Jillian Parisi-Duffy has turned her genealogy hobby into a career. She lives in the quaint Canyon Mines community with her father, Nolan, who is a lawyer specializing in mediation. Meri Davies arrives in town at the local bed and breakfast, where she takes a job. Jillian and Nolan know there is more to Meri's story, particularly since she's avoiding her phone and questions about her family as well as college. Can Jillian and Nolan convince Meri that her family's genealogy may hold answers to Meri's current dilemma? Or will Meri run and hide away somewhere else?

THE INN AT HIDDEN RUN is the first book in the Tree of Life series and features a fascinating concept. As a social worker, I'm well aware of the research being done on epigenetics and the impact of the family on generations. Despite being very familiar with family genograms, the idea of researching a person's actual genealogy to look for clues and answers had never really dawned on me and I loved seeing the idea explored through the eyes of a genealogist!

Olivia Newport weaves together the past and the present in two intersecting storylines that present us with a phenomenal tale. I have to admit I loved visiting in the past with Eliza even more so than I did spending time with Jillian, Meri, and Nolan, but only because of the intriguing historical facts Olivia Newport includes. I've not read many stories about yellow fever and its impact on Memphis and the details are horrifying even as the acts of heroism are inspiring. THE INN AT HIDDEN RUN is easily recommended!