What do you think?
Rate this book
A Time For Everything #1
A Time To Be Born and A Time To Die
Her grandfather’s sudden death left the ranch in her hands. Will she find the strength to manage operations and a new relationship? Nestled in the hills of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the ranch overlooks open fields and rich oak, maple and beech tree groves. It has been owned by the Katzen family for generations. Once a working ranch producing cattle and milking cows, it has now turned into a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. Living River Ranch is in turmoil with the sudden death of the patriarchal grandfather. Margaret is left as heir to keep the therapy ranch afloat for the many that depend on it for treatment and jobs. Having the responsibility of her brother weighs on her, yet provides strength in what she feels is God’s mission for the ranch. Noah, the ranch manager has known Margaret for years but only through a looking glass relationship that has until this point never crossed the friend boundary. Now having to work together on new ranch challenges, Margaret and Noah find themselves working much closer in other ways. A Time To Be Born and A Time To Die is the first book in the Living River Ranch contemporary Christian romance series. All books in this series follow Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “A Time For Everything” If you like a cleanly written romance series with fully developed characters that move through a series of books, you will love the A Time For Everything Series.
Audible Audio
Published January 29, 2024
167 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 6, 2021
I recently came across a series of short stories based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This chapter in the Bible, is one that puts life into a great perspective. The series has a book that connects with each verse.
"A Time to be Born and a Time to Die" by Everlee Whitman
The story takes place at Living River Ranch in Little Bend, Michigan. Living River Ranch is the biggest employer for the town and nearby areas. When Margaret's grandfather dies, she is responsible for running the ranch with Noah, the ranch manager. The ranch becomes a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. Margaret's twin brother, Matthew, has Down Syndrome, and taking care of him is priority as well, because she loves him with all of her heart. Margaret does not want to make room for romance, when she has the ranch to operate, and her brother to care for. Margaret and Noah grew up as friends, and they have always worked well together. When love begins to blossom, Margaret fears that romance with Noah will jeopardize all that they have worked hard for on the ranch. An employee gives birth to a baby girl, and there is a fresh breath of new beginning in the air. There is hope for continued success at Living River Ranch. Margaret's grandfather gave Noah his blessing before he died, so there is also a chance at love for Margaret and Noah.
The sorrow of death, the celebration of new life, and the courage to take a leap of faith into God's promises, are themes in this story.
I enjoyed all of the characters. The employees at the ranch, were dedicated and hard-working. I liked the relationship Margaret and Noah had with the employees. Everyone put in joint effort. The community felt like a big family. I enjoyed seeing the romance develop, and I was pleased with how the story ended. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series "A Time to Plant and a Time to Uproot."
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Ecclesiastes 1:1
"A Time to be Born and a Time to Die" by Everlee Whitman
The story takes place at Living River Ranch in Little Bend, Michigan. Living River Ranch is the biggest employer for the town and nearby areas. When Margaret's grandfather dies, she is responsible for running the ranch with Noah, the ranch manager. The ranch becomes a therapy ranch for a multitude of special populations. Margaret's twin brother, Matthew, has Down Syndrome, and taking care of him is priority as well, because she loves him with all of her heart. Margaret does not want to make room for romance, when she has the ranch to operate, and her brother to care for. Margaret and Noah grew up as friends, and they have always worked well together. When love begins to blossom, Margaret fears that romance with Noah will jeopardize all that they have worked hard for on the ranch. An employee gives birth to a baby girl, and there is a fresh breath of new beginning in the air. There is hope for continued success at Living River Ranch. Margaret's grandfather gave Noah his blessing before he died, so there is also a chance at love for Margaret and Noah.
The sorrow of death, the celebration of new life, and the courage to take a leap of faith into God's promises, are themes in this story.
I enjoyed all of the characters. The employees at the ranch, were dedicated and hard-working. I liked the relationship Margaret and Noah had with the employees. Everyone put in joint effort. The community felt like a big family. I enjoyed seeing the romance develop, and I was pleased with how the story ended. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series "A Time to Plant and a Time to Uproot."
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Ecclesiastes 1:1
July 5, 2025
Meh
This is a very short story with a lot going on. There is not a lot of detail about what is going on. It’s like the author is giving a summary of a story and you are expected to fill in the blanks. It’s an interesting premise I just wish there was more to it.
This is a very short story with a lot going on. There is not a lot of detail about what is going on. It’s like the author is giving a summary of a story and you are expected to fill in the blanks. It’s an interesting premise I just wish there was more to it.
March 23, 2020
I love the cover and the premise of the story. I love the characters' names and the minor characters' personalities and backgrounds. I love the setting.
