I can’t resist reading books by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, or Amanda Dykes so I snagged a copy of this book as soon as I saw it was available! And now, I have Nicole Deese to add to my list of must-read-authors!

I think my favorite type of multi-author collection is the kind where an object ties the stories together in a unique manner. In The Kissing Tree, the thread is the kissing tree itself, the beautiful oak tree that gave the town of Oak Springs its name. The tree and the stories of the lovers whose lives are touched by it are told, starting in the mid-1800s and ending in the current day.

There is so much to love about these stories. Each one deals with former heartbreak and future hope. There is a subtle thread of faith that runs through them.

My favorite part of Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings was the way it made me realize how difficult it would be for a farmer to trust newfangled technology. If you had asked me yesterday how quickly machines such as a thresher would have been adopted, I would have laughed at any possibility other than immediately. After all, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to eliminate some of their work? Yet, as I read, I was better able to understand the reluctance shown. Seeing how the thresher worked was fascinating!

Bella’s fears paralyzed her – holding her back. It was so sweet the way Adam encouraged her and even helped her to overcome them. And then, there was the contest against her father that he unwittingly got caught in … where winning could mean losing the thing he wanted most of all!


Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer was delightful! As Barnabas and Phoebe were forced to work together to make the Inn a success, it was a lot of fun seeing them learn that their strengths complemented each other and created a synergy. However, my favorite thing about the story was the “alternate” names Barnabas came up with for the Kissing Tree Inn. They were so fun!!

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes was amazing! While it was so full of hopes and dreams, it was the story that most touched my heart and brought me close to tears. It was incredibly beautiful and romantic. I loved the contrast of Hannah’s constant chatter and Luke’s inability to get his thoughts out. He was one of the sweetest, most romantic heroes!! The Watermelon Festival and the thistles were funny, sweet, and a little heartbreaking all in one.

In Heartwood by Nicole Deese, Griffin has hopes of a second chance with Abby. Faced with pending loss that will compound the grief she still carries from the loss of her father, Abby clings desperately to every vestige of the past that she can and is fearful of change. Griffin was so sweet in the gentle way he allowed her time and space so she could heal. The story could have been very sad – yet it wasn’t. It was full of hope and light and, of course, romance!

Lovers of romantic fiction, historical and contemporary, should add The Kissing Tree to their libraries!

The Kissing Trees is a collection of four novellas about a large tree in Texas where couples have carved their initials together down through generations from the late 1800s to present day.. The premise of the book is clever and the stories are quite different. I enjoyed all four stories and don't really have a favorite. I liked getting a taste of how each author writes. I had never read Karen Witemeyer or Regina Jennings before and I truly enjoyed their stories. The themes of love and faith are woven wonderfully through all the stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed reading this collection of 4 short stories by these lovely authors. Three of these authors I have previously read and enjoyed, and I gained opportunity to discover one author who was new to me.

I do enjoy a good short story that I can read rather quickly. I was surprised at the amount of depth the authors were able to give these characters in such limited storylines. Previous characters were also brought in to each story as cameo appearances. I did enjoy how the four stories were linked together to create a timeline around the central theme of the grand tree. It was described as an old oak tree, but sounded so much more like a weeping willow to me as it was described. Regardless, the stories were enchanting.

I was given the opportunity to read this advance copy published thru Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are expressly my own.

The Kissing Tree is a collection of four novellas.
These novellas include:
Broken Limbs, Mended Fences by Regina Jennings
The Kissing Tree Inn by Karen Witemeyer
From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes
Heartwood by Nicole Deese
The stories are set during the past and even the current times. Of the four stories, I have a hard deciding which one is my favorite. It is a tie between Karen Witemeyer's The Kissing Tree Inn and Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences. I am, also, enjoyed being introduced to Nicole Deese’s writing and will be eagerly looking for more by her in the future. I am giving this collection four stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy sweet and clean romantic novellas.
I received The Kissing Tree from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

In Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences, a small-town teacher has her credentials questioned by a traveling salesman.

In Karen Witemeyer's Inn for a Surprise, two opinionated collaborators with conflicting visions must turn a doomed business venture into a successful romantic retreat.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes follows a young WWII naval airman who heads to Texas to meet the sister of a lost compatriot.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is a modern-day romance about the groundskeeper of a historic inn who's reunited with someone from her past while she fights to save a town landmark.

I thought this novella collection was cute. I really enjoyed the concept of the tree that was featured in each story in some way. The kissing tree was a common thread in each story and it helped provide some continuity as each novella in the collection was a different time period and by a different author. Some of these stories I enjoyed more than others, but overall I think there would be something for every romance reader to enjoy when reading this novel.
Each story was unique, however the romance and faith elements were prevalent in each story.

Long books are nice, but sometimes you just need a story that is short and sweet and can be read in a few hours and leave you satisfied and accomplished. A lot of times with compilations of novellas by different authors you tend to have a favorite and might even skim the one that isn’t your fave, but there is none of that with The Kissing Tree. All the stories are strong, well-written, heartwarming, and enjoyable. Might be one of my favorite multi-author novella collections ever. ❤️🌳 ❤️

When a novella collection includes three of your favourite authors (and one who is now a new favourite), you always know it's going to be a good one! I have to say The Kissing Tree far exceeded my expectations.

The Kissing Tree features four different couples, each with their own sweet yet entertaining story, all centered around an inn and the timeless oak tree their small town of Oak Springs is named after.

I can usually quickly pick a favourite novella from each of the collections I read, but choosing a favourite from this collection would be impossible. This was one of those books where you want to read fast because you want to know what happens, but also want to read slowly so it doesn't end too quickly.

If you enjoy historical and contemporary romance with a bit of suspense, lots of laughter, and a few tears weaved in, you won't want to miss The Kissing Tree.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

I get sentimental really quickly. I get attached very quickly to animals, people…and apparently trees in books. I just finished reading The Kissing Tree, a set of four novellas by Karen Witemeyer; Regina Jennings; Amanda Dykes; Nicole Deese (who are all spectacular writers by the way). I enjoyed all four stories so much. Each one was set during a different time but were all centered around the same tree, the kissing tree. I enjoyed all the characters and their romances. The kissing tree had something to do with all of the romances so it’s no wonder I got attached to the tree. I wish I could put my husband’s and my initials in the tree along with all the other couples. If you are looking for four sweet stories with a common thread running throughout all, then you should definitely try The Kissing Tree. You won’t be disappointed!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Kissing Tree by Karen Witemeyer, et al.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

I was so excited to see this combo of authors bringing a set of stories to their readers that spans more than one hundred years and features a piece of nature that inspired many people. Each story was well done with a good plot and characters that were real and realistic in their situations. Each set of characters faced a dilemma that also included the huge Oak tree and I loved the tie between everyone. Personally, my favorite story was the last one, called Heartwood. I really connected with Abby and Griffin and loved their story of forgiveness, trust and love. The other stories were good and I enjoyed reading them, even if they weren’t my absolute favorite. I will certainly be recommending this book to others and hoping they will enjoy it as much as I did. Excellent job, ladies, you have a winner here.

I received this temporary complimentary E-Book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

In the romantic anthology, The Kissing Tree, by authors Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese, you'll find four heartfelt stories about finding love through life's struggles, setbacks, and tremendous heartbreak. At the center of each tale, is a beautiful tree as large as the hearts of the four women whose love stories unfold in the little town of Oak Springs, Texas. Nicknamed The Kissing Tree for it's reputation of bringing couples together, as evidenced by all the initials carved into
it's trunk over the course of roughly a hundred years, the tree itself represents resilience. Having weathered many storms, much like the couples in these stories, in the end it endures (one way or another).

Several prominent Christian themes are woven into each story. In Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts, Bella Eden suffers a career ending injury by a boy she never thought she'd see again. But, with the power of forgiveness Ella is able to move past her resentment and find peace and love. In Inn For A Surprise, Pheobe Woodward sets her pride aside and finally allows herself to accept the help she needs and finally find love in the process. In From Roots to Sky, Luke and Hannah both need healing from the tragic loss of a friend and a dear brother. But thankfully, God can use a tragedy and turn it into a victory with a little faith. Lastly, in Heartwood, Abby Brookshire learns not only to find peace in forgiving others, but also herself.

