Author John Heldt provided me with an ecopy of Let Time Fly for review. Disclaimer: I have read all of John Heldt's books (I believe there are now 26 books) and consider myself one of his most ardent fans.
Let Time Fly is the conclusion to his Stone Shed series. I try to not engage in hyperbole in my reviews, so when I say that, in my opinion, John Heldt has reached a pinnacle with this book, I'm not speaking lightly.
First, he took on an historic time that I would think is very intimidating. The American Revolution is not a small backwater of limited interest in the historic record. Heldt's dedication to research is always evident in his work, but the level of rigor necessary for this subject requires such a high level of commitment to his research, demonstrates his courage in tackling a setting for his story that other authors would likely avoid.
Second, he skillfully maintained his trademark focus on relationships and family without letting the historic aspect of the story overwhelm the personal story. I found this to be a true testament to his ability to maintain balance in the overall story.
Let Time Fly is probably the most somber story Heldt has presented to date. How could it not be, set as it is, during one of the most pivotal times in American history? He still was able to tell the story of two young men who fell in love, courted and built lives during a tumultuous time.
I found Clan Maclean's family story to be much more intricate than in previous series and Heldt's manipulation of time, warping it and folding it back on itself to be masterful.
Readers of my reviews know I do not indulge in spoilers, I believe readers should experience the book without my interpretations. They should enjoy it for themselves. But I feel more tempted than ever to abandon this self imposed restriction, give me strength.
This story started somewhat simply but quickly evolved into one of the most intricate and complex stories I have had the pleasure of reading. One aspect of John Heldt's writing that I have always appreciated is his ability to craft a satisfying epilogue. When he resolves the main challenge of his stories he always give the reader a truly fulfilling ending, not just: problem solved see ya!. Though he does not identify this point in his work as an "Epilogue" it's there.
In Let Time Fly our intrepid author shows that he has the chops to rival any author's ability to bring their story to a satisfying conclusion. This is the most satisfying epilogue I have yet to read anywhere. It's intricacy fits perfectly with the overall tone of the book and it's touching humanity left me feeling completely at peace with the story. I can't remember a book touching me on such a profoundly personal level, I'm not just referring to it made me laugh or made me cry. It was on a much more personal level than that. The story touched me. It can't get any better than that.
I find myself emotionally exhausted (in a very good way) after finishing Let Time Fly. I don't have the usual feeling of: I wish I had more time with these characters. I am emotionally sated. I don't need anything more. I wouldn't be surprised to find that John Heldt was equally exhausted as he finished this book. To appropriate a sports metaphor, it feels like he left it all on the field this time. I know I am kind of going on and on here but I find myself having difficulty adequately sharing how this book affected me. I'll stop now.
In this readers opinion John Heldt has achieved a level of excellence authors aspire to with Let Time Fly.
A lot more can be said here, but I encourage you to find out for yourself and read this series and especially this book. You won't be disappointed.
Enjoy.
Mike
PS. If I post this review as written on Amazon I am sure to be scolded and threatened with banishment for violating community standards. They never say what standard is being violated. I deduce that there is too much personal info. So be it. This is my honest reaction to this book. I'll post something more impersonal, and therefore less useful on Amazon, their loss.
