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.
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The past has a way of affecting the present…
When I started The Inn At Hidden Run I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve read a few of Olivia Newport’s other books, Amish and historical, but contemporary was a new one for me. I’ve been interested in my family history since I was a little girl reading my great grandma’s copies of her family’s history in the corner of her living room. Needless to say, I was intrigued both by the title of the series and the back cover blurb.
As I said, I wasn’t sure what to expect and I was quite pleasantly surprised. The dual timeline worked very well and I was impressed by Olivia Newport’s ease with both the historical and contemporary threads. I was also impressed by the fact that this is not a romance tale at all. No, The Inn At Hidden Run is more about family, both the good and the messy. It’s about finding your place, meeting in the middle, and about dealing with the well-meaning but sometimes suffocating expectations of those we love.
I was quite the fan of the historical angle as well. I learned so much about the yellow fever epidemic in Memphis in 1878 and I was inspired by the sacrifice of the people who sacrificed themselves. I have to admit that many of the aspects brought up were things I hadn’t thought about. What happens to the people left behind in a city brought to its knees by an epidemic no one really understood?
The Inn At Hidden Run was a great start to what I think will prove to be an interesting series. I’m definitely looking forward to Olivia Newport’s next installment in The Tree Of Life. If you are looking for a story about family dynamics and not hinged on romance I would recommend giving this book a try.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The field of genealogy brings a freshness to The Inn at Hidden Run, book #1 in Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life series, and I enjoyed it very much. The action builds steadily as a solid foundation is laid in this first book, and my attention was held as I became invested in the characters and past/present events blended together in a most meaningful way. The story is more character driven than action packed, which is the type I enjoy most.
Canyon Mines, Colorado makes a very appealing setting – a community with a rich history in gold and silver mining, and that was now a Rocky Mountain tourist destination for outdoor activities and family outings. I met many likeable characters and would love to spend time with them in person at the Canary Cage coffee shop.
Best of all is that this is a story of family and relationships that go back in history. The field of genealogy and the various ways it can be used to help people is fascinating. I could so easily relate to Jillian, a “researcher who prowled depths of the internet most people had no idea existed.” Meri, fearful and obviously running from something, immediately captured my heart. I especially enjoyed the time-slip theme with family research going back to an 1870s yellow fever epidemic in Memphis.
The Inn at Hidden Run is a well-crafted novel with a fresh approach that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward the upcoming stories in this series.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A very nice read filled with present-day family drama and a historical medical drama. The author did a wonderful job connecting the history with the present day through genealogy.
Jillian, the genealogist, works from home, likes working from home, and has an obsession with coffee and the finding the perfect coffee mug after her favorite breaks. Nolan, Jillian’s attorney father, also works from home part-time. He is a wonderful cook and a great mediator.
I felt very bad for Meri. The pressure to be a doctor because that’s what all the family has been for generations is ridiculous. Her brother is a controlling jerk. Meri wants to be something else. She leaves Memphis and hides in Canyon Mines, Colorado. She picks this spot for a reason but it would be a spoiler if I said why.
The historical information that Jillian was able to piece together was very interesting. I liked the time-slip. The story of Eliza helping fight the yellow-fever epidemic in 1878 Memphis was very well told.
Both stories had good endings. I look forward to the rest of the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own
The inn at hidden run
A part historical and part present time. Two different stories that eventually comes together. I love reading books like this. Two different time periods really makes it interesting.
Meri comes to work at the inn. There seems to be a mystery involving her past and Jillian is determined to find out what it is. Why did Meri want to get away from her family. I loved how Jillian wanted to help Meri and loved the mystery.
This is book one of a series. I am definitely looking forward to reading more. It doesn’t come out until November. I will keep a watch out for it.
I received a advanced copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
I enjoy studying genealogy, so this book was very interesting for me as one of the main characters, Jillian’s job is digging into family trees. Not only does she find ancestors for people, but she has the keen ability to discover more than just the basic roots of their family tree. Her insight into the past helps them discover who they are, and often why they do the things they do. It’s pretty interesting. Her father, a lawyer, just has a way with people. He could work as a therapist with his listening skills and ability to encourage people and understand them. He had a knack for getting them talking and gathering information Jillian could use to help find out about their past. They made a great team!
Take the main character, Meri, for instance, she shows up in town, apply’s for a job at the Inn owned by Jillian’s best friend Nia. Immediately, taken with her, she becomes Nia’s “project” of sorts. Nia can tell something about Meri is not right, and enlists the help of her friends Jillian and Nolan to uncover what Meri is hiding and help her through it. The book is mainly about them uncovering her story, as it weaves back and forth from past to present telling the tale that will provide answers into the current situation.
