What do you think?
Rate this book
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62
How does a 62-year-old woman who's never been married find happiness with a two-time widower seeking his third wife on . . . Craigslist!? Does she throw caution to the wind and relinquish her freedom, or should she take a crash course in compromises? Author B. Lynn Goodwin tells all and more in Never Too Late . How she was attracted to Richard's clear expectations, his honesty, and his incredible openness. She'd never met anyone like him. Would she recognize love if it knocked on her heart? And could an educated woman be happy moving into a blue-collar world? Whether you've been single forever, are trapped in an unhappy marriage, or you're simply curious, you'll find secrets to a happy marriage in Never Too Late.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
222 pages, Hardcover
First published December 20, 2017
10 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
B. Lynn Goodwin
5 books154 followersWriter and editor B. Lynn Goodwin owns Writer Advice, www.writeradvice.com. She’s the author of a YA, Talent, which was short-listed for a Literary Lightbox Award and won a bronze medal in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and was a finalist for a Sarton Women’s Book Award, and Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62, which won a 2018 National Indie Excellence Award Winner, Human Relations Indie Book Awards Winner, Dragonfly Book Awards & Next Generation Indie Book Awards & Best Book Awards Finalist & NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner.
She’s written a collection of journaling prompts, flash pieces, and short articles. Her flash fiction is published in Flashquake, Nebo, Cabinet of Heed, Murmur of Words, 100-Word Stories, Ariel’s Dream, and Writing in a Woman’s Voice. She lives near Mt. Diablo with her energizer-bunny husband and their exceptional terrier.
She’s written a collection of journaling prompts, flash pieces, and short articles. Her flash fiction is published in Flashquake, Nebo, Cabinet of Heed, Murmur of Words, 100-Word Stories, Ariel’s Dream, and Writing in a Woman’s Voice. She lives near Mt. Diablo with her energizer-bunny husband and their exceptional terrier.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 2, 2018
At 62, Lynn Goodwin married a man whom she met on Craigslist, a man who was her total opposite. He had been widowed twice, had seven children, had a technical school degree, and owned his own electrical company. He was a born-again Christian preacher in a small church. She had never married nor had a physical relationship, graduated from Vassar and had a master's degree, taught English in high school, and was a writing coach, writer, book review critic, and an Episcopalian. When I first heard that story, red flags went off all over the place.
Why was she so eager to marry? By 62, I had about decided I was done with men and relationships. One marriage that didn't last, two affairs with men that I really cared about, and a few flings with men who were disappointments. It reminded me of the wedding of my youngest daughter. After five days of festivities, with friends and relatives from all other the country, I shooed the last out the door on a Sunday afternoon and later confessed to a friend that for the first time in a long while, I wished I were married, wished I had someone to relive the event with. In astonishment, she, a happily married woman, asked, "Why didn't you just call me? It would be a lot easier than having a man around the house."
As I started to read, I had to admit we didn't have a level playing field. At 62, like Goodwin, I was single and spending too many Saturday nights home alone with my dog. (I loved that she had a protective dog as a companion.). But I have four children to whom I am very close. They gave me—and still do—some of what Goodwin was missing: the sense of acceptance, the sense of being valued, of being someone who mattered. But there were, of course, gaps they couldn't fill.
Those were the gaps Lynn particularly wanted to fill. Craigslist? She was attracted by the clever metaphor Richard used to present himself, comparing himself to a roadster with two previous owners. When he wrote that his roadster was parked outside church every Sunday, she replied that hers could be parked right next to his. Little did she know what church he belonged to, let alone that he led it. He asked her out. Nervously, she accepted. Her dog liked him right away, a good sign.
Richard wanted to rush into the relationship almost immediately, yet, deep as her longings were, Lynn held back. Where he was impulsive, she was analytical. She weighed giving up her independence, especially financial, since he seemed to live from check to check and she had a nice nest egg. She would not move from her relatively neat condo to his trailer with dishes stacked in the sink. She valued her professional life, and, a feminist, she could not become a subservient wife. But Richard made her happy. He made her laugh and feel appreciated.
Throughout, Goodwin is almost painfully honest about her doubts and fears. And she is wry about the things she was learning. Really, who cares if he over-salts his food? Later, she would decide that doing the laundry is not such a big deal. He liked to cook, and she didn't, so let him cook, and she, always with a weight problem, would watch what she ate. No, she wouldn't join him in devouring fried foods. The one time she fixed him tuna salad and asked for an honest critique, she got it in spades, down to the celery was not sliced thin enough.
She quickly became involved in his small church, where she was treated as the pastor's wife even before she was, and Richard's family welcomed her, gave her the family she never had. She relished holidays.
Life is a series of compromises, and she was willing to make a lot of them. As you read, you'll disagree with some of her choice, applaud others, and perhaps think about the choices you've made in life. The important thing is that both Lynn and Richard met in the middle and made compromises each could live with. At the end, you'll want to add the line, "And they lived happily ever after." No one knows that for sure, but it looks promising now. She has now taken to signing her last name Goodwin-Brown.
Every woman should read this book in light of her own life and relationships. It has its funny moments and its serious ones. Readers will rejoice in this story of one woman's journey, but it's also an eye-opener for a lot of us. B. Lynn Goodwin is one gutsy woman, and we can all learn from her.
by Judy Alter
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Why was she so eager to marry? By 62, I had about decided I was done with men and relationships. One marriage that didn't last, two affairs with men that I really cared about, and a few flings with men who were disappointments. It reminded me of the wedding of my youngest daughter. After five days of festivities, with friends and relatives from all other the country, I shooed the last out the door on a Sunday afternoon and later confessed to a friend that for the first time in a long while, I wished I were married, wished I had someone to relive the event with. In astonishment, she, a happily married woman, asked, "Why didn't you just call me? It would be a lot easier than having a man around the house."
As I started to read, I had to admit we didn't have a level playing field. At 62, like Goodwin, I was single and spending too many Saturday nights home alone with my dog. (I loved that she had a protective dog as a companion.). But I have four children to whom I am very close. They gave me—and still do—some of what Goodwin was missing: the sense of acceptance, the sense of being valued, of being someone who mattered. But there were, of course, gaps they couldn't fill.
Those were the gaps Lynn particularly wanted to fill. Craigslist? She was attracted by the clever metaphor Richard used to present himself, comparing himself to a roadster with two previous owners. When he wrote that his roadster was parked outside church every Sunday, she replied that hers could be parked right next to his. Little did she know what church he belonged to, let alone that he led it. He asked her out. Nervously, she accepted. Her dog liked him right away, a good sign.
Richard wanted to rush into the relationship almost immediately, yet, deep as her longings were, Lynn held back. Where he was impulsive, she was analytical. She weighed giving up her independence, especially financial, since he seemed to live from check to check and she had a nice nest egg. She would not move from her relatively neat condo to his trailer with dishes stacked in the sink. She valued her professional life, and, a feminist, she could not become a subservient wife. But Richard made her happy. He made her laugh and feel appreciated.
Throughout, Goodwin is almost painfully honest about her doubts and fears. And she is wry about the things she was learning. Really, who cares if he over-salts his food? Later, she would decide that doing the laundry is not such a big deal. He liked to cook, and she didn't, so let him cook, and she, always with a weight problem, would watch what she ate. No, she wouldn't join him in devouring fried foods. The one time she fixed him tuna salad and asked for an honest critique, she got it in spades, down to the celery was not sliced thin enough.
She quickly became involved in his small church, where she was treated as the pastor's wife even before she was, and Richard's family welcomed her, gave her the family she never had. She relished holidays.
Life is a series of compromises, and she was willing to make a lot of them. As you read, you'll disagree with some of her choice, applaud others, and perhaps think about the choices you've made in life. The important thing is that both Lynn and Richard met in the middle and made compromises each could live with. At the end, you'll want to add the line, "And they lived happily ever after." No one knows that for sure, but it looks promising now. She has now taken to signing her last name Goodwin-Brown.
Every woman should read this book in light of her own life and relationships. It has its funny moments and its serious ones. Readers will rejoice in this story of one woman's journey, but it's also an eye-opener for a lot of us. B. Lynn Goodwin is one gutsy woman, and we can all learn from her.
by Judy Alter
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
April 8, 2018
I was surprised by how much I liked this book.
As someone who has never married, I found it intriguing that someone could fall in love and get married for the first time at age 62. Also having had a "true love" who was as much of a mismatch to me, as Richard, the man Lynn met on Craigslist, was to her (my guy was also an electrician! with a Harley instead of a convertible), I found some consolation in knowing that such a relationship could work (alas, ours did not). Her descriptions of feeling like a teenager again as they began courting rang true.
At the same time, I worried for her. There seemed to be so many red flags. His bossiness. His financial difficulties. His eagerness to get married again. I think these issues helped make the book more readable--obviously they are heading for marriage based on the title but I kept thinking, oh no, this is not a good sign, this is not going to work. But it does, partly because Richard really listens to Lynn and she's able to make compromises.
