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melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this collection of four novellas from some really great authors! Set in a small town in Texas, each story builds on the other all centered around an old giant oak tree known as "the kissing tree." Beginning with a young woman who wants to be kissed under the old oak tree and have her initials carved into the tree with her beau set in the 1800's all the way up to modern times, each story builds with each generation with the tree at the center. I honestly enjoyed each of the stories which is unusual. Usually, there is a weak story in these anthologies, but I genuinely liked them all.
If I had to pick a favorite, I would say From Roots to Sky is the one I enjoyed the most. A young woman is trying to build a house as a memorial to her brother who was killed in the war. An airman who knew her brother, stops in the small town on the way to New York to share with her how her letters to him saved his life. Loved the romance in all of the stories, but in this one in particular.
If I had to pick a favorite, I would say From Roots to Sky is the one I enjoyed the most. A young woman is trying to build a house as a memorial to her brother who was killed in the war. An airman who knew her brother, stops in the small town on the way to New York to share with her how her letters to him saved his life. Loved the romance in all of the stories, but in this one in particular.
bonniereads777's review
4.0
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.
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.
hugbandit7's review
5.0
These four novellas travel through time in Oak Springs, Texas, and weave together love stories surrounding the Kissing Tree. While each story is independent of the other, there are a few ties that bring them all together besides the tree. The main characters in the first story, "Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts", Bella and Adam, make an appearance in "Inn for a Surprise". The Kissing Tree Inn is constructed in "Inn for a Surprise" but is still around in the last two stories and it is a descendent from the story "From Roots to Sky" that ties the fourth story into the book. Each story brings together two souls that thought they couldn't find love and they couldn't be more wrong.
I don't think I can pick a favorite out of these four stories. Each has a unique tale to tell and I fell in love with all of the characters and the situations that they endured to get to the apex of finding their true love.
"The magic found in Oak Springs had less to do with a romantic inn and everything to do with the nature surrounding it."
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts features Bella and Adam. You could say there were not bosom buddies while in their last year of school, in fact, a situation occurred that had Bella changing her chosen profession. I don't think she ever forgave Adam for that incident until he arrives back in town several years later and realizes she is the one that he wants as his wife. I liked how Adam realized he had a couple of hurdles to cross to win her affection and he is quite creative in helping get past those barriers. I enjoyed this line because progress happens no matter the time and this reminded me of that. Adam says this line to Bella - "I came to Oak Springs to bring our town up to date. It's the 1870s. Progress needs to happen."
Inn for a Surprise is the story of Phoebe and Barnabus. This story had me in stitches because Barnabus thinks that this inn is a lost cause when it comes to marketing and has, in his mind, renamed the inn with several alliterations, including the Inn of Pecking Pulp Providers. When Phoebe stumbles across this information, I think it causes her to see Barnabus in a new light. They work well together as a team and it shouldn't be too surprising that they fall in love. What did surprise me was her father's reaction. You'll have to read the story to discover that answer.
From Roots to Sky is Hannah and Luke's journey. Luke came to Oak Springs out of a sense of obligation to Hannah's brother that died during WWII. He had taken on the task of writing to Hannah and he included drawings of what he saw in Europe, much like her brother had done for her before he died. Hannah is endearing and scattered all at the same time. I'm sure many are not sure how to handle her proclivity to keep moving and not wait for anyone to help her do anything. I admired her determination to forge her own path and not a traditional path that might be expected of a woman in the 1940s.
Heartwood is the last novella and brings together Abby and Griffin. Abby is a descendent of a character mentioned in "From Roots to Sky", Arnie, and the cottage built in that story by Hannah and Luke is another tie to all of the stories. I enjoyed watching these two lovebirds (when they finally admit it) reconnect even though it takes some time to get there since Griffin is there to assess the Kissing Tree and this riles Abby up to no end. Abby and Griffin know each other well and both love nature and the outdoors. In fact, I liked this line that Abby says to Griffin - "You'll always smell like trees no matter what you squirt on your shirt. Nature's in your DNA."
No matter what sort of story you might like, each novella in this book will appeal to you in one way or another, from the characters to the setting.
We give this book 5 paws ups.
I don't think I can pick a favorite out of these four stories. Each has a unique tale to tell and I fell in love with all of the characters and the situations that they endured to get to the apex of finding their true love.
"The magic found in Oak Springs had less to do with a romantic inn and everything to do with the nature surrounding it."
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts features Bella and Adam. You could say there were not bosom buddies while in their last year of school, in fact, a situation occurred that had Bella changing her chosen profession. I don't think she ever forgave Adam for that incident until he arrives back in town several years later and realizes she is the one that he wants as his wife. I liked how Adam realized he had a couple of hurdles to cross to win her affection and he is quite creative in helping get past those barriers. I enjoyed this line because progress happens no matter the time and this reminded me of that. Adam says this line to Bella - "I came to Oak Springs to bring our town up to date. It's the 1870s. Progress needs to happen."
Inn for a Surprise is the story of Phoebe and Barnabus. This story had me in stitches because Barnabus thinks that this inn is a lost cause when it comes to marketing and has, in his mind, renamed the inn with several alliterations, including the Inn of Pecking Pulp Providers. When Phoebe stumbles across this information, I think it causes her to see Barnabus in a new light. They work well together as a team and it shouldn't be too surprising that they fall in love. What did surprise me was her father's reaction. You'll have to read the story to discover that answer.
From Roots to Sky is Hannah and Luke's journey. Luke came to Oak Springs out of a sense of obligation to Hannah's brother that died during WWII. He had taken on the task of writing to Hannah and he included drawings of what he saw in Europe, much like her brother had done for her before he died. Hannah is endearing and scattered all at the same time. I'm sure many are not sure how to handle her proclivity to keep moving and not wait for anyone to help her do anything. I admired her determination to forge her own path and not a traditional path that might be expected of a woman in the 1940s.
Heartwood is the last novella and brings together Abby and Griffin. Abby is a descendent of a character mentioned in "From Roots to Sky", Arnie, and the cottage built in that story by Hannah and Luke is another tie to all of the stories. I enjoyed watching these two lovebirds (when they finally admit it) reconnect even though it takes some time to get there since Griffin is there to assess the Kissing Tree and this riles Abby up to no end. Abby and Griffin know each other well and both love nature and the outdoors. In fact, I liked this line that Abby says to Griffin - "You'll always smell like trees no matter what you squirt on your shirt. Nature's in your DNA."
No matter what sort of story you might like, each novella in this book will appeal to you in one way or another, from the characters to the setting.
We give this book 5 paws ups.
abigailkayharris's review
4.0
Read Review Rejoice's Revew 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.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
travelerswife4life's review
5.0
Travelers Wife 4 Life
From 1880 to present day, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese create a world so inviting and relatable you will wish you were right there with characters. This four-story anthology is weaved together seamlessly and has hints of the previous story in each successive one. It has definitely been one of my favorite 2020 reads.
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings was a beautiful story of love, second chances, and the innocence of first your first kiss. I loved the way Bella Eden and Adam interacted with each other, it was a does he like me/does she like me type of feeling to their relationship that I found very realistic as I think everyone goes through those emotions when falling in love. They were a beautiful couple that just needed a nudge in the right direction. Regina Jennings ends the story with how the Kissing Tree came to be in 1871, in a cute way we see reflected in the stories to come
Inn For A Surprise by Karen Witemeyer is the second book and continues 20 years later in 1891. In this book we see Karen Witemeyer’s signature sense of humor interwoven beautifully with Phoebe and Barnabas’s story of opposites attract. Karen Witemeyer shows the beauty of working together for a common goal and the give and take needed to make any relationship work by using each other’s strengths and weaknesses to work together. I think I loved it more because of it. Beautifully written. I also enjoyed the cameo that tied in from the first book as well, plus Phoebe and Barnabas’s journey to finding the perfect romantic spots was rather cute too!
From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes sees the Kissing Tree again 54 years later (roughly) in 1945 right after WWII. Much has changed around the Kissing Tree Inn and the town of Oak Springs, TX. In this story, we learn about Hannah and Luke’s story and their story is probably the hardest to describe. It is thought provoking, deep, and full of a sense of wonder. I loved this sweet, sweet love story with real life conversations, emotions, and yearnings mixed in. I thought Hannah was a close reflection of who I am as a person, and I loved that Luke kept up and loved her even more for it.
