grief accompanying it are really well done. I struggled with the romance portion of the novel, but that may be more of a personal issue for me rather than the novel itself. I just found the relationship between Weston and Antonia to be not quite believable for me - it felt sort of like insta-love (at least for sure on Weston's part) which I don't really like very much, and the relationship in general just did not feel like it's something that would actually be happening at this point in these characters lives. Antonia came to the Vaughns during a fraught time in their lives - her best friend is dying, her god children need her, and she's already in a long-term relationship when she shows up (even if it was getting stale before she moved in with Miriam). I just couldn't find myself personally entertaining a new relationship in the midst of their circumstances, so I found it really hard to enjoy the romance aspect of this novel. Perhaps if it had been a very gradual slow burn, I could have found myself warming to it. I really enjoyed the rest of this book and the found family that Miriam has created in her life. I do believe that my issues with the romance are more personally based, and not because of McLaughlin's storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Heidi McLaughlin for the eARC of this novel to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**3.75 Stars**
Maybe It's Fate is a story about love, loss and friendship. Miri and Toni have been besties since they were little. Their friendship was such an integral part of both of their lives that when Miri got pregnant at 17 and was kicked out by her parents, Toni was the one who helped raise her son, Cutter and they all lived together until Miri bought her dream house. Toni returns to visit Miri upon her insistence, to find that she is terminally ill. The story then revolves around their frienship, Toni fulfilling Miri's wish to be the children's guardian, and how they all move forward after losing Miri.
The best part of this book is the friendship that Miri and Toni shared. I also really liked Cutter. He was a wonderful son and an amazing big brother. I liked Toni's independence and strength and how she wanted to do right by Miri at every turn. I even really liked Weston and Scout, who fit seamlessly into the family.
What I really struggled with was the pacing of the story. The majority of the book focused on Miri and Toni's friendship and Miri dying, so it was hard to see how it was ultimately going to be a romance read. I just felt like the pacing was way off and at various times throughout the book the timing would change and pieces would be missing. I also really felt like everything worked out too smoothly and too quickly. While the friendship aspect was done really well and Miri's death brought out a lot of emotions, the book felt very step by step in how it was told which took away emotion. I feel like everyone rebounded really well from losing Miri, which was especially surprising with Cutter. There was talk about being sad and missing his mother, but it lacked depth and emotion. I fell like Nova wasn't talked about much at all toward the end, and the drama with the grandparents was thrown in but not really explained well. There were just a few parts of the story that seemed unrealistic in my opinion.
Overall this was a decent read and definitely a little bit of a tear jerker, and the characters on the whole were great. I just think it was not as well executed as it could have been.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Maybe It's Fate is a story about love, loss and friendship. Miri and Toni have been besties since they were little. Their friendship was such an integral part of both of their lives that when Miri got pregnant at 17 and was kicked out by her parents, Toni was the one who helped raise her son, Cutter and they all lived together until Miri bought her dream house. Toni returns to visit Miri upon her insistence, to find that she is terminally ill. The story then revolves around their frienship, Toni fulfilling Miri's wish to be the children's guardian, and how they all move forward after losing Miri.
The best part of this book is the friendship that Miri and Toni shared. I also really liked Cutter. He was a wonderful son and an amazing big brother. I liked Toni's independence and strength and how she wanted to do right by Miri at every turn. I even really liked Weston and Scout, who fit seamlessly into the family.
What I really struggled with was the pacing of the story. The majority of the book focused on Miri and Toni's friendship and Miri dying, so it was hard to see how it was ultimately going to be a romance read. I just felt like the pacing was way off and at various times throughout the book the timing would change and pieces would be missing. I also really felt like everything worked out too smoothly and too quickly. While the friendship aspect was done really well and Miri's death brought out a lot of emotions, the book felt very step by step in how it was told which took away emotion. I feel like everyone rebounded really well from losing Miri, which was especially surprising with Cutter. There was talk about being sad and missing his mother, but it lacked depth and emotion. I fell like Nova wasn't talked about much at all toward the end, and the drama with the grandparents was thrown in but not really explained well. There were just a few parts of the story that seemed unrealistic in my opinion.
Overall this was a decent read and definitely a little bit of a tear jerker, and the characters on the whole were great. I just think it was not as well executed as it could have been.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2026
MAYBE IT’S FATE by Heidi McLaughlin is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, romance story line focusing on acquisitions manager Antonia Bernardi, high school coach Weston Schmidt and Miriam Vaughn.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from four first person perspectives (Antonia, Weston, Miriam, Cutter) MAYBE IT’S FATE follows in the wake of a devastating diagnosis for single mother Miriam Vaughn. A promise made in their teens finds Antonia Bernardi dropping everything to become caretaker and mother for her best friend, a single mother with two young children but a woman who is loved and adored by all. Returning to her small town Antonia struggled to leave behind the life she created in Boston but a few words of cruelty set everything into motion, and Antoni found herself right where she belonged. Meeting former MLB star turned high school coach Weston Schmidt was the one bright spot in a world of grief and sorrow, but the timing could not have been more wrong, when two young children needed her more.
