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The Memory Tree
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.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2016
1,460 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Linda Gillard
19Ìýbooks285ÌýfollowersLinda Gillard lives in North Lanarkshire, Scotland and has been an actress, journalist and teacher. She’s the author of ten novels, including STAR GAZING, shortlisted in 2009 for "Romantic Novel of the Year" and the Robin Jenkins Literary Award, for writing that promotes the Scottish landscape.
HOUSE OF SILENCE and THE MEMORY TREE became Kindle bestsellers.
HOUSE OF SILENCE and THE MEMORY TREE became Kindle bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
August 13, 2021
In 2016, Ann returns to garden lodge to look after her mother Phoebe, a once talent painter, she’s recovering from cancer and the horrible treatment. Phoebe’s rather independent, she likes being alone and the mother and daughter have an unusual relationship. One night a terrible storm topples Ann’s favorite ancient beech tree, and it uncovers a secret tin box that’s been hidden in a hollow in the trunk of the tree for a hundred years.
Connor Grenville, is fascinated by history, and he’s trying to uncover his own family history. His grandmother Ivy was the ward of Hester Mordaunt and her family owned the grand estate called Beechgrave. Phoebe lives in the gardener’s cottage, it was once part of the Beechgrave and it's walled gardens. Connor’s grandmother has recently passed away, he’s trying to find out what upset her just prior to her death, he’s sure it has something to do with Beechgrave and the papers she partially destroyed. Connor’s a really nice man, he becomes a friend of Ann and Phoebe’s, together they spend the weekends going through photos and diaries, Ivy inherited from Hester and looking for clues.
A century earlier, William Hatherwick’s father’s is the head gardener at Beechgrave, he’s to take over his father’s job when he retires and his family live in the gardeners cottage. William loves plants, he knows all the Latin names for them and he draws pictures of plants. When WW I starts, all the local young men join up, including Hester’s two brothers and William. When her brothers Arthur and Eddie are killed, Cicely Mordaunt retreats into a world of her own and Hester’s left with the huge responsibility of running Beechgrave. Around the same time Williams father passes away, his sister Violet moves into the main house and helps Hester look after her mother. William’s reported missing in action, he’s eventually found and Hester pays for Ivy’s uncle’s care.
The Memory Tree is story about the link the old Trysting Tree has to so many people, including William, Hester, Ann, Violet, Phoebe and Ann’s father Sylvester. If only a tree could talk, it knows everyone’s secrets, sweethearts and hidden memories. A well written and very interesting dual timeline story by Linda Gillard, and five stars from me.
Connor Grenville, is fascinated by history, and he’s trying to uncover his own family history. His grandmother Ivy was the ward of Hester Mordaunt and her family owned the grand estate called Beechgrave. Phoebe lives in the gardener’s cottage, it was once part of the Beechgrave and it's walled gardens. Connor’s grandmother has recently passed away, he’s trying to find out what upset her just prior to her death, he’s sure it has something to do with Beechgrave and the papers she partially destroyed. Connor’s a really nice man, he becomes a friend of Ann and Phoebe’s, together they spend the weekends going through photos and diaries, Ivy inherited from Hester and looking for clues.
A century earlier, William Hatherwick’s father’s is the head gardener at Beechgrave, he’s to take over his father’s job when he retires and his family live in the gardeners cottage. William loves plants, he knows all the Latin names for them and he draws pictures of plants. When WW I starts, all the local young men join up, including Hester’s two brothers and William. When her brothers Arthur and Eddie are killed, Cicely Mordaunt retreats into a world of her own and Hester’s left with the huge responsibility of running Beechgrave. Around the same time Williams father passes away, his sister Violet moves into the main house and helps Hester look after her mother. William’s reported missing in action, he’s eventually found and Hester pays for Ivy’s uncle’s care.
The Memory Tree is story about the link the old Trysting Tree has to so many people, including William, Hester, Ann, Violet, Phoebe and Ann’s father Sylvester. If only a tree could talk, it knows everyone’s secrets, sweethearts and hidden memories. A well written and very interesting dual timeline story by Linda Gillard, and five stars from me.
August 21, 2019
1916 and Hester Mordaunt, unexpected mistress of Beechgrave after her father died and her mother was rendered insensible, was grieving. She could understand her mother’s depths of despair after both Hester’s brothers were lost in the intolerable war; Hester felt she had lost everyone she’d ever cared for. With Beechgrave’s Head Gardener also passed, his son, William Hatherwick was elevated to the position. His sister Violet and Hester became close confidants and good friends, supporting one another when William also went to war.
The beech trees out in the woods of Beechgrave held the secrets of decades and in 2016 when Ann returned to care for her mother, Phoebe, she was drawn to those trees once again. But when a wild storm felled Ann’s favourite tree, secrets hidden long ago in the hollow of the trunk were revealed. The arrival of Connor Grenville started an investigation into his family history with Ann and Phoebe entranced and involved. Connor’s grandmother Ivy had recently passed, and the circumstances were troubling Connor. He wanted to find the answers to what had caused Ivy’s distress.
Could Connor dig deeply enough to unearth the century-old secrets? And could Ann discover where her father was?
The Memory Tree (previously titled The Trysting Tree) is my first by Linda Gillard and I was captivated. Her writing is spectacular; I flew through the pages, quite surprised to find I’d reached the end when I did. I loved the story � set in England in the war years of 1916 onwards � and current day (2016) the two-time frames blended beautifully. Hester and Violet; Ann and Phoebe - all strong women with both William and Connor rounding the tale off well. The Memory Tree is one I won’t forget in a hurry � and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The beech trees out in the woods of Beechgrave held the secrets of decades and in 2016 when Ann returned to care for her mother, Phoebe, she was drawn to those trees once again. But when a wild storm felled Ann’s favourite tree, secrets hidden long ago in the hollow of the trunk were revealed. The arrival of Connor Grenville started an investigation into his family history with Ann and Phoebe entranced and involved. Connor’s grandmother Ivy had recently passed, and the circumstances were troubling Connor. He wanted to find the answers to what had caused Ivy’s distress.
Could Connor dig deeply enough to unearth the century-old secrets? And could Ann discover where her father was?
The Memory Tree (previously titled The Trysting Tree) is my first by Linda Gillard and I was captivated. Her writing is spectacular; I flew through the pages, quite surprised to find I’d reached the end when I did. I loved the story � set in England in the war years of 1916 onwards � and current day (2016) the two-time frames blended beautifully. Hester and Violet; Ann and Phoebe - all strong women with both William and Connor rounding the tale off well. The Memory Tree is one I won’t forget in a hurry � and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2019
The Memory Tree
Through the decades Hester and William, Ivy, Violet, Phoebe and Sylvester, Connor and Ann. . . love and live within the view and care of the Beech Wood. I was captured by this tale, because of its use of botanicals, gardens, flowers, and trees, and then mixed in generational stories � I do love a good genealogy! � and family mysteries, to boot. I was sunk. No way I was getting out of this one just because it was turning out “romancy.�
Written in the format of switching POV by sections that is all the rage now, it was charming that the Beech Wood was personified and had its own section. I am tended and watched over by a grove of fir trees that my mother named The Committee nearly fifty years ago when we would go walking, never knowing that I would eventually live in the house that backs up to them. She is gone now, but every day The Committee and I greet each other as I wish them a good day and they stand guard over home. The Beech Wood and its place in this story felt familiar and real to me.
Not my usual genre, but in The Memory Tree it charmed me as romance became a compelling element of the storylines that intertwined as the pages turned. I've been known to abandon books when this realization cracks over my head, raw egg-like. Even so, I was pulled forward, had to know what was going to happen next. I persisted and was rewarded by this fully satisfactory read with all my go-to comforts, and the bonus of happy pairings.
I highly recommend this book (5 stars).
A sincere thanks to Linda Gillard, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Through the decades Hester and William, Ivy, Violet, Phoebe and Sylvester, Connor and Ann. . . love and live within the view and care of the Beech Wood. I was captured by this tale, because of its use of botanicals, gardens, flowers, and trees, and then mixed in generational stories � I do love a good genealogy! � and family mysteries, to boot. I was sunk. No way I was getting out of this one just because it was turning out “romancy.�
Written in the format of switching POV by sections that is all the rage now, it was charming that the Beech Wood was personified and had its own section. I am tended and watched over by a grove of fir trees that my mother named The Committee nearly fifty years ago when we would go walking, never knowing that I would eventually live in the house that backs up to them. She is gone now, but every day The Committee and I greet each other as I wish them a good day and they stand guard over home. The Beech Wood and its place in this story felt familiar and real to me.
