A moving story! And, in my opinion, the title says a lot for the story to help the reader understand with is going on. In This Tree Of Life, Book 4 Series, WHAT YOU SAID TO ME, by Olivia Newport, a wonderful author, began in the kitchen. To me, that is a good place to start. Yet, instead of Nolan doing the cooking, Jillian was busy with the chicken casserole. I love these characters; especially when Nolan starts singing those songs while he is cooking. I can picture him roaming around in the kitchen clanging pots and pans, all the while, singing. And, the more he rattled the pots and pans, the louder he sang. That let me know he was happy doing something he loved. Sounds great! 
The series took off with a teenage girl named Tisha Crowder, who had been asked by Nolan to help Jillian with some volunteer hours before school started back. Neither one was too enthused about it at first, because this teenager happened to have an attitude. So Jillian does not need nor did not ask for the girl's help. But Nolan talked Jillian into it. To me, Nolan has a way to get people to communicate. From there things start to get a little out of control; which made for a deeply involved plot. Especially when it involves ancestry, which I love reading about. Great story! 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

They don't need each other...or do they?

I started reading the Tree Of Life series because I enjoy genealogy. Sometimes my long dead ancestors seem closer than my living distant cousins. I think, for me at least, What You Said To Me was the most emotionally involving book in the series. 

While I didn't have as much sympathy for Tisha as I probably should have, I felt Olivia Newport's portrayal of her as a troubled teen with an attitude was spot on. After awhile, though, she kinda slowly grew on me. 

I think that if we are truly honest we can each see a least a little of ourselves in several of Olivia Newport's more difficult characters, and it isn't the most flattering picture. But it is a convicting reminder to guard our thoughts from bitterness and our words from spitefulness. Words are very powerful things, they cannot be unsaid once spoken aloud, and if there's one thing that sticks with me from What You Said To Me it's that what we say leaves a long lasting impression on those who hear, and, for good or ill, will in turn be our legacy. 

Seriousness aside, I did enjoy this fourth book in the Tree Of Life series. I was glad that continued a couple of the story arcs from previous books. I sincerely hope there will be a book five and I really look forward to reading should it be released.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Feeling like she's the latest in a line of women who make bad choices and can't find a way to be happy, Tisha Crowder ends up essentially doing community service time as Jillian's assistant.  Only, Jillian has a hard time seeing that there's any assisting being done.  Yet, between Nolan's unwavering patience and optimism, and Jillian's glimpses into Tisha's life, Jillian gains an understanding of what's inside Tisha, and together, they find that maybe there's some good in her family line after all.

This might have been my favorite of the series!  I really felt like I could put myself in the shoes of all the characters in this book.  I could see Nolan's desire to help Tisha, because he could see that her circumstances were turning her into something she didn't need to be.  I could feel Tisha's discouragement at her situation and her doubt that Jillian and Nolan meant the nice things they said about her, because it conflicted with everything she'd ever heard from her mother, and that made them seem like platitudes.  Even Jillian's reaction to Tisha was totally reasonable, because her project was important to her and her client, and it must have been nerve-wracking to have a lackadaisical, lackluster teenager mope into her workspace with no regard to accuracy.  While Nolan remained steadfast, Jillian and Tisha changed together, and their growth seemed realistic and satisfying.

I give this book 4 stars.  While it was my favorite thus far, and I enjoy this ongoing series and continuing to connect with Jillian and Nolan, they aren't books I see myself rereading, although I found myself wishing I remembered more from the previous installments as I struggled to remember some of the side characters this time around.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

Nolan and Jillian have become two characters I love to revisit during my time in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newton. Nolan’s experience as a lawyer compliments Jillian’s work in the Genealogy. These two are quirky but lovable characters in a fictional town that sounds like a place anyone would love to visit. It this, the fourth book in a series Nolan sets out to help Tisha a local troubled teen. As events unfold Tisha moves from a person who is difficult to love to someone you would definitely like to know. I can’t tell you how much I loved this one. I ended the book with tears in my eyes and my heart full. 

