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I so enjoyed this story! I can't wait for the next in the series. Find out more about my thoughts on my blog soon... ( )

I had been looking forward to reading this because of the genealogist aspect. I enjoyed seeing how it was used as a profession but other than that the story fell flat for me. I found the characters very one-dimensional. Possibly a book prior to this would give more definition to the town and its ongoing characters. I felt thrown into a place where I didn't know anyone and there was certainly no fun or warm fuzzies in the hunt for ancestors. Jillian seemed to be the only one enjoying herself. ( )

I received this book thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

This book appealed to me because of the genealogy in the description of this book. I have traced my family tree and many others and I love hearing about and reading about people who do the same.

The storyline, once I got used to the bouncing back and forth between present day and in the far past, moved really fast and was a really good read. And I am looking forward to the next book in the series! I loved how the author had one character in the present tracing the family tree of the people in the past!! ( )

I enjoyed this book. It's a new series and the first time I've read this author. I liked the time slip facet and the characters in both. The present day tale in CO was interesting and the characters were a little overbearing at first but I feel that mellowed some as time went on. The historical tale in Memphis was scary and sad thinking of the outbreak and quarantine. It was very interesting since I knew very little of this story. It was remarkable how Ms. Newport was able to weave these stories together. I will be looking for more from her in the future.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
( )

Meri shows up in Canyon Mines, Colorado. It is clear to the inn's owner the girl is running from something, but she hires her to replace a longtime employee who recently left. She introduces her to her friend Jillian, a genealogist, and Jillian's attorney father, Nolan. Although some snooping took place to discover Meri's family pressured her into following the family tradition into medicine. She was a great student, but she flunked out of medical school. That was not her dream. It was that of her parents. Jillian begins exploring Meri's family history to find why the family felt so tied to the medical profession. When Meri's family shows up on the doorstep to force her to return to Tennessee with them, tempers flare. Will Jillian and Nolan be able to get Meri's family to hear her out? Will the family story Jillian uncovered help bridge the gap?

This novel alternated between the present-day in Colorado and 1878 Memphis during the yellow fever outbreak. With family in the area, I've read quite a bit about the yellow fever epidemic in that city, and the author seems to have hit upon the right theme to use in her story. I don't think the alternating times worked as smoothly as in some books. I loved the historical part. I liked the characters in the modern part although Meri's family frustrated me. Some of the things Jillian uncovered could not realistically have been done in the time frame, even if it was realistic a genealogist in a distant city would get up and retrieve records in the middle of the night. Still it was an interesting read, and I'll probably read the next in the series. I received an electronic copy through a GoodReads giveaway. Although reviews are encouraged, they are not required. ( )

Every now and then a story takes you by surprise and blows you out of the water and that for me is The Inn at Hidden Run, two stories that take place at two different times that both run parallel and co-mingle in the most endearing way. A tale that reminds you that you can find a lot of who you are at your core from those that came before you. Many do not care about lineage and ancestry but I truly believe that you can find out a lot about a person if you take a glimpse into the past.

While Maris's story piqued my interest, the tale of Eliza Davies and her immense bravery during the yellow fever outbreak in Memphis in 1878 is really what captured my imagination, and sadly not in a pleasant way. The authors writing was impeccable with vivid imagery and such emotion that it ignited a desire in me to not only read more about this devastating plague but also to find out more about my own family's history, which I honestly believe is one of the author's driving forces behind this unique historical fiction series.

I immensely enjoyed The Inn at Hidden Run and have already started the next book in the series, which I can tell is going to be another great read! ( )

The Inn at Hidden Run is not your normal kind of historical fiction book. I really like that. This start out in the present with a young woman who shows up asking for a job. But she seem to be running from something. Why is what make you want to know.

Though we also get a story of a what is going on in Memphis in 1878. Though the eyes of a young woman named Elisa. She tells us about the epidemic of Yellow Jack or as we call it “Yellow Fever”. I do not know how this author does this but I loved it. I hope to get their other stories though out this series.

