THE KISSING TREE is four distinct love stories, from the pens of four skilled authors, inextricably entwined by the grandfatherly oak and family.

In this Texas-sized romance novella collection, courting couples, decades apart, leave a permanent mark of their love by carving their initials into the same oak’s bark.  

Regina Jennings’ Broken Limbs, Mended Fences:  When a young man from her past returns and upends their small town with a new invention, schoolteacher Bella Eden is reminded of the heartbreak she suffered years ago under the old oak tree.

Karen Witemeyer’s Inn for a Surprise: Determined to keep love alive for others, Phoebe Woodward builds an inn that caters to couples. When her father sends a property manager to help make it a success, she finds her whimsical vision thwarted.

Amanda Dykes’ From Roots to Sky:  WWII airman Luke Hampstead found comfort in letters from the sister of a lost compatriot. When he visits Texas to thank her, he discovers her constructing a project with surprising ties to his letters.

Nicole Deese’s Heartwood: Abby Brookshire’s world is turned upside down when the historic tree she’s strived to preserve as groundskeeper at the Kissing Tree Inn is put in danger of removal. The only way to protect it is to partner with the man she’s been ignoring since he left town years ago.  [from back cover]

And that cover! A perfect reflection of romance inside with a hint of the tree that arcs over the stories.

The tree, a massive live oak, stands resolute as a judge, strong as a longshoreman, and as kindly and captivating as Aslan. Like a kindly grandfather, it welcomes, shelters, and inspires generations of an entire town.

The characters in these novellas are as clearly-drawn as any full-length novel, and just as dear.  Phoebe Woodward is described as “kind-natured and bookish, two qualities generally admired;” Hannah as “hard to keep track of;” and Luke as having “the sort of smile that took its time finding its way to the surface.”  (Can’t you just see that slow-growing radiance?!)

The tales span over a century and are four delicious romances ~ but so much more. Built around the tree, they also contain connections and references to earlier people, and therefore build on each other.               

Though all share the tree as a central element, the tales are amazingly varied, not contrived, and carry deep insights. And they’re great fun. The meet-cutes are some of the best I’ve read, especially—well, I can’t tell you. I’d spoil your enjoyment.

I heartily recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys romance and family sagas.

Thank you to Bethany House for a free review copy of this book. I was under no requirement to write a positive review.

Photo credits: Amazon, Gareth Davies, Chris Pruitt