This author has a way of bringing split fiction to life by drawing you in to the story to where you don’t want to put the book down. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. While this is the fourth book in the series, each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Please give this one a try, you won’t be sorry.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

What you said to me is Book 4 in the Tree of life series. I have not read all the books, but I did not have any issues following along. The author is one of my most favorite authors to read. She was one of the first authors I discovered when I switched to reading mainly Christian books. This book also hit so hard to me. I grew up in a mentally, emotionally and verbally abusive household. Words that should never be spoken to your own children were said to me. As a mother myself, I am careful with how I speak to my children. It took a long time for me to be able to forgive those who spoke unhealthy things into my life. What is spoken to you over and over is what you start to believe.
This book weaves together the past and the present. It also shows that how bitterness can move from one generation to another. I know with myself and my story - I was the one that had to stand up and say THIS IS ENOUGH.
This book is the conclusion to the Tree of life series. We see Nolan and Jillian Duffy, a father daughter team, combine a lawyer and a professional genealogist together helping others. Nolan represents a young girl, Tisha who is caught shoplifting. He tries to help her get a lesser or no punishment. Nolan gets her assigned to help with his daughter, Jillian's major back log of genealogy files. Jillian is not thrilled with this idea. Tisha acts out and clashes over and over with Jillian.
Nolan and Jillian start to dig through Tisha's family history and we are transported back to 1893. This book does go back and forth between the two time periods - but the author has weaved it together seamlessly.

Well written characters, intriguing storyline. I love all the books that this author writes. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program - all thoughts are my own.

I have enjoyed this entire series and couldn’t wait to read this one.  They are a series so I always recommend reading them in order, but this is one series that you won’t miss out on too much if you don’t.  But why would you want to miss out on anything!?

Words are so powerful.  Whether they are written or spoken they have power and meaning.  Words can change lives. 

This is a powerful little mystery surrounding a 15-year-old girl who is given really no chance in the world due to her family history.  Now she gets to help research and dispel some of those rumors and words and let the truth prevail. 

I really enjoyed getting to know Tisha and see her change and grow.  Watching her gain confidence.  Plus I really love genealogy and found this to be a really fun book that way. 

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through 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.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

I thought of this verse when I was nearly finished reading this book.  It suits it well because it illustrates how a person’s words can affect not just another person but also potentially several generations.  

This is a book with a dual timeline. The modern story is about a young lady who does genealogy research and is assisted by a troubled teen who was forced to help but certainly doesn’t want to. The older timeline is about a family in Denver who suffers financial hardship when their silver mines are shut down. They wind up moving to the same town that the modern characters live in.  I was very curious to find out how the two stories would intersect.  It wasn’t terribly surprising, but I liked how the truth from the above Bible verse is illustrated. I also like how the hurting person began to receive healing in the story.  I would like to read the first three books for the backstory and future books to find out more.  I think that Canyon Mines is a fictitious town, but it sounds like a place I would like to visit. The bookstore is called Motherlode which I think is very clever.  The only negatives are that it still needs to have a pass of editing (which may be done by the time it’s been released) and I wanted to find out more about the big genealogy project they were working on.  They found one small part but it wasn’t a satisfying turnout. Hopefully, I’ll find out more in future books.

Olivia Newport presents the fourth installment in her Tree of Life series, featuring a father-daughter team (Nolan and Jillian Duffy) who uncover links in family trees to family stories in the present.

In What You Said To Me, troubled fifteen year old Tisha Crowder is ordered by the court to help attorney Nolan and genealogist Jillian (an alternative sentencing for a shoplifting offense). Can they help her -- through this community service -- to understand why she makes the choices she does? Will she be able to let the past go and reshape her future?

Newport writes a dual timeline (1893 and the present) with alternating points of view. Initially the reader may be confused as to why the Brandt family’s past plays a role in the Crowder family’s present, but all is revealed at the conclusion of the novel. The storyline of illegal adoptions Jillian is researching started in the earlier book, and is not resolved at this book’s conclusion. Hopefully this will be addressed in her next book. 

The central theme is the role of words spoken and the impact it has on the hearer’s life, whether those words were upbuilding or destructive. In this story, the hearer passes down from one generation to the next the negative impact like a family legacy. Many of the women blame the men, rightly or wrongly, for the family’s misfortunes, especially those caused by economic downturns. The women taught the next generation to distrust men, passing along their own bitterness, and making decisions that caused their dysfunctional family. Tisha wants more than what they have experienced.

While the book can be read as a standalone, it is pleasant to revisit characters from the earlier books. What You Said To Me is both a historical and contemporary novel. It is more a mystery than a suspense novel. The faith element is not heavy-handed but is evident. 

Recommended for adult collections in public libraries.

I have enjoyed this series of books that juxtaposes a modern genealogist with personal histories begging to be discovered. The dual timeline presentation develops the historical happenings along with the modern-day tale, and the unfolding plot ties the two together. In this novel, Jillian’s father, a lawyer, is more involved since he connects her with a troubled teen who needs help. The girl’s family store not only brings unexpected surprises but intriguing discoveries that fill in missing pieces for her and the community. The well-developed characters and the compelling plot hold readers’ rapt attention and make them care deeply. The saga seems so real that you think it must have been pulled from actual life rather than created as fiction. I hope this Tree of Life series will continue. If you like to read something that appeals to both the mind and the heart, this should satisfy. It would make a great book club title to discuss. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

How thrilling to read the fourth book in this series. Connections and relationships, this is so much of our lives. In this book, Newport takes us deep into some generational curses and how they are affecting people. 1893 ties to the here and now. Trish, who is 15, was shoplifting. Why? What does that have to do with anything? Oh, dear readers, it has so much to do with it! Nolan and Jillian have their hands full trying to help Trish and in the long run, the effects of the past are going to shine a light on the present and the future in another way as well. I needed tissues with this book, it's very real and covers so many things that we face in life. Only our choice and God determine our outlook on life. We can be victorious, find healing, choose a different, path and this book just put everything together so well. It was a sweet though a bit painful end to the series, and it's a series I will miss and probably think of from time to time. 

Thank you to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely.

Anger and Rebellion Hide Hearts Full of Pain and Bitterness
Way back when I first read The Inn at Hidden Run, I said I was sure I’d like the series, despite not really liking that one.  I underestimated. Aside from that first book, I’ve loved this series. The characters have such complex personalities with reasonable quirks and flaws that keep you from becoming bored with them. Ms. Newport has created interesting plots that keep her split-time “mysteries” perfect page-turners. And, seriously, she’s an excellent writer.

This novel brings in a difficult, 21st-century teen, one seriously dysfunctional family, and a look into the difficult days of the Panic of 1893. As usual, this story has its own depths and layers that provide insight not only into the period and the historical events of the time but also into humanity. Ms. Newport shows through the generations that despite advances, societal rises and reversals, no matter the century, people are the same at the root.

All lost. Every single one in need of a Savior. All worth redeeming in His eyes.
Not only that, but she did it without a smidgeon of preachiness. Honestly, I feel like I should be bothered by the lack of spiritual guidance for poor Tish, the teen girl.  Why aren’t the Duffys showing that girl JESUS?  Well, I’d say because they are.

With careful use of Scripture and spiritual discussions in the historical part, the reader is allowed to see what applies to the modern story without once having to be beaten over the head with it.

What You Said to Me is recommended for folks who love time-split fiction, who love excellent characterization and interesting plots with a hint of mystery to them, and for those who love to see functional families contrasted with dysfunctional ones.  Not recommended for… um… someone, I’m sure. Me, I’m thrilled that I requested this review copy and am even more thrilled that I loved it as much as I expected to.

What You Said to Me is a delightful addition to Olivia Newport's Tree of Life series. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a stand-alone book. Readers may want to read the previous three books for further background on the main characters. Genealogist Jillian and her lawyer/mediator father encounter a troubled teenager with a ton of family baggage that definitely needs unloading. As Tisha’s story unfolds, readers are also treated to a dual time story--one of my favorite types of stories. This historical drama tells of the crash of the silver mining industry in 1890s Colorado and the devastating aftermath to individuals and families involved.  The dual timeline flows seamlessly and the stories finally mesh together beautifully at the end bringing a satisfactory conclusion to the story. The author has constructed strong vibrant characters that capture the reader’s heart and a small-town feel to the story with the quirkiness that comes from people knowing all about each other. The dual time stories move quickly and are full of emotional tension and drama. I liked the casual flow of prose, with descriptive detail and a tad of humor that makes the reader feel right at home. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and split-time stories will not want to miss What You Said to Me. 
 I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

This has been a very good series and I am very sad to see it end. I have enjoyed following the daughter and dad team as they shuffle back and forth in time. It has been intriguing to learn about genealogy and the secrets that are uncovered. Nolan and Jillian are a great duo and their desire to help others is contagious. 

I didn’t know what to expect when Tisha comes on the scene. With a chip on her shoulders this fifteen year old will be hard to reach. The intensity of this story is how past generations do influence the future if the generational curse is not broken. Oh how I felt for Tisha when her mom called her stupid. There was never a day growing up that I didn’t hear how stupid I was and that I would never amount to anything. Like Tisha I figured why bother when everyone expected to see you fail. When I read, “ We all have reasons for the ways we express how we feel, even if we don’t understand them,” I understood that Tisha was acting out because she was hurt. Her desire to be accepted and loved is evident throughout the story.  Words do sting and it is hard for that pain to go away. Can Nolan and Jillian make a difference in Tisha’s life?

When we travel back in time to 1893 we meet a family on the brink of financial disaster. Mining in the town has taken a hit and caused stores to go out of business, banks to close, people losing their jobs and hopelessness covering the entire towns people. I witnessed the collapse of a town and the despair the people felt as the author described with great detail what it may have been like during this time period. Desperate men trying to survive and a family seeing their future turn bleak makes this story so hard to stop reading. 

I knew there was going to be twists but some took me by surprise. Every action had a reaction and this story is full of bad decisions, desperate decisions and decisions that tear families apart. There are parts in the story where I became angry because men were being blamed for unforeseen demise in economy. That hatred seemed to continue in the family for generations and cause the women to dislike or mistrust men. As you read the story you will see where one woman is so disgusted with her husband’s decisions that she basically turns her back on him. How sad that she became  bitter and couldn’t see that her husband was trying  to make a bad situation better? 

The ending is bitter sweet and as I finished the last page, tears fell down my cheeks. It is a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles in your life and finding courage to accept what cannot be changed. Tisha is a strong young woman and even though her life has been filled with words that hurt and made her feel unwanted, she now can be proud of who she has become .  We don’t get to choose our family, but we do choose whether to forgive or let the past ruin our future.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

What You Said to Me, by Olivia Newport, is the fourth book in The Tree of Life series. I have been interested in this series for some time, and this book did not disappoint! Even though I have not yet read the first three books in the series, I was easily able to follow along with the story and characters in What You Said to Me. Beginning with the fourth book in the series in no way hampered my enjoyment of this novel. What You Said to Me is such an engaging story, that I fully intend to read the other books in the series soon.

What You Said To Me is a compelling book with relevant storylines set in both the past and the present. With narrative threads thoughtfully woven through the two timelines, Ms. Newport has crafted a story that is very moving and truly memorable. Set in a small town near Denver, Colorado, the integral setting is detailed and appealing. Within this setting, the characters in the story are authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. Their insecurities, motivations, and choices are wholly believable. Through a shared legacy of hurt and bitterness that has passed from generation to generation, the author explores themes of forgiveness, hope, and restoration. These important themes add depth and meaning to the story.

From the very first page, to its satisfying conclusion, I found this book to be quite special. What You Said to Me is a novel that uplifts even as it entertains. Worthy of attention, this book is well-written, thought-provoking, and intriguing. I eagerly recommend it.

I was given a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

In this fourth book in the Tree of Life series, I once again found myself at home in the small town of Canyon Mines, CO. I've loved each and every visit to that charming fictional town. I also love getting to know Jillian and her father Nolan more through their continuing story in each book. This book is another really good story, and I am very hopeful that their story isn't finished yet.
In this book, Jillian is forced to help Tisha, a young troubled teen. Jillian is in the middle of a huge St. Louis Project, where she's trying to find as much information as possible about many children taken from their homes in the early 1900s. She doesn't think Tisha can be of much help, and so they have a very rocky start.
We get to know Tisha and meet her family, and begin to see why she is headed toward being a juvenile delinquent. Jillian and Nolan once again are pushed to deal with issues and the results are a very real, and down-to-earth story that all of us can relate to.
There is also a historical time line, about the family of Clifford Brandt and what happened to them in the 1890s. The crash of the silver mines, and much more.
I loved seeing how the author tied all of it together.
Once again, this whole process of genealogies greatly fascinated and intrigued me. I love reading about Jillian and her research processes. It is amazing how family mysteries can be solved.
This is a book well worth the read. Not top level of excitement, but just an all-around good book.
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

This series started out so strong for me but I really can't get into this one, or the one before it... I don't know, maybe it is a book I need to come back to when I have a paperback.

Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees

When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.

What You Said to Me is the fourth 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.

 My Thoughts: Olivia Newport has done it again!  She has written another book in the "Tree of Life Series" that is hard to put down.  The author takes the reader through history ( genealogy of a family) to show the reader important lessons about how words can hurt or uplift.  It's hard being a teenager, but when you come from a dysfunctional family it can make it even harder.  I love the characters in this series, and the topics that are covered are all ones that we, the reader can relate to.   This book teaches us that we can overcome past history, and come out a winner.   This book is part of a series but can be read on its own.   I do recommend reading the other 3 books in the series.

Wow! What an amazing finish to a remarkable series! Olivia Newport has wrapped up the Tree of Life series in an inspiring way. I loved how pieces of the previous books were brought in to compound the story and finish off nicely.

The father daughter duo we have become attached to in the previous books were back, and character development was superb once again! With a new storyline to dive into through Tisha, we learn even more about Canyon Mines heritage through her ancestry. Nolan and Jillian kept things moving, as well as friends we met in the previous books and new friends from this journey. 

While there was just a  tad of romance in this book, I love the fact that it gives a break from the normal heavy romance and that the main characters are father/daughter and not boyfriend/girlfriend. I do love romances also, but it’s nice to just have a break and read lighthearted stories once in a while.

The only thing I can think of that would make this better was if Jillian were able to find out what happened with her mom’s side of the family and the trunk. But, I am not the writer, just a  curious, nosy reader, and I think Olivia Newport did an excellent job of creating the story she felt led to write.

History is one of my favorite things. I liked it in school, and I still like it now. This year especially I have been interested in the human race and it's genealogical record. Very interesting especially as we dig deeper and see how closely related we all really are. In this story we have a dual timeline, one that happened a long time ago that is still affecting the current generation of the family. It deals with and ask such questions as when and why can we not let things go? What changes us so much that we nurture the bitterness that takes root instead of our loved ones?

This was a poignant look at one family who experienced hard times and the father had to make some tough decisions. Life can change on a dime, and I think this year shows enough proof of it. But the real question is, how do we respond? Do we adapt and pick ourselves up so to speak, or do we hold on to bitterness and our own selfish desires?

Sin, bad choices, etc. are never one sided and only affect the sinner. No. Sometimes that can be carried through generations and this was a story that explores such roots. This was a story that will stick with me for a long time as it caused some deep introspection of my own. And Nolan and Jillian helps us through this story as well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

How fascinating to be a professional genealogist! Combining two of the things I love the most—history and family! Ms. Newport has not only crafted a story with those two favored elements, she has leapt into the league of my favorite authors!
With characters who draw the reader into their own struggles and dialogue that invites the reader to speak up AND a double timeline, this story almost turned the pages for me!
This reviewer may or may not have OCD tendencies (I do) and I could totally feel Jillian’s distress—and protectiveness—at someone else’s hands on her project. Especially a fifteen-year-old with attitude. But that fifteen-year-old comes by that attitude honestly; verbal abuse leaves wounds deeper than any broken bone. 
All it takes is one file to snag Tisha’s attention and spark her interest. And shift Jillian’s preconceived notion about her. Ms. Newport builds the relationship just as tenuously as a child’s set of wooden building blocks; slowly, steadily, until a friendship begins to form. The tie between Jillian’s work and Tisha’s quest is no coincidence but rather, one of God’s arrangements behind the scenes. 
And may I just say that I did not like Georgina. OY! What a sad heritage she left behind! 
Now, of course, I’ll have to go back and read the first three stories in this series!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

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