The Kissing Tree

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.

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.

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!).

What a star studded cast of authors that came together to produce this novella collection. Two of the authors are ones that were new to me this year that I highly enjoyed. Those authors were among the main reasons I jumped at a chance to read this book. The other two I hadn't read anything by before jumping into The Kissing Tree but had seen highly promoted all over social media. So I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed.

Throughout The Kissing Tree, you will follow the stories of four couples that take place in Oak Springs, Texas. The titular Kissing Tree becomes town legend. You start with Adam and Bella's story in the 1860s. Adam was witness to one of Bella's most embarrassing life moments as a teenager and the one she blames for an injury that ruined her chances of being a seamstress and having to replan her life. He's just trying to make a living with a new agricultural venture when their lives coming crashing together.

Next, a little over 20 years later, comes the story of Phoebe and Barnabas. The Kissing Tree, where Adam and Bella had carved their initials, has become a town legend as others have joined in the tradition. Phoebe wishes to open an inn near the Kissing Tree to set up a romantic couples getaway. Barnabas, who works for her father, thinks it is a ridiculous venture but is tasked by Phoebe's father to help make it successful. Will their initials end up on the tree too?

Then we jump ahead to the time period of World War II in the 1940s with Hannah and Luke. Hannah's brother fought alongside Luke in the war, but unfortunately he never made it home. After he passes, Hannah and Luke become pen pals. After he is injured and things he is going to die, Luke writes a letter to Hannah which he feels honestly saved his life. After he's rehabilitated, he immediately goes to see Hannah and gets sucked into the tornado that is Hannah Garland.

Finally, you wrap up the story of Abby and Griffin in a contemporary setting. These two have history. They were friends for a long time until they finally became more. Unfortunately, after the death of Abby's father, who was dearly loved by Griffin too, she pushes. The Kissing Tree Inn is thriving again but the Kissing Tree itself is in danger of removal. Can they save the tree and get a second chance at their own love story?

Each story is related in some way either by being friends of the previous story's characters or being from a family mentioned in one of the other stories or being descendents of previously mentioned characters. Overall I think all the stories flowed together very well. I will say that I did enjoy some stories over others, but not to such a degree that some parts felt wonderful while others felt terrible. Even though these were shorter novellas, for the most part I didn't feel like the stories were rushed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

When I do collections like this, I like to do a review of each individual novella and then the collection as a whole.

To start with, this was the first book by Regina Jennings that I have read and I was impressed so much that I went ahead and preordered her next book, Courting Misfortune, that releases at the end of November. Jennings writing style roped me in from the very beginning and was a wonderful start to the collection. I loved the character development and the way the plot moves along.

Next was Karen Witemeyer’s novella, and it was also the first book I had read by her. I loved the way Witemeyer continued the story with little connections back to Jennings previous novella. The plot and the characters continued to build in a wonderful, great paced way.

After that was Amanda Dykes novella, and I loved how the characters moved through their pain in this part of the series. Dykes pays attention to little details in everything she writes which makes it easy to get wrapped up in her books along the way.

Finally, the collection wrapped up with Nicole Deese’s novella. It was an extremely well thought ending in a contemporary setting to the Kissing Tree collection. Deese is one of the few contemporary writers that I adore (I just gravitate towards historical more, but Deese makes me love contemporary stories!).

This collection as a whole is a wonderful story to read. It moves through the ages seamlessly with each author writing their own timeline of a perfect story. While each novella can stand alone, I enjoyed seeking out family connections throughout, and I am happy to have been able to read this collection!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

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.

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.

The four stories are all linked to the town of Oak Springs in Texas and more particularly, an ancient oak tree, that assumes the name, The Kissing Tree, in Regina's first story. All the stories are set in different periods of history and I presume this is a reflection of the respective author's authorial bent. It's very clever how the four authors connect the stories beyond the town and much loved oak tree with various families and names running through them.

I most enjoyed Amanda and Nicole's stories. Not having read Amanda's work before it was a wonderful introduction to her work and I'm sure it won't be long before I read one of her full length novels. This story is beautifully romantic, the injured war hero seeking out the sister of his best mate who had passed in the war.

It was Nicole's story that I found most compelling. The story of dealing with loss, identity and love was very well presented and I found Abby and Griffin the most endearing of couples with their respective struggles, longings and integrity.

If you're after something light and short (the four stories are between 80 and 100 pages each in length) that will put a smile on your face, then this compilation is a good one to try.

