John A. Heldt
Author of The Mine
Series
Works by John A. Heldt
The Winding Road (Stone Shed Book 2) 4 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Gender
- male
- Education
- University of Iowa (M.A. | Library and Information Science | 1999)
University of Oregon (B.S. | Journalism, History, and Political Science | 1985) - Nationality
- USA
- Birthplace
- Portland, Oregon, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Oregon, USA
Members
Reviews
The five Carson siblings have been in turmoil since the disappearance of their parents several months earlier. When oldest sibling, Adam receives a packet from his parent's lawyer, the pieces begin to come together. However, the packet reveals a secret website set up by their parents telling of their discovery of time travel portals and the subsequent adventures in different time periods. After Adam reviews the evidence and reads through how the portals work, he gets his siblings together show more and they unanimously vote to travel through time in order to reach their parents. They plan to go through a portal near their hometown in Arizona, taking them back to the 1880's; however when they step through the portal they end up near Johnstown, Pennsylvania in December 1888. The siblings quickly try to acclimate themselves into the time and begin the search for their parents. For twin siblings, Cody and Caitlin, this means enrolling in school. For middle brother, Greg, an adventure into the truly wild west to track a lead in Arizona territory and California. For Natalie, using her journalism skills to follow leads while Adam manages information and holds down the fort from the temporary home at the Colbert Boarding House. Even though the sibling's main objective is to find their parents and return home, the extended stay in Johnstown has led to romantic entanglements for four of the five siblings and their parents keep slipping through their fingers. On May 31st, 1889, the Johnstown flood devastates the town and the inhabitants leaving the Carson siblings in disarray.
River Rising is an epic time travel adventure. This is a story you will want to take your time with and sink into. From the moment the five siblings walk through the time portal and into 1880's Pennsylvania, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. Amazingly, all five siblings: Adam, Greg, Natalie, Cody and Caitlin are very well developed and individual characters. They each take turns at telling their part of the story through their point of view while continuing a cohesive story line. Pennsylvania 1888-89 was a wonderful year to travel back to; much like the Carson siblings I was amazed at the time period where Benjamin Harrison had just been elected President, Mark Twain was in his prime, the West was still wild and Punxsutawney Phil has made his first appearance. Through the sibling's eyes, I was able to see many of these events first hand. Unlike the characters in Heldt's other time travel series, the Carson siblings did not travel through time thinking about the possibility of altered timelines. I am very interested in how their very involved actions in 1888 may have altered things in the present. I am also very interested in how the time portals work; it is know that they appear on solstices and seem to appear in areas that are known to be sacred or have paranormal activity. I would love to figure out more about them and where else they seem to pop up. Near the end of the Carson sibling's grand adventure, the game of cat and mouse that they have been playing with their parents seems to be no closer to the end and the intensity increases when tragedy strikes with Johnstown flood; I had a hard time putting the book down. Ending, with a huge cliffhanger, I can not wait to see what happens with the Carson family next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
River Rising is an epic time travel adventure. This is a story you will want to take your time with and sink into. From the moment the five siblings walk through the time portal and into 1880's Pennsylvania, I knew I was in for an exciting ride. Amazingly, all five siblings: Adam, Greg, Natalie, Cody and Caitlin are very well developed and individual characters. They each take turns at telling their part of the story through their point of view while continuing a cohesive story line. Pennsylvania 1888-89 was a wonderful year to travel back to; much like the Carson siblings I was amazed at the time period where Benjamin Harrison had just been elected President, Mark Twain was in his prime, the West was still wild and Punxsutawney Phil has made his first appearance. Through the sibling's eyes, I was able to see many of these events first hand. Unlike the characters in Heldt's other time travel series, the Carson siblings did not travel through time thinking about the possibility of altered timelines. I am very interested in how their very involved actions in 1888 may have altered things in the present. I am also very interested in how the time portals work; it is know that they appear on solstices and seem to appear in areas that are known to be sacred or have paranormal activity. I would love to figure out more about them and where else they seem to pop up. Near the end of the Carson sibling's grand adventure, the game of cat and mouse that they have been playing with their parents seems to be no closer to the end and the intensity increases when tragedy strikes with Johnstown flood; I had a hard time putting the book down. Ending, with a huge cliffhanger, I can not wait to see what happens with the Carson family next.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
In a Nutshell: Good plot. Unsuitable title. Average writing. Will suit historical fiction readers more than sci-fi or time-travel readers.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
✔ The plot was quite interesting. As a historical fiction lover, I enjoyed seeing the parts set in the 1900s. The details of a natural disaster were especially well portrayed.
✔ The bond between the siblings was a treat to read. Each had a distinct personality, and it came out well.
