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Carson Chronicles #5
Camp Lake
Phoenix, Spring 1983. For the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, it has come down to this. Find the parents they have chased through time for more than two years or go home and resume their lives without them.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2019
163 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
John A. Heldt
36 books233 followersJohn A. Heldt is the author of twenty-six bestselling time-travel novels. The former reference librarian and award-winning sportswriter has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, Heldt is an avid fisherman, sports fan, coin collector, and reader of thrillers and historical fiction. When not sending contemporary characters to the not-so-distant past, he weighs in on literature and life at johnheldt.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 7, 2019
All the years of separation, near miss reunions will hopefully come to an end and the Carson children and their parents once again share the same time and geographic location. So many changes, so many cities and times, could their journeys finally converge? Will they finally be able to go home to their own time, their own place? How would they explain the changes they have gone through, the growth of their family?
John A. Heldt has done the seemingly impossible, brought this incredible time travel fantasy to a conclusion that feels right, that fits and still held some brilliant surprises. CAMP LAKE will bring the two youngest Carsons to the very camp where their parents met, allowing them to work side by side, holding their secrets close.
All the pain, the heartaches and the newfound loves and lives have changed the Carson children, molding them into stronger people, but, like any child, they still need their time traveling parents to come home. Meanwhile, the elder Carsons have left a trail for their children to follow as the deadline to return to their own time grows near, will they be found?
Not every author can keep their writing fresh, their characters “human,” but John A. Heldt has done it with seeming ease! Well described eras make readers feel as if they are there, many of us able to relate to the past/current events. I loved this series, plan on re-reading it just to visit again with a family that grew up before my eyes!
Are you looking for a series that sparkles with creativity, the test of family strengths and love? Ever imagine being able to meet your ancestors to know your roots better? The Carson Chronicles is a hidden gem of a series that will warm your heart!
I received a complimentary copy from John A. Heldt! This review is both honest and voluntary!
Series: Carson Chronicles - Book 5
Publication Date: September 30, 2019
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Print Length: 524 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
John A. Heldt has done the seemingly impossible, brought this incredible time travel fantasy to a conclusion that feels right, that fits and still held some brilliant surprises. CAMP LAKE will bring the two youngest Carsons to the very camp where their parents met, allowing them to work side by side, holding their secrets close.
All the pain, the heartaches and the newfound loves and lives have changed the Carson children, molding them into stronger people, but, like any child, they still need their time traveling parents to come home. Meanwhile, the elder Carsons have left a trail for their children to follow as the deadline to return to their own time grows near, will they be found?
Not every author can keep their writing fresh, their characters “human,” but John A. Heldt has done it with seeming ease! Well described eras make readers feel as if they are there, many of us able to relate to the past/current events. I loved this series, plan on re-reading it just to visit again with a family that grew up before my eyes!
Are you looking for a series that sparkles with creativity, the test of family strengths and love? Ever imagine being able to meet your ancestors to know your roots better? The Carson Chronicles is a hidden gem of a series that will warm your heart!
I received a complimentary copy from John A. Heldt! This review is both honest and voluntary!
Series: Carson Chronicles - Book 5
Publication Date: September 30, 2019
Genre: Time Travel Romance
Print Length: 524 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 6, 2019
5 stars
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2019
Phoenix, Spring 1983. For the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, it has come down to this. Find the parents they have chased through time for more than two years or go home and resume their lives without them.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
•••••••••
REVIEW: CAMP LAKE is the fifth and final instalment in John A Heldt’s CARSON CHRONICLES time travel romance series focusing on the Carson family.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Carson Chronicles focuses on the Carson siblings, a family of time travellers, as they search for their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. Months earlier, the siblings discovered their parents had disappeared but an itinerary of places and timelines found the family on a journey of their own. Starting in 2017, the siblings travelled back in time to 1889, 1918, the tumultuous era of 1943-44, 1962 where the Cuban Missile Crisis is about to unfold, and presently arriving in 1983.
Told from several third person perspectives CAMP LAKE is the culmination of twenty-eight months ‘on the road’ as the Carson siblings search for their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. The year is 1983, and the family have crossed paths on numerous occasions without running into one another. At Camp Lake, a summer camp where Tim and Caroline Carson first met and fell in love, twins Caitlin and Cody Carson, as well as Caitilin’s lover Dennis Sawyer, find themselves working as camp counsellors, where they will meet the younger version of their now missing parents. But things don’t go according to plans when their parents’ romance is threatened by someone else.
At Camp Lake, Cody, the lone single sibling, believes he has met his future, in the past. Karen O’Reilly, the camp botanist, pulls Cody in like a moth to a flame, but not all is well in Karen’s world, and Cody is about to discover that his previously shattered heart is about to be broken, once again.
Meanwhile, Tim and Caroline Carson believe they have located their children but once again, paths will be crossed, as the siblings continue their search one step ahead of, or behind, their missing parents.
CAMP LAKE and the Carson Chronicles is an imaginative and original series; a cleverly written story of family, struggle, memories and love. Unlike the previous instalments, 1983 is but a year wherein the family takes center stage-history is barely afforded a mention. An engaging and enchanting story line, CAMP LAKE and the Carson Chronicles is an energetic, animated and brilliant addition to your reading library.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2019
Phoenix, Spring 1983. For the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, it has come down to this. Find the parents they have chased through time for more than two years or go home and resume their lives without them.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
•••••••••
REVIEW: CAMP LAKE is the fifth and final instalment in John A Heldt’s CARSON CHRONICLES time travel romance series focusing on the Carson family.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Carson Chronicles focuses on the Carson siblings, a family of time travellers, as they search for their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. Months earlier, the siblings discovered their parents had disappeared but an itinerary of places and timelines found the family on a journey of their own. Starting in 2017, the siblings travelled back in time to 1889, 1918, the tumultuous era of 1943-44, 1962 where the Cuban Missile Crisis is about to unfold, and presently arriving in 1983.
Told from several third person perspectives CAMP LAKE is the culmination of twenty-eight months ‘on the road’ as the Carson siblings search for their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. The year is 1983, and the family have crossed paths on numerous occasions without running into one another. At Camp Lake, a summer camp where Tim and Caroline Carson first met and fell in love, twins Caitlin and Cody Carson, as well as Caitilin’s lover Dennis Sawyer, find themselves working as camp counsellors, where they will meet the younger version of their now missing parents. But things don’t go according to plans when their parents’ romance is threatened by someone else.
At Camp Lake, Cody, the lone single sibling, believes he has met his future, in the past. Karen O’Reilly, the camp botanist, pulls Cody in like a moth to a flame, but not all is well in Karen’s world, and Cody is about to discover that his previously shattered heart is about to be broken, once again.
Meanwhile, Tim and Caroline Carson believe they have located their children but once again, paths will be crossed, as the siblings continue their search one step ahead of, or behind, their missing parents.
CAMP LAKE and the Carson Chronicles is an imaginative and original series; a cleverly written story of family, struggle, memories and love. Unlike the previous instalments, 1983 is but a year wherein the family takes center stage-history is barely afforded a mention. An engaging and enchanting story line, CAMP LAKE and the Carson Chronicles is an energetic, animated and brilliant addition to your reading library.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied for review
November 5, 2019
After several failed attempts to catch up with their time traveling parents that involved multiple periods in time, the Carson siblings have one final chance to meet up with their parents and head back to 2017 together. Their adventures were fraught with joy and heartache and oftentimes filled with danger. Let's hope the '80s and a summer at Camp Lake where the parents spent as teens themselves is a little less dangerous and a lot more joyful.
Each of the Carson Chronicles has focused on one specific child's quest to find their happily ever. We follow Cody, who after even more prophetic dreams, meets a potential soulmate in Karen. She's smart, fun, and sassy, and she's keeping a secret that might just tear the two of them apart.
