The Winding Road

Stone Shed #2

by John A. Heldt

From the author of THE PATRIOTS comes a sweeping tale of love, war, deceit, and redemption ...

Southeast Pennsylvania, November 1777.

For Noah and Jake Maclean, the saga gets real. One year after the brothers entered a time portal and traded the computer age for the colonial age, they rush headlong into the American Revolution.

Noah, 23, rides off to war. Against the wishes of his fiancée, Abigail Ward, he joins the Continental Army as it retreats to Valley Forge. To improve his odds of surviving the war, he brings knowledge and pistols, weapons that soon draw the attention of the enemy.

Jake, 16, stays behind. He helps furniture maker Samuel Ward and his family resettle in the countryside after the British seize Philadelphia. As he supports his newfound kin, he strengthens his relationship with Rachel Ward, Sam's mischievous younger daughter.

The time travelers chart new courses in an era filled with violence, disease, and disruption. In doing so, they leave a mess for rela

Genres: Time Travel, Amazon

441 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2025

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Fred Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆☆☆☆☆

TIME TRAVEL, HISTORY FICTION, WAR, SPIES, ROMANCE, THIS BOOK & SERIES HAS IT ALL & MORE - GREAT FOR ALL AGES

THE BATTLES BEGIN, THE LOSS & DESTRUCTION IS PRESENT, HISTORY IS WRITTEN
AS TWO TIME TRAVELERS MAKE THEIR MARK IN 1777 & 1779.

The Winding Road (Stone Shed Book 2) by John A. Heldt is a romantic historical fiction piece with a science fiction twist that is action-packed and yet at the same time, it's full of romance as well as suspense. The characters are ones that are not only well-written but so interesting that you will be hooked from the first page of the first book all the way to the last page in the second leaving you anxious for the release of the third in this series.

Told through two time-travel brothers, Noah and Jacob, or Jake, their adopted family the Wards, Abby, Rachel, Samuel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Flora, and Fauna, and Noah and Jake's relatives both from the present and the future. This is a story of young love in a time of war with the hope of building a new country that with its independence from England it will grow into a nation that is designed to be for the people ruled by the people.

The love that flows freely through the Maclean's and the Wards is magical and will touch your heart as they grow as a family. Young love struggles with the hard times in a war-torn country but this family and their friends stand side by side with open hearts and determination to protect their loved ones and serve their country in a time of need.

Though Noah and Jake try their best not to step in and change history with the knowledge they possess, they just can't seem to help themselves and at the same time help their new country win the war.

The two young time travelers left a heck of a mess for their grand-uncle and grand-aunt when they did not return to 2024. Imagine, two of your family members head to the wilderness for an extended hike, and as far as the authorities know they disappeared off the face of the earth. Police, Feds, and both local and national media converge on their family members to try to locate them and get answers, and hopefully higher ratings for the news crews. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy let alone relatives I love and care for.

If you haven't had the chance to read any of the great books and series by John Heldt, I highly recommend this book and series. You will be happily surprised by just how great this book and series is. I just can't wait until the next addition to this book is released and hope there will be even more in the near future.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

What stands out from the very beginning of this second foray into an era where a young America was coming to be is how much history melded with imagination captures both our past and present-day challenges.

Living these chapters out through the eyes of fictional people is both harrowing and heartwarming in turn.

Action, adventure, romance, survival during wartime and more to keep you engaged and turning pages as each chapter blends into the next one.

The multiple points of view give each character’s viewpoint the ability to keep the story moving forward smoothly while simultaneously keeping you updated on each new development.

I especially enjoyed how the brothers McLean grew and changed since last we met them.

It was also interesting to see how their actions in the past affected history in the future here and there.

While it was a huge undertaking for both its writer and its readers this second book was quite simply exactly as its name stated, A Winding Road that I am happy to have traveled for a few days in the ease and comfort of my chosen reading spots.

[Digital review copy from John A. Heldt]

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming!

[Lara Girdler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks right up where The Patriot left off. We find that Noah has left the Ward family to join the US Army during the fight for Independence from the British. This tale follows the soldiers of his newly formed division as they begin to navigate the highs and lows of a newly born US Army. The struggles they endure and the bond they form from these struggles set the stage for a winding tale of the highs and lows of America’s Independence.

Magic. Pure Magic. The word I would use to describe the way the author can tell a story. While this one got off to a semi-slow start, the reader could always tell that there was something more right around the bend. Noah MacLean wants to return home to Abby Ward, but feels drawn to help his country during this period of rebirth. On the back burner, we find those who wish to use the weapons Noah has brought with him to the battlefield for more harm than good. To avoid spoilers, I will say you need to read the next installment to know how this plays out.

