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Never Too Late
Every moment of your life is a second chance...
Thirty years ago, Kitty Collins was a confident, carefree fashion history student living her best life in Paris. But then Tomas Laurent broke her heart and she retreated back to England.
A year later, Kitty’s a married stay-at-home mum and those big hopes and dreams have been replaced by nappy changes, school runs and dinner parties for her husband’s Academia colleagues.
Now 50 and recently divorced, Kitty is empowered to embrace single life and finally makes plans with Sasha, her daughter, to return to the city that stole her heart to move forward with her life.
But when a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten she had Kitty begins to wonder whether the ghosts of Paris should be left in the past.
With the help of old friends and new friends, can Kitty discover the woman she’s supposed to be and fall in love with the City of Light once more?
Thirty years ago, Kitty Collins was a confident, carefree fashion history student living her best life in Paris. But then Tomas Laurent broke her heart and she retreated back to England.
A year later, Kitty’s a married stay-at-home mum and those big hopes and dreams have been replaced by nappy changes, school runs and dinner parties for her husband’s Academia colleagues.
Now 50 and recently divorced, Kitty is empowered to embrace single life and finally makes plans with Sasha, her daughter, to return to the city that stole her heart to move forward with her life.
But when a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten she had Kitty begins to wonder whether the ghosts of Paris should be left in the past.
With the help of old friends and new friends, can Kitty discover the woman she’s supposed to be and fall in love with the City of Light once more?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2025
About the author
Maxine Morrey
31 books326 followersMaxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
As years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.
In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.
Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 17, 2025
When Kitty Collins divorced her husband, she and her daughter Sasha went on a trip to India. While there she met Ashok, a business man who became a dear friend. She shared the story about Paris and what happened to her 30 years earlier that ended her romance with Thomas Laurent, and also that it destroyed her friendship with his sister Gabrielle, aka Gabby. He convinces her to finally return to Paris and fall in love with the city again. It might also help her get out of her rut and find her old self. She and Sasha decide to go and rent an apartment for six months. She never expected to run into Gabby and Tomas, but after a few days that is exactly what happens. That meeting changes things for both her, Sasha and Ashok.
Never Too Late was a delightful story about second chances, family bonds, loving yourself again and romance. I loved how Kitty changes in this story. We learn about the twenty something young woman who was in love with Paris, Tomas, Gabby and her life, and the experience that had her running back to England. Marrying and having a child changed her into a wife, mother and care giver. It also had her become a people pleaser, and very insecure about herself and her choices. Her move to Paris, even if only for six months changed her again, in a very positive way. Sasha was like a young Kitty and I loved how protective of her mother she was. She is a Youtube star, and it was interesting to see how she looked at life. I'm not a fan of social media darlings, but I did like Sasha's character. Everyone needs a friend like Ashok in their lives. Although they hadn't known each other long, he was wonderful and helped Kitty to see herself as others did. I loved the references to not being able to change your past, but moving on. I also like that forgiving is not the same as forgetting, but holding a grudge only hurts yourself. This book made me reflect on my life and just maybe, I will try some things that I wasn't sure of. Not being so hard on yourself, and just maybe others will change not only your outlook on life, but your life as well. The romances, yes there is more than one, were not rushed, but developed over time (a few months anyway) and were sweet. Of course, the setting was wonderful. Food, Wine, Art, Shopping, and more shared the life of someone living in Paris and it makes me want to visit there even more. I enjoyed this book and recommend to those who like a clean romance, one with some serious issues and character development.
Never Too Late was a delightful story about second chances, family bonds, loving yourself again and romance. I loved how Kitty changes in this story. We learn about the twenty something young woman who was in love with Paris, Tomas, Gabby and her life, and the experience that had her running back to England. Marrying and having a child changed her into a wife, mother and care giver. It also had her become a people pleaser, and very insecure about herself and her choices. Her move to Paris, even if only for six months changed her again, in a very positive way. Sasha was like a young Kitty and I loved how protective of her mother she was. She is a Youtube star, and it was interesting to see how she looked at life. I'm not a fan of social media darlings, but I did like Sasha's character. Everyone needs a friend like Ashok in their lives. Although they hadn't known each other long, he was wonderful and helped Kitty to see herself as others did. I loved the references to not being able to change your past, but moving on. I also like that forgiving is not the same as forgetting, but holding a grudge only hurts yourself. This book made me reflect on my life and just maybe, I will try some things that I wasn't sure of. Not being so hard on yourself, and just maybe others will change not only your outlook on life, but your life as well. The romances, yes there is more than one, were not rushed, but developed over time (a few months anyway) and were sweet. Of course, the setting was wonderful. Food, Wine, Art, Shopping, and more shared the life of someone living in Paris and it makes me want to visit there even more. I enjoyed this book and recommend to those who like a clean romance, one with some serious issues and character development.
October 11, 2025
After reading Reach for the Stars by Morrey, I had high expectations for Never Too Late. I was especially excited to read a book about the FMC being in her 50's.
Unfortunately this book missed the mark for me. I didn't feel like Kitty was relatable at all. After recently going through a divorce, she goes to India on a holiday with her daughter. Then after her holiday in India she decides to sell her home in London and move to Paris. She doesn't get a job or do anything very meaningful except "find herself". I am all for finding oneself and evolving especially after a major life event but I don't think many readers will find her relatable or realistic.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unfortunately this book missed the mark for me. I didn't feel like Kitty was relatable at all. After recently going through a divorce, she goes to India on a holiday with her daughter. Then after her holiday in India she decides to sell her home in London and move to Paris. She doesn't get a job or do anything very meaningful except "find herself". I am all for finding oneself and evolving especially after a major life event but I don't think many readers will find her relatable or realistic.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2025
Nice story about 50 year old divorcee who moves back to Paris after spending time in her early adult life there. Kitty, after encouragement from a new friend, steps out of her comfort zone to live in Paris. Her daughter Sasha joins her and together they make their way through the sites and food scene. Kitty unexpectedly runs into an old friend, the sister of her ex-love and they reconnect. Kitty also reconnects with Tomas, even after harboring hurt feelings even 30 years later. This is a second chance at romance story as well as love after divorce. It was a fine story, but I had trouble connecting to Kitty. Her behavior felt more like a midlife crisis than women embracing new life. Tomas was pretty generic. At best, this would be a library rental.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
November 25, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. It was full of warmth and funny lines which made me smile. Maxime's books have always delivered for me so I was pleased this one was just as good. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
October 14, 2025
DNF@40%
I was already disliking Kitty’s obnoxiously irritating daughter but I gave up the book when Tomas reentered the scene.
My first thought when I read the initial flashback telling us what had happened between them was “god I hope they don’t end up getting back together” and it was at 40% that I realised that was the plot Morrey had in mind so I checked the end and, sure enough, there it was. I had no interest in continuing after that.
I was already disliking Kitty’s obnoxiously irritating daughter but I gave up the book when Tomas reentered the scene.
My first thought when I read the initial flashback telling us what had happened between them was “god I hope they don’t end up getting back together” and it was at 40% that I realised that was the plot Morrey had in mind so I checked the end and, sure enough, there it was. I had no interest in continuing after that.
November 29, 2025
Kitty divorces her husband and decides to go on an expedition to India with her daughter. She's always wanted to but she has spent her life being a wife and mother so she didnt make the time. So now is the perfect time. While she's there she meets Ashok, who turns out to be an amazing friend, and she shares the story of what happened in Paris 30 years ago that ended a fairytale romance with Thomas and also ruined her friendship with his sister Gabby at the same time!
Ashok convinces her it's time to face the past and go back to Paris and try and fall in love with the city she adored all over again. Maybe she can find Thomas and Gabby again, but more so to get out of her rut and find herself again. So Kitt abs her daughter rent an apartment for six months and sure enough, she has a chance encounter with Gabby that changes her life forever.
This was a lovely story about second chances and finding yourself again. It truly is never too late to start over as there is no time like now to give your life a new beginning if you're not happy with the one you've got. The romances (yes there are more than one) were not rushed and felt nicely played out and the description of the shopping and food and art in Paris just made me move it up my bucket list
Thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
Ashok convinces her it's time to face the past and go back to Paris and try and fall in love with the city she adored all over again. Maybe she can find Thomas and Gabby again, but more so to get out of her rut and find herself again. So Kitt abs her daughter rent an apartment for six months and sure enough, she has a chance encounter with Gabby that changes her life forever.
This was a lovely story about second chances and finding yourself again. It truly is never too late to start over as there is no time like now to give your life a new beginning if you're not happy with the one you've got. The romances (yes there are more than one) were not rushed and felt nicely played out and the description of the shopping and food and art in Paris just made me move it up my bucket list
Thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
October 14, 2025
I found Never Too Late to be a ok story. It is basically a story about rediscovering yourself after divorce.
Is it ever too late to start over?
Second chances
Romance
Midlife crisis
Friendships
Is it ever too late to start over?
Second chances
Romance
Midlife crisis
Friendships
February 8, 2026
New author for me. Enjoyed the book but I didn’t get the ending I thought would be. Will I read more of hers….. yes
February 25, 2026
hate reading about old ppl but otherwise not bad
October 29, 2025
The moment I cracked open Never Too Late, I was ready for a frothy, confectionary blast of contemporary romance, and honestly? Morrey delivered a mixed bag that left me feeling like I needed to floss after eating an entire box of cheap chocolates. This book is the literary equivalent of a cozy, slightly worn cardigan, comforting, predictable, and frankly, a bit safe.
Our protagonist, Eloise, is painted with a broad, almost aggressively charming brush. She's supposed to be this utterly relatable thirty-something whose life, while perfectly serviceable, has been paused in a state of anticipatory inertia. You know the type: great job, loyal friends, but still obsessively checking the rearview mirror at the wreckage of a past relationship. The entire conceit is that she's now ready to smash the glass on her emergency fun kit and finally live. The narrative practically screams "empowerment" in all caps, which, while the sentiment is laudable, occasionally felt less like organic character growth and more like a mandated life-coach session.
