A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family TreesA trunk abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago leads Jillian and Nolan to untangle the mystery of its contents—including correspondence with the head of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency Denver office. While Nolan digs into the legalities of the findings, Jillian searches for the descendants of a stolen … descendants of a stolen identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land. When Drew seems anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed—twice—Jillian is all the more determined to find out what happened to the woman who never claimed her luggage, why Min doesn’t want to talk about it, and what will happen for Drew if he gets the answers he seeks.
When I Meet You is the third book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
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This third book in the series was very enjoyable. I love how the author combines historical facts with a delightful story. The dual timeline will keep you engaged in the lives of the characters…both past and present. The father-daughter duo make you wish they were your friend. And Jillian’s genealogy talents and deep desire to solve a mystery will have you waiting anxiously for the clues to be followed until the truth is revealed.
The characters are well developed and you will begin to care for them and wonder what happens to them in the future. And, of course, there is the random character or two that you just dislike immensely. But that’s okay, but the rest of the characters and their integrity and positive characteristics make up for the random few. I definitely recommend this book. And while it could be read without reading the first books in the series, the others are good enough that I suggest you read them too!
Thank you to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I am a huge fan of the Tree of Life series and can’t wait for Nolan and Jillian’s next adventure!
Another story that should be a Hallmark mystery movie. Such well rounded characters, a daughter and father, genealogist and lawyer who loves to be a chef. There’s part of their personal lives mixed in with the mystery to be solved from 1909. Very interesting story about a young lady who disappeared after a train ride to Denver, where she was going to sort out some fraud with her father’s investments. Throw in some Pinkerton agents and villains and you’ve got a story to keep you well hooked all the way through. Excellent read, hard to put down. Makes you glad to come back to it each time, and miss it when you’ve finished it.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #WhenIMeetYou #NetGalley
As I love working on my families genealogy trees, I knew that I wanted to read this book. While reading through this story, I felt inspired and engrossed from the start. I have yet to read the first 2 books in this series as this is a new author for me. I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to more stories by this author. #NetGalley#When I Met You
*Thank you to NetGalley & Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read an e-copy for free in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Nolan and Jillian are back with another mystery from the past and again I am enamored. Every time I read a book in the Tree of Life series it makes me regret not choosing a different profession. I would love to do what Jillian does! Digging for clues, finding the keys that unlock the truths of the past, and bring people more understanding of who they are and where they come from. It is utterly beautiful and something that always makes me ache to find my own truths.
In When I Meet You Jillian and Nolan are asked to look into the story behind a steamer trunk that was abandoned at Union Station in 1909, while Jillian also digs further into her own mother’s old steamer trunk, which history has haunted her for years. I love that all the books in this series can be read as standalones, but when you read them as a series you get to intimately know and understand Nolan, Jillian, and many of the colorful characters of Canyon Mines, and really become more vested in these incredible characters and the unique situations they find themselves in.
What made this novel a favorite for me was the imperfectness of Jillian. In the first two books in the series Jillian seems to have such a charmed life, but in this book you see that she’s not perfect, and that she too is flawed and can make rash judgements, like we all can. I also fell in love with Drew, a new character that I hope will continue to be in the series from now on.
Another incredible addition to one of my favorite series to date!!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
WOW! This is an incredible duel-time novel!
I absolutely love the main characters in both time periods. They are all very well developed and have very different personalities.
Both of the plot lines are fantastic. I was completely sucked into the entire story. I knew from the beginning that they would connect with each other some way. I enjoyed seeing the early tidbits that were hints as to the connection. The author did a marvelous job of holding out on the reader until the final reveal though.
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 or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have 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.*
When I Meet You, a charmingly heartfelt story by Olivia Newport, is the third book in her Tree of Life series. Having read the first two books, I was looking forward to reading more about Jillian and her father, Nolan, as they uncover the heritage and history of individuals and families. A mystery arises when a museum owner asks them to look into the mystery of an abandoned steamer trunk–abandoned 100 years ago. Whose was it? Why was it never retrieved? Had something untoward happened to the owner? And are there descendants who would want the items in the steamer trunk alive now? Jillian was intrigued and not going to let go of her search until she had satisfactory answers. Readers are once again treated to a dual time story–one of my favorite types of stories. The dual timeline flows seamlessly and the stories finally blend together satisfactorily at the conclusion. The author has constructed strong vibrant characters that capture the reader’s heart. I really like Nolan, Jillian’s lawyer father, who has added a chef hat to his many roles. He has agreed to cook for a fund raiser dinner for 200 people and the subplot surrounding this scenario adds a lot of interest to the story, even a romantic one–and who doesn’t love a little romance. The plot moves quickly and the emotional tension and drama keep the pages turning quickly. I liked the casual flow of prose, with descriptive detail and a tad of humor that makes the reader feel right at home. At the end of the book the author included a teaser for the next book in the series, and I eagerly await Jillian’s next ancestry adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I have really enjoyed this series. It’s mystery and intrigue but clean and wholesome smooshed together into something you can’t put down. This book was especially intriguing to me as I loved the question behind it. What happened to a woman that she didn’t claim her baggage? Add in someone not wanting them to dig into it and all the more determination and mystery ensue.
This book gives us some gorgeous scenes. They make me feel like I’m there which is like a mini-vacation currently with no one really able to take vacations. It’s escape into the world of books time!
I highly recommend not just this book but the entire series. This series keeps me riveted and makes me want to keep reading. I’m always sad to see the book end.
Jillian has fast become one of my favorite literary characters and I love how she attacks problems and solves them in her own unique way. I love the 1909 scenes and finding out what really happened. Highly recommend. Read the entire series though really they can be read as stand-alone, just why would you want to miss out on other good books!?
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This genealogy mystery hits a bit close to home…
Well, that was bit of a surprise. Turns out When I Meet You was one of the uncommon times where I loved book three even more than the first. Author Olivia Newport is really hitting her stride with the Tree Of Life series. The premise of a genealogist and her lawyer father solving mysteries that span centuries is pretty unique in my reading experience, and as a fan of of both mysteries and family history, I find it to be fascinating and entertaining.
I really enjoyed every part of this story, I mean who doesn’t love Pinkerton agents, and I read it nearly straight through. I just HAD to find out what happened to the owner of the antique trunk and why it wasn’t picked up from the station! Involved in the story much? Yes, I was and I’m not embarrassed to say so.
I will mention that there was one tiny inaccuracy in museum procedure/law, but, unless you are museum staff it’s not noticeable.
When I Meet You was a great story with a great historical mystery, well, maybe more like two mysteries. Reading the sections, this book is a dual timeline, about the trunk’s owner made me think fondly of the times I have ridden on a passenger train and reminded me how much I love train travel. Olivia Newport successfully brings to life both 1909 and 2019ish in full color detail. This is a wonderful addition to the Tree Of Life series and I can’t wait for book four…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I love the way the author suspensefully weaves threads from the past into a story set in the present day in these unique tales of an investigative genealogist in this Tree of Life series. Jillian finds lost links to ancestors for others and helps fill in their family trees. In this book, she draws upon her skills to help unravel her own mysterious past on her deceased mother’s side of the family. The opening scene of this dual-time novel begins with a wild shock, setting up the intriguing family sagas. Her lawyer father, Nolan, assists as much as he can in her new challenge, which also leads to her meeting Drew at a Colorado ranch. His family holds the key to a connection with Pinkertons and theft in the early 1900s. Jillian is determined to uncover the truth, no matter how difficult the struggles or the facts become. And the mountain resort town where she lives adds additional threads and enjoyment to a great read. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. all opinions are my own.
As I began reading this series, I quickly became caught up in the storylines. The idea of a father and daughter working together to discover genealogical mysteries intrigued me. I think of all the books so far, this one was my favorite. Maybe because I have recently started reading a large number of books that pertain to the Pinkerton Agency, I found myself caught up in the story of Lynellle in the past.
At the same, Jillian and Drew captured my attention in the present-day story. I loved the idea of Drew helping Jillian’s father cook an incredible fundraising dinner. Drew’s Aunt Min was my favorite character in this book. She is feisty, apparently temperamental, and obviously loves Drew.
As the storyline took twists and turns in both the present and the past, I found myself wanting to read more just so I could know how the story would end. The family dynamics and mysteries keep this book moving at an excellent pace. I also loved reading about how an abandoned trunk discovered in the present is able to heal wounds created in the past.
