Caitlin’s Song by John A Heldt

Caitlin’s Song, the 4th book of the Carson Chronicles series, continues the Carson family’s attempt to reunite back in time. I have enjoyed all the adventures of the Carson family and this one doesn’t disappoint.

Having narrowly escaped from a dangerous car chase in the previous book, Indian Paintbrush, they find themselves in 1962 not 1972 as planned.

As the title implies Caitlin, the youngest daughter, is the focus of the story. Throughout the series Caitlin has been my favourite character – attractive, smart, and strong with a sense of humour.

At the start of the story the older siblings are married and Caitlin and her twin brother, Cody, enrol in college but she is grieving a lost love from their former time. A new romance helps her overcome her heartbreak - but is she in danger?

The song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” features as a key to healing her broken heart.

Like Caitlin and her brother, Cody, I was a teenager in the 1960s. Heldt brings this period back to life with the fashions and music and had me yearning for the ability to time travel myself.

The extended family in this time included relations Natalie’s (the eldest sister) husband, and like all the characters introduced along the journey and brought into the family they are likeable and well-developed. There is not a character in Heldt’s books we can’t relate to and experience all their emotions and successes.

John’s writing style is smooth and easy to read. So much so I quickly forget I am supposed to be considering his writing style as part of a book review. I just get absorbed in his stories as I share the characters feelings and experiences.

Although this story focuses Caitlin, I found myself more interested in the parents, their unplanned visit back to 1941 and decision, for the first time, to knowingly attempt to change the course of history.

Once again, they missed meeting up with their children. Checking old newspapers for clues on what has happened to their family they discover a tragic story from the past involving Caitlin.

It is an excellent sub-plot to the main storyline.
Overall, it is an emotionally charged story but with light-hearted and funny moments. It is also a romantic story with suspense to round it off.

While like all the books in the series is does stand alone but to appreciate the growth of the characters and understand their quest I highly recommend reading the series in order.

I am looking forward to reading the last instalment, but I will miss the Carson clan.

My rating 5*

 

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The Wooleen Way is an interesting insight into the aims and ideals of a Western Australian pastoralist to make his property sustainable and environmentally sound, not just for the present but for the future.

David Pollock’s story begins with his recollections of growing up in the outback on a vast station in Western Australia and goes on to tell of his overseas travel and young adult years. While this is not the essence of the book it provides a background to his love of the land and farming.
 
When his father retired from farming he invited both sons to provide an outline of how they would manage the property. David’s brother, the elder of the two and the son most likely to inherit the job proposed to continue in the manner that had been the way of life for generations. David, who had a kinship to the land rather than farming, proposed methods of regeneration and conservation through destocking and allowing the land and waterways to heal.
 
Australia is a country unlike any other; only truly understood by its indigenous people. Knowing no other method, the early European pioneers farmed the land the only way they knew how. Being passed down from generation to generation it has resulted in the degradation of this ancient land, extinction of Australian wildlife and continuing assumptions the old ways are the best ways. They knew no better but now there is a voice demanding a change.

It took over 10 years but under David’s new approach the land began to heal; water ran clear, overgrazing by kangaroos controlled, perennial plants (some David didn’t even know existed) grew again and the dingo was allowed to do its job controlling feral pests and protecting small native marsupials.

In his attempt to do the right thing for his land and its conservation and restoration, David time and again came up against bureaucracy. His constant battles would have most sane men surrender but David and his wife Francis keep fighting for what they believe in.  He exposes the faults and maladministration of the bureaucratic systems governing pastoralism in WA.

As his mother did on a small scale, they opened their home to tourists to survive financially – yet another issue to fight the bureaucrats.

He admits and recognises his own mistakes and maintains his humour throughout writing candidly and honestly.
 
I now follow David and Francis’s work on social media and applaud every success they achieve and richly deserve.

The Pollock’s story is a lesson for every Australian.

I believe this book should be in every public and school library. Maybe if we start with making it essential reading for students in agriculture, animal husbandry and conservation our youth of today may discard the old practices and head down the Wooleen track.

Let’s not blame our early white Australian pioneers for trying to farm as they did in England – let’s just get on and the job of repairing this country done.

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