Not my usual genre, but in The Memory Tree it charmed me as romance became a compelling element of the storylines that intertwined as the pages turned. I've been known to abandon books when this realization cracks over my head, raw egg-like. Even so, I was pulled forward, had to know what was going to happen next. I persisted and was rewarded by this fully satisfactory read with all my go-to comforts, and the bonus of happy pairings.
I highly recommend this book (5 stars).
A sincere thanks to Linda Gillard, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2020
Reminded me of Victoria Holt and Rosamunde Pilcher..
Except a more complex plot... The book was beautifully written... I really enjoyed reading this book. The story wraps up beautifully in the end. It’s almost like a gothic novel from long ago except it’s not. I know. What in the world did I just say? It’s hard to qualify. It felt like those gothic-mystery-with-a-dash-of-romance novels I loved as a kid. Perhaps I can’t explain. What I can explain is it was the kind of book that I’ll reread again when I’m in a particular mood for this kind of book. It was a very enjoyable and immersive read.
Except a more complex plot... The book was beautifully written... I really enjoyed reading this book. The story wraps up beautifully in the end. It’s almost like a gothic novel from long ago except it’s not. I know. What in the world did I just say? It’s hard to qualify. It felt like those gothic-mystery-with-a-dash-of-romance novels I loved as a kid. Perhaps I can’t explain. What I can explain is it was the kind of book that I’ll reread again when I’m in a particular mood for this kind of book. It was a very enjoyable and immersive read.
February 9, 2019
First book I've got through at a normal speed for weeks - I knew I could rely on Linda Gillard to keep me hooked!
March 16, 2020
An interesting story with great narration that many who like women’s fiction will enjoy. I just found my attention wavering.
Read
November 12, 2017Thanks to Lyzzybee's bookcrossing spiral, I have discovered this author, and so far, based on two out of two books read, I really enjoy her writing. This one, set partly at the time of WWI, was again intriguing and moving. The more contemporary drama, with the main character's repressed memory, felt a bit superfluous to me - one extra bit of plot that the author perhaps felt was needed to tie the reader in, whereas I was already well caught up in the story.
September 19, 2019
A wonderful story of lives twisted and entwined across the Generations!
A story of love , hope , memories to which all of had an relate to in one way or another. Fabulous characters strong and determined in each of their various walks of life but all linked by plants and in particular the magnificent Beech Trees. I enjoyed every page from start to finish and highly recommend this Book
A story of love , hope , memories to which all of had an relate to in one way or another. Fabulous characters strong and determined in each of their various walks of life but all linked by plants and in particular the magnificent Beech Trees. I enjoyed every page from start to finish and highly recommend this Book
September 16, 2016
Lovely dual time romance. Review to follow soon.
November 22, 2021
A gentle mystery that unfolds as three characters from the present day try to unravel events from the past. The main characters are skilfully portrayed, especially the irascible 70-year-old Phoebe who is determined to live life her own way despite failing health. The other two, Ann and Connor, are straight out of Mills and Boon - she is strong on the outside but fragile on the inside and he is the ruggedly handsome landscape gardener who is going to look after her.
There is, though, a darker side to this book, highlighting the way in which family secrets can impact people when finally revealed. "There just didn't seem to be a right time to tell her," says one of the characters. I'm sure that statement will resonate with many readers.
I've now read two of Linda Gillard's books and have enjoyed both of them. They are easy on the brain but interesting enough to make the reader want to turn the page and read just another chapter, then another, then another.
There is, though, a darker side to this book, highlighting the way in which family secrets can impact people when finally revealed. "There just didn't seem to be a right time to tell her," says one of the characters. I'm sure that statement will resonate with many readers.
I've now read two of Linda Gillard's books and have enjoyed both of them. They are easy on the brain but interesting enough to make the reader want to turn the page and read just another chapter, then another, then another.
June 15, 2020
This one was hard to let go. I love books that deal with ww1, and this one didn’t disappoint, considering war is a background setting for what’s to come. The ending provided closure not just for the characters, but for me too. I won’t give too much details, but be prepared to start and finish in 1-2 nights.