✔ The initial part of the book, with the discovery of the existence of the fountain and the siblings’ decision to change their future through it, was my favourite. I enjoyed how the book focussed on their planning towards the time jump rather than just showing them as taking a plunge without mentioning the nitty-gritties of what happens to the stuff left behind.
✔ There are some really likeable scenes in the 1905 timeline such as (without going into spoilers) Bill’s role in her new job or Annie’s attempt to fit in her school and her attitude towards women’s rights.
✔ Despite the hefty 567 pages, it is possible to zoom through the book within a couple of days.
✔ The ending is somewhat bittersweet, a welcome change from the sugary positivity of the rest of the book.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ As a time travel story, the book is just decent. The initial few chapters are set in modern time but the rest are all in 1905. The titular fountain is of relevance only till they reach the past. It has no mention in the book later. If you are looking primarily for a time travel story, this doesn’t offer much in that respect beyond the first few chapters.
⚠ The situation in 1905 seems picture perfect. All goody-goody characters, no major conflicts, quick and easy solutions to all problems. Except for the natural disaster, the rest is too good to be true. I would have preferred some complicated characters than such unidimensional ones.
⚠ The book requires A LOT OF editing. There are too many short sentences, many stilted conversations, and plenty of line/phrase repetitions within the same para. There seems to be a distinct writing pattern whereby a thought is split between two sentences. For example, "The other girls laughed. They laughed like kindred spirits..." or "He had tried to keep the promise. He had tried hard." This starts off as an interesting way of adding emphasis but gets boring after a while. There are also too many conversation scenes with nothing except back-and-forth staccato dialogues. If all these issues were fixed, the book would easily lose at least a hundred pages. A couple of modern words such as ‘chocaholic’ have also slipped into the historical time setting.
⚠ In contrast to the above, there are barely any descriptions of the place or lifestyle of 1905. It is almost as if the siblings shifted houses rather than shifted a century to the past. While they do research a lot about what life might have been like in the past, their process of adjustment doesn’t get any mention. Some mention of their emotions over the missing amenities from their erstwhile modern lifestyle would have added value. They barely even mention their ‘other’ life.
All in all, I like the idea of the story. Luckily, I was able to realign to the historical fiction setting soon, so the lack of time travel elements didn’t bother me as much. However, it is the lack of editing that brings the book down. Giving it a couple of rounds of strict proofing and trimming off the superfluities will make this indie novel much more enjoyable. Also, if possible, a change in title, because ‘The Fountain’ is a huge misnomer. A different cover image also would help as the current one also stresses on the fountain.
2.5 stars.
My thanks to author John A. Heldt for a complimentary copy of “The Fountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter show less
Story Synopsis:
2022, Oregon. 81-year-old Bill Carpenter has just buried his beloved wife of 57 years. His 75-year-old brother Paul has terminal cancer, and his 72-year-old sister Annie, a paraplegic, is broken-hearted at having done nothing she dreamed of in life. In other words, the three Carpenter siblings have nothing to look forward to. Until one day,show more
when Bill, who used to be a folklore and mythology professor, learns that a legendary ‘Fountain of Youth’ actually exists and a dip in it causes not just rejuvenation but a fresh start in another era. The only issue is that the era isn’t in your control. But as the Carpenters have nothing to lose anyway, they decide to take a chance on the fountain and to their surprise, land up in 1905 Oakland as healthy young adults. What will this new life hold for them?
The story comes to us in the limited third person pov of various characters, including the three siblings.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ The plot was quite interesting. As a historical fiction lover, I enjoyed seeing the parts set in the 1900s. The details of a natural disaster were especially well portrayed.
✔ The bond between the siblings was a treat to read. Each had a distinct personality, and it came out well.
✔ The initial part of the book, with the discovery of the existence of the fountain and the siblings’ decision to change their future through it, was my favourite. I enjoyed how the book focussed on their planning towards the time jump rather than just showing them as taking a plunge without mentioning the nitty-gritties of what happens to the stuff left behind.
✔ There are some really likeable scenes in the 1905 timeline such as (without going into spoilers) Bill’s role in her new job or Annie’s attempt to fit in her school and her attitude towards women’s rights.
✔ Despite the hefty 567 pages, it is possible to zoom through the book within a couple of days.
✔ The ending is somewhat bittersweet, a welcome change from the sugary positivity of the rest of the book.
Where the book could have worked better for me:
⚠ As a time travel story, the book is just decent. The initial few chapters are set in modern time but the rest are all in 1905. The titular fountain is of relevance only till they reach the past. It has no mention in the book later. If you are looking primarily for a time travel story, this doesn’t offer much in that respect beyond the first few chapters.
