The Inn at Hidden Run
-
-
3.8 • 15 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees
Meri’s family has been producing doctors for so many generations that no one remembers why, so when she flunks out of medical school, she runs as far from her parents as she can get. In the small mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado, she takes a job at the Inn at Hidden Run B&B. And waits. It’s only a matter of time.
What she doesn’t count on is genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy and her father, Nolan, having her back when it takes everything she has not to bolt again but to stay and face the truth that only unfolding her family’s history will reveal. While Nolan works on keeping Meri calm—and in town—Jillian pulls out of her gems of information she doesn’t know she has and arranges the puzzle pieces.
But none of that changes the fact that Meri’s family is closing in to haul her back to her “real” life. When their arrival inflames tensions and Meri finally does bolt, Nolan and Jillian may be out of time.
The Inn at Hidden Run is the first book in the Tree of Life series. Readers will come back to backdrop of a lovely mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that inspire them to connect with their own family histories and unique faith journeys.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The appealing launch of Newport's Tree of Life series (after Hidden Falls) introduces two women who live a century apart and whose connections are uncovered by genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy. Meri Davies runs from her family's expectations that she become a doctor and finds work at the Inn at Hidden Run bed-and-breakfast in Canyon Miles, Colo. There, she meets Jillian and her helpful lawyer father. After Meri learns Jillian is a genealogist, they begin looking into Meri's heritage and discover the origin of her family's fixation on medicine. In the secondary story, set in Memphis during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878, wealthy Eliza Davies refuses to follow most of her friends and family out of the city. Instead, she assists the Sisters of Saint Mary's in tending to the sick and orphaned. After Jillian discovers Eliza's story, which had been unknown to Meri her entire life, Meri finally begins to understand the motivations of her parents and reconsiders her decision to give up medical school. The period details of 19th-century Memphis are excellent, and Eliza's loyalty, spirit, and perseverance mark her as a strong character. The contemporary plot, however, is less successful, as Jillian and her father's interest in Meri seems to spring from nowhere. Fans of Kristy Cambron or Rachel Hauck will find much to enjoy here.
Customer Reviews
First book in Tree of Life series
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 compromised 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.
This is an incredible duel-time novel!
I was caught up in Meri’s story and wanted to find out what the bottom line problem was in her family relationships. She was very well developed and my heart went out to her from very early in the story.
I was absolutely fascinated by the historical portion of this book. It was set in 1878 Memphis, Tennessee, during the Yellow Fever epidemic. The amount of details given about what life was like for those who lived through it is amazing. This was a historical event that I knew nothing about. I was horrified to think about the terror people lived with and the conditions surrounding them.
I love it when an author can teach me history in such an enjoyable way.
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.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Genealogical Mystery Split Time
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.