The story is told directly in plain language but with enough suspense to keep me reading.
As someone who has never married, I found it intriguing that someone could fall in love and get married for the first time at age 62. Also having had a "true love" who was as much of a mismatch to me, as Richard, the man Lynn met on Craigslist, was to her (my guy was also an electrician! with a Harley instead of a convertible), I found some consolation in knowing that such a relationship could work (alas, ours did not). Her descriptions of feeling like a teenager again as they began courting rang true.
At the same time, I worried for her. There seemed to be so many red flags. His bossiness. His financial difficulties. His eagerness to get married again. I think these issues helped make the book more readable--obviously they are heading for marriage based on the title but I kept thinking, oh no, this is not a good sign, this is not going to work. But it does, partly because Richard really listens to Lynn and she's able to make compromises.
The story is told directly in plain language but with enough suspense to keep me reading.
February 2, 2018
I must be honest and say that I enjoyed each and every page of Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin, but I have some regrets after reading the book. My regret lies only in the fact I didn't read it sooner. For that I shall blame the stars for not aligning sooner, because clearly I could not have read a book that was not written about a tale that had not yet been experienced.
Let me explain...
My father passed away when I was young. My mother started dating back in the day when a personal ad was printed in a local newspaper. At my young age, there were many things I did not understand about life and even more things I had yet to discover about dating and love. My mother was a very young widow (not even 50 years old) and I was appalled that she was even entertaining the idea of dating. In my naivety I thought having one great love would be enough to last her a lifetime. Then, there were these men who in hindsight were just wonderful people, but they were so different from my father that I couldn't understand the attraction. I wasn't very thoughtful, supportive, or even kind when it came to the matters of my mother's heart.
Fast forward to the present time...
Reading Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin had me laughing and crying with her well established characters, but it also had my present self very disappointed in my previous self. Who was I to label my mother as too old for love? Was she having similar struggles to the engaging characters I was reading about? If only I had been privy a few more life lessons back then, would my relationship with my mother have been better? I enjoyed this book and it gave me an opportunity for quite a bit of self reflection. The official book summary states the following:
Whether you've been single forever, are trapped in an unhappy marriage,
or you're simply curious, you'll find secrets to a happy marriage in Never Too Late.
I would also say it's a great read for anyone who can be a support person for someone in an unhappy marriage or someone alone who may or may not be looking for love. The writing is fabulous and the author draws you right into the story. The characters are well established and you feel close to them.
Another great take away is we don't have to be the same to be kind to one another. Whether we are from different social classes, have differing religious beliefs, etc... we can still come together as friends or lovers without agreeing on everything. This seems much easier to do as we age, but it's a great lesson for any age.
Never Too Late is a fast read and I loved every page!
Let me explain...
My father passed away when I was young. My mother started dating back in the day when a personal ad was printed in a local newspaper. At my young age, there were many things I did not understand about life and even more things I had yet to discover about dating and love. My mother was a very young widow (not even 50 years old) and I was appalled that she was even entertaining the idea of dating. In my naivety I thought having one great love would be enough to last her a lifetime. Then, there were these men who in hindsight were just wonderful people, but they were so different from my father that I couldn't understand the attraction. I wasn't very thoughtful, supportive, or even kind when it came to the matters of my mother's heart.
Fast forward to the present time...
Reading Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin had me laughing and crying with her well established characters, but it also had my present self very disappointed in my previous self. Who was I to label my mother as too old for love? Was she having similar struggles to the engaging characters I was reading about? If only I had been privy a few more life lessons back then, would my relationship with my mother have been better? I enjoyed this book and it gave me an opportunity for quite a bit of self reflection. The official book summary states the following:
Whether you've been single forever, are trapped in an unhappy marriage,
or you're simply curious, you'll find secrets to a happy marriage in Never Too Late.
I would also say it's a great read for anyone who can be a support person for someone in an unhappy marriage or someone alone who may or may not be looking for love. The writing is fabulous and the author draws you right into the story. The characters are well established and you feel close to them.
Another great take away is we don't have to be the same to be kind to one another. Whether we are from different social classes, have differing religious beliefs, etc... we can still come together as friends or lovers without agreeing on everything. This seems much easier to do as we age, but it's a great lesson for any age.
Never Too Late is a fast read and I loved every page!
May 15, 2018
This experienced teacher with two previous memoirs shows us the courage it takes to open a new chapter in her life when she marries for the first time at the age of 62.
Her entertaining and skilful account holds the reader with an honest description of events, challenges, fears and doubts. We are let into the kissing, the feelings of intimacy, yearning and pleasure, and the vital brown paper bag purchased from a late night chemist in Reno. The central question is: should she fall deeper for a Craigslist sweetheart with a very different character and certain uncomfortable issues. I’ll leave you to decide.
Like the author, I'm 62 but, unlike her, I'm a man married for 38 years, and what could I possibly take away from this? Quite a lot and that’s why I’m recommending it. I’m a psychologist interested in how we can rise above our egos to carve out a viable way of sharing. Here we see the natural stirrings up of anxiety, needs for control, feelings of dependency and out-dated but deep-rooted notions of man and woman, all portrayed as part and parcel of the “give and take” at the heart of a good marriage.
I most enjoyed the author’s way telling this story, which showed her craft as an advisor to writers. When she raises the question “Who is interested in a memoir?” she answers it with “Anyone who hasn’t lived that particular life”. So, if you have a story that seems personal or ordinary, reading this might encourage you to tell it well and expand the life of others, just as in this case Lynn Goodwin’s own life was enlarged by marrying her man.
Her entertaining and skilful account holds the reader with an honest description of events, challenges, fears and doubts. We are let into the kissing, the feelings of intimacy, yearning and pleasure, and the vital brown paper bag purchased from a late night chemist in Reno. The central question is: should she fall deeper for a Craigslist sweetheart with a very different character and certain uncomfortable issues. I’ll leave you to decide.
Like the author, I'm 62 but, unlike her, I'm a man married for 38 years, and what could I possibly take away from this? Quite a lot and that’s why I’m recommending it. I’m a psychologist interested in how we can rise above our egos to carve out a viable way of sharing. Here we see the natural stirrings up of anxiety, needs for control, feelings of dependency and out-dated but deep-rooted notions of man and woman, all portrayed as part and parcel of the “give and take” at the heart of a good marriage.
I most enjoyed the author’s way telling this story, which showed her craft as an advisor to writers. When she raises the question “Who is interested in a memoir?” she answers it with “Anyone who hasn’t lived that particular life”. So, if you have a story that seems personal or ordinary, reading this might encourage you to tell it well and expand the life of others, just as in this case Lynn Goodwin’s own life was enlarged by marrying her man.
January 25, 2018
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 is a candid and realistic glimpse into the mind and heart of a sixty-two-year-old woman who has never married and is relentlessly pursued by a sixty-seven-year old widower whom she meets on-line. With raw honesty, the author slowly reveals the conflict she is experiencing in making the decision to marry. How can a blue collar worker fit into her white collar world? How will she deal with a potential loss of independence? What will she be giving up? But what will she gain? All of these concerns are relatable and the reader feels her dilemma.
Though there are flaws in the relationship that make her uncomfortable, such as being offered his second wife’s wedding ring, she is attracted to his openness and honesty and yearns for companionship. In the meantime, her pursuer never wavers and gives her the space she needs to make her final decision.
Her writing is clear, descriptive and engaging with steady pacing. She slowly begins to trust not only him but in her own judgment. It is the unfolding of this decision-making process that anchors the reader in her dilemma. The tension builds as she explores the pros and cons of marrying for the first time at her age. When she finally decides to give in to love and marry him, I breathed a sigh of relief and cheered her on.
An engaging love story with a message that love can happen at any age and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Though there are flaws in the relationship that make her uncomfortable, such as being offered his second wife’s wedding ring, she is attracted to his openness and honesty and yearns for companionship. In the meantime, her pursuer never wavers and gives her the space she needs to make her final decision.
Her writing is clear, descriptive and engaging with steady pacing. She slowly begins to trust not only him but in her own judgment. It is the unfolding of this decision-making process that anchors the reader in her dilemma. The tension builds as she explores the pros and cons of marrying for the first time at her age. When she finally decides to give in to love and marry him, I breathed a sigh of relief and cheered her on.
An engaging love story with a message that love can happen at any age and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
April 10, 2025
Lynn Goodwin’s book Never Too Late is the perfect book for this week of romance.
Goodwin writes so honestly and draws us into her story so well, that we feel as if we are sitting together over coffee, sharing our life stories.
Having remarried at age 50, I do know that it is never too late to find love.
Goodwin describes in much detail and honesty how she met Richard through Craiglist, through their early dates, their engagement and onto their marriage. She gives us an intimate look at her fears about their differences. She knows how independent she is and wonders often about Richard’s controlling ways. She recognizes and appreciates his good qualities but hesitates giving control of her life, of her money, of her independence.
All couples must compromise when they join their lives. For Goodwin, being alone for 62 years, was a much greater challenge. I thoroughly enjoined following their love story, their challenges and how they overcame them and how they made their romance work.
“We were a couple of good-hearted, imperfect, youngish seniors, partnering up.”
They each had their own motto that served them well throughout:
Richard: “The secret to marriage is to have no secrets.”
Lynn: “Pick your battles.”
I highly recommend this book. It is an honest, realistic examination of meeting someone and falling in love. It really is never too late.
(I did receive an advance copy to review)
Goodwin writes so honestly and draws us into her story so well, that we feel as if we are sitting together over coffee, sharing our life stories.
Having remarried at age 50, I do know that it is never too late to find love.
Goodwin describes in much detail and honesty how she met Richard through Craiglist, through their early dates, their engagement and onto their marriage. She gives us an intimate look at her fears about their differences. She knows how independent she is and wonders often about Richard’s controlling ways. She recognizes and appreciates his good qualities but hesitates giving control of her life, of her money, of her independence.
All couples must compromise when they join their lives. For Goodwin, being alone for 62 years, was a much greater challenge. I thoroughly enjoined following their love story, their challenges and how they overcame them and how they made their romance work.
“We were a couple of good-hearted, imperfect, youngish seniors, partnering up.”
They each had their own motto that served them well throughout:
Richard: “The secret to marriage is to have no secrets.”
Lynn: “Pick your battles.”
I highly recommend this book. It is an honest, realistic examination of meeting someone and falling in love. It really is never too late.
(I did receive an advance copy to review)
March 21, 2018
It’s never too late to read a book that holds your interest and keeps you reading into the night, until too tired, just to see what the character is going to get herself into next.
Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin is that exact book!
Being over 60 is not a reason to be put on “hold.” Goodwin proves that as she has her character in,
Never Too Late, discover there is life after being
single your entire life. Hard to change and accept
each step, she trudges on, telling herself she deserves
more in her life, even at this “age.”
I love that the characters were diverse in beliefs, yet able
to find common ground to explore and create lives that suited both of them. I also loved that there was compromise on both sides with non-judgemental
consequences.
Reading Never Too Late you get the sense that there is “hope” out there for everyone! If you are in the mindset of it’s too late for me, no matter what age you are, I definitely
recommend this book! It’s one that should be on the top of your list of what to read next!
Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin is that exact book!
Being over 60 is not a reason to be put on “hold.” Goodwin proves that as she has her character in,
Never Too Late, discover there is life after being
single your entire life. Hard to change and accept
each step, she trudges on, telling herself she deserves
more in her life, even at this “age.”
I love that the characters were diverse in beliefs, yet able
to find common ground to explore and create lives that suited both of them. I also loved that there was compromise on both sides with non-judgemental
consequences.
Reading Never Too Late you get the sense that there is “hope” out there for everyone! If you are in the mindset of it’s too late for me, no matter what age you are, I definitely
recommend this book! It’s one that should be on the top of your list of what to read next!
February 3, 2018
This was a good book for me to read right now. I'm single and just reading this gave me peace about my own journey in the romantic department. First of all, it's excellent writing. And it's told in a way that reads like a story. And this is incredible for me because if I was being honest, I almost never read non-fiction. This captured me though. I couldn't wait to see how Lynn and Richard worked out their relationship and how they would learn to compromise and blend each other's lives. It was raw honesty and it was so inspiring to me.
Second, it's also a really fast read. It's just filled with knowledge and awareness of what will make a relationship work and what it means to make a life together - no matter what your age. So the question remains...is it ever too late for love? I think this book proves the answer is no! It's never too late.
Second, it's also a really fast read. It's just filled with knowledge and awareness of what will make a relationship work and what it means to make a life together - no matter what your age. So the question remains...is it ever too late for love? I think this book proves the answer is no! It's never too late.
July 3, 2020
B. Lynn Goodwin’s memoir Never too late: From wannabe to wife at 62, published by Köehler Books, is set in contemporary America. It tells the inspirational story of Lynn, an independent professional woman, who finds love late in life and has to wrestle with her fears and her expectations fuelled by modern media.
Lynn is a writer and editor. She lives with her dog Mikko McPuppers in a condo in Danville. After a few uneventful relationships she meets Richard on Craigslist. What follows is a searingly honest tale of overcoming their differences in outlook (he believes that a man should be the head of the household and she wants an equal partnership), education, financial security and experience, he has been married twice and she is a virgin.
