While genealogy is an interesting thread for a book (I mean, if people weren’t interested, there probably wouldn’t be multiple companies making money off our DNA), however, it’s not a compelling enough thread in this particular book.

Let’s start with a few things that just didn’t work for me. First of all, the title didn’t really fit. Not one of the characters who have a point of view voice in The Inn at Hidden Run have much of anything to do with the actual inn. But, in truth, I’m not sure of what would have worked.

This book is really about Meri and her issues with her family. For me, the story would have worked so much better if Meri got a voice and Jillian and Nolan were supporting characters. It would have also alleviated a lot of the telling that was happening.

That said, I did enjoy visiting this Colorado mining town and meeting some of the residents. Also, the second timeline set in 1878 Memphis during the yellow fever outbreak was interesting to follow and the way the two stories tied together worked somewhat well.

Overall, this wasn’t quite what I expected and not quite compelling enough to push it out of a middle review range.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I enjoyed this intriguing book that traces family lines to discover hidden aspects of their past. This could be enlightening or dreadful, depending on the information and how it affects those involved. Meri Davies is running from her family and the role they expect her to take. She wants to live her own life rather than bend to their dictates. Meri ends up at an inn in a small tourist town and finds a job there. How long can she stay hidden from her family? Meanwhile, friends of the innkeeper, genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan Duffy, try to help Meri and while doing so trace her family tree. This time-slip novel includes the story of Meri’s ancestor, Miss Eliza, back in 1878. I liked how the author wove the two tales together until they met in the resolution. The characters all seemed believable and interesting, as did the story. I found Jillian’s out-of-the-ordinary occupation fascinating and look forward to more in this new series with her. The family dynamics add plenty of conflict and keep the story moving. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are 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.
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.
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.

My Review:

Genre: Contemporary, historical fiction.

My Rating: 5 stars.

My Recommendation: Anyone. Though, it is likely not as interesting to people who don't love to read about history since that is a large part of the plot.

My Favorite Character/s: Each character was special and I enjoyed reading about each of them and I don't feel I can pick a favorite.

My Verse for the story is Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (King James Version.)

My Thoughts: This book's cover and the blurb had me so intrigued that I had to try it. So, I quickly entered my information to request it from the publisher. A few weeks later I dove into it, by the time I closed the book I was in love with the writing style. There was such richness in the words, and I loved the depth that the story had even though it lacked spiritual content. (To me at least.)

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher -- I did not have to provide a review and all of the thoughts are my own.

Review posting on my blog on 6/4/19

A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Tree



Meri flunks out of medical school—and runs from her parents. Genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy’s digging traces the family long tradition of doctors to an ancestor saved during a yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878. As Meri’s family closes in, Jillian gets the final puzzle pieces in place just in time for them all to learn the truth. The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to the 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.


My Thoughts: This is a dual timeline novel that connects the past to the present through a family tree. A unique story using genealogy as a focus to bring the characters together in a fascinating storyline. In this book, we find Jillian and her dad, Nolan who try to mediate Meri's family to bring about Meri's dreams of helping children.


The dual timeline introduces us to some history of Memphis Tennesee, back in the 1800's during the yellow fever outbreak. The author Olivia Newport does an excellent job of educating us what it was like for the people of Memphis at that time.

This is a story about trusting God to follow our dreams or our calling. Sometimes we may not know what fuels those callings, but sometimes it may be in our DNA. I have to be honest, it did bother me that Meri's family expected if not insisted that she be a doctor, just because that's what the family did. They did not stop to think about what her calling in life may have been.


This is a wonderful story for those that enjoy genealogy, or it may spark an interest in it. This is a book that will draw the reader's interest. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
!





I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have 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 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.

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport was a great story about finding your roots and what they mean to you. I really enjoyed meeting the characters and am looking forward to the next books in the series. The story follows Meri, a young woman who runs away from her family’s push on her life to a little inn in a mining town in Colorado. She is very quiet about herself and what brought her there, although the towns people try to get her to open up. Enter Jillian and her father Nolan, a genealogist and a family lawyer, both intent on helping Meri reconcile with her family and herself. The story switches between present day and Memphis of 1878, when the yellow fever epidemic stole thousands of lives. I was kept guessing until the very end to see how the stories would enter-twine and I was not disappointed. If you enjoy historical fiction, this story will be sure to keep your attention and leave you wanting more! I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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

I loved everything about this book! I'm usually a little skeptical when it comes to books that include flashbacks - the author keeps the reason for the flashback too obscure for long, overuses them, or gives away all of the secrets too soon.

Olivia Newport has crafted a beautiful book about the troubles that can arise when family members are pressured to honor the family legacy without fully understanding family history. When Meri Davies shows up in the small, tourist-friendly town of Canyon Mines, her past is a total mystery and she seems quite intent on keeping it that way. Jillian Parisi-Duffy, a genealogist by trade, is pulled into unraveling this mystery by her best friend and former babysitter, Nia. Nia and her hubby own the local bed and breakfast and have just hired Meri to help out. Jillian's dad - a skilled arbitrator and lawyer - gets involved as well, determined to understand what has caused this quiet, obviously hurt and frightened young woman, to return to Canyon Mines. They quickly learn that she comes from a long line of medical professionals and has just flunked out of med school. But was her academic failure an accident, or a sign that another call is tugging at Meri's heart?

Woven into this story are flashes of the past. It's the later 1870's and Memphis is in the grips of an epidemic. Yellow fever, to be exact, (This outbreak actually occurred - more than 120,000 individuals were infected and between 13,000 and 20,000 died. Many who were healthy and had the means left the city before they could be infected. The population dropped so low that Memphis lost its city charter for a time.) A young woman named Eliza, from a family of means, stays in the city helping to care for the poor and ill in any way she can. But how does Eliza's story of courage and compassion in the face of personal risk connect to a young woman running from her family in the 21st century?

Newport does a beautiful job crafting characters that the readers will care about and maybe even identify with. When she finally connects Eliza's story with Meri's, all those concerned will finally see that Meri's passion, while not in the medical field, will still honor a family legacy based on doing what one can for those in need. This is the first in a series and I fully intend to keep reading!

I’ve decided I love history. A subject that was so boring in school has now come to life. When an author can connect real facts with a fictional tale, weaving them together to create a tapestry of intrigue and healing, you know you’ve found something wonderful.

Although this is Meri’s story, we hear it through Jillian and her father’s perspective. Genealogy has interested me for years, and I’ve found myself leaning toward books that include genealogists. The Inn at Hidden Run fits that bill to a tee. The time slip is well done, bringing Meri’s past and present together with a bang. Your past truly can affect your future. Where you come from is important, something Meri’s family is trying to shove down her throat without considering what Meri needs.

On the writing front, there’s a steady beat to the flow. I didn’t notice any deeply lagging bits but there’s also no great hooray moment. Since the book is general Christian Fiction, that’s what I expected.

Spiritually, Jillian and Norman seem solid. It’s subtle but good. Norman’s occupation as lawyer and professional mediator make him perfect for dealing with Meri’s family while Jillian does her genealogy magic. My only complaint, sometimes I had no idea if I was reading from Jillian or Norman’s point of view. Knowing wouldn’t have changed the story, but my head makes up voices when I’m reading and when I don’t know who’s thinking, I don’t know how to interpret the voice.

I requested a copy from the publisher. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This was a great, easy-to-read novel. I enjoyed the way the author told two stories - one in history and one in the present day. While at times the characters felt slightly one dimensional, it was a good read with an interesting plot and believable story. It had faith values without being too pushy or overbearing. Very good read!

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.

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.

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.

Olivia Newport is a hit or miss author with me and at first with THE INN AT HIDDEN RUN I was hopelessly confused. I kept with it though, and the characters began to make sense and the dual-time period stories each became engaging in their own rights and I was anxious to see how they tied together.



The father daughter team might a nice dual. I loved how they worked together. The dad was a busybody, but oh so lovable, and who can't relate to the search for the perfect cup?



Meri was the focus and it was interesting to see how the layers were peeled off and how her life story tied in with a horrible yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, TN just a few years after the Civil War.



While parts of the book were skim-inducing, the majority was well-told and engaging. If you like dual time periods and finding roots, you will love THE INN AT HIDDEN RUN. Recommended.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this entertaining and informative novel. The narrative includes a contemporary story and a background one from 1878. The historical part of the novel is very informative, based on actual events during the yellow fever outbreak in Memphis.

The contemporary part of the novel is interesting, with a genealogical researcher, Jillian, as a main character. Jillian's father is a mediating lawyer at a law firm and it is interesting to see how he uses his skills in the family disagreement at the heart of the contemporary story.

One aspect of the novel I found lacking is descriptions of the characters. Newport does well describing houses and rooms but is so sparse on people I had difficulty picturing them. Meri is described as having “warm bronze skin” and I didn't know she was African-American until well into the book. And except for Jillian's frizzy hair, I can't tell you what she looks like. I do appreciate Jillian's obsession with finding just the right coffee mug with the right feel, however. I'm the same way.

Newport includes a number of issues in the plot. The most serious one is family expectations. What is a young woman to do when parents are overbearing in their demand she go into a certain profession, even though her heart is not in it?

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

The Inn at Hidden Run has been a sweet story with unexpected turns and twists that often travel through our lives and family complexities. In this story you meet Jillian, a genealogist, who works from her home that she shares with her widower father, Nolan, a family attorney and overall warm-hearted guy who is an easy confidant to many. When Meri shows up at the bed & breakfast of Jillian’s best friend, Nia, in a time of desperate need begging for a job, Nia is easily swayed. Nia is convinced Meri is running from something and everyone decides to work together to win her over, even if it means digging into her family’s genealogy to do so.

Don’t want to give any spoilers, but do recommend this for an easy and heartwarming read. Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for a chance to get this ARC! A solid 4 stars.

Just published! Check it out!

This review is completely my opinion.

After reading this book and some of the reviews, I have some very mixed feelings. Meri, coming from a family totally into medicine, runs to a small mountain town Canyon Miles, CO, where she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B, after flunking out of medical school. Meri wants no one to know her past and, probably, her embarrassment at failure, so she does her best to hide her secrets. However, genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, who live in the town, come into the picture early on. While Meri cowers within her secrets, the pair works on having her back, while unfolding her family secrets and history. Nolan works to calm Meri, while Jillian delves into her history and family to figure out what is really going on, with both equally managing to deftly put the pieces together for Meri. Only facing the past, her family and any secrets they may hold can help Meri move on, and they are there to help her with it.

I found the book interesting. However, I really got tired, as well as unhappy, with the way Jillian and Nolan probed right into Meri’s life, history and secrets, whether Meri liked or welcomed it or not. It became a bit intrusive for me. Of course, the end results worked well for everyone, but, still, the constant turning over new nuggets of information on Meri and her family (and the way they kept at it) got to me. I think the author used a bit heavy a hand in this respect, and I probably would have like the book more had she gone about it all less obtrusively. I realize this is the first in a series, which may prove to be interesting and fascinating. I do think Jillian and her father Nolan worked well together, making them a good pair. The both each balanced the other out well. I am not sure if I will read more in the series, but probably will. I figure the author deserves another chance to win me over. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Pretty cute read overall, although nothing spectacular really stood out. It was one that i ended up picking up and setting down several times. I liked the writing style and found it well done. My issues were it felt like a typically book in an already over saturated market, the characters were driven but typical and the plot felt slow.

This was my first genealogical mystery I have read. I love reading and searching for clues on my family. I like this idea of finding out the stories of one's family.I had trouble getting into this story. From the very beginning, the characters felt unrealistic to me. Nolan felt very overly friendly and fake. Jillian was a little more likable. I felt like Nolan and Jillian immediately met Meri and decided she needed help. They started asking questions and creating her family tree. It felt very rushed.The story jumps back to Eliza's story in 1878. I liked her story and was much more believable. She was an interesting character. I did not know a lot about the Yellow Fever epidemic before reading this book.Half way through the book, I started getting more interested in the story and wanted to find out what happened. I liked how the story ended and came together. I think the reader can learn along with the characters. It's important to follow your dream.I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.