Friday, November 20, 2020

THE KISSING TREE COLLECTION Reviewed by Paula, Kim and Winnie

PAULA'S REVIEW:
The Kissing Tree Collection. Four novellas steeped in love and faith set in Oak Springs, Texas.
Broken Limbs-Mended Hearts by Regina Jennings.
1868
This was the cutest novella, showing self sacrifice and helping others out of a kind and godly heart. I loved the description of the old oak tree and the canopy that touched the ground and offered a cool, sheltered respite. Bella Eden, a schoolteacher who was afraid of tests and an old schoolmate, Adam Fisher, reunite when he comes to town with his new-fangled thrashing machine. A sheer delight.

Inn For A Surprise by Karen Witemeyer
1891
In her wonderfully witty way, Ms. Witemeyer has given us a heart tugging tale of romantic Phoebe Woodward who wants to open the Kissing Tree Inn and no-nonsense Barnabas Ackerly who has been tasked to help her by his boss who happens to be Phoebe’s father. He doesn’t know it yet but Barnabas has a romantic side hidden beneath his business acumen. I loved the cute names Barnabas called the Inn in the confines of his mind: “Inn of the Smooching Shrubbery, Inn of the Osculating Topiaries and Inn of Pecking Pulp Providers.” This was a clever, touching story.

From Roots to Sky by Amanda Dykes
1945
Amanda Dykes lovely poetic style tells a story of an airman home from the war to find the sister of a buddy he lost in France. Luke and Hannah have dreams for the future: “some dreams fade away when you grow up, an I s’pose that’s all well and good. We trade them for other dreams.”
The old oak tree plays a part in yet another romance. This one had a homey, nostalgic feel to it.

Heartwood by Nicole Deese
Contemporary
Hope from brokenness was the theme here.
Abby and Griffen find triumph and community after a tragedy. Ms. Deese paints a picture of restoration from shattered pieces.

This is one of the best novella collections I have read. The continuity of the old oak tree shines through the eras.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the authors. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.* I give this 5 Stars and a medium faith thread.

KIM'S REVIEW:
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! Enjoyable.

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. The faith element was light.

WINNIE'S REVIEW:
The Kissing Tree by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Amanda Dykes, and Nicole Deese

Four of my favorite authors band together to tell the story of The Kissing Tree, a giant oak tree in Oak Springs, Texas through several generations of time. Each novella is set in a different time period, but they are tied together through common elements. It was interesting to see the various takes on the theme and how the authors wound their tales around the history of The Kissing Tree. 

Each of these talented authors brought a special element to the collection to make this a delightful book. The characters were realistic and endearing, and I enjoyed meeting them and hearing their stories. Although they were novellas and by nature quite short, each tale felt complete in itself and when combined with the others made reading this book a treat.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley. All opinions are my own. 
 
BackCover Blurb:
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, Mended Fences, 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.
 
Bethany House Publishing, October 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

 








1 comment:

  1. A really good collection. I love these for meeting new authors. Nicole Deese is new to me, and I so enjoyed all the glimpses into the different time settings. Loved how it all tied together too. Such a fun read.

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