This book clearly shows how important families are and how we need to cherish each other and our time together.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life series is about family connections—the good and the bad. While I’ve enjoyed the previous books, as a romance fan, I’ve wanted to see Jillian meet someone. And, ya’ll, it happens in When I Meet You.
When Nolan drags Jillian to look at a steamer trunk that was abandoned over a hundred years ago in Denver, the story takes off. Jillian’s father may have been the one to bring it to her attention, but she’s the one who is quickly immersed in its mystery.
Newport has a way of tying two stories (yes, it’s a dual timeline read) together in a way that is relevant and holds your interest. Likable characters, a community I’d be proud to be a part of, and a fledgling romance make When I Meet You another great book in the series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Olivia Newport’s entire Tree of Life series thus far but I believe When I Meet You is probably my favorite. I love the way the author takes her readers back in time to meet earlier members of the family tree being researched by Jillian. I also enjoy reading about the relationships formed with her clients as Jillian researches their family. It’s also a bit fun when Jillian cannot stop herself from getting just a bit more involved in her work than it requires.
Jillian definitely gets more involved in her current research project and manages to ruffle a few feathers while she’s at it. And it it just possible that she may have met a potential romantic interest during this case? Somehow a simple assignment of finding possible descendants of the owner of a long abandoned trunk becomes quite personal to Jillian and she can not rest until she learns the truth.
I too found myself wanting to know what happened to the owner of that trunk. As I read the account of the original owner I hoped against hope that she did not meet with foul play. Her story played out at just the right pace with just enough details shared to keep the suspense building.
I also love Jillian’s relationship with her father and other members of the community. This author truly makes me want to visit and possibly stay in the make believe town of Canyon Mines. My only complaint is that all the talk about food makes me hungry!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I loved returning to Canyon Mines with more genealogy mysteries puzzled over by Jillian. This one was fun to solve alongside her. There were some expected and some unexpected twists, which I enjoyed.
While this could have very easily turned into a dark and questionable mystery, it didn’t. Overall, it was a light read with no unpleasant surprises.
I especially enjoyed Nolan and Jillian’s father/daughter relationship.
The spiritual content was basically only in the historical setting, not in the modern one. I found in her last book that the spiritual thread was one of the weak points. I will say, though, that what was in the historical plot was fairly consistent and threaded through the story with references to the Psalms for comfort and prayers to God for safety.
There was some romance. It was the sweet and just-starting romance type. I don’t recall anything that made me cringe or would keep me from handing this to a teen reader.
I find Olivia Newport’s strength to be in creating gripping scenarios. And the Parisis! Oh my! Because the maffia?! All I’ll say.
*I received this book from the publisher and happily provided my honest review*
When I Meet You
by Olivia Newport
Book 3 in the Tree of Life series
Rating: 4/5
After reading a fast-paced romantic suspense book, reading this story was a little slow for me but the ending was satisfying and I’m glad I stuck it out to the end. The book goes back and forth between the past and present stories which is something I do enjoy but sometimes, it could get confusing to keep track of who’s who. The author does her best to tell you who’s she’s focusing on but sometimes, I read too fast to keep track. All in all, this was a fascinating story and brilliantly woven together. The author will keep you guessing till the end.
As someone who has not read the previous books in this series, I just want you to know that it is not necessary. The main character, Jillian, is a professional genealogist who has her own family history to solve while delving into another mysterious steamer trunk and its contents. The mystery of all the official documents inside the trunk is what leads her on a merry chase to find out what happened. On the path to discover what happened to the owner of the steamer trunk, she finds Drew and his Aunt Min who seems to be hiding something. Can Jillian and her father figure out what happened to the owner the steamer trunk?
So for some reason I was expecting more romance in this book, but I would categorize this as a mystery with a hint of romance. Though there is some character development, telling the story and unraveling the mystery is the important part. The characters have their flaws but the emphasis is more on finding out the truth and restoring the steamer trunk to its rightful owner. As someone who can’t trace her own ancestry that far back, it was fascinating to see what a genealogist could do. The advances in technology have allowed us to find our ancestors with just one “spit in a tube”, which I have done. I loved the old tied in with the new.
