Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book

When grief hovers like a cloud, will the sun ever shine again for Wendy?

Wendy McCarthy knows the overwhelming heartache of grief all too well. While well-meaning friends tell her she’ll get over her loss in time, she knows that you never get over the loss of a child, instead, with God’s help, you learn to live with it.

Each day she thanks God for bringing Bruce into her life. Her cowboy husband is not only her friend and lover, but her rock. He understands the hurricane of emotions sweeping through her and encourages her not to shut herself away, but to instead slowly re-engage.

Baby Elysha, tiny and defenceless, is the blessing that helps her through each day and gives her a reason to get out of bed. Natalie and Adam, Wendy’s daughter and son-in-law, are wonderful parents-to-be to the little girl who’s been thrust into their life unexpectedly, and they eagerly await the day when she will be released from the hospital and will come home with them.

But the unimaginable happens when Elysha’s father appears on the scene, and all they can do is pray and trust that God has the situation under control.

Can God work this out so there are no losers? Will the sun ever shine again for Wendy and Bruce and Natalie and Adam?

“A Time to Abide” is Book 3 in the A Time for Everything series, a mature-age Christian Romance series.  Whilst it can be read on its own, you’ll enjoy it better if you’ve read Book 1, “A Time for Everything” and Book, “A Time to Care”, first.  Read them now and be blessed!

Books by Juliette Duncan

Contemporary Christian Romance

The Shadows Series

Lingering Shadows

Facing the Shadows

Beyond the Shadows

Secrets and Sacrifice

A Highland Christmas

The True Love Series

Tender Love

Tested Love

Tormented Love

Triumphant Love

True Love at Christmas

Promises of Love

Precious Love Series

Forever Cherished

Forever Faithful

Forever His

The Potter’s House Books Series

The Homecoming

Unchained


Middle Grade Christian Fiction

The Madeleine Richards Series

Rebellion in Riversleigh

Problems in Paradise

Trouble in Town

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2019

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Juliette Duncan

98 books340 followers
Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives in Brisbane, Australia and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
166 (75%)
4 stars
39 (17%)
3 stars
13 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Lawton.
128 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2019
WOW! How does Juliette continue to improve her stories each time. This story is so full of the full range of emotions. Joy to heartache to fear and trust. An easy story to read of how God works through the frailty of His children to bring hope to those who need it. How God gently leads His lost sheep back home. I have truly felt like the people in this series have become my friends. The theme of trusting God when it doesn't fit with our desires or time table continues in this story. I highly encourage others to read this series. I received a complimentary copy of this story, but have freely given my honest and heartfelt opinion.
182 reviews
March 11, 2019
This is the third book in a series. I shed lots of tears both of sorrow & joy while reading this continuing series. I am glad the issues were dealt with with love & concern for all people & it was pointed out that we are all sinners & GOD wants all of us to repent. Some people's sins are on the outside for all to see & some are hidden inside where they cannot be seen but GOD sees them all & none of us are exempt from sin. It is Christ righteousness that saves us & the Holy Spirit's transformation of our lives that changes us & it is a process that will not be completed until Christ returns. But GOD continues to love all mankind & reaches out to embrace all. Looking forward to the next book in the series A Time to Rejoice.
1,302 reviews6 followers
March 14, 2019
This book is truly amazing inspirational story that you won’t be able to stop reading. Bruce and Wendy are very special people. The struggles that they go through with their family are truly sad and upsetting. Watching how they get through this times with prayer and family is wonderful. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
Profile Image for Mary Stalnaker.
204 reviews7 followers
March 11, 2019
This is the third book in this series. I would recommend reading the first two before this one. It is the continuing story of Wendy and Bruce and Wendy's grown children. There are some curves in the story that I didn't expect. But, Juliette did a great job, as usual. It's a story of faith and how God can bring good when it seems hopeless. I was given an ARC (advanced reader copy), but that in no way contributed to my review. I think anyone who enjoys Christian fiction would enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
82 reviews
March 11, 2019
Rarely do I give a 5 star review, but this book certainly warrants a top rating. Juliette weaves a beautiful story of forgiveness and trust. This book brough tears to my eyes several times. I love how she uses her characters to show us how to trust God in struggles we all face in our own lives.

My review is not influenced by the fact that I received an ARC of the book.
4 reviews
March 10, 2019
This book covers some hard subjects but does it so well all with showing how important trusting in God really is. It shows God's love for us and through us. It was one of the best books I have read. It gives you hope for people. I love the characters. You will laugh and cry but I promise you will love it. I think one of the best books I have ever read!!
Profile Image for Julia.
2,676 reviews81 followers
April 3, 2019
A Time To Abide by Juliette Duncan is a heart wrenching contemporary Christian tale that deals with life and death, love and loss, and over it all is God who is faithful.
The novel has some powerful themes of relevant issues – maternal death, premature birth, homosexuality, adoption – all are sensitively portrayed by Juliette Duncan and covered with the love of God.
Following a death, we often have questions. “God where are You in this?” We may feel guilty. “Blaming herself wouldn’t bring her back.” We will always wonder if we could have done more.
In the midst of death there is life. Not just a new life in Heaven but a new baby on earth. Running parallel is the birth of a new Christian who goes down into the waters of baptism and rises anew.
Being a Christian does not mean that we will be trouble free but it does mean that God will walk alongside us at all times. “I believe Your Word, although my spirit is crushed.” We must lean into God and learn to trust Him because His plans are so much greater than ours. God will always see the bigger picture. “She knew Who held the future, and she needed to trust Him.”
There are times when we want to hide from the world and even God. “She hadn’t wanted to go [to church], but… church was exactly the place she needed to be.” It is at times when we most want to isolate ourselves that we need to surround ourselves with our brothers and sisters in Christ. They can support and lift us up when we have no strength left.
How does God speak to us? Rarely in a booming voice. We need to tune into him and listen for His whisper. “Could he ignore that little voice inside?”
As Christians we may see family or friends straying from God. Our job is never to judge. We need to love and leave the convicting and any judging to God.
A Time To Abide was a powerful read with many godly lessons and scriptures throughout. I really enjoyed it and cannot wait for the subsequent books. My heart and soul were warmed.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Erica Eblin.
80 reviews
March 29, 2019
Better & better!

As I read through Juliette Duncan's A Time for Everything series the topics keep getting deeper and deeper. It's kind of like getting to know a person. You slowly learn more about them as your bond grows. That's exactly how I feel as I go through this series. I have followed Wendy's journey from the beginning, when she just began thinking about her future after Greg's death. I have watched her and her children deal with their grief and, finally (hallelujah), turn to the Lord. It has been an amazing journey. Then, just when you think Ms. Duncan can't possibly top her last work....she does!

A Time to Abide is one of my favorites so far. I was absorbed into the story St the start. The grief of Paige's passing is very fresh for me as I read it not too long ago. So I was able to step right back into the plot very easily.

There were some big twists and turns in this book. My emotions were all over the place. I was enthralled in Juliette Duncan's storytelling. The depth of emotion that her characters display is something that helps me enjoy a book. I want pulled into their lives. I want to feel something. And, boy, did I. I had happy tears, sad tears, joyous moments, times of shock, anger...I was all over the place.

I highly recommend that you read the entire series from start to finish. Yes, these can be read as stand-alones, but you'll enjoy it so much more in order!!!
242 reviews
March 11, 2019
This is the third book in this series. Wendy and Bruce's story continues. With Paige's death still fresh, Wendy is grieving. She's also in turmoil over learning her son, Simon, is gay. He's lost his job, he's drinking a lot and now he's announced plans to marry his partner, Andy. With this be so contrary to the way he was raised and to what Wendy believes, how can she stand for right and not lose her son.
The bright spot in her life, besides Bruce, is Paige's baby. Elysha is going to be adopted by Adam and Natalie, Wendy's oldest daughter. With her and Adam unable to conceive, it seems God planned. But when the baby's father steps in and petitions for Elysha, everything seems so unsettled.
Where is God in all of this? Can they trust Him to work it out?
This is a book about faith and trust. Believing in the power of prayer and trusting God to know what is best. Learning to be content with what you have and where you are. Accepting that God may not answer your prayer the way you want and learning to be okay with that. Lots of biblical truth in everyday life situations that we can all apply to our own lives.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,025 reviews36 followers
April 3, 2019
A suspenseful, clean, Christian romance with love, mystery, family difficulties, heart-wrenching events, delightful occurrences, motivating and edifying teaching on what a Christian's attitude should be in times of trouble - all of this in one amazing novel which will keep you reading into the late hours of the night.

Follow Bruce and Wendy on their second chance of happiness after both losing their partners early in their lives. See them being good and caring parents, while handling the most difficult of family situations with Wendy's grown children Natalie and husband Adam, Simon, and teenager Paige. Life is not always 'roses' for them, but they rise to the occasion in each unforeseen testing of their faith.

Juliette Duncan has risen to the occasion to develop this story wonderfully well.
Profile Image for Sharon Dean.
244 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2019
This is my first book by Ms Duncan and how I loved each and every page. Wendy’s story really pulls your heartstrings in many directions. From finding faith, learning to trust in that faith to forgiveness and hope, we see Wendy’s story overcome many battles, all so close to home. Wendy is a very courageous woman and leaning on God is how she overcame the hard roads placed upon her. To have her strength, wow, she is so inspirational and encouraging. I love how Ms Duncan touched on subjects that are true to today’s world showing insights on how we can all learn from Wendy and lean on God for our struggles. This book is a must read, it’s so on point to how God loves us and He always walks with us.
962 reviews21 followers
March 22, 2019
A Time to Abide shows the love and romance between married couples, and I would love it for that reason alone. It also deals with some very tough topics--the death of a child and Christian parents finding out their son is gay. The main characters' dependence upon God, his word, and prayer are a natural part of their lives. God's comfort, guidance, and forgiveness are all displayed throughout the book. The characters also show mercy, grace, and love. I enjoy Juliette Duncan's writing style and feel privileged to be given a copy to read. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent book.
March 26, 2019
This is a continuing story about a mature couple and their adult children. The characters are well developed and the story is interesting. As in real life, you never can tell what's coming next. Although I received an advance copy, my review is not influenced by that. I truly enjoy Julliette's book and can't wait for the next one. If you are new to this series, I would recommend starting at the beginning.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
243 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2019
An emotional story of when we lose strength to carry us, we can use God's strength to help us if we believe.
Wendy, Bruce and her kids story continues in this storu. This story deals with many difficult subjects. With prayer it helps us through our troubles.
I disagree that homosexuality is a choice. But agree if the person has doubt on how they are living they should look to god for guidance on how they should live.
I love the verses in this book.
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,572 reviews24 followers
January 22, 2020
Wendy and Bruce are excellent Christian examples of trusting God through trials! Wendy's daughter Natalie and son-in-law Adam learn to trust God even when the biological father shows up and contests their adoption of their niece. Life isn't easy in A Time to Abide but God is there through dealing with death, loss, adoption and homosexuality in a family member! I recommend this contemporary romance to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ellen.
572 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2021
A Time for Everything Series Boxset Books 1-4 from Juliette Duncan is a very moving heartwarming clean romance. It is a well-written novel with subjects that move you deeply. People's love for each other and their faith are deeply moving. They are great characters that you will really love and it is a shame when the book is out because you don't really want to say goodbye to them. Juliette duncan surpasses herself with these great Christian series.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,287 reviews12 followers
March 20, 2019
This third book in the series is just as emotional as the other two. Well written. Juliette shows much compassion as she writes about sensitive issues that are also prevalent in out society. The characters have earned a place in my heart and I look forward to more to come. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,347 reviews20 followers
March 26, 2019
A Beautiful Story

I loved the continuation of the story of Wendy, Bruce and Wendy's family.
We see how a family overcomes many trials with help of the Lord.
The issues of adoption and homosexuality was dealt with in a living Christian manner.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian fiction with a strong inspirational message.
March 28, 2019
Beautifully written

I honestly could not put this book down. I was moved to tears by the sensitive way in which this story progressed. Thank you for your boldness to stand up for contentious issues. It was so refreshing to read. Highly recommend. Can't wait to see how the lives of the characters unfold in the next book.
28 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2019
Once again Juliette has excelled in writing “A Time to Abide”. She has taken us with Wendy, Bruce, Natalie, Adam and Simon on their journey though their grief and great joy together and renewed faith. You will need the tissues. I would suggest that you read books 1 and 2 in this series as they follow on from each other
Profile Image for Barbara.
251 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2019
I love this series. Each one of these books has made me cry. It brings back the feelings when family and friends have died, and how hard it is to adjust to the "new" circumstances. This book is a wonderful example of how to show Christ in your daily life, even when it is really hard. I hope many of you will read this series of books. They are amazing.
558 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book! There were some hard subjects to read about but all turned out in the end. The good thing about it is that everyone was trying to serve God by the end of the book! I recommend this book to anyone who loves the Lord!
165 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2019
A beautiful story of love and faith. Wendy and Bruce continue to learn about each other and this time Wendy’s family. Excellent reminder that God loves all of us regardless of any sins and we are called to love in the same nonjudgmental way. Wee done!
Profile Image for Marta Aldrighetti.
474 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
Wendy and Bruce are happy of their new house in the farm. it is almost Christmas and they're planning to celebrate it
with both families from Australia and Texas, when.. nice book, tear jarked, realistic, good characters.
Profile Image for Jana.
542 reviews
March 14, 2019
Juliette Duncan has once again written a story that encompasses all your emotions like a ride on a run away roller coaster. This story covers heartache, disappointment, life style changes, and most of all the discovery and understanding of truly committing your life to God.
March 15, 2019
Very good book about how people are grieving a loss and other things happen to them. But how they keep their faith and trust in God. And how in the end it all works out for them all. I would definitely recommend this book.
985 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2019
Excellent Book

Certain parts of this book were hard to read,but we are faced with these situations in our lives today.I enjoyed how things were worked out.This is a book you must read.I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,383 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2019
This is a heartwarming story about how God helps a family overcome more heartbreaking troubles. It is written in a loving christian way and has bible verses through out the book. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion. You won't regret reading this book.
Profile Image for gary c lehn.
1,724 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2019
Great series........

I was very pleased to read this story, A Time to Abide, the author has done a great job of telling of the love a sister has for her deceased sisters baby. The story is very heart warming, the struggles of the couple to have their family is special.
Profile Image for Judy G Spivey.
370 reviews6 followers
August 3, 2019
Can rest, or abide in the Lord, During lifes most difficult moments.

This book will touch your spirit. God's answers are yes, no, someday. This book takes younglings three. Well written and faces so.e of today's tough question s.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.