I've loved reading this series, and Cody's story is no exception. I loved the camp setting and think it provided a lot of fun opportunities for the twins. I've loved how each of the books continues the story forward from multiple perspectives so you never have to let one character go. I think Camp Lake was a bit more stressful to read because you knew this was their last chance to reunite with their parents. I've come to love all the Carsons and their spouses and am a bit sad that this is the final book in the series. But I feel Heldt has written the entire collection wonderfully and given them the best sendoff possible. Very well done!
Each of the Carson Chronicles has focused on one specific child's quest to find their happily ever. We follow Cody, who after even more prophetic dreams, meets a potential soulmate in Karen. She's smart, fun, and sassy, and she's keeping a secret that might just tear the two of them apart.
I've loved reading this series, and Cody's story is no exception. I loved the camp setting and think it provided a lot of fun opportunities for the twins. I've loved how each of the books continues the story forward from multiple perspectives so you never have to let one character go. I think Camp Lake was a bit more stressful to read because you knew this was their last chance to reunite with their parents. I've come to love all the Carsons and their spouses and am a bit sad that this is the final book in the series. But I feel Heldt has written the entire collection wonderfully and given them the best sendoff possible. Very well done!
September 30, 2019
John A. Heldt gave me the opportunity to read Camp Lake the fifth and final entry in the Carson Family Chronicles before its release today. He provided an ecopy for me.
Readers of my reviews know that I am an avid (weak term) follower of his work. Camp Lake is the fifteenth book I have had the pleasure of reading, and yes, it is by far the best he has written.
Heldt's work is so layered and nuanced. At first blush it reads like a simple feel good book about a family's adventures traipsing through time in an effort to reunite. But when the reader gets more involved, the layers unfold taking us deeper into the story. The depth here is nothing short of incredible. The second half of the book is so riveting, I couldn't stop reading. I wound up staying up much later than normal because I couldn't think of putting it down.
Sure we have a story of teens at camp (Camp Lake see?) but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Various family members, following their own leads, have scattered literally across the country in search of the wayward Carson elders. The strength of familial bonds and love individual characters share is so heartwarming. Author Heldt has the ability to manipulate our emotions at will. We move through the whole range of emotion; from deep despair to overwhelming joy and all points in between. The real trick though is that he can make us experience multiple emotions at the same time, kind of like real life family.
One of the things I liked most about Camp Lake was that after resolving the main story line of the series, Heldt spends a good portion of the book taking the family beyond where many authors would stop. Not an actual epilogue in the usual sense but a comforting end to the story. How he wraps up a troubling story line floored me. Even though the resolution stares us in the face, I never saw it coming. After, I thought "Duh! of course".
As with all of Mr. Heldt's work, we have people behaving like people. Sometimes good sometimes bad, but always realistic. No violence in this installment but there are teenagers who acquire alcohol and sneak off for romantic interludes. I'm older now, but I remember such activities in my youth (don't you?).
I could go on and on about Camp Lake but I guess I've gushed enough. As I've said before; John A. (never forget the "A") Heldt has gotten better with each book I've read. He is such a great story-teller, I can't wait to read where he takes us next. He keeps setting the bar higher and higher.
I am going to miss the Carson's, I encourage everyone to give this book and this author a read. I truly believe you will come to enjoy his work as much as I do. Enjoy!
Readers of my reviews know that I am an avid (weak term) follower of his work. Camp Lake is the fifteenth book I have had the pleasure of reading, and yes, it is by far the best he has written.
Heldt's work is so layered and nuanced. At first blush it reads like a simple feel good book about a family's adventures traipsing through time in an effort to reunite. But when the reader gets more involved, the layers unfold taking us deeper into the story. The depth here is nothing short of incredible. The second half of the book is so riveting, I couldn't stop reading. I wound up staying up much later than normal because I couldn't think of putting it down.
Sure we have a story of teens at camp (Camp Lake see?) but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Various family members, following their own leads, have scattered literally across the country in search of the wayward Carson elders. The strength of familial bonds and love individual characters share is so heartwarming. Author Heldt has the ability to manipulate our emotions at will. We move through the whole range of emotion; from deep despair to overwhelming joy and all points in between. The real trick though is that he can make us experience multiple emotions at the same time, kind of like real life family.
One of the things I liked most about Camp Lake was that after resolving the main story line of the series, Heldt spends a good portion of the book taking the family beyond where many authors would stop. Not an actual epilogue in the usual sense but a comforting end to the story. How he wraps up a troubling story line floored me. Even though the resolution stares us in the face, I never saw it coming. After, I thought "Duh! of course".
As with all of Mr. Heldt's work, we have people behaving like people. Sometimes good sometimes bad, but always realistic. No violence in this installment but there are teenagers who acquire alcohol and sneak off for romantic interludes. I'm older now, but I remember such activities in my youth (don't you?).
I could go on and on about Camp Lake but I guess I've gushed enough. As I've said before; John A. (never forget the "A") Heldt has gotten better with each book I've read. He is such a great story-teller, I can't wait to read where he takes us next. He keeps setting the bar higher and higher.
I am going to miss the Carson's, I encourage everyone to give this book and this author a read. I truly believe you will come to enjoy his work as much as I do. Enjoy!
October 2, 2019
John Heldt - Carson Chronicles Bk 5 - Camp Lake - Reviewed 10/1/19
The time is now, and the search is almost over….
The Carson family has been on a search for their parents now for about 2 years jumping from year to year and it looks like they have finally found them. The five siblings and their families have now narrowed it down to the year that their parents met at Camp Lake. While the rest of the family remains in Arizona, Natalie, Cody, and Caitlin are on the search. Cody and Caitlin will go to “Camp Lake” as counselors and Natalie will check other places that their parents visited during that year. Of course, nothing is ever perfect as they have found in their extended search and they are not taking any chances. They have experienced just missed meetings, accidents, romance both happy and sad all giving them a mix of troubles during their travels. But even with that, they are all preparing themselves for a long-awaited reunion before their final step back into their own time.
What did I like? I have loved every one of the books that John has written and this one lives up to the excitement and action of the others giving it that WOW, status. I would have to say that John has one of the most creative imaginations around these days, or at least of the books that I have read in this genre. I fell in love with the Carson family way back in book 1 and I have laughed, cried, shouted in happiness and held my breath during all their battles and triumphs. So, I am happy and yet so sad to see their journey end. John’s books, 15 of them now are all incredible and take you on these astonishing trips that have led you to this one. Don’t miss one of them they are all marvelous.
What will you like? An amazing, well written and edited book filled with humor, excitement, action, romance, tragedy, sadness all in one book. Be prepared with plenty of tissues because the tears will flow! The action and excitement will have you on the edge of your seat. The details and descriptions will have you standing in the mix of things with your eyes wide open. The emotion will crush your heart and the tears will fall. The beauty of the scenes will overwhelm you and I know how gorgeous it is there as I have visited the area several times. John does it all justice in his words. The final curtain drops on the most wonderous scene when the family unites. My heart did flip flops!!!! But there is more, and it is over the top! You will have to read it to experience this amazing trip in full!!! Excellent job John, I can’t wait to see where you will go next!
Check out my reviews of John's other books on my website: https://www.donadees.com/
The time is now, and the search is almost over….
The Carson family has been on a search for their parents now for about 2 years jumping from year to year and it looks like they have finally found them. The five siblings and their families have now narrowed it down to the year that their parents met at Camp Lake. While the rest of the family remains in Arizona, Natalie, Cody, and Caitlin are on the search. Cody and Caitlin will go to “Camp Lake” as counselors and Natalie will check other places that their parents visited during that year. Of course, nothing is ever perfect as they have found in their extended search and they are not taking any chances. They have experienced just missed meetings, accidents, romance both happy and sad all giving them a mix of troubles during their travels. But even with that, they are all preparing themselves for a long-awaited reunion before their final step back into their own time.