⚠ The situation in 1905 seems picture perfect. All goody-goody characters, no major conflicts, quick and easy solutions to all problems. Except for the natural disaster, the rest is too good to be true. I would have preferred some complicated characters than such unidimensional ones.
⚠ The book requires A LOT OF editing. There are too many short sentences, many stilted conversations, and plenty of line/phrase repetitions within the same para. There seems to be a distinct writing pattern whereby a thought is split between two sentences. For example, "The other girls laughed. They laughed like kindred spirits..." or "He had tried to keep the promise. He had tried hard." This starts off as an interesting way of adding emphasis but gets boring after a while. There are also too many conversation scenes with nothing except back-and-forth staccato dialogues. If all these issues were fixed, the book would easily lose at least a hundred pages. A couple of modern words such as ‘chocaholic’ have also slipped into the historical time setting.
⚠ In contrast to the above, there are barely any descriptions of the place or lifestyle of 1905. It is almost as if the siblings shifted houses rather than shifted a century to the past. While they do research a lot about what life might have been like in the past, their process of adjustment doesn’t get any mention. Some mention of their emotions over the missing amenities from their erstwhile modern lifestyle would have added value. They barely even mention their ‘other’ life.
All in all, I like the idea of the story. Luckily, I was able to realign to the historical fiction setting soon, so the lack of time travel elements didn’t bother me as much. However, it is the lack of editing that brings the book down. Giving it a couple of rounds of strict proofing and trimming off the superfluities will make this indie novel much more enjoyable. Also, if possible, a change in title, because ‘The Fountain’ is a huge misnomer. A different cover image also would help as the current one also stresses on the fountain.
2.5 stars.
My thanks to author John A. Heldt for a complimentary copy of “The Fountain”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter show less
The Carson family plus new significant others and children have landed in 1983, what should be the last stop on their last stop through time in order to finally reunite with their parents and head back to 2017. This time, twin siblings Cody and Caitlin plus 1962 transplant, Dennis are planning on getting jobs at the summer camp in Maine that their teenaged parents first met at in hopes that their older parents will visit the camp as well. Everything is going to plan until Cody, Caitlin and show more Dennis are paired up in cabins with their teenaged parents. The teens are worried that they might upset the timeline even more and prevent their parents from getting together. Furthermore, Cody meets Karen at camp and they immediately form a connection. However, in addition to being a time-traveler, Cody and Karen's relationship seems doomed because of a secret that Karen is hiding.
Camp Lake is the fifth and last book in the Carson Chronicles. This heartfelt conclusion to the epic series kept my attention with plenty of surprises for a family that I felt I've gotten to know pretty well over five books. I found myself simultaneously wanting the story not to end as well as desperately wanting the Carson family to finally reunite. The writing keeps the suspense in Camp Lake heightened as the whole family searches for one another knowing that this is the last stop on their time travel journey as well as everyone attempting not to destroy their own timelines. Balanced with the suspense is the wholesome feeling and love that the Carson Clan shares. Despite being in desperate situations, the Carson's always support one another and pull through. I loved the setting of a summer camp in the 1980's. Everything about the experience and setting seemed fitting. This book focuses on Cody, who throughout the series has always formed a deep bond with women in each time period, but hasn't yet found the one. Cody and Karen's relationship seems like it was meant to be, they challenge one another and Karen is empowered, intelligent and strong-willed. While I couldn't wait for the Carson parents and siblings to finally reunite, I was amazed when they finally did. I was very happy with the reunion as well as the send off of the family members when back in their own time.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
Camp Lake is the fifth and last book in the Carson Chronicles. This heartfelt conclusion to the epic series kept my attention with plenty of surprises for a family that I felt I've gotten to know pretty well over five books. I found myself simultaneously wanting the story not to end as well as desperately wanting the Carson family to finally reunite. The writing keeps the suspense in Camp Lake heightened as the whole family searches for one another knowing that this is the last stop on their time travel journey as well as everyone attempting not to destroy their own timelines. Balanced with the suspense is the wholesome feeling and love that the Carson Clan shares. Despite being in desperate situations, the Carson's always support one another and pull through. I loved the setting of a summer camp in the 1980's. Everything about the experience and setting seemed fitting. This book focuses on Cody, who throughout the series has always formed a deep bond with women in each time period, but hasn't yet found the one. Cody and Karen's relationship seems like it was meant to be, they challenge one another and Karen is empowered, intelligent and strong-willed. While I couldn't wait for the Carson parents and siblings to finally reunite, I was amazed when they finally did. I was very happy with the reunion as well as the send off of the family members when back in their own time.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less
After finishing The Carson Chronicles, and loving the series, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to start another journey with another family. I should have known better. John a Heldt had me hooked from the first chapter. Who needs to do housework anyway?
