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Tree of Life #2
In the Cradle Lies
A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees
On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.
On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.
In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
On a solo ski vacation in Canyon Mines, Colorado, Tucker has a love-hate relationship with his wealth, spending indiscriminately while skiing fearlessly and preparing to conquer the overgrown slope of Hidden Run, a dangerous run not attempted in decades. As genealogist Jillian tries to uncover enough of Tucker’s family tree to understand his charming nature but reckless resolve, Jillian’s equally charming father, Nolan, cajoles Tucker into giving him ski lessons to get him talking about the suspicious circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s life in St. Louis in the 1930s.
On the surface, Tucker’s family’s history seems too perfect. The secret may lie in the sealed envelope Tucker carries with him at all times—even on the ski slope. When no one can find Tucker to tell him the fiancée he never mentioned turned up in Canyon Mines, they realize he must be off attempting to ski Hidden Run alone in a snowstorm. And they may be too late.
In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2019
30 people are currently reading
2463 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Newport
58 books626 followersHello!
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
I’m imagining you. You walk past as I water my front flowerbeds and we wave. You check the time as we both stand in a long line at the grocery store. You sit in front of me in church. I’m at my table in the coffee shop and you’re at yours.
We may smile politely and move on with our separate lives. Or one of us may speak, a simple invitation to conversation, and the words flow between us.
Here the adventure begins. When we meet someone new, we never know where it might lead.
I’ve been married over 40 years and have two adult kids and a son-in-law. We live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where the day lilies in my back yard grow as tall as I am. (No short jokes, please.)
Not every piece of my life is pretty, though. Some days I want to throw out whole chunks. But I am living each day looking for the grace of God to me, in me, and through me. Having your companionship along the way will help uncover a lot of great stories.
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February 17, 2020
The exciting second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport.
We continue to uncover secrets with father-daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees.
They are working hard to understand family secrets .
The mysteries that become known and the touch of romance make this a hard to put down book well worth the read.
Published November 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
We continue to uncover secrets with father-daughter Genealogy Team Link Present to Past on Family Trees.
They are working hard to understand family secrets .
The mysteries that become known and the touch of romance make this a hard to put down book well worth the read.
Published November 1st 2019 by Shiloh Run Press
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 10, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
In The Cradle Lies
By: Olivia Newport
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I know next to nothing about genealogy, so In The Cradle Lies was somewhat informative for me. At least, it was a peek at an interesting line of work. The story was very compelling and thought provoking with the past and the present weaving around to form a bigger picture. Tucker was a puzzling character. I wondered if he had a sort of a death wish and if so, why? Father and daughter made an excellent team, and I enjoyed reading about them.
In The Cradle Lies
By: Olivia Newport
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I know next to nothing about genealogy, so In The Cradle Lies was somewhat informative for me. At least, it was a peek at an interesting line of work. The story was very compelling and thought provoking with the past and the present weaving around to form a bigger picture. Tucker was a puzzling character. I wondered if he had a sort of a death wish and if so, why? Father and daughter made an excellent team, and I enjoyed reading about them.
October 7, 2019
Totally excellent!! Tightly written and engaging. Great characters. Thoroughly enjoyable look at the present with flashbacks for the back fill. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy on net galley. Opinions are my own.
February 26, 2020
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest opinions.
As much as I adored the first book in the Tree of Life series, I struggled dramatically with this one. It was rife with inaccuracies and factual errors, there were hardly any descriptions of what the characters looked like (but buildings were well described), and common sense as well as common courtesy seemed to fly out the window.
What hampered my enjoyment from the beginning were the characters. Jillian, Nolan, and Kristina all decided to control a random tourist’s choices and convince him that his goal of skiing down Hidden Run, which hadn’t been touched by anything other than nature in over 70 years, was something he should abandon. I agree he was insane to want to attempt a ski run that had likely grown into a dense forest by now, but if he wanted to risk life and limb trying, I guess that would have been his prerogative.
Then there was Tucker. He arrived in a creepy stalker sort of way, dishing out gobs of money and extravagant gifts to people he’d never met and demanding they take them, but as I got to know him, I realized it was even worse: He had a bizarre goal (skiing down Hidden Run) that left me wondering why he was so important to the story if he had a goal that made no logical sense whatsoever.
The characters in the historical thread weren’t any better. Matthew started out much too smart for his age (there was no proof of genius in his background, and there was no logical reason why he should be a prodigy). There was obviously something hinky about his parents, and it was clear his education was the least of their concerns, yet the four-year-old kid knew the meanings of words (and how to appropriately use them) that most grown-ups would have to look up in the dictionary. As he aged throughout the historical thread, his vocabulary decreased, which made me wonder why it was even a plot point that he was so smart to begin with. Apparently, that was only so a four-year-old could psychoanalyze his parents and figure out that there was something illegal happening around him… perhaps solely for the reader’s benefit, which is the worst possible reason to make a four-year-old fictional character so intelligent and all-knowing. It yanked me right out of the story and made it difficult for me to root for him at all at any stage of his life.
The only character that seemed completely realistic to me was Judd… the antagonist. He wasn’t a good character, so I couldn’t root for him, but at least his actions and behaviors made logical sense for his personality and goals. I wanted him to be caught at what he was doing, but I was kind of sad when it happened, because I knew this meant the only believable character was then going to disappear from what little remained of the story.
I was looking forward to this book before I dove into it. I was eager to see what happened to Jillian and Nolan and whoever their next client was. Now that I’ve read it, I’m disappointed. It’s been a long time since I read a book with such severely controlling leads that I was somehow supposed to root for. I’m not sure how I possibly could have rooted for people who made it their business to control the actions, goals, dreams, and hopes of everyone around them. Personally, I don’t want other humans controlling what I think, feel, and hope for in my life’s journey. I don’t think Tucker’s goal, as outrageous as it was, was any of the Parisi-Duffys’s business, and I lost all respect for them when they made it their life’s mission to stop him from reaching his dream.
Another problem with this book was its blurb. It gave away things that happened in the climax of the story! It’s Book-Blurb 101 to avoid spoiling the story for the reader, yet there were lots of details in the blurb that took place beyond chapter three in the story. I couldn’t believe how long I had to wait to reach some of the events mentioned in the blurb. This is a prime example of why I don’t like to read book blurbs until after I read the book. Unfortunately, I had read the blurb before diving into the book this time.
One tiny positive is that the book featured a black-market-babies angle, which is a fascinating yet heartbreaking topic. While I’ve enjoyed other books that featured this theme (such as Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours), I don’t think it was presented in the best package this time. However, it did at least keep me reading to see if I was right on my guesses (which I was) and to see how things would turn out in that thread.
I really wish I had some additional positives to share about this one. Honestly, it was a hot mess from the beginning and continued to get worse the deeper in I got. This is one series I won’t be finishing.
As much as I adored the first book in the Tree of Life series, I struggled dramatically with this one. It was rife with inaccuracies and factual errors, there were hardly any descriptions of what the characters looked like (but buildings were well described), and common sense as well as common courtesy seemed to fly out the window.
What hampered my enjoyment from the beginning were the characters. Jillian, Nolan, and Kristina all decided to control a random tourist’s choices and convince him that his goal of skiing down Hidden Run, which hadn’t been touched by anything other than nature in over 70 years, was something he should abandon. I agree he was insane to want to attempt a ski run that had likely grown into a dense forest by now, but if he wanted to risk life and limb trying, I guess that would have been his prerogative.
Then there was Tucker. He arrived in a creepy stalker sort of way, dishing out gobs of money and extravagant gifts to people he’d never met and demanding they take them, but as I got to know him, I realized it was even worse: He had a bizarre goal (skiing down Hidden Run) that left me wondering why he was so important to the story if he had a goal that made no logical sense whatsoever.
The characters in the historical thread weren’t any better. Matthew started out much too smart for his age (there was no proof of genius in his background, and there was no logical reason why he should be a prodigy). There was obviously something hinky about his parents, and it was clear his education was the least of their concerns, yet the four-year-old kid knew the meanings of words (and how to appropriately use them) that most grown-ups would have to look up in the dictionary. As he aged throughout the historical thread, his vocabulary decreased, which made me wonder why it was even a plot point that he was so smart to begin with. Apparently, that was only so a four-year-old could psychoanalyze his parents and figure out that there was something illegal happening around him… perhaps solely for the reader’s benefit, which is the worst possible reason to make a four-year-old fictional character so intelligent and all-knowing. It yanked me right out of the story and made it difficult for me to root for him at all at any stage of his life.
The only character that seemed completely realistic to me was Judd… the antagonist. He wasn’t a good character, so I couldn’t root for him, but at least his actions and behaviors made logical sense for his personality and goals. I wanted him to be caught at what he was doing, but I was kind of sad when it happened, because I knew this meant the only believable character was then going to disappear from what little remained of the story.
I was looking forward to this book before I dove into it. I was eager to see what happened to Jillian and Nolan and whoever their next client was. Now that I’ve read it, I’m disappointed. It’s been a long time since I read a book with such severely controlling leads that I was somehow supposed to root for. I’m not sure how I possibly could have rooted for people who made it their business to control the actions, goals, dreams, and hopes of everyone around them. Personally, I don’t want other humans controlling what I think, feel, and hope for in my life’s journey. I don’t think Tucker’s goal, as outrageous as it was, was any of the Parisi-Duffys’s business, and I lost all respect for them when they made it their life’s mission to stop him from reaching his dream.
Another problem with this book was its blurb. It gave away things that happened in the climax of the story! It’s Book-Blurb 101 to avoid spoiling the story for the reader, yet there were lots of details in the blurb that took place beyond chapter three in the story. I couldn’t believe how long I had to wait to reach some of the events mentioned in the blurb. This is a prime example of why I don’t like to read book blurbs until after I read the book. Unfortunately, I had read the blurb before diving into the book this time.
One tiny positive is that the book featured a black-market-babies angle, which is a fascinating yet heartbreaking topic. While I’ve enjoyed other books that featured this theme (such as Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours), I don’t think it was presented in the best package this time. However, it did at least keep me reading to see if I was right on my guesses (which I was) and to see how things would turn out in that thread.
I really wish I had some additional positives to share about this one. Honestly, it was a hot mess from the beginning and continued to get worse the deeper in I got. This is one series I won’t be finishing.
March 2, 2020
After giving the first book in the series a 2.5 rating, while friends loved it, I decided to give the series another try. Alas. This one was worse.
1/5 plot: A skier wants to ski down a slope that has been abandoned for 86 years. The MCs would prefer to interest him in discovery of his genealogy instead, but they especially wish to prevent him from skiing the old slope.
1/5 characters: So inconsistent and mostly interested in controlling each other’s destinies.
1/5 dialogue: Putting facts the characters should all know in conversation results in awkward conversation; some people erroneously believe that means they are showing instead of telling, but in reality they are telling another character instead of the reader and ending with conversations that would probably never happen in real life.
1/5 historical accuracy: Don’t insert details that sound fancy if you haven’t researched how they actually work, at least on Google.
So, yeah, there was more in this that didn’t make sense than what did. I won’t be continuing the series. *Edit: I forgot I already downloaded the next from NetGalley, so I don't know if I will ever read it or not. Probably not.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
1/5 plot: A skier wants to ski down a slope that has been abandoned for 86 years. The MCs would prefer to interest him in discovery of his genealogy instead, but they especially wish to prevent him from skiing the old slope.
1/5 characters: So inconsistent and mostly interested in controlling each other’s destinies.
1/5 dialogue: Putting facts the characters should all know in conversation results in awkward conversation; some people erroneously believe that means they are showing instead of telling, but in reality they are telling another character instead of the reader and ending with conversations that would probably never happen in real life.
1/5 historical accuracy: Don’t insert details that sound fancy if you haven’t researched how they actually work, at least on Google.
So, yeah, there was more in this that didn’t make sense than what did. I won’t be continuing the series. *Edit: I forgot I already downloaded the next from NetGalley, so I don't know if I will ever read it or not. Probably not.
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
December 28, 2019
4.5 Stars: Tucker is hiding from some family secrets. He is angry and upset and his reaction is to throw away his grandfather's money and to become extremely reckless. That recklessness is leading him to take a risk and try to ski Hidden Run, a trail that is overgrown, dangerous and has not been skied in years. He flirts with Chris, Jillian's friend and has her taking chances as well. Both Jillian and Nolan figure out that the recent death of his grandfather has triggered his behaviour. Between Jillian doing a genealogy search to find out more about his family, and Nolan convincing him to give him ski lessons so he can practise his mediation on him, Tucker doesn't stand a chance to keep his secret.
I really enjoy dual-timelines and Olivia Newport does them well in this series. I enjoyed learning about the past (1930s), although it was not a pleasant story. I enjoy the relationship between Jillian and her father. Their dialogue and bantering makes them real and relatable. There are two storylines in this story, Tucker and his family, and an issue between Nolan and his brother Patrick. The story had some emotional and heart-wrenching moments as Tucker learns about his grandfather's past. This book is slower-paced, but needs to be in order to understand and feel the story being told. It is rich in family, as well as family history that is the backbone of the mystery. It is fascinating to see how Jillian does her research and in this case, a cold call brings her answers in a relatively quick time. She explains that it does not usually happen that quickly, which I was glad to see as it would have been too unrealistic otherwise. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more books in the Tree of Life series. I recommend this story if you enjoy dual-timelines, or Christian fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I really enjoy dual-timelines and Olivia Newport does them well in this series. I enjoyed learning about the past (1930s), although it was not a pleasant story. I enjoy the relationship between Jillian and her father. Their dialogue and bantering makes them real and relatable. There are two storylines in this story, Tucker and his family, and an issue between Nolan and his brother Patrick. The story had some emotional and heart-wrenching moments as Tucker learns about his grandfather's past. This book is slower-paced, but needs to be in order to understand and feel the story being told. It is rich in family, as well as family history that is the backbone of the mystery. It is fascinating to see how Jillian does her research and in this case, a cold call brings her answers in a relatively quick time. She explains that it does not usually happen that quickly, which I was glad to see as it would have been too unrealistic otherwise. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to more books in the Tree of Life series. I recommend this story if you enjoy dual-timelines, or Christian fiction. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
December 1, 2019
This is my first read by Olivia Newport, but definitely will not be my last. As with many people these days, my family has jumped aboard the genealogy bandwagon, so I was intrigued by the premise of a series with a genealogist as a main character.
Dual-timeline stories are my favorite. However, not everyone does it well. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Olivia Newport's writing style. Jillian and her father, Nolan, befriend a mysterious stranger to Canyon Mines. Tucker has taken a solo ski trip, as he comes to terms with the difficult task he was given by his deceased grandfather. Ms. Newport crafted a beautiful story full of the hidden secrets and shame that can affect a family for years if not generations.
While I felt like this can definitely be read as a standalone, I intend to read the first book in the series. I love the relationship between the father and daughter team of Nolan and Jillian. I look forward to visiting Canyon Mines and its engaging characters again in future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Dual-timeline stories are my favorite. However, not everyone does it well. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Olivia Newport's writing style. Jillian and her father, Nolan, befriend a mysterious stranger to Canyon Mines. Tucker has taken a solo ski trip, as he comes to terms with the difficult task he was given by his deceased grandfather. Ms. Newport crafted a beautiful story full of the hidden secrets and shame that can affect a family for years if not generations.
While I felt like this can definitely be read as a standalone, I intend to read the first book in the series. I love the relationship between the father and daughter team of Nolan and Jillian. I look forward to visiting Canyon Mines and its engaging characters again in future books in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
March 8, 2020
This was a great book! Totally different from what I usually read; however, it was really good! It took me awhile to figure out what was going on. I did get it right, but was still surprised at how it ended. It's entirely feasible that the same kind of thing still happens today. I really like that Tucker wants to do what his Grandpa Matt asked him to do. I also understand the shame that Nolan and Patrick shared, and was glad they managed to reconcile. Great book, overall. Now, I need to read the first one, though this one is really a stand alone.This is my first book by this author, and it won't be the last!
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, and was not required to leave a review. The opinion expressed is my own.
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway, and was not required to leave a review. The opinion expressed is my own.
December 17, 2019
Wow, wow, wow. I don’t give five stars freely or often (well, more like 4.5 stars, explained later), but I do feel like this book deserves it. Many of the books I’ve read this year have been fast-paced suspense that rely on nail-biting situations to pull the tension. This book is slower-paced, but it is dripping with rich backstory and family history—the fascination of it all requires a slower pace and somehow weaves incredible tension throughout almost the entire book.
Jillian is a genealogist, her father Nolan a lawyer, and their Canyon Mines friends shop and inn owners. It’s really an idyllic town with good Christmas vibes (even though it is not a Christmas story). Though overall it was a serious story, there were a couple of times I actually laughed at Jillian and her dad’s back-and-forth.
And then there is Tucker. Brash, rich, likeable, and unpredictable Tucker with a family history is woven creatively through the entire story—pieces of information leaked out in just the perfect amount to make you want to keep reading until everything clicks into one detailed picture. Not a beautiful picture, but a realistic, mind-boggling picture.
I could go on and on about the storyline, but I really don’t want to give absolutely any spoilers. You have to experience the whole story—and backstory—for yourself.
I realized after I finished and loved this book that there really isn’t romance. There is some sideline romance, but nothing too sticky or unacceptable. Without giving spoilers, I really admired how the whole romance situation was handled.
The weakest points in this book for me would be the spiritual plot and then Nolan’s and Patrick’s story. It wasn’t that Nolan’s and Patrick’s story was especially weak, I just think it could have been… maybe written where I could more easily identify with their family struggles (as it was, I had to make myself realize how impactful the reason of their argument was). And the spiritual plot… John 8:32 was the backbone of the book, but it was kind of used out of context. Not once did it mention the reason for this freedom is about Jesus Christ and His salvation setting you free. Rather, she used the angle that knowing the truth about your family will set you free. I do think there is some truth in that, but that is not what the Scripture is implying at all. And, as that was the general spiritual emphasis woven in the book, it was a little weak. The characters went to church, mentioned praying and the Holy Spirit leading, but honestly, the story could have stood up well with this removed. So, because of the lack of spiritual depth, it’s more of a 4.5 read for me.
Now for all of the other books to come out…!
*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*
Jillian is a genealogist, her father Nolan a lawyer, and their Canyon Mines friends shop and inn owners. It’s really an idyllic town with good Christmas vibes (even though it is not a Christmas story). Though overall it was a serious story, there were a couple of times I actually laughed at Jillian and her dad’s back-and-forth.
And then there is Tucker. Brash, rich, likeable, and unpredictable Tucker with a family history is woven creatively through the entire story—pieces of information leaked out in just the perfect amount to make you want to keep reading until everything clicks into one detailed picture. Not a beautiful picture, but a realistic, mind-boggling picture.
I could go on and on about the storyline, but I really don’t want to give absolutely any spoilers. You have to experience the whole story—and backstory—for yourself.
I realized after I finished and loved this book that there really isn’t romance. There is some sideline romance, but nothing too sticky or unacceptable. Without giving spoilers, I really admired how the whole romance situation was handled.
The weakest points in this book for me would be the spiritual plot and then Nolan’s and Patrick’s story. It wasn’t that Nolan’s and Patrick’s story was especially weak, I just think it could have been… maybe written where I could more easily identify with their family struggles (as it was, I had to make myself realize how impactful the reason of their argument was). And the spiritual plot… John 8:32 was the backbone of the book, but it was kind of used out of context. Not once did it mention the reason for this freedom is about Jesus Christ and His salvation setting you free. Rather, she used the angle that knowing the truth about your family will set you free. I do think there is some truth in that, but that is not what the Scripture is implying at all. And, as that was the general spiritual emphasis woven in the book, it was a little weak. The characters went to church, mentioned praying and the Holy Spirit leading, but honestly, the story could have stood up well with this removed. So, because of the lack of spiritual depth, it’s more of a 4.5 read for me.
Now for all of the other books to come out…!
*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*
December 14, 2019
3.5
Olivia Newport’s father-daughter genealogy team is, once again, working hard to understand family secrets, using the past to inform the present, in In the Cradle Lies.
Tucker Kintzler arrives in Canyon Mines, Colorado with money to spend and a reckless desire to ski the dangerous Hidden Run. The small-town atmosphere allows the locals to get to know him and begin questioning his state of mind. Jillian and Nolan cannot resist digging into his family history, as well as the circumstances that spurred his arrival, and what they discover is life-changing, to say the least.
In the Cradle Lies proves to be another solid family-oriented mystery—and even allows the reader to see a bit more of Nolan’s family history, too. I enjoyed this trip to Canyon Mines and look forward to visiting again in the next book.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
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.
Olivia Newport’s father-daughter genealogy team is, once again, working hard to understand family secrets, using the past to inform the present, in In the Cradle Lies.
Tucker Kintzler arrives in Canyon Mines, Colorado with money to spend and a reckless desire to ski the dangerous Hidden Run. The small-town atmosphere allows the locals to get to know him and begin questioning his state of mind. Jillian and Nolan cannot resist digging into his family history, as well as the circumstances that spurred his arrival, and what they discover is life-changing, to say the least.
In the Cradle Lies proves to be another solid family-oriented mystery—and even allows the reader to see a bit more of Nolan’s family history, too. I enjoyed this trip to Canyon Mines and look forward to visiting again in the next book.
This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.
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.
December 6, 2021
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia; peccato per il finale che lascia in sospeso la ricerca delle famiglie coinvolte in un reato odioso (lo so, sono criptica, ma non voglio fare spoiler).
Bella storia; peccato per il finale che lascia in sospeso la ricerca delle famiglie coinvolte in un reato odioso (lo so, sono criptica, ma non voglio fare spoiler).
November 20, 2019
Tucker is on the run from some family secrets--and to a ski destination to think about skiing and finding a historic ski slope called Hidden Run that hasn't been a working ski run in many years. Can Tucker find the long-ago used ski slope and ski it while he is staying Canyon Mines? Can he forget his family history for a few days so he doesn't have to think about the last words of his grandfather who recently passed away? In The Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport tells both Tucker's story and his grandfather's history through a dual timeline.
I did enjoy The Inn at Hidden Run, the first book in the Tree of Life series. However, I think In the Cradle Lies was even better than the first one. This story kept me turning pages to find out more of Tucker's background and to find out what happened to Tucker to cause him to be such a reckless spender and skier. Not only that but there was one surprise that I wouldn't have seen coming except it was alluded to on the back of the book. I didn't really like the Tucker that was struggling with some issues but I did like the guy who faced his struggles and wasn't normally reckless. I didn't like his great grandfather Judd or Judd's choices throughout the book, but I liked that his grandfather stood up to him even though he felt bound to do things a certain way. I could understand why he made the choices he did. I also liked that there were secondary struggles faced in Jillian and Nolan's family. I think this series is so good in that it reminds us that every family has some challenges and sins from the past that likely affect future generations. I also thought it was realistic in that it showed that the reactions we have to those sins can affect others today and we need to be responsible for what we do with what we know to make good choices. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. When I Meet You releases in May of 2020 but there is a brief preview at the end of In the Cradle Lies.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I did enjoy The Inn at Hidden Run, the first book in the Tree of Life series. However, I think In the Cradle Lies was even better than the first one. This story kept me turning pages to find out more of Tucker's background and to find out what happened to Tucker to cause him to be such a reckless spender and skier. Not only that but there was one surprise that I wouldn't have seen coming except it was alluded to on the back of the book. I didn't really like the Tucker that was struggling with some issues but I did like the guy who faced his struggles and wasn't normally reckless. I didn't like his great grandfather Judd or Judd's choices throughout the book, but I liked that his grandfather stood up to him even though he felt bound to do things a certain way. I could understand why he made the choices he did. I also liked that there were secondary struggles faced in Jillian and Nolan's family. I think this series is so good in that it reminds us that every family has some challenges and sins from the past that likely affect future generations. I also thought it was realistic in that it showed that the reactions we have to those sins can affect others today and we need to be responsible for what we do with what we know to make good choices. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. When I Meet You releases in May of 2020 but there is a brief preview at the end of In the Cradle Lies.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
November 1, 2019
4.5 stars for this second installment in the Tree of Life series. While this is book 2, it can be read as a stand-alone, but you'll have a bit more insight into Jillian and Nolan if you've read The Inn at Hidden Run prior. This book follows the father/daughter duo once again as they help another visitor to Canyon Mines, CO untangle some elements of their past. For comparison sake, I will say I enjoyed the first book better as the character of Meri was a bit more mysterious and the historical aspect didn't tie in until the very end, which made for a more fascinating journey. In this book, you knew right away how the historical piece tied in, though there were still a few surprises at the end. Also, Tucker was a bit of a frustrating character to me as he would hint around that he wanted to talk about what was happening, but then wouuld just clam up. However, once Jillian was able to get to work on his case, the story really came out and the plot-line was fantastic. I really enjoyed the use of actual history to form the fictional characters back-stories.
I enjoyed the interaction between the characters in this and the characters are both likable and relatable. The plot-line was fantastic, and the faith thread was quite present. There was also the message of how guilt and shame can carry into everything we say and do, so we should deal with it before it does just that. All in all, this was a great book and I would recommend to fans of general fiction, as it had a lot of great elements of many genres - a mystery, a twinge of romance, a contemporary story line, a historical story line, and family drama.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the opinions contained herein are my own.
I enjoyed the interaction between the characters in this and the characters are both likable and relatable. The plot-line was fantastic, and the faith thread was quite present. There was also the message of how guilt and shame can carry into everything we say and do, so we should deal with it before it does just that. All in all, this was a great book and I would recommend to fans of general fiction, as it had a lot of great elements of many genres - a mystery, a twinge of romance, a contemporary story line, a historical story line, and family drama.
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the opinions contained herein are my own.
March 13, 2022
I'm catching up with the Tree of Live series higgledy-piggledy so now I've read 1,2 and 4 and ready to dive into 3 next. While the books can be read out of order, I'm thinking it would be best to have at least read the first one in order to get a handle on the characters and their captivating Colorado tourist town.
Jillian and Nolan are a dynamic father/daughter duo who tend to meddle (in the nicest of ways) in the lives of complete strangers. She's a genealogist and he's a lawyer with Ninja mediation skills and their combined talents come in surprisingly handy during a crisis. Especially when it's of the messy family drama variety.
I love the way this series showcases genealogy and how family history plays an important role in understanding our present. And Newport does it in sublime dual timeline fashion. We have Tucker in present day and his grandfather in the 1930s through 1950s. The author explores the devastating effects when generations of secrets come to light and Tucker is left to cope (or not) with the fall out. Thankfully, Jillian and Nolan and a host of other caring Canyon Mines citizens are there to help him through.
Heartwarming, at times poignant, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Jillian and Nolan are a dynamic father/daughter duo who tend to meddle (in the nicest of ways) in the lives of complete strangers. She's a genealogist and he's a lawyer with Ninja mediation skills and their combined talents come in surprisingly handy during a crisis. Especially when it's of the messy family drama variety.
I love the way this series showcases genealogy and how family history plays an important role in understanding our present. And Newport does it in sublime dual timeline fashion. We have Tucker in present day and his grandfather in the 1930s through 1950s. The author explores the devastating effects when generations of secrets come to light and Tucker is left to cope (or not) with the fall out. Thankfully, Jillian and Nolan and a host of other caring Canyon Mines citizens are there to help him through.
Heartwarming, at times poignant, and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 11, 2020
I am enamored with this duo of what they find out. This book is set on the story of Tucker's grandfather. The story is so detailed. You will be pulled into and wanting to know why Tucker comes to ski but he being reckless.
Though the story behind Matthew Rider and his childhood it like pulling teeth from his grandson. The story is deep and you will want to find out why. How Matthew Ryder made the choices he makes. There seem to be secrets and what his father did.
