Heaven Comes Later — Michael Green

It isn't easy living in the slavery-dependent south in the late 1850's. Tempers are beginning to flare as the abolitionist rhetoric coming from the northern states grows, and the nation seems to be drifting toward civil war. Luke Martin inherited a small cotton plantation and three slaves after his father's unexpected death. Although he struggles with the idea of owning slaves, his trips to town often result in unexpected purchases. Despite his convictions, he comes to own over a dozen slaves in less than a year. Martin's neighbor, Tom Grant, an angry, slave-abusing plantation owner, openly disagrees with Martin's respectful treatment of slaves. Through various situations, Luke is drawn into an unwanted relationship with him. Grant fears discontent and possible rebellion among his own slaves, and a confrontation is near. Will Luke, a slave-owning Christian, give in to the social pressures of his day, or will he dare to risk listening to another voice and be the brunt of hatred for acting on his convictions? There are no easy choices. Woven with humor and continuous action, Heaven Comes Later plays out a drama of hope, hardship, and community, with a surprising twist at the end.