A Whispered Rumor, A Heartfelt Journey: When Fate Returns is Here!

A whisper is circulating through the small town of River Flats: Drake Harrison has been called away to the city on urgent business. What could it be about? Is it connected to his mysterious past? And does it have anything to do with the man behind that cowboy hat and rugged exterior? The speculation is running wild, but one thing is for certain—Drake’s return to River Flats in When Fate Returns has left us all wondering what the future holds for him.

But while River Flats may be buzzing with rumors, I’m beyond excited to share with you that When Fate Returns, the first book in the River Flats series, is officially out and ready for you to read, feel, and experience.

A Long Journey to This Moment

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since that fateful dream I had—one sentence that was so clear, it stayed with me. And that single sentence, which you’ll actually find in Book 2, Enduring Your Love (coming in 2025), sparked the beginning of this incredible journey.

Writing this novel has been far from easy. Along the way, I’ve had to battle my own self-doubt, face negativity, and overcome harsh criticism. But here I am, standing stronger and braver than ever. With the support of incredible champions who have been by my side through it all (you know who you are), I can now share this story with you. And if there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: Never give up on your dreams. No matter the setbacks, the harsh words, or the tough moments, if it’s in your heart and soul, follow that dream until you make it a reality.

Get Your Hands on a Copy Today!

When Fate Returns is now available to purchase online through my website, www.sherylm-author.com, where you’ll also find some fun extras like Drake’s signature look in the form of cute black cowboy hat earrings and Kathryn’s kissable lips with my organic lip balm! It’s the perfect way to bring a piece of River Flats into your everyday life.

You can also find When Fate Returns in five locations across Queensland and New South Wales, with more stores on the way. And I’ll be at a number of upcoming free events in Oakey, Kingaroy, and Murgon this month—be sure to come along, introduce yourself, and grab a signed copy of the book!

A Rural Romance Like No Other

As many of you know, my love for rural Australia runs deep. There’s something incredibly beautiful about this land—whether it’s the golden fields during a drought, the storm clouds that promise rain, or the quiet moments at twilight. I see beauty in all of it, and it’s woven throughout the pages of When Fate Returns.

The story of Kathryn and Drake is one of love, loss, and second chances. Set against the raw, emotional backdrop of rural Australia, this is a cowboy romance that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you turning the pages long into the night. If you’re a fan of highly emotional, charged love stories, When Fate Returns is the perfect read for you.

And if you’re looking to get in the mood for the River Flats series, check out the Spotify playlist I’ve curated. These songs are hand-picked to reflect the highs, lows, and everything in between of Kathryn and Drake’s emotional journey. Scan the QR code here or at the back of the book to hear it now.

A Stunning Rural Photo to Match the Story

As a special treat, I wanted to share a beautiful rural photo sent to me this month by the talented Briony Jane. The photo, titled Sky on Fire, perfectly captures the essence of the landscape that serves as the backdrop for Kathryn and Drake’s love story. I’m thrilled to share that this photo has won multiple awards and nominations—check out more of Briony’s work at her Facebook page – Briony Jane Photography.

Sneak Peek & Your Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to dive into When Fate Returns and experience the emotional rollercoaster that is Kathryn and Drake’s story. To give you a taste of what’s in store, I’ve included an excerpt from the book below—take a look and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts as you embark on this journey with Kathryn and Drake.

Excerpt from When Fate Returns

The foggy morning had turned into a warm and sunny day — until now. It had been raining steadily since Drake had climbed out of his Ute. It had taken more time than he thought to get to the cemetery. The minister was not happy about his lateness, but he didn’t care. He didn’t want to be there anyway. But here he was, standing in the rain, dressed in black, with rain dripping off his cowboy hat.

The sole mourner at the grave-side burial. Nothing special was being said, nothing special should be said for the monster that was going to rot in the timber box forever. The minister had said his usual blessings for the soul and declared that the occupant inside now lay with God, and how this was now a time for forgiveness and moving on.

Hah. Drake knew it was to hell that this soul would go. Only angels go to lay with God.

His eyes remained focused on the box in the hole. No emotion ran through him, only a coldness in his bones that made him feel hollower than he ever thought possible. Finally, it was over, and he was free. Free to live his life and free to move on and never think of any of it again. But forgiveness was something he couldn’t do. That monster had created who he had become and now Drake had to live with that inside of him until he, too, was left to rot in the ground. But he would never allow himself to become the monster that lurked inside of him.

Never.

“I’m sorry for your loss, my son,” the minister said quietly. He was an old man with thick white hair and a hunch to his spine. He was the minister that all monsters got to tell their secrets to on their death beds, and it was to him they begged and pleaded for forgiveness when 14 they knew they were about to take their last breath. Their fear of where their soul would end up next finally becoming a reality.

Hell. They all knew it, and were desperate to tell the minister their secrets so they might clear their sins and get to heaven instead. But not this monster. This one would spend eternity burning in hell. It was this old minister who would have said the last rights over this monster and heard him pleading for his soul. Why did he get that when she never did? She deserved to have her fears heard and to know for sure that she was safe and going to heaven. Where was this old man of the church when that monster stole her from Drake? Nowhere. That’s where.

Drake stared at the minster as white-hot rage swamped his body and nearly took him under. He blinked, and with a last look at the hole, making sure the box was where it needed to be, he turned and strode back to his Ute. He needed to get away from there. Calm himself down. Get control of his emotions. But how?

Leaning on the back of the Ute with his arms outstretched, his focus on the wet bitumen, he sucked in deep breaths. The smell of the rain on the hot blackness under his boots made him gag. He needed to get away, but in this state, it was unsafe for himself and others on the road. Looking across the green grassed area he knew what he needed to do. What he should have done many times since that day, but just couldn’t....

Let me know your thoughts in the comments?

If you’re a fan of rural Australian novels, cowboy love stories, or emotional romance book series, you’ve come to the right place. When Fate Returns blends all of these elements into a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. If you're searching for a heartfelt Australian romance novel, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Thank you all for your incredible support, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the first book in the River Flats series. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember—keep following your dreams, no matter what.

With love, Sheryl M.