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Tree of Life #5

Now That I Know You

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Cate Butler is the distant cousin genealogist Jillian was so certain she wanted to find—and the only connection she has to her deceased mother’s Parisi family tree. So why does she wish Cate would stop pestering her? And why can’t Jillian find a paper trail proving Cate is who she says she is?

Cate wants something for her own career that Jillian can’t give, but she also holds the key to family history Jillian can’t bring herself to walk away from. Nolan, Jillian’s father, steps in when Cate’s chronic career chaos requires legal rescue. Drew, the man who holds Jillian’s heart, has a surprising past with Cate. The truths Jillian, Cate, and Drew find while untangling these knotted threads tie them back together in remarkable ways none of them ever would have imagined.

Now That I Know You is Book 5 in the Tree of Life series, exploring and celebrating unforgettable family stories in Canyon Mines, the mountain town that invites you back again and again.

Olivia Newport’s novels blend the truth of how our pasts carry us into where we find ourselves now. Curiosity about history seems to creep into everything she does. Her books include Amish, historical, and contemporary stories that span the centuries from before the Revolutionary War right up to the present moment. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.

246 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2021

4 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Olivia Newport

58Ìýbooks624Ìýfollowers
Hello!

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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Marguerite Gray.
AuthorÌý20 books604 followers
January 22, 2022
There are so many awesome aspects about this series: split-time, a genealogist, mystery, characters with depth, family. I’ve read the others in the series, and Now that I Know You has all the winning elements as before. While reading this novel, I feel I’ve missed my calling. I want to be a genealogist too! Jillian has a knack for asking and answering the right questions. Patience that I probably wouldn’t have. I reach a dead end and don’t know which rabbit tunnel to follow or when to find another rabbit hole to explore. This character is so good at her job.

The setting is a huge draw. Colorado has a rich history with eclectic groups of people who populated the area generations ago. Living exposed to the elements of nature creates a strong, self-sufficient citizen. But at the same time, depending on neighbors and family is a vital survival tool. My favorite genealogist (Jillian) words her magic again, this time with the discovery of her own family lineage. Join her on this journey and connect the dots with her. Bravo, Olivia Newport.
Profile Image for Chautona Havig.
AuthorÌý280 books1,823 followers
January 12, 2022
Is This Last Book as Good as the Rest?

Yes and no!

The story ofÌýNow That I Know You is probably my favorite of the whole series. It gripped me from page one and carried me on waves of emotion all through the melding of past and present as Olivia Newport does so well. There's intrigue, danger, twists, connections... There'sÌýso much to love about this book.

Fun fact about the story. There's a "cliche" or stereotype in there that I totally missed until I started writing this review.Ìý That's how well the author wove what is a cultural thing into a story without making it cliche or stereotypical.Ìý It's brilliantly done.

However, this book does have a few problems I have to note. The editing is lacking. From the overuse of people's names in dialogue (it gets tedious at times) and the wrong word used here or there, I found it frustrating to try to ignore what refused to be ignored. I may have read an ARC (provided to me for review) that was not the final copy, butÌý I received it after the publication date, so I doubt it.

Despite that, this is still my favorite book of the series, and I really hope Olivia Newport writes more in a similar vein somehow. I really did love this book despite a couple of small warts.

Recommended for lovers of genealogy, history, mystery, and family.Ìý Not recommended for readers looking for an overt faith element. It's there, but it's understated--more subtext than anything.
828 reviews28 followers
January 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! Actually, I have really enjoyed all the books in this series, and I'm a bit sad that it is ending, although all the loose strings have been wrapped up now. This author has a way of making me feel like I am in Canyon Mines with Jillian and her father and friends. I thoroughly enjoyed both the contemporary timeline and the historical one, and it was fun to learn about a historical event that I had never heard of—although it was not always nice to read about.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
786 reviews76 followers
December 11, 2021
4.5 stars for this 5th book in the Tree of Life series. I've really enjoyed the father-daughter duo characters who make up the primary characters in this series and this time around the history is personal. When Jillian sent in her DNA hoping to find out more about her deceased mother's extended family, she's thrilled when a match is found nearby - until that 4th cousin once removed won't leave her alone. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story and the historical timeline told me once again of a historical event that shaped our nation's history that I'd never heard of. While I struggled a bit with the stilted-ness of the conversation in the historical timeline, there was a realism and purpose to that as the characters in that timeline didn't speak English very well as Italian was their native language. The author once again seamlessly transitioned from past to present throughout the book and brought the timelines together in a satisfactory ending. I enjoyed the story line in both timelines and enjoyed learning more about Jillian's family history. Since this is the 5th book in what was scheduled to be a 4-book series, I hope to hear more of these characters still! Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
3,717 reviews1,755 followers
December 8, 2022
I'm intrigued by family history and genealogical mysteries so I have been a fan of this Tree of Life series from the very start. I have found Jillian to be a complex and fascinating character and I love the close relationship she has with her widowed father. Their teasing and bickering always makes me smile, but it's there steadfast devotion to each other that is especially touching.