August 16, 2020
This is such a beautifully written and well constructed story. Two parallel love stories set in different times (one during WW1 and the other current) but connected by a mystery, wonderful characters, family secrets and a love of nature. I'm not usually a fan of romance novels as such, but this is something totally different. A story with depth and beauty that is totally captivating; I particularly appreciated how the author was able to maintain the language and voices that ring true to the era in which each was told. A solid 5 stars from me !!!!
March 6, 2021
My version of this book is called The Trysting Tree, it has since been republished as The Memory Tree. The original title is better.
It's a really good, dual timeline story: half of which is set during WWI and the other half in modern times. So many secrets to be uncovered.
4.5 stars.
It's a really good, dual timeline story: half of which is set during WWI and the other half in modern times. So many secrets to be uncovered.
4.5 stars.
January 15, 2023
Lovely story. I enjoyed the descriptions and characters. A lovely way to tell multiple stories and how secrets can have unwanted or unseen consequences.
September 16, 2021
For a free kindle read this is an engaging book. Two mysteries run alongside each other. One from the past and one from the present. it was a pleasure to read. The characters are personable and none lead charmed lives which makes them more endearing. The theme of the garden and nature runs throughout the entire book and respect for nature shows through the authors writing,
August 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The two stories, one in the early 2oth century, around WW1, the other in the present day linked well.
February 17, 2020
I didn't get as absorbed in this one as I usually do in a Linda Gillard book, but it was a good read all the same. The split-time structure and the central device of a series of love letters was just rather conventional, as were the two stories themselves.
It was only as I approached the ending that I was reminded how GOOD a writer Gillard is, and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists to which the narrative had been building. As I said, a good read, but not in my opinion a great one.
It was only as I approached the ending that I was reminded how GOOD a writer Gillard is, and I thoroughly enjoyed the twists to which the narrative had been building. As I said, a good read, but not in my opinion a great one.
September 30, 2019
A contemporary story line and a story from a century ago. This had all the usual elements of secrets, mysteries, and surprises that occur in these types of stories, with an extra feature of revelations from the tree central to the stories.
November 14, 2016
We are proud to announce that THE TRYSTING TREE by Linda Gillard is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
September 19, 2017
How do I find the words to describe this beautiful book? I honestly don't think that I can do this book the justice it deserves, but I'll do my very best. The Trysting Tree is a nostalgic, romantic, and emotional read rooted firmly in reality. It is quite simply breathtaking.
The story is told both in the present day, 2015, and during the First World War in the year 1915. The storytelling is lyrical, almost poetic at times, especially in the letters that are revealed and from the beech trees in the wood where all of the characters lived. There is such an honest and raw quality to the writing, which is a constant theme throughout Linda Gillard's novels. I first fell in love with her writing having read Star Gazing, that was then shortly followed by the devouring of Emotional Geology. In each and every book we have female characters that are utterly believable and who I can relate to, and this book is no exception.
The novel really helps to shed light on the emotional impact of war, and how it altered the women who were left behind. We hear Hester's views via her journal entries, and although from over one hundred years ago, the fact that we are reading her views in this format, made them appear very relevant and modern.
Relationships are at the heart of this novel. We have the relationship between mother and daughter, both past and present. The relationship between Ann and her mother Phoebe, is incredibly poignant. Phoebe is a woman who has struggled with motherhood, who says she is not maternal, but there is a warmth to her, and a likeability, that I couldn't shrug off. Deeply flawed, yes, but realistic, I couldn't help but like her. We also have the romantic relationships, both past and present, and although a hundred years apart, share similarities. Both encounters were a joy to read.
The house and wood are pivotal to this story, as is the garden, for both stories. The imagery that is conveyed on the page is just magical and whimsical and echoes the romantic and nostalgic mood that has been created. The beech trees even have their own voice, and their message at the end of the book nearly made me weep.
The Trysting Tee is such a beautiful and moving book about love, family and the devestaing events of war. It really is a must read.
The Trysting Tree was published on 11 Sept. 2016 and can be found on Amazon here.
With thanks to the author who sent me a paperback copy for review purposes.
The story is told both in the present day, 2015, and during the First World War in the year 1915. The storytelling is lyrical, almost poetic at times, especially in the letters that are revealed and from the beech trees in the wood where all of the characters lived. There is such an honest and raw quality to the writing, which is a constant theme throughout Linda Gillard's novels. I first fell in love with her writing having read Star Gazing, that was then shortly followed by the devouring of Emotional Geology. In each and every book we have female characters that are utterly believable and who I can relate to, and this book is no exception.
The novel really helps to shed light on the emotional impact of war, and how it altered the women who were left behind. We hear Hester's views via her journal entries, and although from over one hundred years ago, the fact that we are reading her views in this format, made them appear very relevant and modern.
Relationships are at the heart of this novel. We have the relationship between mother and daughter, both past and present. The relationship between Ann and her mother Phoebe, is incredibly poignant. Phoebe is a woman who has struggled with motherhood, who says she is not maternal, but there is a warmth to her, and a likeability, that I couldn't shrug off. Deeply flawed, yes, but realistic, I couldn't help but like her. We also have the romantic relationships, both past and present, and although a hundred years apart, share similarities. Both encounters were a joy to read.
The house and wood are pivotal to this story, as is the garden, for both stories. The imagery that is conveyed on the page is just magical and whimsical and echoes the romantic and nostalgic mood that has been created. The beech trees even have their own voice, and their message at the end of the book nearly made me weep.
The Trysting Tee is such a beautiful and moving book about love, family and the devestaing events of war. It really is a must read.
The Trysting Tree was published on 11 Sept. 2016 and can be found on Amazon here.
With thanks to the author who sent me a paperback copy for review purposes.
March 17, 2020
Entertaining novel about an artist and her daughter who live in an old garden cottage that was once part of a large estate. Someone with ties to the house and its occupants comes into their lives and shares his story with them. Along the way another mystery is solved.
Interesting characters and entertaining storyline.
Interesting characters and entertaining storyline.
January 9, 2021
I loved this book and the characters who inhabited its pages. I love dual time-line stories and with a portion of this one being set in the WW1 era, it made it a more compelling read.
I've read all of Linda Gillard's books and her style and way with words have me hooked. I can't wait for her next novel!
I've read all of Linda Gillard's books and her style and way with words have me hooked. I can't wait for her next novel!
Read
June 27, 2024A beautiful book dealing with loss, trauma and trying to find meaning for oneself in the midst of pain. The sensitivity with which the author deals with these topics is impressive and at no point does it descend into pity. Truly a heartwarming read showing that even though as Phoebe says ‘life stinks� you can still find beauty in the ashes of your dreams.
September 18, 2019
Now breathe...........The Memory Tree by Linda Gillard was just a beautifully written book. I have never read anything by this author and I love looking out for new books by different authors. Linda wrote this book with so much love and passion and I just loved it. It wont be the last book I read from Linda.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
June 11, 2020
I always enjoy reading books by Scottish author Linda Gillard, and this book was no exception. It reminded me of a Kate Morton or Susannah Kearsley book, especially when a tin full of love letters written on seed packets is discovered in the trunk of a fallen beech tree. I'm still a sucker for a book about an English stately home or garden!
July 14, 2019
This is the second Linda Gillard book I have read and I just love the way she writes.
It seems that she can transport me to time and place.
This book will be re released soon as ‘The Memory Tree�, glad I read it before Amazon deleted the old file that I had purchased.
It seems that she can transport me to time and place.
This book will be re released soon as ‘The Memory Tree�, glad I read it before Amazon deleted the old file that I had purchased.
May 5, 2021
So good. Soooooo good!!!
October 4, 2021
I loved it!
This book was a joy to read, a bit like an onion, lots of layers to peel away and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I would recommend it.
This book was a joy to read, a bit like an onion, lots of layers to peel away and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I would recommend it.
October 12, 2022
The memory tree
I loved this book. Set in the modern day and WW1, it tells the stories of the Mordaunt family and the De Freitas family. The secrets these families keep to protect their loved ones come back to haunt them and have harrowing consequences.
I loved this book. Set in the modern day and WW1, it tells the stories of the Mordaunt family and the De Freitas family. The secrets these families keep to protect their loved ones come back to haunt them and have harrowing consequences.
September 6, 2024
A love story with a difference, set in a walled garden where a beech tree falls in a storm and reveals a tin full of seed packets. This event leads Ann to seek the help of Connor to uncover the story behind their discovery. A delightful and evocative story.
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