A Mackenzie Clan Christmas

A MacKenzie Yuletide is an all new MacKenzie Family novella!

As usual, the MacKenzies descend on Kilmorgan Castle to celebrate the Yuletide season and Hogmanay. Mac is up in his studio painting when a noise disturbs his concentration, he goes to investigate and finds a ghost! But as he approaches her, she disappears, unconcerned, Mac goes to bed and mentions it to the family at breakfast. Some of the children, decide to build a ghost trap – no sure if the ghost is in fact a ghost or if it is another break in attempt.

Uninterested in ghosts, Ian is consumed with tracking down a necklace that he wants to give to Beth for Hogmanay, but the trail he followed has hit a wall and he calls in his half-brother Lloyd Fellows, a chief supervisor at Scotland Yard to help him.

Ian’s son Jamie is also trying to find the necklace in hopes of impressing his father. He gets his cousin Gavina and his father’s valet Curry to help him. Jamie and Gavina are pulled into the ghost hunt when Jamie sees the ghost after Gavina breaks in to Ian’s study.

With mysteries to solve and all the MacKenzies in attendance, this will turn out to be a very interesting and exciting Yuletide!!

I loved this novella, it was entertaining, well written, interesting and a lot of fun. Catching up with all the MacKenzies and seeing their children growing up was heartwarming and satisfying. And as always, I loved reading about Ian and Beth, they truly are one of my all-time favorite fictional couples and I never get tired of reading about them. This was a really wonderful read and while it is set at Christmastime, I didn’t really consider it a “holiday” read.

The Mackenzie Clan Gathering is the second novella in this collection and it was released in 2016, the blurb reads as follows:

Ian Mackenzie is awakened at Kilmorgan Castle one night to find robbers stealing the priceless art collection of his oldest brother, Hart. Since Ian and Beth are the only ones in resident at Kilmorgan at the moment, Ian decides he must find the art and the culprits before the family shows up for Hart’s birthday gathering. With Inspector Fellows and Beth, he investigates, though Ian is somewhat worried by Beth’s late husband’s brother, a retired missionary, who decides to visit. Does John Ackerley hold the “cure” to Ian’s madness? And can Ian discover what has happened to Hart’s treasures, and who is targeting the Mackenzies before the enemy strikes again?

Return to Kilmorgan Castle to visit the Victorian branch of the Mackenzie family, and catch up on the brothers and friends, their children, and their lives.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-10T

A MACKENZIE YULETIDE
5, warm
The entire extended Mackenzie family is gathering at Kilmorgan to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. The four brothers – Hart, Cam, Mac, and Ian, are now well into their middle years, but are still passionately in love with their wives. Their children are all growing up, and it won’t be long before they are finding their own loves.

This year, Ian has seen pictures of an antique necklace which he wants to purchase for his wife, Beth. He’s frustrated because the necklace has been stolen, and even with all the resources at his disposal, he’s been unable to track it down. Ian’s son Jamie, now fifteen, has learned of his father’s quest, and wants to find the necklace himself, then present it as a gift to his parents. Jamie wants to prove to his father that he’s capable and intelligent. The hunt for the necklace leads to some adventures for several members of the family.

For those unfamiliar with the Mackenzie family, Ian has Asperger’s Syndrome, which has caused many people to consider him mad. In reality, he’s brilliant, focused, determined, and has a photographic memory. Social interaction is another cup of tea, however, as Ian is uncomfortable around people he doesn’t know, and has trouble actually meeting anyone’s eyes. Over the years Ian has come to be much more comfortable with his family, and in particular, gazes at his wife and children directly, and with a fierce love shining from his eyes.

A MACKENZIE YULETIDE is full of warmth and family love. I’ve followed all of the Mackenzie stories, and I feel as if I know them, and this visit with my favorite characters felt like reconnecting with my own family. I have always loved and had a soft spot for Ian, in particular, as he endured such trauma as a child, and I encourage everyone to read his story in THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. As the years have passed, the brothers’ marriages and love have just grown stronger. It’s poignant to see the babies now becoming young adults. This latest installment of the Mackenzie family saga is a lovely and heartwarming read which left me with a satisfying feeling of contentment for this fictional family that feels like part of my own.

