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

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.

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.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences - Primarily set in 1871, this story introduces the reader to an enormous oak tree that is becoming a local landmark where couples carve their initials into the trunk or limbs. In the story, we meet Bella Eden and Adam Fisher. Because the characters know each other from school days, I'd classify it as a 2nd chance romance. Adam has returned to town in an attempt to promote new farming equipment, yet in the process he inadvertently puts Bella's teaching position in jeopardy. What follows is their path to a HEA and how the tree factors into it. 
My rating - 4 stars

Inn for a Surprise - This story is set twenty years later in 1891. We learn that the town has grown and the reputation of the tree for romance is growing. We also learn that the daughter of one of the characters from the first story is now the lead character in this story and her dad's assistant is the male protagonist. Phoebe is in the process of opening up an inn which features the Kissing Tree as a romantic getaway and Barnabas has been sent to see to it that the endeavor succeeds. This is my favorite story of the 4. I find the romance believable and the dialogue engaging.  
My rating - 5 stars

From Roots to Sky - Set in the mid 1940s, the town of Oak Springs is quietly surviving during the war. We're introduced to a new era for the town. The tree is still a local landmark, but the inn is currently out of business, yet has been recently purchased by a new owner who intends to reopen it. However, those details are secondary. The male protagonist, Luke, is an airman recently home from the war waiting for his job with Pan American Airlines to begin, and Hannah, the sister of his best friend who didn't make it. She's struggling with the death of her brother and has decided to incorporate the sketches he, and subsequently, Luke, sent her from war torn Europe into the building of a small cottage. This story really doesn't involve the tree very much, but I appreciate the message of a constructive way to work through grief. I also appreciate the realistic development of the romance. 
My rating - 4.5 stars

Heartwood - This story fast forwards to modern times and involves the family who bought the inn and descendants of the characters introduced in the previous stories. We now meet Abby and Griffin in what turns out to be a 2nd chance romance.  Abby works at the Kissing Tree Inn and Griffin is an arborist who has returned to Oak Springs to evaluate the health of the tree. They broke up 2 years previous when her father died. And, even though it's been 2 years, they are still managing their grief. This is my least favorite story of the collection. There's simply too much heaviness and sadness for me. Finally, I'm not a fan of the ending. 
 My rating - 3 stars

Each story is clean with kissing only and no offensive language. I liked the continuity between the stories - whether common characters, descendants of previous characters, or place names like the Inn. What surprised me was how little Christian elements were incorporated into the stories. 
My overall rating - 4 stars

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.

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.

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.

This book was fairly enjoyable. I liked the writing style of some authors more than others. I enjoyed the look at the “kissing tree” through several generations.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars

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.