The Time Spring

by John A. Heldt

When Nick Robinson, 22, returns to his late mother's Florida home, he expects to settle an estate and prepare for business school. Instead, he discovers the hidden diary of an infamous ancestor, a bootlegger who revealed the existence of a nearby time spring.

Intrigued by the diary's revelations, Nick convinces Zach Taylor, his best friend, to test the legend. The college roommates eagerly explore the past until a single mistake strands them in 1943. Unable to return to 2026, the young men are forced to build new lives amid the turmoil of World War II.

Back in the present, Kayla McIntire, Zach's fiancée and Nick's close friend, must confront the fallout of their shocking disappearance. As questions mount and hope fades, she uncovers both clues and possibilities. With time running out, she faces a choice that could alter the course of many lives.

Spanning centuries and continents, THE TIME SPRING is an epic tale of friendship, love, sacrifice, and the enduring desire to find a way home.

Genres: Time Travel

463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2026

About the author

John A. Heldt is the author of twenty-seven 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

[David Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a story that incorporated time travel, romance, mystery, suspense, combat, and a WWII adventure, this was a novel that I found hard to put down. Set initially in present day Florida, Nick (a 22-year old college student) discovers old family letters and journals concerning a nearby spring that can open a door to travel back in time. After taking a quick trip back to 1914, he convinces his two closest friends, Zach and Kayla (who are about to be married), to join him in a quick trip to the early 20th century. However, following a scary and unexpected venture back to 1539, where they briefly encounter the army, slaves, and native guides of Hernan Cortez, the trio put things on hold.

Even so, Nick convinces Zach to take one more trip back in time, where they can make a fortune by purchasing “double eagles” at a cheap price in 1914. However, they not only end up getting stuck in 1943, but as two draft-eligible, young men, they are forced to join the Army Air Corps to fight in WWII. Soon afterwards, as he flies dangerous bombing raids over Germany, along with falling in love with a beautiful English woman, Nick feels that he has found the perfect “time and place” for himself. In contrast, Zach is unable to move on, as he misses his beloved fiancé, Kayla…who still resides in 2026.

Despite being a 672-page tome, this was a surprisingly fast read, as it was nearly impossible not to feel involved in the lives of the central characters. In any event, with the varied themes of this well-written novel, the book has something to offer everyone.

[Greta · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

John A. Heldt does it again. His newest time travel book doesn’t disappoint. I read it in two evenings. I empathized with the characters and felt they were very believable. If you like time travel books and reading a book set in WWII then don’t miss out on reading this book! It has intrigue, romance and will keep you wanting more.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts

An excellent time travel experience for readers of this story with wonderful characters who were engaging from beginning to end.

I have to admit that certain parts of the book were anxiety inducing and until these particular scenes concluded I was on edge.

Be prepared for a story that begins with 2 college friends who take a chance to secure their hopes for a future they planned for and instead find themselves facing unexpected challenges, including accepting making the best of leading a new life they did not plan for.

A life Nick embraces immediately but Zach does not.

After 26 prior books this stand-alone story may have become my favorite and once you read it you will find out why I made this statement.

All the loose ends are tied up and more before this story ends in a way that is not only informative but enjoyable as well.

[Mike Siedschlag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Time Spring marks a difference in author Heldt's usual m o. This is a stand alone work departing from his usual series presentation. The story actually spans present, past, and even a little future. The reader has to really take note of the chapter headings to keep up with what time they are in.

John Heldt's story telling ability is on full display here. Characters are well defined and presented in such a way that the reader connects with characters and are drawn immediately into the story, vintage John Heldt to be sure. A new wrinkle (at least one I don't recall from previous works) is a real love triangle, spanning all three time frames. No spoilers here but the way our intrepid author addressed and resolved this triangle was very satisfying. The Time Spring continues to highlight Mr. Heldt's growth as a story teller. His treatment of this story is a bit more adult oriented. Still very family friendly, but maybe a pg instead of g rating. Albeit a mild pg.

The past time is set during World War Two. Author Heldt always includes historic events in his books, although this time the war does not play as big a part of the story as usual. The focus is on the major players (as it should be), and the development of the interplay between characters does not disappoint. Mr. Heldt's ability to build a narrative around his cast of characters brought together by time travelling circumstance is what sets him apart from other authors. It is this ability that makes him this readers favorite author. He brings his characters alive in realistic ways. Very enjoyable as a reader.

The Time Spring is a very good introduction to author Heldt's work for readers who have not encountered his books before. And if you haven't read his other work; Why not? You should get to it!

Enjoy!

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a review and then realized I was wrong about what was happening so took it off as I went back to the first of the book and figured out my problem. It was really a good book so I’ll reread the last several pages.