What do you think?
Rate this book
The Forever Tree
The bestselling author of Rapture’s Gold delivers a western historical romance of two worlds colliding in a storm of peril and passion. Will Lassater comes to California to build a logging empire, never expecting to fall in love with the golden land. Then he beholds Santana, an exotic Spanish beauty, and in her dark, luminous eyes he sees all that is beautiful and irresistible about the rich and fertile country—all that he wishes to possess yet does not fully understand. With every beat of her innocent heart, Santana knows this tall, handsome, blue-eyed American is the only man she can ever love. But between Santana and Will stands a lifetime of tradition—and a powerful and ruthless Spanish don who vows to kill any man who dares 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 the land, it may give them the strength to face an uncertain future, and—in the midst of tragedy—the courage to begin anew. “A poignant, touching story that will bring tears to your eyes! Rosanne Bittner proves time and time again that she is a master at her craft!” —Literary Times
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1995
73 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
86 books623 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 25, 2024
THE BOOK
"The Forever Tree" by Rosanne Bittner is yet another stellar romance by this indomitable author.
THE PLOT
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 already promised to an older and very cruel man.
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.
Santana knows marriage to Hugo will condemn her to a life of misery, but she doesn’t know what to do. When Santana meets Will, 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.
Will vows to find a way to help Santana escape from an arranged marriage.
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.
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
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: Warm
Emotional bonding and warm passion are at the heart of the intimate scenes in this book. Santana and Will have great chemistry, but it’s their devotion and love for each other that stand out most in these moments.
FINAL ANALYSIS OF "THE FOREVER TREE"
This exceptional book, like so many others by the talented author, never fails to deliver. 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.
4.75 Stars
October 21, 2021
Wow
I have read many books by Mrs Bitter but
None that could compare to this one. I found 1miss spelled word.lol how very small is a miss spelled word to the death of this book.the love and lose the joy the pain and through it all raises a love so strong that not only in life but in death dose a new beging come from the asses of a Burt forest a the love of a small little boy with a handy cap spines new life.my God if you ever want to experience what life means you only need to read this book. Just as the miss spelled word and a handy cap boy the greatest joy comes to life.if I could I'd give the book a 100 stares. Thank you again Mrs Bittner for the most inspiring book. You are a wonderful writter.you put into words that's makes the heart sing and cry and sing again your praises. My God Bless you and I'd love to know how this family tree forks in life.
I have read many books by Mrs Bitter but
None that could compare to this one. I found 1miss spelled word.lol how very small is a miss spelled word to the death of this book.the love and lose the joy the pain and through it all raises a love so strong that not only in life but in death dose a new beging come from the asses of a Burt forest a the love of a small little boy with a handy cap spines new life.my God if you ever want to experience what life means you only need to read this book. Just as the miss spelled word and a handy cap boy the greatest joy comes to life.if I could I'd give the book a 100 stares. Thank you again Mrs Bittner for the most inspiring book. You are a wonderful writter.you put into words that's makes the heart sing and cry and sing again your praises. My God Bless you and I'd love to know how this family tree forks in life.
September 1, 2025
I found this on a list of “good” historical fiction, and I agree to a point. It’s a Bantam book from 1995 and it suffers from editorial issues (the Spanish usage is terrible with no tildes, muy v mucho confusion and name spelling) and conflating 17th century California settlers from Spain with Mexicans and Mestizos.
I didn’t expect the Civil War to play a big part but should have, and it was interesting to see how the native Californios felt about the United State’s big issue.
I never rape as a plot device, and I know it thrived in 80s and 90s historical fiction, and I was uncomfortable at the way it was used her. However, Santana got her groove back on her own (no magical healing cock) and Will was a truly kind man.
I will say that neither Santana nor Will had the slightest bit of personality beyond trees, horses, and kids, which I thought was odd.
The smut barely smutted.
I did like learning about logging redwoods in the 1850s, although the environmentalist in me shuddered.
And lastly, naming a heroine Santana Lopez 15 years before Glee was prescient. (Santana is a surname.)
I didn’t expect the Civil War to play a big part but should have, and it was interesting to see how the native Californios felt about the United State’s big issue.
I never rape as a plot device, and I know it thrived in 80s and 90s historical fiction, and I was uncomfortable at the way it was used her. However, Santana got her groove back on her own (no magical healing cock) and Will was a truly kind man.
I will say that neither Santana nor Will had the slightest bit of personality beyond trees, horses, and kids, which I thought was odd.
The smut barely smutted.
I did like learning about logging redwoods in the 1850s, although the environmentalist in me shuddered.
And lastly, naming a heroine Santana Lopez 15 years before Glee was prescient. (Santana is a surname.)
August 2, 2017
The Forever Tree
This is one of the most beautiful love stories that I have read. It is about family, love, pride, loyalty, and betrayal. How two different cultures win, through !ove and overcome all obstacles in their life.
This is one of the most beautiful love stories that I have read. It is about family, love, pride, loyalty, and betrayal. How two different cultures win, through !ove and overcome all obstacles in their life.
March 23, 2020
This author amazes me with every book of her’s I read. The history she relates makes you feel like you were there. This particular book is history of not only gold mining but logging of Redwoods and California settlement. The beautiful love story is just a wonderful sub plot!
May 20, 2010
So I read this book a loooong time ago. But, I have never been able to forget it. This book looks like "one of those corny hot love stories" but this one BLEW MW AWAY. It is so twisted. And even though the beginning of the book bored me to tears, I couldnt put the book down once the romance started.
I cried so hard reading this because the plot is so twisted and sad and just crazy.
Omg..just writing this review makes me want to read it again. As a matter of fact, I think I will. :D
I recomment to everyone!
I cried so hard reading this because the plot is so twisted and sad and just crazy.
Omg..just writing this review makes me want to read it again. As a matter of fact, I think I will. :D
I recomment to everyone!
March 24, 2016
Great love story
As with most love stories this this one was predictable yet entertaining. I'm always ready to read a Rosanne Bittner book and highly recommend them to people who love to be immersed in a story that generally covers a generation or two in the lives of it's characters.
As with most love stories this this one was predictable yet entertaining. I'm always ready to read a Rosanne Bittner book and highly recommend them to people who love to be immersed in a story that generally covers a generation or two in the lives of it's characters.
February 8, 2017
Yet another favorite story from Rosanne Bittner. I love the setting and history that surrounds you as you fall in love with Will and Santana's beautiful and bittersweet and heartwarming story. The forever love these two prove to have just overwhelms you as they find their way to peace.
May 15, 2014
Speechless. After reading this book of the Settling in CA, and the elements that it took to conquer your dreams, love, & destiny, I was Speechless. I Loved this book as only Rosanne Bittner can write. The Forever Tree is classic!!!
June 8, 2016
Speechless. After reading this book of the Settling in CA, and the elements that it took to conquer your dreams, love, & destiny, I was Speechless. I Loved this book as only Rosanne Bittner can write. The Forever Tree is classic!!!
May 26, 2012
A good romance indeed... I have read it so long back but still nostalgic to it's scenes and characters. But a pity, still hunting for a copy to my collection.
July 6, 2012
A truly beautiful love story about life in early California. Lots of twists and turns to the plot ending very satisfactorily. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.
August 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. It felt reminiscent of The Proud Breed by Celeste de Blasis, which is one of my favorite novels.
April 29, 2017
Enjoyment and frustration
I was enjoying the book until the awful encounter Santana had with Hugo! I was so angry at the writer for letting the events occur, that I put the book down for a week.
I had to return to find out what happened after my anger subsided. Happy the writer ended the story with love and spirituality! Maybe I will read another:)
I was enjoying the book until the awful encounter Santana had with Hugo! I was so angry at the writer for letting the events occur, that I put the book down for a week.
I had to return to find out what happened after my anger subsided. Happy the writer ended the story with love and spirituality! Maybe I will read another:)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews