Each installment of Olivia Newport's Tree of Life series is better than the one before. What You Said to Me follows a professional genealogist through the process of tracing children stolen or sold 60 years ago. At the same time, Jillian is trying to supervise a teenager who is searching for her own past. The action moves from present to the past. I enjoyed this book, but the ending leaves me with hope that another book will follow soon.

I received an ARC of this captivating story. It's part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I love the genealogy aspect and the history. A great blend of modern day and life in the past. The characters are unforgettable. I couldn't put it down!

A very well written time slip book. Great character and plot development. I highly recommend this book.

I was glad to return to Canyon Mines and the Tree of Life series! I thoroughly enjoy this father and daughter team and their friends. This time, Jillian and her dad faced one of their biggest challenges. A teenager. While this young girl shakes things up in the contemporary story, a well researched historical fiction story unfolds. This portion of the story reflects so many issues that are facing our world today. Hopefully, we learn from history. Both of the stories were interesting and I appreciated how they weaved together and related. Along with a genealogy mystery, I enjoyed the bits of humor. Newport has created such a wonderful setting with this quaint little town of unique and interesting characters. I only hope that there will be more in this series! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is the fourth of fifth book in this series that I have reviewed. I have loved every one of them. Jillian Parisi Duffy is a genealogist. Her father Nolan is a lawyer specializing in family law. They live in a small mountain town near Denver. He jumps in when Tisha, a local teenager gets in trouble shoplifting in Denver. He arranges for her to help Jillian as a community service alternative sentence. Neither is thrilled at that prospect.

All of these books alternate between current stories and historic doings that play into those current ones. This one does it even better than most. I found the play to be exceptionally well done. I was rooting for a great outcome. It almost happened.

If you are looking for a fun read that keeps you attention, this could be it.

This is a wonderful series! I love the historic genealogy cases interspersed with the recent questions. This time the history involves the silver mines in Colorado and the downfall of the industry. And Jillian is still working on the case of the stolen children and trying to locate them. I like how the genealogy searches are explained so we can follow along with the research. The relationship between Jilly and her father is great and I enjoy their banter. There are lots of interesting characters in town too. Very interesting stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is a fantastic duel-time novel.

At the beginning of the book I was very frustrated with Tisha and her attitude. I completely related with Jillian on how she viewed her. As the story progressed I found that I was able to connect with Tisha also.

I loved the historical sections of this book. I felt so bad for Clifford Brandt and his daughter Missouri. I never knew anything about the silver mining in Colorado and how it ended. Now I am very curious and want to look into the history of 1893.

Throughout the book I was captivated by the thought that the two seemingly separate storylines would have to connect in some way. It was incredible when the connection was revealed.

I really hope that the author writes more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

Sometimes you stumble upon a series of books that grabs you and won't let go. One of those series that keeps you hooked and waiting for more. The Tree of Life Series by Olivia Newport is that series for me. The 4th book in the series, What You Said To Me, told an amazing story and continued from the third book seamlessly. Each of her books is a story within a story. Jillian, daughter of Nolan is a genealogist and each of the stories revolves around genealogy. In this book she is still continuing her job from the third book and she also has "help" from a young girl who is helping Jillian in order to have an alternative sentence in a shoplifting case. Along the way, they each find they have more on common than they thought, and they find in each other a kind of family. I am not going to give away the story, but I will say that I have not read a series like this since Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series and I am loving it!

Thank you to Netgalley, Barbour Publishing, Shiloh Run Press and Olivia Newport for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was an interesting story. Jillian, Nolan and their core group of friends make appearances in each of the books in this series, so it is nice to always see what is going on with them. While the story is pretty well-written, I feel like there are gaps and unanswered questions. It was hard for me to continue to jump back to the 1893 time-period and not understand why. Some of the scenes were quite long and I had a hard time focusing as they seemed pretty pointless. It wasn't until 60% into the story that we see the connection from the Brandt family to the modern time period. To me that seems like way too long to wonder when there will be a connection. The other thing that really bothered me was the complete disrespect and men are worthless message that Trish's family kept harping at. I did not have a great father figure, my parents divorced and my stepdad was even worse. Yet I knew that not all men were bad or worthless. The fact that it spanned multiple generations seemed a little far-fetched. I am not saying it couldn't and doesn't happen, but I don't feel like it was necessary to the story line. I like that Trish sees that Nolan and Drew are not losers, so she does see that some men are in fact good. I also like that she eventually learns that their were some good men in her family line, a story of redemption so to speak. Trish's discovery of self and who she wants to be (or rather who she doesn't want to be) is heartwarming. The ending of this story was really good, but it leaves so many things hanging that you know there will be another book, someday. Thank you to Barbour publishing and Net Galley for making it possible to read this book. All opinions are my own.

What you Said to me is a little dry in finding out about the families. This one is good. Though I do not know if the story is more about the girl that looking for her family or just helping in find out about herself.

This story is mostly about the girl that might just need the help to find out what happens in the past to find out why the broken things happen. Where is all went wrong? Will Jillian be able to help her find herself and understand where her mother and her family when wrong in the first place.

This book may have you looking for your family history. We do get past the story point of view as well as the present. Will it be sliver help to find out whatever happened to the Bangt woman and why it ended or how Trisha Crower family got to Canyon Mines?

Why did some leave and only one stay in Canyon Mines? To find out that you will need to read this book. Olivia does a wonderful job of weaving history and family together. Another thing she does is bring the family stories to life. Whatever happens with St. Louis Projects that she working on. Will be that this might not be the last book in the series.

I continue to love this series. I can't say that I can neatly put it into a genre. There is a little mystery, split time, family conflict, small town just a little bit of many things that make up a whole lot of book that I can't put down once I start reading.

You get two stories played out that connect in the end. This one actually had me stumped or at least misdirected up until the end. That is one of the things I love about these books figuring out the role the historical characters play in the future. This one was good, I won't give any spoilers.

The main as well as supporting characters are back to delight and entertain. I am very pleased that the little romance started in the previous book continues here although not as prominently as I would have liked. Still loved it.

Our leading lady Jillian is given the challenging task of putting Tisha Crowder to work. I love haw the dynamic of these two change throughout the book. The mentorship and the changes needed by both parties.

After reading the previous story, I enjoyed going back to Colorado and the subject of genealogy. This time it looks at 1893 and the background of a young girl in town.

You are What you Say!

All her life, 15-year-old Tisha Crowder’s family has said they were all trash, herself included. Now court mandated to do community service hours, Tisha is working them off in Jillian’s business—whose idea for this, along with some supervision, comes from Jillian’s attorney father, Nolan.

Dysfunctional is not a strong enough word to describe the five generations of women currently living in the Crowder household. Lots of bitterness and poor self-esteem exist because of the many men who have abandoned them. The anger Tisha has from being treated as dumb, worthless and unworthy of knowing her father’s name, causes her to strike out at everyone including Jillian.

Jillian uses her genealogy skills to uncover the story of the Denver Brandt family who lost their comfortable lifestyle, and everything else, during the 1893 silver collapse. Dad, Clifford, desperately tries to help his suddenly unemployed miners, as well as, his now broke family survive in an economy that no longer has work for anyone, himself included.

What is the story about Tisha’s dad? How does the Brandt family influence the lives of present-day people? Will Tisha continue her family’s history and become a single teenage mother? Can Tisha understand Proverbs 18:21, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue…,” and change the family’s future?

This is a 5-star story and series, and this book can be read alone, but get them all for more enjoyable adventures with Jillian and Nolan. These attention-grabbing clean tales, told from a Christian viewpoint, are recommended to everyone who likes standout stories with an interesting twist.

Barbour Publishing, through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, What You Said to Me, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner.

I really was sorry to see this wonderful series end. Nolan and Jillian Duffy, a father daughter team, combine a lawyer and a professional genealogist together to assist others with family history connections. Set in a small town with helpful neighbors and business owners, Jillian often has assignments from all over the country. Since I am a genealogy addict, I have found this series very interesting. It is best read in order as there are some connections from one book to the next. It was nice to see some of the characters from the previous three books make appearances in this one.

In this last book, Nolan finds himself with a 15 year old girl who has been caught shoplifting and has to complete community service hours to have her record expunged. Jillian is swamped with a large project that deals with children who were placed illegally with adoptive parents. So Nolan sets Tisha Crowder up to be Jillian's assistant. Tisha has a rough background living with mom, grandmother, and great grandmother who have all had rough experiences with men; and she wants to know about her father who her mom won't discuss. This brings in the dual timeline as Jillian and Nolan work to put the pieces of history back together.

If you are interested in genalogy, this dual timeline novel is an excellent read.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

Another heartfelt story by Ms Newport

I have enjoyed reading Olivia Newport's books for a while and I think this series is my favorite. It is a wonderful dual timeline book about overcoming hardships, financial, relationships and self-worth. It raises good questions about our lives and the role of genealogy in understanding ourselves. Although this book can be read stand-alone, it would probably be best to start with the beginning of the series.

Thank you to the publisher for lending me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

What You Said to Me is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. I have read all of the previous books. Nolan and Jillian Duffy have been a bit meddlesome in a couple of the past books but this time they are right in the thick of things as they try to help turn a fifteen year old’s life around. There is also a little bit of discord within their own family that must be worked through which is great for the teenager, Tisha Crowder to see how it can be done with respect in a family.

As always I enjoy the trip back in time with this series. Here the parallel story takes place in 1893 going to Denver with the trouble that the silver mines are having. This is what Jillian does best, piece that story back together while the reader gets to read it as it is happening. In this case, the present take a lion’s share of the book. The relationship and dealings between Nolan, Jillian and Trisha are quite interesting.

Each book in the Tree of Life Series is stand-alone. In these novels Jillian and her father, Nolan are always helping someone by using Jillian’s skills and work in the field of genealogy. It is a faith based series with a subtle touch but pointing the reader to God nonetheless..

4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

So many series these days are trilogies, often one book per sibling in the series' main family. I was quite excited to discover that Olivia Newport has added a fourth book to her Tree of Life series featuring only child Julian Parisi-Duffy, a genealogist. In this installment her father, Nolan Duffy, has arranged for her to have “help” with a genealogy project searching for a large number of people who were stolen from their families and placed in adoptive families decades ago, the help being an angry teenager in an alternative sentencing program. As with the other books in this series, there is also an historical backstory which is equally if not more compelling than the contemporary one.

Newport writes believable characters who care deeply for one another and for strangers soon to be friends. She places them in situations that are relevant to today's readers. The historical situations also have themes relevant to today. In this book that is mental health and its impact on future generations, both good and bad. While What You Said to Me is a good stand-alone read; it does carry on events from prior books, and leaves the reader hoping for more.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of What You Said to Me from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series. The other books include: In the Cradle Lies, The Inn at Hidden Run, and When I Meet You. Having the opportunity to read and review this fourth book is truly a blessing!


What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport. Barbour Publishing, Inc. Release day: 11/1/2020. ISBN: 9781683229971
Oh to be back with Nolan and Jillian Duffy and their cute town of Canyon Mines, Colorado! I fell in love with Canyon Mines from book one and looked forward to the day I could read book four! This father and daughter seem to accomplish a lot towards the same goal even though their work is in different disciplines. It’s also great how close they are with business owners in the area! It’s one tight-knit community that I want to be a part of!

I love the character of this troubled teen, Tisha. She’s got every right to act in such a flippant manner towards adults. I was so happy that Nolan and Jillian could get to connect with her. The adults in her life have not been bringing the same attitudes down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, that happens a lot. And I was so pleased when Tisha starts to uncover her own ancestors. The nuances of the Tree off Life series has fascinated me and I admire how these friends all work together for the greater good.

This desire for so much coffee and lattes has me craving coffee myself. I can only dream of having an amazing coffee bar that Jillian has! To be able to pick her brain about genealogy with a latte on the side sounds fascinating!

A digital copy of What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport was provided complimentary in exchange for an honest review. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because this book allowed me to continue peeking into Canyon Mines and the way genealogy works these days is so interesting! I have enjoyed every book in this series! I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

Yet again, this is another great book by Olivia Newport! It’s so easy for us to judge a person by their looks and by who their family is. We don’t try to go past those preconceived notions of who a person is to try to get to know them. Nolan shows us that relationships can be so much more rewarding if we just risk being vulnerable and give other people a chance to be themselves and try to get past the walls they’ve built up. Again, I enjoyed the historical trek into the characters genealogy. Since I am from Colorado, I also enjoyed learning more about the silver mining history. I actually remember visiting one of Horace Tabor’s mines. I’m looking forward to Ms. Newport’s next book!

Can I PLEASE stay in this world a little bit longer? Oh my goodness--I never want these stories to end. Olivia Newport has the best little world in this small town of Canyon Mines and the story line is such that you can add plot after plot without it repeating. Unlike Marvel movies--I mean, come on. How many times can you save the world?--Jillian is a genealogist who has one event happen to her that wraps into her everyday world. The plot lines never feel forced or unrealistic. I just love these stories!

Each character is perfectly crafted and so realistic. If I feel like grabbing my tea and having a cozy read, I'm going to grab a book from the Tree of Life series. I feel like this series could go on and on and never get old.

(Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the copy of this book. This is my unrequested, honest review of this ARC.)