Meri is running away from home, trying to escape her family and figure herself out. What she wants versus the expectations and pressures her family is putting on her to become what they think she should be. Eliza, the character from the past, is overcoming her family’s social expectations by helping out with a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis instead of running away from town like all the other wealthy socialites have done.
I wouldn’t say it was a really fast read, instead I would say it was interesting and I enjoyed it. The characters, the history (especially since I live in TN), and background although fictitious could have really happened. The author incorporated truth of the time period and happenings as it may have happened then.
On a side note, I enjoyed Jillian’s fixation with coffee, her favorite mugs, the ice cream shop in town, and other sweet but insignificant little details the author included. I am looking forward to other books that will be released in this series.
I was blessed with a copy of this book courtesy of Celebrate Lit, the publisher, and author. I was not asked to review this but positively and all opinions are my own
I have enjoyed reading many books by this author and this one is the beginning of a new series.
We are in a small town in Colorado and also, we flash back to a horrible time in history in Memphis Tennessee when they suffered from the yellow fever.
We are also gifted with a delightful father, a lawyer, and daughter, a genealogist, who endeavor to help a visitor/worker to their town.
I really enjoyed putting together the back drop of this visiting family, like doing a puzzle, a great concept and enjoyable read, and am glad we will be coming back!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review
Family history and strong emotions are found in this story. Very interesting. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Wish I had some one like Jillian to help me with my genealogy I love the way this split time novel fits all the pieces together perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle that you can’t wait to finish to see the complete picture. I was drawn into this story from the get go and found the characters charming. I love the addition of a glossy picture with river boats in the beginning of the book. It is a nice touch, as I looked at it and imagined the setting. I also loved the relationship aspects of the story between family, friends, new acquaintances, and with God. The past intertwines with the present to show it’s okay to be who God created you to be. Our identity is found in Him. This is the first book in the new Tree of a Life Series. I’ll anxiously await the next one.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This book starts a new series called Tree of Life where readers will be transported back in time to find out about the history of a family. I love genealogy and with by brother’s help we have found some very intriguing facts about our past relatives. In this story we are introduced to Jillian and her father Nolan who make a great team when a mysterious woman enters their life.
Meri is desperate to run away from her family and hopes to hide out in the quaint town . She lands a job at the inn but doesn’t share much about herself. I liked Meri but wished she would be a bit more assertive. All her life she has done what was expected of her. I was amazed at all the doctors and medical background in her family. Of course she is expected to follow the family and get into medicine as well. This is where the book becomes intriguing and we find ourselves in a time slip story that takes us from present to the late 1870s.
I loved reading about Eliza and how dedicated she was to children. During this time period the yellow fever was running rampant and taking lives of innocent children as well as adults. The horror of this disease was hard to read about. Eliza feels helpless at times as she witnesses someone taking their last breath. I loved her compassion to help others even though she put herself in harms way. Her story was inspiring and I loved how she tied in to Meri’s family.
The author does a great job of looking at family dynamics and how they can shape our future. Meri knows at some point her family will find her. Jillian becomes an advocate for Meri and investigates her family tree. It is an intricate family tree that will have surprises and answers for the family. It is a wonderful journey of discovery as Meri and her family learn about their ancestors. I read a bit of the next installment in the series and I am already anxious to delve into it. I love the way the author captures faith, family and forgiveness in a story that tugs on your heart strings.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. the review is my own opinion.
I don’t believe I have previously read any books by Olivia Newport but The Inn at Hidden Run seemed intriguing so I decided to give it a try. I am glad that I did! I found it to be an interesting read, especially the historical details about the Yellow Fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee, the city near where I’ve lived my entire life.
Jillian’s occupation as a genealogist was quite fascinating. I enjoyed reading about her methods and the reasons clients needed her services. She was quite a specialized detective! Although her intentions were probably good ones, I did think that Jillian may have been just a little bit pushy in how she went about convincing Meri to let her discover her family history.
I did like reading the historical sections most but loved seeing how everything all tied together at the end. I will be looking forward to the next book in Newport’s Tree of Life series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This was an interesting time slip novel that ties both time periods together in the end. The characters were well written with situations that could relate to the modern reader. Meri runs from her hometown and family after “flunking” out of medical school. For generations those from her family have completed medical school and become practicing doctors. Meri has no interest in that field but her parents are pushing her to it.
In 1878 Memphis a terrible yellow fever outbreak has occurred and well to do residents are fleeing as fast as they can pack up. Left are the poor and African American families. Nuns, priests and caring volunteers are there to help those in need. Supplies are short because of store and shop owners boarding up and also leaving. Their only resources are abandoned gardens and the occasional supply ship.
