Never Too Late

Carolina Cousins #3

by Michael R. Phillips

Fire. It had ripped Seffie from her family and stolen her dearest friend. Will she allow it to destroy her one chance at happiness? Growing up a slave, Seffie served as companion to a sickly white girl and learned to read and write and even speak French. But her life of relative comfort soon comes to an end. When loss and tragedy drive the joy from her life, Seffie quickly learns to guard her heart and hide her past. Secretly, Seffie nurtures a new to seek freedom in the North. But even if she succeeds, can she face the final test of fire? Can her wounded heart learn to love again? Or is it too late? Why danger would stalk such a peace-loving soul was a mystery no one in Greens Crossing ever quite understood except those involved. And they were not the kind of men who talked. On this particular day in the fall of the year 1869, the local KKK had decided to modify their tactics. They would strike in broad daylight and in plain sight, in order to teach a lesson none in the community would forget. And so as the fifteen or more white-robed riders galloped toward Greens Crossing a little before noon, the burning torches in their hands were not to light their way as would have been the case had the raid come in the middle of the night. They intended to put the fire to another use. Carolina Cousins - Book 3

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Romance, Civil War

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.

Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Never Too Late, the third book in the Carolina Cousins series.
This book tells the story of Seffie, MINOR SPOILER ALERT which was Josepha's nickname before she arrived at the McSimmons plantation. I loved getting to know her and learning about the underground railroad.
Also, this book revolves a lot around themes of personal growth and pride. Michael Phillips does a great job at sharing his wisdom through his stories and characters, and readers will be left with something to think about for sure. I highly recommend his work!

I'm looking forward to reading the next and final book in the series, although I really don't want to part with all the characters I've come to love.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Josephina's story, a freed slave, plus the Shenandoah Sisters Series through her eyes. Some of the storyline is repetitive.
I like Michael Phillips as a Christian fiction writer. He is the best I have read to-date. His books are theologically deep and full of wisdom. They are also clean. Which unfortunately is hard to find - this is true even among Christian writers as more reflect our sexually soaked society.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 1 out of 5]

I kept waiting for the plot to kick in. This book weaved in and out of the characters life. The first hundred pages skimmed the early life of Seffie or Josepha touching down on certain key incidents in her life. Once Josepha joined the rest of the characters I couldn't see a need for the book to continue.

I skimmed through the rest of the pages as quickly as I could. I couldn't see the worth of spending precious time reading the book. I've never been this disappointed with a Michael Phillips book before.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I think I am so dumb!! I didn't realize who this one person was, and then I keep think after people die, that they didn't really die, and we will hear from them again. lol.
Anyway, I really liked this book, I thought it was well written, and had a good story line! I can't wait to start on the last book of this series.

[Bethany Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading these stories about a group of people living in the South after the Civil War. Each book in this 4 book series expounds on the life of one or two of the characters, told from another character's point of view. It's very unique, and intriguing. I've loved getting to know the characters and will be sad when I'm done with the last book.

[Valene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I have read some other books by Michael Phillips. I wish I had read this one before I read some of the others. I am really interested in learning about slaves and what kind of lives they were forced to live. It is hard for me to imagine that the black people were hated and treated so poorly.

[Melinda Bollinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Scary in some parts to know what slaves went through during that time but loved how she had a great sister relationship with a white lady to help her along and love on her. Love all the character that come into their little family as well. Easy to read too!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Seffie's story but part of it is told in Mayme's voice. It is the continuing saga of the Rosewood family. Seffie has had much heartache in her past but finally in her middle age years she finally marries a man that returns her love.

[caroljordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble continues in the South

I gave this book five stars because you know and love the characters. After the slaves were freed life continued almost to be unbearable for them. Good read.

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cumbersome to read. A very shallow read especially after reading The Book of Negroes. I wouldn't read Phillips again.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

7th in a series about black/white relations right after the civil war. In this one, a former slave woman deals with her past, forgiveness, and courage.

[Sunny Arbogast]

Almost done with this series. Have really enjoyed it!

[Brenda Cobb]

A wonderful read

Another can't put down. You find yourself feeling the happiness, pain and sorrow they go through. And remember life was like this then.

[Ronni Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best book of the series. Josepha's story brought tears to my eyes and finally warmth to my spirit. Only one book left in the series. I'm going to miss this story

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. Great story about Henry and Josepha.

[Sarah Hussion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another captivating story on a beloved character

Journey on the under ground railroad, understand tragedy, find family, climax with KKK, and finally find love. This story has it all and again takes you through the turbulent years just after slaves were freed.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of a series of books about life in the south in the latter part of the Civil War when roving bands of deserters & outlaws from both armies roved the South, looting, pillaging, burning, raping, killing. Inspirational fiction.

[Rose]

F Phi

[Glenda Sparkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Unity

In that Era two men fought bravely against racial discrimination. It's shows 💘 not about skin color .It's embedded in our unseen hearts

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters that come to this family. A former slave deals with a lot of forgiveness and love.

[Tab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and loving

As are all of M. Phillips books, this one truly envisioned the gift of hope. I enjoyed continuing the series and look forward to the last book.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Happy parts and sad parts! Loved the ending.

[Cheryl Ritch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

The Love of a family will always win through, no matter in hard times or good times. What brave and wonderful people.

[Brooke Reynolds]

A Favorite Author