A Bowl For the Soul

BACK IN TIME: THE MINE

Hi everyone! Let us start with a question regarding time-travelling. What would you do if you travel back in time? Not back to a few years but back to a few decades or more than half century; which means you, or maybe, your parents are not even born yet. When I was a kid I used to think: that'll be cool! Of course being the 8 year-old kid that I was, it's quite a naïve thought. Perhaps, that is one of the reason why I was ecstatic when John Heldt approached our blog with a review request. I've always love a good time-travelling story especially considering all the funny things that could happen to the main character when he or she landed in an entirely different era. Add that with a romantic twist and wonderful historical descriptions, voilá! The perfect book for my reading time. The Mine consist of all the elements said above. It's the first book in John Heldt's Northway Passage series, which consist of 3 more books: The Journey, The Show, and The Fire.

 

The Mine started with the main character, Joel Smith, having discovered an abandoned mine in May 2000. While exploring it, he re-emerged from the mine to an entirely different time. He was still in the same place, but landed in May 1941. He was penniless (modern money did not qualify in pre-war era and credit card was not even invented yet!), have no place to go home to, and perplexed at what he is going to do next. 

Thankfully, after days of walking around and catching a wagon to Seattle (his hometown back in the 21st century), he made good friends with Tom Carter and (here's the catch) his independent, straightforward grandmother, Ginny. Seriously, the young version of Joel's grandmother is one of my favourite character in The Mine; a strong-willed woman during the pre-war era was difficult to be found. Then Joel was introduced to Grace Vanderberg. Sweet and smart, Grace felt immediate attraction to Joel and vice versa. Unfortunately there's a catch, Grace was engaged and this proves to be one of the conflict that arises for Joel. Eventually after spending time in each other's company, Joel's cocky (and a bit arrogant) attitude is softened up by Grace's compassionate nature. Their romance evolves for months as in 1940's, holding-hands and afternoon walks are required for a budding relationship back then. It turns out for both Joel and Grace that their mutual attraction becomes something much more serious and they are falling in love with each other. Think of the Notebook and this tender, beautiful love is just like that. I just can't help but sigh contentedly as I read this wonderfully written romance. 

In between juggling the questions from his curious grandmother and his blossoming love for Grace, Joel has to struggle with the fact that Thomas and Ginny is in a serious relationship; but Thomas is not his grandfather. So Joel's existence might depend on the relationship not working out. This is actually a mind-boggling thought as a change in the past could change the entire future. Other than the heart-warming romance, there are several things that Heldt  has excellently done in The Mine: first, the historical reference and landmarks are described perfectly. I can imagine myself walking with Joel in the pre-world war time in America. The fashion, cars and cultures are nicely done; so The Mine deserves a place in historical- romance genre. Second, the constant pressure and gloomy tone that are instilled with Joel's narration due to the oncoming war that the US will be involved soon (Pearl Harbor, people!). Heldt has managed to balance the oppressing moments with light banter between the characters.

The only thing I found fault with The Mine is that Joel has shown little anxiety, albeit he has landed himself to a different era. I would have freaked out or at least get disoriented at first. Joel took it too calmly and well, I think it would be very disturbing to find yourself meeting your 21-year-old grandmother. Then, the character Joel is a bit too perfect for my taste. Heldt has described Joel's attractiveness too many times, making him the perfect salesmen, all women seems to be falling head-over-heels for him, etc etc. I guess he's too perfect for my taste as a male protagonist (but this opinion might differ for those who love a knight in shining armour kind of guy). However, this is just minor complaints and it is shadowed by all the positive points found in the book so I highly enjoyed The Mine.

With the brilliant historical illustration, picturesque love story, and on-spot humour, The Mine is mind-provoking story that deserves to be on your bookshelf (or kindle or nook, if you prefer e-book formats). It keeps me on the edge of my sit every time I read the book, and a worthy read for those who love historical romance (the time travel theme was only heavy in the beginning and end). You'll get emotional and even find your eyes shining with fresh tears till the end of the story. Happy Reading, bookworms!

Author's Bio

John A. Heldt is a reference librarian and the author of THE MINE, THE JOURNEY, THE SHOW, and THE FIRE, the first four novels of the critically acclaimed Northwest Passage time-travel series. The former award-winning sportswriter and newspaper editor has loved getting subjects and verbs to agree since writing book reports on baseball heroes in grade school. A graduate of the University of Oregon and the University of Iowa, he is an avid fisherman, sports fan, home brewer, 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.

Reviewer Notes: I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.