About The Author

Maria Concepcion Olloren Lyons, known as Maria C. Lyons, writes from lived experience. Born and raised in Cebu, Philippines, Maria was shaped by a strong military father and an entrepreneurial mother, learning early the values of resilience, integrity, and faith.

She moved to the United States in 1979, where she built a life centered on marriage, motherhood, business, and devotion to God. Together with her (now late) husband David, she raised five children, operated several family businesses, and embraced both seasons of prosperity and seasons of hardship.

Later in life, Maria and David adopted a baby girl from the Philippines, beginning parenthood again in their senior years. After David’s passing from leukemia, Maria faced widowhood with honesty and faith. What followed was a season of grief, rediscovery, online dating misadventures, spiritual growth, and ultimately — a second chance at love. She learned that heartache and hope can exist side by side.

Today, she is a mother of six, grandmother of fourteen, and a devoted Catholic living in Peoria, Arizona. Her home is filled with family, prayer, laughter, and gratitude for new beginnings.

Through her writing, Maria offers encouragement to widows, families, and anyone rebuilding after loss. A portion of the proceeds from this book is dedicated to supporting orphanages, churches, and widows and widowers in the Philippines — an extension of her lifelong commitment to faith and service.

Maria believes deeply that the best years are still ahead, and that love, guided by God, is always worth saying yes to.