The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner is a captivating historical romance that will tug at your heartstrings. This exceptional book, like so many others by the talented author, never fails to deliver.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Sweet Savage Flame earns a small percentage from qualifying purchases.
The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner
Rating: 
Published: 1995
Illustrator: H. Tom Hall, Alan Ayers
Published by: Bantam, Fanfare
Genres: Historical Romance, Civil War Romance, Western Romance, Romance with Rape Element
Pages: 445
Format: Paperback
Buy on: Amazon, AbeBooks, Open Library (BORROW FOR FREE)
Reviewed by: IntrovertReader
MILD SPOILER ALERT
The Book
The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner is yet another stellar romance by this indomitable author.
The Plot
Part I
Will Lassater comes to California to seek his fortune in the incredible forests. He has been logging all his life on the East Coast and dreams of starting his own business.
California is different, exciting, and new—and is the home of Santana Maria Chavez Lopez, the most beautiful woman Will has ever seen. He is instantly attracted to her dark beauty. Unfortunately, she is engaged to a cruel man.
Along with starting his own mill, Will vows to find a way to help Santana escape from an arranged marriage.
At the marriageable age of sixteen, Santana wants to honor her father by accepting a proposal from his best friend’s son. Nevertheless, she cannot help but be frightened by the demonic lust in the eyes of her intended husband, Hugo, whenever he looks at her.
Distraught, Santana knows marriage to Hugo will condemn her to a life of misery, but she doesn’t know what to do.
Then Santana meets Will, and she thinks he is the most handsome man she has ever seen, even if he is a gringo. Will is equally smitten by the senorita‘s delicate beauty.
Santana’s heart fills with an impossible hope when Will offers to rescue her from marrying Hugo. She is delighted at the thought of starting a new life with the man of her dreams. True to his word, Will helps Santana break free from her obligation, and they embark on their journey as husband and wife.
Part II
The Civil War breaks out, forcing Will to return to the East to fight. Santana is left to raise their children alone and await her husband’s return. During his absence, a horrific event will alter her life and their marriage.
When Will returns, he cannot understand the changes in Santana, who is no longer the adoring bride he knew. He fears he may have lost her love forever after leaving her to fight in a war that she didn’t comprehend. However, with his own traumatic experiences of war haunting him, Will doesn’t know how to win back his wife’s love.
Since Santana knows Will feels guilty for leaving her, she lets him believe that her resentment is the root of their problems. She can’t possibly tell him the dark secret she has locked in her heart. He would never understand. Instead, she hides her pain and shame until it threatens to destroy all that she has.
It’s only after experiencing a horrific tragedy that they begin to heal.
My Opinion
The Forever Tree is a genuinely moving and beautifully crafted story that delves into the depths of human emotions, drawing readers into a world of tragic loss and eventual healing.
Rosanne Bittner’s mastery of storytelling shines through every page, effortlessly evoking deep-seated feelings and leaving a profound impact on me. The tender love shared between Santana and Will is depicted with an authentic depth of feeling, making their connection truly wonderful to experience.
This novel is an emotional whirlwind that skillfully weaves together heart-wrenching tragedy and heartwarming love.
Heat Level
Emotional bonding is at the heart of the intimate scenes in The Forever Tree, as is warm passion. Santana and Will have great chemistry, but it’s their devotion to each other that stands out most in these moments.
Final Analysis of The Forever Tree
With each book she writes, Rosanne Bittner proves that she is a master of her craft. The Forever Tree is a poignant story with the power to move readers to tears and leave a lasting impression in their hearts.
| Rating Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
4.5 |
| Characters |
4.5 |
| Writing |
5 |
| Chemistry |
4.5 |
| Fun Factor |
4.5 |
| Cover |
4.5 |
| Overall: | 4.6 |
Synopsis
THEY CAME FROM TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS
Will Lassater had come to California to build a logging empire, never expecting to fall in love with this golden land. Then he beheld the exotic Spanish beauty called Santana, and the rugged New Englander was forever lost. In her dark, luminous eyes he saw all that was beautiful and irresistible about this rich and fertile country—all that he wished to possess yet did not fully understand.BUT NOTHING AND NO ONE COULD KEEP THEM APART
With every beat of her innocent heart Santana knew that this tall, handsome, blue-eyed American was the only man she could ever love. But between Santana and Will stood a lifetime of tradition—and a powerful and ruthless Spanish don who would kill any man who dared to covet his intended bride. Now, as Will’s dream of Lassater Mills becomes a reality, he will risk everything to make Santana his own. And though love cannot protect them from vengeful enemies or the fires of change raging across this land, it may give them the strength to face an uncertain future, and in the midst of tragedy the courage to begin anew…THE FOREVER TREE BY ROSANNE BITTNER
FOLLOW SWEET SAVAGE FLAME WITH BLOGLOVIN
Let Us Know Your Opinion!