How the author combines the family tree elements or genealogy though this book to find the connection and the present members the family she runs into is really interesting and fun to read. The plot is written well. The characters are written well. To find out what the meaning behind Canfield and Eliza is something. For it does not get reveled until the end make it even more enjoyable to read.

I had felt really like I was going down a path of finding the connection with Jillian who was helping Meri and her family and why they were Medical doctors. We find that connection at the end. You will want to read this book if you are looking for something new and a historical fiction or event that happen in USA along with some fun in Genealogy.

Olivia pull to along and you will want to find out. She put these to element together seemly and I just love that. I have yet to see another author do this. I hope to get the next book in the series as I can not wait to read them. ( )

I would love to be able to say I loved this book, but I can not. The general story of the book is one that intrigued me. A woman whose family has a long history of being doctors fails out of medical school. Meri runs as far away from her family in Tennessee as she can, and escapes to Canyon Mines, Colorado and takes a job at an inn.

Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan are both genealogists who come to Meri’s aid. The part of this book that I did not care for was how it jumps back and forth through time. I understand the pressures parents and family members can place on having the right job in the right field. If my father had been able to convince me, I would be some kind of engineer today. But instead, I followed my own path. So I was rooting for Meri to succeed at following her own path.

This is the first book in The Tree of Life Series. While I did not enjoy the jumping back and forth in time, I did enjoy the rest of the story. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a copy of this book for your fair and honest review. ( )

While genealogy is an interesting thread for a book (I mean, if people weren’t interested, there probably wouldn’t be multiple companies making money off our DNA), however, it’s not a compelling enough thread in this particular book.

Let’s start with a few things that just didn’t work for me. First of all, the title didn’t really fit. Not one of the characters who have a point of view voice in The Inn at Hidden Run have much of anything to do with the actual inn. But, in truth, I’m not sure of what would have worked.

This book is really about Meri and her issues with her family. For me, the story would have worked so much better if Meri got a voice and Jillian and Nolan were supporting characters. It would have also alleviated a lot of the telling that was happening.

That said, I did enjoy visiting this Colorado mining town and meeting some of the residents. Also, the second timeline set in 1878 Memphis during the yellow fever outbreak was interesting to follow and the way the two stories tied together worked somewhat well.

Overall, this wasn’t quite what I expected and not quite compelling enough to push it out of a middle review range.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

The Inn at Hidden Run takes place in a town at the base of a mountain. It is a small town with a lot of locally owned shops where everyone knows everyone. When Meri shows up looking for a job, but clearly keeping a secret, she catches the attention of Nia, the woman who runs the Inn. Nia is good friends with Nolan and Jillian, the town lawyer and genealogist. She calls them in to help her figure out what is going on with Meri.

The story also flashes back to Memphis in 1878 where Yellow Fever has broken out, and it was wiping the city out. Here we meet Eliza, a nun who stays behind to try to help the people who have fallen ill. She comes from a wealthy family who has hired former slaves as servants. Eliza's only servant is Callie. She thinks of Callie as a friend, more than anything else. It's not until Callie leaves Eliza to tend to her sick family that Eliza realizes she knows nothing about Callie.

The story unfolds as Jillian works to tie the past to the present with the help of her dad, Nolan, and her friend Nia.

I like reading from two different timelines and trying to predict how and when they will intersect. I think the author did a great job of combining the two timelines.

My only criticism is that, to me, the characters of Nia, Jillian and Nolan didn't feel "real" to me. They were all VERY busy people who dropped everything to help a person that they didn't know. But more than that, someone who wasn't even asking for help. I know many people who would do that for a great friend, someone they loved, but I don't know people who would miss deadlines, skip meetings and ignore work to help someone they have only known for a few hours. ( )

I have enjoyed reading many books by this author and this one is the beginning of a new series.
We are in a small town in Colorado and also, we flash back to a horrible time in history in Memphis Tennessee when they suffered from the yellow fever.
We are also gifted with a delightful father, a lawyer, and daughter, a genealogist, who endeavor to help a visitor/worker to their town.
I really enjoyed putting together the back drop of this visiting family, like doing a puzzle, a great concept and enjoyable read, and am glad we will be coming back!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review ( )

