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!).

I don't read a ton of novella collections, however with these authors all together how could I not read it?
This is a beautiful collection of stories, I found that each story built upon the previous.
Regina's was so sweet. Karen's was just all the sweet romance and depth that I come to expect from her books. Amanda's was woven in her uniquely lyrical voice that pulls you in and reveals treasure within the story.
Denise's story topped it all off with such a beautiful story. She actually made me cry. Like twice. That has never happened to me in a novella people.
It was just so beautiful.
My seriously sentimental side cheered for the tree as if it took on a life of it's own and was the embodiment of the steadfast, and enduring.
Now I want to have a little acorn in my house somewhere! *sniff*
I recieved a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All my opinions are my own and completely honest.

This is a really heartwarming collection of four novellas, all revolving around the same grand old oak "Kissing Tree" in Oak Springs, Texas. The extraordinary thing is that although each story is done by a different author, they collectively maintain the history of the town and are well woven together. The stories span from 1868 to contemporary times, as the town changes, romance blooms, and initials are carved into the tree.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences by Regina Jennings begins in 1868. Adam Fisher returns to his boyhood town as a threshing machine salesman, determined to convince the town to embrace the changes of the times. He also wants to see Bella again, and apologize for an accident three years before.

Inn For A Surprise by Karen Witemeyer is the delightful story of how opposites attract. In 1891, Phoebe Woodward, a romantic at heart, wants to open The Kissing Tree Inn. Her father sends the ultra practical Barnabas Ackerby to assist her, and sparks fly.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes tells the story of Luke Hampstead and Hannah Garland. An airman during the war, Luke has been writing to Hannah, the sister of a buddy who was tragically killed. When it's time for him to go home, he seeks Hannah out in Texas.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is the story of Abby and Griffin, and how they deal with pain and loss.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes is my favorite Novella in the book. I instantly connected with the characters, and the story touched my heart. This is the second work I've ready by Dykes, and she's becoming one of my favorite authors.

I wasn't entirely on board with the ending of Heartwood, the last novella in the book, but overall these stories were woven together well and definitely enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

The best part of reading a novel collection like this one, is the exposure to authors I probably wouldn't pick up and read on my own. I love how the historical and contemporary novellas wove together, though I especially enjoyed the second half. Note: That's not a reflection of the writing in the first two novellas, but rather of my personal reading preferences--I like historical fiction, it's just not my go-to genre. That said, it was a nice change of pace, reading these new-to-me authors!

All four stories were charming, each with their own particular flavor and style, which made this book a delightful, enjoyable read from start to finish! Would I pick up other books by these four authors? Absolutely.

I love the tag line for this book, “Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love.”
That is truly what this collection of stories is all about.
From the very first page to the end the reader is taken on a journey through time, and the one main constant is a majestic tree.
It’s a collection of stories showing how time moved on and yet this tree stayed strong and steady, welcoming dreamers and lovers into its boughs.
Each author had a different time in history, however, the lives were all connected in some way. The whole book flowed so smoothly it felt like there was only one author. All these authors brought beauty and splendor to their stories so that the stories all came alive. Each story touched my heart with something rich and powerful.
As a reader, I was captured by all that happened around and in this amazing tree. The emotions were vast and deep, just like the roots of this tree.
This is a pleasant collection of love that will stand the time. If you enjoy stories about conquering struggles, forever love, and sweet relationships, then this is the book for you.
I highly recommend you pick this collection up; it just might make you want to go plant a tree!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read Review Rejoice's Review of Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts Regina Jennings: This is an adorable shorter novella that drew me in with every page even with the embarrassment in the story. I love how the cover fits the collection perfectly!

Review of Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer:
Without the suspenseful adventure of most of her stories I wasn't sure what to expect from Karen Witemeyer's "Inn for a Surprise" but I fell in love with the idea of the story right along with Phoebe and Barnabas as they grew to love each other.

Review of From Roots to Sky:
Dykes has such a way with words... She pulls me in and doesn't let go of my heart for a good long while.

Maybe it is the WWII theme or maybe it is the poetic way of writing the heart of a story on the page, I don't know, I just know that she is always on my list of need to read authors.


Review of Heartwood by Nicole Deese:
This is only the second story that I have read from Nicole Deese and I was hooked from the start!

I love the sweet and light but still has a hidden gem depth showing truth and love.

The bittersweet ending was just so wonderful, I really look forward to reading more from both authors.

This collection of stories by Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese is a treasure. All four stories revolve around an oak tree dubbed the “Kissing Tree” due to the couples who find love and share a kiss under its branches, and who proclaim that love by carving their initials into it. The Kissing Tree becomes a symbol of love for four specific couples over a period of 150 years in a small Texas community.

First, we read the story of Bella and Adam in the 1860s. A childhood accident in the tree results in Bella becoming a schoolteacher instead of becoming a seamstress like she dreamed. But when Adam--the boy who had a hand in that accident--returns to town, he claims her heart while inadvertently putting her job on the line again. We follow them as they fight for a future together and find love under the kissing tree.