I have been reading John’s books since he released the Mine many moons ago and I am always blown away by how he’s able to develop characters, places and situations that make the reader feel as if they are right in the middle of the story watching it as if on a screen instead of the page.

Five out of Five Stars! I cannot wait to find out how this story plays out!

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Winding Road" is the second novel in the Stone Shed trilogy set in Philadelphia. Noah and Jake embark on a journey filled with romance, danger, and adventure in a world they were never meant to discover. Meanwhile, in 2024, Douglas and Donna Maclean confront investigators and reporters as they work to maintain an elaborate ruse. They are determined to safeguard an ancient family secret while using present-day resources to protect their nephews from threats originating in the past.



This book is both entertaining and stands well on its own. The narration creates vivid imagery, immersing readers in the moment and allowing them to experience the characters' emotions as if they were their own. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted. If you haven't read the first book, the author includes the characters' backstories to ensure you feel included in the story. However, I recommend reading the first book to get to know the characters in depth. Each chapter is presented from the perspective of a different character: Noah, Abby, Jake, Douglas, Rachel, Samuel, Malachi, and Lachlan. The author’s observations and research on the timelines are flawless, providing insightful experiences that explore the American Revolution, the Battle of Monmouth, the hardships at Valley Forge, and the visionary lives of the Founding Fathers, showcasing the strength and determination that shaped the United States in the 1770s. The vivid descriptions of the scenes and the war truly bring the narrative to life. The author skillfully weaves themes of family, historical events, sibling bonds, friendship, and romance throughout the entire book. The supporting characters are well-developed and seamlessly contribute to the story as the plotlines merge. The transitions and intricate details effectively hold your attention. The intertwining of real-life events with fictional storytelling adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to immerse themselves in this tumultuous time period. The “winding road” symbolises a meandering path filled with twists, turns, and uncertainties, making the journey fresh and interesting.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The boys love living in the 1700s, all except the American Revolution!

John Heldt's The Winding Road is a compelling blend of history, romance, and adventure set against the backdrop of the American Revolution. The story follows Noah and Jake Maclean, two brothers who travel from the modern era to 1777. Noah joins the Continental Army, facing the perils of war, while Jake supports a family displaced by the British occupation of Philadelphia. As the brothers navigate the challenges of a turbulent era, their actions ripple across time, leaving their modern-day relatives to protect an ancient family secret. This second installment in the Stone Shed trilogy masterfully intertwines love, war, and redemption, offering readers a captivating journey through time. I have read John's books over the years, but this book resonates with me. I loved the beautiful love story and the brothers' interaction with the living heroes of that period. You don't want to miss this continued story of the McClean brothers. So pick up your copy today and dive into this incredible story.

• ASIN: B0F5FG5M9P
• Publication Date: 4/16/2025
• File Size: 2.4 MB
• Print Length: 650 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Romance - Literary Sagas - Time Travel Romances

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of John Heldt's books and he never disappoints. The writing is excellent and grabs you into the story quickly. The characters are all real and it is easy to step in their shoes. Not being a huge fan of history, John has taught me many historical lessons in his 20+ novels. This current novel is no different. I'm anxiously anxiously for the next chapter.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a big fan of historical fiction of any kind, but I have a particular soft spot for Heldt’s novels after devouring his Second Chance trilogy, and now his Stone Shed trilogy, both of which offer people from our time the opportunity to travel back and forth in time. The Winding Road is the second in the Stone Shed trilogy, following brothers Noah and Jake as they inherit a magical stone shed that can send them back and forth in time. As Noah is a history graduate from a university in Philadelphia, he and Jake choose to travel to 1776 Philadelphia, where they fall in love with sisters and break a promise to their aunt and uncle waiting for them in 2024.

The Winding Road picks up shortly after the events of the first book, where Noah and Jake have decided to stay in 1770s Philadelphia with the Ward family and their enchanting daughters Abby and Rachel. Not only that, Noah has decided to enlist and join George Washington in fighting the British, offering knowledge of events to come and much needed supplies from another time. These are dangerous times, and Noah, and those who love him, will do everything in their power to make sure he survives. But, with guns from 2024 and knowledge of the future, Noah proves to not just be an asset to Washington, but a thorn in the British general’s side, prompting a potentially deadly change in history. Meanwhile, Jake is growing older and is being groomed to take Rachel’s father’s place as the owner of a furniture store, but he grows restless knowing boys younger than him have taken their place on the front lines. Abby and Rachel, though, will do anything to protect their men, especially since wedding bells sound in their ears.

I have a soft spot for Philadelphia in my heart, so one of my favorite things about this series is that much of it is set in and around Philadelphia. I don’t have much of the same feelings for war, so I really love that The Winding Road doesn’t actually have much battle in it. Instead, it’s a lot of the behind the scenes, what camp is like, what the soldiers endure and need in order to survive, and a good dose of spying and information gathering. I found it to be thrilling and intriguing, and I especially enjoyed the switch off to the British side now and then. It added some much needed tension that had me on the edge of my seat more than once. There’s a lot of history on these pages, and I found all of it immersive and well-researched.

Even though historical fiction isn’t my cup of tea, I find myself really enjoying this series because it doesn’t just stay in 1776-1779. Instead, the characters go forward and backwards in time depending on their year of origin, and narrative from Noah and Jake’s uncle Douglas in 2024-2025 is woven in. There was a point where I wasn’t entirely sure how important Douglas’s story was as it initially dealt with the fallout of Noah and Jake’s decision, but, when it came to light, I really loved it. This is a long story, yet never winding, but I loved how no character, no POV, and no event was small and insignificant. Everything tied in perfectly and built to just the right moments.

The Winding Road is really a delightful story not of war and spying, but of family, and it’s the characters who truly make this novel and this series absolutely wonderful. I adore Noah and Jake, and it’s been so lovely to see how they’ve grown and matured. For boys who belong in 2024, they really have taken to the 1770s and have found their feet and places in history. I do wish more had been done with Jake, but he served as the perfect supporting brother to Noah, and I really loved all the fun he had with Rachel. As sisters, Abby and Rachel could not be more different. Abby is responsible and mature, but also really longs for the day her life as a wife and mother can get started. I felt her frustration and need at every turn. Rachel, on the other hand, is described as bubbly, and she definitely encapsulates that word. She’s an absolute delight. I love her enthusiasm for time travel and how well she adjusts.

There are so many wonderful pieces in The Winding Road, and I loved how I felt like I was right there with the characters. I can’t speak to any authenticity, but it felt real to me with real events being woven in and spoken of. I loved how there were people in colonial America falling on both sides, I loved getting a bit of the British perspective, and I especially loved the impact Noah had on history. It was brilliantly and logically done, and it was actually a lot of fun to follow changes to the historical record with Douglas and Donna. I found the story to be riveting and thrilling. There were some lulls now and then, but there was just so much happening in everyone’s lives, so many leaps and changes they made and endured, that I never once felt bored. And yet there aren’t actually that many action sequences. Instead, there’s a lot of dialogue, and I really enjoyed those interactions. They were both informative and fun and really helped flesh out each character.

The Winding Road is a fantastic installment in the Stone Shed trilogy, fantastically evading the fall into middle book syndrome. It covers a great deal of time in the American Revolution, and even takes readers a bit into the future, depending on when they read it, which was a surprising amount of fun. There’s no shortage of intriguing things happening, and I found myself glued to the story. I loved how the characters have grown, and especially how Noah and Jake have found their places. There’s still a ton of space for more to happen as the war is still some years from ending, and I can’t wait to see what happens to the brothers and the people they love.

Thank you to the author for a review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Liz Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another superb historical/time travel novel by Mr. Heldt! His books are so descriptive of characters and historical events and yet his writing keeps you interested until the final page. And even then, you are eager for his next book, whether it be in the series or a new adventure. I am curious as to what the next book in this series will be about and when it will be available.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Winding Road (Stone Shed Book 2)

Family is a wonderful thing. Noah and brother Jake went to the past and made a life. They fell in love with sisters. One joined the army and still family in the future helped to save lives.

[Mike Siedschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Day! The new installment of The Stone Shed series is out!

A bit lengthier offering than readers may expect, which just means the reader gets to spend more time in a different time with the characters we quickly connected with. A hallmark of author Heldt's work. He has the ability to connect the reader with characters with whom an immediate emotional bond is formed. Reading subsequent installments of any of his series is like reconnecting with old friends. The Winding Road is no exception.

The Winding Road clearly demonstrates John Heldt's continuing growth as a writer. Here he blends history with which every reader will have at least a passing familiarity and the lives two brothers and the people they encounter. Weaving the story of time travelling young men who decide to make that era there new home. No room here for any errors relating to the history of the time. But then, Heldt is no stranger to research and attention to detail. Some very bold twists keep the story engaging. Without spoiling anything, readers will be surprised to read of serious threats to history and how they are reconciled. Heldt has really amped up the suspense and action in this continuation of the time jumping adventures of the Maclean family. This story line is much more than a plot device, it is a story in itself of not just two young men but generations of an adventurous family.

Revolutionary War history is brought to life with a day to day exploration of life for the average person. How the war affects people on a personal level makes the history we all know come to vivid life. It is not a dry impersonal recitation of dates and battles.

A more serious and at times somber story. Although romantic relationships still are a big part of the story and light hearted humor is judiciously used, the realities of war are the main focus here. Our author does not give short shrift to his setting. The American Revolution is front and center, it is much more than window dressing. Kudos to author Heldt for deftly balancing an engaging fictional story with historic reality.

John Heldt continues entertain readers with sympathetic characters placed in at times heartwarming and at times perilous situations. The Winding Road is another outstanding example of John Heldt's storytelling ability. His growth as a writer has been a treat to watch. Enjoy!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25stars-THE WINDING ROAD is the second instalment in John A Heldt’s adult STONE SHED historical, time-travel saga focusing on brothers Noah and Jake Maclean. THE WINDING ROAD should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one THE PATRIOT.

SOME BACKGROUND: Following the death of their grandfather in 2024, Noah and Jake Maclean receive a letter that will change their lives: a stone shed, and a portal through time finds the brothers journeying back and forth through the past, landing in Philadelphia in 1776 wherein the American Revolution is in full swing, and the brothers are about to change a little bit of history for love and heart.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Noah and Jake, following a non-linear timeline, THE WINDING ROAD follows Noah Maclean as his enlists in General Washington’s army, and finds himself at the center of an historical anachronism when he brings the future back into the past, and sets into motion a potential betrayal. As part of their journey, the brothers are warned against changing history but the reality of historical knowledge and the ability to save lives with modern medicine is too tempting for Noah and Jake. Lives will be saved but suspicion is aroused when clues are left behind, and Noah unknowingly has a target on his back.

Meanwhile, Noah’s love Abigail Ward has been approached to aid in the war effort, as Noah’s brother Jake struggles to find himself while his brother goes to war.

The secondary and supporting characters include the return of Noah and Jake’s Uncle Doug and Aunt Donna ; Uncle Lachlan; sisters Abigail and Rachel Ward, as well as their parents Sam and Elizabeth; house servants Sarah, Flora and Fauna Jones.; General George Washington; Benedict Arnold, and several British soldiers.

THE WINDING ROAD is an historical, time travel story, blending fiction with fact, focusing on the Maclean brothers as they journey towards family, romance and love. The premise visits several timelines as the brothers travel through history in the hopes of saving the people they love. The characters are determined and dynamic; the romances are understated .


copy supplied for review

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

John A. Heldt’s The Winding Road is a fast-paced, emotionally rich continuation of the Stone Shed trilogy, skillfully blending time travel, historical fiction, and family drama. Following the events of the first book, the Maclean brothers, Noah and Jake, remain stranded in 1777 Pennsylvania, deep in the heart of the American Revolution. What unfolds is a gripping, heartfelt tale that explores the cost of survival, the ties of family, and the burden of knowledge in an age unprepared for it.
Noah, ever the idealist, joins the Continental Army against the wishes of his fiancée, Abigail. Armed with modern knowledge and concealed pistols, his decision to fight for freedom puts him directly in the path of danger and suspicion. Meanwhile, Jake, more grounded and introspective, remains behind and builds a life with the Ward family. His relationship with the spirited Rachel Ward adds a touching element of first love and youthful wonder against the backdrop of wartime uncertainty.
Heldt masterfully weaves dual timelines, alternating between the brothers’ perilous lives in the 18th century and the efforts of their modern-day relatives, Douglas and Donna Maclean, to maintain the façade of their disappearance in 2024. These present-day sequences are filled with tension, clever subterfuge, and the emotional strain of protecting family while guarding a monumental secret.
What makes The Winding Road shine is its careful attention to historical detail without slowing the pace of the narrative. Heldt captures the grit, unpredictability, and moral complexity of Revolutionary America with clarity and respect. The emotional beats hit just as hard: the weight of homesickness, the anxiety of being trapped out of time, and the bittersweet joy of forming new bonds that could be erased in an instant.
Though this is the second entry in a trilogy, Heldt balances resolution with just enough lingering questions to keep readers eager for the final installment. Some arcs reach a satisfying pause, while others—especially involving Noah’s fate and the family’s secret—are left deliberately open.
The Winding Road is an adventurous and poignant ride through time, perfect for readers who enjoy rich character development, historical immersion, and stories rooted in both heart and history.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars
John Heldt writes a masterpiece with The Winding Road

John Heldt is one of the best writers in the time travel genre. Not only are his time travels to various eras historically accurate, this is what he does, research and writing, a combination that adds to the level of great writing and story showing. Yes, he shows the story, without having it be told. Welcome to the 18th century, in the middle of the American Revolution. If I could give this 5plus stars, I would. Oh, I just did. As someone who does research for my own writing, as I write nonfiction history books, the American Revolution stood out. It hits close to home, and I could see the journey through Noah's eyes. The Winding Road is part of the Stone Shed series, and this is volume two. I am a big fan of John Heldt and if he writes it, I want to read it. Noah and Abby are transported, and their relationship with each other and other figures that are prominent to the era, makes it unforgettable. A grand romance in the middle of a time, where you never know what will happen next, even if you read about it before hand. Noah and Abby seemed to fit in but also see the era for what is happening. What an adventurous story. Both thrilling and alluring, all the way to the end. Somethings in the past, you should just know or read about but facing it can be a very different thing. Danger, romance, and survival, and the ability to become part of a community, you only read about. With John Heldt and his time traveling adventures, you know you're going somewhere. The Winding Road is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure. This post is a review of a book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.

This is the second title in John A Heldt’s Stone Shed series. The Winding Road continues where The Patriots ended with Noah heading off to join the American Revolution, but works fine as a stand-alone read too.

So this story starts in Pennsylvania in November 1777 with Noah Maclean, aged 23, a time-traveller from 2024, enlisting in the Continental Army under George Washington, whom we also get to meet. His first mission is a bonus, as he gets to revisit with the Ward family, including his fiancée, Abby Ward. But what difficulties and dangers may await him in the war? When may they next see each other?

Noah’s younger brother Jake, aged 16, is still living with the family and working for Samuel Ward and in a blossoming relationship with Abby’s younger sister Rachel. But itching to enlist too.

But what have the boys done to the timeline by staying in the eighteenth century? They have certainly left a big headache for their great uncle and aunt, Douglas and Donna in 2024?

And where does Lachlan Maclean, guardian of the time-travel portal in this historical era, stand in all of this?

Will more time travel ensue? And if so, by whom and to when and why?

Chapters flip back and forth seamlessly between different characters’ viewpoints.

Lots of twists and turns in this fabulous story with a satisfying ending, but an opening ready for part 3.

As always, the author is painstaking with his research for incorporating fact into the fiction.

Once again, a brilliant time travel tale. I can’t wait for the final installment in this fabulous series.

[David Mc · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the second book of this series held my attention, I felt that it could have been significantly edited down from its whopping 461 pages. In addition, despite being a masterful writer, it often seemed that Heldt had two many balls juggling in the air. Indeed, while Noah’s involvement with Washington and the Continental Army was fascinating to follow, I could have done without much of the side-stories (i.e., Jacob’s angst about not enlisting, Douglas’s problems with investigators in 2024, etc.). In any event, although I plan to read the third book in the series, I’m hoping it comes in a more svelte edition, as well as a much greater emphasis on final battles in the Revolution.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Winding Road” is book 2 of the Stone Shed Series. However, this book will be reviewed as a standalone novel. The story follows Noah and Jake Maclean, two brothers who used a family-protected time portal back to 1777 from 2024 Philadelphia.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s is a combination of several genres. There’s scifi from the time travel aspect, historical fiction from the settings/years, and romance. The story is told through many POVs including our main protagonists of Jake and Noah. The young men are loving, kind, smart, and driven. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this second installment that John A. Heldt wrote. The continuation of the American Revolution and the era is on target. It brings you into the war as if you’re there, it makes you stop and think what our country went through to become free. It also brings to life the characters in the past as well as those left in the present. You are supporting each and every one as they navigate those challenges and hardships in the past; and the family that was left in the present had to overcome issues they didn’t plan on having. Don’t miss out get this second installment today.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating blend of history and imagination. This book pulls you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. The characters continue to grow in surprising ways, and the twists—both in the past and present—keep you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. A strong follow-up that builds beautifully on the first installment.

[Ailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maclean brothers are back in 1777. In this second book, Noah joins the Army, torn between love, duty, and the risks of altering history. Meanwhile, Jake remains behind, determined to protect the family and find his own way in a world far from home.

Perfect for fans of time-travel fiction, historical romance, and heartfelt adventures with a twist of fate.
I can't wait for the third book.

[Roslyn J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is as great as its predecessor

I greatly enjoyed both these novels and did not want them to end. As a lover and constant reader of history I learned something new from these. I will be looking for further works from John Heldt.