The world building focuses on diagnosis and grief, loss and love. Miriam Vaughn’s support system included Antoni Bernardi, and her large extended family, a family that circle the wagons when Miriam needed them the most. Miriam’s son Cutter relied on high school Coach Schmidt as a father figure and for moral support, a man who would become the only father he would ever know.
The relationship between Weston and Antonia begins as friends as they work together to support the Vaughn family. Weston sees something in Antonia that he hasn’t seen in a very long time, and Antonia finds herself leaning towards Weston for support. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic and animated as the friends and extended family gather for support, and a celebration of life.
MAYBE IT’S FATE is a story of loss and grief, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The thought provoking premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate and determined.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from four first person perspectives (Antonia, Weston, Miriam, Cutter) MAYBE IT’S FATE follows in the wake of a devastating diagnosis for single mother Miriam Vaughn. A promise made in their teens finds Antonia Bernardi dropping everything to become caretaker and mother for her best friend, a single mother with two young children but a woman who is loved and adored by all. Returning to her small town Antonia struggled to leave behind the life she created in Boston but a few words of cruelty set everything into motion, and Antoni found herself right where she belonged. Meeting former MLB star turned high school coach Weston Schmidt was the one bright spot in a world of grief and sorrow, but the timing could not have been more wrong, when two young children needed her more.
The world building focuses on diagnosis and grief, loss and love. Miriam Vaughn’s support system included Antoni Bernardi, and her large extended family, a family that circle the wagons when Miriam needed them the most. Miriam’s son Cutter relied on high school Coach Schmidt as a father figure and for moral support, a man who would become the only father he would ever know.
The relationship between Weston and Antonia begins as friends as they work together to support the Vaughn family. Weston sees something in Antonia that he hasn’t seen in a very long time, and Antonia finds herself leaning towards Weston for support. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are charismatic and animated as the friends and extended family gather for support, and a celebration of life.
MAYBE IT’S FATE is a story of loss and grief, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The thought provoking premise is emotional and heart breaking; the romance is impassioned; the characters are desperate and determined.
copy supplied for review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Holy cow! It took me over twelve hours to finally write this review. MAYBE IT’S FATE shredded me and I still can not let this heart breaking story go! If you want and need a cry ugly session, this is the book for you. I read it in a few sittings, unable to stop, and not wanting to. I have never read Heidi McLaughlin before but I am now the proud owner of her backlist! I will spread them out over time as my heart can’t take too much breaking all at once! The reader should be prepared to go on a crazy emotional roller coaster ride while devouring this heart shattering story! Tissues are a must!
MAYBE IT’S FATE is a beautiful story filled with loss, love, letting go, and finding your soulmate. Of course, I finished it right when my husband was getting home from work and he looked at me like I was nuts! I’m sitting there, sobbing, tears running down my face, almost hyper ventilating! Oh yeah, it’s just that good! Wow! MAYBE IT’S FATE has got to be one of the most saddest and most heartbreaking reads I’ve encountered in a long time. Be warned, you will need plenty of tissues for this one! Miri and Toni have been best friends forever! Toni and Miri’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful and you can’t help but fall totally in love with the both of them. Their stories as individuals and together are told in such a way that you genuinely feel every emotion. You hurt for them and with them every step of the way and you’ll feel so connected to their story.
Hang on to your seats because when you find out why events unfolded as they did, you will be shell shocked and devastated! I’m going to stop here because my emotions are once again on a crazy roller coaster ride and I’m tearing up again! Plus I don’t want to give anything away. Do yourself a favor and run to get MAYBE IT’S FATE right away. I’m almost certain, it is the best book I’ve read this year! I am so excited to read more by Heidi McLaughlin.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
MAYBE IT’S FATE is a beautiful story filled with loss, love, letting go, and finding your soulmate. Of course, I finished it right when my husband was getting home from work and he looked at me like I was nuts! I’m sitting there, sobbing, tears running down my face, almost hyper ventilating! Oh yeah, it’s just that good! Wow! MAYBE IT’S FATE has got to be one of the most saddest and most heartbreaking reads I’ve encountered in a long time. Be warned, you will need plenty of tissues for this one! Miri and Toni have been best friends forever! Toni and Miri’s story is heartbreakingly beautiful and you can’t help but fall totally in love with the both of them. Their stories as individuals and together are told in such a way that you genuinely feel every emotion. You hurt for them and with them every step of the way and you’ll feel so connected to their story.
Hang on to your seats because when you find out why events unfolded as they did, you will be shell shocked and devastated! I’m going to stop here because my emotions are once again on a crazy roller coaster ride and I’m tearing up again! Plus I don’t want to give anything away. Do yourself a favor and run to get MAYBE IT’S FATE right away. I’m almost certain, it is the best book I’ve read this year! I am so excited to read more by Heidi McLaughlin.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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