In first person past tense the story is told through Lynn’s engaging perspective. I enjoyed her sense of humor as she navigates the perilous line ‘part servant part independent woman’ of an intimate relationship with a religious, traditional man.
What comes across is that in order to be a couple, a man and a woman has to learn to negotiate and be willing to compromise. That’s leads to growth as Lynn learns to trust Richard in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
There is a section at the back of the book with helpful advice and suggestions on where to look for those over-fifties still yearning for love.
Lynn is a writer and editor. She lives with her dog Mikko McPuppers in a condo in Danville. After a few uneventful relationships she meets Richard on Craigslist. What follows is a searingly honest tale of overcoming their differences in outlook (he believes that a man should be the head of the household and she wants an equal partnership), education, financial security and experience, he has been married twice and she is a virgin.
In first person past tense the story is told through Lynn’s engaging perspective. I enjoyed her sense of humor as she navigates the perilous line ‘part servant part independent woman’ of an intimate relationship with a religious, traditional man.
What comes across is that in order to be a couple, a man and a woman has to learn to negotiate and be willing to compromise. That’s leads to growth as Lynn learns to trust Richard in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
There is a section at the back of the book with helpful advice and suggestions on where to look for those over-fifties still yearning for love.
May 9, 2018
Never Too Late is a work of creative non-fiction, well-written, with a lot of imagery and imaginative description. I could feel the feelings the author is putting down.
In a world where most women are either married by 40 or a confirmed bachelorette, to be married for the first time at 62 is definitely an oddity.
The words flow to the point where it is easy to follow, to know where the story is going, and what has happened before. I don't find it easy to read non-fiction, especially in prose form, but I got through this book okay – and that's saying something.
Overall, one of the better non-fiction books I've read, and full of knowledge that even a 28-yo can use.
In a world where most women are either married by 40 or a confirmed bachelorette, to be married for the first time at 62 is definitely an oddity.
The words flow to the point where it is easy to follow, to know where the story is going, and what has happened before. I don't find it easy to read non-fiction, especially in prose form, but I got through this book okay – and that's saying something.
Overall, one of the better non-fiction books I've read, and full of knowledge that even a 28-yo can use.
July 17, 2018
Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife at 62 intrigued me because I married rather late (32 back in 1978) and met my husband through a pre-internet dating service, Single Book Lovers. I found Goodwin's story inspiration, well-told, and heart-warming. She took us through all her indecision, and obviously, she made the right choice! I am so happy for her and for all those who never lose hope! By the way, it was so enjoyable that I read it in two days.
August 20, 2018
Lynn Goodwin had almost given up on finding love until she got on Craigslist and found her perfect mate. And therein lies her courageous and beautiful love story. Lynn's honesty, self-exploration, and clear writing style give the book momentum and substance. Whether you're single, married, looking or not looking for love, this is a great story.
May 18, 2020
This is a book that I never would have chosen on my own, but the author, Lynn Goodman, is in my AAUW book group. Knowing the author was married, but not knowing Lynn’s personal marital journey, I was surprised and at times uncomfortable with the raw telling of her story. It definitely gave me a lot to think about in the way that I perceived intimate relationships.
January 30, 2018
Happy for them, but the book is a little slow. Many chapters repeat the same question: should I marry him? I was glad to see the author becoming more assertive. She had me worried for a while. The outcome was enjoyable.
November 3, 2018
A candid, touching, and at times humorous memoir that lets us see into the author’s struggle to find the fine line between giving up herself and her independence and surrendering to the compromises that are needed to come together with another in relationship.
June 18, 2019
Well Done Lynn, Great Read
Captivating and honest, Lynn Goodwin tells hers and Richard’s story with heartfelt honesty while using all her authorial skills in the process.
Captivating and honest, Lynn Goodwin tells hers and Richard’s story with heartfelt honesty while using all her authorial skills in the process.
June 13, 2018
This was not my choice for a book - a book club member picked it. Don't waste your time. This was 222 pages of time spent reading I will never get back which could have been spent on something I actually wanted to read. The idea maybe was unique but Oh My God - did this lady have an editor? Talk about repetitive!!! Dialog was very basic and mostly consisted of questions to herself about her current life choices regarding a man she met on Craig's list.
Basically she has always taken care of herself, she is afraid she might lose independence, but she thinks she might want to be married but she thinks the one guy she met on Craig's list is a bit opinionated about a woman's role in a marriage given his age and previous experience with other wives, all of which he has outlived. Essentially a 62 year old virgin, she is sort of afraid of men/lack of experience she has with them. I can understand some second guessing in the beginning but come on.