The Inn at Hidden Run is a dual timeline novel that connects stories from the past with the present through a family tree. This first book in a series by Olivia Newport focuses on the modern day family interactions of Meri Davies. Long held expectations force her to run to the small, charming town of Canyon Mines, Colorado and the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. Her plight is soon discovered by the nosy inquisitive 😉 residents of the town. Nolan, a lawyer and father to Jillian, a genealogist, discover long lost family stories that help Meri discover who she is meant to be. I found myself really looking forward to the historical elements of this book — I loved learning about the Memphis Yellow Fever outbreak in the 1870s and the valiant efforts of volunteers to provide healing and comfort. A great fictional story line gave this glimpse into history a personal feel. The present day story that was the impetus for the historical thread fell a little flat with me. I found it hard to connect to the characters, especially Meri and her family. They just seemed way over the top in their actions and reactions. The premise of the book is good and I will probably read another in the series, mostly for the history and mystery.

A very quick read, The Inn at Hidden Run will appeal to those who like discovering more about family connections and the impact of the past on the present.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

Giving an interesting, unique twist to the types of mysteries I typically read, The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport focuses heavily on genealogy to reveal the truth.

Failing to meet her family’s expectations, Meri Davies flees to the Inn at Hidden Run B&B in Canyon Mines, Colorado. Here, she encounters genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, lawyer Nolan Duffy. The pair determines to dig into Meri’s family history, as a second layer of the story—a peek into the 1870s yellow fever epidemic—complements their work in an intriguing way.

Throughout The Inn at Hidden Run, the past speaks to the present, and it fascinated me. While the character interactions didn’t always feel believable to me, I did enjoy seeing their overall story unfold and look forward to reading more of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

This book starts a new series called Tree of Life where readers will be transported back in time to find out about the history of a family. I love genealogy and with by brother's help we have found some very intriguing facts about our past relatives. In this story we are introduced to Jillian and her father Nolan who make a great team when a mysterious woman enters their life.

Meri is desperate to run away from her family and hopes to hide out in the quaint town . She lands a job at the inn but doesn't share much about herself. I liked Meri but wished she would be a bit more assertive. All her life she has done what was expected of her. I was amazed at all the doctors and medical background in her family. Of course she is expected to follow the family and get into medicine as well. This is where the book becomes intriguing and we find ourselves in a time slip story that takes us from present to the late 1870s.

I loved reading about Eliza and how dedicated she was to children. During this time period the yellow fever was running rampant and taking lives of innocent children as well as adults. The horror of this disease was hard to read about. Eliza feels helpless at times as she witnesses someone taking their last breath. I loved her compassion to help others even though she put herself in harms way. Her story was inspiring and I loved how she tied in to Meri's family.

The author does a great job of looking at family dynamics and how they can shape our future. Meri knows at some point her family will find her. Jillian becomes an advocate for Meri and investigates her family tree. It is an intricate family tree that will have surprises and answers for the family. It is a wonderful journey of discovery as Meri and her family learn about their ancestors. I read a bit of the next installment in the series and I am already anxious to delve into it. I love the way the author captures faith, family and forgiveness in a story that tugs on your heart strings.

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

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is the first novel in Tree of Life series. The story is set in Canyon Mines, Colorado where Jillian Parisi-Duffy, a genealogist, lives with her father, Nolan Duffy (a lawyer and mediator) in a beautiful Victorian home. Meri Davies arrives in town just when Nia Dunston needs a new assistant at The Inn at Hidden Run. It is obvious to Nia that Meri is running from something and she wants Jillian and Nolan’s assistance in helping Meri. Meri’s family is comprised of doctors and nurses going back over a hundred years. Her family expects her to become a doctor, but that it not what Meri wishes to do with her life. Meri flunks out of medical school in under eight weeks (must be a record) and has fled to Canyon Mines to avoid her family. Jillian dives into Meri’s family history to find out why the family is insistent on every member going into the medical profession while Nolan uses his skills as a mediator to keep Meri in town. The town is comprised of caring people who watch out for each other. The Inn at Hidden Run is a dual-time line story. We are taken back to Eliza Davies in 1878 in Memphis, Tennessee when the yellow fever epidemic ran rampant through the town. The historical sections relate to Meri’s family history (and in the Author’s Notes we learn that some of the historical scenes are based on true events). I thought the novel was well-written with a gentle pace. There is plenty of coffee and food in the story. Nolan believes that plying people with food will get them to slow down, relax and open up. I like how the two time frames are brought together in the end for a sweet ending. The Christian elements are beautifully incorporated into the story. The add just the right touch. The author took the time to establish the characters and bring them to life. I liked Olivia Newport’s descriptions of the lovely town, the various shops along with the delectable delights they serve, and the beautiful Victorian homes. It was interesting to learn about a genealogist and how their research can be used in different ways (not just for a family tree). I am curious to see how Nolan and Jillian help others in the rest of the Tree of Life series. ( )

I loved learning some about genealogy. I really like the main characters of Jillian and her dad. These two are great. I would have hated being in a family that felt I could only be a doctor. It would be awful not to have a choice. I loved how this story went from present to the past. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

What a great blend of drama, mystery, family, faith and genealogy in Olivia Newport's newest novel, "The Inn at Hidden Run." Mixing in the historical sub-story with the current story-line was done in a way that did not distract the reader. Jillian Parisi-Duffy is a friend we would all love to have and her father is an exceptional being. Both Jillian and her father reach out to help Meri as she flees her family and the life they want for her based on tradition. Discover the truth hidden behind tradition and the how it helps Meri and her family. Actually, this fictional story may help others struggling with their life purpose. I cannot wait for the next book in this Tree of Life series: it feeds the amateur genealogy sleuth part of me! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. ( )

Not sure what to expect from this book, I was happily surprised to find two intertwined stories and plenty of interesting circumstances that made the narrative flow smoothly and quickly. “The Inn at Hidden Run” is book one in the new Tree of Life series, and I love the series title. It manages to tie in all of the major aspects of the story: genealogy, family, growing, and faith. Genealogy fascinates me. I have always loved history, but since struggling to find extant historical records for my ancestors for a project in the eighth grade, I have had a special appreciation for family trees. There is such a treasure trove of knowledge awaiting us in our lineages, shaping us into who we are today and who we hope to become.

Olivia Newport creates a contemporary small-town world centered on quirky characters and a light mystery that ties into the past. Meri’s plight adds family drama and generational legacy into the plot. Her dilemma and reactions were realistic, and the subsequent consequences and conversations were well-handled by the author. The faith component was subtle and could have been a bit more prominent. Nolan’s role as a lawyer and mediator made him an obvious fit for the novel, and his daughter Jillian’s occupation as a work-from-home genealogist intrigued me. I enjoyed learning the investigative aspect of genealogy and the various resources that genealogists draw upon in their research, as well as the various scenarios in which their skills are engaged. Jillian was the character to which I related the most because of her interests and her introverted nature. Following along as she placed puzzle pieces of the past together was fascinating.

An unexpected dual timeline enhanced the genealogical element and added a layer of danger, transporting readers to the burgeoning 1878 yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee. The horrors that Eliza Davies faced in the midst of the outbreak as she strove to aid those afflicted were not graphic but vivid enough to evoke heartache. Her story did not conclude as I was expecting, and the connection between Eliza and Meri’s family dovetailed gracefully for a fitting conclusion. The past informs our present in many ways, and understanding where and who we come from allows us to navigate life’s trials and stand firmly in our own convictions.

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

What wonderful information lies in your genealogy?

‘What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Micah 6:8 NIV
Meriwether Eliza Davies, Meri, arrives in Canyon Mines, Colorado from Tennessee. How she got her name and why it seems so important that she should be a doctor is information she doesn’t have and is not sure she even wants to know. What follows is a wonderful unraveling of her family genealogy all the way back to 1909 Memphis, Tennessee. So many questions are answered that it really made me wonder why we don’t all search out our genealogy. Perhaps we, like Meri, would understand the calling on our lives.
This fabulous book is the first in the author’s Tree of Life series. With such an auspicious beginning, I am certainly looking forward to the next book!
I received this book through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The impressions and opinions given are my own. ( )

Split-time or dual-time novels have become quite popular in the last few years and this book is a new addition to this genre. Olivia Newport sets her modern day story at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B in Canyon Mills, Colorado and the characters include a genalogist, her father, and the inn owners as they help a young woman who has run away from her Tennessee home. Meri Davies has flunked out of medical school and she needs to escape her family's disappointment so she begins by taking a job at the inn. As they try to help and encourage her, Jill and her father Nolan begin to research Meri's family history and the reasons why her parents are so insistent that she become a doctor.

The historical element in this book involves a young woman in Memphis, Tennessee who made it her mission to help during the yellow fever epidemic that struck Memphis in 1878. Eliza Davies was from a well-to-family and she could easily have left Memphis like so many others but she stayed to help the people who had no means to escape. Eliza ministered to the poor and to African-Americans who had once been slaves and she especially loved caring for the children. There is a touching scene near the end of the book that demonstrates how her love affected the ones she helped. As one of "her children" thanks her for changing his life, Eliza says "I only did what the Lord asked of me. 'What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?'" This very emotional scene also weaves together the past and the present in a very satisfactory way!

I love historical fiction so I especially enjoyed Eliza's story. Newport shares a lot of historical information about the devastation that resulted from the yellow fever epidemic and much of it is new to me. This book is the first in the Tree of Life series and each story will include the Inn at Hidden Run B&B as the basis for the current day storyline. I enjoyed getting to know Jill, Nolan, Nia and Leo and I look forward to seeing how author Olivia Newport uses the inn and genealogy to share more dual-time stories.

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

I could hardly resist this book cover, and I didn't realize just how intricate the design is until I got a copy of the book and took a closer look. It's rather brilliant.

Unfortunately, after trying a few different times, I couldn't get into the story. The pacing is pretty slow, and while I can appreciate contemporary fiction plots that take their time to unfold, I need a connection with the characters to make the plot worth it for me. The characters here didn't interest or click with me enough emotionally to make me anxious to keep reading.

So I decided not to press through this one. Because a lack of connection with a story or characters is pretty much the epitome of subjectivity, I wouldn't discourage someone else who finds this novel's description interesting and wants to give it a try.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I’m fascinated by genealogy discoveries and history, so this story appealed to me right away. I also liked the setting of the story, a small mountain town set in Colorado.

What I disliked about the story was the unbelievable way some of the characters just nosed their way into a young woman’s personal life. Yes, they meant well and they were nice people, but the way they treated this woman was a bit unbelievable to me.

I felt the story moved a bit slow and also seemed like an advertisement for coffee at times. Coffee and food were a prominent feature for the characters of the story. Everything seemed to be solved with a meal.

I did like the way the author wrapped up the story and the portions showing the history of the yellow fever epidemic were quite interesting. The work of the genealogist really made sense in helping the family with their issues and it was nice to see how the past can impact the future in such a nice way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review. ( )

The Inn at Hidden Run by Olivia Newport is a genealogical mystery, time split fiction of modern day and 1878 America. I found some parts of the story difficult to understand and like. I could not understand having just met someone that you would conspire to fix her life, whether she likes it or not. The characters in the modern period seem to want to interfere and push another character into what they think is right for her. Poor girl bombarded from all directions by very controlling and questionably well meaning friends and family. The historical period was an interesting story of an American plague and the fight to help the people affected. The history, people, medical and logistical aspects of the period were very enlightening. The genealogy aspects were informative with many helpful facts. I felt the Christian and Scriptural influence was minimal. There was a positive message of helping others which is universal in many faiths but not exclusively Christian.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. ( )