The Memory Tree (aka The Trysting Tree) by Linda Gillard

From Goodreads

Can the power of love overcome life’s darkest memories and deepest losses?

When her favourite beech tree is felled in a storm, Ann feels as if someone has died. But when long-hidden seed packets are found inside the trunk, Ann realises there are more memories than her own lurking within the ancient tree . . .

A century earlier, head gardener William Hatherwick and Hester Mordaunt, mistress of Beechgrave, share a love for the mighty estate – and an undeclared love for each other. But when war breaks out, William is sent to the battlefields of France, and as the conflict rages on, Hester grieves beneath the tree. Can she and William ever find happiness once he’s witnessed the horror of the trenches?

In the present day, historian Connor Grenville wants to understand why his late grandmother tried to destroy Hester’s archive before she died. Who was she trying to protect – and why? His findings bring long-suppressed memories back to Ann’s mind . . .

Beneath the shadow of the tree, love is won and lost, and secrets are hidden and revealed. Will the truth heal the wounds that lie buried in the past?

Revised edition: Previously published as The Trysting Tree, this edition of The Memory Tree includes editorial revisions.

My thoughts

My thanks to the Publishers via NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review. I gave this a 5 stars or 10/10.

Disclaimer I have to let you know in advance that I am a fan of all of Linda Gillard's novels.

When past and present collide due to the findings in the remains of a felled beech tree.  Characters from the past and present that are linked to one another through birth. Secrets from the past that have far reaching consequences in the present. As usual Linda Gillard has woven a great idea that seamlessly moves from one time frame to another, that engages the reader in the lives of all the characters.

I feel that some of Linda Gillard's personal experiences over the last few years have helped her with the development of one of the characters and for those people that know her, they'll know to what I am referring to.

Linda Gillard's novels deserve to be widely read and this is no different to the rest of her work. Grab a copy and settle back, let yourself be immersed in the lives of the characters that she creates. Once you've read this one, grab one of her back catalogue you'll not be disappointed.