Sandy M’s review of A Mackenzie Clan Christmas (A Highland Pleasures Novella Anthology) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Romance published by Berkley 29 Oct 19
I’m trying to get back into historical romance, and thankfully Jennifer Ashley is leading the way. I’ve enjoyed this series so much over the years, so it’s nice to celebrate the Christmas holiday with them again, especially when the stories revolve mostly around Ian. He was the one to introduce us to the Mackenzie family, so it’s perfect when he’s front and center all these years later.
A Mackenzie Yuletide is the first story in this anthology. Ian is on the hunt for a spectacular necklace he’s discovered for Beth for a holiday gift. He just has to figure out where it is when it comes to light the item has been stolen. In the meantime, Mac has had a spooky encounter with a ghost in a certain part of the castle. Plenty don’t believe in specters and there are those who do of course. Even Elizabeth gets into the fun by setting up her camera to prove there is no such thing as ghosts.
It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, so it’s nice to see a lot of the Mackenzie children growing up. Ian’s love and pride for his kids is wonderful to see, as well as his ability to overcome his disability in a number of ways. His son and daughter get caught up in his investigation for the missing necklace, and his reasoning/deductive powers are thought out and decisive, and seeing Lord Ian in action is definitely a sight to see.
As for the ghost? You’ll need to read for yourself if it’s real or not. I enjoyed getting to see all the family together again, a loving and giving family no matter the situation. One of my favorites in all of romanceland.
Next up is A Mackenzie Clan Gathering and the family is once again together, this time for Hart’s birthday. Before everyone can arrive, though, the castle is robbed of some its most impressive and expensive art pieces, including a few of Cam’s. Again, it’s Ian who is front and center in this story. He’s the one who hears something amiss, who discovers the theft, and who will be the best at figuring it all out, with the help of Scotland Yard – his half-brother Lloyd Fellows – of course.
All I will tell you is an age-old grudge is at work, because what I love most about this novella is the love and fear Ian manifests when it comes to his son, as well as the same from Hart when it comes to Ian. When Ian disappears and isn’t found until the next day, Hart’s reaction to seeing his brother is okay is profoundly emotional, especially because Ian isn’t sure why everyone is so up in arms. Of course, he has the same reaction when it comes to his son when trouble comes his way and Ian must save the day. I so love this Mackenzie family.
Of course, as always happens in romance books, all’s well that ends well and the family has happy celebrations all around. Thus making me want to go back and pick up those few books I’ve yet to read in the series. Sounds like a mighty fine idea.
Grade: A
Summary:
A Mackenzie Yuletide: Join the Mackenzies in another warm-hearted Christmas and Hogmanay celebration. Mac pursues a ghost while Ian is after a priceless gift for Beth.
A Mackenzie Clan Gathering: The Mackenzies gather for Hart’s birthday, but the celebrations are nearly thwarted by the theft of Hart’s prize paintings and a visit from Beth Mackenzie’s brother-in-law, who has come to study the enigmatic Lord Ian Mackenzie.
