The Kissing Tree - by Karen Witemeyer & Regina Jennings & Amanda Dykes & Nicole Deese (Paperback)
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4.6 out of 5 stars with 11 reviews
4 out of 5 stars
31 December, 2020
Charming From Beginning to End!
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.
5 out of 5 stars
26 December, 2020
Fun
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.
3 out of 5 stars
26 December, 2020
What a Sweet Collection!
3.5 stars "You can never outtalk the listening ear of a tree." - Nicole Deese If only every town could harbor a "kissing tree" all its own; a living memorial of community . . . with hopes and dreams spread wide towards the warmth of the sun and the strength of its forefathers burrowing deeply underneath the soil as its root system, built to withstand the strongest of winds and the fiercest of storms. Oak Springs, Texas has such a tree and this sweet collection of stories traces its life, notoriety and eventual legacy. "Our town can learn a lot from from the heartwood inside this beautiful old oak. Because its legacy is here - in this town, and in each other. It has lived a life we can be proud of, one of strength and purpose, one that continues, even now, to bring friends and families together . . . . It's our turn to do the same." - Nicole Deese, "Heartwood"
5 out of 5 stars
12 November, 2020
Wonderful novella collection!
The Kissing Tree: Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love features stories by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda D., 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. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
5 out of 5 stars
23 October, 2020
Sweet and touching collection of novellas!
This was a lovely and enchanting collection of novellas I truly enjoyed! The best part is that they all have the same setting, in Oak Springs, the Kissing Tree being the center of the plot, but throughout the years! Each author shares a beautiful love story that has something to do with the tree, and I love how they were all interconnected, Regina being the one to introduce us to the tree and the origin of it’s name, and Nicole Deese closing the book with a present to day story that fights to mantain and guard this beautiful oak tree that has seen many love stories unfold under its branches and will surely see many more for more generations to come! First, Broken Limbs , From Regina (1871) is Bella and Adam’s story and how the Kissing Tree starts to be called as such. A sweet and fun start for the book that charmed me. Inn for a Surprise, from Karen (1891) is Phoebe and Barnaba's story. This was such a sweet story, probably the sweetest! I loved their relationship, and their witty banter! So romantic! From Roots to Sky, from Amanda (WWII) is Hannah and Luke’s story. The story is beatiful and so emotional. This was the most emotional story of all and I loved it! It brought some tears to my eyes! There’s drama, grief, but always hope full of love. Touching! And last but not least Heartwood, from Nicole, set in present day was the most perfect conclusion! Abby and Griffin’s story is one of second chances. Will Griffin get his second chance to woo Abby? Can Abby sabe the memorable tree from final destruction? I totally loved Nicole’s story. I guess I felt related in some ways to Abby, and this made it my favorite story. I loved how Griffin and Abby’s relationship slowly rekindles as they both fight to preserve the memorable and loved Oak Springs landmark. Their love reconnection was so sweet, and the story was realistic and relatable, and it had some fun moments to treasure too. A perfect ending to a perfect collection of sweet novellas! A masterpiece, all in all! I highly recommend this book collection! You will swoon, cry and laugh out loud!
5 out of 5 stars
19 October, 2020
Amazing Compilation
I think this is the best novella collection I have read this year. Perfect for when you don’t have a lot of time to read in one setting and you can enjoy them one story at a time. They share the common thread of the same kissing tree but in different time periods spanning from 1868 present day. Each author brings their own writing style that adds variety to the book. I throughly enjoyed each story and loved all the characters. I usually can pick a favorite but each was my favorite but maybe for a different reason. I enjoyed the humor that made me smile, the sweet romance, the tree that I could picture in my mind, the inspirational thread woven in, and touching scenes. This will go on my keeper shelf to revisit as this is an amazing group of authors that balance each other out for a perfect compilation. Add to your must read list. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
5 out of 5 stars
17 October, 2020
Sweet Collection of Stories
All of the stories in this collection take place in the same town which is centered around the kissing tree. I love how they can be read on their own, but they are all interconnected. The stories take place during different time periods, so we get to see future generations and how the town changes. Broken Limbs, Mended Fences by Regina Jennings Adam always pined for Bella, but she just saw him as the man who destroyed everything. The intro to this story is perfection! I love the opening scene with the two main characters Adam and Bella, and the last scene in the story is so sweet. I love how everything came full circle. This was a cute story. I liked the storyline and the characters. The title is also cute. Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer Phoebe is a strong independent woman who dreams of running her own inn helping couples find and rekindle love using the town's legendary kissing tree. Barnabas is tasked with helping his boss's daughter Phoebe make the inn a success. I love how this story is interconnected, and there is even an appearance of a character from the first story. This was such a sweet story, and I loved it. Barnabas and Phoebe may be opposites, but they truly complete each other. From Roots to Sky by AmandaDykes I know many years have gone by since the last story, but hearing about what happened to the future of the inn at the beginning of the story was sad. I loved the idea of a home built from all the drawings and things Luke had seen that war tore apart. Hannah and Luke made an interesting couple, and I like how a lot of time went by in this story so they had a chance to really get to know each other. The epilogue was sweet. Heartwood by Nicole Deese Even though it is a shorter story, I liked that Abby and Griffin were able to grow. I love the little memorial gardens that Abby creates. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will try to be vague. The scene with the teenagers at the tree drove me nuts, especially comments about "rights" being taken away when it isn't their right. People like to complain about things, but they don't do anything to realistically help the cause and find a solution for a problem. I also didn't like the ending. If this had been a standalone book, that would be one thing. However, we just read all these sweet stories about things that happened, and then something in this story happens to ruin it all.
5 out of 5 stars
13 October, 2020
Fabulous novella collection
Centered around a great oak tree in Oak Springs, TX, this novella collection celebrates the legacy of love through generations. The Kissing Tree is introduced in 1868, a romantic getaway inn next to The Kissing Tree is built in 1891, a cottage to the property is built in 1945, and the tree itself becomes prominent again in the last contemporary story. It's incredible how the authors have written these individual novellas to flow and fit so well together. I really enjoyed seeing cameo appearances of the characters (and their progeny) from story to story and felt like I knew The Kissing Tree as an Oak Springs resident by the end of the book. Each author has a unique writing style that will charm you; you can expect a ride into the history of agriculture, a romcom between two complete opposites, a nostalgic and different look at war and loss, and a heart-wrenching growth from fear and grief into healing and remembrance. I would love to read more collections by these authors. It's a novella collection not to be missed! I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.