Four great novellas all wrapped up in one book. I enjoyed all four stories, a couple of the authors are new to me so what a great introduction to them. Sometimes I just enjoy novellas, they are quick reads and packed full of romance, friendship and in this collection a small town with a unique tree.

The Kissing Tree is a compilation of four novellas. Each story takes place during a different time period, but in the same small Texas town and features an old tree that has been dubbed The Kissing Tree.

The first story is by Regina Jennings and it explains how the kissing tree got its name. I liked both main characters and while I liked the story overall, not a lot happened, so it left me feeling like I wanted more.

Next we have Karen Witemeyer’s story. It was a cute story that featured a decorating contest between the hero and heroine. I liked this story and thought the contest was fun because he was so practical and she was a true romantic.

Next up is a story by Amanda Dykes. This story was very different than I expected. The heroine was such an interesting character! I did enjoy how she made the letters that the hero wrote her while he was at war, come alive!

Last, but not least, we have Nicole Deese’s story. This is the only contemporary story and it’s a second chance romance which I love. This story dealt with grief and this quote really resonated with me, “That was the strange thing about grief: Sometimes you wanted to wrap yourself in it like a thick winter quilt, and other times you wanted to throw the blanket to the ground and pretend you wouldn’t be cold without it.” I liked both characters and how they dealt with their grief.

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

I loved the premise of this novella, a kissing tree were couples etched their initials in hopes it would mean happily ever after.

Ms. Jennings’ novella kicks off this Texas setting. Broken Limbs, Mended Fences had some moments that had me wincing for the heroes blunders and hoping he’d make a comeback.

In Ms. Witemeyer’s tale, I throughly enjoyed the opposites attract. I also liked imagining the Kissing Tree Inn coming to life. It was a great way to continue the history of the truth.

Ms. Dykes has a way of words and it was the one thing I loved about her story. Plus a veteran looking for his next steps and I was rooting for her.

Lastly, Ms. Deese brings us to the present and as always, I enjoyed her writing and the way she brings depth to her romance.

All in all, 4 different stories that will help you escape and brighten your day.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is not required nor influenced.

This book has four short novella's by four different authors, but all focused on mighty old oak tree, and celebrating the love matches through the century.
Four different time periods, four main couples, and four authors.
We meet four different couples whose lives are touched but this tree, and the time period goes from 1871 to present time.
Each author gives a different couple, different circumstances, and yet the tree plays a part in each of the stories.
Come and journey with this tree as it withstands time, right to the end! You will soon be lost in each period of time!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings
This novella is perfectly lovely! The tension between Adam and Bella was well-portrayed, and though I wish the romance had moved a little slower initially, I adore the ending. 5/5 stars

Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer
I’ve adored every story Karen Witemeyer has written, and this novella is among my favorites of hers! Barnabas and Phoebe perfectly exemplified the “opposites attract” story, and there are several laugh out loud funny parts. This is a perfect story in every way. 5/5 stars

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes
I enjoyed this novella! Though it wasn’t as gripping as the other stories, the story is very powerful and the characters are well developed for a novella. The ending is sweet and very satisfying. 4/5 stars

Heartwood by Nicole Deese
A wistful yet heartwarming conclusion to the Kissing Tree collection! Griffin and Abby are great characters, though I’d wish we’d gotten a few more specific flashbacks of their story. I was a bit crushed near the end, but felt much more hopeful once I’d finished the story. Deese’s writing style does not disappoint at all. 4/5 stars

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

I don’t usually gravitate to novellas. But I make the exception when I see the names of some of my favorite authors on the cover. And I must say, they all did an outstanding job in this collection of 4 love stories set around an infamous Kissing Tree. Each story is set in a different time period, with each featuring a timeless symbol of love and promise.

This was a fun and uplifting read, one that allowed me to escape the stressors of my day. I especially loved the first and last stories of the collection. And yet, they were all delightful, all heartwarming, and all absolutely worth my time. I am positive you will enjoy these stories as well!

I received this book from the authors. All opinions are my own.

I finished reading "The Kissing Tree" by 4 great authors! It was really good, 5⭐. Rhis novella has four stories set decades apart all surrounding an oak tree the community named the Kissing Tree. It was a cute quick easy read.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced read. *

I love it! I love it!! Excellent book with four stories over a hundred years, all centered around a community tree. The first story is of two people that knew each other in school, but three years after they graduated, he returns to find that she is now the teacher. There is a contest between him and her father, that brings excitement to the story. The second story, is of two people that have known each other for a while, but have no interest in each other. Phoebe, a known spinster, is opening an inn, and Barnabas is sent by her father, to help get the business going. As they spend time together, each learning the other one's strengths and weaknesses, they grow closer, and learn that they need each other. The third story is a WW2 pilot that comes to meet his best friend's sister, who is a spitfire that he gets to know. He really has no home, since he was an orphan, and it's a lovely story. The last one is of two people that almost married before, and he comes back to study the tree, and research the health of it. Meantime, he is hoping for a second chance with her. It is a bittersweet story that I enjoyed reading. I must say I loved all four stories and enjoyed reading this book! Highly recommend!!!

This is my new favorite novella collection! It has everything I love: historical to contemporary romances, a common and oh-so-cute theme, and fully developed stories. One of the four authors, Amanda Dykes, is new to me, and I love how novellas can make me get a taste for a new voice. I'm certainly going to look into Amanda's other books. When I saw the other three authors were involved, I knew this was a must read.
I cannot get over how cohesive this set is. All four are appealing and felt complete. I want more from most novellas, either because they feel underdeveloped or because I flat out want more story. These have this pretty bow wrapping that does not need nor require flushing out to full length novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.

I signed up to read and review this book, mostly because of the authors, even though novellas are not my favorite books to read (because they're just too short!), and because the story line caught my attention. AND...in spite of my bias against short stories, I found this book, it's stories, all worth reading!

The book is centered on a special oak tree, dubbed The Kissing Tree, in the small town of Oak Springs, TX. Each tale is set in a different time period, and shows the growth and progression of this town.

While I enjoyed each of the stories, I would have to say the last two were my favorites. I especially like Amanda Dykes' story because I just love her writing voice and style, and I found her two main characters to be especially easy to relate to.

I also really enjoyed Nicole Deese's story. Abby's determination to save the Kissing Tree, in spite of all the odds stacked against it...well this definitely made for an interesting story. I enjoyed reading about and getting to know her just a tiny bit.

If you are looking for heartwarming, fun romance, than be sure and read this book!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Some of my favorite authors all in one book! This is the first time I enjoyed every story in a collection like this. I loved how they all connected, but like is true with most books like this, I always wish for more length to each story. But each story got better and better and I really enjoyed this lighthearted read.

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

This was a delightful novella collection surrounding a magnificent oak tree in a small town in Texas. While I generally don't seek out straight romance novels, I knew I loved at least 3 of the 4 authors and I'm now a Regina Jennings fan as well (she was the only one I hadn't read before). The book starts in the 1860's and tells the sweet story of how the Kissing Tree got its name. In the 2nd story, in the 1890s, the Kissing Tree Inn is built as a romantic destination, using the famous tree and its stories to draw people near and far. The 3rd story takes place towards the end of WWII and tells of the Inn's re-opening and the last story is set in modern times as the town rallies around the tree to keep it from being removed. Each of the individual stories tell of a sweet love story that somehow connects to the iconic tree. My only complaint is that there wasn't a story between the 1890s and the 1940s to better see what happened to the Inn. It was alluded to in Ms. Dykes's story, but I felt like we lost the full ending of Phoebe and Barnabas's tale in missing that piece of history. But otherwise, this was a great set of stories to get wrapped up in for a couple of days. If you're looking for an escape to a small Texas town where love is in the air, this is one you will want to pick up. Special thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Nicole Deese for an advance e-copy of the book via NetGalley. I was not obligated to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

All the stories tie together nicely, though a generation or two separates each one. Familiar families and places trickle down through the tales, but the town and surrounding area grow, too, adding new faces and places. And all are thoroughly tied to the ancient Texas oak dubbed the Kissing Tree.

"Broken Limbs, Mended Fences" by Regina Jennings: It's a sweet romance that begins the tradition of the Kissing Tree. The story was loaded with contrast: progress versus tradition, pride versus humility, division and reconciliation, dashed hopes versus new dreams. I loved the ending, particularly how the contest ended up.

"The Kissing Tree Inn" by Karen Witemeyer: Wonderfully sentimental. The tradition of the Kissing Tree has grown, and Phoebe has grown up with the stories of romance found carved into its trunk. I love the balance that Phoebe and Barnabas bring each other, and even when they disagree over something, they actually listen to each other and make concessions. They are far stronger together than apart.

"From Roots to Sky" by Amanda Dykes: No question this was a story by Amanda Dykes, written with her trademark lyrical writing. I really enjoyed Luke and Hannah's story, how they were first able to bond over love of her brother via letters, and now finally meet in person and truly get to know each other--to see what lies beneath the surface. I found it the most romantic of the stories.

"Heartwood" by Nicole Deese: An almost bittersweet end to the stories of the Kissing Tree . . . Both Abby and Griffon had been--well, still are--dealing with grief in their own way, which makes for a more subdued atmosphere than the other stories. However, though all things inevitably end, it also gives hope and the encouragement to move forward.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Sweet collection of novellas with an old oak in small town Texas as the central theme. This collection reminds me of when you pass by an old barn, farm or church that has been around for many years and think of stories that place could tell. And then you wish you knew what those stories were.

The Kissing Tree takes readers on that journey: From the mid-1800s to current day.

Readers are introduced to the kissing tree in the first novella Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts (Regina Jennings). 18 year old Bella stands beneath that tree and offers her first kiss to a classmate. He turns her down! Several years later her story continues when Adam returns to town to share a new invention: a threshing machine.

The tale picks up 1891 with Inn for a Surprise (Karen Witemeyer). Phoebe, a "spinster" at 23, has plans to open an inn for romantic getaways next to the kissing tree. Her vision for the inn is pink siding and other over the top feminine features. Her father sends his employee Barnabas to assist in making the inn successful.

Roots to Sky (Amanda Dykes) moves the story forward to 1944/1945. Hannah full of spirit is feeling lonely after the loss of her brother. Luke, a WWII pilot in the European operation, was her brother's friend and promised to write Hannah after her brother's death. Love a romance founded on letters! So sweet.

The conclusion, Heartwood (Nicole Deese) takes place in contemporary times. Abby is the groundskeeper for the land and struggles to move on because it was her deceased father's dream to work the land. Griffin, an arborist, benefited from her father's generosity as well and also loves the outdoors. Theirs is a tale of dealing with grief. Loved the current day details such as the kissing tree having its own Twitter feed.

Enjoyable collection!

Firstly give me all the books *smile*. I have never met a collection of short stories that I enjoyed all of them and kudos to kissing tree to getting me all mushy mushy .Most of them where historical but trust Nicole Deese to come through with a contemporary because I am that contemporary lover. I cannot pick a favorite because the ladies delivered and now I want to read these ladies individual books. Huge thanks to Bethany house for my copy in exchange of an honest review .

A creative masterpiece! Four sweet novellas, each taking place in the small town of Oak Springs, Texas and each revolving around a giant oak dubbed by locals as The Kissing Tree. From first story to last spans over 150 years, yet each story shares a timeless tale of trust, of healing, and of love. Each author manages to maintain focus and avoid trying to cover too much ground as often happens in novellas.

This was a richly entertaining and beautifully written book that I will be re-reading for years to come. Highly recommend to readers of Christian fiction everywhere.

I received a complimentary copy but my opinion is my own.

What a lovely collection of stories! The Kissing Tree centers around a small town with a giant oak tree that becomes famous for the romances that blossom beneath its limbs. Each story is set in a different time period, in the same town. Everything from the farming turned threshing machine era to WWII and into the current day. Each couple's story is unique, heartwarming, and real. They struggle through doubts, hardship, and real issues. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn't wait to read each story.

I loved this collection!

The Kissing Tree is a four novellas written by four different authors but it centers around the same tree spread over a hundred years apart. Four stories of different women who carved their names into the tree. I couldn't really get into this book like I have in past collections of novellas. The first book starts in the 1800s and the last one ends with modern time. I would have to say that the last one is my favorite.

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

This is a collection of 4 short novellas all revolving around the town of Oak Springs and the famed “kissing tree” the town is named after. The stories are all heartwarming. A nice, relaxing read about a town and the people who inhabited it over several generations.

I am always hesitant to dive into anthology-style books, because the stories tend to be too short and not as appealing as full-length novels. However, The Kissing Tree completely blew past my expectations and really set the standard going forward for novella collections. What made it so unique was that each story connected to each other, starting with the oldest story set in the mid-1800s and ending with a modern-day tale, all centered around the Kissing Tree in the quiet town of Oak Springs, Texas. The authors connected characters so that when one story ended, the next picked up a generation or two later where you hear of old names and see familiar faces in some cases. I was enchanted from beginning to end, and when the end did finally arrive, I was almost in tears when thinking on all that I had read. It all felt very real and made me want to read even more. For that reason, this book is solidly in my Favorite Books of 2020 list and would highly recommend it to all.

And now for the individual reviews for each story...

Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings (1871)

Bella Eden was humiliated in front of Adam Fisher three years ago when he witnessed her being rejected by her crush. Climbing the tree where he was hiding, she fell and injured herself, and unbeknownst to Adam, she was never able to follow her dream of becoming a seamstress. Now she is the teacher at the local school, and after a long absence, Adam is back and poses a threat to her livelihood. Adam had been harboring feelings for Bella for years, and now that he is back in town, he is determined to win her over. But things become complicated, and it will take a truce to see that love will find a way. I enjoyed this story a lot! The character development was spot on and very believable. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. The origins of the Kissing Tree were set in stone and set the mood for the remainder of the book.

Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer (1891)

Phoebe Woodward is determined to turn the Kissing Tree Inn into a magically romantic place where couples can come to retreat in their abiding love for each other. Having grown up hearing stores of the Kissing Tree, and witnessing her father carving his and her mother's initials into the tree, she believes in the spirit of the place and wants to honor their love. Barnabas Ackerly has no romantic ideas at all about life and resents being sent by his employer to oversee his spoiled daughter's pet project. But when he arrives and sees her passion for the inn, he becomes gradually sucked into her dreams and begins to see a future where not only her inn flourishes but so does their relationship. This was probably my favorite of the four books, mainly because there was so much romantic tension throughout the story. It drew me in so much that I read it in one sitting. The characters were enjoyable and the story melted my heart.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes (1944)

Hannah Garland saves Luke Hampstead's life, and she doesn't know it. When Luke begins to write to Hannah at the behest of her brother while they are overseas at war, he becomes fond of her. When his plane is shot down in the dead of winter, he is left out in the cold without a hope of survival, and he begins to write her a letter to keep himself awake. Eventually he is rescued and goes home to America, and his first stop is to meet the girl who saved him. Hannah doesn't know who Luke is at first, but when she realizes, they immediately bond together. He extends his stay longer and longer as they get closer, and soon they can't imagine a life apart from one another. Oh my gosh, people, how do you not fall in love with this story? It was so emotional on many levels, and I couldn't help but wring my hands in concern the entire book, knowing they would be together but worried something would happen. I loved this couple. So much love between them.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese (Present Day)

Much time has passed since the Kissing Tree Inn was established, and now it is kept preserved by Abby Brookshire, the groundskeeper and protector of the Kissing Tree. Heart broken long ago after her father's passing, she has thrown herself into her work and never looked back. Except when the past returns in the form of Griffin Malone, her employer's brother and the man who broke her heart. Griffin has never stopped loving Abby and sees this as an opportunity to win her back. It will be an uphill battle to regain her trust and soothe old hurts, but it's worth it in the end. This was the hardest to get through for me, because I knew it was the ending story. I felt so terrible for Abby and Griffin, all they went through, and then to see that the poor Kissing Tree was suffering. To see how many people the tree impacted was amazing and made me wish the tree was real. It was a wonderfully bittersweet ending.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**