Heartwood by Nicole Deese in the fourth and final book in the series, and while no date is given, I am given to believe that it is a present-day setting. Again, change has come to Oak Springs, TX, and threatened the Kissing Tree. Abby feels responsible while Griffin her ‘former’ love comes back into the picture to add to her confusion. I loved the second chance at love theme in this book and I thought Nicole Deese did a great job with the ebb and flow of the storyline building it up from the beginning. I loved how Nicole Deese wrapped up the story and really brought home the moral for the whole story. “Without the heartwood, there would be no tree in any town that could outlive a single generation, much less multiple.”
Overall, this book was touching, compelling and the best anthology I have read to date. I LOVED how the authors interwove all their stories together to create the beautiful legacy of The Kissing Tree and I hope that everyone who reads it takes away the lessons that each of the authors presented in their stories. 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, Nicole Deese, and Bethany House, for thinking up and seeing this idea though I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to read it.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
From 1880 to present day, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese create a world so inviting and relatable you will wish you were right there with characters. This four-story anthology is weaved together seamlessly and has hints of the previous story in each successive one. It has definitely been one of my favorite 2020 reads.
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings was a beautiful story of love, second chances, and the innocence of first your first kiss. I loved the way Bella Eden and Adam interacted with each other, it was a does he like me/does she like me type of feeling to their relationship that I found very realistic as I think everyone goes through those emotions when falling in love. They were a beautiful couple that just needed a nudge in the right direction. Regina Jennings ends the story with how the Kissing Tree came to be in 1871, in a cute way we see reflected in the stories to come
Inn For A Surprise by Karen Witemeyer is the second book and continues 20 years later in 1891. In this book we see Karen Witemeyer’s signature sense of humor interwoven beautifully with Phoebe and Barnabas’s story of opposites attract. Karen Witemeyer shows the beauty of working together for a common goal and the give and take needed to make any relationship work by using each other’s strengths and weaknesses to work together. I think I loved it more because of it. Beautifully written. I also enjoyed the cameo that tied in from the first book as well, plus Phoebe and Barnabas’s journey to finding the perfect romantic spots was rather cute too!
From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes sees the Kissing Tree again 54 years later (roughly) in 1945 right after WWII. Much has changed around the Kissing Tree Inn and the town of Oak Springs, TX. In this story, we learn about Hannah and Luke’s story and their story is probably the hardest to describe. It is thought provoking, deep, and full of a sense of wonder. I loved this sweet, sweet love story with real life conversations, emotions, and yearnings mixed in. I thought Hannah was a close reflection of who I am as a person, and I loved that Luke kept up and loved her even more for it.
Heartwood by Nicole Deese in the fourth and final book in the series, and while no date is given, I am given to believe that it is a present-day setting. Again, change has come to Oak Springs, TX, and threatened the Kissing Tree. Abby feels responsible while Griffin her ‘former’ love comes back into the picture to add to her confusion. I loved the second chance at love theme in this book and I thought Nicole Deese did a great job with the ebb and flow of the storyline building it up from the beginning. I loved how Nicole Deese wrapped up the story and really brought home the moral for the whole story. “Without the heartwood, there would be no tree in any town that could outlive a single generation, much less multiple.”
Overall, this book was touching, compelling and the best anthology I have read to date. I LOVED how the authors interwove all their stories together to create the beautiful legacy of The Kissing Tree and I hope that everyone who reads it takes away the lessons that each of the authors presented in their stories. 5 out of 5 stars. Thank you, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer, Amanda Dykes, Nicole Deese, and Bethany House, for thinking up and seeing this idea though I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to read it.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
melmo2610's review
5.0
Regina's story is funny and sweet. Bella and Adam were fun characters full of spunk and stubbornness. The bet between Adam and Bella’s father made for an interesting element as well. Cute romance and a good start to the collection of stories.
Karen’s story was charming as always. Her stories have a perfect blend of humor and romance and Barnabas and Phoebe’s story has both. It was an adorable story.
Amanda’s story was great, I love World War 2 stories and this one is set during it so that alone made me enjoy it...but Luke and Hannah made me love it even more. Restoring the house was a fun part of the story too.
I loved Nicole’s story! My favorite part was the letter written by someone affected by the Kissing Tree, it brought tears to my eyes. Abby and Griffin were fun characters and easy to root for them to find their happily ever after.
All in all, this is a superb collection from some of the best authors in Christian Fiction. I can’t even pick a favorite story because I loved each and every one of them. I highly recommend this collection.
I received this book from the author and wasn’t required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
Karen’s story was charming as always. Her stories have a perfect blend of humor and romance and Barnabas and Phoebe’s story has both. It was an adorable story.
Amanda’s story was great, I love World War 2 stories and this one is set during it so that alone made me enjoy it...but Luke and Hannah made me love it even more. Restoring the house was a fun part of the story too.
I loved Nicole’s story! My favorite part was the letter written by someone affected by the Kissing Tree, it brought tears to my eyes. Abby and Griffin were fun characters and easy to root for them to find their happily ever after.
All in all, this is a superb collection from some of the best authors in Christian Fiction. I can’t even pick a favorite story because I loved each and every one of them. I highly recommend this collection.
I received this book from the author and wasn’t required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my honest opinion.
michellef's review
5.0
The Kissing Tree is a Christian romance anthology written by 4 authors. The setting for the novellas is Oak Springs, Texas.
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts (Regina Jennings) 1870
Adam Fisher, a harvester, introduces the threshing machine to Oak Springs, Texas. He takes on a challenge that might cost Bella her teaching job.
Inn For A Surprise (Karen Witemeyer) 1891
Phoebe Woodward was definitely a romantic at heart. Phoebe admired The Kissing Tree so much that it became a regular in her column. And, she was such a romantic that she painted her inn pink, Valentine pink.
From Roots To Sky (Amanda Dykes) 1944
Hannah and Luke were penpals. He was in the war halfway across the world from Hannah. Without realizing it Hannah saved Luke’s life. Now, Luke was in Oak Springs, Texas to find out who his pen pal was.
Heartwood (Nicole Deese) Present Day
After a century of swoonings around The Kissing Tree would the tree stand the test of time?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Kissing Tree and would recommend it to fans of clean romance novellas.
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
Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts (Regina Jennings) 1870
Adam Fisher, a harvester, introduces the threshing machine to Oak Springs, Texas. He takes on a challenge that might cost Bella her teaching job.
Inn For A Surprise (Karen Witemeyer) 1891
Phoebe Woodward was definitely a romantic at heart. Phoebe admired The Kissing Tree so much that it became a regular in her column. And, she was such a romantic that she painted her inn pink, Valentine pink.
From Roots To Sky (Amanda Dykes) 1944
Hannah and Luke were penpals. He was in the war halfway across the world from Hannah. Without realizing it Hannah saved Luke’s life. Now, Luke was in Oak Springs, Texas to find out who his pen pal was.
Heartwood (Nicole Deese) Present Day
After a century of swoonings around The Kissing Tree would the tree stand the test of time?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Kissing Tree and would recommend it to fans of clean romance novellas.
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
bookswithnopictures's review
5.0
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 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.
livefrommylibrary's review
3.0
This was a warm little collection of short stories centering on a particular tree over the generations. The second installment by Karen Witemeyer was my favorite. I appreciated how she picked up threads of the previous story and wove them into her own. It was fun to see where the inn and tree went in the subsequent stories. The final story was a little hard to get into for me, but I came around by the end.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this collection of four novellas from some really great authors! Set in a small town in Texas, each story builds on the other all centered around an old giant oak tree known as "the kissing tree." Beginning with a young woman who wants to be kissed under the old oak tree and have her initials carved into the tree with her beau set in the 1800's all the way up to modern times, each story builds with each generation with the tree at the center. I honestly enjoyed each of the stories which is unusual. Usually, there is a weak story in these anthologies, but I genuinely liked them all.
If I had to pick a favorite, I would say From Roots to Sky is the one I enjoyed the most. A young woman is trying to build a house as a memorial to her brother who was killed in the war. An airman who knew her brother, stops in the small town on the way to New York to share with her how her letters to him saved his life. Loved the romance in all of the stories, but in this one in particular.
If I had to pick a favorite, I would say From Roots to Sky is the one I enjoyed the most. A young woman is trying to build a house as a memorial to her brother who was killed in the war. An airman who knew her brother, stops in the small town on the way to New York to share with her how her letters to him saved his life. Loved the romance in all of the stories, but in this one in particular.