Another theme that resonates in each story is the faith of these characters to trust in God through it all no matter the outcome. These four romantic and endearing stories are a perfect collection that you'll enjoy again and again. A satisfying collection about faith, healing, and the power of love.

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings

OH MY GOODNESS!! If you are in need of a sweet romantic story look no further!

Bella has high plans until an accident derails them. So she moves onto a new plan.

Adam is just trying to earn a living and earn Bella's respect.

Will they have enough time with a competition ahead? Adam and Bella learn to trust each other and to trust God and His timing.




Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer

Swoon! This book was filled with wonderful humor and was utterly romantic! Karen Witemeyer knows how to write a wonderful book!

I loved Phoebe & Barnabas' story! I loved how the previous book slipped in as well! It was a wonderful tale of love and acceptance!




From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes

Aww, this was such a sweet story! Luke & Hannah were made for each other! I loved the story from the beginning to the very end! Hannah was a whirlwind and Luke was much more subdued but somehow those two just belonged. They made each other feel at home!




Heartwood by Nicole Deese

Oh I loved this book! Nicole Deese is a master storyteller! She has a way of taking your right to the heart of the matter! I learned more about trees than I knew before.
Abby was a master gardener and artist who was so caught up in grief. Griffin was an arborist looking for some closure. I loved how their story wove through the pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Short story collections are generally not my go to reads, but there was something about the synopsis of these stories that drew me to open this book. From the anthologies that I have read, I'm used to them tending towards an overarching theme, like in this case, love, but I was so not prepared for how amazingly interconnected each of these stories truly was! Though written independently of one another, these stories perfectly flow together. As each story progresses, the decades pass to showcase new generations, but the thematic cohesiveness and continuity across the pages is absolutely breathtaking! It is incredibly difficult to pick out any one story to hold out as my favorite, as each was so well done and satisfying as a strong standalone, but connecting them across the entire book makes this a stand out collection that is highly recommended!

"[T]he sprawling old oak...had taken on such a life, so much lore and legend to it. It seemed to lay its branches upon the ground like unfolding fingers, inviting one to climb up inside and stay awhile."

With each story, the beauty of the tree continues to mature and symbolize the motivation for each character's desires. Life surrounding the tree may change, but its steadfastness guides them towards their heart's content, which is so remarkable to bear witness to as a reader along for the journey.

There is a little bit of everything for any romance reader to enjoy within these stories. I especially adored the inclusion of the hate to love troupes that were featured. And as a war veteran myself, "From Roots to Sky," painted such a poignant reflection of sacrifice and service that certainly speaks to what it takes to survive in the darkest of moments. The seasons of life are filled with departures, new beginnings, heartbreak, reunions, and everything in between, and these stories were able to capture those moments so remarkably well and with such stunning grace and tenderness. You'll easily become invested in the outcomes of the couples as well as the future of the tree itself!

Fans of both historical and contemporary romance will swoon over these sweet and masterfully written tales. I hope there are plans for another set of stories from these authors, but until then, I'll be checking out their individual novels! Such a delightful collection that will warm the heart and celebrates the power of love!

A stellar collection of tales that culminate around a magnificent live oak tree.

Picking up this book was a no brainer for me as it features four of my favorite authors, so I had high hopes, and it did not disappoint! I loved how this book followed various couples throughout the span of 150 years, with historical novellas, and then into the present day. This collection features fantastic characters, strong family, and faith. I loved how many of the stories had strong father figures.

A delightful, highly entertaining and enjoyable read, opposites attract and conflict turns to compromise. There was great chemistry between the characters, and though each of these stories was written by a different author with their own signature style, I think it worked so well in this format to tell each of the unique love stories in varying time periods. Highly recommend this novella collection!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

These four novellas travel through time in Oak Springs, Texas, and weave together love stories surrounding the Kissing Tree. While each story is independent of the other, there are a few ties that bring them all together besides the tree. The main characters in the first story, "Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts", Bella and Adam, make an appearance in "Inn for a Surprise". The Kissing Tree Inn is constructed in "Inn for a Surprise" but is still around in the last two stories and it is a descendent from the story "From Roots to Sky" that ties the fourth story into the book. Each story brings together two souls that thought they couldn't find love and they couldn't be more wrong.