What did I like? I have loved every one of the books that John has written and this one lives up to the excitement and action of the others giving it that WOW, status. I would have to say that John has one of the most creative imaginations around these days, or at least of the books that I have read in this genre. I fell in love with the Carson family way back in book 1 and I have laughed, cried, shouted in happiness and held my breath during all their battles and triumphs. So, I am happy and yet so sad to see their journey end. John’s books, 15 of them now are all incredible and take you on these astonishing trips that have led you to this one. Don’t miss one of them they are all marvelous.
What will you like? An amazing, well written and edited book filled with humor, excitement, action, romance, tragedy, sadness all in one book. Be prepared with plenty of tissues because the tears will flow! The action and excitement will have you on the edge of your seat. The details and descriptions will have you standing in the mix of things with your eyes wide open. The emotion will crush your heart and the tears will fall. The beauty of the scenes will overwhelm you and I know how gorgeous it is there as I have visited the area several times. John does it all justice in his words. The final curtain drops on the most wonderous scene when the family unites. My heart did flip flops!!!! But there is more, and it is over the top! You will have to read it to experience this amazing trip in full!!! Excellent job John, I can’t wait to see where you will go next!
Check out my reviews of John's other books on my website: https://www.donadees.com/
October 7, 2019
I read every single one of the Carson Chronicles (and in order much less). I waited impatiently for the next in the series to be published. This is a time travel saga that should not be missed!
It chronicles the time travels of the 5 Carson siblings as they go on a search for their parents--through time. So much happens within these 5 books to each of the siblings--Love, Marriage, Heartbreak and every other emotion you can think of. They meet people from the past --some not so nice--some wonderful. But they never totally lose hope that they will find their parents. Meanwhile their parents are desperately trying to find them--but they always seem to miss each other.
In this last book of this series, the twins are the focal point--as are the parents (but in their teenage form). All I will say there is a happily ever after for all 5 siblings!
I am so sorry to see this series end--I could keep reading about this family for a very long time!
I received an e-book from the author for my enjoyment and a possible review.
It chronicles the time travels of the 5 Carson siblings as they go on a search for their parents--through time. So much happens within these 5 books to each of the siblings--Love, Marriage, Heartbreak and every other emotion you can think of. They meet people from the past --some not so nice--some wonderful. But they never totally lose hope that they will find their parents. Meanwhile their parents are desperately trying to find them--but they always seem to miss each other.
In this last book of this series, the twins are the focal point--as are the parents (but in their teenage form). All I will say there is a happily ever after for all 5 siblings!
I am so sorry to see this series end--I could keep reading about this family for a very long time!
I received an e-book from the author for my enjoyment and a possible review.
October 3, 2019
Camp Lake (Carson Chronicles # 5) By John A Heldt
The final book in the Carson family story is set (mostly in) Spring 1983. The siblings are determined to find their parents, as they have been looking for about 2 years. They go to different parts of the Country, different destinations and time periods in the hopes of finally reuniting. Many events take place as they evaluate their life, with (tough) choices to be made. Will they get the reunion they hoped for?
The story moves at a fast pace with alternating chapters on each person, location and year. All characters are well developed, I learned more about them (throughout the entire series). Camp Lake is full of emotions, with family as the central point and unconditional love. I am a huge fan of time travel. John A Hedlt hits the spot and brings depth, warmth and raw emotions to his stories. I highly recommend Camp Lake to all especially those who love great time travel.
The final book in the Carson family story is set (mostly in) Spring 1983. The siblings are determined to find their parents, as they have been looking for about 2 years. They go to different parts of the Country, different destinations and time periods in the hopes of finally reuniting. Many events take place as they evaluate their life, with (tough) choices to be made. Will they get the reunion they hoped for?
The story moves at a fast pace with alternating chapters on each person, location and year. All characters are well developed, I learned more about them (throughout the entire series). Camp Lake is full of emotions, with family as the central point and unconditional love. I am a huge fan of time travel. John A Hedlt hits the spot and brings depth, warmth and raw emotions to his stories. I highly recommend Camp Lake to all especially those who love great time travel.
May 9, 2022
Best for last
I cannot breathe enough about how much I love this last book in the series. It was spectacular. I just don't have the words. It made me laugh it made me cry. Thank you John A. Heldt.. None of your books has ever disappointed me I am gonna miss each character in this series and all of their experiences. I will tell everybody I can't to read this. I don't think they're will be anybody disappointed. Now on to the next series.
I cannot breathe enough about how much I love this last book in the series. It was spectacular. I just don't have the words. It made me laugh it made me cry. Thank you John A. Heldt.. None of your books has ever disappointed me I am gonna miss each character in this series and all of their experiences. I will tell everybody I can't to read this. I don't think they're will be anybody disappointed. Now on to the next series.
October 7, 2019
Camp Lake (Carson Chronicles Book 5)
John A. Heldt is an amazing writer. I have enjoyed his books of a family going to the past and trying to get back to the future with each other. I love books that has someone slipping to the past but these books really kept me on my toes. Thank you John. I hope you keep writing and I look forward looking for your books.
John A. Heldt is an amazing writer. I have enjoyed his books of a family going to the past and trying to get back to the future with each other. I love books that has someone slipping to the past but these books really kept me on my toes. Thank you John. I hope you keep writing and I look forward looking for your books.
October 8, 2019
Book Info
Kindle Edition, 524 pages
Published September 30th 2019
ASIN B07YKNKJ7P
Edition Language English
setting Augusta, Maine, 1983 (United States)
Portland, Maine, 1983 (United States)
Cadillac Mountain, Maine (United States)
…more
Series Carson Chronicles #5
Other Editions None found
Buy book from Amazon
Phoenix, Spring 1983. For the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, it has come down to this. Find the parents they have chased through time for more than two years or go home and resume their lives without them.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
In the beginning of the series we learn that the Carson siblings, Adam-Greg-Natalie-Caitlin and her twin brother Cody find out their academic middle aged parents are also long time adventurous Time Travelers.
Upon this discovery the 5 decide to try and follow in Tim and Caroline Carsons footsteps by leaving 2017 which takes them on a journey from 1889 to 1918 to 1944, 1962 and finally 1983 which appears to be the last opportunity in which to cross paths with their much missed parents.
Along the way the Carson children not only live through major historical events but personal life changes as well.
Specifically finding spouses for Adam and Greg, Bridget and Patricia, as well as a few loves along the way for Natalie, Caitlin and Cody.
Pinning their hopes on making contact does not mean sitting in one place for three of the siblings. Rather Natalie and her own new husband Nick, Caitlin her fiancé Dennis and Cody make their way to significant places where it is highly likely that Tim and Caroline will visit.
The story is as represented, one of humor, romance and heartbreak with a conclusion that was not only a long time awaited by the fictional family but fans of the author and series as well.
I could not slow down and the read went way too fast, as overjoyed and totally onboard with continuing the story, but all good stories have a way of doing that.
At least for me they do.
This last book contained everything and more that have come to rely on and expect when reading this authors works, oh what a wonderful journey with these characters have I enjoyed taking over all 5 books!
Although I could not wait to see what happens it was such a bittersweet read as end of the series with this particular book.
Thank you for the complimentary copy I received author John A. Heldt.
Kindle Edition, 524 pages
Published September 30th 2019
ASIN B07YKNKJ7P
Edition Language English
setting Augusta, Maine, 1983 (United States)
Portland, Maine, 1983 (United States)
Cadillac Mountain, Maine (United States)
…more
Series Carson Chronicles #5
Other Editions None found
[Digital copy from Author]in exchange for honest review
Buy book from Amazon
BOOK BLURB
Phoenix, Spring 1983. For the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, it has come down to this. Find the parents they have chased through time for more than two years or go home and resume their lives without them.
While Adam and Greg remain in Arizona and Natalie searches the country for leads, Cody and Caitlin travel to a summer camp in Maine, where their mother and father met as counselors. The twins, now 19, hope to intercept the older versions of their parents even as they work beside the younger ones.
All of the Carsons prepare for a reunion that seems inevitable. Then tragedy strikes one family member and seductive strangers pull two others in unhelpful directions as a summer of promise turns into one of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Filled with humor, romance, and heartbreak, CAMP LAKE, the poignant conclusion of the Carson Chronicles series, follows the lives of several spirited adults as they confront choices and change the era of big hair, space shuttles, and video arcades.
My Thoughts
In the beginning of the series we learn that the Carson siblings, Adam-Greg-Natalie-Caitlin and her twin brother Cody find out their academic middle aged parents are also long time adventurous Time Travelers.
Upon this discovery the 5 decide to try and follow in Tim and Caroline Carsons footsteps by leaving 2017 which takes them on a journey from 1889 to 1918 to 1944, 1962 and finally 1983 which appears to be the last opportunity in which to cross paths with their much missed parents.
Along the way the Carson children not only live through major historical events but personal life changes as well.
Specifically finding spouses for Adam and Greg, Bridget and Patricia, as well as a few loves along the way for Natalie, Caitlin and Cody.
Pinning their hopes on making contact does not mean sitting in one place for three of the siblings. Rather Natalie and her own new husband Nick, Caitlin her fiancé Dennis and Cody make their way to significant places where it is highly likely that Tim and Caroline will visit.
The story is as represented, one of humor, romance and heartbreak with a conclusion that was not only a long time awaited by the fictional family but fans of the author and series as well.
I could not slow down and the read went way too fast, as overjoyed and totally onboard with continuing the story, but all good stories have a way of doing that.
At least for me they do.
This last book contained everything and more that have come to rely on and expect when reading this authors works, oh what a wonderful journey with these characters have I enjoyed taking over all 5 books!
Although I could not wait to see what happens it was such a bittersweet read as end of the series with this particular book.
Thank you for the complimentary copy I received author John A. Heldt.
[Digital copy from Author]
February 9, 2020
This was a fantastic end to this series. I have read all of this series, as well as all the others, and have NOT been disappointed yet. The Carson Clan is a fantastic group of siblings. On the search for their parents, that are lost in time, the siblings see, do, and experience things that ordinary people only wish to. The family bond that is present in this series is amazing. It is a clear picture of love and family. The clan faces pain, heartbreak, and loss while also experiencing the highs. The meetings, the relationships, and the love. This series was visual of the past, present, and future.
I loved this series. Of all the many I have read, it is, by far, my favorite time travel series to date. The characters are real and relatable. The emotions are written so well that I would find my self happy and sad. Crying and laughing. It is hard not to get deeply invested in this family. As far as books alone go, this was better than the last. Some things happened in this book that I was waiting for for so long. Other things sprung up on me and grabbed me by the heartstrings.
Overall, I can't complain about anything I have read in this book or this series. I loved it all. I can't wait to see what this author brings to the pages next.
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I loved this series. Of all the many I have read, it is, by far, my favorite time travel series to date. The characters are real and relatable. The emotions are written so well that I would find my self happy and sad. Crying and laughing. It is hard not to get deeply invested in this family. As far as books alone go, this was better than the last. Some things happened in this book that I was waiting for for so long. Other things sprung up on me and grabbed me by the heartstrings.
Overall, I can't complain about anything I have read in this book or this series. I loved it all. I can't wait to see what this author brings to the pages next.
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February 7, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Camp Lake by John A. Heldt is the end of my first completed series of Mr. Heldts. We follow the Carson siblings in the final stretch of their time traveling tour to find their parents.
Will Adam, Greg, Natalie, Cody, and Caitlin Carson, with their significant others, find Tim and Caroline Carson?
Adam and Bridget
Adam is the oldest of the Carson clan and one that isn't all that active in this book. He is holding down the fort with his wife, Bridget, their daughter in Phoenix, Arizona. Adam and Bridget are doing well with the time-traveling even with a fussy infant.
Greg and Patricia
Greg is the second oldest of the Carson clan, and another on that really isn't active in this book either. Instead of jet setting across the world, Greg is in Phoenix with Adam and his family, helping his wife with their son and niece. He is taking the husband and fatherly duties well, and he cares for his family.
Natalie and Nick
Natalie, the third oldest and first daughter of the Carson clan, is more involved in this book. Nick and Natalie are the ones taking their honeymoon first to visit Colorado to see if Nick's relatives left anything and then off to find Natalie's parents wherever they may be. They found out so much throughout the book and kind of helped the family get back together faster. Or at least they tried. Natalie is starting to become a great wife already in the few short chapters that we have, with her being the focal point.
Caitlin and Dennis
Caitlin and Dennis, the young couple that started their romance in 1962, are continuing it in 1983 and beyond. These two are so adorable when they are together. Dennis being the musician and wanting to do everything in his power to make their summer together happen. Caitlin into doing more than what she bargained on doing. The young couple did a lot and are having fun making memories and just being together.
Cody
Now Cody. The black sheep of the family who couldn't bring any of his three love interests with him to the future since Emma. Cody, just like Caitlin and Dennis, are camp counselors and ended up fixing how their parents met after a little mishap. Along with their summer romance that continued into the next school year. Cody, like before, falls for a girl but is having a harder time letting this one go. I won't tell you if it sticks this time.
Five Stars
The Carson family adventure in 1983 is the conclusion that everyone following them must-read.
Camp Lake by John A. Heldt is a fantastic book that is hilarious, charming, and sad to read at certain parts. The final book of the Carson Chronicles had some lofty expectations to fill for me, and it met every one of them. The Carson Chronicles is the third series I started of Mr. Heldts but the first that I completed. I am rating it five stars and recommend it to everyone. Mr. Heldt has a marvelous way of weaving the past, present, and future, combined with how the Carsons time traveled in this series is spectacular.
Be on the lookout for Mr. Heldt's new series coming sometime around April; the first book is called The Lane Betrayal.
Other Books in the Series
River Rising
by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #1
Published by Amazon on September 20, 2017
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 661
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My Review
The Memory Tree
by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #2
Published by Amazon on April 30, 2018
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 659
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My Review
Indian Paintbrush
by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #3
Published by Amazon on November 26, 2018
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 659
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My Review
Caitlin's Song
by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #4
Published by Amazon on May 2, 2019
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 530
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My Review
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Camp Lake by John A. Heldt. I will miss the Carson family.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Adam, Greg, Natalie, Cody, and Caitlin Carson, with their significant others, find Tim and Caroline Carson?
Adam and Bridget
Adam is the oldest of the Carson clan and one that isn't all that active in this book. He is holding down the fort with his wife, Bridget, their daughter in Phoenix, Arizona. Adam and Bridget are doing well with the time-traveling even with a fussy infant.
Greg and Patricia
Greg is the second oldest of the Carson clan, and another on that really isn't active in this book either. Instead of jet setting across the world, Greg is in Phoenix with Adam and his family, helping his wife with their son and niece. He is taking the husband and fatherly duties well, and he cares for his family.
Natalie and Nick
Natalie, the third oldest and first daughter of the Carson clan, is more involved in this book. Nick and Natalie are the ones taking their honeymoon first to visit Colorado to see if Nick's relatives left anything and then off to find Natalie's parents wherever they may be. They found out so much throughout the book and kind of helped the family get back together faster. Or at least they tried. Natalie is starting to become a great wife already in the few short chapters that we have, with her being the focal point.
Caitlin and Dennis
Caitlin and Dennis, the young couple that started their romance in 1962, are continuing it in 1983 and beyond. These two are so adorable when they are together. Dennis being the musician and wanting to do everything in his power to make their summer together happen. Caitlin into doing more than what she bargained on doing. The young couple did a lot and are having fun making memories and just being together.
