"The Kissing Tree" - a novella collection by Witemeyer, Jennings, Dykes, and Deese

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.

All the stories tie together nicely, though a generation or two separates each one. Familiar families and places trickle down through the tales, but the town and surrounding area grow, too, adding new faces and places. And all are thoroughly tied to the ancient Texas oak dubbed the Kissing Tree.

"Broken Limbs, Mended Fences" by Regina Jennings: in which a small-town teacher has her credentials questioned by a traveling salesman. 

It's a sweet romance that begins the tradition of the Kissing Tree. The story was loaded with contrast: progress versus tradition, pride versus humility, division and reconciliation, dashed hopes versus new dreams. I loved the ending, particularly how the contest ended up.

"The Kissing Tree Inn" by Karen Witemeyer: which tells the tale of an unlikely woman building a very unexpected lover's retreat.

Wonderfully sentimental. The tradition of the Kissing Tree has grown, and Phoebe has grown up with the stories of romance found carved into its trunk. I love the balance that Phoebe and Barnabas bring each other, and even when they disagree over something, they actually listen to each other and make concessions. They are far stronger together than apart.

"From Roots to Sky" by Amanda Dykes: which follows a young WWII naval airman who heads to Texas to meet the sister of a lost compatriot.

No question this was a story by Amanda Dykes, written with her trademark lyrical writing. I really enjoyed Luke and Hannah's story, how they were first able to bond over love of her brother via letters, and now finally meet in person and truly get to know each other--to see what lies beneath the surface. I found it the most romantic of the stories.

"Heartwood" by Nicole Deese: in which the aftermath of a giant storm brings changes for the owner of a historic inn.

An almost bittersweet end to the stories of the Kissing Tree . . . Both Abby and Griffon had been--well, still are--dealing with grief in their own way, which makes for a more subdued atmosphere than the other stories. However, though all things inevitably end, it also gives hope and the encouragement to move forward.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.