Thursday Review: The Inn At Hidden Run by Olivia Newport

The Inn At Hidden Run is book one in Olivia Newport's new Tree of Life Series.  I was intrigued by this book for two reasons, the first is that I enjoy Olivia Newport's work and the second is my interest in genealogy.  I was hooked from page one and the story just kept getting better.

This story parallels two distinct eras that are interwoven in ways that I never would have guessed.  Present day Meri, a young medical school dropout shows up in Canyon Mines and accepts a job she is clearly over qualified for.  The mystery surrounding her appearance and secretive manner are too much for father daughter duo Nolan and Jillian to leave alone. They are surely a team to have in your corner and they really made a case for genealogy as the center of many traits that surface time and again through generations. 

Step back into Memphis, 1878, where Yellow Fever nearly knocked out the entire population of the city.  Miss Eliza remains in the city, working tirelessly among the dead and dying.  Her courage is unflinching, especially when it comes to the orphaned children.  Her story is remarkable, and though a fictional character, Olivia Newport's research and ability to tell a compelling story take you right alongside Eliza's journey.

If you like mystery, you will enjoy this blend of contemporary and historical fiction.  The setting in a small town in Colorado makes it a good choice to sit back with a cup of tea and while away the afternoon. 

I received an advanced copy of this book from Barbour Publishing with no obligation for a review.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.

A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection - Nine Novellas to Warm Up Your Christmas

Reading A Plain And Sweet Christmas was a bit of a change for me.  This historical novella collection is filled with the stories of nine couples set in the Christmas season.  Take a break from your typical commercial holiday faire and relax with this collection from Amish, Mennonite, Quaker and Amana Settlements.

In this collection you will find:
A Crossroad to Love by Lauralee Bliss
Simple Gifts by Ramona K Cecil
A Christmas Prayer by Dianne Christner
Treasure of the Heart by Melanie Dobson
Love Is Forever by Jerry Echer
Love's Pure Light by Olivia Newport
Pirate of My Heart by Rachael O. Phillips
Equally Yoked by Claire Sanders
Abigail's Christmas Candles by Anna Schmidt

Treasure of the Heart by Melanie Dobson, set in the Amana Colonies was particularly fun for me. This treasure in Iowa is largely preserved and rich with history.  I have visited the area several times and I could visualize each place mentioned in the story.  It is a fun place to stop into if you are ever in the Cedar Rapids area.

Each story gave insight to individual struggles the couples had to bear whether from their past or trials they faced within their faith. Although set in days gone by, many of the themes resonate today. Whether it is facing a separation due to war, helping in the Abolition Movement or leaving the life of a pirate for a newfound faith, the characters are easy to identify with. 

Even with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, all were wrapped up neatly like a bow on packages under our trees.  Consider picking up this book for a change of pace from the aforementioned movies.  These are not cookie cutter formula stories and you won't have to suffer a large dose of commercials!

Bookshelf worthy with five stars.

Reviewing: Gladden the Heart by Olivia Newport

Gladden the Heart  by Olivia Newport, gives us a glimpse of the revivalism movement in America in 1847.  When our story begins, Susanna Hooley is gathering roots and wildflowers to create dyes for fabric.  In the clearing is a large tent for one of Reverend Braxton's revival meetings.  The hot July afternoon brought a large crowd to hear her friend Patsy's father preaching a powerful message. Susanna's Amish community was not immune to the impassioned messages that poured from the good reverend's tongue. Such things were not heard in the long three hour meetings she experienced every other Sunday. Intrigued by what she heard, coupled with seeing so many Amish from her district, she steeled herself away.

Not long after this, however, her life is turned upside down by her cousin Noah. During a normal conversation on an ordinary Sunday afternoon, he fell under a spell.  The normally quiet man began to preach from the book of John.  His message was so powerful and strong, many gathered to hear, including the bishop.  The bishop fully believes that Noah is wakeful and willful with his preaching and orders him to stop. Noah was unaware that he gave such stirring sermons straight from the bible. When he woke from his trances he was exhausted and slept for hours.

It isn't long before Susanna discovers Noah's unpredictable behavior has happened before.   She is determined to help Noah's wife Phoebe keep him safe, disregarding opinions from her mother, the bishop and even Adam Yotter, her intended.  The situation becomes a controversy as many in the community begin congregating at Noah's house daily to hear him preach.  It is only when a near tragedy occurs that Susanna, Adam, his uncle and the bishop come together to help Noah and find common ground. 

I enjoyed this book.  Many people were yearning for meaningful spiritual experiences they didn't find in their usual long, dry services.  A powerful message such as those delivered under the big tent seemed to offer more.  While traditional clergy may have argued that nobody could gauge a true enlightened experience, I disagree. How can anyone know what another truly experiences.  The human experience is amazing and sometimes the true picture cannot be told by looking at someone.  The sleeping preacher phenomenon was real, something I was unaware of.  In the midst of this time in America, great changes were taking place. It is ironic that even the Amish, who lived separate from others would experience such things. Enlightening.  

Reviewing Meek and Mild

I am a fan of Amish Fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed reading Meek and Mild by Olivia Newport. The story is about the Amish but is rich with complex issues you aren't looking for in the plain lifestyle. Clara Kuhns' is in love with Andrew Raber but is hesitant to wed. Clara's mother passed away in childbirth, leaving her worried and anxious about having children of her own.  Her family is part of an Old Order Amish community. Her mother's family is part of a growing Mennonite group who believe in teaching Sunday School.  The Bishop of Clara's community has made it difficult for her to visit with her aunt and cousins by instituting the age old custom of shunning people with different beliefs.  As the story developed, I felt impatient with the old order because of this practice.

Truth about a change that began by a vote when Clara was very young comes to light and sends the community on the brink of big change.  Reading about what happened was not predictable and the outcome was surprising enough to lead me to appreciate Olivia's writing style. The characters are very well written and I found myself disappointed to put the book down.

I really liked this book because of how it dealt with the heart of the young heroine who has so many questions about life and her faith and feels quite alone.  Her stepmother seems to be pushing her out of the home by making her feel unneeded for even the simplest task around the house.  Andrew has been tempting fate and the Ordnung with his acquisition of a car found by the side of the road bearing a note asking the finder to please take the car. Cars are not part of the simple life and Clara is worried it may get Andrew Shunned. Andrew takes everything in stride which worries Clara more. It is a twist of fate that changes her heart toward love and marriage.

This new glimpse into the Amish people has given me a chance to do a little extra research afterwards. Suffice it to say that not only is this a wonderful love story, it is a nice work of historical fiction on a difficult period for the Amish. They have succeeded in continuing to live good lives of strong faith and adherence to a lifestyle that has survived since it began in 1693.