I gave it two stars because I felt like I was getting snippets of a story throughout...kind of like seeing a movie trailer. It was enough to get me to want to see the full-length feature film. I checked to see if this was a prequel or a snippet of a larger book. Nope. I guess I should have checked the page length before diving in. :)
Some things that bothered me: the characters seemed to talk in different tense here and there so I wasn't sure if someone else was talking, or a narrator, or maybe if there was a typo with the quotation marks. The flow of the story was interrupted by the doubt I had of if I was reading thoughts or dialogue or descriptions. Another aspect that tripped me up was how so much information and plot was dumped into such a meager number of pages. It didn't allow for much development. I couldn't get a feel of the distinct voice of any of the characters and found myself continuously trying to give the story and the author the benefit of the doubt, saying to myself, "Just keep reading. It has possibilities." I love the little snapshots of romance, but wasn't able to really feel like I knew either main character and so I couldn't appreciate the tension or humor or spark nor could I feel them.
I don't think I'll read any more of the series due to the number of shortcomings in this novella.
On a positive note, I love that the story is clean and uplifting.
I gave it two stars because I felt like I was getting snippets of a story throughout...kind of like seeing a movie trailer. It was enough to get me to want to see the full-length feature film. I checked to see if this was a prequel or a snippet of a larger book. Nope. I guess I should have checked the page length before diving in. :)
Some things that bothered me: the characters seemed to talk in different tense here and there so I wasn't sure if someone else was talking, or a narrator, or maybe if there was a typo with the quotation marks. The flow of the story was interrupted by the doubt I had of if I was reading thoughts or dialogue or descriptions. Another aspect that tripped me up was how so much information and plot was dumped into such a meager number of pages. It didn't allow for much development. I couldn't get a feel of the distinct voice of any of the characters and found myself continuously trying to give the story and the author the benefit of the doubt, saying to myself, "Just keep reading. It has possibilities." I love the little snapshots of romance, but wasn't able to really feel like I knew either main character and so I couldn't appreciate the tension or humor or spark nor could I feel them.
I don't think I'll read any more of the series due to the number of shortcomings in this novella.
On a positive note, I love that the story is clean and uplifting.
July 28, 2020
“At that moment, she knew total peace and the new roles opening into the future here with her friends and family!”
New to me author, Everlee Whitman, brings a new series A Time for Everything based off Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The setting at Living River Ranch in Little Bend, Michigan is the biggest employer for the town and it’s surrounding area.
After Margaret’s grandfather dies, she’s left to take over the ranch along with ranch manager, Noah. They’ve grown up together and they work well together. Will they take their friendship further?
Margaret’s twin brother has Down’s Syndrome and she helps take care of him since her grandfather passed. She cares very deeply for her brother so she makes sure his needs are cared for.
I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the main characters. It’s a story set on loss and new life. All the characters hold a special place at the ranch and everyone works together for its success. I really enjoyed this clean short story. I look forward to reading the stories to come.
New to me author, Everlee Whitman, brings a new series A Time for Everything based off Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. The setting at Living River Ranch in Little Bend, Michigan is the biggest employer for the town and it’s surrounding area.
After Margaret’s grandfather dies, she’s left to take over the ranch along with ranch manager, Noah. They’ve grown up together and they work well together. Will they take their friendship further?
Margaret’s twin brother has Down’s Syndrome and she helps take care of him since her grandfather passed. She cares very deeply for her brother so she makes sure his needs are cared for.
I enjoyed the setting and getting to know the main characters. It’s a story set on loss and new life. All the characters hold a special place at the ranch and everyone works together for its success. I really enjoyed this clean short story. I look forward to reading the stories to come.
March 24, 2020
This is a new-to-me author and I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this book. After reading the first page, I knew I had found a wonderful book. It is well written and holds your attention. The author brings the book to life with her words, you can see the scenery and feel all the emotions. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 5, 2020
I found a new Christian Author! At least she is new to me. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought the rest of the books in the series. The title of each the book in the series is from Ecclesiastes chapter 3. This book was a joy to read and I thought it was so very well done for such a short and quick read. I thought pace of the story was good as it progressed to the end. I like the characters in the book. The main characters of the book are Margaret and Noah. Margaret has lost her grandfather who died suddenly. She has inherited and is now responsible for running a Therapy Ranch. She and Noah are long time friends. With a little push from the pastor of the local church. They recognize their love and attraction for one another. It is an enjoyable read, no profanity, and no sexually explicit dialogue. It also isn’t preachy. It’s just good storytelling.
June 16, 2020
This is the first book in Everlee Whitman's A Time for Everything series. It is my first time reading something from this author, and I am so glad I did! It is a clean and sweet book and is a beautiful and emotional read. It's a story that really pulls on your heartstrings. The storyline was very well written and the characters were charming and endearing. There's so much reality to both the characters and the story, and faith is what carries them through the tough times. I have a special-needs child in my life, so that part of the story really touched on my heart. So many tears and smiles throughout - I absolutely LOVED the story. I am really looking forward to reading Book 2.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 28, 2020
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in he "A Living River Ranch Romance" series.
I so enjoyed this story and anxious to read the rest.
Margaret and Matthew are twins. Matthew has Down Syndrome. They have been raised
by their grandfather, who has passed away. Their grandfather owned and operated Living River Ranch.
It is now the responsibility of Margaret to pick up where her grandfather left off. Wondering if she is up to the challenge, she is determined to make her grandfather proud.
A neighbouring rancher made an offer to buy the ranch, but that is totalling out of the question.
Noah, the ranch manager, has been friends with Margaret since they were youngsters and promises to help Margaret with the running of the ranch.
This is the first book in he "A Living River Ranch Romance" series.
I so enjoyed this story and anxious to read the rest.
Margaret and Matthew are twins. Matthew has Down Syndrome. They have been raised
by their grandfather, who has passed away. Their grandfather owned and operated Living River Ranch.
It is now the responsibility of Margaret to pick up where her grandfather left off. Wondering if she is up to the challenge, she is determined to make her grandfather proud.
A neighbouring rancher made an offer to buy the ranch, but that is totalling out of the question.
Noah, the ranch manager, has been friends with Margaret since they were youngsters and promises to help Margaret with the running of the ranch.
August 11, 2020
When I downloaded this, I didn’t realize it was so short. Unfortunately, especially for a novella, the plot was very underdeveloped. Adding at least another 100 pages would have helped draw out the story. Important scenes were left out, including most of the relationship-building scenes, and there were a couple other scenes that didn’t move the plot forward and didn’t need to be there. There was no romantic tension between the characters, and I couldn’t bring myself to care about them when by the end of the story, I had more questions than answers. I like that this is a clean and uplifting romance, and the premise of it taking place on a therapy ranch is awesome. But the novella had an unfinished feel to it that could have been expanded upon.
February 23, 2020
This is the first book in the Living River Ranch contemporary Christian romance series and is a great start to the series. This is the story of Margaret and Noah who have known each other since childhood. After her grandfather's death, Margaret inherits the ranch and the responsibility that goes with it. What was once a thriving cattle ranch on the shores of Lake Michigan has been turned into a special needs ranch. This is a sweet Christian romance that is based on scripture. Well written with well developed likable characters and a slow burn romance. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review.
February 26, 2020
This is the series debut from Everlee Whitman of her A Time for Everything series. The book’s setting is the Living River Ranch, the biggest employer for Little Bend, Michigan and the surrounding towns. Margaret’s grandfather has passed away and she’s left to carry on. Will she succeed or will she fail? I’m looking forward to reading more of this series to see what happens. This is a sweet, clean read appropriate for all ages. Grab your copy and see what’s in store for Margaret and the Living River Ranch employees and residents.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
July 14, 2020
Excellent story of a community drawn together for the ranch that has a large ranch to help the disabled. The owner is recovering from the death of her grandfather who with his wife had foundedand strengthen the Ranch the Ranch. Margaret takes over this lovely facility that was begun to assist her Down Syndrome twin brother. The Community strength to maintain the Ranch is absolute. The love story is the beginning. Well written with good character development. You see a snapshot of all the people involved with this project.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
Being raised by their grandparents, Margaret and Matthew – twins two minutes apart – grew up on a therapy ranch. This ranch catered to children with disabilities, veterans with injuries or stress, and many more much-needed things. It was a good place for just about anything.
When Margaret’s grandfather dies, she is left in charge of everything. This includes her twin brother who was born with Down Syndrome.
Pastor Necome gets Margaret to really see that everyone really does care about and what happens to the ranch.
Good job, Everlee Whitman. Quick read and very uplifting.
When Margaret’s grandfather dies, she is left in charge of everything. This includes her twin brother who was born with Down Syndrome.
Pastor Necome gets Margaret to really see that everyone really does care about and what happens to the ranch.
Good job, Everlee Whitman. Quick read and very uplifting.
March 12, 2020
A really sweet and nice first book of a series. A ranch that mixes business and treatment of children and people in need of therapy with animals and supports a whole community just sounds too good to be true. The love story that permeates this whole and bigger story is sweet and strong as only it could be in such a place so full of respect for the human being and for life. Reading the book brings hope to our heart.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2020
Living River Ranch is turned upside down when Holmer died and Margaret, his granddaughter was left to set it on its feet again. The whole community was backing her but she had to prove it to herself before she could move forward. Of course, Noah was her special backup and had been all her life. As always, the whole town helped Margaret and Noah find their HEA. I loved A Time To Be Born and a Time To Die by Everlee Whitman. It was short and very sweet.