If you are into genealogy and the history of family stories. This book has it. You will be wanting to turn the pages from the first one to the last one. You do not know until the end of the book how all the pieces come together. We also find out who Matthew Ryder is?
The book his written well. The book goes flips between the present day and the past. Though will the duo be able to help solve the family problems and or help Tucker to understand his past. Why is Tucker so intent to find Hidden Run?
Though the story behind Matthew Rider and his childhood it like pulling teeth from his grandson. The story is deep and you will want to find out why. How Matthew Ryder made the choices he makes. There seem to be secrets and what his father did.
If you are into genealogy and the history of family stories. This book has it. You will be wanting to turn the pages from the first one to the last one. You do not know until the end of the book how all the pieces come together. We also find out who Matthew Ryder is?
The book his written well. The book goes flips between the present day and the past. Though will the duo be able to help solve the family problems and or help Tucker to understand his past. Why is Tucker so intent to find Hidden Run?
October 7, 2019
Welcome back to the snowy Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines! Jillian the genealogist and her lawyer dad Nolan, find themselves with another mystery to solve. They have to work quickly to stop a young man from making a fatal mistake.
This story grew more interesting as it went and Tucker's family history was pieced together. The power of shame and how it can influence a person's decisions, plus the need for forgiveness, played an important part of the story. Jillian and her dad have a fun and unique relationship. I enjoyed their interactions. I appreciated the plotline even more after reading the author's notes at the end. Hard to think some of it was based on real events.
Readers looking for a story based partially in truth, with a bit of mystery and just a hint of romance, may enjoy this one.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
This story grew more interesting as it went and Tucker's family history was pieced together. The power of shame and how it can influence a person's decisions, plus the need for forgiveness, played an important part of the story. Jillian and her dad have a fun and unique relationship. I enjoyed their interactions. I appreciated the plotline even more after reading the author's notes at the end. Hard to think some of it was based on real events.
Readers looking for a story based partially in truth, with a bit of mystery and just a hint of romance, may enjoy this one.
(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
August 22, 2019
4 stars- This is the second book in the “Tree of Life” series. This series steps into the lives of a father/daughter team that use their expertise in mediation and genealogy to help others find their way in life.
In this second installment a mysterious young man arrives in Canyon Mines that seems to be trying to throw away his fortune one generous gift at a time and take his life into his own hands to ski a dangerous, forgotten ski run. But no one can figure out why. Jillian and her dad Nolan are on the job to help figure things out for poor Tucker.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I felt as though the quirky cast of characters were quite a bit less overbearing in this story than the first. I like Jillian and her dad and the host of other characters in Canyon Mines. It seems like it would be a fun place to live (in the summer! LOL).
I liked the split time line and trying to fit all the pieces together of Tucker’s family story along with Jillian and her dad. This is a great cozy read if you’re looking for something somewhat light but with some deeper truths mixed in. At the end I enjoyed the peek into the next book and am excited to read Jillian and Nolan’s next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this second installment a mysterious young man arrives in Canyon Mines that seems to be trying to throw away his fortune one generous gift at a time and take his life into his own hands to ski a dangerous, forgotten ski run. But no one can figure out why. Jillian and her dad Nolan are on the job to help figure things out for poor Tucker.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I felt as though the quirky cast of characters were quite a bit less overbearing in this story than the first. I like Jillian and her dad and the host of other characters in Canyon Mines. It seems like it would be a fun place to live (in the summer! LOL).
I liked the split time line and trying to fit all the pieces together of Tucker’s family story along with Jillian and her dad. This is a great cozy read if you’re looking for something somewhat light but with some deeper truths mixed in. At the end I enjoyed the peek into the next book and am excited to read Jillian and Nolan’s next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2019
I love Olivia Newport's work!! She has a way of writing that will draw you into this book.
I'm not crazy about the split time line because it tends to confuse me but I did enjoy seeing how it all tied up at the end. There were other things that I enjoyed and it kept my interest until the end.
I loved the setting in this book. I think that I wouldn't mind living in a small mountain town like that. I think it would be nice.
I am going to say please don't do an excerpt from the future book because to me it ruins it!!
If you want a nice relaxing read then this is for you. I
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
I'm not crazy about the split time line because it tends to confuse me but I did enjoy seeing how it all tied up at the end. There were other things that I enjoyed and it kept my interest until the end.
I loved the setting in this book. I think that I wouldn't mind living in a small mountain town like that. I think it would be nice.
I am going to say please don't do an excerpt from the future book because to me it ruins it!!
If you want a nice relaxing read then this is for you. I
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.
September 11, 2019
This is the second book in the Tree of Life series by this author. I can’t tell you how much I love this author writing style. Everything just flows and connects. I love how the story connects history with the genealogy aspect. I love these characters and I even looked the town up because I would love to visit. (It is fictional) I cant wait to see what the next story holds.
While this book is part of a series it could be read as a stand alone with no problems.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions were my own.
While this book is part of a series it could be read as a stand alone with no problems.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions were my own.
December 8, 2019
Sequels are a tricky business. They can enhance their predecessor or they can weaken it, especially if the first book was strong. Ideally, they demonstrate an improvement from prior books and offer more details about the characters and themes, depending on how the series is connected. This is one reason why I enjoy being able to begin a series at its inception and keep up with it as it grows. “The Inn at Hidden Run” opened the Tree of Life series and introduced readers to small-town Canyon Mines, Colorado, where Jillian and her father Nolan combine their professional talents to assimilate past and present.
Olivia Newport’s “In the Cradle Lies” intensifies some of the elements from the first book in the series, making this a commendable sequel. Even so, this book could be read as a stand-alone, although I would recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters’ backgrounds. In spite of the cozy milieu, “In the Cradle Lies” reads much like a suspense novel, and I found it difficult to put down. The mystery is more ominous in this book, and the winter setting augments this. Jillian and Nolan remain the main protagonists, but I was glad to meet different secondary characters this time around in Jillian’s best friend, Kris, and the mysterious vacationer, Tucker. For quite a while I was not sure what to make of Tucker, who is tight-lipped about his life and who is obviously hiding something, yet is incredibly generous, his savoir-faire attitude blending with his strange reserve. As he learns, you can’t outrun your past. However, for those who have accepted Christ, the past is just that—the past—and we can trust in the One who knows us, loves us, and breaks the chains that enslave us. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Intertwining the past and the present with her dual-timeline narrative, Newport demonstrates once again the substantial impact that our histories can have even decades later. Titling this series Tree of Life echoes with layers of meaning, particularly in this sequel. Aside from the obvious genealogical connection, I’m reminded of the eponymous tree in the Garden of Eden and how Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to their being denied its fruit yet also paved the way for the Savior. Also, cross-pollination serves as a metaphor in the narrative, alluding to the combination of the past and the present to form a stronger future and also to the subject of black-market baby snatching, taking a child from its original parents and transplanting them into another family. Although the faith element is very light, reconciliation is a solid subject, along with the realization that you cannot outrun either your past or God. Nolan observes that “[h]e couldn’t go back and change what he thought was right at a different point in time. But he could choose differently now.” The same is true for all of us, and because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, no matter where we are in life’s journey or where we’ve come from, when we accept Jesus as Lord, He makes us new!
Recommended for those interested in genealogy, skiing, small-town life, father-daughter duos, and the criminal exploits of Georgia Tann, as well as fans of Liz Tolsma’s “The Pink Bonnet.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
Olivia Newport’s “In the Cradle Lies” intensifies some of the elements from the first book in the series, making this a commendable sequel. Even so, this book could be read as a stand-alone, although I would recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters’ backgrounds. In spite of the cozy milieu, “In the Cradle Lies” reads much like a suspense novel, and I found it difficult to put down. The mystery is more ominous in this book, and the winter setting augments this. Jillian and Nolan remain the main protagonists, but I was glad to meet different secondary characters this time around in Jillian’s best friend, Kris, and the mysterious vacationer, Tucker. For quite a while I was not sure what to make of Tucker, who is tight-lipped about his life and who is obviously hiding something, yet is incredibly generous, his savoir-faire attitude blending with his strange reserve. As he learns, you can’t outrun your past. However, for those who have accepted Christ, the past is just that—the past—and we can trust in the One who knows us, loves us, and breaks the chains that enslave us. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Intertwining the past and the present with her dual-timeline narrative, Newport demonstrates once again the substantial impact that our histories can have even decades later. Titling this series Tree of Life echoes with layers of meaning, particularly in this sequel. Aside from the obvious genealogical connection, I’m reminded of the eponymous tree in the Garden of Eden and how Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to their being denied its fruit yet also paved the way for the Savior. Also, cross-pollination serves as a metaphor in the narrative, alluding to the combination of the past and the present to form a stronger future and also to the subject of black-market baby snatching, taking a child from its original parents and transplanting them into another family. Although the faith element is very light, reconciliation is a solid subject, along with the realization that you cannot outrun either your past or God. Nolan observes that “[h]e couldn’t go back and change what he thought was right at a different point in time. But he could choose differently now.” The same is true for all of us, and because of Jesus’ sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, no matter where we are in life’s journey or where we’ve come from, when we accept Jesus as Lord, He makes us new!
Recommended for those interested in genealogy, skiing, small-town life, father-daughter duos, and the criminal exploits of Georgia Tann, as well as fans of Liz Tolsma’s “The Pink Bonnet.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own.
December 22, 2019
I received In The Cradle Lies by Olivia Newport from Barbour Publishing a while back. Sadly I had so many books on my shelf and so little time that I just got around to reading it recently. The author is new to me, but one I will be checking out for sure now that I've read this book. In The Cradle Lies in the second book in the Tree of Life series. I didn't realize that while reading it, but will definitely be going back and reading book one. Even though I jumped into the series it was, for me, a book that could easily stand on it's own.
As the books starts one of the main characters, Tucker, is dealing with some internal demons in the best way he knows how. He's spending his family wealth all around the town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. Tucker loves to ski and has come to town in search of the famous hill, Hidden Run. It's an overgrown, unused ski hill that hasn't been used in decades. Tucker is an amazing skier, but is willing to risk his life to ski Hidden Run. While he's researching the hill he makes friends with all the town locals. He finds a ski buddy in Kris, but her ultimate motive is to convince him NOT to ski Hidden Run. Her friend, Jillian and her dad are in on the plot to find out what is behind Tucker's need to ski down Hidden Run as well as why he's spending money like the world is ending. Jillian is a genealogist and works behind the scenes trying to figure out Tucker's family history and what has set him off on this dangerous course. As the three work together to friend Tucker and try to help him deal with his past more comes to light than any of the three could ever imagine.
I plan to go back and read The Inn At Hidden Run which is the first book in the Tree of Life Series. When I Meet You will be available in May 2020 and What You Said To Me will be available in November 2020. Can't wait to see what's to come! For up-to-date information on these books check out Facebook and Twitter.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
As the books starts one of the main characters, Tucker, is dealing with some internal demons in the best way he knows how. He's spending his family wealth all around the town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. Tucker loves to ski and has come to town in search of the famous hill, Hidden Run. It's an overgrown, unused ski hill that hasn't been used in decades. Tucker is an amazing skier, but is willing to risk his life to ski Hidden Run. While he's researching the hill he makes friends with all the town locals. He finds a ski buddy in Kris, but her ultimate motive is to convince him NOT to ski Hidden Run. Her friend, Jillian and her dad are in on the plot to find out what is behind Tucker's need to ski down Hidden Run as well as why he's spending money like the world is ending. Jillian is a genealogist and works behind the scenes trying to figure out Tucker's family history and what has set him off on this dangerous course. As the three work together to friend Tucker and try to help him deal with his past more comes to light than any of the three could ever imagine.
I plan to go back and read The Inn At Hidden Run which is the first book in the Tree of Life Series. When I Meet You will be available in May 2020 and What You Said To Me will be available in November 2020. Can't wait to see what's to come! For up-to-date information on these books check out Facebook and Twitter.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."
December 10, 2019
I said it after reading book one, and I’ll say it again. Jillian makes being a genealogist look cool. I was just as impressed with this story as I was with the first one in this book. Olivia Newport really does make you want to dig into your own family history, hoping that you will find some cool piece of history. Even if you aren’t ready to dig deep just yet, you can enjoy the research that Jillian does in this second installment of the Tree of Life series.
Tucker was an interesting character. He caught me by surprised when we first entered the scene – just kind of throwing his money around as if it didn’t matter, and yet not. I can’t explain it except to say it appeared there was more to him perhaps Ms. Newport was ready to divulge in that opening scene for him. Getting to know Tucker throughout the story was probably my favorite part. His character surprised me in so many different ways, all of them good of course.
Newport keeps readers on their toes about the big family secret, and let me tell you this reader was just hanging on every word waiting for the truth to come out. She beautifully weaves in a different time period, which not only allows the reader to see the back story to the secret, but see how it all comes together in the end. I’m glad she decided to write this series in this way. Had we just got the information from Jillian’s research, it would have the same impact. Isn’t it great how stories can provide multiple POV’s to enhance a reader’s experience!?
In the Cradle Lies is a delightful read that has deepened my appreciation of genealogy research. For readers who are new to the series, I highly recommend starting with book one so they can see how it all began. Plus it’s just really good 🙂
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tucker was an interesting character. He caught me by surprised when we first entered the scene – just kind of throwing his money around as if it didn’t matter, and yet not. I can’t explain it except to say it appeared there was more to him perhaps Ms. Newport was ready to divulge in that opening scene for him. Getting to know Tucker throughout the story was probably my favorite part. His character surprised me in so many different ways, all of them good of course.
Newport keeps readers on their toes about the big family secret, and let me tell you this reader was just hanging on every word waiting for the truth to come out. She beautifully weaves in a different time period, which not only allows the reader to see the back story to the secret, but see how it all comes together in the end. I’m glad she decided to write this series in this way. Had we just got the information from Jillian’s research, it would have the same impact. Isn’t it great how stories can provide multiple POV’s to enhance a reader’s experience!?
In the Cradle Lies is a delightful read that has deepened my appreciation of genealogy research. For readers who are new to the series, I highly recommend starting with book one so they can see how it all began. Plus it’s just really good 🙂
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2019
In the Cradle Lies is an excellent novel! Part two of the Tree of Life series, this book is the perfect addition and a great holiday read!
Life in Canyon Mines has returned to normal; however, nothing stays quiet for long, and soon a new mystery plows into town.
Plagued with anger after hearing his Grandpa Matt's last words, Tucker Kintzler has come to Canyon Mines to escape his life in Missouri. Refocusing his thoughts, Tucker becomes obsessed with the legend of Hidden Run, a ski slope that has not been found or used for decades. The slope is treacherous and unpredictable, but will his new friends, Nolan, Jillian, and Kris, be able to stop him before he takes the plunge? Families will be questioned, friendships will be tried, and loyalty will be the thing that holds them altogether!
Flashback to the 1930s, in the town of Maple Turn, Missouri, where a boy named Matthew Ryder is growing up in a home is full of secrets. Struggling to feel like he belongs, Matthew won't stop until he uncovers the truth that has been hidden for so long; however, when the day of truth comes, Matthew will have to make a decision will either set him free or lock him in chains.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was well written and contained so much more emotion and care than The Inn at Hidden Run, book one of this series. My only complaint was that the synopsis spoils Tucker's fiance's arrival! Her entrance into the narrative would've been so unexpected had it not been written in the description. That said, I thought that the characters were relatable, the story not rushed, and the revelations shocking. I also loved the background story of Matthew's life because it brought all of the pieces together beautifully. This book is a must-read!!
~ Thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ~
Life in Canyon Mines has returned to normal; however, nothing stays quiet for long, and soon a new mystery plows into town.
Plagued with anger after hearing his Grandpa Matt's last words, Tucker Kintzler has come to Canyon Mines to escape his life in Missouri. Refocusing his thoughts, Tucker becomes obsessed with the legend of Hidden Run, a ski slope that has not been found or used for decades. The slope is treacherous and unpredictable, but will his new friends, Nolan, Jillian, and Kris, be able to stop him before he takes the plunge? Families will be questioned, friendships will be tried, and loyalty will be the thing that holds them altogether!
Flashback to the 1930s, in the town of Maple Turn, Missouri, where a boy named Matthew Ryder is growing up in a home is full of secrets. Struggling to feel like he belongs, Matthew won't stop until he uncovers the truth that has been hidden for so long; however, when the day of truth comes, Matthew will have to make a decision will either set him free or lock him in chains.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was well written and contained so much more emotion and care than The Inn at Hidden Run, book one of this series. My only complaint was that the synopsis spoils Tucker's fiance's arrival! Her entrance into the narrative would've been so unexpected had it not been written in the description. That said, I thought that the characters were relatable, the story not rushed, and the revelations shocking. I also loved the background story of Matthew's life because it brought all of the pieces together beautifully. This book is a must-read!!
~ Thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for providing me with the digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ~
February 6, 2020
I procrastinated reviewing this book because I didn't like it. At the same time, though, I felt like I should share my honest thoughts about this book.
My main take away from this book was, "Wow those people are nosy and need to mind their own business." In The Cradle Lies is set in the small town of Canyon Mines, kind of known for their skiing. Tucker comes to Canyon Mines to do just that- ski. But people who live in the town have made it their life mission to know everything about him, even though Tucker has no desire to talk to them or connect. Why can't they just let him enjoy his vacation- by himself like he wants?
At one point in the book Tucker actually seems genuinely upset and like he actually wants to talk to someone (vs. the rest of the time when they were just trying to force information out of him) and one of the main characters, Nolan, basically says, "you can trust me, you can tell me what's wrong, and I won't gossip about it." For a moment I thought, "Wow, he actually does care about Tucker and not just gossip" but as soon as Tucker left Nolan called his daughter to gossip about Tucker.
The book was also told in the present but with chapters every now and then that took place in the past. I found those chapters much more intriguing then the rest of the book and I think the book would have been much better if it was all set in the past.
Mostly the thing that bothers me about this book is I felt that Christians were portrayed as extremely nosy people who have no desire to help anyone and who desire to only gossip about peoples private lives. The book annoyed me to no end. Writing this review has just go me annoyed again.
I'm sure the author worked hard to create a story world she loved, but I'm afraid that that's why it was boring-- it was a story world that only she loved. She cared about Tucker so naturally she wanted Nolan to care about Tucker, and she wanted all of Canyon Mines to care. I guess what I really feel is that she didn't give me a reason to care-- I was more interested in being angry for Tucker that no one was respecting him as a person or his past.
There was also a temporary pointless love triangle that ended because it ended up that the person had been engaged to someone else the whole time. What even was the point of that? And Jillian, the main character, had a female best friend who went skiing with a stranger at night. Jillian knew this and hardly did anything to try to stop her. What kind of a friend does that? Her friend could have ended up murdered! Or missing!
The book was mostly people gossiping and random half plotted things that seemed to have been randomly put in the book without having any concrete reason.
I would give this book 2 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
My main take away from this book was, "Wow those people are nosy and need to mind their own business." In The Cradle Lies is set in the small town of Canyon Mines, kind of known for their skiing. Tucker comes to Canyon Mines to do just that- ski. But people who live in the town have made it their life mission to know everything about him, even though Tucker has no desire to talk to them or connect. Why can't they just let him enjoy his vacation- by himself like he wants?
At one point in the book Tucker actually seems genuinely upset and like he actually wants to talk to someone (vs. the rest of the time when they were just trying to force information out of him) and one of the main characters, Nolan, basically says, "you can trust me, you can tell me what's wrong, and I won't gossip about it." For a moment I thought, "Wow, he actually does care about Tucker and not just gossip" but as soon as Tucker left Nolan called his daughter to gossip about Tucker.
The book was also told in the present but with chapters every now and then that took place in the past. I found those chapters much more intriguing then the rest of the book and I think the book would have been much better if it was all set in the past.
Mostly the thing that bothers me about this book is I felt that Christians were portrayed as extremely nosy people who have no desire to help anyone and who desire to only gossip about peoples private lives. The book annoyed me to no end. Writing this review has just go me annoyed again.
I'm sure the author worked hard to create a story world she loved, but I'm afraid that that's why it was boring-- it was a story world that only she loved. She cared about Tucker so naturally she wanted Nolan to care about Tucker, and she wanted all of Canyon Mines to care. I guess what I really feel is that she didn't give me a reason to care-- I was more interested in being angry for Tucker that no one was respecting him as a person or his past.
There was also a temporary pointless love triangle that ended because it ended up that the person had been engaged to someone else the whole time. What even was the point of that? And Jillian, the main character, had a female best friend who went skiing with a stranger at night. Jillian knew this and hardly did anything to try to stop her. What kind of a friend does that? Her friend could have ended up murdered! Or missing!
The book was mostly people gossiping and random half plotted things that seemed to have been randomly put in the book without having any concrete reason.
I would give this book 2 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
July 11, 2021
Book number 2 in the Tree of Life series, I enjoyed it.
TRIGGER: Kidnapping of babies
Tucker finds out that he is adopted and that his family has a secret that could tear any family unit to shreds. Dealing with the hurt he finds himself living recklessly and blowing threw A LOT of money. He came to the wrong town if he thought he was going to be able to do what he wanted with his life and money, lol!!!
His actions drew the attention of Kris, Nia, Jillian and Nolan. Together as a team, they were bound and determined to figure out, for the sake of their new friend, the secret that was causing him to be fixated with skiing a dangerous and abandoned ski hill.
Nolan is also dealing with family issues that he knows he’d allow to go on for far too long. As an attorney, he is big on telling his clients, not to let anger keep them from forgiving. Now that he must wear the shoes, he realizes that things are much easier being said, than actually being done.
——-
Personal note, yes the characters are too nosey for me, but it reminds me of how my Bishop says that we are not meant to do life alone. Maybe this world would be a much better place if others would help friends and even strangers without an agenda. Being led by the Spirit, to go out of our way to bring happiness, resolve, and peace to someone, letting them see God through us.
This is why I like this series, I get to see how they allow God to use their talents, time and even their careers to help others.
TRIGGER: Kidnapping of babies
Tucker finds out that he is adopted and that his family has a secret that could tear any family unit to shreds. Dealing with the hurt he finds himself living recklessly and blowing threw A LOT of money. He came to the wrong town if he thought he was going to be able to do what he wanted with his life and money, lol!!!
His actions drew the attention of Kris, Nia, Jillian and Nolan. Together as a team, they were bound and determined to figure out, for the sake of their new friend, the secret that was causing him to be fixated with skiing a dangerous and abandoned ski hill.
Nolan is also dealing with family issues that he knows he’d allow to go on for far too long. As an attorney, he is big on telling his clients, not to let anger keep them from forgiving. Now that he must wear the shoes, he realizes that things are much easier being said, than actually being done.
——-
Personal note, yes the characters are too nosey for me, but it reminds me of how my Bishop says that we are not meant to do life alone. Maybe this world would be a much better place if others would help friends and even strangers without an agenda. Being led by the Spirit, to go out of our way to bring happiness, resolve, and peace to someone, letting them see God through us.
This is why I like this series, I get to see how they allow God to use their talents, time and even their careers to help others.
November 4, 2019
I like Newport's writing style. There is just something about how she tells a story that captures me. Much of the narrative consists of the day to day activities of the people involved. There are no live and death suspense moments involved in the plot. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the novel.
I did not feel the plot was very strong. A man comes to town to ski and befriends people. We find he is struggling over something. Through flashbacks, we find the history behind his turmoil. Genealogy researcher Jillian and her dad help the fellow to understand his situation and come to grips with what must be done. There is sort of a love triangle included but not really. Newport does address several issues in the character interaction such as shame and guilt.
This is a novel for people who like a gentle story without any heart stopping suspense. The characters come across as good people wanting to do the right thing and that is refreshing.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I did not feel the plot was very strong. A man comes to town to ski and befriends people. We find he is struggling over something. Through flashbacks, we find the history behind his turmoil. Genealogy researcher Jillian and her dad help the fellow to understand his situation and come to grips with what must be done. There is sort of a love triangle included but not really. Newport does address several issues in the character interaction such as shame and guilt.
This is a novel for people who like a gentle story without any heart stopping suspense. The characters come across as good people wanting to do the right thing and that is refreshing.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 7, 2019
When I read book one in Oliva Newport’s Tree of Life series, I had a couple of complaints. But, I’m all about giving an author a second chance, and I’m pleased to say that those issues I had with book one were nonexistent in book two.
In the Cradle Lies is another split time story where family history weaves well with a present dilemma. I liked Tyler, I appreciated that Jillian and Nolan have a more personal thread in this book, and the mystery of why Tyler was so intent on his mission kept the story moving.
Newport also moves the focus of the book from the inn that was prominent in book one to a few of the other businesses around town which gives readers a better feel for this Colorado haven.
I am so glad I decided to try another book by this author. The reward greatly outweighed the risk and now I’m looking forward to visiting Hidden Run again.
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.
In the Cradle Lies is another split time story where family history weaves well with a present dilemma. I liked Tyler, I appreciated that Jillian and Nolan have a more personal thread in this book, and the mystery of why Tyler was so intent on his mission kept the story moving.
Newport also moves the focus of the book from the inn that was prominent in book one to a few of the other businesses around town which gives readers a better feel for this Colorado haven.
I am so glad I decided to try another book by this author. The reward greatly outweighed the risk and now I’m looking forward to visiting Hidden Run again.
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.
November 1, 2019
This is a very well written book that stays with you long after you finish the last page. It's a story of sins of the fathers passed down through generations and how they deal with it and how it affects other people. This book is full of mystery, suspense and a dash of romance. Even though this is the second book in the Tree of Life series it can easily be read as a stand alone. I can't wait to read the next book in this excellent series. Thank you Barbour Publishing Shiloh Run Press via NetGallery for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 26, 2019
In the Cradle Lies is the second book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. Jillian and her father, Nolan join together to solve another genealogy puzzle of a guest, Tucker staying at the Inn at Hidden Run in their small, skiing/tourist town of Canyon Mines, Colorado. Tucker has no idea that this friendly town will embrace him while he recklessly spends large amounts of money on anyone he comes across. Not only does he freely give gifts, but he flies down the slopes full throttle. As Jillian works her magic and her dad takes ski lessons from Tucker, the story unwraps a second tale about Tucker's grandfather.
I enjoyed the seamless way the author meshed these dual plots. The action moved quickly and kept my interest. I felt this second book in the series improved upon the first and the topic of genealogy has created an interest to further delve into my own family history. The father and daughter enjoy a pleasant relationship and are inspiring as they entertain guests in their home; a very nice touch.
I received a copy from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
#InTheCradleLies #NetGalley
I enjoyed the seamless way the author meshed these dual plots. The action moved quickly and kept my interest. I felt this second book in the series improved upon the first and the topic of genealogy has created an interest to further delve into my own family history. The father and daughter enjoy a pleasant relationship and are inspiring as they entertain guests in their home; a very nice touch.
I received a copy from Net Galley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.
#InTheCradleLies #NetGalley
December 30, 2019
I loved the first book in this series, The Inn at Hidden Run, and did not think the second could be as good. It definitely was. As a genealogist myself, the genealogy theme in this novel was once again incredibly well done. Along with mystery and a touch of romance, I couldn't put this book down.
The sins of those before us can definitely carry over into present day as Tucker felt the burden of what his grandfather, Matthew, kept hidden and passed on to Tucker. With the help of Jillian and her father, Nolan, Tucker learned the past of his family, found a solution that would be just, and gained peace from the devastating discoveries of his family's past.
I am impatiently waiting for the next book, When I Meet You, that will be released May 2020.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
The sins of those before us can definitely carry over into present day as Tucker felt the burden of what his grandfather, Matthew, kept hidden and passed on to Tucker. With the help of Jillian and her father, Nolan, Tucker learned the past of his family, found a solution that would be just, and gained peace from the devastating discoveries of his family's past.
I am impatiently waiting for the next book, When I Meet You, that will be released May 2020.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Shiloh Run Press through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
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