'Now That I Know You' is the fifth and final book in this series and I do think you should have read at least one of the previous books before diving into this one. That's because of the cemented relationships, not just between father and daughter but with their bevy of friends. I have a feeling a new-to-the-series reader would feel a bit overwhelmed. And then there's the romance between Jillian and Drew that has been developing over the last few books.

Newport expertly weaves together two timelines and this time, the past features Jillian's own ancestors. The author delves into some fascinating (and tragic) Colorado mining history and it's up to Jillian to sort out all the players and how they are connected to her present.

A captivating series conclusion that had me wanting to stand up and cheer by the end. So much to smile about. So much to think about -- how families can be victimized or blessed by previous generations -- why it's important to look at historical details with accuracy in order to really understand the past and prevent repeating mistakes in the present. And the courage it takes to do so.

Profile Image for Loraine.
3,359 reviews
April 23, 2022
Now That I Know You is the 5th book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. It features father-daughter genealogy team, Nolan and Jillian Parisi-Duffy and is set in Canyon Mines Colorado. Jillian is continuing to search for a distant cousin, Cate Butler, who may be able to help Jillian extend her mother's Parisi line. But can Jillian find the proof that Cate is who she say she is?

With another wonderful split time novel, Newport shows how tracing family back into history can often lead to the good, the bad, and the ugly. But it is still your family's history. And tracing family can result in many tangled branches that twist and turn until the truth is finally uncovered.

Another wonderful genealogical mystery whose historical thread is based on the actual Ludlow Massacre which occurred during the mine strikes of the 1910's.
1,574 reviews32 followers
January 27, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Now That I Know You is only this 2nd book I have read in this series. It looks like I have some catching up to do. But this book is fine reading as a standalone. The only slip time books I connect with are the authors that can smoothly slip between historical and contemporary eras and perfectly connect the two storylines. Well, have no fear; Olivia Newport does this effortlessly. I so much enjoyed the characters from each era and enjoyed the ties between the characters.

My grandma was born in the early 1900’s so I couldn’t help wishing she were here so I could ask if her family went through similar rough times. I think Newport handles the historical parts very well, and readers can tell the amount of research she does by the vivid scenes throughout the book. I love the attention to details and development of the plot and characters as the story unfolds. Now That I Know You is Five Stars for me. I highly recommend this book to everyone! You will love it.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Olga.
353 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2022
it's indeed a sweet book, a nice ending for a lovely series. but it's also very, very naive, and so sweet it makes your teeth ache. I think this last installment was just too dreamy, and when people in the story never experience a single mishap, and everything goes just as it should... well, it gets quite boring. but it was not a terrible read. so, read at your own risk (;
Profile Image for Jennifer K.
368 reviews18 followers
December 21, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed my trip back to Canyon Mines. Olivia Newport has created a wonderful community and I just had to catch up with these characters. The closeness between this father and daughter team is touching while the banter is fun. This mystery involved someone on their family tree and it became very interesting and entangling. The historical portion of this dual time frame involved a difficult season for those families. Yet they banded together to survive and their story was not forgotten. Of course, this book included romance as well as the love found in sharing life together. A welcome addition to the Tree of Life series! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karen.
235 reviews
December 5, 2021
Love these books! Love these characters! I always love the historical story too. I learn so much about a different time. I recommend these books to anyone.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
2,971 reviews124 followers
January 15, 2022
This series has been exceptional. Every book branches out to the next to give readers a taste of past and present. I adore slip time stories and the author is eloquently gifted in this genre. You will hear no complaints from me as I have fallen in love with the families from this series and want it to continue forever. Well that was very dramatic, wasn’t it? I am just a person that respects an author that achieves the honor of sweeping me away from my everyday life. I must mention before I go into details about the characters. There is a blessing that is said by Nolan that left me speechless. It is so good, I have written it down in my journal so I can read it everyday. Make sure you don’t overlook this gem in the story.