Interestingly Jillian, a genealogist in modern time, researches Meri’s family from several generations back and comes up with information that might help her situation. But determined as her family seems to be, what will happen if or when they find her?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The author uses a unique premise in this first book of a series called the Tree of Life. She incorporates genealogy as a means of introducing a second timeline to the novel. The time shifts between current day in Canyon Mines, Colorado and the year 1878 in Memphis. The connection is not initially clear as to how the two storylines will blend and it created a bit of a disconnect for me when reading, particularly early in the story.
The characters in the novel are a bit on the interesting and quirky side, and they seem to add personality to the story. Nolan Duffy, an attorney and professional mediator, lives in Canyon Mines with his daughter the genealogist, Jillian Parisi-Duffy. A great deal of the story centers around Meri Davies, a young college graduate who wanders in to town and accepts a job at Jillian’s friend, Nia’s bed and breakfast. Jillian, Nolan, and Nia take on Meri and her life and personal troubles as their next project to solve. Jillian utilizes her best genealogical skills to uncover Meri’s family tree and in doing so hopes to answer some of the girl’s unresolved issues.
The historical portion of the novel is based on actual historic notes, and real historic characters are incorporated in to the storyline. I actually enjoyed the historic portion much more than I did the contemporary part of the story The central themes in the book dwell on independence, forgiveness, and family. Readers of contemporary and historical fiction may enjoy this book.
This ARC copy was received from Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
History and genealogy! Meri is an interesting leading character who has intentionally flunked out of med school and run to Canyon Mines, Colorado –the last place she remembers being happy. There she meets genealogist Jillian and her mediator father, Nolan, who realize something isn’t right about Meri’s life. Jillian begins tracing Meri’s ancestry. The Inn at Hidden Run is a dual time frame book which tells fascinating history of Memphis, Tennessee, during a yellow fever epidemic in the 1800s. Eliza is a wonderful character in the historical era. The book shows that sometimes families need to step aside and allow someone to be the person God has called them to be. I recommend The Inn at Hidden Run to others! I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is the first in a series of books in the Tree of Life series. This charmingly heartfelt story focuses on a young woman who has flunked out of med school and escaped from her disapproving family to hide away. She encounters a genealogist and her father who are determined to find out more about Meri and help fix her family problems. But Meri is pretty sure strangers and a family tree can’t fix her problems. As Meri’s story unfolds, readers are also treated to a dual time story–one of my favorite types of stories. This historical drama tells of the enormity—it was a rare household where everyone survived—of the disastrous Memphis Yellow Fever outbreak in the 1870s. The dual timeline flows seamlessly and the stories finally mesh together beautifully at the end bringing a satisfactory conclusion to the story. The author has constructed strong vibrant characters that capture the reader’s heart and a small town feel to the story with the quirkiness that comes from people knowing all about each other. The dual time stories move quickly and are full of emotional tension and drama. I liked the casual flow of prose, with descriptive detail and a tad of humor that makes the reader feel right at home. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.
I loved learning some about genealogy. I really like the main characters of Jillian and her dad. These two are great. I would have hated being in a family that felt I could only be a doctor. It would be awful not to have a choice. I loved how this story went from present to the past. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Meri arrives in Canyon Mines, Colorado and immediately offers herself as an employee at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. Though she is a stranger, the owner is in need of assistance and feels that Meri was as much in need as she was.
Meri seems to be running for something and no one is able to get her to open up about her troubles. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, work to support Meri through her troubled time without pressuring her to open up about her past.
To help Meri understand were she is coming from Jillian begins to research the Davis family history. Meri doesn’t understand how this will help her, but as her parents and brother close in on her new home she hopes that Jillian’s research makes a difference.
This is my first time reading a book by Olivia Newport. I was drawn to it because I am interested in genealogy. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it. The characters develop slowly but well. I enjoyed the historical flashbacks very much and learned a great deal between the fictional depiction of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of Memphis, 1878 and the research I did on my own. The two stories, past and present, were woven together well to create a complete narrative of the Davis family history. The setting, small town Colorado, was pleasant. The plot moves at a steady pace and it was hard to put down. I will definitely be reading the next book in the Tree of Life series.
I received an advance copy from Barbour Publishing via Netgalley. The opinions are all mine.
The Inn at Hidden Inn is such an enjoyable story and is the first book in the new Trees of Life series by Olivia Newport. Thanks to a few family members who are interested in genealogy I do have information on our family history but am curious to find out more after finishing this book.