I received an early ebook copy from Bethany House via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

The Kissing Tree is a wonderful collection of romantic novellas. Each tale chronicles a love story and takes us through the lifespan of a glorious oak tree. They all cover a different era, and above all, each is written by a different author, all at the top of their game.

Regina Jennings sets the stage with the tale of a local school teacher whose livelihood is threatened by the man who ruined her first career choice. However, could his return mean the start of a whole new life?

Next we have another historical romance powerhouse, and Karen Witemeyer doesn’t disappoint. She delivers two business partners who have very different ideas about what it takes to create the perfect romantic getaway. Can building this inn of dreams lead to their own being fulfilled?

Amanda Dykes, debut novel Whose Waves These Are gathered huge critical acclaim. Following the inn’s development, this third story brings us a returning veteran, who seeks the woman who saved his life.

And finally, Nicole Deese, one of my favorite new authors closes the collection with the tree coming full circle. But, there might not be a happy ending unless she can get two heartbroken souls back together.

All in all, this is a lovely collection, of cleverly entwinted stores that’ll bring a smile to any lover of the romance genre.

To read an excerpt or buy a copy of The Kissing Tree, click here…

If you love novellas, check out some great Christmas ones here…

I'm going to say from the gate that this collection of novellas in The Kissing Tree exceeded my expectations! I was honestly surprised at how invested I became in the characters. By the time I reached novella three I was wondering about the characters from novellas one and two. And truth be told, I got a bit emotional as I began in the third one! By novella four, I wanted to carve initials into the tree!

We're introduced to the kissing tree in book one with Bella and Adam. I have to admit, one of my favorite tropes is when the characters have known each other in younger years. This story really sets us up for becoming fond of the story surrounding the tree, and let me tell you, Regina certainly does that! I became invested in the lives of those who are in the town and the tree.

The entire length of the book, you're given the chance to reflect on life in general. How it goes on around you, how it changes over the years, and really what your own legacy will be. I found myself very introspective while reading each novella.

Book two had me giggling so much! I've been a long time Karen Witemeyer fan and this might be one of my favorites! And a novella no less. Go figure. While I'm not typically a fan of people falling for each other "too soon", if it's well written, it works like a charm and it certainly did this time. Pheobe has met her match with Barnabas. Oh my goodness, the ways he refers to the Inn are hysterical! Probably my favorite part of this whole story!

Now, if you're into nostalgia, Amanda Dykes' story is for you! This one is on the deeper side and will pluck at your heartstrings! I loved how she weaves the letter and drawings from Luke and Danny into Hannah's world. I love it when I can see myself in a character, and I can definitely see a bit of me in Hannah. This story is sure to give you all the warm fuzzy feelings.

And lastly we have Nicole Deese's story. This one was a difficult one for me because I wasn't ready to leave the legacy of the kissing tree behind. I'd grown so fond of it I grew a bit teary eyed as I started her story. I'm pitiful. I know! This last book has two people coming back together to work together (hopefully) to save the kissing tree. Griffin and Abby are opposite sides of the same coin. I love how Nicole describes that what they do for careers may seem to work against each other, but actually work in tandem. As a gardener (would-be landscaper) I can actually appreciate what they both do. There's definitely humor in the story as well as pain and loss. Actually a lot of loss, and for more than just the main characters. It was a good, heartfelt ending to a wonderful collection of stories. I could honestly handle a lot more just like this one!

I think what I loved most about this book was each Novella had a unique story yet was intertwined around The Kissing Tree! Each author had a different style of writing and they were all so engaging. I have only read books by Karen Witemeyer so I’m excited to seek out books by the other three authors.

This book will be high on my recommendation list!

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings:

The Kissing Tree is a huge oak tree that many loves have carved their names into over the years. Bella is hoping to have her name carved into the tree along with getting her first kiss. Unfortunately Adam is witness to the most embarrassing moment of Bella's life. So starts the legacy of The Kissing Tree. The first story was sweet and I really enjoyed it. I totally could picture this huge old oak since when I was a child I used to play under such oaks! They are gorgeous and fun to climb and hide out under. Loved Adam and Bella's story!



Inn For A Surprise by Karen Witemeyer:

When Barnabas comes to help the boss' daughter get her Inn ready for customers he is surprised by Phoebe's flamboyant tastes in colors and backgrounds. The Inn is near The Kissing Tree so of course it is called Kissing Tree Inn. Barnabas is there to help temper some of Phoebe's tastes and to help make the Inn the best success.



From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes:

Having lost his best friend in WWII and been wounded in that same war, Luke has come to visit his best friends sister Hannah. Luke and Hannah had corresponded after her brother, Luke's best friend, died. Now Luke has come home to meet the woman who's letters helped him get through when he thought he was going to die. Luke helps Hannah build a groundskeepers cottage for The Kissing Tree Inn.



Heartwood by Nicole Deese:

Abby is the groundskeeper for The Kissing Tree Inn. Griffin is an arborist that the Inn has hired to determine if the Kissing Tree is in need of being cut down. Abby refuses to believe that the old oak is dying and Griffin is there to do what he can to save the tree.



Such sweet love stories each one. I loved how each one connected somehow with the tree and were set in different times of history. A sweet compilation of short stories!

You will find four enchanting novellas in The Kissing Tree and I think you'll enjoy them as much as I did. I always read everything by Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings but Amanda Dykes and Nicole Deese were new to me. Regina's story of Phoebe and Barnabas was my favorite of the four. It was great fun watching this couple decorate the inn.

I loved the flow from one story to the next. These 4 ladies did a great job telling the story of one town in Texas and the tree it became famous for.

If you like Christian historical fiction and need something short and sweet to read this would be perfect for you.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

This is a delightful collection of stories that are centered around a tree where couples etched their initials in hopes of happily ever after. I loved the idea and each of the stories flowed together easily keeping me reading.

This is the second novella collection I've read this fall and I love them because they're like a short story I can finish in an afternoon.

Each of these authors wrote fun and engaging stories tying each one together. I was sad to see them come to an end.

I enjoy each of these author's work individually so having them together in a collection was a delight.

I highly recommend this collection!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Kissing Tree is a lovely read of four novellas that progress in time as each story takes place in the same town. And of course the Kissing Tree is a staple in each story.

Now each of these stories is written by different authors and I enjoyed their storytelling. Only one author was new to me. But what I really liked was the continuation of the tree, an inn, and other landmarks that stood for a over a hundred years and how they connected each generation.

Whether it was a failed kissing attempt with the boy you thought was meant for you, a spinster that was overlooked, a couple finding peace after a war, or a love that never stopped loving- these stories wrapped around my heart and brought many a smiles and sighs and helped me escape the world for a little while. All of them hit the right romantic buttons for me.

This was a fun read to traipse through time with. I admit there were a few times that the nostalgia of a previous story got me teary eyed, but I enjoyed seeing how each author worked in tandem with one another. Pick this one up, you won't be sorry.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Each of these novellas captures your attention with the likable characters, sweet settings, and better than chocolate emotions.

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts was a delightful story of one broken-hearted schoolteacher coming to terms with someone from her past she'd like to forget. I was taken with this story, excellent writing.

Inn for a Surprise was true to Karen Witemeyer’s panache for intriguing characters, dashes of romance, and more than a few giggles. A very enjoyable read with snappy dialogue, superb.

From Roots to Sky Binds two people together in a most original way, and keeps you turning the pages to find what happens next.

Heartwood Great characters and is full of sweet spaces where romance is shared. Lovely lilting writing which romance readers will enjoy.

Overall, this was a highly entertaining read, and I'd recommend fans of these talented authors add this to their library. It's a keeper!

I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to post nor write a review.

I really enjoyed The Kissing Tree. I knew I would like the stories by Regina Jennings and Karen Witemyer as they are among my favorite authors. Amanda Dykes and Nicole Deese are new to me, but I will definitely be looking for more books by them in the future. The main character in all four stories is an old oak tree that has seen a lot of the romantic history of the town of Oak Springs Texas. Each of the authors has penned a tale relevant to a different time period., sharing the romances of four different couples. All of the plots were engaging and I loved the characters. So grab a pot of tea and a cozy chair. You will want to settle in for four unique tales of love beneath The Kissing Tree!

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

The Kissing Tree is a collection of four novellas, each written by a different author: Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese. All four stories are centered around a timeless old oak tree in the heart of Texas.

First off, if you’ve followed me for long, you know how much I love novellas. Then to have a novella collection that features some of my favorite authors? Well, I knew I would love it. What I wasn’t prepared for was just how strongly those stories wove their way right into my heart.

I’m not sure I quite have words for how potent this collection is. If you have never read a novella collection before, this one will spoil you for all the others. It is funny, lighthearted, romantic, and yet incredibly touching. Who knew an old tree could make a person tear up?

The most important part about reading The Kissing Tree is to read the collection in order. Each story builds on the one before it and ends in a heartbreakingly sweet fashion. This is for sure my favorite novella collection of the year.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Bestselling novelist Karen Witemeyer joins award-winning authors Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese for this Texas-sized romance novella collection. Each of the authors' unique voices is on display in stories where courting couples leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak's bark.

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.

This is a collection of stories centered around a tree. Known at the Kissing Tree. The stories are generational. They all flow one into the other but by different authors. This is a good book to take to the beach or seat in front of a fire on a cold winter day.

I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

The Kissing Tree: Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love features stories by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese. Creative and endearing, each of the novellas in this collection is thoughtfully written, cleverly connected, and absolutely engaging. All four stories contain well-developed characters, a charming setting, and a generous amount of sweet romance.
 
With novellas that are set in one, rural town in Texas over the span of more than 150 years, this collection will enthrall readers who enjoy stories brimming with history, romance, and small town charm. Under the leafy shade of the same, stalwart oak tree, these novellas reveal unexpected love stories, renewed friendships, surprising struggles, genuine faith, and surprising dreams. Page after page, the gentle faithfulness of the mighty oak tree creates a welcoming space in which hope and love can bloom.

Beautifully written from beginning to end, this lovely book is truly difficult to put down. I was thoroughly captivated by the fictional world these collaborative authors worked together to create. Quickly invested in the plot of each novella, I easily connected to the characters and the themes within each story. The characters' setbacks, successes, motivations, and fears kept me intrigued; while their faithfulness, perseverance, and courage kept me inspired. 

This special collection contains four love stories that are romantic, uplifting, and meaningful. The Kissing Tree is a book that I will undoubtedly enjoy re-reading and sharing with others. I sincerely recommend it to all readers.

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

How could you not love this wonderful collection when these stories are written by such outstanding authors? This book had everything I hoped it would: Well written, intriguing storylines and characters that drew me into their stories. I don’t think I can pick a favorite, because they are all so good. Perfect book if you are looking for something entertaining to read, or just want to give a book by theses authors a try. I think once you read this collection, you’ll be looking for more books by each author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

It was the collection of authors that drew me to this book. Amazing, heartwarming stories of love lost and found. Swoon worthy and heart touching. Beautiful examples of the fact that love never fails. It always wins. From the first to the last story; short, delightful and unforgettable. Nothing delights the heart like love and this collection is a must have with characters one can relate to. Highly recommended to relax and delight ones heart.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

The Kissing Tree is a sweet collection of Christian fiction stories spaced out in various time periods from the 1800s to modern times. This collection of novellas is filled with sweet tales of romance, faith, overcoming hardship, and is based on the story of one rather unique and large tree--the Kissing Tree. The Kissing Tree is an oak tree where couples across the years carve their initials into the bark leaving a permanent testament of their love and a sweet glimpse into the town's history.
This collection of four novellas is authored by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese. Overall, I was impressed by how the four separate works were tied together so well by each author, as they incorporated similar themes, deep characters, as well as a sense of history and context throughout the book as each story built on the previous one. I am not often one drawn to a collection of novellas with the often disjointed storylines, but I was impressed by this collection. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this collection of novellas as much as I did!
The first novella of this collection, Broken Limbs, Mended Fences is authored by Regina Jennings and is a sweet tale of Bella, a small-town teacher, whose life is quickly upended by her past, as Adam, a traveling salesman of a new invention innocently questions her ability to teach. When Bella's job is put on the line and is aligned with the success or failure of her former friend Adam's new business, what is she to do? Should she give up her dreams so that Adam can fulfill his? Or will they find some kind of compromise?
I think my favorite of this entire collection was the second novella in The Kissing Tree, Karen Witemeyer's Inn for a Surprise. I am a huge fan of Ms. Witemeyer, but I absolutely loved this heartwarming, comical, yet sweet short tale of two very stubborn people working together on a project for two different reasons. Phoebe Woodward loves romance and dreams of making a somewhat neglected inn, close to the locally famous Kissing Tree, into a dreamy, fairytale-like romantic retreat for married couples. Even though she doesn't have the joys of romance in her life, Phoebe is content to be a spinster if she can help others to find joy in their lives.
Phoebe's father sends a property manager to help her with the business aspects of the inn, but Phoebe is stubbornly opposed to the practical insights of her new partner, Barnabas whose ideas for the inn oppose her every dream. Can the two stubborn and determined individuals work together to forge a successful and romantic business in the inn? Will they be able to blend their own hearts together? This story is full of humor, romance, heartbreak, and faith. I thoroughly enjoyed it an know that you will as well. I only wish is could have been longer!
The third novella From Roots to Sky was written by Amanda Dykes. From Roots to Sky is the story of Luke, a young navy pilot in World War II who has a promise to fulfill. Luke Hampstead had written letters to Hannah his friend's sister after his friend had died in the war, but one particular letter had kept him alive. He is on a journey to thank her, but ends up staying in Texas for longer than he expects due to his surprising interest in his fallen comrade's sister . Will he be able to fulfill his dreams of flying again? Can he leave Texas for his future in New York? Will Luke and Hannah be able to find happiness?
The fourth and final novella in this collection is Heartwood by Nicole Deese. This is set in modern times and is the finale for the kissing tree. The groundskeeper of the historic inn (a.k.a the one worked on in novella 2), Abby Brookshire is devastated to hear that the historic tree that she has devoted her life's work to protect may be removed. What makes the bad news even worse, is that Griffin, the man her heart has tried to get over for the last few years, has come back to town and seems to be the only one willing to work together with her to preserve the historical legacy of the kissing tree. Can Abby work together with Griffin without her heart becoming hardened? Will they be able to be friends still? Can they move on from the past? What will become of the historic tree?
Disclaimer: Bethany House Publisher graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

The Kissing Tree contains FOUR novellas all set in the Texas town of Oak Springs.

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings opens the collection in 1868. Our heroine, Bella Eden, is DESPERATE for her first kiss. But things don't go according to her plan--God's plan, perhaps, but not her own. The guy she thought was the 'perfect one' to kiss--well, he turned out to be seeing so much of her because he wanted A PUPPY from her farm. But the absolute worst part was that her desperate plea for a kiss was witnessed by another--leading to much pain physical, mental, and emotional. (Long story, but the name of the story is BROKEN LIMBS....) Could the one who "broke" her dreams mend her heart years later????? (No, I'm not talking about PUPPY GUY). Adam Fisher, our hero, has a chance to redeem all...will the Kissing Tree work its magic?

Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer opens in 1891. Barnabas Ackerby is sent to help his boss's daughter, Phoebe Woodward, open The Kissing Tree Inn. The longer these two work side by side to make her dream happen, the more he realizes that her dream is quickly becoming his as well. Will the tree be getting a NEW set of initials?

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes opens in 1944/45. Luke Hampstead has been corresponding with his friend's sister, Hannah. Well, corresponding may be a little too strong a word. He--like Danny before him--has been sending his sketches to Hannah. It was his friend's (dying) wish that he keep up the 'friendship' with Hannah. Now that the war is over, Luke has gone to her hometown of Oak Springs to meet her and to share his memories of Danny. The two quickly become friends--but could there be more than friendship that develops? Like Inn for A Surprise, this one features some construction work and designing!

Heartwood by Nicole Deese opens, I suppose, in contemporary times. No year is given--but let's assume pre-Covid 2018 or 2019. If I'm being honest, which I always strive to be, I wish this one didn't exist. Not because I hate the characters--I don't--but because the DIRECTION or TURN this one took. I feel like throwing a temper tantrum like D.W. and going SANTA, HOW COULD YOU???? It was a solid romance between the hero and heroine--two hearts reuniting after a bad break up.

I really enjoyed three of the four stories. The fourth story wasn't poorly written, just TRAGIC. My absolute favorite story was INN FOR A SURPRISE by Karen Witemeyer. It was probably this story that hooked me to the character of the KISSING TREE. The two middle stories were definitely the heart and soul of this one.

I love beautiful old trees, so the theme of a tree connecting four generations really appealed to me. Because of the variety of eras and the authors writing the different stories, each was unique and incorporated the Kissing Tree in a different way. While each story and couple was interesting, I connected the most with the emotions of the first, by Regina Jennings. A dream-killing injury, a challenge to her job, a wager, and unrequited love lead to an unlikely friendship between Bella and a schoolmate from her past. I appreciated how Bella does her best to forgive and look for the good in Adam. He is back in the town he grew up in to sell the latest technology in harvesting, yet his former community has difficulty believing his promises. He and Bella both have something to prove, and the support they give each other goes a long way to make them both successful in their endeavors and relationship. They feel strongly and are compelling as they earnestly seek for solutions to their quandary.

Inn for a Surprise brings the gentle humor author Karen Witemeyer brings to all her books, and the conflicting opinions on what would please the clientele of a hotel brought fun banter as the competition between Phoebe and Barnabas teaches them to listen and compromise in order to make the inn its best.

I most enjoyed in Roots to Sky was the long correspondence between Hannah and Luke, and the way they grew to know each other before ever meeting. The healing and slow-developing sweet romance when they finally meet is lovely.

Heartwood was a little heartbreaking, since the great old tree is coming to the end of its days. I was fascinated with Griffin's occupation of arborist and all the skills and knowledge it involves. Abby's grief over her father bleeds into her lifestyle and the way she can't leave behind his work on the grounds of the inn and move on with her own life choices. Griffin's return resurrects old hurts for both of them that they must face and resolve in order to take risks again and heal.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

"Wishing things were different doesn't make the truth any less true."

The Kissing Tree is a delightful and absolutely fantastic collection of novellas set in Oak Springs, Texas. While the four stories are each complete with a beginning, middle, and end, the overall collection flows as one long novel; therefore, reading them in order is essential. Oak Springs derives its name from the large Oak tree with a canopy of branches that offers a safe haven and a somewhat private location for a romantic tryst.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences by Regina Jennings starts off the collection in 1868, with Bella Eden looking for love in all the wrong places. She has even carved her initials in the Oak tree in the hopes that a certain young man will add his initials above hers. Fate, however, has other plans.

In Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer, the year is now 1891, and Barnabas Ackerly is sent to Oak Springs to check out the inn that his boss’s spinster daughter, Phoebe Woodward, has established near the Oak tree, now called The Kissing Tree because so many lovers and newlyweds have carved their initials into its sturdy and welcoming bark. Once again, fate steps in.

In From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes, it is December 1944, and the end of WWII is still several months away. Luke Hampstead comes to Oak Springs after serving in the war to deliver a package to his late friend’s sister, Hannah Garland. Their unique connection began long before that day, however, and this love story is both gentle and quite sweet.

In Heartwood by Nicole Deese, it is the present day, and Abby Brookshire is the gardener for the wedding destination near the Kissing Tree. An old flame, Griffin, is back in town, but will fate step in once more and bring them back together?

In all four books, the main character is the Kissing Tree. The tree in book one is full grown but still a clean slate until Bella carves her initials. By book four, the tree is filled with many initials, and nothing and no one will ever take that landmark away. As we all well know, fate and nature often have other plans, in both human lives and in the life of a tree that has unconditionally provided a loving place to steal a kiss or two. While the title of the overall book leads the reader to believe love is in the air, which it is, romance is only one element of these four novellas. All the stories go well beyond mere sparks, kissing, and falling in love.

The stories are written by different authors with their own writing styles, but each story seamlessly flows into the next, creating one novel that will touch your heart, make you laugh, and keep you wishing for more. The stories are well written, unique, and entertaining, and the characters are all quite lively and engaging. Treat The Kissing Tree as a single novel that spans decades but enjoy and appreciate each author’s contribution to Oak Springs, Texas, and her own special gift for storytelling.

I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review

When I picked up this book I knew I was in for a treat. The whole idea of a kissing tree bringing couples together was too hard to resist. Not only that, but Karen Whitemeyer and Regina Jennings are great authors, and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by either of them. I loved how different the stories were. When reading a 4 in one type book I’m always afraid I won’t get to know the characters enough to be invested in the story, but that wasn’t the case with this book. I enjoyed every moment, and look forward to reading more books like this one in the future. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a quick and easy romance. It’s nice to have a satisfactory ending if you are a busy mama and don’t have hours upon hours to read. The next story will be waiting for you when you have more time. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed these four novellas set around an old oak tree, where lovers carved their initials, in Oak Springs, Texas. Each story casts characters from a different time period, beginning in 1868 and continuing to modern time. The sweet, compelling tales touch the heart and make you care about the realistic characters and their dilemmas. The tree and the inn there play prominent roles in each. The authors all did a wonderful job at bringing their drama to life. They deal with universal issues that readers can identify with, and their struggles make you root for them to work out well. I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book.
These four novellas are each set in a different time period, but a majestic oak tree plays a key role in each story. I love that common thread in each novella.
The writing is excellent in each and every one of these stories.

The first story, Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts, by Regina Jennings is set in the 1860's in a small Texas town. Bella is injured when she falls from a huge oak tree. The injury is so severe that it prevents her from pursuing her dream of becoming a seamstress. Adam, the boy who assisted her when she fell returns to town years later with a modern machine that will help the area farmers. Can the two put the past behind them and forge a future together?

The second story, Inn for a Surprise, is by one of my favorite authors, Karen Witemeyer. In this story Phoebe Woodward plans to build an inn for couples. Her father sends his practical property manager, Barnabas Ackerly to ensure this inn will be profitable. Between the practical Barnabas and the whimsical, Phoebe sparks are sure to fly. Watching them try to compromise is a real hoot.

The third story, From Roots To Sky, by Amanda Dykes is a wonderful story. Luke Hampstead returns to Texas after a lengthy recovery from injuries sustained during the war. He is on a mission to find the sister of a fallen friend, Hannah Garland. When he arrives in town he finds Hanna and the two work together to build a cottage from pictures her brother sent her from overseas.

The fourth and final story, Heartwood, by Nicole Deese. Abby Brookshire has lived in the groundskeepers cottage her whole life. Her father was the groundskeeper at the Kissing Tree Inn until he succumbed to cancer. Abby is the current groundskeeper when the Kissing Tree is in danger of removal. A man from Abby's past is the arborist in control of her beloved Kissing Tree's fate.

I hope you choose to pick up a copy of this book. The stories are sure to move your heart.

This anthology was charming from beginning to end! Four separate stories, yet they all followed a chronological storyline over 100 years with The Kissing Tree as their central theme.

I am an old soul at heart, and I can think of nothing more romantic than having a sweetheart carving theirs and my initials in the bark of a old, stately tree. While that tiny, yet romantic, aspect was present in each story, the main characters all had such depth that I don’t typically find in a novella. It was a most pleasant surprise!

Most of these authors were brand new to me as well, which made this a great introduction into their writing styles. I don’t think I could pick a favorite among them all if I tried! The gentlemen were all swoon-worthy characters (even the one named Barnabas), and once their lady was in their sights, it was game over, sealed with a kiss, romance!

If you’re looking for next romance novel, definitely grab The Kissing Tree for four quick reads that you’ll love from start to finish.

Absolutely adorable. Was so nice to see some more new stories from some of my favorite authors. I think Broken Limbs, Mended Fences and Heartwood were my absolute favorites. It felt like home coming back to a new novella collection. These always make my heart happy.

I found that while I enjoyed each of the stories, I kept wanting more from each author! What I enjoyed was how each story was linked with another, with The Kissing Tree being the tie that brought them all together. I think the first book was my most favorite. No, it was the second, or was it the third. No matter which I liked best, I liked how the last book brought the story of The Kissing Tree back to full circle.

Oak Springs, Texas is the fictional setting for the novellas of The Kissing Tree, linked by the sprawling old oak tree that gives the collection its name. Ranging from 1868 to present day, this is a collection of chaste romances from four talented authors, only one of which (Nicole Deese) was new to me.

Where some novella collections can be slightly uneven in execution, that is not the case with these four novellas. Equally enjoyable, whether historical or contemporary, each story is distinct in time period, characters, and their romance.

This is a well-written set of novellas that may not be exciting, but make for an enjoyable read. Recommended for fans of novellas Christian Romance, whether your preference is for Historical or Contemporary Fiction.

This review refers to a temporary e-galley read through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions are strictly my own.

A kissing tree is the main point of the book. It’s a place where the residents of the town find love. As each novella is written, we see how the tree has worked over the years, creating jobs, friendships, tourist attraction and hotel. It’s interesting to read throughout the years the stories. This is a great novella collection! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my opinion.

A great collection of short romance stories. I especially enjoyed Heartwood by Nicole Deese. These short stories/novellas are perfect for when you need a quick dose of romance, but not a lot of time. Highly recommend

This book is really cute! It follows the same tree, and all the couples that fall in love beneath the boughs.

Some of my favorite authors have stories in this book. They're lovely! I love how some of the characters interact. The MC of one story is the teacher in the other. The laugh out loud humor, the adorable plots, they're all so fun and sweet.

Five stars for this cute little collection!