Next, we read of Phoebe and Barnabas in the 1890s, who work together to establish a successful “Kissing Tree Inn” inspired by the landmark. Will conflicting views on how to successfully run the establishment keep them from realizing how the Kissing Tree is bringing them together?

We then read the story of WWII pilot Luke and his pen pal Hannah, who is the sister of his fallen comrade and friend. He comes to the small Texas town to make a delivery, but finds purpose and love helping Hannah create a small cottage under the branches of the Kissing Tree.

Finally, we read the present-day story of Abby, whose fight to save the Kissing Tree reveals a history of love and loss underneath its branches with Griffin, the arborist hired to consult on the health of the tree. Can the tree and this estranged couple survive?

Each author spins a wonderful story that builds to the story of the life of the Kissing Tree. Each author builds upon the other’s story, with gentle nods to people and places established in previous stories. And of course, each author perfectly engrosses the reader in a story of love underneath the Kissing Tree. While the styles of each author vary, these stories work well together. This is an extremely well-coordinated novella, and I enjoyed each story! By the end of the book, I was so invested in the tree and the love it represented. Who knew a book could make you love a tree so much? I highly recommend this well-crafted compilation of stories to any lover of Christian fiction!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

Loved this anthology and the connections each story had to each other! These are four fantastic authors and I genuinely enjoyed all of the stories in this collection. Love the Texas connections! Anthologies can sometimes be hit or miss, but this one hit exactly right!

I loved the premise of each story, the connections of the towns and the Kissing Tree was very sweet as well! Great pacing and a great mix of authors for this collection! I would recommend to fans of romance novels, book clubs, and any fans of these individual authors!

I enjoyed all of the stories in this compilation of short stories. I can't always say that about all of the compilation books that I read, but this one featured a lot of enjoyable stories.

I really enjoyed these four novellas that all revolve around a certain tree in a certain town. Each of the stories take place in different years but they are all connected through the families in this town. I loved the characters in each story. I love the romance and the love that happens in each story. The four authors that wrote the stories were all true to what happened in the first story. These stories show how the tree, town and the towns people grow with the years. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

What a fun, enjoyable novella collection! Sometimes it's so fun to pick up a story and be able to read it, start to finish, in a short amount of time. That's exactly what The Kissing Tree collection is. Each story is a novella, they are easily readable, easy to follow, and very enjoyable! Each of these stories had me smiling and at some points laughing out loud. I loved how the novella progressed from when the Kissing Tree Inn was built up until modern day. I really enjoyed each of these stories and think anyone who enjoys a sweet love story will as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am not normally a fan of novellas, but I enjoyed all of the different takes on the same theme in this collection. All of the stories centered around a particular “Kissing Tree” with branches so big and wide that a person (or a
couple ;) ) could be hidden inside. Light, fun read.

I look forward to these novella collections every year. Usually at least one of my favorite authors and hopefully a couple of new ones to discover. If I'm lucky, they are only new to me and I have a bunch of previously published works waiting for me.

They are quick, sweet reads and having different authors collaborate really makes the distinct stories (characters) stand out.

This set has common roots (see what I did there?) but spans a rather long chunk of time.

Broken Limbs, Mended Fences
I'm partial to this time period and this author. Bella's opening scene was definitely memorable. She truly had some challenges in her story and I was interested to see how she would adapt and what she would ultimately choose. I suppose the same should be said of Adam. I loved the unique supporting characters as well. This story had plenty of heart and humor, what a great way to start. "Tree of Shame" hahaha.

The Kissing Tree Inn
I loved the way the first story grew into this one. I appreciated the mention of former characters and I adored Phoebe (and her dad) and Barnabas. I loved her quick wit, poor taste in design, humility, and whimsy. Barnabas was very different but complemented her so well. I enjoyed reading from his POV too (rare for me), as it was so contrary to Phoebe's.

From Roots to Sky
This author was new to me and a little more contemporary than I usually go (1940s), but it was well written. I found the story intense and full of sadness, despite our heroine, Hannah's, energy and hope. It was still a sweet story that deals gently with loss and purpose.

Heartwood
This author was also new to me and set in modern times. This one had similar themes of loss and purpose, of healing and adapting. I liked Griffin's character. The book felt well researched. What a cool job arborist would be. Without giving anything away, I have to say I liked the way some of the loose ends were tied up but not others. I'd gotten attached and while I know some things just can't last forever, they can in my mind... as long as the author doesn't disabuse me of the notion.

The Kissing Tree
Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love
by Karen Witemeyer; Regina Jennings; Amanda Dykes; Nicole Deese
Back of the Book: “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.”
Impressions: This was such a charming and cozy romance. The sweetness of traditions mingled with the struggles of the heart brought the kissing tree to life.
Liked: Ok secret confession… I have always wanted someone (preferably my husband) to carve my initials into a tree trunk. So, I was hook line and sinker for this collection to start.
Disliked: I loved the first two novellas but just liked the last two.
Learned: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 – Love is not of the fairytale genre. Love is not for the faint of heart. There is much brokenness that can come with love. I am so grateful for the strength, hope, and comfort I’ve been given from my Lord and Savior over the years as I’ve learned to love like Him.
Quotes: “… love was her favorite subject. It fascinated her. Lured her. Sparked her imagination.” – Ok romance geek here loved this line as it resonated with this girl.
“Tell you a secret, son. There’s a time for thinkin’, and a time for actin’, and many a fool get the two mixed up.”
“You’re not like anyone else Hannah, and you’re not supposed to be. God knew just what He was doing when He made you…” – I was talking with a friend today and this quote came to my mind. We are all called to be who we are. God didn’t make us to transform us into anyone else! He made us with our gifts, talents, and dreams to be who we are. Just a reminder.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was the sweetest book! I love how each book is connected by a tree that lasts through generations of people. In the first book we get our first introduction to the tree and see how it's history and legend were started. I love how each story is set in a different decade of time bringing different challenges to the characters.

I thought all the stories were well done. These are all great authors and it's fun to see them writing for one collection. What a fun idea this was! Each story is novella size so I read through them pretty quickly.

The tree is an integral part of each of the couple's stories and romances and I really loved how each generation celebrated the tree's history and honored it's place in their community. It really gave the whole book such a romantic feel.

Content: mild peril, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Four of my favorite authors band together to tell the story of The Kissing Tree, a giant oak tree in Oak Springs, Texas through several generations of time. Each novella is set in a different time period, but they are tied together through common elements. It was interesting to see the various takes on the theme and how the authors wound their tales around the history of The Kissing Tree. Each of these talented authors brought a special element to the collection to make this a delightful book. The characters were realistic and endearing, and I enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories. Although they were novellas and by nature quite short, each tale felt complete in itself and when combined with the others made reading this book a treat.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed all of the stories. They were sweet and endearing. I liked how the authors used the kissing tree as an element to weave each individual story and as a whole as well.

All five stars. All fabulous in their own right

One of the best novella collections I have read in a long time, of course that’s what I expected and exactly what I got from these four amazing authors. I loved how carving the couples initials in the kissing tree played an important part in each of the novellas and how much I looked forward to finding out which couple would be next to share in that time-honored tradition.

Each of the stories are set in different time periods spanning from 1868 to the present, and I loved each and every one of them. They are heartwarming stories filled with charming characters who will stay with me for quite some time. The Kissing Tree is definitely going on my keeper shelf because I will want to read this collection again. I highly recommend this to readers of all ages.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are completely my

Fantastic collection by favorite authors! You don't want to miss this.

In Regina Jennings' Broken Limbs, Mended Fences, the tree of shame grew to be the kissing tree!
In this 1st sweet historical fiction story, Bella Eden meets Adam Fisher three years after he witnesses her embarrassing incident under the huge oak tree. Adam and his new-fangled machine return to town to convince farmers to take a chance on him and make their harvest easier. I really enjoyed their sweet story!

Karen Witemeyer's The Kissing Tree Inn is a hoot! It is sweet and funny! The story of a young romantic spinster Phoebe Woodward and Barnabas Ackerly who is sent by his boss, her father, to make this romantic Inn a success. This is my first Karen Witemeyer story and I loved it. Barnabas kept renaming the Inn funny names (in his mind). "She seemed a female of the more intellectual variety. Sensible. Quiet. Then again, she'd propose the Idiotic Inn of Tree Kissing that threatened his livelihood, so what did he know?"

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes tells the tale of a navy pilot who travels to Texas to meet his navy buddy's sister. Luke Hampstead injured in the war when his plane was shot down, tried to stay alive by writing to his friend's sister Hannah Garland. "There's a time for thinkin' and a time for actin', and many a fool get the two mixed up. " Such a sweet story. These two misfits are perfect for each other!

Heartwood by Nicole Deese is a fantastic last novella in the collection!
Good advice from an unlikely source: " 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." He was simply a man who had been broken by pain and scarred by loss. Two things her own heart could relate to well.

Her father "never questioned the rhythm or cycle of the seasons, nor did he doubt the master plan behind it all."

Favorite quotes; "True closure, it seemed, was a daily walk." "But that is the risk in loving people. The depth of heartache often matches the depth of love." "...protect our future by preserving the memories and stories from our past." "May your homes be blessed with love and laughter, and may your hearts be open to receive the gift of God's beautiful creation."

At first, I planned to write how I really enjoyed all these stories, and what I liked about each of them. And the thought that my genealogical mind may have liked a more direct tie between the stories, but this last story hit it out of the park with a beautiful ending that tied it all together (and made it less important to have that timeline). LOVED. It.