Each of Heldt’s series uses a different method for time travel. In this series it is a time box developed by Physicist Mark Lane.
Mark discovers his business partner, Robert Devereaux, plans to use the timebox for his own greedy and evil show more purposes. With the help of a friend, he steals the time box, destroys the program, and whisks his to family back to 1865. They arrive just as the American Civil War is coming to an end.
His family includes his wife, Mary who has brought cosmetics from the present time to sell. His children are sons Jordon (ex-military) and Jeremy and daughters Laura and 12 year old Ashley. They blend in with the time, making friends and fitting in as best they can. Laura volunteers at an army hospital.
But best laid plans can always go wrong. A key to one box is left in a farm building and the other is damaged. The second one is seized by the Union Army, suspecting it to be a device to aid the Rebel Army and Mark is arrested as a traitor.
That’s not the end of their troubles.
Devereaux wants revenge. His team builds another time box. He then sends a hit man, Silas Bain, back to 1865 to retrieve the original boxes and assassinate all members of the Lane family.
The cold hearted assassin has no qualms about who he kills including anyone who may get in his way or reveal his presence.
Meanwhile the Lanes, aware Bain is after them, desperately try to retrieve both their boxes.
The badies, Devereaux and Bain were easy to dislike. No, make that despise.
As always Heldt’s research is impeccable and his characterisation of historical figures including Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth are believable.
Two characters I particularly liked were Jane and Lewis. Both former slaves they are now free, but the Lane family know it still will not be easy for them in post-civil war times.
I have loved John A Heldt’s writing since the first book I read. I didn’t think his story telling could get any better, but it does with every new book.
He manages to combine dramatic action, adventure, and plenty of twists with love, endearing family relationships and friendship. It’s like a tapestry woven on a background of history featuring believable historic figures. The result is an engrossing page turner.
In The Lane Betrayal he includes the issues of the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
Each Chapter is told from a different character’s point of view, including Devereaux and Bain. It builds suspense, switches the emotions of the reader, and makes it a fast paced story.
When I first started reading John A Heldt’s books I thought they couldn’t get any better. How wrong I was. I believe he must set himself a bar higher and higher with each series, and he achieves his goal every time.
Do yourself a favour, read The Lane Betrayal. You won’t be disappointed but be warned as with all Heldt’s series you’ll want to jump straight into the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from John A. Heldt for an honest review. show less
Each of Heldt’s series uses a different method for time travel. In this series it is a time box developed by Physicist Mark Lane.
Mark discovers his business partner, Robert Devereaux, plans to use the timebox for his own greedy and evil show more purposes. With the help of a friend, he steals the time box, destroys the program, and whisks his to family back to 1865. They arrive just as the American Civil War is coming to an end.
His family includes his wife, Mary who has brought cosmetics from the present time to sell. His children are sons Jordon (ex-military) and Jeremy and daughters Laura and 12 year old Ashley. They blend in with the time, making friends and fitting in as best they can. Laura volunteers at an army hospital.
But best laid plans can always go wrong. A key to one box is left in a farm building and the other is damaged. The second one is seized by the Union Army, suspecting it to be a device to aid the Rebel Army and Mark is arrested as a traitor.
That’s not the end of their troubles.
Devereaux wants revenge. His team builds another time box. He then sends a hit man, Silas Bain, back to 1865 to retrieve the original boxes and assassinate all members of the Lane family.
The cold hearted assassin has no qualms about who he kills including anyone who may get in his way or reveal his presence.
Meanwhile the Lanes, aware Bain is after them, desperately try to retrieve both their boxes.
The badies, Devereaux and Bain were easy to dislike. No, make that despise.
As always Heldt’s research is impeccable and his characterisation of historical figures including Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth are believable.
Two characters I particularly liked were Jane and Lewis. Both former slaves they are now free, but the Lane family know it still will not be easy for them in post-civil war times.
I have loved John A Heldt’s writing since the first book I read. I didn’t think his story telling could get any better, but it does with every new book.
He manages to combine dramatic action, adventure, and plenty of twists with love, endearing family relationships and friendship. It’s like a tapestry woven on a background of history featuring believable historic figures. The result is an engrossing page turner.
In The Lane Betrayal he includes the issues of the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery.
Each Chapter is told from a different character’s point of view, including Devereaux and Bain. It builds suspense, switches the emotions of the reader, and makes it a fast paced story.
When I first started reading John A Heldt’s books I thought they couldn’t get any better. How wrong I was. I believe he must set himself a bar higher and higher with each series, and he achieves his goal every time.
Do yourself a favour, read The Lane Betrayal. You won’t be disappointed but be warned as with all Heldt’s series you’ll want to jump straight into the next book.
I received a complimentary copy from John A. Heldt for an honest review. show less
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