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The Kissing Tree #4
Heartwood
Abby Brookshire's world is turned upside down when the historic tree she's strived to preserve as the head groundskeeper at the Kissing Tree Inn is put in danger of removal. Making matters worse, the only way she can ensure its protection is to partner with the man who broke her heart years ago. Will she have the courage to move on from the past and start a new beginning?
Heartwood is a sweeping novella from contemporary romance author, Nicole Deese.
Heartwood is a sweeping novella from contemporary romance author, Nicole Deese.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
16 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Deese
19 books2,253 followersNicole Deese is a Christy and Carol Award-winning, bestselling author of hope-filled, humorous, and heartfelt contemporary romance novels. When she's not sorting out character arcs and story plots of her own, she can usually be found listening to an audiobook and multitasking at least four different chores at once. She’s a hoarder of sparkling water, a lover of long walks and even longer talks with friends, and a seeker of fun and adventure at all times.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
She lives in small-town, Idaho with her happily-ever-after hubby, two freakishly tall teenage sons, and one princess daughter with the heart of a warrior.
To learn more, visit www.nicoledeese.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 7, 2021
If only every town could harbor a "kissing tree" all its own; a living memorial of community . . . with hopes and dreams spread wide towards the warmth of the sun and the strength of its forefathers burrowing deeply underneath the soil as its root system, built to withstand the strongest of winds and the fiercest of storms.
Oak Springs, Texas has such a tree; the sad thing is, it's is danger of removal. Can Abby Brookshire, the head groundskeeper at Kissing Tree Inn, put aside her differences with a man who once broke her heart and work together to save it?
"Our town can learn a lot from from the heartwood inside this beautiful old oak. Because its legacy is here - in this town, and in each other. It has lived a life we can be proud of, one of strength and purpose, one that continues, even now, to bring friends and families together . . . . It's our turn to do the same."
Oak Springs, Texas has such a tree; the sad thing is, it's is danger of removal. Can Abby Brookshire, the head groundskeeper at Kissing Tree Inn, put aside her differences with a man who once broke her heart and work together to save it?
"Our town can learn a lot from from the heartwood inside this beautiful old oak. Because its legacy is here - in this town, and in each other. It has lived a life we can be proud of, one of strength and purpose, one that continues, even now, to bring friends and families together . . . . It's our turn to do the same."
May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this short Nicole Deese story. Abby's determination to save the Kissing Tree, in spite of all the odds stacked against it...well this definitely made for an interesting read. I enjoyed reading about and getting to know her just a tiny bit.
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
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
January 28, 2024
The Kissing Tree is a collection of four novellas written by four different authors.
The fourth novella (Heartwood by Nicole Deese) was an okay story. I don't know why, but I didn't connect to it like the first two. I liked the characters enough, but it seemed kind of rushed and I guess I wish there would have been a deeper storyline. The ending was cute, though.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The fourth novella (Heartwood by Nicole Deese) was an okay story. I don't know why, but I didn't connect to it like the first two. I liked the characters enough, but it seemed kind of rushed and I guess I wish there would have been a deeper storyline. The ending was cute, though.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
May 7, 2021
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 was just the best story. Ms. Deese has such a wonderful way with words.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
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 was just the best story. Ms. Deese has such a wonderful way with words.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
September 29, 2024
Dit was op zich een mooi verhaal. Nicole Deese schrijft eigenlijk altijd erg goed. Het verhaal was alleen heel kort, waardoor het niet een heel rijk of pakkend verhaal was.
Om die reden 3 sterren ⭐️
Om die reden 3 sterren ⭐️
January 28, 2024
This was a cute sweet little novella.
January 18, 2026
This was a cute little novella. Sweet and uplifting. The storyline was easy to follow and reminiscent of Nicole’s other books though there was less time to develop the plot and characters. Nicole is a master of character development so I kind of missed that. All in all I enjoyed it!
May 8, 2021
While I was on the launch team for Before I Called You Mine, the author’s Heartwood was one of four stories included in the novella The Kissing Tree (October 13, 2020). As a result, I ended up being on the launch team of this novella as well.
Heartwood is the final of four stories that were interconnected by the tree introduced in the first story “Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts”.
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 of the original book, 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.
The cover of Heartwood is similar to the main book so it is still retains the connection, yet it has a different couple featured and remains its own.
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. So, this is ONE small book/story.
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.
This was a bit sad as it is concluding the story of the tree. 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.
As this is part of a novella, I would highly suggest reading all of them together.
Heartwood is the final of four stories that were interconnected by the tree introduced in the first story “Broken Limbs, Mended Hearts”.
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 of the original book, 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.
The cover of Heartwood is similar to the main book so it is still retains the connection, yet it has a different couple featured and remains its own.
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. So, this is ONE small book/story.
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.
This was a bit sad as it is concluding the story of the tree. 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.
As this is part of a novella, I would highly suggest reading all of them together.
April 7, 2021
A wistful yet heartwarming conclusion to the Kissing Tree collection! Griffin and Abby are great characters, though I’d wish we’d gotten a few more specific flashbacks of their story. I was a bit crushed near the end, but felt much more hopeful once I’d finished the story. Deese’s writing style does not disappoint at all. 4/5 stars
September 13, 2021
Sweet Contemporary Romance
This was a beautiful ending to a wonderful series! It began similarly to the first one. A man returning to town for a second chance at love, but that's where the stories depart!
I love how this series follows the generations of those loving the tree and those affected by love around the tree. This one did not disappoint!
This was a beautiful ending to a wonderful series! It began similarly to the first one. A man returning to town for a second chance at love, but that's where the stories depart!
I love how this series follows the generations of those loving the tree and those affected by love around the tree. This one did not disappoint!
November 16, 2021
Heartwood is a sweet conclusion to the Kissing Tree Novellas. Each story has been a wonderful stand alone novella written by four great authors. Heartwood tells us a story of a town coming together to try and save a beautiful landmark that has been a part of them for years and years. I enjoyed this short delightful read.
November 22, 2023
I dont know if I can properly review this book, because I actually skipped a lot of it
It was a sweet and cute story, of couse it was predictable, but you cant expect much from a Novella. I liked that even though it is a short story there is no Insalove!
It was a sweet and cute story, of couse it was predictable, but you cant expect much from a Novella. I liked that even though it is a short story there is no Insalove!
April 12, 2021
I've read and loved all Nicole Deese's books... but not this one. Couldn't even finish it and I almost always finish a book.
May 14, 2021
It was a bit predicable, but good. 4 stars because it was quite short. I'd love a sequel.
March 15, 2022
heartfelt story
I loved all that the kissing tree stood for and the memories the town had beneath it’s branches. This story is very emotional and stirring. I really enjoyed it.
I loved all that the kissing tree stood for and the memories the town had beneath it’s branches. This story is very emotional and stirring. I really enjoyed it.
January 6, 2023
A touching story of a relationship which overcomes the devastation of shares bereavement. I would love to read more Abby and Griff stories.
September 2, 2023
A surprising, but sweet and wonderful way to wrap up this series of novellas about the great Kissing Tree!
March 17, 2024
It was okay. I liked her full length novels better.
October 13, 2025
Een leuke novelle van Nicole Deese. Tijdens zo'n kort boek is het natuurlijk lastig om echt in verbinding te komen met de karakters, maar zeker een leuke aanrader. Ik heb me vermaakt.
November 5, 2025
Loved this little novella! I love how Nicole Deese brings alot of depth to her characters. If you are looking for a book set in Texas and/or love gardening, then this book may be for you!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews