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 fiancĂ©e 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.
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
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*
About the Author
Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twenty something children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a free copy of In the Cradle Lies!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
More from Olivia
True confession. I live in Colorado and don’t ski.
In the Cradle Lies includes several references to “How can you live in the Colorado mountains and not ski?” Jillian, a main character in the Tree of Life series, has lived in the mountain town of Canyon Mines since she was two, and by the time she was eight she knew she didn’t want to ski.
I grew up in Illinois, and while my high school had a ski club and somehow found places to ski (I’m not sure where; um, not exactly mountain territory), I was sure I would break something. Arriving in Colorado in my forties did not persuade me to take up skiing at that age. I live at the base of Pikes Peak, not in the mountains like Jillian. I do love the views!
But one of the fun things about being a writer is learning a lot about things you know little about. Enter Google and YouTube. And more YouTube. And … you get the drift.
Some quick facts about Colorado skiing to help get you in the mood for In the Cradle Lies:
- Colorado typically leads the country in “skier days”—days of skiing purchased in ski areas. Actually, most people in the state don’t ski. By a large margin. Like 90 percent. (So I feel better and so does Jillian.)
- People visiting the state to ski or snowboard are important to our economy. (So thank you!)
- Colorado has hosted about 175 ski areas since it became a state in 1876. Today, we have only about 30 operating resorts—so there are lots of dormant, lost, and hidden runs like the one in my story.
I hope you’ll check out In the Cradle Lies—and find out why Tucker came from St. Louis to Canyon Mines to ski an abandoned run that put his life at risk.
Blog Stops
Through the Fire Blogs, December 3
All-of-a-kind Mom, December 3
Inklings and notions, December 4
Daysong Reflections, December 4
Genesis 5020, December 5
Godly Book Reviews, December 5
Just the Write Escape, December 6
Pause for Tales, December 7
For Him and My Family, December 7
For the Love of Literature, December 8
Mary Hake, December 8
Betti Mace, December 9
Bigreadersite, December 9
A Baker’s Perspective, December 10
Hallie Reads, December 10
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11
Spoken from the Heart, December 11
Older & Smarter?, December 12
Texas Book-aholic , December 13
Blogging With Carol, December 13
janicesbookreviews, December 14
Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 15
A Reader’s Brain, December 16
With a Joyful Noise, December 16
8 comments:
The ski facts at the end of the post were great.
Sounds good.
I liked the review.
Sounds like a great read.
Marilyn
This book sounds like a great read.
I really enjoyed this book, and seeing the two storylines come together.
Really looking forward to reading this one!
@ Esther - I agree: ski facts are so cool!
@ Kim - I hope you're able to read it!
@ Rita - thank you!
@ Marilyn - it is one of my top favorites for 2019! :D
@ Debbie - I really enjoyed it, and hope you get to read it!
@ Emma - yes! How she wove in the two storylines was fantastic!
@ Melissa - I hope you enjoy!
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