I love a time-slip novel so that was a huge plus for me along with the authors smooth transition of each of the storylines. I truly dislike when I feel that there is a jarring and abrupt interruption between the two which didn’t happen in this book. The small town feel in the present day added to my enjoyment while the yellow fever epidemic in 1878 in Memphis was heartbreaking but very relevant to the family history of Meri, a newcomer to the town of Canyon Mines.
Nolan and Jillian Duffy are a father and daughter who I could imagine being friends with and would happily tag along with to Canary Cage Coffee for a cup of coffee and some pastries. Their relationship was sweet and loving but I liked their willingness to help those around them when needed. I loved the town and I grew fond of the residents who I met because I felt like I got to know them through this well crafted story.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast and fun week-end read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
Not sure what to expect from this book, I was happily surprised to find two intertwined stories and plenty of interesting circumstances that made the narrative flow smoothly and quickly. “The Inn at Hidden Run” is book one in the new Tree of Life series, and I love the series title. It manages to tie in all of the major aspects of the story: genealogy, family, growing, and faith. Genealogy fascinates me. I have always loved history, but since struggling to find extant historical records for my ancestors for a project in the eighth grade, I have had a special appreciation for family trees. There is such a treasure trove of knowledge awaiting us in our lineages, shaping us into who we are today and who we hope to become.
Olivia Newport creates a contemporary small-town world centered on quirky characters and a light mystery that ties into the past. Meri’s plight adds family drama and generational legacy into the plot. Her dilemma and reactions were realistic, and the subsequent consequences and conversations were well-handled by the author. The faith component was subtle and could have been a bit more prominent. Nolan’s role as a lawyer and mediator made him an obvious fit for the novel, and his daughter Jillian’s occupation as a work-from-home genealogist intrigued me. I enjoyed learning the investigative aspect of genealogy and the various resources that genealogists draw upon in their research, as well as the various scenarios in which their skills are engaged. Jillian was the character to which I related the most because of her interests and her introverted nature. Following along as she placed puzzle pieces of the past together was fascinating.
An unexpected dual timeline enhanced the genealogical element and added a layer of danger, transporting readers to the burgeoning 1878 yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee. The horrors that Eliza Davies faced in the midst of the outbreak as she strove to aid those afflicted were not graphic but vivid enough to evoke heartache. Her story did not conclude as I was expecting, and the connection between Eliza and Meri’s family dovetailed gracefully for a fitting conclusion. The past informs our present in many ways, and understanding where and who we come from allows us to navigate life’s trials and stand firmly in our own convictions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
What wonderful information lies in your genealogy?
‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Micah 6:8 NIV
Meriwether Eliza Davies, Meri, arrives in Canyon Mines, Colorado from Tennessee. How she got her name and why it seems so important that she should be a doctor is information she doesn’t have and is not sure she even wants to know. What follows is a wonderful unraveling of her family genealogy all the way back to 1909 Memphis, Tennessee. So many questions are answered that it really made me wonder why we don’t all search out our genealogy. Perhaps we, like Meri, would understand the calling on our lives.
This fabulous book is the first in the author’s Tree of Life series. With such an auspicious beginning, I am certainly looking forward to the next book!
I received this book through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions given are my own.
Split-time or dual-time novels have become quite popular in the last few years and this book is a new addition to this genre. Olivia Newport sets her modern day story at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B in Canyon Mills, Colorado and the characters include a genalogist, her father, and the inn owners as they help a young woman who has run away from her Tennessee home. Meri Davies has flunked out of medical school and she needs to escape her family’s disappointment so she begins by taking a job at the inn. As they try to help and encourage her, Jill and her father Nolan begin to research Meri’s family history and the reasons why her parents are so insistent that she become a doctor.
The historical element in this book involves a young woman in Memphis, Tennessee who made it her mission to help during the yellow fever epidemic that struck Memphis in 1878. Eliza Davies was from a well-to-family and she could easily have left Memphis like so many others but she stayed to help the people who had no means to escape. Eliza ministered to the poor and to African-Americans who had once been slaves and she especially loved caring for the children. There is a touching scene near the end of the book that demonstrates how her love affected the ones she helped. As one of “her children” thanks her for changing his life, Eliza says “I only did what the Lord asked of me. ‘What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?'” This very emotional scene also weaves together the past and the present in a very satisfactory way!
I love historical fiction so I especially enjoyed Eliza’s story. Newport shares a lot of historical information about the devastation that resulted from the yellow fever epidemic and much of it is new to me. This book is the first in the Tree of Life series and each story will include the Inn at Hidden Run B&B as the basis for the current day storyline. I enjoyed getting to know Jill, Nolan, Nia and Leo and I look forward to seeing how author Olivia Newport uses the inn and genealogy to share more dual-time stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.