Hattie Kildare is born in the small Oregon town of Middle Falls in October, 1929 -- the same day the New York Stock Exchange crashes. That is just the beginning of the topsy-turvy life she will live. High-spirited and rebellious, she will experience many different lives in that first opportunity. Being born in Middle Falls, she will have others. No matter how badly things go wrong, she will have the chance to fix them. Everything will be all right in the end. If it's not all right, it's not the end. The Topsy-Turvy Lives of Hattie Kildare is the twentieth book in the Middle Falls Time Travel series. Like all Middle Falls books, it is a standalone novel which can be read in any order. It will be released in audio by Podium Publishing in 2024.
Hattie lived in Middle Falls all her life. As a teenager her younger sister drowned and just a bit later her boyfriend Jimmy was killed in the war. This took the wind out of her sails and she stayed with her mother and father until they died. Then it was basically living the same days over for the rest of her life. She got a Middle Falls reset, waking up the year that Jimmy and Jackie died. She had a little bit of summer left before having to start back in high school where she joined the yearbook and although everyone did everything, she was the photographer. Got some good enough shots that she was able to sell some to the local paper. Things were looking up when Jimmy postponed his enlistment. Maybe he wouldn’t die in the war.
Fast fun read. This was set much earlier than any of the previous books in this series. Hattie woke up in 1943, I think the earliest of any of the others was late nineteen fifties. We followed her for her full life, but most of the action was in the first year or two after she reset. Another great character in this series, 4.5 stars. I was curious which of the LA characters were also being watched by Donna (from the universal life center). The guys that managed the hotel? Talia, who owned the business that gave Hattie a job?
I really hate to give this one only three stars because I am a huge fan of Shawn Inmon's Middle Falls Time Travel series. I have devoured all of his books, and until now, there were only two, maybe three, that I wasn't absolutely crazy about. Sadly, I've had to add "Hattie Kildare" to that list.
I'll start with a few of the things I did like because this book, like Shawn's other books, had many things to like about it. I loved the scenes with Hattie and her grandmother. Late in the book, we get an inkling that maybe her grandmother had been recycled in the past, and it made me curious about her story. I found it interesting that both Jimmy and Jackie died, though in different ways, in her first two lives; I was hoping to learn why this happened (from the Universal Life Center perspective). Speaking of the ULC, I loved seeing the character of Donna come back! And, of course, I am always happy when Charles Waters makes an appearance.
I also liked the scene later in the story where Hattie was helping the photographers with their cameras on the beach. She'd abandoned photography for so long, and I loved seeing her come back to it. (Of course, this made her move from secretary to photographer very predictable, but I was glad to see her get promoted!)
I also liked the road trip to LA with her brother. For the first time in the book, I felt intrigued by a sense of adventure and uncertainty, and I was happy to see Hattie finally get the courage to strike out on her own. But When Donna the Watcher decided to change things to get Hattie to cross paths with certain people, I felt a little disappointed; no matter what happened after that, I knew things would turn out fine. They generally do anyway (which is a good thing), but I think the Donna scene ultimately took away from the suspense of Hattie's adventure. This made the rest of the book a little less interesting to me.
Oops, I have started talking about the things I didn't like. So let me move on to that.
Maybe the problem is that I had such high hopes for Hattie Kildare. I love historical fiction from the WWII period, and I was excited that Shawn was venturing into this earlier era for the first time in his series. And I simply loved the name “Hattie Kildare" so much that I knew I would love the character! And I did ... but still, the story didn't grab me the way many of his other stories have.
What Hattie lacked, I think, was passion. Even for photography. She dropped it like a hot potato in Life #2, and then she quit the career after a few years in Life #3. And there was no love interest (except for Jimmy, who was dead for most of the book), no children, no higher purpose beyond "do something different." As I read, I kept thinking the title should be "The Aimless Lives of Hattie Kildare." I'm not sure what was topsy-turvy about any of them.
Many new characters are introduced in LA, and I kept getting confused between the guys in the gay couple, and all of the women at Hattie's job. It didn't ring true for Hattie to learn to drive one weekend, then have a job driving, and then get her license over her lunch hour on Day 1 of driving on the job. Maybe DMVs moved a little faster in the late 1940s?
The driving story is just one example of how everything just seemed to happen a little too smoothly, perfectly, and quickly in the end. Everything fell into place, and so much of it didn't ring true.
I was also a little frustrated by the many typos and other errors throughout the book -- characters being called the wrong name, a missing "not" that had me re-reading a sentence multiple times, a few misspellings, and other small items, such as "the Collins" or "the Adams" rather than "The Collins family" or "the Adamses." Small things, for sure, but they add up, and it makes me wonder if maybe a little more time should have been allowed for editing and proofreading. (I don't know if this is an issue with his other books, as I usually listen to them on Audible.)
A little more time. I think that is what this story needed. Hattie's character is very likeable, and the setup held the promise of a great story. I think if Shawn had let this one bake in his mind a little longer, it could have been at the level of his many other books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well, Middle Falls Time Travel followers, Shawn has given us the next one in this incredible series!
Shawn Inmon's "The Topsy-Turvy Lives of Hattie Kildare" is the latest gem in the crown of the Middle Falls Time Travel series, and it does not disappoint. Like its predecessors, this twentieth installment stands alone, allowing new readers to dive right in without missing a beat—a hallmark of Inmon's storytelling prowess. Hattie Kildare's life is a rollercoaster that begins on the day of the New York Stock Exchange crash in 1929. From that moment, her existence is anything but ordinary. High-spirited and rebellious, Hattie's journey is a testament to the human spirit's resilience as she navigates through various lives, each time with the opportunity to reset and try again. It's a narrative that resonates deeply with the idea that it's never too late to change your destiny. Inmon's writing is as engaging as ever, weaving a tale that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The characters are richly developed, and the setting of Middle Falls is so vividly described that it becomes a character in its own right. The author has a knack for capturing the essence of each era Hattie lives through, making the reader feel as though they are right there with her.
One of the most compelling aspects of "The Topsy-Turvy Lives of Hattie Kildare" is its exploration of the concept of time travel and its implications. Inmon challenges readers to consider the impact of our choices and the possibility of redemption. The book's message is clear: no matter how tumultuous life gets, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. For fans of the series, this book is a must-read, and for newcomers, it's an inviting introduction to the world of Middle Falls. In conclusion, Shawn Inmon delivers yet another captivating tale with "The Topsy-Turvy Lives of Hattie Kildare." It's a story that will make you laugh, cry, and, most importantly, reflect on the power of perseverance and the endless possibilities that life holds. Don't miss out on this time-traveling escapade that promises to be as topsy-turvy as its heroine's life; pick up your copy today.
Hattie Kildare’s first life was marked by too many deaths too close together. Her precious Jimmy was lost in World War II. Her younger sister drowned way too young. Her grandmother gone. Her father, too. What was left was a lifetime of treading water that created a deep rut of dull gray living.
There was nothing to keep her from moving forward into an after life, but there wasn’t much color to mark a life fully lived.
With the help of Watcher Charles, she is assigned to a high empath Watcher and given a soul time travel loop back to the 1940’s into her 15 year old body. Everyone she loves—especially Jimmy—is still living. It is a moment in time of technicolor happiness for her.
Can she change things the second time around? Keep Jimmy? Save her little sister? Yes and no. Some things are immutable, others are more fluid.
In the end, she learns what it means to strike out on her own despite the pain and heartache of loss. Building on the budding recognition that even though she can’t control the outcomes in other people’s lives, she can choose to create her own by letting natural expression, hard work, and a little cosmic synchronicity lead the way.
Hattie’s story towards fulfillment isn’t typical for a 1940’s woman. It turns out to even be a little renegade for the times. It does, however, unfold in a color palette that is uniquely hers.
This is yet another satisfying story in the MF series. Although come to think of it, it was not satisfying afterall. The way Hattie's final life is structured. But anyways, dont get me wrong, this story is perfect MF mold story. For me that is a problem. Anyways. These are same, similar patterned stories with no real conflicts, perfect to read if you have a heart condition. You'll only feel joy, and feeling of gladness by the time story ends.
We have come long way in MF stories regarding why the characters restarted their lives. From suicide to no reason at all. From Thomas Weaver and few other committing suicides to Hattie Kildare who died naturally with a life 'in balance', but was recycled just because she hadn't done enough in her life. However, in this book I'm not sure how could Hattie's first life be fine, in-balance? It simply went from very happy to vegetable in matter of months at the age of 15-16 and then remained that way for next 65. I mean how many more examples do I need to give to convince Shawn Inmon, that his style of writing unplanned stories, build them as he types, is bad and lazy way of writing. At least he should read the stories once he's finished and remove any silly or logical errors. Then, second life is almost similar to first life, makes us feel it was all waste of our time to read, unless Shawn has listen to me saying we should learn about first life before restart. I suppose he did not have patience to read my suggestion's last two words. "Before Restart" Shawn! And who lives the same miserable, vegitative lives for over 150 years? Shawn Inmon continues to fail human capacity to digest pain and move on. There are other things in human nature, logic and math he doesnt understand as I've mentioned in other reviews. it takes 150 years for Hattie to move on, even her parents can't move on the death of their daughter in both of her lives for over fifty years! Then there is this matter of the skills and talents not gaining the success. Hattie does not become a famous photographer. This is a regular theme in the series that the protagonist does not achieve greatness despite having it in their genes or learned and practiced over century (There are only two exceptions in case of Jack Rybicki & Effie Anderson, who do gain the fame fro their talent). Maybe this is a reflection on his own success. Although success came late to Shawn, he still is a moderately successful author, just like most of his characters. He himself has not experienced it, so he can not imagine it for his protagonists. Then the second theme of not gaining worldly riches. If living happy life with only enough money to survive without problem should be the life goal instead of making money, as it is of so many of MF protagonists, why does Shawn goes on those voyages every year with the readers' money? Perhaps this is not his last life to learn that lesson I suppose. Anyways, voice performance is very good. And the story is usual patterned satisfying story of second (or rather) third chance.
Very flat characterization. Almost none. I nearly gave it 1 star, then the story picked up a bit at 60%.
I’ve been reading this series for 4 years, I love the premise and a few of the books are really really great. Inmon struggles a bit with female MCs, for sure. And this story was more about the wartime and post war setting- there was NO attention paid to bringing this character to life, at all. Where was the reaction to waking up in her 15 year old body? No panic, no emotions at seeing her long dead loved ones.
And for all the interest in the time setting, there were quite a few anachronisms. I’ll give him a pass for the modern terms and phrases, that’s really difficult to overcome unless you study the period language. A 1940s high school girl would NEVER have called her boyfriend’s mother by her first name. Or her male boss. There was rampant casual sexism then, and we didn’t see that either. And what was up with that random “The Little Mermaid” reference??
One last thing. The plural form of names ending in s is -es. If you want to say ‘The Collins family’ or ‘the Adams family’, that’s fine, because ‘family’ is singular. Otherwise, it should be ‘the Adamses’ or ‘the Collinses’. His editor dropped the ball there.
I’ve read and enjoyed every single one of Shawn’s Middle Falls Time Travel Stories. Shawn just seems to get better and better at creating captivating characters and believable stories that delight readers. And Hattie Kildare didn’t disappoint. This time Shawn takes us back to 1943 and a different era, with a lead character that you just want to wrap your arms around and hug. Quiet, introverted, a war ‘widow’ that never even had chance to get married, Hattie returns to her life in backwater Middle Falls unaware that the choices she will make will have far-reaching lifetime-changing consequences. I love how Shawn weaves his clever storylines around the main character, I was totally hooked from the first page and loved how the story developed through the chapters. I won't spoil it for you - suffice to say - this is a real page turner and highly recommended!
This one hit on several levels of familiarity and nostalgia.
Hattie being born the same year as my grandparents; the descriptive feels and stories of growing up in the great depression and as teenagers through the war years were remarkably similar to how both she and my grandfather described things.
Abigail reminded me of my grandmother and her berry patches, baking and the smell of the fruit cellar took me back.
Alan reminded me of my grandfather, one year young to join the war before it finished like Stanley, he owned and operated a saw mill, and had that same never changing sense and sensibility of the pre-war generation.
Beyond these connections, this one had heart, and I really enjoyed it.
Another Middle Falls story that doesn't disappoint. I love these stories because they allow me to lose myself for a little bit, and I honestly find peace in the idea of death. One thing in particular I enjoyed about this novel was how much further back in Middle Falls history this story took place than the others in the series. I loved the feeling of community they had in WWII-era Middle Falls. Just some really good folks. Hattie is a simple, well-written character who doesn't long for an extravagant lifestyle. She wants love. She knows who she is and I found her to be quite admirable. Whether this is your first or twentieth visit to Middle Falls, I highly recommend reading her story.
Hattie is now one of my favorite characters. She is sweet and naive, but also very strong and wise. I could have read another hundred pages about her and her lifestyle. . Shawn Inmon's did a great job depicting the time period. I felt completely absorbed with life in the 40's. What I love about Inmon's books is that I get hooked from the first sentence. I usually read during my meals. I end up taking two hour meal breaks. I loved Hattie so much, I took three hour breaks. I can't wait for the next book. Thank you, Shawn, for writing such an excellent, enjoyable book. Hattie will be on my mind and in my heart forever.
This series is great, and if you haven’t read it from the start, go back to the first one. This particular story just didn’t hit the sweet spot for me. Personally, I felt that the third life was a little rushed, and the first was very short. The idea of this story was unique to the series. I enjoyed the thoughts and feeling it evoked. I just wish that the characters, other than Hattie, were fleshed out more. Anyway, although I seem to be complaining, I don’t think others will feel that way. Get the book and read it now.
This wonderful story has really been a great trigger to my imagination. I was born in December of 1952 and had to stretch my imagination to think about what it must have been like (spoiler alert) in LA at Hatties' time living and working there. I've truly loved all these Time Travel Stories because they really make a person think what it could possibly be like to go back in time to try to fix any horrendice mistakes one may have made. I thank you Shawn for these books and I look forward to the next one.
Every time that Shawn puts out a book I get so excited.I usually read in one sitting too. Hattie is different to usual middle falls characters as she is just a normal woman. It would be interesting to see how many readers identify with her as there's something everyone can relate to. Heading to Shawns Facebook page now to thank him for another wonderful instalment.
I recommend this author's writing to anyone who enjoys reading. The real emotion in the character's lives pulls you unto the story. As usual, I completed this book in one day. Could not put it down. We had been on a 14 day cruise so I couldn't download this book until we got home. First thing I did. I hated to give up this story. Now I must wait for Shawn's next release.
The author admits in the afterword that this entry is different than the others and I totally agree. The WWII setting is definitely interesting, but describing Hattie's lives as "Topsy-Turvy" seems to be a bit of a stretch. Perhaps "Unfulfilled" or "Unrealized" or even "Traumatized" would be better. The sad fact is that Hattie is really not a very interesting character, and even reliving her life doesn't make her any more interesting.
I enjoy the Middle Falls time travel books, and Hattie Kildare’s story was particularly interesting to me. I liked that she was an older character, born in 1929. The ending was different which I really liked. I hope Hattie and Jimmy and Jackie and everyone else goes on to live long and happy lives together.
I love these books, but I go through them faster than he can write them. Live your life over and over but no two stories are the same. They make you think about what can be important in your life. How your attitude can make a difference. Change your focus and you can change your life. And in good stories. Easy to read and connect to.
As someone who has read all the Middle Falls books, and enjoyed all of them, I think Hattie is my favorite. I feel like I related to her in a strange way. Inmon does a great job of developing characters and I think Hattie was particularly strong. I highly recommend this series.
The earlier time period in this story gives us some fresh perspective of life for many American around WW2 , especially women. I felt for Hattie I think she was still lonely after all her lives. I would of started her again around the time she had the phone put into her mothers and talked to the old school friend. There couyld of been some romantic input there
Once again, Shawn Inmon has brought to life the small town of Middle Falls, Oregon. I don't want to give any spoilers, but just know that if you start this book, you'll want it to never end. Happily, there are a couple dozen other Middle Falls books to fall in love with!
Reading, for me,has alway been a little like time travel. As I’ve gotten older, it has become more and more difficult to find a really good book to escape in. Shawn’s MFTTS never fail though. Can’t wait for the next one!
Shawn Inmon continues to improve upon his craft with this, his 20th Middle Falls story. I've no idea how he can write such a wholesome human tale imbued with heart and wit but he only gets better with each novel.
I like most of this author's works. This one was a pleasant read. Even without much time travel it was just fun to read. Stopped kind of abruptly but it's ok. that was the author's way of coming to a conclusion
All the books in This series are great. Makes you hope we all get the chance to come back, remembering our previous history. Love the bits of history that Shawn touches on too. Definitely a five star.
Middle Falls time travel books are amazing you can never put them down, great characters as always & expect to shed a tear or two. I can’t wait for the next fabulous story.
I think 4 stars is a bit generous - but I really like the series so rounded up - this is not one of the better books - overly saccharine and few interesting challenges presented - it all seemed pretty predictable - but an quick and entertaining read even so.
Grab your tissues. It's a tear jerking. Delightful story from the Middle Falls series. Loved the time period this book was written. This series takes you everywhere and anything can happen. Love it. Every time I read another book added to this series it gets better. Thank you, Shawn Inmon!
This was hard to rate, as this series is second to none, so always five stars. I have to say though that hatties story is my least favourite. I can't even say why, maybe because it was set in an earlier year, and there were no cameos from previous characters maybe.