A Photo of their final resting place, and many of the paintings based on the  famous couple. 

There is plenty of this couple on the internet including a wonderful German site that has a wealth of information.  

Now the book...
this book is a fictional account of the true-life love story of Heloise and Abelard, famous Abbess and Philosopher respectively.  It takes place in 12^th century France, the  story is rich in detail about medieval Paris with a wonderful backdrop of  the building of Notre Dame cathedral.

Heloise grew up an orphan in a convent in the French countryside. It’s quite obvious very quickly what an academic Heloise is, and is known throughout France for that reason.  Eventually she is sent off to live with her uncle Fulbert, a Canon for the church in Paris. When dining with her uncle and the famous philosopher Abelard, both Abelard and Heloise are taken with each other. Although Heloise is considered beautiful, and Abelard quite handsome both are attracted to each other’s intellect as well.

Abelard starts tutoring Heloise, not only in letters but also in the ways of lovemaking. They begin a secret affair. Seeing that Abelard was a famous teacher at the University this caused many difficulties. In the sense that teachers at that time were for the most part chaste, their position considered so important they refrained from sex, like Priest.

The story follows Heloise and Abelard’s life and all the difficulties they encounter with their decision to be together. The two conceive a child and eventually marry against Heloise wishes. When Heloise uncle discovers their relationship he does the unthinkable, and I won't ruin that for you. (But can be found out quite easily with a internet search). Eventually Heloise is sent to an abbey and becomes a nun, not by her choice. Abelard also enters the religious life and has a bit of difficulty with the vow of "Obedience".  Heloise becomes a famous Abbess of the Paraclete in France, and Abelard has his own religious journey. This Last page of this book evokes an image that stays with the reader.

It’s not known in history whether Abelard planned to seduce Heloise or was truly taken with her...lots have theories. In published letters it states that he seduced her on purpose and didn’t love her, but some historians believe that he wrote that at the time to take the blame away from her. I find it hard to believe he didn't care, seeing that he wrote to her all of his life. Keep in mind although fiction the author took great pains to research this fascinating and historic couple and this is her version of their love story.

Most of my favorite books seem to be out of print or hard to find it seems. I have seen "Stealing Heaven" at Barnes and Noble in trade paperback form. I've had wonderful luck on Ebay, and it's available used at Amazon.com.
 Enjoy!