The Inn at Hidden Run (Tree of Life #1) - Olivia Newport

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.