I don't think I can pick a favorite out of these four stories. Each has a unique tale to tell and I fell in love with all of the characters and the situations that they endured to get to the apex of finding their true love.

"The magic found in Oak Springs had less to do with a romantic inn and everything to do with the nature surrounding it."


Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts features Bella and Adam. You could say there were not bosom buddies while in their last year of school, in fact, a situation occurred that had Bella changing her chosen profession. I don't think she ever forgave Adam for that incident until he arrives back in town several years later and realizes she is the one that he wants as his wife. I liked how Adam realized he had a couple of hurdles to cross to win her affection and he is quite creative in helping get past those barriers. I enjoyed this line because progress happens no matter the time and this reminded me of that. Adam says this line to Bella - "I came to Oak Springs to bring our town up to date. It's the 1870s. Progress needs to happen."

Inn for a Surprise is the story of Phoebe and Barnabus. This story had me in stitches because Barnabus thinks that this inn is a lost cause when it comes to marketing and has, in his mind, renamed the inn with several alliterations, including the Inn of Pecking Pulp Providers. When Phoebe stumbles across this information, I think it causes her to see Barnabus in a new light. They work well together as a team and it shouldn't be too surprising that they fall in love. What did surprise me was her father's reaction. You'll have to read the story to discover that answer.

From Roots to Sky is Hannah and Luke's journey. Luke came to Oak Springs out of a sense of obligation to Hannah's brother that died during WWII. He had taken on the task of writing to Hannah and he included drawings of what he saw in Europe, much like her brother had done for her before he died. Hannah is endearing and scattered all at the same time. I'm sure many are not sure how to handle her proclivity to keep moving and not wait for anyone to help her do anything. I admired her determination to forge her own path and not a traditional path that might be expected of a woman in the 1940s.

Heartwood is the last novella and brings together Abby and Griffin. Abby is a descendent of a character mentioned in "From Roots to Sky", Arnie, and the cottage built in that story by Hannah and Luke is another tie to all of the stories. I enjoyed watching these two lovebirds (when they finally admit it) reconnect even though it takes some time to get there since Griffin is there to assess the Kissing Tree and this riles Abby up to no end.  Abby and Griffin know each other well and both love nature and the outdoors. In fact, I liked this line that Abby says to Griffin - "You'll always smell like trees no matter what you squirt on your shirt. Nature's in your DNA."

No matter what sort of story you might like, each novella in this book will appeal to you in one way or another, from the characters to the setting.

We give this book 5 paws ups.

With its four delightful, heartwarming, and romantic novellas, The Kissing Tree is one of my favorite books of 2020. Easily in the Top 20 of the 160 titles I’ve read so far.

Four excellent stories of love spanning generations. Three historical, one contemporary. One special tree at the center of them all. Related storylines, seamless integration of elements from one story to the next, cohesive execution. Each time I finished a story, I’d say it was my favorite. In the end, I couldn’t pick one. I choose all four.

Broken Limbs, Mended Heart by Regina Jennings tells the story of how the stately live oak in Oak Springs, Texas became The Kissing Tree through Bella Eden and Adam Fisher. The pairing of schoolteacher and modern farmer is something I don’t read often and I’m long past the point of being able to relate to characters in their early 20s, but this sweet story appealed to me because Ms. Jennings created a lovely tale of young dreams being fulfilled and of a community coming together to welcome an innovation after initial skepticism.

Inn For a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer had me laughing with the rivalry between romantic innkeeper-wannabe Phoebe Woodward and practical self-made businessman Barnabas Ackerly. I love their conversations and the way their contest showed them how well they complement each other’s styles. Opposites do attract and with parental matchmaking at work, these two have their happily-ever-after. Barnabas’ nicknames for the inn are some of the highlights of this story. I also like the cameo of Bella and Adam from the first story to establish continuity.

