What You Said to Me

"Can't seem to get everyone in the same library
much less reading the same book or on the same page." !!!

Back with Jillian a Genealogist Expert and her Father the Family Law Lawyer and mediator.
We travel back to 1893 in Denver Colorado
Children are stolen from parents in early 1930s to late 1950s.

I love this series
This is another great piece to story,
I am looking forward to the next book.

I have not read the other books in this series, but that did not stop me from thoroughly enjoying What You Said to Me. This was a time-slip that went between modern day and 1893 in Colorado. I loved how the author showed how the past shapes our present, but does not have to define our future.

It's pretty amazing how this series is getting to me. I find that each case Jillian unravels from the past, bringing understanding and healing to the present generations makes me want to figure out exactly what happened to make my family the way we are.

This particular story, with generations of hurting, lonely women who don't trust and end up hurting the next generation to try to protect themselves until one 15 year old catches Nolan's attention, and by default, Jillians- is powerful. Seeing Tisha trying to cope, to stay numb, to dare to try to find out the truth, she stole my heart, and I'll admit I cried, yelled at her (and her mother), told Jilly a thing or two, and generally couldn't put this book down any better than I did the first 3 books in the series!!!!

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

I previously read book 3 in this series and met Jillian Duffy, whose business is to do genealogical research for others, including estate lawyers. Her father Nolan, is an attorney and amateur chef who is quite the celebrity in their little mountain town in Colorado. In this story Nolan is working to help Tisha Crowder, a troubled teen facing community service for a shoplifting charge. Nolan is to keep an eye on the process and he asks Jillian to let Tisha work for her doing filing etc. Jillian is researching a situation where in the early 1900s many babies were stolen from their families and adopted out. Even though most of the parents were now deceased, families were wanting to find their missing family members still and some of those children that were kidnapped are still alive and searching for their family history. Jillian is working with others to try to find as many of these histories as she can. The problem is the girl doesn’t want to be here and doesn’t do a good job of sorting and filing, causing Jillian a lot of checking and redoing at night. Meanwhile, this story goes back and forth with the story of a merchant from their town in the late 1800s whose silver mines were closed because of the price dropping out on silver. The story of this family becomes part of some research Jillian is doing and is very interesting.

The previous book I read started out a little confusing, but this time I fully understood what was happening and was immediately drawn into the characters and the subject. This one was a page turner. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in genealogy, Colorado history, or just a good read.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is book 4 in the Tree of Life series and is an interesting and entertaining story. It’s the story of helping a troubled teen-aged girl learn about her past and come to grips with her present. It’s the history of a family of Canyon Mines from the days the silver mining went bust. There was also an interesting side story of stolen babies in the early 1900’s, part of Jillian’s research. I love the way the author intertwines the past and present, and very much enjoyed this book!

“What You Said to Me” by Olivia Newport, is the fourth book in her Tree of Life series. Jillian Parisi-Duffy is a professional genealogist. She lives in Canyon Mines, CO, with her father, Nolan Duffy, a family law attorney. Nolan brings home a reluctant teenager, Tisha Crowder, to help Jillian with a backlog of work and in return, Jillian will help Tisha with volunteer hours needed to straighten out her life. The problem? Tisha comes from a dysfunctional family, and everyone in town knows it. She is a 15-year-old with a chip on her shoulder and no interest in helping Jillian work through the piles of records on the table. Nolan is persistent and refuses to give up on Tisha. Slowly, she learns to help Jillian and history opens the door to Tisha’s family background. As with the other Tree of Life books, Ms. Newport brings to life a segment of American history. This time, she transports us back to 1893 and the silver collapse in Denver. How will this all connect to Tisha and her family? Will Tisha ever be able to say she was proud of who her family was? This is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and family that brings us back more than a century; a book worth reading.

What You Said to Me
by Olivia Newport
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
You Like Them
Shiloh Run Press
Christian | General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date 01 Nov 2020 | Archive Date 01 Jan 2021

I love this series. This is the fourth book in the series and I really enjoyed it. I love the time-slip from the past to the present. Great story! I will recommend it to our patrons.
Thanks to Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

5 star

I have read all of Olivia Newport's Tree of Life series. What You Said to Me is the 4th in line and it felt like I was back home in Canyon Mines. Jilly always has an interesting genealogical job going on and her dad Nolan adds to the fun with his cooking and singing. I really enjoyed the story line from 1893 and how Olivia connects the past with the present.

There are lots of life lessons in this book. Jilly and Tisha learn how to get along (with a little help from Nolan) and Tisha realizes she needs to get past the bitterness that has raged in the generations of women in her family. I really hope there will be a 5th book because I need to know more about the stolen children and their families that Jilly is looking for and I definitely would like to see more of Drew.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

What You Said To Me by Olivia Newport is the latest in the series about genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father Nolan Duffy. In this book Nolan has volunteered to Jillian to mentor and give community service hours to a trouble teenager, Tisha Crowder. Tisha is not thrilled about the idea but it will keep her out of the court system for now. Will Tisha and Jillian be able to work together and find common ground to complete assignments? Jillian is working on a major case, that began in a previous book, but will it lead to something happening in the present being uncovered?
I loved this book. It goes back and forth to the early times of the silver mining in Colorado and the fall of the industry. The reason becomes very clear by the end of the book and all the twists and turns of the story are neatly wrapped up. True to Olivia Newport style there are lots of twists and turns throughout this story and at times you may wonder what a particular incident has to do with the story. That is one of the things I love about reading her work; there are always lots of surprises and unexpected conclusions. I give this book 5 of 5 stars and highly recommend it.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Having read and enjoyed the first three books in the Tree of Life series I was excited for book four. What You Said to Me is so good. Perhaps because at this point I have come to know and like Jillian and Nolan and their friends in Canyon Mines, this book immediately drew me in. The characters are engaging and as a life-long Cub fan I have am amused by the numerous characters named after Cub favorites. Olivia Newport does a wonderful job writing the time hop and weaving the details of stories of the past with the present. I very much hope there will be another book in the series, so many things yet to discover. Thanks to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review.

What You Said To Me by Olivia Newport is the 4th book in the Tree of Life series. Devotees of the series will enjoy heading back to Canyon Mines and catching up with our favorite genealogist Jillian and her opera singing, gourmet cook, lawyer father Nolan. Nolan gets his daughter involved with Tisha after the troubled girl gets caught shoplifting. Nolan figures Jillian can use the help with a big case she is researching. But Tisha has more problems than a shoplifting charge. At fifteen, life can be traumatic enough but throw in a volatile relationship with her mom and a desire to know her dad, Tisha brings more headaches than help.
One of my favorite things about this series is Newport's ability to mesh the past and the present. What starts as two separate storylines suddenly mesh together and brings a satisfying conclusion.
Canyon Mines has lots of secrets and mysteries to explore and Newport has certainly set the stage for more in the series. At least I hope so!

Jillian is working on a new, but continuing case Tucker (from In the Cradle Lies) that has taken over the house with all the paperwork. Nolan springs a teenager on her, who needs hours for community work. A teenager with a ‘tude at that. This story takes right off, going back to the late 1800’s in Denver around the time of the crash in 1893. Clifford Brandt and his family (Georgina, Missouri, Decorah and Fidelity) all leave Denver for Canyon Mines, along with Loren, one of Clifford’s mine workers. The story takes us back and forth between that time and current time with Tisha and her situation. We see some familiar faces, including Drew, Nia, and Veronica, along with meeting Brittany, Tisha’s mom, and a few other townpeople. Engaging story from the start and one that won’t let go until the last page. Looking forward to more stories from this sleuthing duo, hopefully.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the fourth in a lovely series about a genealogist daughter and her lawyer/mediator father living in a quaint town outside of Denver. There’s a dual timeline that weaves together beautifully, and the modern day story is filled with forgiveness, angst, and second-chances.

The author really excels at taking a slice of life story (only covering a few weeks) and making it very interesting. I can only hope there are more stories to come.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Another winner in the Tree of Life series!! This book is well written and hooks you on the first page. It is full of twists and turns and keeps you turning the pages. This is a book you hate to see end, but you just have to know what happens next. I can't wait to see what's next in the series. Excellent book!! Thank you Barbour Publishing --Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A great story--#4 in the Tree of Life series! The author does an excellent job weaving her characters and their stories together. You really need to read the first 3 books to appreciate the 4th. I appreciated Tisha’s story and the way Jillian continued to persevere in trying to understand her. However—if this is the last book in the series, “I protest!” I want to know about the lost children, if Jillian and Drew get together, if Tisha meets her dad…so many “branches” left hanging!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the 4th book in a series but you don't have to read them in order, Jillian is a genealogist, Nolan is a family lawyer and together they help a trouble teen with a tragic past. With their help and research they are able to help the young girl come to terms with her family's past and see that it doesn't have to define her. I love this series, it's perfect for curling up in your favorite chair and getting lost in someone else's life.
Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for my ARC of this book.

What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport is a delightful book. Tisha Crowder is a spirited teen who is caught shoplifting in Denver. Attorney Nolan Duffy comes to her assistance since she actually lives in his small community of Canyon Mines north of Denver. Nolan's daughter, Jillian, is a genealogist and Nolan feels she can use some assistance, so Nolan brings Tisha home which they both share since his wife passed away. Jillian uses it as her office also. Neither Jillian or Tisha is keen on this idea. Tisha's family is well known in the community and not in high regard. Tisha does not prove to have a good work ethic until she finds something that grabs her interest. The author takes us back and forth in Tisha's ancestor's history to 1893. I really enjoyed the book.

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

I enjoyed this series I like looking into the past and finding family connections you knew nothing about.
The past can answers questions but it need not shape you like Tisha found out. God created us as unique individuals who can choose to follow Him or to live life on our own. We can be inspired by our ancestors like Tisha was by Clifford Brandt. I was hoping that the mines that were in the family could have been found and helped the Crowder family out financially but alas that didn't happen.
I was hoping there were more books in this series with Jillian and Nolan I like the characters.

Leeann Curtis

A word here and there will solve nothing - perhaps I only need to find the right words… Clifford Brandt in July, 1893 when the silver mines all close and bankruptcy is imminent.

History has always fascinated me, especially the history of a family. Where did they come from, what happened and why did they land up where they are? Just a few of the types of queries one might ask when researching genealogy. These are only a beginning for Jillian Parisi-Duffy who is a genealogist. Working on a very big project trying to find the birth parents of stolen children, she becomes the unwilling supervisor of a disinterested 15 year old who needs volunteer hours. Tisha has grown up in an all female household - one that is less than encouraging. Her self-esteem is so low, she considers herself worth nothing. Can her time with Jillian possibly make a difference?

The author has once again taken the history of one family and shown us how the ‘sins of the fathers and/or mothers’ come to rest on the future generations. Difficult times, however, did not embitter all those who lived through them. Hope was, and continues to be, always there - we just have to look for it.

This ARC in the Tree of Life series was received through Barbour Publishing, Shiloh Run Press and NetGalley. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

Book Number Four in the Tree of Life series does not disappoint!

Jillian and her father team up to help a 15-year old sullen girl who has a horrendous home life! There are generations of single mothers raising daughters and she is constantly told that men cannot be trusted and that she is worthless. Jillian is working on a huge project regarding finding families of children who were sold or stolen and reuniting them with their birth families. Tisha is tasked with helping in this project and it opens her eyes to things in life she hadn't considered before.

The historical references in this book are about the silver mines closing in 1893 when it becomes more costly to mine than the price the silver will bring. Thousands of miners are suddenly without work. Banks close, Businesses close. But Clifford Brandt has a plan to save his family. They will have to cut back, economize, leave their big home, but they will be able to make a fresh start. And he is also mindful of the needs of others and willing to help where he can.

How these two stories come together is wonderful and amazing. Tisha finds her "roots" and learns there is so much good in it. She came from good, strong people. Knowing that, she is able to also gain some strength for the challenges she faces.

I am buying this book for a young woman I know who I hope can use this story as a spring board to learning about her own wonderful ancestors.

I cried as I approached the end of the book. Some out of joy for the characters and some for myself as I didn't want the book to end. I hope and pray that book 5 is already in progress!

As a lawyer and mediator, Nolan Duffy likes to help the unfortunate and underdog. But when his generous offers includes the services of his daughter, Jillian, she is not certain that she wants to be involved in helping a troubled fifteen year old, Tisha. This teenager is quite resistant to assistance, Tisha has not been supported by her family and has been left on her own to handle problems. Throughout the book, she does realize that she needs to be treated differently and starts to expect that to happen.
Running parallel to this modern day story is a historical fictional tale about some of the early days in the town where the Duffys live, the fictional town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. The women in Tisha's family had struggled, and by learning some of their family origins, they all can start to understand how their past has influenced their present. This book is another one full of wise counsel - helping others to realize that their relationships do not need to stay destructive. Instead they can learn how to communicate the truth in love.
Several other storylines do continue from the previous book. And I am happy about the fact that book four does not seem to be the last book in this collection.
What I like about this "Tree of Life" series is the fact that this seems like a series that could come true. Days are ordinary yet filled with discovery. How Nolan and Jillian relate and care for each other is encouraging to watch. Their community comes together to support each other. While each storyline is separate and could stand alone, they go much better together. This is community provides an enjoyable fictional place to visit!

I have read all of the books in this series, and I do recommend it.
Thank you to Shiloh Run Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book before it was officially released. I wanted to review the book, so more people will discover this series. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. This is another amazing book about Nolan and Jillian who does genealogy to find answers. We go back to Canyon Mine where we meet 15-year-old Tisha Crowder who gets caught shoplifting and Nolan decides to help her do an alternative sentence. Nolan is a lawyer and he volunteers her to work with his daughter Jillian who is researching children that were stolen back in the 1800s through genealogy.
Tisha doesn't seem interested in doing her community service and she seems to have a big chip on her shoulders. Nolan won't give up on her though and he has her helping him build bookshelves to put all the boxes that hold the research Jillian is doing to get it off the dining room table. They begin to see that Tisha believes she is trash just like her mother and grandmother and no matter how Jillian tries to convince her she is a good person Tisha just can't see it. Everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness.
Tisha does start to help Jillian and reads some of the research that Jillian is doing about the children and starts talking to Jillian about it and wants to help. Jillian decides she can also help Tisha by tracing her family history back to where it became broken. It is really interesting what we can learn through genealogy
It isn't all about genealogy, we reconnect with the people of Canyon Mines, I enjoy the relationship of Nolan and his daughter, Jillian, and always in the back of my mind is how they are going to solve the mystery of the stolen children and figuring out when Tisha's family became broken and how that can change the life of Tisha and her family. I wasn't disappointed. You have to bring the past into the present to get some answers. I even figured out what the title meant. It wasn't what I thought.

What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport is a continuation of the Tree of Life series which began with The Inn at Hidden Run. Genealogist, Jillian and family lawyer, Nolan are the narrators and the delightful father-daughter duo, once again, lead us through the story.

As in the first three books, the split-narrative highlights the effect context can have on who we become and what we believe about ourselves and our family. The historical story is set in 1893 as the silver market collapses, as such it is a sad part of the book. The pain shared in these chapters have a purpose in the present day characters’ journey but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Nolan, through his legal work, encounters a troubled teen, Tisha, who needs a place to work her community service hours. Knowing Jillian is swamped, he volunteers her office as the place for Tish to get this part of her sentencing behind her. Disruptive, rude and disinterested, Tish sets Jillian on edge and the two clash from the outset. The first part of the book, in which Tish is being a painful teenager is well done by the author, you really feel Jillian’s pain!

Working to understand Tisha’s destructive and distrustful behaviour, Jillian and Nolan dig into her history and bring the two stories together. To share more would be to give away the twists in the tale.

Small town life brings a joyful and fun element to the story. Jillian and Nolan are a delight and it was lovely to see other great characters in the novel again. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it’s a four out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.

I have read the other three books in this series about Nolan, who is an attorney in Denver, and his daughter Jillian, a genealogist.. Each one can be read as a stand alone, although I totally recommend reading all of these beautifully written, heartwarming stories. The characters in these books are developed with heart that I believe will reach the readers heart as it has mine.

Nolan has learned of a 15 year old girl, Tisha, who lives in their hometown of Canyon Mines, who shoplifted in Denver. She needs to do some volunteer hours within the next few weeks. He immediately thinks of the genealogical research project Jillian has taken on that has taken over their dining room table plus chairs, with hundreds of papers and folders scattered about. that date back many years. He is certain Jillian could use some administrative help in getting it organized and out of the dining room. Since the death of Jillian's mother many years ago, he has learned to cook and is quite taken with creating dishes to share with friends and neighbors by hosting spontaneous dinner parties.. For this he needs the dining room table. Jillian is somewhat apprehensive when sullen, Tisha, who also has a chip on her shoulder, and pink hair. shows up. Jillian remembers Tisha's mother, who was a couple grades ahead of her in high school, dropping out of school because she was pregnant. Tisha is less than enthusiastic about anything life has to offer, especially organizing some old papers.

What I found fascinating is in-between the chapters dealing with the ups and downs of the relationship between Nolan, Jillian and Tisha, the author takes us back to 1893 in Denver during the economic recession caused by the collapse of the mining industry. The U.S. government stopped buying huge amounts of silver and made gold the sole currency standard. Mines shut-down, resulting in the closure of many banks and thousands were out of work and homeless. Clifford Brandt lost his livelihood when he was forced to close his own three mines and he lost his job with Horace Tabor. Clifford's wife was not happy about the change in their economic status, especially when they were going to lose their beautiful, big house in Denver. As this story evolves, Olivia Newport expertly weaves the history of the late 1900s in Denver to the present time in Canyon Mines, located outside of Denver, closer to the mountains. How this history affects Tisha personally and the influence of Nolan and Jillian changes her entire view of life. Even though the last page of this heartfelt book has been turned, this beautiful, inspiring story will stay with me for awhile.

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.

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.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so I was delighted to see a fourth book!
Newport does such an excellent job with her stories that she didn't disappoint with this one either!
I've enjoyed Jillian. I know her job isn't easy but it sure is interesting!
Sometimes you have to go back to the past to know who or where you came from.
In my opinion I felt that this book was way to short because to me it was so good!
The storyline kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
I didn't want to return to the present at all! I was sad to see this book end.
I would love to have another book please!
Highly recommended.
My thanks to Barbour publishing.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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.

Another in the series “Tree of Life” by Olivia Newport. And, another good one. I have enjoyed learning more about the work of a genealogist. Also, enjoy the second story Ms. Newport puts in these books. You have a modern story as Jillian and her father, Nolan are working alongside each other. He, as a lawyer trying to help a teen and her family and keep her first juvenile charge off the record. Jillian, as she accepts the challenge of also helping this young girl by giving her some tasks as volunteer hours.
Working with Tisha is a challenge since she wants nothing to do with adults butting into her life. She doesn’t have a great homelife, so no wonder. And, then there’s the second story Ms. Newport weaves between this one – a historical one of a family living in the same area in the early 1860s. As it develops we learn that they are connected. Each one keeps your interest and I was curious to see how they would end up coming together.
A great read. A good book for you that like history, genealogy, a little mystery, and a light romance. I recommend this one for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing Company with no obligation to post a review.

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.)

Olivia Newport's Tree of Life books really draw me in with the interweaving of the present and the past. What You Said to Me does not disappoint with the continuing story of Jillian and her father Nolan. In this book, Jillian is working on organizing all of the records found in the previous book regarding children stolen from their families and unwittingly adopted by other families. Louis. As part of an alternate sentencing agreement, Nolan brings Jillian help in the form of 15 year old Tisha. Neither Jillian nor Tisha are thrilled by this.

The alternate story line takes place in 1893 in Denver, CO as they are heading into a downturn due to the threat of the end of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. Since many of the mines in the area at that time were silver mines, this meant that a lot of men lost their jobs. This is not something that I remember from US History classes in high school, so it was interesting to read about. Clifford Brandt is trying to keep his family from losing all of their money and survive the crashing economy.

It intrigues me to watch for the clues as to how the two story lines are tied together. It was also nice to read the continuing story of Jillian's growing relationship with Drew. If you like to read about family, history, and mystery, this is a book for you.

I received a copy of this book to review from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley.

What You Said to Me is every genealogist block and hope to solve to help understand their own family or a family they care about.
Where babies were either stolen or sold in the depression and the families in the present looking for them. Trying to understand what makes what makes themselves, who they are good or bad. This is a story about a father and daughter in a small town that helps one young girl and her family find their roots, be they rotten, strong or entangled.
Olivia Newport has written this with charm, love, and mercy. Showing the mystery, heart and soul of a forgotten generation and how it affects the present.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Solid 5 stars!

Very interesting story. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

"What You Said to Me" by Olivia Newport
So very glad I took the time to return to Canyon Mines, CO for another story connecting the past with the present. For me this story contained heart-break and laughter with a feel-good ending. Oh, there is a wee thread of romance within the pages, too. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the publisher with the request to post my honest review.

What You Said to Me is Book 4 in the Tree of Life series and continues the story of Jilian Parisi-Duffy, her father Nolan Duffy, and their friends in the town of Canyon Mines. Jillian is a genealogist and she has been contracted to try to trace down the birth families of dozens of children who were stolen and sold to adoptive families. It is a rather daunting task considering the boxes and boxes of material she has to sort through and the number of years that have passed since the children were taken.Her father has been appointed as attorney for Tisha Crowder, a teenager who has gotten into trouble shoplifting. Tisha needs documented work hours to show the court she can be responsible and Nolan has decided that Jillian's research will provide those hours for her...and so the story begins!! If you are familiar with this series, you know that they contain a lot of time hopping as research tends to take you back in time to get the back story on someone...and this one is no different. We go back and forth between 1893 and the present as Jillian digs into some very interesting research...not for her client, but for Tisha. Jillian's efforts are not always appreciated and there is a lot of head butting going on!! This is a very intriguing book as Jillian's research helps connect a lost teenager to her ancestral roots and helps Tisha find herself in the process. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and find that even though Canyon Mines is a small town, there is always a lot going on!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Oh, where to begin!
First of all, What You Said to Me has to be my favorite of the Tree of Life series. The author's careful attention to detail and the way she weaves the timelines together so that you know just enough about the past to help you understand but without giving too much away is phenomenal.
Second, I love Nolan and Jillian. That has always been the case, but I love them even more now. Nolan sometimes has this carefree attitude, but in this book, it's much easier to see the depth of his feelings. He brought Tisha into his home without a second thought because he knew she needed him. And she needed Jillian, and whether Jillian knew it or was willing to accept it, she needed Tisha.
This is a story of the words we say, and the ones we keep wrapped up inside. What we say matters. What we feel matters. HOW we say what we feel...matters.
I loved the sense of family I took away from What You Said to Me. Tisha hasn't had an easy life, and she has family dynamics that most of us would shy away from. This made Tisha wary, self-reliant, and add in the fact she's fifteen and you've written a recipe for disaster. That made this story all the better as I took away the fact that family doesn't have to be the people you're born to. Family can be more. And while we are born into our circumstances, who we become is not always defined by the example passed down the family tree.
We are ALL part of God's family. Something that Olivia Newport showed through her work in a subtle way that rings with sincerity.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I love this series. Genealogy is fascinating for me and the way it is tied in to this story is beautiful. I am very sad to see this series end.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

In “What You Said To Me” by Olivia Newport, a brilliant father-daughter genealogy team skillfully links present to past on family trees, as they try to uncover the sordid past. In an already troubled life, fifteen-year-old Tisha Crowder is caught shoplifting. Attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from harmful consequences. His daughter, Jillian, feels punished when Juvenile Court assigns Tisha to work with her on a huge backlog of genealogy files. Tisha is not interested in the job. Jillian’s paper-thin patience runs out like water. Long-ago words in plain sight offer a tiny ray of hope, when previously shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family are brought to the surface, exposed and challenged. Jillian walks Tisha back to the mystical year of 1893 to uncover the wrongful past. This fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport explores unforgettable family stories and family trees, in a concerted effort to inspire and motivate you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys in life. I highly recommend this split-time story that shows the kind, compassionate side of the genealogy team.

This split-time story, which is the fourth installment in the author’s Tree of Life series, captured my interest from the first page. Having read her previous books in the series, I can say the author continues to display her ability to bring the reader into the story instead of having them just read about it.

This story continues to feature genealogy team Julia Parisi-Duffy and her father Nolan Duffy doing what they do so well—uncovering mysteries in family histories that result in liberation for a person’s future. This time the person in need of liberation is a 15-year-old troubled teen named Tisha who was caught shoplifting. To provide Tisha with a community service alternative and possibly a better future, Nolan, who is also an attorney, brings her home to assist Julia. Once Tisha arrives, the sparks start to fly between Tisha and her reluctant “supervisor”, Julia. Where those sparks fly will definitely keep the reader engaged to the end.

I really liked this latest addition to the series. The character development feels believable and just right for a small town. You can even relate to Canyon Mines, the small town where these stories take place. I also love the concept of a father-daughter team and would enjoy these stories being developed into television movies. If you or someone you know enjoys split-time stories, definitely try this story. While it may be read as a standalone, you will really enjoy reading it in order as a series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are my own.

Reluctant as I am to say goodbye to the quirky, heartfelt world that Olivia Newport has created, her Tree of Life series is one that I will remember and cherish. I would highly recommend reading the books in order because although the plots are different in each, the character trajectories form an ongoing narrative that is otherwise disrupted. The small town of Canyon Mines seems reminiscent of Stars Hollow (of “Gilmore Girls” fame), and I so enjoy spending time there amongst the shopkeepers and other townspeople. It is the perfect blend of modern with an old-fashioned touch, matching the dual-timeline that each book features.

The fourth and final book in this delightful series, “What You Said to Me”, takes a bit of a different track than the previous three. The mystery is intentionally not really a secret, and is apparent early on; in most cases, this would ruin the book for me and cause me to lose interest, but Newport creates enough conflict in the present day to ensure an intriguing tale. Prior to this, I was relatively unaware of the 1893 recession and the collapse of the silver mining industry, and reading about how devastating this was for the people of just one town in Colorado alone is heartrending. Even though the Brandt family is fictional, the historical backdrop is not, and considering what our country has been through in 2020, it is easier to empathize with them.

Contemporary issues intersect with those of the past century in the form of an angry, lost teenager named Tisha Crowder. Beneath her bad attitude and lack of motivation lies the root of a generations-old bitterness, one that can be eradicated only by love and healing. Her story is a keen reminder to look beyond what we can see and to acknowledge that everyone is struggling with something, that bad attitudes and bad behavior have a reason that needs to be explored with patience, love, and understanding regardless of age. When we make way for God to move in us and through us, miracles happen!

Throughout the Tree of Life series, my favorite character has been Nolan. I relate more to Jillian’s character, from her introversion to her fascination with genealogy and history, but I love her dad’s ability to assess a situation and recognize what people need in order to come to reconciliation, and to then act as mediator. While Nolan is obviously human and therefore not perfect, he serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder that Christ is our true mediator, dying for our sins and bringing us back into a right relationship with God if we accept this priceless gift. Our attitude matters, and our words matter. Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Choose life.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I love being back in Canyon Mines with Nolan and Jillian! Every volume in this series is wonderful, and What You Said to Me is no exception. This book picks up right where the last installment left off, with Jillian working on one of the hardest, most tedious cases of her career, and in desperate need of help. Nolan volunteers a local fifteen year old girl that needs help of her own.

Tisha comes from a family that comes from the wrong side of the tracks, being raised in an incredibly negative environment, by generations of bitter women. It's no surprise that Tisha herself possesses these qualities, making for a very toxic work environment for Jillian. Nolan, however, champions for the girl, hoping to break her steely exterior, which was actually my favorite part of the book.

Parallel to this timeline is the story of the Brandt family losing everything in the silver mining collapse of 1893. Like all the other volumes in this series, the story lines seem like polar opposites until you read further and find out how the past and the present are intricately and beautifully intertwined.

Though What You Said to Me can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the rest of the series. You can find my reviews for the other books in the series below. You get a deeper understanding of the characters as well as more in-depth details of the charming town of Canyon Mines.

This series is a clean read with a geological focus, well writing, and full of heart and intrigue. I absolutely adore this series and cannot recommend it highly enough!

What You Said to Me
by Olivia Newport
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press
Christian | General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date 01 Nov 2020


I am reviewing a copy of What You Said to Me through Barbour Publishing Inc/Shiloh Run Press:


After fifteen year old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. But 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.



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.


I give What You Said to Me five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

I absolutely love the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. The dual timeline is so well developed. The author does a wonderful job of character development. Jillian’s personality really shines through with her introversion and perfectionism. While her father, Nolan, once again demonstrates his innate ability to evaluate a situation or the characters and gently guide them to a resolution. He is the ultimate and perfect mediator.

The flow between the two timelines is well done. You will quickly be drawn into each time period without an awkwardness of suddenly changing from past to present to past.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

What You Said To Me by Olivia Newport is a marvellous dual timeline novel about heritage and families. It is the fourth book in the Tree Of Life series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action is set in present day and 1893 in the form of a diary. It concerns families who are trying to track down ancestors in order to close the circle and to heal hearts. We witness some who want to know their roots and shoots and others who do not care.
We are not destined to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors. We always have the choice to choose a different path.
Ripples of the past travel down the years. We can be proud of our ancestors. The novel shows some modern forward thinking philanthropic hearts in 1893.
There are some who realise the treasure to be found in people. In contrast there are others whose hearts lie in wealth and titles. They will always be disappointed if they treasure worldly goods over beating hearts.
There are a variety of fathers in the novel. Some have huge hearts, others are disappointing. Our heavenly Father will never let us down or disappoint us. He loves us unconditionally.
We see the importance of not judging. “Don’t ever label a child as trouble.” Far too often labels stick and we live up or down to them. Beneath every troubled soul, there beats a heart. There is always a root cause to a troubled soul. We just need to find it.
I am loving this Tree Of Life series. They are cracking tales with strong godly messages. They are perfect reads for winter days.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

This is maybe the fourth (?) book in a series, and I’ve read them and enjoyed them all. This one, maybe because of its dual timeline, was perhaps my favorite. I didn’t want to put it down! The author did a wonderful job capturing teenage girl angst! 4-1/2 stars!

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

Book 4 in Olivia Newport's Tree of Life series continues to develop the relationship between Jillian Duffy, her father, her friends, and the town of Canyon Mines itself. Tisha Crowder's run-in with the law brings Nolan Duffy into her life as her pro bono attorney and Jillian as her reluctant community service sponsor. Newport skillfully sketches out the relationships between Tisha and the adults in her life, never opting for fictional. disingenuous growth but rather the true-to-life tension and teen-aged angst normal for a neglected child. When Tisha develops a personal interest in one of the files she is helping Jillian organize, her sincere involvement opens new paths for both their relationship and the mystery contained in the genealogical records. Watching Jillian solve an historical puzzle is always fun; watching her include Tisha is heartwarming. At a time when we need those around us the most, Olivia Newport's story of family and community -- past and present -- resonates deeply.

What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport is a great read! The characters mirror people you may know.
They could even be your family. Some of us know parts of our family history but there are many who are
totally unaware, as in this story. The lengths people will go to to discover their family members is one if
the features of this story. Another is learning to love and believe in yourself. We are each a child of God,
loved and wanted. This story helps people realize or remember this. This is a time shift story set in
today’s world and in 1890’s in Colorado. You’ll learn about the Brandt family through many generations
until today’s descendants. I would recommend this book! I enjoyed the time shift and felt the author did
a great job in traveling between the time periods. This book was provided through Celebrate Lit and the author for my review. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts. #NetGalley