The Kissing Tree: Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love Kindle Edition

I was surprised (pun totally intended) and overjoyed to be asked by Karen Witemeyer to review her novella Inn for a Surprise part of The Kissing Tree collection.Confession: I may have fangirled when getting her e-mail request. E-mails from authors are like fan mail to readers...at least THIS reader.This novella introduces us to Phoebe Woodward an aspiring writer and resident of Oak Springs, Texas who dreams of building an inn catered as a romantic retreat for couples capitalizing on the grandeur and romance of the "Kissing Tree." Though she has never been in love, she often reads romance novels and find inspiration for her stories in the carvings etched into the trunk of the legendary tree.Barnabas Ackley has been tasked by Phoebe's father, Hollis Woodward, to aid her in the business planning and success of the inn. He is a pragmatic, no-nonsense man who only sees the commercial side and has difficulty incorporating the romantic aspect. Over time, Barnabas perceives Phoebe in a different light. "It also painted a clearer picture of Miss Phoebe Woodward. The inn wasn't just an unrealistic exercise in romanticism dreamt up by a naïve young woman who read too many novels. It was a preservation of the abiding love her parents had shared. Yet instead of hoarding the magic herself, she sought a way to share with others. Rather remarkable, that." (Witemeyer, 124).Practicality (Barnabas) meets Passion (Phoebe). A battle of wits and clashing ideals ensues between them. He proposes a contest. They each decorate a room in the inn, offer to let couples stay at no charge and collect data through a series of questions as to which room they liked the best and why. The storyline made me think of a historical HGTV design show. Who will win? (Find out after our next commercial break proudly brought to you by Woodward Land Development Company).Karen excels at writing the best banter between characters. You just can't help but experience all the emotions: laughing, crying, and more while reading her books. Phoebe and Barnabas' love story is just so much fun and you don't want to miss it. To be honest, it was just what I needed to be reading right now. So thank you Karen for writing this fantastic read!The notion that all of the love stories revolve around the Kissing Tree is so enchanting and unique. Each novella from the beginning to the end was a delight. To get the full effect and enjoyment of this collection of novellas; I recommend reading them in the order they are written. As a reader, you'll glean more insights and nuggets of ways the stories are woven together. While reading this compilation of stories, I found myself laughing out loud a lot and smiling constantly. The Kissing Tree is not to be missed!If you are looking for a light-hearted reading experience (Who doesn't right now? Here's looking at you COVID 19) where you get to escape and meet some wonderful characters you just can't help to root for, then this is the book for you! Grab some tissues, a cozy blanket, some hot tea and get ready for the much needed getaway you need right now.~~The Kissing Tree was provided to me by the author and Bethany House in return for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own.~~

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!

I absolutely enjoyed reading these sweet stories of romance. I really liked how it all connected with the kissing tree. I will definitely be reading this again!

The Kissing Tree is a wonderfully sweet collection of four novellas. Sometimes life gets a little busy and all a reader has time to do is squeeze in a short story here and a short story there. This was the case for me as I read The Kissing Tree! Each story is it's own stand-alone-yet-loosely-connected, easy, sweet, fun read. I would love to say I couldn't put it down, but the busyness of life caused me to need to do just that. However, each time I picked this book back up, i was so glad I did! Time well spent with some wonderful authors!!

Fun to read a generational story. Loved watching time change the tree in the story. Life in perspective right here.

Loved the hearts hanging from branches. To read.