What You Said to Me by Olivia Newport

I enjoyed this latest novel in the Tree of Life series featuring genealogy investigations. The story takes place in what was previously a mining town in Colorado. The narrative has two time periods, today and the early 1890s. The historical story is of closing silver mines and thousands of men losing their jobs. The experiences of one family then has ramifications for people today.

Newport's writing style is a pleasant one, almost old fashioned in that it is gentle. I like it as it makes for an easy and comfortable reading experience. I liked the banter between Jillian, the genealogy researcher, and her dad, one skilled in mediation. I liked learning about the Colorado silver mines and the devastation the ensued when the U.S. ceased to buy so much silver, moving toward more gold coinage.

Newport explores a number of relationship issues in the novel. Jillian is looking to historical adoptions, some of which were not through normal legal channels. A troubled teen, Tisha, is helping her, working off community hours. Tisha finds out that some people do not want to know their family origins, even though she wants to find out who her father is. The whole issue makes one think about how important family heritage is and if it influences current behavior.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Olivia Newport lives in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies.

Shiloh run Press, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)