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*

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.

I thought Olivia Newport's third book from her Tree of Life series, When I Meet You, was a good read. It was a little slow at times and overall good entertainment. Three and a half stars.

This was such an enjoyable book. It is well written in dual timelines and works well as a stand alone. This is the first book I have read in the series but I will definitely be seeking the first two. I have an interest in genealogy and this story kept me captivated.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I've really been enjoying this series. It gets better with each book. Continuing the Father/Daughter adventure we get to experience even more of the fun they bring us. Family drama, mysteries, food and a dual timeline that pulls you deeper into the stories they unravel. A fun and inspirational read.

This is an amazing historical snapshot of a young woman who went on a trip and seemingly disappeared from the train. It is a book that goes back and forth from two different views, present and the past. I know some people don’t enjoy that, but it doesn’t bother me.
Jillian is a genealogical researcher who is loaned a trunk to investigate the contents and see if she can find answers to why it was never claimed from the railroad station. This begins the mystery of what happens to Lynnelle and what happens to her.
There is some romance thrown in, certainly not the main focus. It was fascinating to see some background on the Pinkerton agency as well
I received an advance e-book from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you
The opinion on this book is all my own

I was provided a dARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

I requested this book because I thought the title was intriguing and the cover is modern and catchy.
I think the premise of a father-daughter duo solving historical mysteries through genealogy makes for a good story. I enjoyed the historical story with the Pinkerton's, train travel and identity theft. I don't know much about those topics but it felt like the author researched them very well and then used that to write a compelling and believable story.

This is part of a series and while this book stands alone, I do think it would be more enjoyable if read in order.

Once again Newport makes me want to dig up some history and look into my own genealogy, or someone else’s – it doesn’t even matter! This entire series has been so fun to read, but I must confess that I think this is my favorite of the three. Not only do I want to do some research, I’m hoping that some relative has some hidden trunk that I can look through. I mean, it could happen, right!?

Jillian is such a great character. I have really enjoyed watching her blossom in each and every story, finding her way in the world, and really owning her quirks and strengths. Most people would see an old trunk and not think twice about it. But for Jillian? You can see her wheels spinning as soon as she sees it. Good thing her father is around to keep her sleeping and eating!

Even better is how Newport presents the story. As Jillian uncovers little tidbits here and there, we get to travel back in time, via time-split chapters, and see the story play out first hand! It’s really a brilliant way to write about genealogy in my opinion, because the reader becomes involved. The story becomes more real, the characters (new and old) are relatable, and you get to see the why’s to the story that perhaps Jillian cannot. I can tell you this – you will not want to put this book down!

Newport has given readers a treat with the latest installment in the Tree of Life Series. It could probably be read as a stand alone, however the first two books are too good to ignore if you’ve not read them yet. Just block out a good stretch of time before you dive in. You’re going to need it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are 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.

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.

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.)

Olivia Newport has come a long way since the first book of this series. This story flows well from the beginning. She uses dual timeline and does it well to make the story complete. I was unsure about the letters from the Pinkerton Agent but they lead more to the underlying story. I love how the the characters from the current day story carry over from the previous books in the series. She does well with enough mystery to keep you guessing all the way to the end. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

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.

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.

This is an interesting twist on a mystery. The desire to know where we came from and the stories of our forebears is something many of us feel, as the stories and knowledge have slipped away from us. It is not easy to write a story, especially a mystery, in two time periods and yet, I feel it was done very well. This is my first experience with this series so I did a bit of the backstory and characters development in the first novels, but just encouraged me to add those novels to my TBR list.

Why Would I Waste Time While on a Deadline?

Good storytelling. That’s why. When an author can take you from “issues” with book one to not being willing to walk away from book three, you know you have a great series. Seriously, Jillian and Nolan are two of my favorite fictional characters. This book brings in a third who might just rank up there, and from what I’ve seen of the next book, I’m even expecting maybe a fourth. Olivia Newport has made this series that good.

One of the things that I love that Newport does shows in how she unfolds her mysteries. Half the time, you know the answer, even before she unfolds it. But she shows natural progression, the tendency for humans to jump to conclusions, and how good investigative work can uncover truths hidden for over a century! I had a pretty good idea of the facts she’d uncover, but she added things I didn’t expect, and didn’t add things I did. All amid a story that kept me turning pages and ignoring all the work I had pressing at me.

Gentle spiritual truths.

Yep. When I Meet You, does not beat you over the head with Scripture by any stretch of the imagination, but it sure does show how the Lord feeds our souls even—if not especially—when we have blown it. Big time.

When I Meet You, is recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery, a bit of history, and a wonderful story arc. If fast-paced, seat-of-your-pants mysteries and suspense are your thing, you won’t find it here… and that’s a good thing. You wouldn’t want this wonderful story told at that kind of speed. It would ruin it, and Olivia Newport is much too fine of a writer to let that happen. Well done. Am I glad I stuck with the series and requested a review copy?  Oh, yeah.  Thanks to the publisher for providing it.

When I Meet You
by Olivia Newport


Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press

Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Christian
General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date 01 May 2020



I am reviewing a copy of When I Meet You through Barbour Publishing, Inc/Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:





A trunk had been abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago leads Jillian and Nolan to untangle the mystery of its contents. In the trunk there are 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 identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land.






When it seems that Drew is anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed not once but twice, it makes Jillian even 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.




I give When I Meet You five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

When I Meet You #3 Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport

I have done a bit of genealogy on my family and found the tracking down clues from the abandoned trunk fascinating. Jillian is one determined genealogist as she looks for those clues. I also like the time-slip aspect of the story as we get a glimpse Lynnelle, the owner of the abandoned trunk, unfold. It is very interesting how the lives from the past, 1909-1910 and the lives of present day overlap. I was somewhat confused as to who some of the characters were at times but the confusion was cleared up as I continued to read. There is mystery and danger, secrets uncovered, faith and love woven within the story-line. I enjoyed Jillian’s singing father and their relationship. A fun, heartwarming story.

~I received an e-book copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

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.

Received from Net Gallery! This is a series bit can be read by itself! You have mystery in this book,you have family secrets and you have determination to find out All the facts about who owned the trunk! As more and more papers appear inside the trunk,the more the mystery continues. Very well researched and written and for me,I couldn't read fast enough to find out about who owned the trunk and why it was left behind but more than anything where is the person who owns the trunk? The more you find out the more you really don't know. .Very fascinating read for me and I really think for you! I will read more of Olivia Newport's stories! Put on your investigation hat!