My opinion? How many times do we have to read about her indecision if he is or is not right for her? Piss and get off the pot already lady!!! Each chapter was just more of the same. I honestly found this painful to read.
Basically she has always taken care of herself, she is afraid she might lose independence, but she thinks she might want to be married but she thinks the one guy she met on Craig's list is a bit opinionated about a woman's role in a marriage given his age and previous experience with other wives, all of which he has outlived. Essentially a 62 year old virgin, she is sort of afraid of men/lack of experience she has with them. I can understand some second guessing in the beginning but come on.
My opinion? How many times do we have to read about her indecision if he is or is not right for her? Piss and get off the pot already lady!!! Each chapter was just more of the same. I honestly found this painful to read.
October 20, 2018
Never Too Late : From Wannabe to Wife at 62 by B Lynn Goodwin is the memoir about Lynn Goodwin who has met her true love, Richard whom she married at age 62, on Craigslist.
Ms Goodwin has never married before, and Richard has widowed twice, and they met on Craigslist! And that is a lot for Ms Goodwin to consider before she open her mind to accept Richard as her lover, and maybe her husband! They have so many differences: in financial management, in one’s belief and faith, food preferences, Richard’s children and grandchildren, etc. Ms Goodwin also has her own fears and doubts. However, she is not going to give up easily, and the memoir has said it all: Never too late to pursue one’s dream and desire. And it is better late than never!
Normally memoir is not my reading genre and this is the first one I have reviewed. Thank you, Lynn, for giving this opportunity. There are slow paces at some points; nonetheless, Ms Goodwin has spun it well and it is a light and easy read.
Ms Goodwin has never married before, and Richard has widowed twice, and they met on Craigslist! And that is a lot for Ms Goodwin to consider before she open her mind to accept Richard as her lover, and maybe her husband! They have so many differences: in financial management, in one’s belief and faith, food preferences, Richard’s children and grandchildren, etc. Ms Goodwin also has her own fears and doubts. However, she is not going to give up easily, and the memoir has said it all: Never too late to pursue one’s dream and desire. And it is better late than never!
Normally memoir is not my reading genre and this is the first one I have reviewed. Thank you, Lynn, for giving this opportunity. There are slow paces at some points; nonetheless, Ms Goodwin has spun it well and it is a light and easy read.
August 22, 2022
Actually 3.5. This is an easy book to read. The author writes in a candid honest voice that makes me trust her. At times her openness made me squirm, but that’s okay.
For someone who met her husband at 20 and is still happily married this book offered a perspectives I had never considered. I wrongly assumed that someone who had never been married had chosen that path.
The questions and doubts the author has about this relationship resonated with me. What surprised me was how far she was willing to open up to her future husband to become his wife. On several occasions I said to myself, “That would be a deal breaker for me.”
Although beyond the scope of the book, I wondered how much Richard had to stretch and change to accommodate her.
I read this book because I took an independent study class from the author. Often in her feedback for my writing she urged me to delve deeper in my emotions and be more revealing. Now I understand why.
For someone who met her husband at 20 and is still happily married this book offered a perspectives I had never considered. I wrongly assumed that someone who had never been married had chosen that path.
The questions and doubts the author has about this relationship resonated with me. What surprised me was how far she was willing to open up to her future husband to become his wife. On several occasions I said to myself, “That would be a deal breaker for me.”
Although beyond the scope of the book, I wondered how much Richard had to stretch and change to accommodate her.
I read this book because I took an independent study class from the author. Often in her feedback for my writing she urged me to delve deeper in my emotions and be more revealing. Now I understand why.
May 7, 2025
Never Too Late by B. Lynn Goodwin is a touching account of a life-changing transition at an unexpected point in the author’s life, thanks to Craigslist. Her story is honest, revealing, and humorous. When I had to set “Never Too Late” aside to do something else, I eagerly awaited the moment I could return to reading it.
While Ms. Goodwin’s memoir focuses on her decision to marry, or not, at the age of sixty-two, I found many parallels to the choosing to enter any relationship, at any age, at any point in life. Her revealing style does not advise or preach. She wisely lays out the facts as she finds them, her thought processes, and her doubts for the reader to consider on their own.
I recommend “Never Too Late” as a book club read because it surely will stimulate lively conversation. –Pat Spencer, author of the Sticks in a Bundle trilogy.
While Ms. Goodwin’s memoir focuses on her decision to marry, or not, at the age of sixty-two, I found many parallels to the choosing to enter any relationship, at any age, at any point in life. Her revealing style does not advise or preach. She wisely lays out the facts as she finds them, her thought processes, and her doubts for the reader to consider on their own.
I recommend “Never Too Late” as a book club read because it surely will stimulate lively conversation. –Pat Spencer, author of the Sticks in a Bundle trilogy.
February 3, 2019
I'm absolutely terrified of never finding love, and this book, on its surface, seemed like it would live up to its name in making the case that it's "never too late." The author had never been married, had a serious relationship, or had sex until she met her now-husband on Craigslist at age 62. She does a good job telling the story, some typos notwithstanding, but I had to swallow a lot of judgment because a lot of things about her husband that would be dealbreakers for me- he smokes, he's not very smart, he thinks men should be the head of the household- weren't for her. For me personally, ending up with a man like Richard would be settling, but although she had her doubts about marrying him initially, it sounds like they're happy now.
September 9, 2025
Lynn Goodwin has written an honest examination of what she wants to hold onto or to put away in forming a lasting relationship. Without much experience she writes about her hesitation to let herself be pulled into marriage with humor and candor. At the age of sixty-two, we expect a woman or a man to have had a physical and emotional relationship or two, but this lack of experience does nothing to minimize the wisdom she brings to her decisions. Ultimately, this is a book about how to make a relationship work, how to compromise or not, and to negotiate the small details that create the larger picture of a happy marriage.
March 6, 2021
I loved this book for its honesty and encouragement to all those who erroneously think love has passed them by. Goodwin's account of becoming a first time wife in her 60s should encourage any woman wondering if it's too late. I appreciated how the author shared her doubts, hopes, joys, and concerns as she navigated the "getting to know you" phase, the decision to get married, and the adjustment of intertwining two-deep-into-middle age lives into one new relationship. Well written. Easy to read. Full of hope.
March 7, 2019
A fun read—I laughed many times. Having remarried in my fifties, I recognized some of the strangeness of dating at that age, like revisiting adolescence and attending a job interview at the same time. Then there are the typical, messy adjustments in a relationship.
Kudos to Ms. Goodwin for her courage to tackle marriage for the first time during the autumn of her life, and for writing about it with honesty.
Kudos to Ms. Goodwin for her courage to tackle marriage for the first time during the autumn of her life, and for writing about it with honesty.
February 26, 2020
A real-life romance (ie two imperfect people who are not perfect together but who make life better for each other). This makes it a much better book than the typical romances in my view. The honesty of doubts is also helpful. The bad editing detracts somewhat, but shouldn't stop you from reading the book.
Would have liked to read about how the actual marriage is going (the book is a courtship book). Maybe a sequel?!
Would have liked to read about how the actual marriage is going (the book is a courtship book). Maybe a sequel?!
December 10, 2020
This very sweet and heartfelt memoir tells of the author's surprising Craigslist romance that led to a happy marriage (her first, at 62). Despite going into the book knowing exactly what will take place, Goodwin supplies a surprising amount of suspense, and the reader feels her every doubt alongside her. This is heartwarming and feel-good and reminds me of the Chicken Soup series from ages ago. (Disclosure: I have a professional connection with the author.)
March 20, 2021
A surprising memoir, with an understandable yet unusual story to tell. The author conveys the conflict between wanting to be married at any price, and wanting to be independent. I worried for her and hope she made the best choice for her future.
I was surprised at the lack of a confidante for the author. It might have been interesting to have the opposite point of view coming from someone else, rather than circling around the author's head.
I was surprised at the lack of a confidante for the author. It might have been interesting to have the opposite point of view coming from someone else, rather than circling around the author's head.
March 1, 2018
The premise of this book intrigued me - finding love and marriage for the first time at 62. But I only made it through the first few chapters.
Her soon-to-be husband comes across as kind of a jerk. After a few scenes of his condescension and bossiness I had enough. Maybe it got better, but there are too many books in the world to stick with one that bugs me.
Her soon-to-be husband comes across as kind of a jerk. After a few scenes of his condescension and bossiness I had enough. Maybe it got better, but there are too many books in the world to stick with one that bugs me.
April 13, 2021
Honest, funny and beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's journey to and into latter-day matrimony, with her gently rendered but powerful insights, frankness and wonderful humanity. Never Too Late tells a brave and heartwarming love story.
May 24, 2020
It was ok... I didn't really care for Richard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews