Following the loss of her parents, Chicago author Charese David began noticing heart shapes in unexpected places—a church wall, a wine cork, even a shredded dog toy. These discoveries became the foundation for her new photography keepsake book, No Coincidence: Hearts Found Along the Way, which launches on November 11, 2026.
The book’s origin traces to October 13, 2018, when David attended her niece’s wedding and felt her father’s absence acutely. The next day, while reviewing photographs, she spotted a heart-shaped image on the church wall. For David and her family, it felt like a sign from her father. That moment shifted her perspective, and hearts began appearing in nature, everyday objects, and other unlikely spots. As she writes, “I don’t look for hearts; they just appear.”
In 2024, after her mother’s passing, another remarkable moment occurred: while opening a bottle of wine at her mother’s memorial, David found a heart in the center of the cork. Two parents, two goodbyes, two unexpected hearts—a narrative that underscores the book’s central message.
What distinguishes No Coincidence from other grief-related books is its refusal to prescribe belief. David does not ask readers to see what she sees; instead, she encourages them to slow down and notice their surroundings. Whether the sign is a heart, a familiar song, or another personal symbol, the meaning belongs to the individual. This open-ended approach has already inspired others to share their own photographs of hearts and stories of signs they have experienced.
The implications extend beyond the pages. In a time when many people are navigating loss, anxiety, or simply seeking reassurance, David’s book offers a gentle reminder that comfort can be found in unexpected places. It is not about coincidence, but about permission—permission to believe that love and connection persist. For those who struggle with grief, the book provides a non-dogmatic framework for finding hope without requiring adherence to any particular spiritual doctrine.
The November 11 launch event, scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen in Chicago, will give attendees a chance to hear the stories behind the photographs. More information about the book and David’s work is available at https://NoCoincidenceBook.com. By sharing her personal journey, David invites readers to give themselves permission to notice what matters to them—because sometimes the most meaningful discoveries are the ones we weren’t looking for.