I highly recommend this book if you enjoy history and stories within stories to uncover the truth.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
In When I Meet You, Nolan Duffy, a lawyer, and Jillian Parisi-Duffy, a genealogist, trace an abandoned trunk’s history through examining its contents, which includes correspondence with the Pinkerton detective agency.They search for the trunk’s descendants when it appears that foul play might be involved. Are the descendants of the trunk’s owner the true owners of a nearby ranch land or is a stolen identity involved?
Newport writes a dual timeline (1909 and the present) with alternating points of view. As the mystery unfolds, the reader sees what may have happened to the trunk’s owner in 1909 and how it may affect the present. As Jillian unpacks the clues about the abandoned trunk, it gives her the courage to face her own family trunk and unpack the truths behind what was left in her care.
Not everyone wants the truth revealed. One person in particular is adamant about Jillian not talking with her family members or digging into her family’s past, yet she holds the answers Jillian seeks. Will the truth be revealed in a way that all will appreciate?
While the book can be read as a standalone, it is pleasant to revisit friends made in Canyon Mines, Colorado from the earlier books. One can almost taste the delicious food Jillian’s father Nolan makes (he is known for his culinary skills while Jillian is known for her lack of them!). The characters are generally likeable, with strong, spirited women whom readers can easily relate to, and men who are generally reliable and trustworthy. But not everyone is who them seem to be — both in the past and in the present, and that will keep the reader guessing.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.
Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father Nolan Duffy are at it again in Canyon Mills, Colorado and this time their genealogy research involves them in a mystery that revolves around a trunk that was left unclaimed at a Denver, Colorado train station. As Jillian searches through letters found in the trunk, a story comes to light of Lynelle Bendeure’s efforts as she traveled by herself across the United States to try to save her father’s business. A young lady traveling by herself in 1909 was unheard of and the two couples who took interest in her may not have had her best interests at heart. Was Lynelle able to accomplish her goal and did the Pinkerton manager who corresponded with her help her in her attempts?
This is a time-slip novel so this mystery alternates with Jillian and Nolan’s present day activities. I enjoyed learning about Nolan’s fantastic cooking talents and his efforts to aid a community fundraiser and the clever use of a trunk in Jillian’s own attic as a tool to link the two stories.
I love historical fiction so I was especially interested in learning more about Denver in 1909 but When I Meet You has so much more. Romance, adventure, and mystery are included and author Olivia Newport once again made me feel like I was right there with Jillian and Nolan. I appreciate this daughter/father team for their love and respect for each other and for their obvious faith in God. I look forward to their next adventure and I recommend this book and the other two books in the Tree of Life series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
This is book three in The Tree of Life Series and can be read as a stand-alone but why would you want to miss getting to know these characters who are endearing. I love time slip novels and old trunks so this had me from the first. I felt like I was there solving the mystery. I am also interested in genealogy therefore Jillian captured my heart from book one. I can picture her father singing his heart out while cooking all that scrumptious food. You will be drawn into the lives of Jillian and Nolan, the friends they have made along the way, and the new ones that you are willing to get to know. Well worth investing your time into. I look forward to book four.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/netgalley. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
What a fascinating story! Jillian is once again doing what she does best—dig in and research family genealogies. This is the third (and definitely my favorite so far) in the Tree of Life series. I think they could be read as stand-alones, but I feel like the story is much more understood if you read them in the proper order.
In this book, Jillian is given the privilege of seeing, and then taking along home withe her, a beautiful old trunk which seems to have a mysterious history. This finds Jillian doing all she can to seek out what actually happened to it, and why it was abandoned at Union Station in the first place.
This book has dual time stories, and of course the other time period is about the owner of the trunk.
I loved all the details, reading about the Pinkertons, and more. The details about the trunk – the trunk itself, and also it’s amazing contents, consisting of lovely hats, elegant clothing, and then lots of mysterious papers. All of this I found extremely fascinating. I just love reading about how Jillian does her researching, her online genealogical digging and fact finding. In this book, though, that digging actually includes going on some short road trips and doing more than just looking online. Jillian almost gets herself into some hot water….but there. I don’t want to give any spoilers.
Then there’s also Jillian’s dad, Nolan. I love him. He is such a sweet character. This book really shows him as a self-taught chef, and I just loved reading about this. He’s asked to cook for a large fundraiser event, and he agrees to it. But the guests he’s cooking for is in the neighborhood of 200, and this is quite an undertaking, even for Nolan. So he’s preparing menus, trying out new dishes, etc., to get this all figured out. The author gives many mouth watering details to tell us all about his cooking, and I really wanted to try them!
I don’t think this book deals with as much the personal issues as the earlier books did. There are some things that Jillian must deal with, and work through. As well as Lynelle, the trunk’s owner, who seemingly as many mysterious things going on.
If you enjoy reading a beautiful combination of contemporary and historical fiction, with a bit of mystery thrown in, please give this book a try!
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
As someone interested in genealogy, even though I’ve never really pursued it, the Tree of Life series intrigued me from the very beginning. I love reading about Jillian’s work and research because, although it is fictional, it is also based on the real efforts of contemporary genealogists, and it speaks to that desire in all of us to know where we come from and who our ancestors are. That is also where the faith element fits in so perfectly, because ultimately we are all children of our Father God, and He has given us such a glorious legacy through Jesus!
Of the three books in this series thus far, “When I Meet You” is my favorite. Author Olivia Newport is now, by book three, really settling us in to Canyon Mines, Colorado, and I feel like a part of this small but bustling town. This book is also the most personal for the characters, who are becoming more dynamic. I have enjoyed them from the outset, but I realized while reading this latest addition to the series that they are growing in their relationships with each other. For the first time, Jillian’s past grief comes to the forefront, making her very vulnerable and resulting in some uncharacteristic behavior. Her relationship with Nolan, her dad, hits a few poignant patches, making it much more credible and relatable than the sweet but perhaps too-perfect connection that we have seen prior. I can relate to Jillian’s perseverance and nearly obsessive doggedness in solving the mystery, and I would find it difficult to set aside also.
This is also my favorite mystery of the three. Each book is a split-time story, with the primary story occurring in the present, but also with part of the plot worked out through scenes from the past. The personal connection that the characters have to this story truly enhances it and adds a great deal of dimension. To me, it seems as though they moved from being on the periphery and being drawn into the story to having the story revolve around them and having the other characters become more peripheral. Without giving any spoilers, I will just say that the issues that they contend with in this novel are ones that are very prevalent today. And, if you ever happen to come across an old trunk in your attic, or at a yard sale, open it; you never know what life-changing surprises might await you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
I simply adore time slip books. The author is very well versed in taking readers on a journey in this emotional and intriguing series. Even though this is book three in the series, I think readers can still read it as a stand alone. I would recommend however to read the first two books to get a feel for who the characters are.
Jillian has a gift for details as she uses her knowledge as a genealogist. I was so impressed with her character and how thoughtful she was at unraveling the mystery of a long ago forgotten trunk. It was easy to visualize the time period and the young woman who will risk her life to save her family’s name and wealth. Jillian has her hands full with digging up records that could destroy a family or finally give them closure about a trunk left many years ago at a train station. Why would someone not pick up their belongings?
Lynnelle is a fascinating character who travels by herself across country to deliver papers that could help save her father’s reputation and business. Along the way several characters seem to take interest in her. I was very interested to see who could be trusted as two couples are drawn to Lynnelle. Can you imagine traveling by yourself with secrets that put your life in danger? The author does a great job weaving a mystery that spans generations.
My brother was always interested in genealogy and has left me many documents on his search for answers about our family. We had sone very interesting relatives and the more my brother searched the deeper the mystery became for us. In this story as I read about the different ways to search for information, I realized I needed to finish what my brother had started.
The author has written a story that explores a family who opened the door to expose the ugliness of greed and deceit. The faith element is light but just enough to get a sense of the characters belief in God. As I finished the book I had so many questions I wanted to ask. I’m glad to know there will be a fourth book coming out soon. I loved Jillian’s father and how gifted he is as a chef. I loved reading about the different recipes he tried and wished I had been at the table when he served up the savory and sweet menu. There is a bit of a hint of a romance between Jillian and someone who becomes vital to the story. He was a bit unsure why Jillian was interested in where he lived and who his relatives were. The author lays a foundation that spans generations and brings it full circle in this exception story of the value of family.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.