Reading about the miners in the early 1910s was difficult at times. Strikers trying to get better pay and benefits angered some. The violence that occurs is not easy to read. I don’t mean that it is graphic but so disheartening to the extent that I wanted to cry. Men working so hard to provide for their families only to find themselves out of a job and many without a place to live. I couldn’t get enough of learning about what happened in this time period. Some details have left lasting imprints on my heart. The love that Chiara and Celestrino share is unwavering. The scenes where they are trying to stay alive and escape the gunfire is powerful. The Ludlow Massacre is something I am not familiar with. With the author’s research she has given readers a look at what happened during this period. I enjoyed reading the notes at the end of the book which helped me understand more about the struggles families faced.

As we go to present time we are greeted with familiar faces. I’m happy to see Jillian , Nolan and Drew back on the pages. They are very much vital to this series and I was excited to see where the author would take them. For some reason I couldn’t quite connect with Cate. She seemed to keep secrets and was always causing trouble. Jillian is struggling to find patience with her new found cousin, but at times I think it is hard to do. There is historical facts in the book that intrigued me and I especially liked how these two time periods meshed together. At the root of this series is the importance of family. We have witnessed new relationships, learned from the past and realized how important ancestors are.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Gretchen Garrison.
AuthorÌý3 books27 followers
January 14, 2022
This is a dual story timeline set in Colorado. What I particularly enjoyed is the fact that the part that was set in the 1910s was based on historical fact and research on the Ludlow Massacre. Since the author had a personal connection to the research, this made the book even more interesting.
Because "Now that I Know You" is book five in the "Tree of Life" series, it is ideal if the reader has read the other books first. If that is not possible, this book connects most directly with book three, "When I Meet You." It had been a year or so since I read that one, and I wish I would have picked it up again as there were some details that I was even fuzzy on.
Jillian and her father, Nolan, continue to work together on what they know best, genealogical research and mediation. This storyline is connected the most to both of them. Jillian is introduced to members of her late mother's family.
This book is the closest one to a romance. For those who like that angle, there is plenty of "Dreamy Drew" time in this one. I enjoyed reading how they supported each other.
The details provided about the Ludlow Massacre were a bit intense. I am not sure that the author could write it any other way since it was based so much on fact. But this one is probably not for younger teen readers where a few of the other books in this series could be okay.
Due to the extreme number of characters in this particular book at times, it was a bit hard to follow who was who. Especially since there were characters mentioned in both the past and the present timelines. I did like how many of them were connected. In the modern day, I did like how the author tried to gather everyone together for one celebration. There was some explanation given to catch the reader up. But for me, it might not quite have been enough. My final rating is 4.5 stars on this one.
I was skeptical about the "Tree of Life" series when I first read it. But now it is a must read for me. It will be interesting for me to see if the author ends up writing another book to add to the collection. If she does, I will definitely read it.
I did read this book as a part of a book tour. I was provided with a copy. Writing a review was my idea. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,595 reviews101 followers
January 20, 2022
I’ve read the first two novels in this series and enjoyed getting to know and hanging out with the father-daughter team, Jillian the genealogist, and Nolan the mediator//lawyer. In past books, the mystery didn’t involve anyone in this team’s immediate family and/or extended past generations. In this story, readers get an up-close and personal view of Jillian and her father as Jillian discovers a long-lost family member.

Jillian and Nolan are thrown a curve when Cate Butler (a distant cousin) bangs on their front door! What? Jillian and her father weren’t expecting Cate’s hot mess to bleed into their lives, in more ways than one. Jillian and Nolan were good about setting boundaries with their clients, since they both worked from home a good bit. But this was a little different, Cate was a long-lost family member they wanted to get to know.

