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.

In 2012, Heidi McLaughlin turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career. She is now the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archer Brothers. McLaughlin has written more than twenty novels, including her acclaimed first novel, Forever My Girl, which was adapted into a 2018 film starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

Visit the author at www.heidimclaughlin.com, and keep up with her latest releases by subscribing to her newsletter.