Fern's Date with Destiny

by Vivian Arend

They can’t outrun destiny.

A stand-alone story by New York Times bestselling Author Vivian Arend.

When Fern Fields heads out on a trail ride with Cody Gabrielle—the quiet ranch foreman at Red Boot ranch—she has no idea how well they’ll click. Cody’s steady charm and quick wit are enticing, and Fern wonders if destiny might have a slightly dusty cowboy in mind for her sometime down the road.

By the time their friendship bursts into a full-blown relationship, everyone’s so used to seeing them together they’re practically hiding in plain sight. The secret is part of the fun—a little mystery tucked into their everyday routine. But just as Cody begins to picture a future with the woman who makes everything brighter, life throws him a curve he never expected.

Suddenly, it’s not just about falling in love—it’s about whether love is strong enough to weather the unknown and still stand steady on the other side.

Genres: Westerns

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2025

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Vivian Arend loves to share the products of her over-active imagination with her readers. She writes contemporary, western, and light-hearted paranormal romances. The stories are humorous yet emotional, usually with a large cast of family or friends, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. Vivian lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband of many years—her inspiration for every hero and a willing companion for all sorts of adventures.

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fern and Cody were so cute together. I liked that both realized the timing wasn't good at first, but when it was they went for it. I also really liked that they wanted to keep things a secret between them, to just enjoy the time with each other, because they knew their vast family and friends would butt in otherwise. Even the bet to see how long it would take people to realize was funny, especially with how that part played out. It did suck what Cody found out, more so when he played the stupid boy thing of running. Glad he got his head together and realized things would be better with Fern. The ending was unusual, not sure how I feel about it. I like it, yet I'm also a bit mad on Rose and Connor's behalf.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Love Fern and Cody

When Fern meets Cody, she says it's not their time yet and they start a great friendship. Fern is waiting for destiny to be the right time. While waiting for destiny, they are in for a rough ride in their relationship. While Cody is going through a lot of medical tests, she always lets him know she is there if he needs her. With his diagnosis of Parkinson's, he thinks she deserves more than he can offer in the future, but she proves to him that she is there for him no matter what the future holds. Will he believe in their love and take a chance?

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the Field’s sisters gets her HEA, and it was an emotional (secret) journey to get there! These two had all the fun and lightness of sneaking around, and then life interfered into their easy joy. Mistakes were made, feelings were hurt, but they faced the truths in front of them, and made decisions that worked for their peace. Maybe because of the sneaking, but once they decided to be together, they went all in at lightening speed, and that was perfect for them as well <3

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this so much.
Another wonderful, loving and family oriented love story by this author.
Fern is a well known character. She has always been a strong, if slightly unsure of her direction in life person. She knows what she wants from life, even if that right something is right at that precise moment.
Cody is a quiet character, he does his job and expects little. He is a bit of a runner, rather than a stand his ground guy.
These two together are wonderful and how they support each other through first friendship, then new love is heartwarming.
I did struggle emotionally reading this story when things started happening with Cody, as I strongly suspected what was coming. (My husband has Parkinson’s Disease).
I loved how Fern stood strong and supportive as Cody needed it, but allowed him to react in his own time and in his own way.
I did have to look up the game they played Crokinole. Looks entertaining fun.

[Nancy Cerezo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the collection!

Love the storyline for Fern and Cody! Definitely includes a twist in regards to life and the surprises it has for them. If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend that you do… great setting, excellent characters and storylines all around!!!!!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular love story that will mesmerize you and you will fall in love with this couple!! Two damaged soul searching for love and their destiny, find each other but have many hurdles before they can admit their love to each other!! Fall in love with this family and this couple!! True love wins out and you can't help but root for their happiness! Grab this book and enjoy!!

[Michelle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good but it was also a little sad 2. Fern will never give up on anything especially him when he's being scared and stubborn. It was surprised about what was going on with him unexpectedly. I was hoping it would say a little about when she was younger but it didn't.

[Lissa J · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet romance novella for fans of the series, runs concurrently with other books in the various Heart Falls series, sweet but emotional tugging at the heartstrings

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book. I loved it.