In the Cradle Lies

4 stars- This is the second book in the “Tree of Life” series. This series steps into the lives of a father/daughter team that use their expertise in mediation and genealogy to help others find their way in life.
In this second installment a mysterious young man arrives in Canyon Mines that seems to be trying to throw away his fortune one generous gift at a time and take his life into his own hands to ski a dangerous, forgotten ski run. But no one can figure out why. Jillian and her dad Nolan are on the job to help figure things out for poor Tucker.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I felt as though the quirky cast of characters were quite a bit less overbearing in this story than the first. I like Jillian and her dad and the host of other characters in Canyon Mines. It seems like it would be a fun place to live (in the summer! LOL).
I liked the split time line and trying to fit all the pieces together of Tucker’s family story along with Jillian and her dad. This is a great cozy read if you’re looking for something somewhat light but with some deeper truths mixed in. At the end I enjoyed the peek into the next book and am excited to read Jillian and Nolan’s next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport was an excellent read. I really enjoyed getting to know Jillian and her dad Nolan in the first book of the Tree of Life series and they did not disappoint this time around either. I even gave up movie night to finish it because it was so good! The story follows genealogist Jillian and her friend Kris get to know Tucker, a guy who comes to town to ski. However, Tucker is throwing money around and living a little recklessly for someone who is supposed to be a business owner with a good head on his shoulders. Parallel to Tucker's story, we hear of his grandpa Matt's story. When the two stories hit, worlds shatter and Tucker is trying to figure out how to put all the pieces back. Jillian and her dad and Kris have to convince him to be safe and allow them to help. Will they be able to save him from himself in time though, especially when he decides to ski an abandoned slope that is as dangerous as it is old? Check the book out to find out! You don't even have to read the first one to know what is going on, although you should because it is also a great book! What are you waiting for? Go read them!!
I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

“In the Cradle Lies” by Olivia Newport, is the second book in the Tree of Life” series. An investigative Father-Daughter Team try to link family histories,  present to past, on family trees. Tucker, on a solo ski vacation, spends his wealth indiscriminately. A fearless skier, he is determined to conquer an overgrown slope, a dangerous and risky run, hitherto unattempted for decades past. Genealogist Jillian explores Tucker’s family tree to try to reconcile his charming nature with his reckless resolve. Meanwhile Jillian’s father, Nolan tries to lure Tucker into giving him ski lessons, to make him open up about the suspicious circumstances revolving around his grandfather’s life in the 1930s. The secret of Tucker’s seemingly perfect family history may lie concealed in a sealed envelope Tucker refuses to part with. When Tucker’s fiancee turns up unannounced, and Tucker himself cannot be found, everyone realizes that he must be trying to ski the dangerous and perilous run, alone in a snowstorm. Time is running out for Tucker and soon it may be too late. This book inspires us to explore family trees and celebrate unforgettable family stories that connect us with our own unique family histories. It also takes us on amazing faith journeys that help us to discover what actually lies at the heart of our faith.

,This is a gripping story of family secrets that come to light years later. The story starts out in the 1930s, however the author expertly weaves the present and the past together. The setting is a small mountain town in Colorado within commuting distance to Denver Jillian and Kris have been best friends since childhood They meet Tucker, visiting from Missouri in a ski shop. Tucker has an extremely large amount of cash and insists on paying for some expensive items for the two girls Tucker shares he is on a mission to ski down a dangerous mountain that has been abandoned for years. Jillian and Kris are determined to keep Tucker from skiing down the dangerous mountain. There are many twists and turns along with surprises as the pages of this book are turned. Thought provoking story as some of the situations that occurred are also part of real life situations. The book will hold your interest until the last page is turned.
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Welcome back to the snowy Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines! Jillian the genealogist and her lawyer dad Nolan, find themselves with another mystery to solve. They have to work quickly to stop a young man from making a fatal mistake.

This story grew more interesting as it went and Tucker's family history was pieced together. The power of shame and how it can influence a person's decisions, plus the need for forgiveness, played an important part of the story. Jillian and her dad have a fun and unique relationship. I enjoyed their interactions. I appreciated the plotline even more after reading the author's notes at the end. Hard to think some of it was based on real events.

Readers looking for a story based partially in truth, with a bit of mystery and just a hint of romance, may enjoy this one.

There is so much to like about this book. I really like this series. The characters are the kind of people I want to know. They are warm and friendly. Jillian and Nolan make a great team. I have family members that are like Tucker. I confess I don't understand taking responsibility for choices made by my ancestors. I talk with my relatives and still don't understand why they would take on that kind of guilt. Yet that is exactly what Tucker is doing. Though his family secrets are more extreme than most and he is left with the cleanup. Or keep the door shut and move on. What an interesting story line. I felt for Kris because she became emotional invested. This story has more to tell. It will be interesting to see if the author goes down that path or takes the series in a new story. Can't wait to read the next one!

This is the second book in the Tree of Life series and the author brings us back to walk along with Jillian and Nolan.
It is nice that I already know the characters from the first book. I know some of their habits and sometimes I was able to anticipate what Nolan or Jillian will do.
The story of Tucker is very interesting and I loved the fact that knowing his past, he was able to understand his family better. I think that in this book, more than in the first one, knowing the past helped the character that had problems to heal or to make the right decisions.
I am looking forward to read the third book.

The second in the series, IN THE CRADLE LIES does not disappoint. Again Nolan and Jillian, the father-daughter attorney and genealogist team solve a mystery using their blended skills. In this story, the mystery comes to town in the form of Tucker, an expert skiier and solid businessman who has been knocked off his emotional feet by the deathbed disclosure of his grandfather. Themes include the importance of truth, family, forgiveness, and redemption. I found this book especially refreshing because while the plot may include discovery and discussion of heinous crimes, the writing is wholesome and unobjectionable. Four stars from this reviewer.

I received a copy of the book from @netgalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.


In the Cradle Lies was intense! I really enjoyed Book 1, The Inn at Hidden Run, which was awesome and recommended, but not necessary to be able to get into this book within a chapter or so! The main cast is the same, but the mystery is self contained.


This book deals with a very difficult and emotional subject and handles it well.


I witnessed a lot of trauma in the story, and it was very real, but I didn't feel like I was dragged through the mud either. It's a tough balancing act and the author does an excellent job of it!


And the reactions to the trauma were so well suited to each character. I don't know how to put what I want to say into words that are not full of spoilers, so I will just say READ IT!!


There is hope here, and some restoration. You won't be disappointed!

This book really surprised me. I knew it was a mystery when I began, but unlike other mysteries, there is no murder, no stolen jewels - just the mystery of what happened to families to cause pain and separation.

I hate to say too much about it because that will give away too much of the plot.

Jillian is a genealogist working in a Colorado town in the ski area. A guy turns up who is spreading money around like confetti. Tucker is an excellent skier and always looking to much the envelope. As people in town get to know him, there are things he will not discuss and changes the topic when they come up. While they feel like they are getting to know him, he is definitely hiding something. But what?

There is a parallel story set decades ago about a family in Missouri. I don't think it's a spoiler to tell you that the two stories have a connecting figure.

Jillian's father has been estranged from a brother for many years. Tucker, it seems, has some problems with family back home.

The story is about how bad choices, shame, and secrets kept can affect not only the individual but also those around them who they love.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was so glued to it during the final third of the book that my family wondered if I would surface for air! I read this book, the second in the series, first. I can't wait to get to the first book which is now at the top of my reading list!

Olivia Newport's Tree of Life series are unique stories of suspense and family histories! Tucker learned a family secret on his grandfather's deathbed. He disappears to the ski slopes in Canyon Mines, Colorado to try dangerous hills. Tucker was asked to restitution for the horrible crimes his great grandfather committed years ago and has a hard time dealing with the truth. Jillian, a genealogist, is able to uncover interesting information and a family Tucker never knew! How would you feel if you learned your family money was originally funded by illegal and immoral activities! I recommend In the Cradle Lies. I received an advance copy of the book from NetGalley and Barbour Publishing. I was under no obligation to post a review.

We are back in Canyon Mines, Colorado with more family secrets for genealogist Jillian and her lawyer father Nolan to help unearth. In the Cradle Lies has you instantly questioning what the heck is going on, especially when you flashback from the present to 1936, tidbits of the truth scattered in both the former and the current. It took me a bit to get my bearings but once I understood what I was reading, and the dire situation that both Tucker and his grandfather were in, I was in complete shock, the subject unfathomable and incredibly heartbreaking.

What enchants me about this series is the parallel of past and present, and truly seeing just how much the choices of the past affect the future, whether they're your choices to make or not. I felt so sorry for the burden this poor family endured at the hands of one man but what really endeared me to this second novel was another piece of Nolan's past, giving more depth to his character. Though each book in the series can be read as a standalone, I think reading the first book answers questions you might otherwise have if you don't read it first.

In the Cradle Lies was a gratifying read and felt deeper to me, maybe because this book includes things from the author's personal life. I always love when authors do that! It really does help lend to that personal and authentic feel.

I am already impatiently waiting to read the next book in the series!

Oh my, I couldn’t put this book down. The story and characters had me engaged from page one. I love the genealogy aspect and can’t wait for the next book!
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was right up my alley! I'm a genealogist and my husband is a skier. The book is book 2 of the Tree of Life Series. I have read and enjoyed book 1 as well, and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

I love a book with mystery, romance and activities that I or my family members are involved in, so this was a good choice for this genealogist to read!

The genealogist, Jillian, tries to resolve the secret behind Tucker's past. And as a "good" genealogical researcher, she is in everyone's business. I know, that's how it is! But genealogists truly do solve LOTS of mysteries and family relationships. Great book and good reading!

I loved the mystery and the resolve.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley no obligation to post a review.

I really liked this story! I loved returning to Canyon Mines and catching up with Jillian and her dad Nolan. They work so well together. I enjoyed seeing more of Nolan's personal history in this book.
There were several surprise twists throughout both threads of the story. Family drama everywhere!
My feelings about Tucker are a bit mixed. I didn't always like how he treated people around him. He's a good guy with a good heart but he is a bit mixed up about some things.
The historical side of this book is astonishing. It is sad to know that things like this really happened. I thought the author created a very real feeling story with very real emotions. Personal histories of pain and shame have a great effect on future generations.

I love how much Jillian is able to learn in her ancestral research. It's simply amazing!
Good Story! I look forward to the next book "When I Meet You."

I think I liked this one even better than the first one!! What a great book! A realistic look at the past and how it can effect the future. A glimpse at how shame plays such a big roll in relationships. Genealogy is really becoming prevalent in our society today and it is great to see it have a place in literature. I am looking forward to book #3!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I really enjoyed this book by Olivia Newport! Before I began this second book in the Tree of Life series, I wanted to read the first. I'm glad I did! Although you could read this as a stand-alone, the story made more sense and I had a better idea of the back-story of some of the characters because I had read "The Inn at Hidden Run". I really liked that we delved deeper into Nolan's family history in this book. He's such a wonderful character, so getting to know him better was really enjoyable! The story is well written and really draws you in. I liked the split time writing, which gives you little bits of history at a time. That keeps you invested in the past plot line. It was also easy to follow and very tightly done! Looking forward to the next book in the fantastic series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Thoughts on In The Cradle Lies:
This whole series has me in love. I love it! The main characters being genealogists and digging into the past is something that I find fun and unique. The author also has a fun and unique voice making the books captivating so you can’t stop reading!

I received a copy of just the second book in the series. This book can and easily could be read as a stand-alone novel. You do get some back story from book one and it’s just really a great book so I recommend reading them both but you don’t have to read them in order and you certainly can just read book two on its own.

Jillian is a hoot! I loved meeting her. Her work finding out all the deep dark secrets of family pasts makes me wish she was real and could come to have some chats with me about my family! I’ve got some skeletons I want to be rattled!

Okay, so it’s more I want to find some family that disowned my Irish Catholic great grandfather when he married my English Protestant great grandmother.

Highly recommend this book and the entire series. You will not be disappointed when you read them! They are not the seat of your pants can’t read on a dark stormy night suspenseful but there are suspense and mystery to be had.

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.

Ah! Book two of this series is here! I love mysteries, but this one has to do with family. Why is this guy in town spending money like water? While we read this mystery, two families are going to have revelations. No, I'm not telling you what it is. What is up with this ski-slope? Aren't they dangerous enough already?

The genealogy theme is a load of fun. I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I think the dual timelines are interesting and plenty of suspense is included even though the book is laid back in some ways. Deal with shame, guilt, forgiveness, and healing are part of the themes of this excellent story.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy, with this review left of my own free choosing.

I loved the first book in this series, The Inn at Hidden Run, and did not think the second could be as good. It definitely was. As a genealogist myself, the genealogy theme in this novel was once again incredibly well done. Along with mystery and a touch of romance, I couldn't put this book down.

The sins of those before us can definitely carry over into present day as Tucker felt the burden of what his grandfather, Matthew, kept hidden and passed on to Tucker. With the help of Jillian and her father, Nolan, Tucker learned the past of his family, found a solution that would be just, and gained peace from the devastating discoveries of his family's past.

I am impatiently waiting for the next book, When I Meet You, that will be released May 2020.

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

I had to travel through Atlanta quite a bit at the end of last year and audiobooks help calm my nerves when there’s major traffic, so I decided to try a new to me author and I’m glad I did! After listening to the first in her Tree of Life series, I wanted to give the second book, In the Cradle Lies a shot. Olivia Newport took me on a journey in split time fashion and seamlessly tied together the two story lines. Character development was great as we got to know the main characters. I enjoyed this one even though it deals with a tough topic. Suspenseful to the end, this book is a definite winner!

If you enjoy sitting and watching ANY of the Hallmark Mystery Movies/Series-- like Mystery 101-- then I think you will really like this story.

The lead characters are fantastic and the story is not quite as predictable as a Hallmark. ;-) Overall, I enjoyed all the characters, the setting was spectacular, the plot was solid and I read it in less than a week. There was always something for me to come back to when I had to put down the book. You know how you can sometimes put down a book because life calls you away but you never quite get back to it because, in the end, you really know how it will end and you're not crazy invested in the characters' lives. This is not one of those books.

I look forward to reading the other two books in the series (and I kinda hope Hallmark buys the option to make this into a series. I think it would do really well.) I did not read book 1 prior to this book -- in fact, I didn't even know it was in a series until I finished reading it. (I had an advance copy and didn't even look at the cover. The description of the story is what sold me.)

**I did receive a free digital copy of this book from the publisher. They do not require a review and I promise to give only honest reviews from the books that I read.

I absolutely love this series! I'm a huge genealogy buff and combine that with the detective work! Wow! This particular story is heartbreaking because it could be so true! I really want to know what happens after the story ends and I would love to see a Book 2b... hahaha! I also can't wait for the next book in the series... When I Meet You!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

"In The Cradle Lies" is the second book in the (Tree of Life). Even though it is the second book in a series, it can be read alone. The story was well written and I love The storyline and the likable people. The story was well written and I just love the storyline. This story was about two family and it goes back and forth. I love the genealogy aspect of this book. I am fascinated with genealogy and this book just added to my fascination.