Heather’s Bookshelf: The Patriots
Author: John A. Heldt
Released: 08/25/24
Genre: Historical Fiction/Time Travel
“‘Don’t let October slip away. Do more than deliver furniture and wander the streets. Speak to others. Learn new things. Make the most of an opportunity that will never come again. Live life to the fullest.’
Noah gazed at the gatekeeper.
‘We will, Uncle. We will.’”
“The Patriots” is book 1 of the Stone Shed Series. However, this book will be reviewed as a standalone novel. When Rory Maclean passes away, he leaves a letter for his grandsons that reveals a centuries old family secret.
Noah Maclean is a recent college graduate on a trip with his friends when he gets word from his brother, Jake, that their Grandpa’s cancer has caught up with him. He hurries home for Rory Maclean to reveal the family secret before passing away. The boys learn they are now the keepers of a stone shed on their family property which is actually a time portal.
At first not believing the tale, their Uncle Doug shows them the truth. Unsatisfied with their short trip back in time, the brothers decide to plan a much more involved and dangerous trip. Against the recommendation of their Uncle, they travel back to Philadelphia 1776.
Taking jobs with a local furniture, the brothers make friends with the family including their two headstrong and lovely daughters, Rachel and Abby. Abby has a fiancé who’s fighting the British and her frustration about the situation rolls over to Noah. The boys are forced to make decisions that may have consequences spanning centuries. Will they make the right ones or will their lives be forever changed for the worse?
Trigger Warning: violence, car accident related death, cancer related death, sexual assault, assault, attempted robbery
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Told mostly through the POVs of Noah and Jake, the brothers provide insight into their surroundings, emotions, desires, and challenges encountered. The author’s style of writing is fluid and easy to read, enhanced by the dialogue of the brothers and their interactions with the ancillary characters. Rachel and Abby were both exceptional characters. They were smart, witty, and funny. They added a ton of fun, conflict, romance, and intrigue. I also thoroughly enjoyed the historical references and characters including Peggy Shippen and Benjamin Franklin. Clearly the author did an immense amount of research and homework to give the book a feel of authenticity. The pacing is excellent and the flipping back and forth between present and past also promotes a desire to continue reading. The ending includes a bit of a cliffhanger (if you’ve read my other reviews, you know I’m not a fan), however, as we have been promised a sequel and with the length of the current novel, I understand the author’s decision. Ultimately this is a story about love, family, consequences, and responsibility and I’d love to read the sequel and find out what happens to our main characters- their pasts and their futures.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A historical fiction/time travel novel focused on family and consequences. Great flow and intriguing characters will have you wanting to read on.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with John A. Heldt
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Find it for purchase here
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