The core issue here is the staggering predictability of the love interest, Sam. Bless his heart, he’s a walking, talking cliché of the perfect, emotionally available, slightly rumpled dreamboat. He’s so ridiculously decent that he lacked any compelling jagged edges. His dialogue was less a conversation and more a series of supportive affirmations. I spent half the book silently begging him to trip, spill coffee, or reveal a mild addiction to reality TV, anything to give him a pulse beyond "perfectly adequate man." It's a genuine tragedy when the secondary characters, Eloise's eccentric neighbor and her perpetually stressed best friend, have a more dynamic narrative tension than the main couple.
Morrey's prose is highly effective at setting a picturesque, almost aggressively cozy scene, particularly the descriptions of the quaint English setting, which felt lovingly rendered. However, the emotional stakes often felt as flimsy as tissue paper. We were told about Eloise's deep-seated anxieties and fears of commitment, but the resolutions were so instantaneous that I had major whiplash. It felt like watching a sitcom where a complex emotional problem is introduced in the first five minutes and completely solved with a hug and a witty one-liner by the commercial break. For a book that claims to tackle the weight of past decisions, it skims the surface with almost supernatural buoyancy. If you’re looking for high-octane emotional labor, you’re going to be left wanting. If you just want to feel good and see things neatly resolved, this is your jam.
#NeverTooLate #NetGalley
Our protagonist, Eloise, is painted with a broad, almost aggressively charming brush. She's supposed to be this utterly relatable thirty-something whose life, while perfectly serviceable, has been paused in a state of anticipatory inertia. You know the type: great job, loyal friends, but still obsessively checking the rearview mirror at the wreckage of a past relationship. The entire conceit is that she's now ready to smash the glass on her emergency fun kit and finally live. The narrative practically screams "empowerment" in all caps, which, while the sentiment is laudable, occasionally felt less like organic character growth and more like a mandated life-coach session.
The core issue here is the staggering predictability of the love interest, Sam. Bless his heart, he’s a walking, talking cliché of the perfect, emotionally available, slightly rumpled dreamboat. He’s so ridiculously decent that he lacked any compelling jagged edges. His dialogue was less a conversation and more a series of supportive affirmations. I spent half the book silently begging him to trip, spill coffee, or reveal a mild addiction to reality TV, anything to give him a pulse beyond "perfectly adequate man." It's a genuine tragedy when the secondary characters, Eloise's eccentric neighbor and her perpetually stressed best friend, have a more dynamic narrative tension than the main couple.
Morrey's prose is highly effective at setting a picturesque, almost aggressively cozy scene, particularly the descriptions of the quaint English setting, which felt lovingly rendered. However, the emotional stakes often felt as flimsy as tissue paper. We were told about Eloise's deep-seated anxieties and fears of commitment, but the resolutions were so instantaneous that I had major whiplash. It felt like watching a sitcom where a complex emotional problem is introduced in the first five minutes and completely solved with a hug and a witty one-liner by the commercial break. For a book that claims to tackle the weight of past decisions, it skims the surface with almost supernatural buoyancy. If you’re looking for high-octane emotional labor, you’re going to be left wanting. If you just want to feel good and see things neatly resolved, this is your jam.
#NeverTooLate #NetGalley
January 25, 2026
Never Too Late by Maxine Morrey is a heartfelt and uplifting story about second chances, self-discovery, and finding your way back to yourself when life takes an unexpected turn. Kitty Collins is fifty, newly divorced, and quietly unsure of who she is after years of putting everyone else first. A chance trip to India with her daughter Sasha, and an encouraging friendship formed there, nudges Kitty toward confronting a part of her past she has avoided for decades.
Returning to Paris, the city where she once felt most alive, Kitty slowly begins to rediscover the woman she used to be. The story beautifully balances the past and present, showing how heartbreak shaped her choices and how time, distance, and perspective can soften old wounds. Paris is vividly brought to life through food, art, fashion, and everyday moments, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.
One of the strongest elements of the book is the relationship between Kitty and Sasha. Their bond feels genuine, supportive, and loving, and it adds warmth and emotional depth to the story. Kitty’s journey is not about rushing into romance but about rebuilding confidence, learning to value herself, and understanding that forgiveness does not always mean forgetting.
The romance is gentle and reflective, unfolding naturally rather than dramatically. It suits the tone of the story well, focusing more on emotional growth than grand gestures. This is very much a story about choosing yourself, accepting the past, and allowing happiness to find you again in unexpected ways.
Never Too Late is a comforting, hopeful read that reminds us that life does not end at fifty and that it is never too late to start again, fall back in love with a place, or rediscover who you truly are. A lovely choice for readers who enjoy second chance romance, mature heroines, and cozy, feel good fiction.
Returning to Paris, the city where she once felt most alive, Kitty slowly begins to rediscover the woman she used to be. The story beautifully balances the past and present, showing how heartbreak shaped her choices and how time, distance, and perspective can soften old wounds. Paris is vividly brought to life through food, art, fashion, and everyday moments, making the setting feel like a character in its own right.
One of the strongest elements of the book is the relationship between Kitty and Sasha. Their bond feels genuine, supportive, and loving, and it adds warmth and emotional depth to the story. Kitty’s journey is not about rushing into romance but about rebuilding confidence, learning to value herself, and understanding that forgiveness does not always mean forgetting.
The romance is gentle and reflective, unfolding naturally rather than dramatically. It suits the tone of the story well, focusing more on emotional growth than grand gestures. This is very much a story about choosing yourself, accepting the past, and allowing happiness to find you again in unexpected ways.
Never Too Late is a comforting, hopeful read that reminds us that life does not end at fifty and that it is never too late to start again, fall back in love with a place, or rediscover who you truly are. A lovely choice for readers who enjoy second chance romance, mature heroines, and cozy, feel good fiction.
December 7, 2025
After her divorce, Kitty, 50something, finally takes the long-delayed trip to India with her daughter - a dream she’d always postponed while being a wife and mother. There she meets Ashok, whose gentle nudging encourages her to confront the heartbreak she left behind in Paris thirty years earlier. That push sends Kitty and her daughter to Paris for six months, where she unexpectedly crosses paths with old friends - and with Tomas, her former love - opening the door to closure and second chances.
I went into this hoping to find a special story: a heroine turning fifty, reinventing herself, figuring out who she is again. But the life Kitty builds felt utterly unbelievable. She doesn’t establish a new routine, find work, seek out fresh connections, or try new hobbies - aka the things most people navigating a major life change would realistically do. Instead, she simply steps back into her old world, reconnecting with past relationships. And while the Parisian setting, food, and art are lovely, I found Kitty hard to relate to, her journey more midlife drift than genuine transformation. The romance lacked spark, Tomas felt flat, and her daughter grated on me almost immediately.
Not a bad story, just not an engaging one for me. Maybe entering my 40s has me craving deeper, more textured midlife narratives — this one felt too soft, too dreamlike to hold my attention. Still, if you enjoy escapist “what if I moved to Paris and started over” fantasies, this might work better for you than it did for me.
I went into this hoping to find a special story: a heroine turning fifty, reinventing herself, figuring out who she is again. But the life Kitty builds felt utterly unbelievable. She doesn’t establish a new routine, find work, seek out fresh connections, or try new hobbies - aka the things most people navigating a major life change would realistically do. Instead, she simply steps back into her old world, reconnecting with past relationships. And while the Parisian setting, food, and art are lovely, I found Kitty hard to relate to, her journey more midlife drift than genuine transformation. The romance lacked spark, Tomas felt flat, and her daughter grated on me almost immediately.
Not a bad story, just not an engaging one for me. Maybe entering my 40s has me craving deeper, more textured midlife narratives — this one felt too soft, too dreamlike to hold my attention. Still, if you enjoy escapist “what if I moved to Paris and started over” fantasies, this might work better for you than it did for me.
November 8, 2025
This is a very entertaining book about a 50-year-old woman - Kitty - reinventing herself after divorcing her long-time husband. When she was young Kitty used to live and study in Paris and thought she had found the love of her life Tomas there but when he ended up breaking her heart she returned to England and shortly after got pregnant and married and never returned to France. Now, encouraged by a new friend, she decides to return to Paris for six months and try to rediscover the city and her younger self there. When she by chance encounters her former best friend, Tomas sister, their friendship is renewed and it seems like Tomas has never forgotten Kitty…
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved that the main characters were older and not twenty-something and still found romance. I thought the story was entertaining and I liked all the characters a lot even though they all were basically good-looking, rich and successful (even Kitty seems to have no money worries even though she seemed to never have held a job) which seemed a bit unbelievable as were a lot of the coincidences that occured. But since it is a romance book I didn‘t mind too much and just enjoyed the story.
A lovely second-chance romance with older characters.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved that the main characters were older and not twenty-something and still found romance. I thought the story was entertaining and I liked all the characters a lot even though they all were basically good-looking, rich and successful (even Kitty seems to have no money worries even though she seemed to never have held a job) which seemed a bit unbelievable as were a lot of the coincidences that occured. But since it is a romance book I didn‘t mind too much and just enjoyed the story.
A lovely second-chance romance with older characters.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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November 11, 2025Never Too Late by Maxine Morrey
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Every moment of your life is a second chance...
Thirty years ago, Kitty Collins was a confident, carefree fashion history student living her best life in Paris. But then Tomas Laurent broke her heart and she retreated back to England.
A year later, Kitty’s a married stay-at-home mum and those big hopes and dreams have been replaced by nappy changes, school runs and dinner parties for her husband’s Academia colleagues.
Now 50 and recently divorced, Kitty is empowered to embrace single life and finally makes plans with Sasha, her daughter, to return to the city that stole her heart to move forward with her life.
But when a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten she had Kitty begins to wonder whether the ghosts of Paris should be left in the past.
With the help of old friends and new friends, can Kitty discover the woman she’s supposed to be and fall in love with the City of Light once more?
My Opinion
Never Too Late was another enjoyable read by Maxine Morrey. A heart-warming novel with some lovely characters. With some great descriptions, it was easy to follow Kitty as she starts over in Paris.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Every moment of your life is a second chance...
Thirty years ago, Kitty Collins was a confident, carefree fashion history student living her best life in Paris. But then Tomas Laurent broke her heart and she retreated back to England.
A year later, Kitty’s a married stay-at-home mum and those big hopes and dreams have been replaced by nappy changes, school runs and dinner parties for her husband’s Academia colleagues.
Now 50 and recently divorced, Kitty is empowered to embrace single life and finally makes plans with Sasha, her daughter, to return to the city that stole her heart to move forward with her life.
But when a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten she had Kitty begins to wonder whether the ghosts of Paris should be left in the past.
With the help of old friends and new friends, can Kitty discover the woman she’s supposed to be and fall in love with the City of Light once more?
My Opinion
Never Too Late was another enjoyable read by Maxine Morrey. A heart-warming novel with some lovely characters. With some great descriptions, it was easy to follow Kitty as she starts over in Paris.
Rating 4/5
December 31, 2025
This was a warm, comforting read about second chances, self-discovery, and the pull of a place that never really leaves you.
Kitty Collins is a very relatable main character. I loved how the story shows the contrast between her youthful dreams in Paris and the quiet, sometimes disappointing life she falls into later. Her journey at 50—after divorce and years of putting others first—felt honest and hopeful without being unrealistic.
Paris is almost a character itself in this book. The descriptions of the city, the memories tied to it, and the way it represents who Kitty used to be (and still could be) were beautifully done. I also enjoyed the focus on friendships, both old and new, and the relationship between Kitty and her daughter, which added heart to the story.
The romance element is gentle and emotional rather than dramatic, which suited the story well. It’s less about “will they or won’t they” and more about whether Kitty can forgive the past and choose herself.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, uplifting novel that reminds you it’s never too late to start again—and that every moment really can be a second chance.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Kitty Collins is a very relatable main character. I loved how the story shows the contrast between her youthful dreams in Paris and the quiet, sometimes disappointing life she falls into later. Her journey at 50—after divorce and years of putting others first—felt honest and hopeful without being unrealistic.
Paris is almost a character itself in this book. The descriptions of the city, the memories tied to it, and the way it represents who Kitty used to be (and still could be) were beautifully done. I also enjoyed the focus on friendships, both old and new, and the relationship between Kitty and her daughter, which added heart to the story.
The romance element is gentle and emotional rather than dramatic, which suited the story well. It’s less about “will they or won’t they” and more about whether Kitty can forgive the past and choose herself.
Overall, this is a thoughtful, uplifting novel that reminds you it’s never too late to start again—and that every moment really can be a second chance.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 16, 2026
In this fun new second-chance romance novel from Maxine Morrey, readers follow Kitty Collins, who returned from Paris with a broken heart to start life anew as a married stay-at-home mother several years ago, as she is now fifty and recently divorced. Finally making plans with her daughter Sasha to return to Paris, where she hasn’t been since before her marriage, Kitty hopes that this trip will be enough to help her move on with her life. Instead, a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten about, and the ghosts of Paris are not as far behind her as she had thought. The characters are the stars of the novel, and the relationship between Kitty and Sasha is particularly charming (though other relationships pop up and change the story). The details really bring the various settings to life, and readers will appreciate the emotional depth and complexity in the story. Similarly, the romance tropes and elements flesh out the story and give Kitty the chance to feel her emotions and think about the happy ending she wants as the novel progresses and she faces questions she doesn’t have the answers to. Romantic and heartwarming, romance fans and fans of Morrey’s other novels will love this latest emotional novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
November 14, 2025
For my copy of this book, I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review:
Kitty is celebrating her 50th birthday following her dreams
Newly divorced she can do what she seems!
Visiting India was always high on that list
And this is an opportunity not to be missed!
A chance encounter whilst staying there
Results in a friendship with someone who takes care.
Their talk inspires her to revisit her past
And return to Paris to stay at last.
She lived there, studying thirty years ago
Living her best life, daringly so!
But Kitty Collins had her heart broken
When words of support were never spoken.
She left her friends and lover behind
And a fresh start endeavoured to find.
Now, with her daughter, she'll return once more
Sharing her life and Paris to explore.
A beautiful read with dialogue which seems so real
The emotions, the drama, it helps readers to feel.
A story where events from the past
Are shared and healing occurs at last.
A heartwarming read that's inspirational, too,
And one I have no hesitation recommending to you!
An emotive read all the way through
Showing following your dreams can help them come true...
As I share with you this, my honest review:
Kitty is celebrating her 50th birthday following her dreams
Newly divorced she can do what she seems!
Visiting India was always high on that list
And this is an opportunity not to be missed!
A chance encounter whilst staying there
Results in a friendship with someone who takes care.
Their talk inspires her to revisit her past
And return to Paris to stay at last.
She lived there, studying thirty years ago
Living her best life, daringly so!
But Kitty Collins had her heart broken
When words of support were never spoken.
She left her friends and lover behind
And a fresh start endeavoured to find.
Now, with her daughter, she'll return once more
Sharing her life and Paris to explore.
A beautiful read with dialogue which seems so real
The emotions, the drama, it helps readers to feel.
A story where events from the past
Are shared and healing occurs at last.
A heartwarming read that's inspirational, too,
And one I have no hesitation recommending to you!
An emotive read all the way through
Showing following your dreams can help them come true...
November 13, 2025
Kitty enjoyed her time in Paris until an unhappy breakup resulted in her leaving and never going back. Years later after her marriage ended in a reasonably amicable divorce a chance encounter on a holiday with her daughter Sasha gave her the impetus to go back to spend six months there. She then met her best friend with whom she had lost all contact - but also the friend's brother, the cause of her heartbreak.
It confused me slightly at first as the opening scene were in Ghoa, rather than Paris, but this was just setting the reasons for Kitty returning to Paris. I'm not a fan of any city, but the descriptions of Paris and in particular the food really brought it to life for me. The high life that Kitty and Sasha end up enjoying is something that I can't easily relate to, but wouldn't mind trying. It does show that fame and money doesn't always bring happiness, but forgiveness can. In summary a second chance romance that I did enjoy.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
It confused me slightly at first as the opening scene were in Ghoa, rather than Paris, but this was just setting the reasons for Kitty returning to Paris. I'm not a fan of any city, but the descriptions of Paris and in particular the food really brought it to life for me. The high life that Kitty and Sasha end up enjoying is something that I can't easily relate to, but wouldn't mind trying. It does show that fame and money doesn't always bring happiness, but forgiveness can. In summary a second chance romance that I did enjoy.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
October 15, 2025
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC for this book.
What you will find with this contemporary romance:
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Characters over 50
❤️ Womens Fiction / Mother daughter bonding
❤️ Vacation Romance
I was drawn to this story as it's was a second chance romance with a strong female charachter. Plus there were done awesome descriptions of her and her daughters adventures in Goa, Ibdia and Paris France. I especially liked the daughter and her new friend, Ashock. The romance was sweet and fell back into insta love after 30 years apart.
There were some slow parts and I really didnt think Tomas charachter was as well developed as the other characters. I also wished there was more angst and a little more drama. There started to be the inkling of drama between her snd her ex and the fmc and Tomas but it just went sweet / calm/ drama free for most of the story.
What you will find with this contemporary romance:
❤️ Second Chance Romance
❤️ Characters over 50
❤️ Womens Fiction / Mother daughter bonding
❤️ Vacation Romance
I was drawn to this story as it's was a second chance romance with a strong female charachter. Plus there were done awesome descriptions of her and her daughters adventures in Goa, Ibdia and Paris France. I especially liked the daughter and her new friend, Ashock. The romance was sweet and fell back into insta love after 30 years apart.
There were some slow parts and I really didnt think Tomas charachter was as well developed as the other characters. I also wished there was more angst and a little more drama. There started to be the inkling of drama between her snd her ex and the fmc and Tomas but it just went sweet / calm/ drama free for most of the story.
November 12, 2025
Never Too Late is a book about seconds chances at life and love. Kitty is an enjoyable character who has to start over at 50 after a divorce. She learns to love the single life and can now try and fulfill the dreams from her youth.
The second chance romance trope is one of my favorites, and Never Too Late satisfies that genre. I also enjoy women's fiction focusing on older main characters. As I'm closer to Kitty's age group, it helps me identify better with the character. Not much about her current situation parallels with mine, but being in the same generation is great.
I enjoyed the author's writing style. The descriptive prose had me feeling like I was in Paris. Being able to meet Kitty, get to know her, and see Paris through her current lens really pulled this book together for me. Yes, this is a second chance romance, but Never Too Late is a second chance for Kitty in many areas: life, dreams, and friendship.
The second chance romance trope is one of my favorites, and Never Too Late satisfies that genre. I also enjoy women's fiction focusing on older main characters. As I'm closer to Kitty's age group, it helps me identify better with the character. Not much about her current situation parallels with mine, but being in the same generation is great.
I enjoyed the author's writing style. The descriptive prose had me feeling like I was in Paris. Being able to meet Kitty, get to know her, and see Paris through her current lens really pulled this book together for me. Yes, this is a second chance romance, but Never Too Late is a second chance for Kitty in many areas: life, dreams, and friendship.
October 4, 2025
A los cincuenta años, Katherine siente que el tiempo se le ha escapado de las manos: un divorcio reciente, sueños olvidados y una rutina que ya no la llena. Para animarla, su hija Sasha organiza un viaje a Goa, India, donde ambas vivirán experiencias que cambiarán la forma en que Katherine ve su presente… y su futuro.
En medio de cenas bajo las estrellas, nuevos amigos y el recuerdo de una juventud vivida en París, Katherine empieza a reencontrarse con la mujer que fue y la que todavía puede llegar a ser. Allí conoce a Ashok, un hombre que parece tener las respuestas que ella ni siquiera sabía que buscaba.
___
Iba a poner un comentario, pero daría spoilers y creo que arruinaria la historia.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
En medio de cenas bajo las estrellas, nuevos amigos y el recuerdo de una juventud vivida en París, Katherine empieza a reencontrarse con la mujer que fue y la que todavía puede llegar a ser. Allí conoce a Ashok, un hombre que parece tener las respuestas que ella ni siquiera sabía que buscaba.
___
Iba a poner un comentario, pero daría spoilers y creo que arruinaria la historia.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
October 12, 2025
Never Too Late by Maxine Morrey is a heartwarming and hopeful story about rediscovering yourself when life takes an unexpected turn. After finding herself divorced at 50, Kitty takes a trip to India that inspires her to return to Paris, a city she once swore she would never visit again after a painful heartbreak.
As the story unfolds, Kitty rebuilds her confidence, rekindles old friendships, and strengthens her bond with her daughter. Morrey beautifully captures the idea that it is never too late to begin again or to open your heart to love. This is a charming read for anyone who enjoys mature romance, second chances, and stories of personal growth set against a backdrop of travel and self-discovery.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the story unfolds, Kitty rebuilds her confidence, rekindles old friendships, and strengthens her bond with her daughter. Morrey beautifully captures the idea that it is never too late to begin again or to open your heart to love. This is a charming read for anyone who enjoys mature romance, second chances, and stories of personal growth set against a backdrop of travel and self-discovery.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2025
Never Too Late by Maxine Morrey is the story of a fifty year old divorcee who is ready to start a new life and discover who she is now. She is haunted by the memory of her first love from when she lived in Paris; the one who broke her heart. When she moves to Paris and meets him again 30 years later, will they pick up where they left off, or will the past heartbreak be too much to overcome?
I enjoyed this book! It was well written and I enjoyed all the characters and most of the banter was enjoyable, too. My only issue with the writing is that Katherine, the FMC was written to feel like a much older woman than what she is. I had to keep reminding myself that she’s only 50 because of some of the things she says and does. Other than that, it’s a feel-good, heartwarming novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book!
I enjoyed this book! It was well written and I enjoyed all the characters and most of the banter was enjoyable, too. My only issue with the writing is that Katherine, the FMC was written to feel like a much older woman than what she is. I had to keep reminding myself that she’s only 50 because of some of the things she says and does. Other than that, it’s a feel-good, heartwarming novel!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this book!
October 30, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the ARC.
I was hopeful for this book, a character turning 50, starting her life over, finding who she is. I'm a few months away from my 50th birthday, so I was interested in this one. But I was so disappointed. The life that Kitty moves to is just unbelievable. She didn't get a job, didn't settle into her new life, didn't change groups of friends or find new hobbies - the things I think most folks would be doing or be able to do. No, she moved to Paris and rediscovered old friends and loves. Yeah, most of us would love to do that, but I think I was hoping for something more realistic.
Also, I didn't like the daughter. She got on my nerves around page 2.
This wasn't the book for me, but if you're looking for a dream life, you might really enjoy it.
2.5 stars.
I was hopeful for this book, a character turning 50, starting her life over, finding who she is. I'm a few months away from my 50th birthday, so I was interested in this one. But I was so disappointed. The life that Kitty moves to is just unbelievable. She didn't get a job, didn't settle into her new life, didn't change groups of friends or find new hobbies - the things I think most folks would be doing or be able to do. No, she moved to Paris and rediscovered old friends and loves. Yeah, most of us would love to do that, but I think I was hoping for something more realistic.
Also, I didn't like the daughter. She got on my nerves around page 2.
This wasn't the book for me, but if you're looking for a dream life, you might really enjoy it.
2.5 stars.
November 3, 2025
3 stars for me.
Kitty is divorced 50 year old who decided to move to France,a country that she left when her first love Tomas Laurent broke her heart.Together with her daughter Sasha she's building new life and trying to rediscover her old self.Things get complicated when Tomas and his sister enter her life again,and old feelings re-emerge,and maybe they have a second chance to do it right this time?
Will Kitty get the new beginning she wants?
Full of joy,friendship and romance this cozy story was enjoyable to read.I liked Kitty and Thomas and was actually quite sad for them, and that they didn't share the last thirty years together,but then it's never to late to start again.Heartwarming and hopeful this second chance romance it's an uplifting read,and I believe a lot will enjoy it.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Kitty is divorced 50 year old who decided to move to France,a country that she left when her first love Tomas Laurent broke her heart.Together with her daughter Sasha she's building new life and trying to rediscover her old self.Things get complicated when Tomas and his sister enter her life again,and old feelings re-emerge,and maybe they have a second chance to do it right this time?
Will Kitty get the new beginning she wants?
Full of joy,friendship and romance this cozy story was enjoyable to read.I liked Kitty and Thomas and was actually quite sad for them, and that they didn't share the last thirty years together,but then it's never to late to start again.Heartwarming and hopeful this second chance romance it's an uplifting read,and I believe a lot will enjoy it.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
January 24, 2026
I received a copy of this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There's something very sweet about this book, the way Katherine and Sasha are close. It's also refreshing to see someone divorced who is still on friendly terms with their ex. Having never been divorced, I can't say how I would react (probably rage-filled and poorly), but I feel like I've read a string of books where women are angry at their ex-husband. So this was an unexpected small part of the plot that jumped out at me.
Katherine/Kitty is brave to move to Paris for 6 months 30ish years after having her heart broken there. She throws herself into being there, enjoying herself, and rediscovering parts of herself that were lost or abandoned. The story is uplifting and optimistic and just a really lovely book to read.
There's something very sweet about this book, the way Katherine and Sasha are close. It's also refreshing to see someone divorced who is still on friendly terms with their ex. Having never been divorced, I can't say how I would react (probably rage-filled and poorly), but I feel like I've read a string of books where women are angry at their ex-husband. So this was an unexpected small part of the plot that jumped out at me.
Katherine/Kitty is brave to move to Paris for 6 months 30ish years after having her heart broken there. She throws herself into being there, enjoying herself, and rediscovering parts of herself that were lost or abandoned. The story is uplifting and optimistic and just a really lovely book to read.
November 2, 2025
This is such a heartwarming and hopeful story about finding yourself again when life doesn’t go as planned.
After getting divorced at 50, Kitty takes a trip to India that ends up inspiring her to go back to Paris — a city she swore off years ago after a painful heartbreak. I loved seeing her slowly rediscover her confidence and realise that the spark she thought was gone is still very much there.
It was so refreshing to read a romance centered around an older heroine — 50 is still young, and it’s nice to see that reflected in a genre that so often focuses on twenty-somethings.
A lovely, uplifting read about second chances, self-discovery, and starting over.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
After getting divorced at 50, Kitty takes a trip to India that ends up inspiring her to go back to Paris — a city she swore off years ago after a painful heartbreak. I loved seeing her slowly rediscover her confidence and realise that the spark she thought was gone is still very much there.
It was so refreshing to read a romance centered around an older heroine — 50 is still young, and it’s nice to see that reflected in a genre that so often focuses on twenty-somethings.
A lovely, uplifting read about second chances, self-discovery, and starting over.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
October 22, 2025
Never Too Late has all the right ingredients for a charming second-chance story — Paris, reinvention after fifty, and the comforting promise that it’s never too late to start over. I can see why so many readers found it cozy and uplifting, but I struggled to fully connect. The story felt familiar, like something I’ve read before, and while the themes of self-discovery and romance are lovely, they didn’t quite come alive for me. Still, it’s a gentle, easy read that will likely appeal to anyone craving a heartwarming escape about new beginnings later in life.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
November 6, 2025
Is it too late to start over or turn your life around, just because you're a certain age?
What about if things haven't gone exactly to plan and you need to go back to the drawing board in your 50s?
That's what this book is all about.
I loved the premise of "Never Too Late" by Maxine Morrey and how it comes to life in this book.
What I loved the most about it? How the FMC decides to step out of her comfort zone and how she sets her priorities/boundaries, after what she has gone through.
I loved the story, the writing, and the mother-daughter relationship, but I haven't really connected with the characters.
However, it's a good cozy book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the chance to read this book before its publication date.
What about if things haven't gone exactly to plan and you need to go back to the drawing board in your 50s?
That's what this book is all about.
I loved the premise of "Never Too Late" by Maxine Morrey and how it comes to life in this book.
What I loved the most about it? How the FMC decides to step out of her comfort zone and how she sets her priorities/boundaries, after what she has gone through.
I loved the story, the writing, and the mother-daughter relationship, but I haven't really connected with the characters.
However, it's a good cozy book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the chance to read this book before its publication date.
November 11, 2025
The ultimate second chance romance
Thank you NetGalley for the early. Opt of this book! It was very enjoyable and I’m Giving this 3 stars because it was a good story. I love a second chance romance and this one was no exception. After a divorce, it was time to go back and start over in the place she loved in her twenties. Not expecting to find love but ended up finding and reconnecting with her first and one true love.
It was cute and the writing was easy to read and follow. There was a lot of dialogue which didn’t feel forced and overall was very well written.
Thank you NetGalley for the early. Opt of this book! It was very enjoyable and I’m Giving this 3 stars because it was a good story. I love a second chance romance and this one was no exception. After a divorce, it was time to go back and start over in the place she loved in her twenties. Not expecting to find love but ended up finding and reconnecting with her first and one true love.
It was cute and the writing was easy to read and follow. There was a lot of dialogue which didn’t feel forced and overall was very well written.
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