🌳 💗 "The Kissing Tree" - Four Novellas Rooted in Timeless Love (2020) 💗 🌳 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (October 13, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764236121
ISBN-13: 978-07642361219
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
“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, Hearts, 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.”
Thank you in advance to Bethany House (a division of Baker Books) for providing a complimentary review copy through Nicole Deese’s launch team. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.
This is a four (4) part, multi-author novella spanning from historical fiction/historical romance to contemporary romance:
“Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts” – Regina Jennings
“Inn for a Surprise” – Karen Witemeyer
“From Roots to Sky” – Amanda Dykes
“Heartwood” – Nicole Deese
This is the first time I’ve ever read a novella such as this – a series of stories by different authors. I got many of them from Harlequin books, but I have yet to read them.
Most of them are not a “connected” series, so this was a definite first for me.
Beginning in 1868’s Oak Springs, Texas in “Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts” with just the tree at the center of the tale, this tale spans over 150 years culminating in a fight for the tree’s survival in the contemporary romance “Heartwood”.
The cover, which is charming and adorable has a slight “oops” on it. Karen Witemeyer is listed first, though her story is second. It is Regina Jennings’ story that starts this Texas-sized saga. Each story is less than 100 pages, so there will be less build up for the romances.
With the novellas, they are short novels and tend to be written in short, quick chapters with very little “build-up” like a regular novel.
As this is my first time reviewing a novella, I decided to review them separately:
“Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts” – Regina Jennings
This was my first time reading a story by the author, so I was not familiar with her work. But, that didn’t seem relevant as I dove right into this and read it inside of 30 minutes.
The first story in the novella begins with a prologue that starts in 1868 and 18 year old Bella is hoping for a kiss from Jimmy with Adam watching and interrupting it. But, because of Adam, Bella has an accident which results in an occupation change but also results in an unfortunate nickname for the mighty oak, “the tree of shame”.
Three years later, Adam returns and is deeply invested in innovation to speed up farming. Thankfully, Jimmy is nowhere to be seen or heard from. But, Adam has a lot going on – still, he cares very much for Bella.
Unfortunately, Adam’s bet to modernize farming might have an impact on Bella who feels like he is out to ruin her.
But, soon this possibly sad story turns into a beautiful and moving story. And, Adam even helps Bella with the one thing she feared would ruin her, and there is tension with Bella’s parents due to the bet, which Adam soon learns is not as important as Bella’s heart.
Jennings’ writing is authentic to the time and the genre making this such a sweet and fast read that I breezed right through.
This is where the tree gets its official name – “The Kissing Tree”.
Fans of the author and genre might certainly enjoy this, but be forewarned – you will have to read the other three stories to get to the end. I definitely wanted to see what was going to become of this couple, as well as the tree’s impact in this town.
While distributed by Bethany House, a Christian/faith themed publisher, this story had only a slight reference to God which was near the end of chapter 5.
RATING: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Inn for a Surprise” – Karen Witemeyer
This was another “new-to-me” author and I was quickly impressed by her work.
Witemeyer continues the story 20 years after the reader leaves Adam and Bella. And, a few other characters or rather their descendants from the previous novel return.
Those who loved the first story will soon learn about Adam and Bella’s future.
This is where “The Kissing Tree Inn” is getting its start and it is definitely hard to believe what will come of it in the next two as well as hard to believe that the tree even inspired it. Witemeyer definitely moves the novella along with her perfect writing.
Right off I wanted to dislike Barnabas but soon realized that he really was one of the good guys.
There were several places where I laughed. Right off there was a conversation between Barnabas and Phoebe’s father that made me chuckle. And, I was laughing at the last line of chapter one where Bella is telling Phoebe that eligible men just weren’t going to knock on the door just before Barnabas does.
Over the course of the story, Barnabas not only learns about the tree’s history, but sees the potential in the inn.
And, apparently it seems that Barnabas and Phoebe were the couple featured on the cover which was a promo picture to advertise the inn.
The would-be couple’s fun competition about the rooms is definitely a sweet little moment in it.
This was definitely a story with a quaint romance, sweet moments, laughable moments, and an endearing touch.
I would’ve read this unputdownable story in about the same time as the first had it not been for an unfortunate car accident that left me spending most of my weekend with “work” for the claim. I wanted to note the length of time as more on my part rather than any lack of interest in the novel.
Like the prior story, this story had no real references to God who was mentioned nearly 13 pages from the end.
Now, halfway through, I was definitely invested in seeing what was yet to come.
RATING: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Though the author has had a book out “Set the Stars Alight”, I had never read her writing until now.
This is the third story in the novella, and brings the reader more into the modern age, some 53 years later.
In the prologue, the reader is taken to “The Battle of the Bulge” one of the great campaigns of World War II (WWII). It is here we learn about Luke and Hannah, or rather Luke’s connection to Hannah through her KIA (killed in action) brother who had become Luke’s friend. Luke is carrying on a tradition that Hannah’s brother asked him to – write home to Hannah.
Picking up five months later, in May 1945, Luke has arrived in Oak Springs to give Hannah one of what was almost his last letter.
Oak Springs has definitely grown more since the last story. While the tree is still hanging in there (even with a mention of the unfortunate nickname), and its durability is inspiring, it is the poor Kissing Tree Inn that has suffered a bit. The two competing room names are left over from the previous story.
And, despite wanting to get to New York to start his job, Luke can’t until the war is over. So, he stays in Oak Springs to help with a cottage on the inn’s property as well as help getting the inn back in shape.
His relationship with Hannah begins building and eventually he gets around to giving her what was almost his final letter.
This was another – cannot stop reading this story. I kept wanting to turn the pages as I was enthralled by how Dykes bridged the cap and kept the story going, continuing it by remembering past families – Jake Eden, Same Granger, and Ralph Gleason – all descendants from the first story’s family. There is even mention of the Fisher barn.
This had a bit more of the faith references with church services and mention of bible quotes.
And, the reader will see the connection between Luke and Hannah’s daughter with Jerry’s grandson Arnie.
RATING: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was previously on Nicole Deese’s launch team for her book “Before I Called You Mine”, and when the opportunity to review this book came up, I decided to go for it since I enjoyed that story.
This is the final story in “The Kissing Tree” novella saga.
The Kissing Tree Inn has re-opened and is one of the top wedding venues in the state of Texas, definitely better than it was in the previous story. The legacy of the tree and inn are still going strong.
Taking place in modern day, the mighty Kissing Tree has seen better days and its survival is at the front of Abby Brookshire’s mind.
Griffin Malone is there to evaluate the tree; already he and Abby come to a different idea. Then again, Abby is a bit biased as she was raised on the grounds of The Kissing Tree Inn. But, in saving the tree, a sweet romance blossoms between the two resulting in second chances.
This is a whimsical, delightful, tragic, realistic, and devastating story that highlights what tradition and old things mean. But, it doesn’t mean that new traditions can’t start and the memories remain. Still, facing the potential loss of the tree was heart-shattering.
This was one of those that I read straight through without stopping and enjoyed it despite certain times I wanted to cry. I loved how Deese kept the momentum from the previous three novels and made this work. She also works in the use of social media for the tree’s survival. There are some technical arborist terms used that could be a bit confusing.
Regarding the faith and Christian themes, this does have mention of abuse both physical and substance; moderate mention of God.
I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to read another book by Nicole Deese.
RATING: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OVERALL IMPRESSION –
I loved watching the story of the tree and inn coming to life in each story and continuing the story each generation (or several). I enjoyed seeing all the initials in the tree. That is something I’ve never done but would love to do it. And, it is a remarkable look at history from post Civil War period to modern day.
Each writer took the readers on a fantastic journey.
The ease of transition between the stories is unblemished. I wouldn’t have known they were written by separate authors. The stories were uplifting and inspirational.
OVERALL RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
AS OF MARCH 2021, THE FOUR STORIES WERE BROKEN UP INTO SEPARATE NOVELLAS FOR AMAZON KINDLE.
THE COVERS BESIDE THE REVIEW SHOW THE NEW UPDATES AND PURCHASE LINK.
THE 4-PART PAPERBACK IS STILL AVAILABLE.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Historical romance author Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. Her latest book, The Major’s Daughter, is set in Oklahoma Territory, at Historic Fort Reno. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginajenningsauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reginajennings
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Recently voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a two-time winner of the ACFW Carol Award and three-time RITA® finalist. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.
Website: https://www.karenwitemeyer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenWitemeyersAuthorPage/
Amanda Dykes (www.amandadykes.com) is a drinker of tea, dweller of redemption, and spinner of hope-filled tales who spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family. She's a former English teacher and the author of Set the Stars Alight and Whose Waves These Are, an INSPY award winner and a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, as well as three novellas.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramandadykes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_spins_stories/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AJDykes
Nicole Deese's (www.nicoledeese.com) eight humorous, heartfelt, and hope-filled novels include the 2017 Carol Award-winning A Season to Love. Her 2018 release, A New Shade of Summer, was a finalist in the RITA Awards, Carol Awards, and INSPY Awards. Both of these books are from her bestselling Love in Lenox series. When she's not working on her next contemporary romance, she can usually be found reading one by a window overlooking the inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She lives in small-town Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two rambunctious sons, and princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoledeeseauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledeeseauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoledeese
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