May 20, 2020
This short story was lovely. The characters were developed, but everything was rushed as opposed to a novel. Margaret taking over the ranch after her grandfather passed away was one thing, but the new housekeeper giving birth at work the first day? Exciting times. I loved the mission of the ranch, and am looking forward to continuing the series! I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2020
Fast read
A short story but it’s interesting, clean no swearing which is rare these days. There’s a few words that seem to be used wrong but you can still get the drift. The ranch is a great idea & I’m wondering if there is such a place here in Michigan I live in the suburbs north of Detroit. I have a grandson who could use this help. I’m continuing to read the rest of this series.
A short story but it’s interesting, clean no swearing which is rare these days. There’s a few words that seem to be used wrong but you can still get the drift. The ranch is a great idea & I’m wondering if there is such a place here in Michigan I live in the suburbs north of Detroit. I have a grandson who could use this help. I’m continuing to read the rest of this series.
September 27, 2020
What a beautiful story
What a beautiful story! I could not put this book down. How touching. This author writes a beautiful and powerful story. It touched my heart. Although It is not my usual genre, I could not help myself but to buy the complete set. I really look forward to reading the. She touches so many points. Love for a partner of course but also brotherly love, love for friends and love of children with problems. A definite must read for romance with a heart lovers.
What a beautiful story! I could not put this book down. How touching. This author writes a beautiful and powerful story. It touched my heart. Although It is not my usual genre, I could not help myself but to buy the complete set. I really look forward to reading the. She touches so many points. Love for a partner of course but also brotherly love, love for friends and love of children with problems. A definite must read for romance with a heart lovers.
February 23, 2021
Novella length stories based on Ecclesiastes 3. Having read the prequel Book 1 jumps 2 generations. Since this is a romance we spend most of the book waiting for the pair at the centre of the tale finally “finding” one another, or as the pastor says, discovering what the whole town has know for years.
The author seems to have some difficulty finding the right pronouns at several points in the book and there a re few awkward phrases.
The author seems to have some difficulty finding the right pronouns at several points in the book and there a re few awkward phrases.
April 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this sweet story! The grandfather passed away and his granddaughter, Margaret, steps in to run the Living River Ranch. She also cares for her twin who is mentally challenged but beloved by all. A beautiful start to this series!
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
June 24, 2020
Open the door to possibilities...
Quick, sweet read. A variety of characters to give you a glimpse of people working on the unique ranch. Saying goodbye to the founder & greeting newcomers to the ranch. Margaret & Noah have been life long friends, will they ever be more? What will it take for them to take a chance?
Quick, sweet read. A variety of characters to give you a glimpse of people working on the unique ranch. Saying goodbye to the founder & greeting newcomers to the ranch. Margaret & Noah have been life long friends, will they ever be more? What will it take for them to take a chance?
November 2, 2020
This story was a beautiful example of the people on a ranch that form a family. Everybody, from the owner to the employees and visitors, plays a specific role and is part of a big family. The relationships were filled with love, the way we should strive to live with our relatives. It was a very sweet story, sad at times, but very encouraging.
January 17, 2021
This is a very short story, but it shows how much people in a small town really care about each other. They were there for Margaret and her brother when their grandfather passed away. A young woman who was nine months pregnant came there to work after her husband was killed in an accident. She was treated like she belonged there.
January 11, 2022
Birth and Death have Traveled Hand in Hand Since the Beginning of Time
I feel confusion as I read, it seems I just get into the book and it's suddenly ending.
I like the characters of Margaret and her brother Matthew and their love for each other.
Also like the character in the Pastor
I feel confusion as I read, it seems I just get into the book and it's suddenly ending.
I like the characters of Margaret and her brother Matthew and their love for each other.
Also like the character in the Pastor
May 18, 2024
I loved this story and the premise of the Living River Ranch where it takes place. I also read the previous book in the series, so happy to follow the characters in this one. The author has an awesome way with words to keep you interested in the characters and the story. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
March 13, 2020
A short and sweet, best friends ranch romance novelette based in a small town. There was loss and new life, good characters and community, and therapy miracles.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 22, 2020
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. This story was such a powerful illustration of the verse in Ecclesiastes it refers to! I definitely want to know more of the story and about the people that the ranch helps. This was very well-written!
May 9, 2020
I thought this was a great short story. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the next book in this story.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary review.
June 2, 2020
Loved the book. She has inherited a legacy from her grandfather. With the love of her staff and the town she will succeed and keep the therapy ranch going and prospering. And the love of her ranch manager will complete her.
June 3, 2020
I wish authors would leave a place at end of book that goes directly! I’ve taken 2 days to find this!
I lied the story. Sometimes a person needs to ask questions instead of wishing for something they could have had for a long time. A great clean sweet love story!
I lied the story. Sometimes a person needs to ask questions instead of wishing for something they could have had for a long time. A great clean sweet love story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews