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Shenandoah Sisters #3
The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart
Katie, the daughter of a plantation owner, and Mayme, the daughter of a slave, find themselves with only each other after the civil War. They devise a scheme to keep Katie's plantation going, disguising the fact they are all alone. Now in book three, the girls face new threats to their security. A long-lost uncle appears and then disappears as suddenly, taking their secret with them. Them a flood threatens to destroy the remaining cotton crop they need to save the plantation from foreclosure. Filled with fascinating period details, challenging questions of faith, and heartwarming friendship, this series has all the elements historical fiction fans love.
314 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2003
160 people are currently reading
952 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books609 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 13, 2023
I don't even have the words to describe how I feel right now😪 This was definitely my favorite book in the series so far.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND😁
HIGHLY RECOMMEND😁
August 16, 2012
What a wonderful series. A lot happened in this book. The two girls are still trying to make everyone think adults are still around, but Katies, whose family owns the plantation, had two loans at the Bank and she had to find some way to pay them off. Mayme (the once black slave) saw that the cotton was blooming decided that they would try to pick the cotton.in the last book. In this book, a black Livery worker from town, his name is Henry, came for a visit to see what they were up to and noticed the graves of Katies parents and two brothers and asked about them. At this point, he was the only one they trusted to know the truth. He decided to help the girls pick the cotton, but then the rains came and flooded the fields and all the cotton was destroyed. They were able to pay off one loan, but still had the other one to pay. They could still lose Rosewood Plantation if the second loan wasn't paid. They knew Katies Uncle Ward (whom they think is dead) had struck it rich in California and knew the gold may be somewhere on the property. Some men kept coming bye asking about it, but the girls didn't know where the gold was or even if there really was any. In the mean time, Katies Uncle, Templeton Daniels, came to visit. We find out in this book that Mayme or Mary Ann( that is her real name) is Templeton Daniels daughter. Like I said, a lot happens in this book. Katie finds the gold, the men come back for it with the intension of stealing it from them. One of the men, is the man, who killed both girls families. They have a shoot out and that man gets killed. The town is happy that he's dead, the gold pays off the second loan and the plantation is saved again. I can't wait to read the last book.
March 6, 2011
A relative loved this series and I wanted to give it a chance, but it is just awful. Or perhaps I should say, it is written on about a fifth grade level and absolutely every plot development is telegraphed from the first page. The use of heavy dialect was very distracting and actually quite offensive. But maybe I should say what I really think....
February 21, 2016
This book is phenomenal. I love Michael Phillips' style of writing. The story keeps moving, with enough suspenseful moments and turns of events to provide sufficient peek moments. This book is the third in a four-book series, and I am eager to read the last book.
March 5, 2018
A good historical fiction book with Christian undertones. Some characters you’ll love and some that you’ll want to hate. . . the main moral of the story is it’s whats on the inside that really counts.
February 7, 2014
I enjoyed this book series very much. I haven't been able to find book 2 in our library, so I went on to book 3.
Henry is a black man, who works as a blacksmith in town. He learns of the situation of the girls, working together to run the plantation. He does all he can to help the girls. He is the one who teaches them that: The color of your skin ain't the color of your heart. He tells them they most look deeper than a persons skin, to know if a person has a good heart.
Someone reviewed the book as a fairy tell. It is historical fiction, and it does represent the feelings of people after the Civil War. Blacks were not treated well by many, and they had to struggle to learn how to fit into a southern life style. This is certainly an idealistic situation, where blacks and whites come together, and learn to work for the common good.
I loved the series.
Henry is a black man, who works as a blacksmith in town. He learns of the situation of the girls, working together to run the plantation. He does all he can to help the girls. He is the one who teaches them that: The color of your skin ain't the color of your heart. He tells them they most look deeper than a persons skin, to know if a person has a good heart.
Someone reviewed the book as a fairy tell. It is historical fiction, and it does represent the feelings of people after the Civil War. Blacks were not treated well by many, and they had to struggle to learn how to fit into a southern life style. This is certainly an idealistic situation, where blacks and whites come together, and learn to work for the common good.
I loved the series.
January 28, 2014
In this 3rd book of the Shenandoah Sisters series--The Color of Your Skin Ain't the Color of Your Heart by Michael Phillips, Katie and Mayme continue to fight to save the plantation with the help of Henry and his son, Jeremiah. Mayme gets a big surprise and Katie is thrilled to see her Uncle Templeton again and find the gold that was hidden in her house. Will it be enough to pay off the loan on the plantation? Will the bad men steal it from her? How many more will find out her secret that her parents have died and what will happen to the four girls living on their own? This book has more surprises pop up, more action and some humor too. I enjoyed this one too and look forward to finding out what happens next in the last book of this series.
(Karen's review)
(Karen's review)
July 4, 2016
The third book in the Shenandoah Sisters series lived up to my expectations!
In this book, the same characters that I loved in the first two books are back, with some of them taking a more important role in the story. The new challenges and dangers the girls face are always interesting. I love how the story evolves. In fact, I feel like this series is just liked one long novel that has been cut into four books. I also really like how the characters grow in the story, and how the author incorporates just the right amount of faith and prayer in his books. Definitely making it to my favorites shelf! ;)
And with the book ending on a cliffhanger, I'm really eager to read the conclusion of the series!
In this book, the same characters that I loved in the first two books are back, with some of them taking a more important role in the story. The new challenges and dangers the girls face are always interesting. I love how the story evolves. In fact, I feel like this series is just liked one long novel that has been cut into four books. I also really like how the characters grow in the story, and how the author incorporates just the right amount of faith and prayer in his books. Definitely making it to my favorites shelf! ;)
And with the book ending on a cliffhanger, I'm really eager to read the conclusion of the series!
June 26, 2013
A Christian authored historical fiction type novel. Written about a time just after slaves were freed, two young girls, one white, one black, find themselves living on the plantation without parents because both of the girl's parents were killed during the war. The story line weaves through times of trying to plant cotton fields, deceiving the the townsfolk and bankers, while trying to hold onto the plantation so they won't be sent to state homes for the orphans. I also appreciate the way the chapters were short and the print was larger than many books. This fact makes me look for other Michael Phillips books. Thanks for making it easier for these old eyes.
July 13, 2016
Book 3 of 4(?)
My credibility was stretched. I was really disapointed. I think these novels are YA, and the Christian overtones are too heavy for me. The bad guys are s0 awful; and then, Mayme is half-white???? The girls are cousins? Oh no, no, no, no. I had hoped the girls were able to pull it off themselves, find husbands, etc., but no
Katie's long-lost uncle arrives with gold, ends up being Mayme's long-lost parent, gets shot saving Katie, survives after a chapter or two, and manages to Save The Day. The books were okay up to this one, tho they were too simply written. Oh well.
My credibility was stretched. I was really disapointed. I think these novels are YA, and the Christian overtones are too heavy for me. The bad guys are s0 awful; and then, Mayme is half-white???? The girls are cousins? Oh no, no, no, no. I had hoped the girls were able to pull it off themselves, find husbands, etc., but no
Katie's long-lost uncle arrives with gold, ends up being Mayme's long-lost parent, gets shot saving Katie, survives after a chapter or two, and manages to Save The Day. The books were okay up to this one, tho they were too simply written. Oh well.
July 30, 2013
In the third installment of the Shenandoah Sisters series, the morals are less subtle and so are the plot twists.
For the first time in the three books, I didn't doubt that things would work out because the message of God taking care of good people is very very clear. As Kathleen and Mayme pray about big decisions and feel tremendous guilt over the smallest of discourtesies, the reader knows that God will provide for them.
The twist at the end of this book isn't one that I predicted right away, but it too comes on strong in a saccharine way.
For the first time in the three books, I didn't doubt that things would work out because the message of God taking care of good people is very very clear. As Kathleen and Mayme pray about big decisions and feel tremendous guilt over the smallest of discourtesies, the reader knows that God will provide for them.
The twist at the end of this book isn't one that I predicted right away, but it too comes on strong in a saccharine way.
May 10, 2014
In book three of the series, Mayme and Katie are continually challenged to keep the secret that they are on their own. With flood waters covering the remaining cotton crop and threatened with foreclosure on the plantation, the teens desperately search for ways to pay off the bank to keep a roof over their own heads as well as the young charges who now share their home. When Katie's vagabond uncle comes for a visit, he discovers their secret which he promises to keep and leaves with a secret of his own.
November 2, 2014
Wow! I couldn't drop it for a second! I was at it till I knew what happened to Templeton Davis. So suspense filled! From one situation to another and the real truth! The colour of your skin isn't the colour of your heart. You can see the life of Templeton change. From an irresponsible thief to a responsible father, uncle and carer of the other children. That's what salvation can make of us and God does give us a second chance, sadly many fail at it and not many are able to make it through. I've started on book 4!
March 10, 2018
A tale of two orphaned teen aged girls keeping a plantation going after the Civil War seemed a bit simplistic and unrealistic. I like the premise stated in the title, which is emphasized throughout the book. The Reconstruction period was brutal, and I'm not sure this could have actually happened. However, it's a book of fiction, so perhaps I shouldn't be expecting history. It has a good moral message and is a easy read. However, I don't think I'll seek out any of the other books in the series.
September 2, 2021
This is a beautiful historical novel filled with love, friendship, moments of sadness and fear. It’s full of pivotal life defining moments for a “formed family” after the civil war. You see the main characters love past their hurt, pain and differences. They learn to embrace life, fight to keep their freedom, and what it means to be human. The author sheds light on so many issues: the love of money, the choices we are forced to make to save our loved ones, and the extent others will go to manipulate another persons life. This is well written and I recommend it.
November 6, 2009
I have really enjoyed this series the more I read them. I love how the author incorporates his christian beliefs through thought provoking experiences. The books are about the stuggles the characters endure and how their hearts are changed and their outlooks on life are influenced by their circumstances. I enjoy how the characters moral dilemmas and eventual successes can easily be related to our own lives and current situations.
March 22, 2014
A review of all 4 books in this series. Wow! What a fantastic story. Quite different than any I've read so far. Set in the 1800's, during one of the most famous raids, children are left alone to fend for themselves. This shows exactly what it was like during these times. Clear characters & smoothly written. Each book just keeps on getting better. A huge thank you to the author for these great books.
May 7, 2014
The story of a white girl, Kathleen, and a darkie, Mayme, continues. Will they be able to pay off the loan Kathleen's deceased mother took out against the plantation? Is there gold hidden at the plantation? The girls continue to keep hidden the fact that Kathleen's parents have died and they are alone at the plantation. Mayme has to deal with many issues when she discovers who her biological father is.
September 13, 2016
Apparently a couple of reviewers think the rest of us are imbeciles for enjoying these books, but I really don't care. They are FICTION, so yes, credibility may be stretched, but that's what fiction writers are allowed to do. I'm just so glad there's one more to go as I've enjoyed these three so much. So different from most of his other series, though I have nothing but praise for them, as well.
May 17, 2008
I loved this book! Taking place right after the Civil War, it tells the story of four girls - 2 black and 2 white - who are living together and trying to save their house from overdue loans. This book has an amazing message - I mean, the TITLE! - and the plot and mystery-love-adventure-history parts of it are all amazing. This is an amazing book!
October 30, 2018
The continuing saga of children, both black and white, thrown together after the Civil War overcoming many hurdles to stay together and survive. The are largely undetected except for a couple of adults who help keep them and plantation together. A light, page turner, a bit hard to believe, but full of wisdom and spiritual truth, making it a worthwhile read.
July 19, 2014
Book #3 in the series. A continuation of the story of Mayme and Katie, two girls in North Carolina after the Civil War. They are still living on the plantation and trying to keep up the appearance of having adults there with them. Again, this is a very easy read, predictable story lines with little suspense, but still enjoyable.
May 5, 2017
More proofing needed
Great story with good writing. I finished a ten book series on the civil war and was interested in another one. This one has been a great series. However, the proofing needs improvement. Some parts were difficult to read because punctuation, dates, ages, etc weren't edited appropriately.
Great story with good writing. I finished a ten book series on the civil war and was interested in another one. This one has been a great series. However, the proofing needs improvement. Some parts were difficult to read because punctuation, dates, ages, etc weren't edited appropriately.
March 16, 2018
Enthralling & Compelling
This sequel captivated me. The two main characters: Katie, the white daughter of a plantation owner whose parents are dead, and her best friend, Mayme, a black former slave girl, struggle together to keep Katie’s plantation. Their struggles include impending foreclosure, marauders, and a flooded river. I highly recommend it.
This sequel captivated me. The two main characters: Katie, the white daughter of a plantation owner whose parents are dead, and her best friend, Mayme, a black former slave girl, struggle together to keep Katie’s plantation. Their struggles include impending foreclosure, marauders, and a flooded river. I highly recommend it.
January 16, 2016
Loved this series. I really like historical fiction and when the underdog makes a go of it and not only survives, but thrives, it's thrilling. Makes me want to live more fully and be more grateful for all I have.
May 19, 2012
I have read the whole series so far. It is Christian fiction. I have enjoyed the series so far. I have one more book to read. If you wanted to read it, start with ANGELS WATCHING OVER ME, the first book in the series.
July 19, 2013
The Shenandoah Sisters is one of the best series I have read in a long long time... I recommend this to everyone young and old.... very good story, very good morals, very good lessons, especially today.....
September 10, 2016
This is the third book in the series.
Equally as good as the first and second one.
Katie and Mayme continue life on the plantation, still not letting others know their plight.
There a some surprises.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Equally as good as the first and second one.
Katie and Mayme continue life on the plantation, still not letting others know their plight.
There a some surprises.
I'm looking forward to the next installment.
April 13, 2015
This series is such a fast reading interesting life of mainly two young ladies--one black and one white. They continue to meet and care for others who need their help in surviving after the Civil War. I have one more book to read and I am so ready.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews