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.

I love clean, historical time-slips, and Olivia Newport's are, quite literally, delicious. I was primed to enjoy this double story, having recently buried my mother and sifted through tons of old pictures and documents. Though my family tree isn't as interesting (or notorious?) as Jill's or Drew's, I felt a real kinship with them as they came to better understand their families' histories. As a lover of train travel, the episodes from Cleveland to Denver over a hundred years ago made me both nostalgic and apprehensive (find out why for yourself!). Throw in dear dad Nolan and a small town's worth of friends, and you have a delightful setting for romance and self-discovery. I have truly enjoyed this Tree of Life series, and can't wait for volume four.

What a fantastic book in this series. It's possibly my favorite so far. Way off from me, in Colorado, we venture to a place called Canyon Mine due to a trunk that Nolan gets, that dates to 1909. Can the museum the trunk was found in use or keep it? This father-daughter team on are the case. With two time frames, we get two stories. They are fantastically put together. Lynelle, long past and Jillian, learning about her in the present have so many connections in some ways. While Jillian traces the past, Nolan is also whipping up some good sounding recipes. Fear not, because as the past is researched, faith isn't left out. This is a beautifully told story, and I enjoyed it greatly. It has so many things in it that even if you didn't think you liked genealogy when you started, you will appreciate it in a new way by the end of this book.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Net Galley for my copy of this book. This review is my own and contains my opinions of this book. A positive review as not required.

This series just gets better and better!

The way Olivia Newport mixes family, mystery, and food together with a dash of romance is the perfect recipe for success.

Jillian and Nolan’s relationship hits all the father/daughter points I could wish for. And I got my main wish in this book! More of Nolan cooking! And singing!

I can’t tell you my favorite part, because I don’t want to spoil it for you, but this is probably my favorite book in the series. Learning more about Jillian really carried me away with the story.

I love the spicy scent of mystery weaving through When I Meet You. The split timeline and dual stories balance each other and create an interwoven story that made me wish I could immediately pick up the next book in the series.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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

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.

This is the third book in the Tree of Life series and once again Olivia Newport has penned a winner. The stories just get more and more interesting. What’s not to like about a father/daughter sharing living space in an old Victorian house? They each have their own office and spend their work days at home. Jillian is a genealogist that throughly enjoys her job. Nolan is a fiftyish lawyer that’s also a wiz in the kitchen. This is a time slip novel where present day is shared with 1909 and the mystery of Lynnette. Two cargo trunks are involved. One is in the attic of their Victorian that belonged to Jillian’s mother who passed away when she was only fourteen. The other trunk is one that belonged to Lynnette in 1909. Nolan and Jillian take possession of it when a museum owner wants to make sure there is no legal liability attached to it. Jillian begins her search to find out what happened to Lynette.
I found this a very interesting novel. I had already “fallen in love” with the two main characters. And this hits upon identity theft in the early 1900s and the Pinkerton organization. Who would have thought without the technology of today that this would have been a problem?
I’m looking forward to book four coming in November, What You Said To Me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. I was not required to write a review.

A story you'll enjoy from beginning to end! This dual time novel moves seamlessly between past and present. The historical information and genealogy are so interesting, and they way it's connected to the present is wonderfully done. The characters are well developed and I've really enjoyed the father/daughter relationship in each of the books in this series! If you haven't read the first two books in the Tree of Life series, I highly recommend doing so!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

What an intriguing story with a dual timeline and suspense surrounding an old unclaimed trunk from 1909. Jillian and Nolan made a great team but there were humorous moments along with serious ones throughout the pages. The historical letters Jillian dug through trying to find answers gave insight into the past but the struggle to uncover the mystery wasn’t as easy. I enjoyed the history more than the contemporary events Jillian and Nolan were involved in. Although, Nolan’s culinary skills would be a bonus for any small town to have for major events. This tale is filled with adventure, suspense, history and romance to bring satisfaction to a variety of readers.

This book is the third one in The Tree of Life series by Newport with the father and daughter genealogy team. It can definitely be read as a standalone; however, some readers might like to read more adventures Jillian and Nolan encountered related to family genealogy.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit with no obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion.

When I Meet You captivates from the start! Nolan, a lawyer, and his daughter genealogist Jillian, try to learn more about a steamer trunk never claimed at Denver's Union Station in 1909, but which was recently found in the basement of a local museum. Jillian is engrossed in trying to determine what happened to the original owner of the trunk, Lynelle, and what would have caused her to never claim the trunk. In addition to what a woman would need for travel, the trunk contains photos, a family Bible, and many, many documents. Nolan tries to determine if there are any legal issues associated with the documents, while Jillian traces Lynelle. The dual timeline of the book allows the reader to travel on the train with Lynelle and her steamer trunk to Denver, learning along the way the secrets of the documents and of Lynelle's correspondence with the Pinkertons. While trying to learn more about the abandoned steamer trunk, Jillian finally builds up courage to face her deceased mother's trunk and the contents therein that might help her unravel the secrets of her mother's family. Jillian's father Nolan provides a delightful "diversion" as he tries to plan and cook a meal for 200 people for a community fundraiser at the local inn.

The story contains many unexpected twists, turns and surprises, deftly linking the past to the present and interwining the stories of Lynelle and Jillian.

This was the first in the series I have read, and, even though the book stands alone, I will definitely be reading the first two and anxiously await #4!

This book grabbed my attention from the start and didn't stop. This is book 3 of a series but it is a standalone and I didn't feel like I was missing information as I had not read the previous two books. The main character, Jillian, is a genealogist. She receives a trunk (from a museum) and thus starts the mystery of the woman from Ohio traveling to Denver in 1909 as a representative for her father's business and correspondence with a Pinkerton agent. Jillian begins her search for answers. At the same time, she has a mystery of her own maternal genealogy. The story alternates between present and past. Overall, the story comes to a satisfying conclusion but I did feel there was a jump in the "past" story that could have been filled in with a little more detail instead of the jump in time-line to wrap up the mystery. I was left wanting more of the story of Jillian's genealogical history either in the story or being resolved as there was definite connection with her history and the genealogical history she was investigating. Hence, the 4 star rating instead of 5. As this is a series featuring the main character, maybe her own genealogical quest will be resolved in future books. I am going to read the previous two of the series as well. I want to thank the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

Having adored the first two books in this series, reading this one was a must. Once again, the cover is stunning and beautifully complements the covers of the other Tree of Life books. This book also contains a dual timeline, which adds to the book's appeal. We follow Nolan and Jillian and their interactions with Min and Drew, helping to solve the mystery of a trunk left at Union Station more than 100 years ago. This inspirational, family-focused story just might encourage you to delve into your own family history!

Thanks go to NetGalley and Barbour Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love this series. Jillian, a genealogist and Nolan, her attorney father team up to solve the mystery of an unclaimed trunk and its contents from 1909. Jillian can’t let a mystery go. Her findings involve a family living a few hours away. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I loved this book so much I wish I could give it a 10 Star Review!!! This is Book 3 in the Tree of Life series and continues the story of Jillian and her father Nolan in the town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. At the request of the curator of a small museum, Jillian is digging into the mystery of a 100+ year old steamer trunk abandoned in Union Station in 1909. It has remained locked and unopened for all those years and the curator wants Jillian to see if she can unlock the secret of the trunk. When opened, the contents are like a time capsule…perfectly preserved…fashionable clothes with matching hats, shoes, and accessories, a family Bible and photographs, and a lot of business papers. The trunk itself is exquisite, the clothes are undoubtedly expensive and the business papers point to another mystery all together. One clue leads Jillian to a family ranch where she meets Drew and his Aunt Min. Drew is interested but Aunt Min makes it clear she doesn’t want Jillian interfering with her family. Are they related to the elusive owner of the trunk? Why didn’t she come back to claim her trunk? Was there foul play involved? Where has it been for the last century? What about the correspondence with Pinkerton Detective McParland? What was the nature of the business she had with him and what did that have to do with her disappearance? Will Jillian be able to follow the genealogical clues to modern day heirs? Follow Jillian as she attempts to connect the dots while juggling her busy life with her friends in Canyon Mines.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I found this book a little hard to get into. I think part of it is because I'm an attorney. I felt like the problem the whole book was based on wasn't really a problem - I didn't understand why the person that brought the trunk to them had a legal concern for it in the first place. (legally, any statute of limitations would have passed, except something like murder, and even then the perpetrator would be dead.) Finally, a third of the way through the book, the attorney comes to the same conclusion (but it didn't take any research to get there - legally, there was never any reason to solve the mystery in the first place), and got pretty unreasonably harsh with his genealogist daughter about continuing to try to unravel the mystery. I understand being interested from a genealogical perspective, and someone coming into possession of a trunk full of abandoned family items wanting to know what their story is, but the reason given for Jillian and Nolan being called to get involved was a concern over legal liability - which didn't make sense to me.

I usually like books where the story is told alternately between past and present, but in this case I felt like too many of the important parts were left out of the historical part of the story. I kept thinking there was going to be a twist to Lynelle's story, and there really wasn't... I felt like just when Lynelle's story was getting really tense and to the good part, the author skipped ahead and just left out the meat of her story.

There were too many plot points that just didn't click for me, and I felt like the meat of the mystery didn't happen until probably the last third of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ecopy for my Kindle.
Historical, contemporary fiction at its finest with a little bit of romance and twists.

The book: When I Meet You is book 3 in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. Books do overlap, so start with book 1 if the concept interests you. The main character, Jillian, the young genealogist, is at the forefront this time. She is trying to determine why a young lady seemed to disappear. What starts her investigation is a traveling trunk that was not claimed 100 years ago. As she still starts to find answers, she gets a lot of pushback from the people who may be connected to the trunk. Introduced in this book is a new character who could play a starring role in future books.

In the meantime, she starts to try to find some answers regarding her own past. Because she lives with her widowed father, she knows more of his story. But she did not know to ask more questions of her mom before she passed away when Jillian was a teenager. Because her grandparents are also no longer around, and she does not have aunts or uncles, she is stuck with researching her own history the hard way. (She does find some answers and seems to have a plan to find out more in the next book).

Also another element in the book - planning a dinner for 200. If you enjoy reading about food, this one provides plenty of delicious descriptions throughout the text.

The Series: If you enjoy reading mysteries but could do without the suspense, "The Tree of Life" series is a good one for you. What I enjoy about these books is the fact that there are two stories intertwined - both a modern day story set in the mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, and another events that have taken place in the past that need a story to be solved.

Because I have come to "know" the town and appreciate the characters, I did greatly enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

P.S. Barnes & Noble and Christianbook reviews are pending - all reviews are identical other than this added thought!. Will add links next week once they post. Thanks for asking me to read this book and to reconsider the series!

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!

We once again read about Jillian and her father, Nolan. Jillian is passionate about genealogy and obsessed with finding out why a trunk was left behind and abandoned at the Denver’s Union Station a century ago. It is amazing to read how she goes about finding clues about the owner and what happened on the train ride to the station and why the trunk was left behind. Also the depths she will go to find and follow up on her clues. This reminds her that her deceased mother also left a trunk for her and it is stored in their attic. She begins searching through this trunk to find out more about her family genealogy. This book is written in two time periods and it is a well written novel, that will hold your interest from the very start.......Special thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a review, but I am pleased to do so.

What I like most about this book is the uniqueness of having a genealogist dig into a historical mystery.
Jillian is intrigued when her father Nolan surprises her with an old trunk acquired by a nearby Denver museum. Jillian is a genealogist and has a fascination for the historical mysteries that can be uncovered while exploring a family tree. She is immediately drawn to the trunk, which has not been opened since 1909. It contains woman's clothing, a family bible, financial records and letters written to a Pinkerton agent.
This premise really sets up an intriguing story, which blends together a historical timeline where we follow the owner of the trunk and Jillian's efforts in the present day to unover it's secrets. Along the way there is a bank scandal, a change of identity, a fundraising dinner to prepare for, and a ranch whose residents may just hold the key to the decades old mystery.
This book had plenty of drama to keep the pages turning, but there was a little too much going on at times for me to feel connected to all the storylines. I did enjoy the love Nolan had for cooking and opera - and for the way a new friend joined right in on the singing and cooking. I wish I could have heard, smelled and tasted those scenes. However the ending was a bit too contrived for me, with serval thngs conveniently overlapping and ending neatly.
Overall I enjoyed this read and I would recommend it for those that enjoy genealogy and history and faith filled fiction.