Cody Now Cody. The black sheep of the family who couldn't bring any of his three love interests with him to the future since Emma. Cody, just like Caitlin and Dennis, are camp counselors and ended up fixing how their parents met after a little mishap. Along with their summer romance that continued into the next school year. Cody, like before, falls for a girl but is having a harder time letting this one go. I won't tell you if it sticks this time.
Five Stars
The Carson family adventure in 1983 is the conclusion that everyone following them must-read.
Camp Lake by John A. Heldt is a fantastic book that is hilarious, charming, and sad to read at certain parts. The final book of the Carson Chronicles had some lofty expectations to fill for me, and it met every one of them. The Carson Chronicles is the third series I started of Mr. Heldts but the first that I completed. I am rating it five stars and recommend it to everyone. Mr. Heldt has a marvelous way of weaving the past, present, and future, combined with how the Carsons time traveled in this series is spectacular.
Be on the lookout for Mr. Heldt's new series coming sometime around April; the first book is called The Lane Betrayal.
Other Books in the Series
River Rising by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #1
Published by Amazon on September 20, 2017
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 661
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My ReviewWeeks after his parents disappear on a hike, Arizona engineer Adam Carson, 27, searches for answers. Then he discovers a secret web site and learns that his mother and father are time travelers stuck in the past. Armed with the information he needs to find them, Adam convinces his younger siblings to join him on a rescue mission to the 1880s.
While Greg, the adventurous middle brother, follows leads in the Wild West, Adam, journalist Natalie, and high school seniors Cody and Caitlin do the same in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Like the residents of the bustling steel community, all are unaware of a flood that will destroy the city on May 31, 1889.
In RIVER RISING, the first novel in the five-book Carson Chronicles series, five young adults find love, danger, and adventure as they experience America in the age of bustle dresses, gunslingers, and robber barons.
The Memory Tree by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #2
Published by Amazon on April 30, 2018
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 659
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My ReviewDays after barely escaping 1889 with their lives, the Carsons, siblings from the present day, resume their search for their missing parents in 1918. While Adam and his pregnant wife, Bridget, settle in Minnesota, unaware of a wildfire that will kill hundreds, Greg seeks clues in his great-grandparents' Mexico, where he finds love, danger, and enemies. At the same time, Natalie, the ambitious journalist, follows a trail to World War I France, and teen twins Cody and Caitlin rekindle a friendship with an old Pennsylvania friend haunted by her past. In THE MEMORY TREE, the sweeping sequel to RIVER RISING, several time travelers find answers and meaning as they continue the adventure of a lifetime in the age of doughboys, silent movies, and Model T's.
Indian Paintbrush by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #3
Published by Amazon on November 26, 2018
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 659
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My ReviewArizona, December 1943. After surviving perilous six-month journeys to 1889 and 1918, the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, seek a respite in their home state. While Adam and Greg settle down with their Progressive Era brides, Natalie and Caitlin start romances with wartime aviators and Cody befriends a Japanese family in an internment camp. The time travelers regroup, bury some ghosts, and continue their search for their missing parents. Then old problems return, new ones emerge, and a peaceful hiatus becomes a race for survival. In INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, the sequel to RIVER RISING and THE MEMORY TREE, several young adults find love and adventure as they navigate the home front during the height of World War II.
Caitlin's Song by John A. Heldt
Series: Carson Chronicles #4
Published by Amazon on May 2, 2019
Genres: Time Travel, Romance, Historical
Pages: 530
Format: Kindle
Buy on Amazon
My ReviewLove, courage, and commitment take center stage as the Carsons, a family of time travelers, continue their saga in the great American West. For the Carson children, ages 19 to 29, an unplanned stop in 1962 is a chance to grow. Adam, Greg, and Natalie begin lives with new spouses in Boulder, Colorado, while twins Cody and Caitlin get their first taste of college. All plan to resume the search for their missing parents as soon as they can. For Tim and Caroline Carson, a planned stop in the rendezvous year of 1972 is a nightmare. While reading about their children's lives in 1962, they learn that one has crossed paths with a killer. Faced with limited options, they race back to the past to reroute history and prevent a series of murders. In CAITLIN'S SONG, the fourth novel in the Carson Chronicles series, members of a modern family find romance, adventure, and terror as they seek answers and each other in four memorable eras of American history.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Camp Lake by John A. Heldt. I will miss the Carson family.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
November 27, 2020
Spoilers for Camp Lake!
Given this was my fifteenth John Heldt novel, it goes without saying I enjoy his skills as a researched storyteller. His novels have a particular feel. There’s a sing-song rhythm to the descriptions that I instantly recognize, and at times his characters speak in that same rhythm. You’ll see many characters use the following setup.
“I want to know what happens...”
“Alright, I’ll tell you!”
When I mentioned his research, I really meant it. He does exhaustive research on the time periods he writes in, travels to locations to get the details right, and it shows. Part of the formality in his writing comes from the fact that he likely has so much information he feels compelled to convey.
So this is the close of his third time travel series. The first involved characters dropped into another time period and left to fend for themselves, with a very loose serialization that came into the series too late to be uniform. His second series brought a new slightly connected band of characters to each book, and went so far in the other direction that instead of being dropped into the past, characters spent page signing legal waivers. The cohesion was undeniable.
For his, third series, he offers a cohesive storyline involving one family lost in time. It allows the characters to grow over the years and novels, and if I had to identify a potential downside it does turn into a bit of Gilligan’s Island to prevent things from wrapping too quickly. Things could have been resolved back in Book 2 if not for a crazy plot device that stymies the Carons “until next week.” We see a bit of that here. If Older Tim had named his younger children to the camp director, it might have ended the novel in thirty pages. If the camp director hadn’t rushed home to tend to his family, or hadn’t been out of the office tending to Dennis, things may have wrapped up early. You need a few coincidences, even with time travel.
All in all, it’s not a huge issue here. Things work out well with room to spare.
Evaluating the entire series, I’ll repeat what I’ve said in earlier reviews. Some of the siblings I like, and others really get on my nerves. Essentially, the younger they are, the more I like them. Adam and Greg were narratively at the center in the first two books, and struck me as chauvinistic from the get-go, once referring to Bridget as someone along the lines of “strong, for a woman.” Greg constantly referred to Cody as “sport” and at times acted like a product of the 1940s, which would have been an interesting plotline to develop. How much were they becoming locals?
Adam and Greg both took on the roles of older brothers who found their time traveling brides and had no issue telling the younger siblings they were out of luck and to move on. At one point in a prior novel they both relished telling their younger sisters they were going to veto their vacations with their boyfriends, just because they could. It was never a focus of the book that they were aggravating characters, and perhaps it was just my reading, but they always seemed to relish in being in control despite showing poor leadership. Even in this book, Tim and Caroline note that they’re willing to give Cody and Caitlin extra time to enjoy their friends, even though the oldest brothers were likely against it. You can be compassionate and still be strong. I felt like narratively, the books improved when Adam passed the torch of leadership to Natalie and they drifted further and further to the background, and maybe that was an intentional arc and not a course correction.
Bridget and Patricia. Bridget was never a very strong character to me, shone in the first book, and then drifted to the background. Patricia was very strong in the second book and I loved her contributions, but then she drifted away as well. One of the difficulties in dealing with such a large cast of characters was giving them screen time. The plot necessitated bringing them along for the ride, but they had little to do for the last two or three books.
Some of the strongest moments of the first few books involved Natalie’s first fiancé, Emma and Casey. (That I can’t remember his name is only a testament to reading the book a year and a half ago and not having the book open!) The youngest Carsons each got a road-not-traveled between them, with Emma being a thread that tied the first three novels together. I felt like Dennis was a runner up in Caitlin’s Song, and felt he shone much more in this book. Kudos to Mr. Heldt in giving Caitlin half the overall series to grieve her loss. It was really well done.
Despite having a bit too much of “characters making bad decisions alongside a strong plot wind” to keep things from being resolved too easily in this book, I really do love how the series ended. Karen could have been pushed off to the side like Emma and Casey, but instead the plot line was taken full advantage of in order to give her character a satisfying conclusion. Young Tim and Caroline equally got great coverage here and I love the way their roles were disposed of. While I followed fully why they risked returning to an altered timeline, I’m not quite clear on what it was they did (using the right watches?) to get back to their original time stream.
If this story had gone another way, a perfect way of ending this would have been to recognize that altered timestreams were still available to the family if they wanted to live their own “road not traveled.” Cody could have gone back in time to resume things with Emma in 1889. Caitlin could have gone back and saved Casey, although that one is odder to work out. My ultimate hope for this series was not to just return to 2017 and stay stuck, so I’m grateful a bit of that was incorporated into the ending.
All in all, while not everything worked perfectly for me, this was my favorite series yet, and I will eagerly be beginning the next series in the new year. After fifteen books, I’m finally catching up to Mr. Heldt’s writing speed!
Given this was my fifteenth John Heldt novel, it goes without saying I enjoy his skills as a researched storyteller. His novels have a particular feel. There’s a sing-song rhythm to the descriptions that I instantly recognize, and at times his characters speak in that same rhythm. You’ll see many characters use the following setup.
“I want to know what happens...”
“Alright, I’ll tell you!”
When I mentioned his research, I really meant it. He does exhaustive research on the time periods he writes in, travels to locations to get the details right, and it shows. Part of the formality in his writing comes from the fact that he likely has so much information he feels compelled to convey.
So this is the close of his third time travel series. The first involved characters dropped into another time period and left to fend for themselves, with a very loose serialization that came into the series too late to be uniform. His second series brought a new slightly connected band of characters to each book, and went so far in the other direction that instead of being dropped into the past, characters spent page signing legal waivers. The cohesion was undeniable.
For his, third series, he offers a cohesive storyline involving one family lost in time. It allows the characters to grow over the years and novels, and if I had to identify a potential downside it does turn into a bit of Gilligan’s Island to prevent things from wrapping too quickly. Things could have been resolved back in Book 2 if not for a crazy plot device that stymies the Carons “until next week.” We see a bit of that here. If Older Tim had named his younger children to the camp director, it might have ended the novel in thirty pages. If the camp director hadn’t rushed home to tend to his family, or hadn’t been out of the office tending to Dennis, things may have wrapped up early. You need a few coincidences, even with time travel.
All in all, it’s not a huge issue here. Things work out well with room to spare.
Evaluating the entire series, I’ll repeat what I’ve said in earlier reviews. Some of the siblings I like, and others really get on my nerves. Essentially, the younger they are, the more I like them. Adam and Greg were narratively at the center in the first two books, and struck me as chauvinistic from the get-go, once referring to Bridget as someone along the lines of “strong, for a woman.” Greg constantly referred to Cody as “sport” and at times acted like a product of the 1940s, which would have been an interesting plotline to develop. How much were they becoming locals?
Adam and Greg both took on the roles of older brothers who found their time traveling brides and had no issue telling the younger siblings they were out of luck and to move on. At one point in a prior novel they both relished telling their younger sisters they were going to veto their vacations with their boyfriends, just because they could. It was never a focus of the book that they were aggravating characters, and perhaps it was just my reading, but they always seemed to relish in being in control despite showing poor leadership. Even in this book, Tim and Caroline note that they’re willing to give Cody and Caitlin extra time to enjoy their friends, even though the oldest brothers were likely against it. You can be compassionate and still be strong. I felt like narratively, the books improved when Adam passed the torch of leadership to Natalie and they drifted further and further to the background, and maybe that was an intentional arc and not a course correction.
Bridget and Patricia. Bridget was never a very strong character to me, shone in the first book, and then drifted to the background. Patricia was very strong in the second book and I loved her contributions, but then she drifted away as well. One of the difficulties in dealing with such a large cast of characters was giving them screen time. The plot necessitated bringing them along for the ride, but they had little to do for the last two or three books.
Some of the strongest moments of the first few books involved Natalie’s first fiancé, Emma and Casey. (That I can’t remember his name is only a testament to reading the book a year and a half ago and not having the book open!) The youngest Carsons each got a road-not-traveled between them, with Emma being a thread that tied the first three novels together. I felt like Dennis was a runner up in Caitlin’s Song, and felt he shone much more in this book. Kudos to Mr. Heldt in giving Caitlin half the overall series to grieve her loss. It was really well done.
Despite having a bit too much of “characters making bad decisions alongside a strong plot wind” to keep things from being resolved too easily in this book, I really do love how the series ended. Karen could have been pushed off to the side like Emma and Casey, but instead the plot line was taken full advantage of in order to give her character a satisfying conclusion. Young Tim and Caroline equally got great coverage here and I love the way their roles were disposed of. While I followed fully why they risked returning to an altered timeline, I’m not quite clear on what it was they did (using the right watches?) to get back to their original time stream.
If this story had gone another way, a perfect way of ending this would have been to recognize that altered timestreams were still available to the family if they wanted to live their own “road not traveled.” Cody could have gone back in time to resume things with Emma in 1889. Caitlin could have gone back and saved Casey, although that one is odder to work out. My ultimate hope for this series was not to just return to 2017 and stay stuck, so I’m grateful a bit of that was incorporated into the ending.
All in all, while not everything worked perfectly for me, this was my favorite series yet, and I will eagerly be beginning the next series in the new year. After fifteen books, I’m finally catching up to Mr. Heldt’s writing speed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2019
Outstanding
I didn’t want to put it down ! Wonderful family story and I loved how it ended. I recommend
This series
I didn’t want to put it down ! Wonderful family story and I loved how it ended. I recommend
This series
August 9, 2021
This review is longer than most I write, and I make no apologies for that.
Although it is a review for Camp Lake, the final in the Carson Chronicles series by John A Heldt, for a large part I’d like to focus on the series.
In the first book of the series, River Rising, Adam Carson, the eldest of five siblings discovers his parents are time travellers lost in the past. He also discovers information that will help him and his family to travel back to the 1880s to rescue their parents. His brothers and sisters have no hesitation in agreeing to join him.
The following four books The Memory Tree, Indian Paintbrush, Caitlin’s Song and Camp Lake chronicle their attempts, over two years and five time periods, to meet up with their parents.
Each book is consistently entertaining and demonstrate Heldt’s ability for detailed research and realistic characters.
The main characters in the series are the Carson family (Adam, Greg, Natalie, Caitlin and Cody as well as their parents Tim and Caroline.
All characters are well developed. Although the experiences throughout their journey have changed them, they remain likeable and are portrayed consistently throughout the series. They have become like an extension of the reader’s own family.
Since starting their journey, Adam, Greg, Natalie and Caitlin have partners from other times. Adam and Greg have also both become fathers.
The family members experience love and heartbreak; accidents, disasters and battles yet never lose hope. They are a family united and supportive.
Heldt’s skilful and consistent style makes you part of every emotion – sadness, humorous moments, love, and heartbreak. You celebrate their victories fighting alongside in their battles.
While the author includes ‘catch up paragraphs’ in each book, I believe the reader will enjoy the series more if read in order. In each book the chapters are written from a different character’s point of view.
Now for Camp Lake. John A Heldt’s stories just keep getting better. In this, the fifth and final book in the series, the siblings have arrived in 1983. It’s also the year their parents, Tim and Caroline, first met and their last chance to make contact and so all can return to the present time.
Adam and Greg, and their wives, remain in the Arizona home base, Natalie and her husband explore leads in other locations.
Cody and Caitlin, and her boyfriend from 1962, Dennis get jobs as counsellors at the “Camp Lake” summer camp in Maine. They are surprised when they get put with their teenage parents to share a cabin. Will the situation change the timeline? What happens if this time they don’t fall in love? There are some worrying and some amusing times in camp.
Following all their efforts to reunite will they finally succeed? It’s been and emotional ride with a family I came to know and love.
Although I am glad their journey has come to an end I will miss sharing their adventures, romantic moments and urging them on when in danger. I was happy with the way the book ended but it came all too soon. That’s my fault because I couldn’t read slower or put the book down.
Although it is a review for Camp Lake, the final in the Carson Chronicles series by John A Heldt, for a large part I’d like to focus on the series.
In the first book of the series, River Rising, Adam Carson, the eldest of five siblings discovers his parents are time travellers lost in the past. He also discovers information that will help him and his family to travel back to the 1880s to rescue their parents. His brothers and sisters have no hesitation in agreeing to join him.
The following four books The Memory Tree, Indian Paintbrush, Caitlin’s Song and Camp Lake chronicle their attempts, over two years and five time periods, to meet up with their parents.
Each book is consistently entertaining and demonstrate Heldt’s ability for detailed research and realistic characters.
The main characters in the series are the Carson family (Adam, Greg, Natalie, Caitlin and Cody as well as their parents Tim and Caroline.
All characters are well developed. Although the experiences throughout their journey have changed them, they remain likeable and are portrayed consistently throughout the series. They have become like an extension of the reader’s own family.
Since starting their journey, Adam, Greg, Natalie and Caitlin have partners from other times. Adam and Greg have also both become fathers.
The family members experience love and heartbreak; accidents, disasters and battles yet never lose hope. They are a family united and supportive.
Heldt’s skilful and consistent style makes you part of every emotion – sadness, humorous moments, love, and heartbreak. You celebrate their victories fighting alongside in their battles.
While the author includes ‘catch up paragraphs’ in each book, I believe the reader will enjoy the series more if read in order. In each book the chapters are written from a different character’s point of view.
Now for Camp Lake. John A Heldt’s stories just keep getting better. In this, the fifth and final book in the series, the siblings have arrived in 1983. It’s also the year their parents, Tim and Caroline, first met and their last chance to make contact and so all can return to the present time.
Adam and Greg, and their wives, remain in the Arizona home base, Natalie and her husband explore leads in other locations.
Cody and Caitlin, and her boyfriend from 1962, Dennis get jobs as counsellors at the “Camp Lake” summer camp in Maine. They are surprised when they get put with their teenage parents to share a cabin. Will the situation change the timeline? What happens if this time they don’t fall in love? There are some worrying and some amusing times in camp.
Following all their efforts to reunite will they finally succeed? It’s been and emotional ride with a family I came to know and love.
Although I am glad their journey has come to an end I will miss sharing their adventures, romantic moments and urging them on when in danger. I was happy with the way the book ended but it came all too soon. That’s my fault because I couldn’t read slower or put the book down.
October 29, 2024
Mr Heldt brings it home. Literally.
The last book in the Carlson Chronicles time travel story brings it home in the most satisfying of ways. The five Carlson siblings who took off in 2017 to travel through time in search of their parents lost in the past finally hit pay dirt. It only took them stops in the late 1890’s (Book 1), early 1900’s (Book 2), 1943 (Book 3), 1962 (Book 4) and, finally, 1983 (Book 5) to track down all the clues and celebrate their reunion with parents, Tim and Caroline—sans all the cops and bullets, floods and fires and wars of past time stops.
Along the way to book 5, they’d picked up two wives, one husband, and had made two babies. The family had grown and they were ready to come home, if home would be as they’d left it and they could find their elusive parents, that is.
This book takes place mostly at the summer camp in Maine where Tim and Caroline had first met. The family bets on their parents not being able to resist that milestone place and it pays off when Cody, Caitlin and newly acquired boyfriend, Dennis, from 1962 get jobs as summer camp counselors. They collect clues. Parents, Tim and Caroline, leave clues. Meanwhile, young Tim and Caroline are fellow counselors who may or may not connect due to the changes Cody, Caitlin and Dennis inadvertently make just by being there.
More tranquil in the action compared to Books 1-4, this is still an ensemble story that relies on human interaction, breezy dialogue, and character arcs of growth for its substance, rather than scientific anomalies and the trope of an evil organization that follows them through time like many stories in the time travel genre. In short, this is an easy and pleasurable read of a time already passed.
If I had any complaints, it would be two, but they’re small.
First, in ALL the books of the series, the author enthusiastically shows how much he ADORES the word ‘adore’ by its overuse. At one point, I looked up ‘adore’ in a thesaurus, wrote out a list of alternative choices, and rewrote the sentences with an alternative phrasing. Was this enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story? No. But he’s such a fun writer, it’s like a crack in a lovely vase.
Second, the last chapter jumps 5 years and reads like an epilogue. It’s nice to know how it all turned out, but I kind of wish he’d squeezed one more book out of it to follow the family’s reintegration and Karen’s journey into the future. Okay, that’s not a complaint. It’s more an unfulfilled wish. Still, I had a great time reading the series. Hope you do, too.
The last book in the Carlson Chronicles time travel story brings it home in the most satisfying of ways. The five Carlson siblings who took off in 2017 to travel through time in search of their parents lost in the past finally hit pay dirt. It only took them stops in the late 1890’s (Book 1), early 1900’s (Book 2), 1943 (Book 3), 1962 (Book 4) and, finally, 1983 (Book 5) to track down all the clues and celebrate their reunion with parents, Tim and Caroline—sans all the cops and bullets, floods and fires and wars of past time stops.
Along the way to book 5, they’d picked up two wives, one husband, and had made two babies. The family had grown and they were ready to come home, if home would be as they’d left it and they could find their elusive parents, that is.
This book takes place mostly at the summer camp in Maine where Tim and Caroline had first met. The family bets on their parents not being able to resist that milestone place and it pays off when Cody, Caitlin and newly acquired boyfriend, Dennis, from 1962 get jobs as summer camp counselors. They collect clues. Parents, Tim and Caroline, leave clues. Meanwhile, young Tim and Caroline are fellow counselors who may or may not connect due to the changes Cody, Caitlin and Dennis inadvertently make just by being there.
More tranquil in the action compared to Books 1-4, this is still an ensemble story that relies on human interaction, breezy dialogue, and character arcs of growth for its substance, rather than scientific anomalies and the trope of an evil organization that follows them through time like many stories in the time travel genre. In short, this is an easy and pleasurable read of a time already passed.
If I had any complaints, it would be two, but they’re small.
First, in ALL the books of the series, the author enthusiastically shows how much he ADORES the word ‘adore’ by its overuse. At one point, I looked up ‘adore’ in a thesaurus, wrote out a list of alternative choices, and rewrote the sentences with an alternative phrasing. Was this enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story? No. But he’s such a fun writer, it’s like a crack in a lovely vase.
Second, the last chapter jumps 5 years and reads like an epilogue. It’s nice to know how it all turned out, but I kind of wish he’d squeezed one more book out of it to follow the family’s reintegration and Karen’s journey into the future. Okay, that’s not a complaint. It’s more an unfulfilled wish. Still, I had a great time reading the series. Hope you do, too.
April 10, 2021
The Carson children were back in Arizona. The problem is, it's 1983 Arizona. They have to get some money first, then they can look for clues to their parents. Each of the Carson children hoped this would be the last stop before they got home. Things are never easy for the Carsons though.
Like a wonderful spring breeze, Mr. Heldt's books are refreshingly original and exceptionally well written. Mr. Heldt leads you through the book at a steady pace. The characters are easy to care about. Their personalities shine through from beginning to end. Expected surprises happen all through this book as well. He keeps you guessing about where things will go next. I'm not a fan of time travel books but I'm a huge fan of these!
I didn't find any issues here.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a touching story. The author provided a copy of the book and I chose to review it.
Like a wonderful spring breeze, Mr. Heldt's books are refreshingly original and exceptionally well written. Mr. Heldt leads you through the book at a steady pace. The characters are easy to care about. Their personalities shine through from beginning to end. Expected surprises happen all through this book as well. He keeps you guessing about where things will go next. I'm not a fan of time travel books but I'm a huge fan of these!
I didn't find any issues here.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a touching story. The author provided a copy of the book and I chose to review it.
September 13, 2020
Wonderful, but sad there are no more.
This series is the best time travel stories I have ever read, and I have read plenty. I'm not sure if I can even enjoy others after this. The main characters, a lovely family, are wonderful, brilliant, funny, and extremely loving. Starting with book one, the five siblings travel back in time searching for their parents who secretly traveled before them. Excellent books, all five. However, you really need to read each one in order. Mr. Heldt does manage to insert a summary of the previous book but it is more fun reading about it to get ALL the details!
This series is the best time travel stories I have ever read, and I have read plenty. I'm not sure if I can even enjoy others after this. The main characters, a lovely family, are wonderful, brilliant, funny, and extremely loving. Starting with book one, the five siblings travel back in time searching for their parents who secretly traveled before them. Excellent books, all five. However, you really need to read each one in order. Mr. Heldt does manage to insert a summary of the previous book but it is more fun reading about it to get ALL the details!
June 1, 2021
A Supremely Satisfying Conclusion
My biggest complaint is that I won't be able to spend more time with the Carson family.
The books in this series don't read like great literature. Some of the plot lines are trite and predictable, as is real life. The result is an intimate look at people who become real not in spite of those facts but because of them.
The last two books in the series are the first two kindle books I ever paid cash for and I don't regret a cent! They are worth every penny as I know I will be revisiting the family who has come to feel like friends.
My biggest complaint is that I won't be able to spend more time with the Carson family.
The books in this series don't read like great literature. Some of the plot lines are trite and predictable, as is real life. The result is an intimate look at people who become real not in spite of those facts but because of them.
The last two books in the series are the first two kindle books I ever paid cash for and I don't regret a cent! They are worth every penny as I know I will be revisiting the family who has come to feel like friends.
April 22, 2022
Completion
I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed with this the final book in the Carson family’s trip through time. I felt that the ending was rushed without enough information. What date did the Carson’s return to? How did they explain the additions to their family? And so much more.
I also have to say that, once again, JH’s writing is excellent. His description of America in the 80’s must fill many readers with nostalgia. His understanding of people facing heartbreak has been well described in most of the previous four books. Of course, one of the questions that apply to all of the books is how did other people not walk through the time portals over the years?
I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed with this the final book in the Carson family’s trip through time. I felt that the ending was rushed without enough information. What date did the Carson’s return to? How did they explain the additions to their family? And so much more.
I also have to say that, once again, JH’s writing is excellent. His description of America in the 80’s must fill many readers with nostalgia. His understanding of people facing heartbreak has been well described in most of the previous four books. Of course, one of the questions that apply to all of the books is how did other people not walk through the time portals over the years?
January 22, 2023
I received this audio book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
What a great ending to this series. The story was well executed and the characters showed growth throughout the series. John A Heldt has done an excellent job of tying up all of the storylines for the Carson family and friends.
As is the case with all of his stories, Heldt leaves the reader completely satisfied with his grasp of romance, historical fiction, and time travel. He even has a clever way of adding a bit of “breaking the fourth wall” in at the end.
I highly recommend this series.
What a great ending to this series. The story was well executed and the characters showed growth throughout the series. John A Heldt has done an excellent job of tying up all of the storylines for the Carson family and friends.
As is the case with all of his stories, Heldt leaves the reader completely satisfied with his grasp of romance, historical fiction, and time travel. He even has a clever way of adding a bit of “breaking the fourth wall” in at the end.
I highly recommend this series.
May 6, 2025
A fairly disappointing ending to a lackluster series. I enjoyed the Maine references (as a Mainer, myself), I did think the idea of going to the future beyond what they knew was interesting but then he didn't go into it, so that was annoying, the speak at the end was a huge flop, the reunion was disappointing as well.
Once again, I loved the idea of this book series, the historical references were interesting in a few of the books, but the writing (especially the dialogue) was painful to get through.
Once again, I loved the idea of this book series, the historical references were interesting in a few of the books, but the writing (especially the dialogue) was painful to get through.
August 19, 2020
A great finish
This series I found very enjoyable. The early book introduced character a s good story line. I thought it was a quick entertaining read but it prompted me to read the series concurrently. The middle books I did not enjoy as much I leafed through a bit I will admit. The subsequent books my enjoyment returned and it has been a great finish. I would recommend this series to all my suggestion would be to space them out rather than read in one go.
This series I found very enjoyable. The early book introduced character a s good story line. I thought it was a quick entertaining read but it prompted me to read the series concurrently. The middle books I did not enjoy as much I leafed through a bit I will admit. The subsequent books my enjoyment returned and it has been a great finish. I would recommend this series to all my suggestion would be to space them out rather than read in one go.
February 19, 2021
Another good series!
If you enjoy historical fiction, specifically time-travel, I recommend the Carson Chronicles series; as well as the other books and series written by this author. They are all well written and edited. They provide something for everyone; history, adventure, suspense, love, family, etc. I stayed up reading many nights until my eyes burned. One recommendation.... Be patient and enjoy the ride!!
If you enjoy historical fiction, specifically time-travel, I recommend the Carson Chronicles series; as well as the other books and series written by this author. They are all well written and edited. They provide something for everyone; history, adventure, suspense, love, family, etc. I stayed up reading many nights until my eyes burned. One recommendation.... Be patient and enjoy the ride!!
March 12, 2025
An amazing trip thru history!
So many time travels are romance in Scotland/ Ireland/Recency England or pure science fiction. This was a walk thru history with real believable people. It gave you a bit of an insiders experience of many historical moments. It pinged some of my fuzzy memories of historical moments I lived thru. It is an amazing series that I highly recommend to everyone
So many time travels are romance in Scotland/ Ireland/Recency England or pure science fiction. This was a walk thru history with real believable people. It gave you a bit of an insiders experience of many historical moments. It pinged some of my fuzzy memories of historical moments I lived thru. It is an amazing series that I highly recommend to everyone
March 6, 2020
And that’s a wrap
This concludes a riveting story that has kept me waiting for the next book.
The travels, travails & love of this family has filled my heart & on occasion my eyes.
Thank you John A Heldt for writing such an incredible story. From start to finish, it was a great read.
This concludes a riveting story that has kept me waiting for the next book.
The travels, travails & love of this family has filled my heart & on occasion my eyes.
Thank you John A Heldt for writing such an incredible story. From start to finish, it was a great read.
May 22, 2021
Wonderful ending to a very long quest
I do not believe I did a review on the first four books in this series, but all of them were entertaining, suspenseful at times, and well written. I was so hoping that book 5 would wrap things up and end on a good note, and was not disappointed. You do need to read them in order.
I do not believe I did a review on the first four books in this series, but all of them were entertaining, suspenseful at times, and well written. I was so hoping that book 5 would wrap things up and end on a good note, and was not disappointed. You do need to read them in order.
April 15, 2021
Live history while traveling through time. Puts you realistically in the situation
This series is worth your time. Will continue to read books on this topic by this author. Looking forward to the next series.
This series is worth your time. Will continue to read books on this topic by this author. Looking forward to the next series.
May 2, 2021
Wow what a incredibly amazing series!
I loved every book in this series, and yes, I cried with each one! I can't believe what the author managed to bring together in such a incredibly awesome storyline! What a beautiful ending!
I loved every book in this series, and yes, I cried with each one! I can't believe what the author managed to bring together in such a incredibly awesome storyline! What a beautiful ending!
June 14, 2021
Good ending . . .
Good and satisfying ending to a very good series. I felt like a member of the Carson family. I would like to see one more book that would take place some years into the future for one more look at this family's future.
Good and satisfying ending to a very good series. I felt like a member of the Carson family. I would like to see one more book that would take place some years into the future for one more look at this family's future.
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