In the Cradle Lies (#2 in Tree of Life Series) by Olivia Newport

My thoughts:  This is an interesting story and the plot thickened early into it giving glimpses into the depth of tragic events families had experienced historically.

Involving two main families one of which has a time-slip, generational, back and forth story line, you get to meet some good folks with life-in-the-mundane experiences. And they also have a lively love of each other existence.

First of all, the central gathering place seems to be one of two - the Hidden Inn Bread and Breakfast and the local Ore the Mountain ice cream parlor. It seems most, if not all, of the characters frequent the ice cream parlor for favorite scopes or hot chocolate more than coffee shops such as StarBucks. Honestly, I was craving a scope of chocolate myself about 1/3 of the my way into the book.

Rich boy comes to town and starts spending or giving away cash like it grows on trees and he carries a mysterious old beat-up backpack. He is truly a mystery and is key to discovering the deep hidden plot that is thread through this second installment in the Tree of Life Series by Olivia Newport.

A light read without too much heart break and a sweet spot of romance sandwiched between all those scopes of ice cream.

About the Book: 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 fiancée 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.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy fromBarbour Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.