What You Said to Me

September 14, 2020
In this endearing fourth installment to the Tree of Life series (following When I Meet You), Newport returns to Canyon Mines, Colo., and the troubled life of Tisha Crowder. After 15-year-old Tisha is caught shoplifting, Tisha’s attorney strikes a deal with the court for Tisha to repay her debt to society by working for his daughter, genealogist Jillian Parisi-Duffy. Tisha comes from a long line of angry, single mothers, and Jillian sees her bad attitude as a cry for help, but has no idea how to support her. As they work together, Tisha begins to question the missing pieces in her own family history. Through their research in the town files, a parallel story emerges, featuring the Brandt family in 1893 Colorado. Clifford Brandt is a silver mine manager who loses his job and remains determined to live the Gospel and share what he has. His wife, Georgina, however, is anxious and angry about their change in circumstances, and after Clifford moves the family to Canyon Mines, Georgina’s heart hardens, and she teaches her daughters they can never depend on a man. For Tisha, discovering her relation to Georgina may be just what she needs to break her family’s painful cycle. The revelations of Tisha’s family history tie in nicely with Newport’s themes of redemption, making for a satisfying conclusion. Those who enjoy inspirationals that time-swap between eras will enjoy this moving tale.