Phoebe’s line really resonated with me: “I refuse to settle for anything other than soul-stirring, fully reciprocated love.”

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes is both light and deep. I always have a soft spot for military romance and this story of pilot Luke Hampstead and Hannah Garland, the woman he’s been corresponding with, induced me to both laughter and tears. Hannah’s vibrant personality matched Luke’s quiet steadfastness perfectly. As in the previous story, I love it when the couple works together to achieve a common goal. This time, on building the cottage inspired by Danny’s letters and Luke’s drawings from Europe.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese gutted me. The only contemporary story of the collection, this second-chance romance between Abby Brookshire and Griffin Malone is the most relatable to me. Like Abby, I too lost my father to illness and that letter she wrote him had me bawling. While tears-inducing, this story managed to also have light moments and it ends the series on the right note. That of hope and strength in community and love.

This is one of my favorite quotes- “When things feel completely out of my control, my options become very simple: I can either tighten my grip and hang on no matter how much that hold might hurt myself or others, or I can open my fist and trust in a process much bigger than myself … and let go.”



The stories have an awesome sense of place. I actually looked up “Oak Springs, Texas” and “The Kissing Tree, Texas” on the internet with the intention of visiting them when it’s safe to travel once more. Alas, they’re only in the imagination of four talented authors.

This book is soo good!! Four beautifully written stories intertwined through histories. If i didn't know better, I would say it was all written by the same author, as there were little nuances and callbacks and the little things that I noticed and appreciated! It's the small things that tie everything together.

1- 1860ish First story follows a girl who wants to be kissed under the kissing tree, and attempts to lure her crush there. Instead, he rejects her and in despair, she climbs the tree. Another boy witnesses the whole thing and causes her to fall from the tree, breaking her arm.

Years later they meet. Adam, the boy returns to his home town to sell his threshing machine. Unbeknownst to him, his schoolyard crush is a teacher instead of a seamstress. Her broken wrist ruined her dreams. Events pit themselves against each other but instead of fighting, they team up together for them to both beat the odds.

Good story- setts up the rest of the three stories. I enjoyed both characters and the plot.

2- Second story - about 20ish years later a woman wants to build an romantic honeymoon inn near the kissing tree. Her father hires a man to come in and 'advise' her. They have a contest on who designs a better room-- is it a room that both a man and a woman can enjoy?

Calls back to a few characters in the first story, as well as the kissing tree itself with the initials carved in. I will say that I didn't love the name Barnabas but I'm truly nitpicking here. I love the dynamic between characters, the woman being flowery and over the top and emotional, and the man loving order and straight-laced. They influenced each other for the better.

3- Third story - WW2. A man comes home from war to thank the woman who's letters save his life. He instead gets wrapped up in helping her design/build her dream house. She believes that she will live with her brother, but the soldier eventually tells her-- her brother died. They fall in love but he has a job waiting for him in new york.

I loved the plot, and the characters too. The kissing tree was more in the background, with the focus on the house.

This house features in story 4-- modern day. The Tree is old, struggling, and the Kissing Tree Inn is having money problems. They want to remove the tree. The main heroine is a gardener, growing up under her father the head gardener. Her highschool sweetheart comes back into her life as an arborist, coming to check on the tree. They renew their friendship bonding over saving the tree. However (view spoiler) I was so shocked. Over the past 4 stories i fell in love with the Tree and I cried hard at the end.

Such an excellent collection. While they can stand alone and be read individually, the Kissing Tree stands better as a whole, one tale leading into the next, following the lifetime of the tree.

5 stars. I will reread this.

This was a lovely and enchanting collection of novellas I truly enjoyed!
These four authors are some of my absolute favorites so I was dying to read this collection, and I wasn’t disappointed! The best part is that they all have the same setting, in Oak Springs, the Kissing Tree being the center of the plot, but throughout the years! Each author shares a beautiful love story that has something to do with the tree, and I love how they were all interconnected, Regina being the one to introduce us to the tree and the origin of it’s name, and Nicole Deese closing the book with a present to day story that fights to mantain and guard this beautiful oak tree that has seen many love stories unfold under its branches and will surely see many more for more generations to come! I love that each author writes of an era that is of their speciality!
First, Broken Limbs , From Regina Jennings (1871) is Bella and Adam’s story and how the Kissing Tree starts to be called as such. Bella wants to be kissed under that tree, but after an embarrasing rejection, of which Adam makes fun having watched everything from a tree, Bella climbs the tree to get back at him, only to fall later and injure her wrist. They never see each other again and Adam never knew her injury was permanent and stopped her from being the succesful seamstress she dreamed. Years later, Adam is back to make some business, and he meets Bella again, now the town’s school teacher. Bella is non too happy of his return, but Adam is determined to win her heart after all this years. Will he succed? A sweet and fun start for the book that charmed me.
Inn for a Surprise, from Karen Witemeyer (1891) is Phoebe and Barnaba's story. Phoebe wants to transform the Kissing Tree and its surroundings into a romantic place where couples can foster and Kindle (or rekindle) their love, just as her parents love was carved and forever marked in the famous Kissing Tree. Barnaba’s is only her father’s employeer sent to help her daughter out in her proyect. He doesn’t believe in Phoebe’s romantic plan at first, but getting to know her and seeing her passion for this place she wants to transform into a romantic inn, makes him see things differently. Especially the girl in front of him that now he can’t take his eyes off! This was such a sweet story, probably the sweetest! I loved their relationship, and their witty banter! So romantic!
From Roots to Sky, from Amanda Dykes (WWII) is Hannah and Luke’s story. When Luke is drafted to fight the war, he begins to write Hannah, encouraged by her brother, and a sweet friendship quickly ensues. But when his plane is shot down, and he is left alone in the cold to die. To keep himself awake, and not succumb to the numbing cold, he writes Hannah a letter, which ends up saving him as he is eventually rescued and sent home. His first visit is to Hannah, wanting to meet her friend in times of need in person. The story is beatiful and so emotional. This was the most emotional story of all and I loved it! It brought some tears to my eyes! There’s drama, grief, but always hope full of love. Touching!
And last but not least Heartwood, from Nicole Deese, set in present day was the most perfect conclusion! Abby and Griffin’s story is one of second chances. Griffin and Abby, after being childhood friends and then sweethearts, break up after her father’s death. Her father was the main gardener at the Kissing Tree Inn and Abby wanted to stay there to keep his legacy. But Griffin, having made a promise to his father to help her pursue bigger dreams and make better use of her talents, pushes her to go with him, away from Oak Springs and pursue bigger dreams with him. Which makes Abby break up with him and stay in her beloved Kissing Tree Inn, taking after her father, making the garden -and the famous oak- flourish. But now, the Inn’s owner has bigger plans for the Inn that doesn’t include the oak tree. And he sends for Griffin, a succesful arborist, to make a report on the oak to support that it is dying and not worth saving. Will Griffin get his second chance to woo Abby? Can Abby sabe the memorable tree from final destruction? And will Abby’s ties to the towns beloved tree and the Inn impede her to see what she’s capable of? I totally loved Nicole’s story. I guess I felt related in some ways to Abby, and this made it my favorite story. I loved how Griffin and Abby’s relationship slowly rekindles as they both fight to preserve the memorable and loved Oak Springs landmark. They both do some growing of their own through out the story and I loved how they cameo ut the better for it afterwards. Their love reconnection was so sweet, and the story was realistic and relatable, and it had some fun moments to treasure too. A perfect ending to a perfect collection of sweet novellas!
A masterpiece, all in all! I highly recommend this book collection! You will swoon, cry and laugh out loud!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher, via NetGalley, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Kissing Tree is one of the strongest collection of its type I've ever read. I enjoyed each of the four novellas with well-drawn characters. None of the romances seemed rushed, which can be a temptation in novellas. The settings were unique and interesting despite all centering around The Kissing Tree, a grand oak in Texas.

Two of the authors were already among my favorites. Two others I'd heard of but not read anything by. I enjoyed those stories equally!

4.5 stars

I appreciate a compilation of novellas with a central subject that brings together all the stories. In the case of The Kissing Tree, it is the titular tree in town of Oak Springs, Texas. This tree ties together the novellas, yet the stories can stand on their own. The tree is already full grown at the start of the first novella, set in 1868. We also see the tree in 1891, 1945, and today in the final story in the collection. Imagine all the history that tree has experienced in its hundreds of years! Luckily for us we don’t have to imagine. We have four amazing novellas to read some of that history! As Adam says in Broken Limbs, Mended Heart:
“It’s this tree that brought us together, and I’m going to predict that our love will be as rooted and strong as it is.”

After reading Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts, I thought it would be my favorite story in the collection. Then I read Inn for a Surprise, and it was my favorite. Then I had the same thoughts for From Roots to Sky and Heartwood. Turns out, I couldn’t pick a favorite. Every story is my favorite. I also experienced all the emotions while reading these novellas, from happiness and laughter to loss and crying. Yes. Real tears. On more than one occasion. Clearly, I care a lot about trees and stories about trees!

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts: Flirty banter drives the love story of Bella and Adam. These two characters are like oil and vinegar, strong apart, but better when combined and supporting each other. Adam knows that he and Bella belong together. Bella takes longer to be convinced. I especially enjoyed how Adam ‘tricks’ Bella into relaxing enough to concentrate on her teaching exam by making her hold hands with him! This is a very sweet romance.

Inn for a Surprise: I love a cantankerous character of either gender. Right away, I could tell that Barnabas was just my sort of leading man, cranky and not in the least bit interested in his new task, that of ensuring the success of Phoebe’s hotel endeavor. No easy feat, given that the town doesn’t have the tourist traffic to warrant such a venture. Barnabas and Phoebe balance each other’s skills and ideas to create the perfect hotel. And relationship. As Barnabas states:
“You might understand the intricacies of the heart, but I understand the intricacies of business. Both are necessary if this enterprise is to succeed.”
True in the hotel business as well as in romance! This romance is a slow build, like the inn. We see the little touches of friendship that develop into love over time. I also really enjoyed Phoebe’s spirit. Her father’s wealth allows her freedoms that not many women in the 1890s had. She takes full advantage of these freedoms. I’m always glad to read a story about a heroine who isn’t afraid to make her own desires come true.

From Roots to Sky: Luke and Hannah begin their relationship as pen pals, introduced to each other by Danny, Hannah’s brother. She writes long letters about the town of Oak Springs. He sends her drawings of buildings he sees while mapping Europe as a pilot in WWII. The two work together to build the cottage that Danny always dreamed of living in. (Oh, and BTW, the cottage where Abby lives in Heartwood!) What really struck me in this novella is Ms. Dykes use of visual language. From Pete’s sake referring to an actual Pete, to describing Luke’s shyness as being “big quiet”, to comparing the green and gold of Luke’s military uniform to the green and gold leaves on The Kissing Tree, I could really visualize this story as it unfolded. Oh, and I’m in for any celebration that includes a pie jubilee!

Heartwood: For me, this was the most emotional of the stories. The dedication “to all those who have lost someone precious and are brave enough to love again.” is accurate and appropriate. In the case of this novella, that loss is of a parent, Abby’s father, the former caretaker of the tree and inn property (from Inn for a Surprise!). But it’s also the story of the lost love between Abby and Griffin. I’m a sucker for a story about reunited lovers. What really works here is that the feelings between Abby and Griffin for each other, and the tree, are palpable. I also really appreciated how Ms. Deese shows the growth of the town of Oak Springs, from the small town that we started with (in Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts) to the bustling city of today. We really see the community coming together in this story. I was very moved by this story after learning about the memory gardens that Abby makes. I’ll certainly be researching those more.

Separately, each of these stories are beautifully written. But what impresses me the most is how the stories are tied together: they are set in the same town, the impact the tree has on each novella, and how characters from one story make an appearances in another story. Kudos to these four authors for a great collaboration! Check out this compilation if you are into romance novels. Or sappy for trees like me! (Pun intended!).