A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time. … a matter of time.
What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.
But none of that changes the fact that Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.
The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.
more
The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is the first novel in Tree of Life series. The story is set in Canyon Mines, Colorado where Jillian Parisi-Duffy, a genealogist, lives with her father, Nolan Duffy (a lawyer and mediator) in a beautiful Victorian home. Meri Davies arrives in town just when Nia Dunston needs a new assistant at The Inn at Hidden Run. It is obvious to Nia that Meri is running from something and she wants Jillian and Nolan’s assistance in helping Meri. Meri’s family is comprised of doctors and nurses going back over a hundred years. Her family expects her to become a doctor, but that it not what Meri wishes to do with her life. Meri flunks out of medical school in under eight weeks (must be a record) and has fled to Canyon Mines to avoid her family. Jillian dives into Meri’s family history to find out why the family is insistent on every member going into the medical profession while Nolan uses his skills as a mediator to keep Meri in town. The town is comprised of caring people who watch out for each other. The Inn at Hidden Run is a dual-time line story. We are taken back to Eliza Davies in 1878 in Memphis, Tennessee when the yellow fever epidemic ran rampant through the town. The historical sections relate to Meri’s family history (and in the Author’s Notes we learn that some of the historical scenes are based on true events). I thought the novel was well-written with a gentle pace. There is plenty of coffee and food in the story. Nolan believes that plying people with food will get them to slow down, relax and open up. I like how the two time frames are brought together in the end for a sweet ending. The Christian elements are beautifully incorporated into the story. The add just the right touch. The author took the time to establish the characters and bring them to life. I liked Olivia Newport’s descriptions of the lovely town, the various shops along with the delectable delights they serve, and the beautiful Victorian homes. It was interesting to learn about a genealogist and how their research can be used in different ways (not just for a family tree). I am curious to see how Nolan and Jillian help others in the rest of the Tree of Life series.
An immersive read populated by characters as rich as the carefully crafted Colorado setting of Canyon Mines, The Inn at Hidden Run is at once a love letter to the past and a mystery. Anyone who has ever wondered how the patches of their histories are sewn into the fabric of their lives will feel completely at home in Hidden Run.
I wasn’t really familiar with this author, but the synopsis of the book intrigued me, so I decided to sign up to read and do a review.
The main character, Jillian, is a genealogist. I’ve always enjoyed genealogy, and would have liked to hear a bit more in detail about her work. I found her an easy character to relate to, and look forward to getting to know her even more in future books in this series.
The main story is about Meri and the mystery of her life–she shows up in Canyon Mines and is very close-mouthed about her family and why she’s there.
Jillian and her friend Nia are determined to help her reconcile with her family, so Jillian does her specialty–online genealogical research.
The story deals with family issues, reconciliation, forgiveness, and more.
It portrays ways to face these issues and deal with them, rather than run away from troubles.
There is also another time period relayed, and it was interesting to see how it tied in with the modern day period.
This story, while not necessarily spell-binding, was still quite intriguing and interesting in it’s own right, and I look forward to reading more of this series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time.
What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.
But none of that changes the fact that Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.
This book was slow in spots. But then it would pick up and I didn’t want to put it down. Jillian is really driven to find peoples roots. She can’t seem to help but get involved when people are searching for their family. I do recommend this book as a light read.
I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
This was a fun and interesting genealogy mystery, with a story within a story. It was very informative about the yellow fever epidemic in Memphis in 1878, as well as an entertaining story of Meri and the story of her ancestors. Jillian Parisi-Duffy, genealogist, and her attorney father are captivating characters – I look forward to reading more of their adventures.
Uplifting and Entertaining:
The Inn at Hidden Run was an entertaining and delightful read. The dual modern and historical story plots captured my attention from the beginning and I kept wanting to read to see how things turned out. The present day characters were quirky and entertaining although I did wonder at their intense need to research Meri’s life right from the get-go. However I enjoyed reading about the family dynamics and eventual growth and healing that takes place. It is an uplifting, encouraging and lighthearted book and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
I love genealogy, so I anticipated this being a great reading experience. It began with a cast of main characters that sounded fun. But with the exception of some interesting history surrounding yellow fever in late 1800s Memphis, nothing in the writing, the plot, or even in the main characters offered enough substance to keep me engaged.
This was an “out of the norm” book for me to read. I usually read a book with a little romance in it (if not the focal point), but this one lacked any romance. That can be a great plus for some people, and even with the lack of romance, I found this book to be intriguing and captivating.
The father-daughter duo has a great dynamic throughout the story and I can’t wait to read the next book involving them, In the Cradle Lies. Throw in the old babysitter and you have a trio of wonderfully developed characters.
I am a huge fan of split time fiction and Olivia Newport’s book does not disappoint in that aspect either. The linkage of the timelines is done flawlessly.
I received this book free from the publisher on netgalley. I mostly listened to the audiobook on scribd and the narration is wonderful. I was not required to give a review, and all opinions stated are my own.
I really enjoyed the historical background provided in the first book in the Tree of Life series. This historical focus continues to be related to the present day portion of this story.
I fell in love with Jillian and her father, Nolan. They have a wonderful father-daughter relationship, and the way they handle difficulties and interact with the people in their life is entertaining. This book explores the extremes of family dynamics. So while Jillian and Nolan demonstrate a healthy familial relationship, that is no the case for everyone!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is an incredible duel-time novel!
I was caught up in Meri’s story and wanted to find out what the bottom line problem was in her family relationships. She was very well developed and my heart went out to her from very early in the story.
I was absolutely fascinated by the historical portion of this book. It was set in 1878 Memphis, Tennessee, during the Yellow Fever epidemic. The amount of details given about what life was like for those who lived through it is amazing. This was a historical event that I knew nothing about. I was horrified to think about the terror people lived with and the conditions surrounding them.
I love it when an author can teach me history in such an enjoyable way.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I enjoyed this book. It’s a new series and the first time I’ve read this author. I liked the time slip facet and the characters in both. The present day tale in CO was interesting and the characters were a little overbearing at first but I feel that mellowed some as time went on. The historical tale in Memphis was scary and sad thinking of the outbreak and quarantine. It was very interesting since I knew very little of this story. It was remarkable how Ms. Newport was able to weave these stories together. I will be looking for more from her in the future.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
Every now and then a story takes you by surprise and blows you out of the water and that for me is The Inn at Hidden Run, two stories that take place at two different times that both run parallel and co-mingle in the most endearing way. A tale that reminds you that you can find a lot of who you are at your core from those that came before you. Many do not care about lineage and ancestry but I truly believe that you can find out a lot about a person if you take a glimpse into the past.
While Maris’s story piqued my interest, the tale of Eliza Davies and her immense bravery during the yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878 is really what captured my imagination, and sadly not in a pleasant way. The authors writing was impeccable with vivid imagery and such emotion that it ignited a desire in me to not only read more about this devastating plague but also to find out more about my own family’s history, which I honestly believe is one of the author’s driving forces behind this unique historical fiction series.
I immensely enjoyed The Inn at Hidden Run and have already started the next book in the series, which I can tell is going to be another great read!
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and my own.
2.5 stars
“No offense . . . . but a pretty family tree is not going to fix this.”
Jillian Parisi-Duffy is a genealogist, so linking the past to the present through a person’s ancestry is a task that she takes very seriously and is convinced could bring healing to her new friend’s complicated family relationships. Tracking names through the yellow fever epidemic that nearly wiped out the entire population of Memphis, Tennessee in 1878 is tricky and possibly impossible. . . . . but Meri needs a validation of her calling, which is very different from her family’s unrelenting expectations.
Have you wanted to like a book more than you actually did, only to discover that once completed, it’s value actually rose through recollection? “The Inn at Hidden Run” was quite likable, its characters and their perplexities creative and unique, but the delivery felt weighted down by the unnecessary details and repetitious conversations. Those weaknesses weren’t ruinous, however, because it was just interesting enough to keep me turning pages.
“May you always find nourishment for your body at the table, .. . may sustenance for your spirit rise and fill you with each dawn. And may life always feed you with the light of joy along the way.”
The Inn at Hidden Run is not your normal kind of historical fiction book. I really like that. This start out in the present with a young woman who shows up asking for a job. But she seem to be running from something. Why is what make you want to know.
Though we also get a story of a what is going on in Memphis in 1878. Though the eyes of a young woman named Elisa. She tells us about the epidemic of Yellow Jack or as we call it “Yellow Fever”. I do not know how this author does this but I loved it. I hope to get their other stories though out this series.
How the author combines the family tree elements or genealogy though this book to find the connection and the present members the family she runs into is really interesting and fun to read. The plot is written well. The characters are written well. To find out what the meaning behind Canfield and Eliza is something. For it does not get reveled until the end make it even more enjoyable to read.
I had felt really like I was going down a path of finding the connection with Jillian who was helping Meri and her family and why they were Medical doctors. We find that connection at the end. You will want to read this book if you are looking for something new and a historical fiction or event that happen in USA along with some fun in Genealogy.
Olivia pull to along and you will want to find out. She put these to element together seemly and I just love that. I have yet to see another author do this. I hope to get the next book in the series as I can not wait to read them.
Olivia Newport did a great job of weaving history and the present day. The historical part of the story takes part mostly in Memphis (where I live). This made it even more interesting to me as she brought so much light to a very dark time in history here: The Yellow Fever Epidemic. She has researched well the people, events, and locations and ties it all into a current situation in Colorado. Those who love genealogy will love this read, too. Recommended!
Edited review on 10/23/20
When I first read this book, I thought it was okay. I did not completely follow the characters or the storyline. Then I was asked to read the second book, and I knew that I would definitely not keep up without at least skimming book one again. And I liked it so much better the second time. I was able to keep up with the plot. And I came to appreciate even more the importance of family in this plot. I am not sure that I have ever updated a review before, but I felt like this one deserved to be bumped up since my opinions definitely changed. I have now read four books in the series, and I am quite glad that I continued to give the series a chance. As the books progress, the plots have continued to become more cohesive and interesting.
Updated rating: 4.2 stars
This is my original review from 6/19/19.
This is a time slip book. At first, I did not really connect to the historic story. But by the end, the stories went together. I wish that there would have been more of a spiritual element. There was definitely a strong family element to the book. While I do think that the past affects the present, I do not know that I am convinced that there the generational influence is as strong as the author portrays. I would possibly be willing to read another book in the series. I did like the father-daughter duo.
(I forgot to include that I did read this book through NetGalley. All opinions were my own.)
If you like history, historical fiction, and genealogy, The Inn At Hidden Run is the perfect book for you! This is the story of Meri Davies who is trying to find her place in the world. She comes from a family that has had many doctors spanning generations. Why has Meri chosen to “runaway” to the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado? Why has she taken a job at The Inn At Hidden Run B&B? What caused her to flunk out of medical school and why is she afraid to face her family with the news? Can finding out about your past help you plan your future? Meri is working hard to avoid answering all of these questions.
Enter Nolan and his daughter, Jillian, who befriend Meri and try to help her. Jillian is a genealogist by profession and Nolan ropes her into exploring Meri’s family tree. I found her research fascinating and was mesmerized by the history of Memphis and the yellow fever epidemic of 1878 which killed thousands…the stories are heart wrenching.
Can Jillian’s research and Nolan’s persistence help Meri find the answers to all her questions? What will happen when her family finally arrives to drag her back to reality? Will there be a solution that makes everyone happy?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next two books in the series, When I Meet You and What You said To Me coming in 2020.
This is my first book to read by this author and I must admit it was a little hard to get into. It is written in two time frames.
The historical part of the book was interlaced with the contemporary parts by their individual chapters. It was about the Memphis Yellow Fever epidemic that tool place in 1878. The contemporary part is about a young woman running away from her dominating family who are all doctors and insists that she become one also. The book has quirky characters who attempt to help her in becoming her own self. There is a lot about genealogy and tracing the young woman’s roots. This book was not a favorite of mine………I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book got me and held me straight to the last word. I felt as if I couldn’t read fast enough. The book tells two stories that eventually lead to each other. One present day and the other in the 1870s. I loved that instead of being confusing it left me hungering for more and had me paying attention to even the littlest detail. Jillian is a genealogist, Nolan is her father, a lawyer. Meri comes to their town of Canyon Mines, Colorado to “hide out” from her family by taking a job at a local inn. There were moments of hilarity, tension, suspense, heartbreak and joy. they all kept this reader eager for the next word. This is the first book in a series and I look forward to what is still to come.
This was an interesting story. It was two stories melded into one with different time periods, which eventually were brought into one.
Meri is on the run and ends up taking a job in Canyon Mines, Colorado for a Bed and Breakfast. The owner of the B&B suspects that she is on the run and in turn, gets together her nosy friends to root out the information on Meri.
The story uses the genealogy experience of Jillian and the quest of information from her dad, Nolan. Along with the other characters sprinkled throughout the book to create a patchwork of history for Meri.
Honestly, when I was reading the book all I could think of was how nosy this town was becoming. I’d hate to be going off to a town to restart, only for everyone to be in my business and trying to figure out my back story. Especially without my permission!!!
Despite that hiccup, the story did flow along well and wove back and forth and kept me reading. Numerous times I wanted to quit, but just around the corner, on another page there was a nugget that kept me going.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy.