The Kissing Tree is a collection of four novellas written by four different authors.

The first novella (Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings) was such an amazing read. I loved how the story started with the scene at the oak tree and then jumped to three years later. It was easy to get to know the characters and I loved the romance. The ending was amazing and I loved this novella.

The second novella (Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer) was a cute story that I really enjoyed. I liked how they had to work together to get the inn ready. It was fun to see their different styles and how they complemented each other together. The ending was so good and made me eager to see what would happen next with the kissing tree. ;)

The third novella (From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes) was a slower story for me at first and it wasn't until close to the end that I started to love the story. It got so intense that I could hardly read fast enough. I thought the romance was really sweet.

The fourth novella (Heartwood by Nicole Deese) was an okay story. I don't know why, but I didn't connect to it like the first two. I liked the characters enough, but it seemed kind of rushed and I guess I wish there would have been a deeper storyline. The ending was cute, though.

All in all, The Kissing Tree was a really good read and I recommend it to fans of historical romance. I loved the first two novellas. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

This was such a lovely read. I have read all 4 authors before that are in this novella collection and enjoy their books.
All 4 stories are centered around a big old tree aptly named "The Kissing Tree" way back when. Taking place in a small Texas town each story features a couple in a different time period from past times to most recent times. In the most current time period, the tree is old, wearied and not in the best shape. Some want it to come down. Some are really fighting against it. Like us though sometimes doing what's best though it may not be what we want is a way to start fresh, offering forgiveness and moving on. We don't always need the sentimental object because our memories live on in our hearts and minds just like they do with all the generations of people affected by The Kissing Tree. If only the tree could talk, it would have so many stories to tell! There are a lot of emotions swirling around in this book, some misunderstandings, forgiveness, joy, happy memories and faith. A fun and inspirational read. I enjoyed this book a lot.

Published October 13th, 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this collection of stories. Usually with collections like this, I have a clear favorite, but this time, I just enjoyed them all so much. I loved how the stories were all tied together by the tree, yet each one was unique and well-written. I definitely recommend this collection.

Whoever came up with the idea for The Kissing Tree is brilliant. Four stories are told chronologically, telling the tale of the "Kissing Tree's" life.

The first story happens in the mid-1800s. A girl fancies a boy and carves her initials into a tree with a heart next to hers. She schemed to have the boy carve his initials and give her her first kiss. Well, you know what they say about the best-laid plans. Another boy was also under the tree and helped her home after a fall from the tree. He gets his second chance when he returns home as a businessman and hopes to win her heart.

The second story takes place in the 1890s. A young woman is building an inn next to the "Kissing Tree". She wants to make it a romantic destination and focus on the initials carved into the tree. A friendly competition with her father's businessman becomes more than she imagined.

The third story is set during WWII. A corresponds with Hannah after the death of her brother. He has something to give her but is distracted by his attraction to her. Instead, he helps her fulfill her dream of making a cottage for her brother with all of the pictures sent to her of life in Europe.

The fourth story was heartbreaking and inspiring. It takes place at the end of the tree's life. It is also a story of second chances and new beginnings. I loved the memorial and what they did to remember the tree. It is such a great story.

I highly recommend this anthology. All of the stories are well done and entertaining.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

The Kissing Tree is a collection of novellas set during different time periods that focuses on a huge oak tree. I really enjoyed how each story intertwined to praise the significance of this glorious tree that’s found in Oak Springs, Texas.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences

Bella Eden is a local school teacher who once had dreams of being a seamstress. Those dreams were shattered when her wrist is broken at the hands of Adam Fisher. Time past but he’s returned to town as a proud owner of a thrashing machine. Will they mend their past?

Inn For a Surprise

This story continues as a former student of Bella’s, Phoebe Woodward, plans to open an inn next to the huge oak tree. Her father sends a land developer, Barnabas Ackerly, to help her plan become a success. Being that she’s already a strong-willed lady, she really doesn’t want any help with her plan.

From Roots to Sky

Hannah Garland has lived next door to the huge oak tree all her life. Luke Hampstead, WWII soldier, returns from war to see Hannah. He fought the war with her brother. He needs to bring closure after corresponding through letter and drawings with Hannah.

Heartwood

Abby Brookshire, a groundskeeper at the Kissing Tree Inn, is frightened when the owner of the inn wants to tear down the beloved oak tree. Griffin Malone, an arborist, has been sent to diagnose the condition of the tree.

Each author used beautifully vivid language to portray how the significance of the tree fit into the community of Oak Springs and the characters that resided there over the years in this close knit town. I truly enjoyed each story and how they built open each other. I was laughing through Inn for a Surprise. This was my first story I’ve read by Karen Whitemeyer. She really played the two main characters personalities well. I recommend this collection of historical and contemporary novellas.


I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Bethany House through the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.

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!

I really enjoyed the four novellas in this anthology. The stories all center around the Kissing Tree, a large live oak tree in Oak Spring, Texas and span in time from the 1800s to present day. Although I enjoyed them, all Inn for a Surprise was my favorite.

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

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.

The Kissing Tree by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese is four sweet novellas in one place. All four stories center around a kissing tree, a pivotal place where key life events take place in different time periods. These talented writers come together with fun storytelling that will keep you entertained. The short formats are perfect for a weekend or evening read. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

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.

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.

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.

Cute stories with a common theme. It was interesting to read about the kissing tree over the years. Novellas are never long enough to suit me - but in this case they were actually too slow to suit me.

I think I liked Deese's the best - it was a good conclusion.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

3.5 stars

It is hard to talk of the book as a whole because all the four authors wrote in different styles, about different times, and topics. But if I were to describe the collection in one word, I would choose whimsical.

"Broken Limbs, Mended Fences" by Regina Jennings
This was my first read by this author. A sweet, simple tale of timeless love that gave birth to the Kissing Tree legacy. I especially liked the glimpse into the life of small farmers in Texas in the early 19th century. But I thought that the romance was a bit hurried and underdeveloped.

"The Kissing Tree Inn" by Karen Witemeyer
Another sweet tale, also a first read for me by this author. A more unique love story, sure to intrigue and please. But for a story taking place in the 19th century, I thought the language was too modern.

"From Roots to Sky" by Amanda Dykes
In her usual style, Amanda Dykes delivers another unique tale of hope. Two lonely souls find joy together in the aftermath of WWII. I really liked Hannah's character. She is very funny.

"Heartwood" by Nicole Deese
Another first timer for me, this story was about second-chances and overcoming grief. I thought the story started off very well, but then the ending was a bit too happily-ever-after for my taste. I also would have liked to learn more about the couple's past. Everything is very general, and only very late in the novella do you start to understand what went wrong two years earlier.

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.

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