Een hart vol herinneringen

The Kissing Tree #2

by Karen Witemeyer, Judith van Helden (Translator)

Despite her own life being void of romance, spinster Phoebe Woodward adores love stories, especially those connected to the local Kissing Tree. Determined to foster romance in the lives of others, she builds an inn by the tree that caters to couples. When her father sends a property manager to help make the venture a success, however, she finds her whimsical vision thwarted at every turn by stodgy practicality. Finding the right blend of romance and reality is a challenge, but when the two bleed into her personal life, Phoebe's spinster heart may be in for a surprise.

Inn for a Surprise is a humorous novella from bestselling historical romance author, Karen Witemeyer.

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Audiobook, Novella, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

142 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2021

About the author

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.

Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Reviews

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Abbigail B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you feel sad and just need something to lighten your mood just a bit? Yep; that was this for me.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kissing Tree is a collection of four novellas written by four different authors.

The second novella (Inn for a Surprise by Karen Witemeyer) was a cute story that I really enjoyed. I liked how they had to work together to get the inn ready. It was fun to see their different styles and how they complemented each other together. The ending was so good and made me eager to see what would happen next with the kissing tree. ;)

*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.*

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barnabas Ackerly has a pocketful of protests when his employer sends him to Oak Springs to help his daughter open the Kissing Tree Inn. Phoebe Woodward's tastes tend toward the extreme end of Victorian romantic notions, and Barnabas's practical sensibilities are overloaded. Yet as the two are forced to work together, they find out balance between the practical and romantic might be the best place to build a business—and a relationship.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreamy story

Karen Witemeyer never disappoints. I only wish she did a monthly publication. Waiting is difficult. Love this bit of romance vs stodginess

[Mehsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best redelijk boek, maar ik kon gewoon geen connectie krijgen met de karakters. Ik vond ze OK, maar dat was het. Ik was ook niet zozeer aan het rooten dat ze samen zouden komen. Ja, op een gegeven moment, maar voor een groot deel.. niet echt. En echt, Phoebe, het is maar goed dat Barnabas je hielp met je herberg want echt, een roze herberg?? Of iets met allemaal tierelantijntjes? Dat zou ik zelfs als vrouw vreselijk hebben gevonden. XD Dat had in het boek ook best mogen worden aangekaart, voor nu was het gewoon ja, maar mannen. Ja, maar vrouwen hoeven ook niet allemaal roze en frutsels hoor.
Ik vond het wel leuk om de herberg steeds meer klaar te zien worden gemaakt voor bezoekers. Ook de Kissing Tree vond ik een tof iets en zou ik graag willen bezoeken.
Oh, en die vader van Phoebe aan het eind. XD Geweldige man.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, such a delightful and sweet story. Phoebe is a romantic. She sees everything through rose colored glasses. And she wants others to see it this way also. To say she goes a little overboard is a bit of an understatement. But this is who this delightful woman is. Barnabas on the other hand works for Phoebe’s dad and he is extremely practical and professional. When Phoebe’s dad puts Barnabas in charge of helping Phoebe’s new adventure, there are clashes between whimsey and practicality. I so enjoyed reading the differences between these two and how they change just a little to make their lives more complete. I loved the history that surrounds “The Kissing Tree” Thank you Karen Witemeyer for such a wonderful and delightful journey.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author, She has never disappointed me. I wish I could give her more than five stars. In her witty way she delivers us a heart warming tale of Phoebe Woodward and Barnabas Ackerly. Barnabas was sent by his boss, Phoebe's dad, to help build The Kissing Tree Inn. He is professional and practical and has to dig deep to find his romantic side. Phoebe on the other hand is an over the top romantic who sees everything through rose colored glasses and doesn't understand why everyone else doesn't. A perfect novella how opposites can attack and make it work out.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Interesting

What an interesting twist on a trope! I love how Mrs. Witemeyer worked through this story. The characters were believable and lovable. I enjoyed seeing them learn how to work together. I've been married 29, almost 30 years, and I have to say our song is much richer than when we first started singing it. I particularly loved that line in the story.
If you enjoy sweet, inspirational, historical romance, then you'll likely enjoy this story.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved It!

What a charming, well written story! I’ve read all of Karen Wittemeyer’s books and they never disappoint. She is a talented author and her books are so fun to read. She is an expert at character interaction and creating a sweet, fun, intriguing love story. And with the historical setting, its always a perfect 10!

[Megan Schaulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore all Karen Witemeyer's books, but this standalone novella (part of The Kissing Tree collection but not tied to another series) was utter perfection. Witemeyer explores what makes a getaway romantic in a wonderfully funny and sweet tale of two people learning to work together. By the end, I was ready to book a room at the inn!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve adored every story Karen Witemeyer has written, and this novella is among my favorites of hers! Barnabas and Phoebe perfectly exemplified the “opposites attract” story, and there are several laugh out loud funny parts. This is a perfect story in every way. 5/5 stars

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Historical Romance

This was a fun book! I enjoyed the opposites attract theme! You would think with her decorating style, she would dress rather eclectic as well. Her propensity for bright colors and busy patterns made my head spin!

[Deborah Maselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertainingly Romantic Stodginess

Just like my own stodgy romantic, some men just need a task to fit their hearts around. Woodsy sentimentality can grow into an enduring legacy if it allows a frilly canopy to unfurl within its arms. A delightful arrow for the heart. 💘

[Kathy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely story, with spunk along with sweetness

Solid characters, with unusual quirks, getting to know one another while starting a business venture. Enjoyable historic romance I wanted to read first page to last.

[Kami S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet romantic novella, part of the Kissing Tree collection. It was a little silly, but a quick satisfying read.

[Rachel Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So witty and fun

This novella had me laughing a lot and sighing in all the romantic ways. I really enjoyed reading this story

[Beverly Grahamq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book ♥️

Lovely book! Well written, and so romantic. The author is a wizard with words. Building an inn, building a relationship.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun characters!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was nice. A very nice feel good romance without any stresses. Just two very different people falling in love.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read 5 chapters and found it silly.

[Goldenrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending was adorable! Very romantic.

[Eva ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4, 5 stars 🌟

[Lylah · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet! I absolutely loved it!!
Highly recommend.

[Josie Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and unique story. I loved it!

[Linda Lubbesmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK; I had it figured out at about the third chapter.

[Bridget Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars ⭐
It was fine.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best novella ever!

I love every story that I read of Karen W.! This one is no exception. Such a sweet, funny, romantic tale! I'm sure that I'll be reading it again sometime.

[Alecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super short cute read