Let Time Fly

by John A. Heldt

In the final years of the American Revolution, Noah and Jake Maclean — time travelers from the present day — navigate war, love, and betrayal. Noah serves as George Washington's aide‑de‑camp, witnessing history up close, while Jake, a furniture apprentice in Philadelphia, wrestles with guilt over his civilian role. Pursued by relentless British spy Malachi Maine, the brothers guard a family secret that could alter the war's outcome. In LET TIME FLY, the epic conclusion of the Stone Shed trilogy, ambitions and armies collide as America and Britain march toward a final showdown at Yorktown.

Genres: Time Travel

423 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 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

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

The Maclean brothers have come a long way since deciding to make their way through life in the 1700’s.

Juggling duty to country versus duty to family Noah is one of thousands that are looking forward to the future when war is over and they are able to return home safely.

Because Noah and his younger brother Jake are privy to how events take place, they both must walk a fine line between helping to ensure that history repeats itself and also making sure that their families are safe.

Unfortunately for them a certain British officer has made it his mission to do everything within his power to find either brother and force them to reveal their secrets for his own gain.

The last few years of conflicts that remain between the British and the Colonials prove to be its most perilous for not only Noah and Jake but before the last showdown their families as well.

The last book in a trilogy and it’s the most powerful story yet with an ending twist that is very emotional and also satisfying to clear up certain loose ends for readers.

Digital copy from Author for review.

[Paul Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale

I love time travel sagas, this one is well written with characters you can belief in and care about. Jumping through centuries with real contact with people who we all learned about in school.

[Mike Siedschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author John Heldt provided me with an ecopy of Let Time Fly for review. Disclaimer: I have read all of John Heldt's books (I believe there are now 26 books) and consider myself one of his most ardent fans.
Let Time Fly is the conclusion to his Stone Shed series. I try to not engage in hyperbole in my reviews, so when I say that, in my opinion, John Heldt has reached a pinnacle with this book, I'm not speaking lightly.
First, he took on an historic time that I would think is very intimidating. The American Revolution is not a small backwater of limited interest in the historic record. Heldt's dedication to research is always evident in his work, but the level of rigor necessary for this subject requires such a high level of commitment to his research, demonstrates his courage in tackling a setting for his story that other authors would likely avoid.
Second, he skillfully maintained his trademark focus on relationships and family without letting the historic aspect of the story overwhelm the personal story. I found this to be a true testament to his ability to maintain balance in the overall story.
Let Time Fly is probably the most somber story Heldt has presented to date. How could it not be, set as it is, during one of the most pivotal times in American history? He still was able to tell the story of two young men who fell in love, courted and built lives during a tumultuous time.
I found Clan Maclean's family story to be much more intricate than in previous series and Heldt's manipulation of time, warping it and folding it back on itself to be masterful.
Readers of my reviews know I do not indulge in spoilers, I believe readers should experience the book without my interpretations. They should enjoy it for themselves. But I feel more tempted than ever to abandon this self imposed restriction, give me strength.
This story started somewhat simply but quickly evolved into one of the most intricate and complex stories I have had the pleasure of reading. One aspect of John Heldt's writing that I have always appreciated is his ability to craft a satisfying epilogue. When he resolves the main challenge of his stories he always give the reader a truly fulfilling ending, not just: problem solved see ya!. Though he does not identify this point in his work as an "Epilogue" it's there.
In Let Time Fly our intrepid author shows that he has the chops to rival any author's ability to bring their story to a satisfying conclusion. This is the most satisfying epilogue I have yet to read anywhere. It's intricacy fits perfectly with the overall tone of the book and it's touching humanity left me feeling completely at peace with the story. I can't remember a book touching me on such a profoundly personal level, I'm not just referring to it made me laugh or made me cry. It was on a much more personal level than that. The story touched me. It can't get any better than that.
I find myself emotionally exhausted (in a very good way) after finishing Let Time Fly. I don't have the usual feeling of: I wish I had more time with these characters. I am emotionally sated. I don't need anything more. I wouldn't be surprised to find that John Heldt was equally exhausted as he finished this book. To appropriate a sports metaphor, it feels like he left it all on the field this time. I know I am kind of going on and on here but I find myself having difficulty adequately sharing how this book affected me. I'll stop now.
In this readers opinion John Heldt has achieved a level of excellence authors aspire to with Let Time Fly.
A lot more can be said here, but I encourage you to find out for yourself and read this series and especially this book. You won't be disappointed.