This story has a tragic historical side to it, the miners� strike back in 1914 known as the “Ludlow Massacre� The author first heard of this event through her son school. Olivia says,� The injustice and tragedy of the story weighed heavy, but so did the legacy of the events and their eventual impact on history that affects us even today. People often ask where book ideas come from. Sometimes they germinate inside me for a long time before the moment is ripe to put them on the page in the lives of characters who have grown around them. This is one of those stories.�

I enjoyed this adventure, present and past. I loved that the author allowed readers a chance to get to know Jillian and her family in an intimate way. This story will tug at your heart strings, make you think, and stay with you long after you close the book. It's a win, win for your next book club pick. There is so much to talk about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through Kindle Unlimited. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog
Profile Image for Lindsay.
598 reviews23 followers
March 13, 2025
We have been reintroduced to Jillian and Nolan. Her father and I were introduced to her so-called fourth cousin, Cate Buttler, on her mother's side. We also know Drew is mentioned, who seems to be now dating Jillian.

How will Jillian feel about this new cousin from the Perisi family? Who is Cate Buttler, and is she related to Jillian Duffy? Cate seems to persist in Jillian helping her and understanding her, but she comes unannounced. Can Jillian help her?
The plot gets ticker as we get started. The book takes time to travel back to 1913, in Pueblo, Colorado, to begin the family history story. The book does go back to the present again. We will get this throughout, and it is interesting. We meet Carrick and Ela.

We are introduced to a few more characters in 1913. They are Caterina, her husband Geppetto, and her son Giuseppe (Peppy). We also got the name Salvatore as an uncle's name.Ìý We jump to September 19, 1913, and learn about Parisi's family history through the eyes of Caterina. When she reads about the strike, she starts to worry about her friend Chiara, who is sick with a child.Ìý Chiara's husband is a miner who works for a mining company. Will she bring her friend Chiara and her husband home to stay?

We also learn that Parisi worked for Carrick and Ela Kyps, the ranch owners, in 1913. But will they survive and bring home their friends? Caterina seems to Ela that she does not like the coming strike. They offer or ask her to go and get her friend Chiara. Will they find and bring them home?

Jillian is getting ready to head south to meet up with her Cate Butler, who says she is a cousin and asks what career Cate has and why she might or is asking for Jillian's help. Nolan is still home when she comes down to eat. Jillian wants to know if her dad won't be coming. He has to deal with Court and meetings. However, Drew will be meeting her. Nolan seems to be getting calls that he does not want his daughter to overhear. Jillian still wished he was coming with her. What is this call about, or about his court meeting in Denver? Will Jillian get clues about Cate Butler or any other clues about her mother's side of the family history?
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,271 reviews45 followers
January 20, 2022
Some family tree branches need a little shaking...

Genealogy is something that has fascinated me since I was young child reading our family history books at my great grandma's house. Those books were put together by various family members, none of them professionals, and sometimes those long dead ancestors seemed more alive than the living distant relatives that I'd never met. Hence the reason I have been so caught up in the Tree Of Life series from Olivia Newport, of which Now That I Know You is the fifth book.

Continuing on with the Tree Of Life series tradition of bringing historical events to life and making those events real to readers through the fictional lives of its characters, Now That I Know You takes on the difficulties of early turn of the century coal mine workers struggles for better pay and working conditions, as well as the freedom to do business outside of the company and to choose their own doctors. Though the characters in this story are fictional they do represent the realities faced by real people a hundred years ago and it seriously made me pause to think about how insulated we are from the harsh conditions that were endured to bring the comforts and fairness we now take for granted.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was way Olivia Newport tied it in so well to the previous books. Key events and characters make an appearance and there are some surprising connections for Jillian to uncover.

Now That I Know You was good read about the messiness of life and family. Our Tree Of Life can often be the most important thing in our lives and the source of our biggest heartaches. Olivia Newport did a great job with this book and I sincerely hope there will be more coming from Jillian, Nolan, Drew, and the rest of Canyon Mines...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,636 reviews38 followers
January 16, 2022
Genealogy research has become VERY popular in the last few years. I personally haven't done any research, but the stories I hear of those researching their Family History are intriguing. Now That I Know You by Olivia Newport is Book 5 in the Tree of Life Series.

Genealogist Jillian has been wanting to connect with her distant cousin Cate Butler. Cate is the only connection to Jillian's deceased mother's Parisi Family Tree. Once Jillian locates Cate, Cate cannot quit pestering Jillian and it is annoying Jillian. Cate wants Jillian to help her further her career, which Jillian is unsure of how to help. Jillian doesn't want to lose the connection with Cate as Cate is the one with information that Jillian needs about her deceased mother. Jillian's Father, Nolan, has to step in and help Cate's never ending Career Chaos with some legal help. Jillian's boyfriend, Drew, has a past with Cate. Jillian, Cate and Drew begin to unravel the past and the truths they find leave them stunned. Will Jillian find the info about her Deceased Mother's past? Will Cate's career be in good standing after help from Nolan? What is the stunning information discovered by the trio?

WOW!! Book 5 is the end of this series. I have had the joy of reading Books 3-5. I am sad that the series is ending as it truly was one of the best series I have ever read! Book 5 was really intriguing to me. The connections between Jillian, Cate and Drew were very interesting to read and really was some "edge of the seat" reading. I got so interested in this book that I read it until I was finished, took me about 3hrs. It truly is an enjoyable book. Those who are really into Genealogy and Mystery, would really enjoy this book. It reads really well as a Stand Alone book! GREAT BOOK!
1,092 reviews10 followers
January 11, 2022
Oh how I hate to see this series end! I have thoroughly spending time in the mountain town of Canyon Mines, Colorado with Jillian Parisi and her opera loving (and singing) father as well as their delightful friends and neighbors. I loved the homey small town atmosphere where everyone knew their neighbors and were all prepared to support their needs.

In this final installment of the series, Jillian has found a cousin from her late mother’s mostly unknown relatives. As excited as she is to have a cousin near her age, Jillian is afraid that Cate may want more from her than she is prepared to give. Nevertheless, in her true style, Jillian finds herself in the middle of Cate’s problems and as they research Cate’s project, they find family history no one knew and also some unexpected connections between them and others in their lives.

Now That I Know You was a joy to read and I especially enjoyed learning a few interesting yet tragic historical facts from Colorado history. I find the genealogical aspect of this series to be of special interest and would love to read more books of this type.

Characters are quite realistic and I would love to know most of them. The romantic element is perfect and occupies just the right amount of the story. Faith is an important factor that also blends into the plot unobtrusively.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well as the entire series. It could be read on its on but I suggest reading each book in order to get the most from the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,070 reviews30 followers
December 18, 2023
The Tree of Life series is one that I am sad to see end as I have enjoyed this series immensely. The combination of past and present, genealogy and the present co-mingling seamlessly is something I will always appreciate, as these subjects are near and dear to my heart.

In this final installment we see Jillian’s genealogy take center stage as she pieces together the Parisi family, her maternal side of the family, and with it some angst from her newly found cousin, Cate. Cate and her attitude annoyed me so much!! I know she’s frustrated with her situation, but her attitude didn’t do anyone any favors, and I hated seeing her treat Jillian the way she did. Cate grated my nerves to the point that I almost wanted to stop reading a few times, but I had to press on to see the Parisi branch of the tree to fruition, and I’m glad I did.

The characters are really what made this novel sparkle, especially Drew and Jillian who are so stinking cute together! I loved every scene with the two of them, but what really added flavor is the sassy Min, who is always a scene stealer with her wit and humor. Add in Nolan, Jillian’s father, who has been a favorite of mine throughout the series, and you’ve got a cast of characters that will always hold a special place in my heart.

When I finished this novel I felt wistful as I sat the book down. The ending is satisfying and everything I had wanted, but I wasn’t ready for this series to end, so it was bittersweet in its finality. I have enjoyed this series so much and can only hope that Olivia Newport will have a series that parallels it in the future. Until then, I will cherish the time I spent in this world.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,203 reviews106 followers
January 10, 2022
I do like Newport's writing style. There is just something about how she tells a story that I like. Much of the narrative consists of day to day activities with a little excitement thrown in here and there. There are no life and death situations. Nevertheless, the novel is a pleasant account of learning about distant cousins and the discovery of their participation in major historical events.

The narrative is mostly contemporary with Jillian finding out about Italian relatives on her mother's side. Interspersed in the contemporary narrative are accounts of Jillian's ancestors and their experiences with the Ludlow Massacre. The Colorado Coal Field Strike of 1914 was an example of miners trying to obtain better working conditions. The Colorado National Guard and the mining company guards killed many.

Newport has included some relationship issues in the novel as well. One deals with family expectations and the tension that results when one may not want to follow in the family business. Another issue is a kind of corporate espionage. And then there is the most delightful relationship issue, that between Jillian and Drew.

This is a good novel for readers who like a good one about relationships with some good information about a deadly time in Colorado's history.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Rosalyn.
1,184 reviews26 followers
January 16, 2022
It’s fascinated and intrigued me to read about Jill’s career as a genealogist. To learn how she does her research and compiles family trees. Throughout the series, she’s wanted to build her own tree, especially the branches containing the Parisi line. Now she found a distant cousin, Cate, but it’s not quite what she’d expected.
Cate keeps texting Jill. Constantly. She’s determined that Jill can help her with her job. Only, Jill doesn’t think this falls into her area of expertise. But she agrees to try and help Cate.
The things she learns, finds out how their pasts are intertwined. And Jill learns that even her boyfriend Drew’s family line is intertwined with her own.
One thing I've especially appreciated about this series, and was reminded of again as I read this book, is the relationship between Jill and Nolan. It's not very often you see such a beautiful portrayal of a father/daughter relationship, and it tugs on my heart-strings every time I read their interactions.
The story takes many twists and turns. As always, there is a jump back in time, where we get to meet some people from the past, and their lives are important to the current day story line. Reading to see just how it all comes together is one of my favorite parts.
This book is a wonderful continuation (or is it the conclusion, I’m not quite sure) to this charming series by Olivia Newport.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for Challice.
661 reviews69 followers
January 18, 2022
Does our past define us?

One of the things I really enjoy about this series by Olivia Newport is the dual-timeline. I am finding that I really enjoy that perspective. What is unique to be about how Newport’s writing is the fact that I actually enjoy both timelines. More often than not, I find myself preferring the historical point of view rather than the present. I think the fact that Newport gives us an eccentric cast of characters in the present time really speaks volumes about why it is so enjoyable.

In Now That I Know You, we get a taste of the timeline during the mining years as well strikes that lead up to a historical masacre. In the present we have Jillian trying to figure out the history genealogy of her cousin Cate who seems to be holding back making it difficult to find the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I would really recommend reading this series in order. This book did read like it had more errors and needs a final edit, but I think many will enjoy this book and I love that it will fit multiple genre’s of historical, mystery, and family. Lovely written in dual timeline, complete with mystery, drama, and historical events that will have you curling up and wanting ‘one more chapter�.
Profile Image for Betti.
1,278 reviews30 followers
January 8, 2022
The price of standing up for what is fair can be steep.

Jillian is finally ready to learn more about her mother’s ancestors. A chance DNA test brings an unexpected cousin with a worthwhile goal - teaching the children of Colorado all about Ludlow and the coal mine strike in 1913. With lots of twists and turns, the search through many historical documents brings answers and some closure to both their objectives. Add in the lovely repartee between Jillian and her father, a little romance and a lot of small town love and you have another fantastic way to spend an afternoon or two.

This wonderful series has come to an end. Canyon Mines will long reside in the minds of those who have read and enjoyed getting to know this small town and the characters that live in it. It has been incredibly interesting to learn more about genealogy and what can be learned from filling in the leaves on your ancestral tree.

An ARC was received through Solano Sun and CelebrateLit. These impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,832 reviews45 followers
January 19, 2022
Now That I Know You is part of the Tree of Life Series that is written by Olivia Newport. I have read a few of the other books in this series. This is a dual story timeline set in Colorado. This book does build off of some of the previous books - and I would recommend reading them in order. Jillian and her father, Nolan, are still working on genealogical research. This book does cover the Ludlow Massacre. I was unfamiliar with this historical event. I did a little side reading on it and the author did a great job in creating a historical accurate book. I will say that reading about the miners and the striking violence was a little hard to read - but it is a part of history. The characters have been recreating their family history and they discover some new things about them.

The characters are well written, the story line is unique and the historical facts seem to be accurate. I learned a lot from this book.

I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
AuthorÌý4 books311 followers
January 21, 2022
This great dual-time series continues with a case taken right from Colorado history. In this novel, the miners� suffering and injustices intersect with Jillian’s family history, information unknown to her until a distant cousin, Cate Butler, pops up in her life. I love it when actual history plays a role in a fictional account. In this story, the author seamlessly wove the historical line with the modern thread, tightening the strands as the tales intersect. The suspense intensifies as Jillian uncovers more information from her family’s past as well as that of her boyfriend. Each unique character jumps to life and you feel like you join their lives with all the happy and the ugly and the in-between. The books in the series are best enjoyed in order but each one stands on its own as a complete story in itself. Not only will you find a creative story that is fun to read but one that will also cause you to ponder life’s circumstances and choices. I hope another book will follow with these wonderful characters. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,020 reviews20 followers
January 31, 2022
I have enjoyed reading this series. It brings to life history and mystery in the same book plus characters who grip you and refuse to let you leave their story until the very end. And even then you’re reluctant to leave them.

This is book five in the series. While you don’t have to read the series in order you definitely should. It’s a great series and you’ll find yourself drawn to the characters.

In this book, we gain a new character who is Cate. Cate is a family member of Jillian’s through genealogy but is she who she says she is? Can they have a relationship or will chaos be all they have together?

A great read that I highly recommend. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
6,088 reviews
January 12, 2022
I have the pleasure of reading and enjoying the previous books from Olivia Newport’s Tree of Life series. I was excited when I had the opportunity to read the latest addition, Now That I Know You. I thought it was a pretty good read. Since it is part of a series, it would be better to read them in order, however, readers can get enough information to be able to read this one as a stand alone. I love the genealogical aspect of the story, as well as, the historical details and the mystery that needs to be solved. I really liked it.

I am giving Now That I Know You four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical fiction. I look forward to reading more series like the Tree of Life by Olivia Newport in the future.

I received a digital copy of Now That I Know You from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Tabitha Bouldin.
AuthorÌý37 books702 followers
January 17, 2022
We're back with some of my favorite characters. Nolan and Jillian stole my heart in book one, and they continue to make waves with each story they tell. I love that Jillian gets to work on her own family tree so much in this book. The familial relationships between Cate and the others were fun to read, even as Cate caused trouble and Nolan once again found himself coming to the rescue. I love how he's such a dad character not just to Jillian but to anyone he meets. I still don't want this series to end. Each book gets better and better. The historical side of this book is one of the more violent, and it made my heart ache for the miners and their families, but it was wonderful to see the family generations later as they find some of the missing branches from their family tree. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
1,789 reviews
January 18, 2022
Having read the other books in the Tree of Life series, I looked forward to reading this next installment. With a dual timeline along with an abundance of characters, this story can be hard to follow at times. I also recommend reading the series in order. This book concludes the series.

I loved getting to know and watch the interactions between Jillian and her father. Cate joins the drama as Jillian’s cousin on Jillian’s mother’s side of the family. once again Drew appears and adds a bit of romance to the story. I also appreciated the Colorado history included in this book.

So if you enjoy genealogical stories or ones that include historical aspects, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own
1,220 reviews
January 8, 2022
Now That I Know You is the fifth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. This story does take off where the last one ends so it is best to read them in order. However enough background information is given that it makes a great stand alone story. This is a fun book to read to conclude the series. I enjoyed how Jillian, a genealogist, is now able to track down her own family history, meet extended family members and learn her mother's history.
I have enjoyed reading this series. I enjoy the mystery, suspense and strong community. I just adore this generous, caring father daughter team. I especially enjoyed how Drew and Jillian's friends and father work together to surprise her.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story. This is my honest review
Profile Image for Ashley Dawn.
AuthorÌý41 books81 followers
January 18, 2022
I completely enjoyed this story. I really enjoy these characters and interactions. The author does a great job with the story and the character so much so that it pulls you in and you don’t want to stop reading.

I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns that the story takes. The father-daughter relationship made me so happy. I loved when an author showcases relationships like that, it warms my heart. I liked the mystery and truly enjoyed the entire story, start to finish. Switching from past to present was done well.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
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