The Kissing Tree by Prudence Bice
Christian Historical Fiction, Published December 2011
Challenges: YA Historical Fiction Challenge
Read: November 2011, 261 pp
Verdict: 4/5
Book Blurb:
After five long years, Georgianna is returning to the only place she’s ever considered home. When she literally falls into the arms of the man she has predetermined to avoid at all costs, she’s forced to search for the reason she has never committed to any man.
And when an unexpected visitor appears on her doorstep, she realizes she must unravel the past so she can decide her future.
From pigtails to stolen kisses, this heartfelt tale of love, friendship, and finding your way back home will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart from page one.
…and don’t forget, all bets are off until the preacher says “man and wife.”
Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a sweet romance with a little spark, look no further. I really enjoyed the “out west” setting of the novel. While the main character, Georgie grew up in the small western town in Colorado, her mother took her and her two younger brothers back east to live with her aunt after the tragic death of her father. While Georgie enjoyed living the high life in New York with all the fancy trimmings, she could never quite forget her country roots. When Georgie’s grandfather, Angus, requests her to come and help him out with the housework at the ranch, she doesn’t hesitate, even against her aunt’s and fiance’s wishes.
The young Ridge who Georgie fantasized about as a young girl has now grown up to be a very handsome and sought after man. And he has always had a soft spot for Georgie and her hot tempered ways. It’s not until a major crisis, that these two are forced to face the truth. With the tension running high between these two, you won’t want to stop flipping the pages until the end!
Although this is a story that has been told before, the characters are fresh. I especially enjoyed Angus’s sense of humor and his love for his granddaughter is always apparent. And that Roddy guy, a small part, but I enjoyed him because that’s my husband’s name. 
The main characters were so well done that I wish we could have seen more from some of the smaller parts.
It’s all about loyal friendships, undying love, and finding yourself along the way, and always with a spark of humor.
Quotes:
“There you have it, Ridge Carson.” She beamed down at him, proud she hadn’t lost her nerve. “I’ve stolen a kiss and you can never have it back!” -p. 3
“Whoa there, missy,” she heard a very deep and inherently masculine voice say. “That there is not a proper place to be dancin’ and prancin’ about.” Georgianna gasped as she looked up into the unmistakeably familiar, yet grown up face of Ridge Carson. -p.12
Thanks to netGalley and Cedar Fort for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I have already purchased my own copy of this book. I mean, look at the cover!