Enjoy.

Mike

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

LET TIME FLY is the third and final instalment in John A Heldt’s adult, STONE SHED, time travel, historical romance trilogy focusing on brother Noah and Jake Maclean. LET TIME FLY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two THE WINDING ROAD.

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 several timelines, LET TIME FLY picks up in 1779, wherein Noan Maclean is the assistant to General George Washingto, and his teenaged brother Jake remains behind as a furniture apprentice in Philadelphia, working for his future father in law. As the story commences, we are up close and personal with both historical fact and fiction, as the brothers enter a war in which America is fighting for its’ independence. From the future President George Washington to British General Henry Clinton, and the ultimate betrayal by Benedict Arnold, John A Heldt weaves an intriguing and entertaining story of one family’s struggle to survive.

The world building follows Noah and Jake Maclean as they choose to remain in the past, both having fallen in love, raising very large and prolific families, fighting a war of which they knew the final outcome but saying that, the Maclean brothers arrival in the 1770s affected some part of history once they chose to participate, and no longer observe.

Once again, the secondary and supporting characters are numerous, energetic and often familiar including some of histories most talked about men.

LET TIME FLY is another historical time travel story in which the author blends historical fact with colorful fiction, as two brother find love and family in a world they only read about in school. The premise is entertaining and captivating; the characters are charismatic and determined.

copy supplied for review

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

A gripping journey through war, love, and secrets that could change history forever.

Let Time Fly invites you into the lives of Noah and Jake Maclean—two brothers torn between duty, love, and the secrets they carry. As Noah stands beside George Washington and Jake struggles with guilt in Philadelphia, both are pursued by a relentless enemy who threatens everything they hold dear. This isn’t just history—it’s a story of family, sacrifice, and the courage to protect what matters most. Get your copy today and let their journey become part of yours.

• ASIN: B0G5M247R2
• Publication Date: 12/8/2025
• File Size: 2.9 MB
• Print Length: 629 pages
• Genre: Time Travel Romance - Time Travel Romances - US Historical Fiction

[Ailyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Noah and Jacob “Jake” Maclean, modern men living in the 1700. Love and war never felt so real during the American Revolutionary War. Every choice carries consequences—not just for them, but for history itself.

With danger looming at every turn and hearts caught between past and future, the story explores sacrifice, endurance, and the pull of where you truly belong.

When the war ends, do you follow history—or your heart?

Will the brothers change the tide of war and history, or will they preserve it and everything else?

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ThIS was my favorite book in the Stone Shed series. Mr. Heldt has a way of bringing you right into the era and that engages me almost right away in the book. The reason it’s my favorite is there is a section where I grew up in that time frame (I don’t want to give it away but think American Bandstand). Additionally there were some definite surprises in the book as well as the historical significance. If you like history and time travel you need to read this book. I highly recommend.

[Doug F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply an Amazing story

This is the absolute pinnacle of John Heldt's many novels. I have read each and every one. I have enjoyed them immensely but this one stands alone. The detail in historical facts to the manner in which it closes the trilogy is simply amazing and satisfying. He has taken a much discussed period of time and added new twists while retaining the historical context to a tee. I highly recommend any book written by John Heldt, but especially this one!

[darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best.

I have enjoyed the story of Jake and Noah. I love the way they just threw open their arms and lived their life to the fullest .I love their different adventures and the history that comes to life with them

[JoAnn Whell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel is always entertaining

A wonderful saga of a special family. The characters so special and likeable. I enjoyed all three books in this series

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical accuracy erc

Good historical accuracy as well as emotional involvement and attachment to members of a well rounded and extended large family

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could and should have been at least 200 pages shorter. So many useless chapters that didn't add to the story. The dialog is very trite and repetitive ("Oh?", "Then I will", "Why thank you kind sir") and I don't know whether the author or editor is to blame. This final chapter of the series didn't have much time travel for a time travel novel. At least it didn't seem to in comparison with the author's other entertaining series.