The Heaven Tree Trilogy (The Heaven Tree / The Green Branch / The Scarlet Seed)

I loved the first of the three novels that make up this triology. The main character is amazing and very well thought out and great to get to know. The other characters are equally interesting and they stay true to themselves throughout. The plot involves the building of a church in the middle ages and is engaging and well written. I sometimes crave an old-school historical story like this and it's a good five star read. However the second and third installments badly needed to be condensed into one, or even better, all three could've been a great longer novel if combined. You could almost skip the seccond section and jump right to the third without missing much. I appreciated that these characters and their histories are well fleshed out but the themes start to feel overly pushed on the reader and often feel repetitive. Still, a good read and I do recommend the first one if you're looking for a historical epic and possibly the following two if you're patient.

This book is in great shape--since it's out of print, it's hard to find, and a master work. So grateful!

This is one of the most beautifully written novels I have ever read. Sometimes it felt as though I was listening to enchanting music -- a symphony of language written in enthralling sounds and nuances. And the characters became so alive for me that I wanted to spend time in their world with them and feel the joys and sorrows they felt. I loved every minute, every word, every part of this unforgettable masterpiece.

Skyrocketed to my personal top 10 list. It's almost unbelievable to me that she didn't intend to write books 2 & 3 until she had finished book 1.... the story simply had to be written, the arc completed. Her weaving of real historical events and people into this profoundly personal work of fiction is so well executed. A masterpiece, even with some dramatic touches that bordered on the over-dramatic. My suggestion: don't read this one on your electronic device. Buy the hardbound trilogy and read it old school. You will enjoy toting this one around. The characters will become as real to you as anyone you have known all your life. She claims that it's about artistic genius, and it certainly is, but it's about so much more. Really a story that the author allowed to go where it needed to go. Enjoy! You only get to read it once for the first time!

As you will see many commentators say that it is a bit slow initially but once you get involved in the book, it is something to savor. It can be melodramatic but so can real life..........things we live through which in retrospect are just unbelievable. It is set in 13th century with all the turmoil of King John's raucous rule. Characters are well rounded, but Harry Talvace in the first book becomes dear to one's heart and stays that way till the end of the whole trilogy.Ralf Isambard.......there are no words to describe this character. You hate him, you have that grudging respect for what he is and then you hate him all over again. The emotional rollercoaster this book has the capacity to make one go through was a bit too much for me to accept. I am usually very emotionally detached but I guess the grandeur of Pargeter's prose would not be given it's true homage if I don't acknowledge it's effect on me.A book to enjoy and sip at slowly. One needs to give it time to sink in.An excellent read!

This has to one of the best books I have ever read. The story of this noble turned stonecutter in the often brutal medieval period was nothing short of magnificent. Although this book is out of print and quite lengthy (899 pages)it is well worth the historical romance lovers time to read this magnificent story! Love, honor, hate, feuds and heart wrenching forgiveness. This novel covered it all. Absolutely fabulous! I cried so much in the last chapters that someone walking in on me thought a family member died. - Try your best to find a copy and do take the time to read - This has to be a classic!Unfortunately, I loaned it out so many times I have to buy another one. Do not be hesitant by the 900 pages - think of it as three separate books of which it truly is. One of the finest pieces of historical literature I have ever read!

Please, please digitize this book! This book ranks among my top 10 favorites of all time - and I've been a voracious reader all my life (now in my 60's)! I read it a few years ago in hard cover, but I've gotten hooked on Kindle reading. It's so much easier on my eyes and as much as I read that's important. I seldom find something published today that comes even close to the quality of writing found in "The Heaven Tree Trilogy". There is one scene from the book that is like a warm nostalgic memory - it's stuck with me for years! I do hope someone out there hears my plea - we need this book available on Kindle!

Amazing read, covers loyalty, deciet, love, murder, redemption ECT, the description of settings and characters are so in depth but not overly drawn out, would be a great trilogy movie production

I was so sad when the book ended. Loved it.

I live all my Edith Pargeter books. I have sent this one to my niece who also loves her books.

Interesting book front to back. Great character development.

I had remembered this trilogy from many years ago and I am enjoying it as much this time as I did last. The author is better known for her medieval monk mysteries but in my opinion this is even better, it is the sort of story that lingers in your mind for a long time. Highly recommended.

This series of books, available now as one volume, is a fascinating account of the building of a cathedral, but so much more, building a legend, a relationship, a family. This is not so much as dipping in, but a long, beautifully-written novel by the author of the Brother Cadfael series. Perfect for long winter evenings. Moving, brutal at times, compassionate at others, enthralling.I loved it and was pleased to find it again after losing the paperback volume 2.