Author John A. (the "A" is important) Heldt provided an ecopy of Annie's Apple for review.
Annie's Apple is the second entry in the Second Chance series. I have read and reviewed all of Mr. Heldt's books to date. I am beginning to run out of descriptors for his writing without sounding redundant. Fortunately for his readers his work is not redundant, he has maintained the ability keep his work new and engaging. I have read other authors whose work is so predictable that the reader can think "I'm on page such and such, it's time for a plot twist". Not so with Heldt's work.
There is a great plot twist in Annie's Apple that is a new wrinkle in the whole time-traveler genre and I loved it. I actually saw it coming. Mr. Heldt planned it that way, and I'm glad I was quick enough to get the hints. You'll have to read the book since I don't do spoilers.
The one thing Mr. Heldt has brought to each story he has written, is his ability to grab the readers emotions and have his way with them. He has an absolute mastery of the ability to evoke an emotional response with very few words. Readers always experience an emotional roller coaster ride while engrossed in his stories. I actually spent several days reading Annie's Apple, not because of any shortcoming in the book, but, because I didn't want to leave the story too soon. It's the kind of story a reader can really immerse themselves in. I love the worlds he creates for us, they are times and people I would like to visit.
The purpose of fictional story telling is to transport the reader, take them to a place far from the daily grind, where they can forget daily life and enter into the magical world of imagination. Escapism at it's very best.
I know I haven't given a whole lot of detail about Annie's Apple's actual storyline, so here goes. It is set in early 1900's New York. Mainly the story of Annie Carpenter (surprise), her ups and downs and ethical dilemmas. There. I don't like to write a recap of the story, I prefer to focus on why the book is worth a readers time.
Annie's Apple is an excellent follow up to The Fountain, readers will enjoy following the continuing adventures of the Carpenter sibling as the make the most of their "second chance". Enjoy!
Mike
