REVIEW: Maybe One Day by Catherine Bybee

In Maybe One Day by Catherine Bybee, When Mari D’Angelo somehow got talked into going on a singles cruise by her best friend Rosa, she had no idea she’d finally have to make good on a promise she made to her dying husband ten years ago. Her beloved Paulo implored Mari to find love again someday. Something that now at age fifty-five seems like a distant dream. But the first day she and Rosa embark on their adventure she meets a handsome man named James who is also from the San Diego area. And who is on the cruise to make his twin girls happy, to show them that he’s in the dating world and not just a workaholic business owner, much like Mari is. The more time the duo spends together, the more she realizes that they have a spark between them with the potential for something bigger. But getting her adult sons to understand or accept the relationship–now that’s a whole other thing.

“Papa wouldn’t have–”
Mari stopped her son with a hand in the air. “Your father made me promise him that I’d try and love again.” She placed a hand to her chest, the familiar ache that came on from time to time sat there bleeding. “I lied to him and told him I’d try. James has given me the opportunity to keep that promise.”
Luca’s words dried up. The confusion on his face shifted slightly into understanding.

James boarded the ship under duress–and with his laptop and paperwork firmly in his luggage so he can get some work done each day of his trip. It’s when he wanders into the crowd the first day and he watches a woman who has no clue how truly beautiful she is turn down guy after guy that he decides maybe he does have some time for social activities. Right from the start, James is intrigued by Mari. Her friend Rosa is a hoot and determined to live it up. But Mari is different. She’s got a sassy side that James loves to see but it’s the thoughtful words she speaks and the volumes of stories and advice she doles out that has him hooked. He decides that once they’re back in San Diego, he wants to continue to see Mari. Even if all she can give is friendship. She’s too special for James to not pursue something more with her.

‘She’d gone on the cruise to play wingman to her best friend. And James had come to appease his kids. But why not have as much fun as possible? And why not do that with someone as engaging as Mari?’

The heartwarming story that Catherine Bybee fans have been asking for, MAYBE ONE DAY was a mature romance that will have readers laughing, gasping, sniffling, and believing in a second chance at love no matter a person’s age.

‘Mari D’Angelo was an unexpected gift he didn’t know he needed.’

CW: View Spoiler »Grief, loss of a spouse to cancer (historical) « Hide Spoiler

Mari D’Angelo finally got her HEA! Catherine Bybee should be all smiles after writing MAYBE ONE DAY, one of the loveliest, most satisfying and relatable romances I’ve read in a long time. And it wasn’t just because Mari–a fifty-five-year-old widow who lost her husband ten years ago–deserved to be happy after working so hard for years, sacrificing for the good of her family. Nope. This was a superb story all on its own. Getting more time with the D’Angelos and their close friends was just the cherry on top.

I do have to mention two things. First, that gorgeous book cover was actually a view taken from the story itself and was what drew me to this immediately. Second, I know “mature” romances aren’t every reader’s cup of tea. But Bybee wrote this in such a way that Mari and James were a dynamic couple no matter their age. The issues they faced and the way they had to navigate their relationships with their families were something that anyone might have to deal with, so I think if you’re on the fence about reading this, it’s worth the time.

While I loved seeing Mari at home in Little Italy in San Diego, it was so much fun to watch her aboard a singles cruise ship bound for the Caribbean interacting with other guests. I chuckled whenever she got hit on. Her best friend Rosa–the one who talked Mari into the trip–got a kick out of it too. But I also loved how Bybee didn’t only focus on Mari and James meeting and falling for each other. She made sure Rosa as well as all of their family and friends were pulled into the story, explained what was going on in their lives, and what they thought of the blossoming romance. Once it was made public knowledge, that is. Because Mari knew her two sons would likely not take kindly to a man in her life.

I could understand that Mari wanted to make sure things were serious enough with James first before dating openly and telling their own families. Yes, they were in their mid-fifties and could technically do whatever they wished. But both of them were extremely careful with their loved ones and didn’t want to cause any hurt feelings or too much friction. I applaud Bybee for exploring the ups and downs that decision caused for James and Mari. And of course, the ending–what else would we expect but happy tears and everything wrapped up nicely, right? *chef’s kiss*

QOTD: Would you ever go–or have you ever been–on a “singles” cruise?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: November 11th, 2025 | Montlake | The D’Angelos #5

A Caribbean cruise opens a widow’s heart to a love she never expected in a breathtaking novel about second chances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Mari D’Angelo’s life is complete. Her children are all married. Two grandbabies fill her days, with two more on the way, and her thriving family restaurant is running on autopilot. Not once in the ten years since she’s become a widow has Mari considered another love of her own. Until she sets sail on a single’s cruise to placate her recently divorced best friend. Then James comes crashing into Mari’s world.

Charming, witty, and with two daughters of his own, James isn’t looking for love either. But Mari is as irresistible as she is beautiful. As their simmering attraction grows, Mari’s resolve to ignore the spark James has ignited slowly breaks away. She promised her beloved late husband she’d find someone new. Maybe that impossible day has come.

Knowing her protective sons would not approve, Mari chooses to keep the romance a secret. After all, there is no reason for her family to know about James if their relationship doesn’t work out. It’s up to James to prove he can be trusted with the heart of a woman he’s come to cherish. But without her family’s approval, their love doesn’t stand a chance.