A MACKENZIE CLAN GATHERING
4.5, warm
This short story has been previously published, and takes place about six years before A MACKENZIE YULETIDE. The extended family is gathering together, this time to celebrate Hart’s birthday. There is a mystery involved, as well as an unscrupulous stranger, who insists he can cure Ian’s “madness.” I originally reviewed this story for Fresh Fiction, and the review belongs to their site. It can be viewed here: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=57554

Book: A Mackenzie Clan Christmas
by Jennifer Ashley

Series: (Mackenzie Christmas Anthology) Books 11.5 and 8.5

1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts

A Mackenzie Yuletide

December 1898

Mac Mackenzie, the families artistic family member, painting a landscape late one evening. He is surprised when he sees an apparition though most of the family don’t believe him. They ruin his fantasy of talking to one of their MacKenzie ancestors. As his sister-in-law the Duchess and younger family members go on a ghost hunt using trick photography to help catch a thief! As they want to make sure it isn’t a thief or someone threatening their lives. Especially with all the expensive art work of the Duke of Kilmorgan’s. Plus Ian’s priceless Ming pottery, as well as priceless jewels and other items the family owns.

Ian always wants to get his wife an extra special present for his Beth. Yet he hears someone may have stolen the priceless item he wants. So he goes on a different type of hunt to get a unique gift from a worthless collector. Will he be able to locate the piece? Read and find out.

This novella was absolutely magnificent from start to finish. It’s another beautiful story with the family I absolutely love. I love that the author give a quick detailed explanation of each relationship. I personally didn’t need it as I have read each book and remember each story. It is great for first time readers or people who may have forgotten each story.

I love The Mackenzies so much though Ian and Mac are my favorites! You can’t help but fall in love with this beautiful family. The perfect story to get you into the Christmas spirit and remembering that the holiday is about love and family. I have been reading this series since it began and hopes it never ends.

I highly recommend the book as A MacKenzie Yuletide is absolutely perfect!

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering

One of my favorite reads of 2016 and fun to read again!

Jennifer Ashley pens another riveting beautiful heart-melting story that you wish would never end! It will give you chills and melt your heart at the same time! Loved this quick paced, extraordinary, unique and extremely entertaining read I could not put down!

Scotland, 1892

All the Mackenzie’s and MacBride’s were getting ready to travel to Kilmorgan Castle which is Hart Mackenzie, the Duke of Kiomorgan’s residence to celebrate Hart’s Birthday the following week. So far his youngest brother Ian, his wife Beth and children and a skeleton staff were the only ones in residence. Ian, the one some cruel or ignorant people refer as mad or crazy, of course if it was present day it would be called Asperger’s syndrome or ASD. Unfortunately, it is still only the 19th century and it will still be quite some time when physicians and the medical community can give people like Ian, the correct diagnosis. This always impresses me how Ms. Ashley brilliantly and also tenderly tackles the subject and of course Beth his wife is his biggest supporter, his salvation, his everything! I think also, this is why Ian is definitely the favorite Mackenzie among readers. Through Ian’s special qualities and his senses he hears things and and is in-tune to sounds most are not. Why he wakes up alert and hears the intruders, he knew it wasn’t the usual sounds in the house he grew up in and he naturally goes after them to protect his family and nearly gets himself killed in the process. Unfortunately Ian feels responsible as the intruders makes off with a good portion of Hart’s priceless art collection! Ian decided to go after them, especially when someone tampers with Ian’s distillery where they make the profitable Mackenzie malt whiskey.

As things were not already topsy turfy enough, Beth invites her missionary brother-in-law of her deceased first husband whom has a secret agenda! He tells Ian secretly that he can cure him of his madness or at least try. Ian has dreams of being what he calls normal for Beth he has yet to understand that she loves the man he is and always will and does not want a different man. What will it take for Ian to finally accept or understand this and let go of this unfounded guilt he has. I personally blame his cruel father for a lot of these feelings besides the ignorant finger pointers calling him insane throughout his life. Except we all know Ian is not mad or insane! Lots of action, adventure, drama and heart pulling scenes that gives readers chills. Beautiful of course, seeing how Beth and Ian still love each other as much as ever of not more with their three children who adore him, being together over a decade now. I had goose bumps and tears rolling down my cheeks during certain scenes as Ian and his family definitely does that to me and I love how Beth is ready to fight for her man no matter who it is. I also love how Beth has taught him so much about love, life and what really is important. Ian now understands a stolen art collection, even his Ming China collection, are just objects and objects can be replaced, people cannot. He understands the safety of Beth and their children Jamie 11, Belle 10 and Megan 7 is all that matters. Afterall it is what completes Ian and make him whole.

Lots of action, surprises, mystery, suspense, adventure, love and emotion as always and of course fans of the Mackenzies and MacBrides will truly delighted with this spectacular story centering on Ian and Beth. Being a long time fan of the series I was not disappointed or surprised and another superbly written story that touched my heart and captured my soul. I read this in one sitting and be prepared to fall in love with Ian Mackenzie all over again!

I absolutely loved this riveting, charming, amazingly brilliant page turner and highly recommend “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” by Jennifer Ashley. I can’t compliment it enough as I was completely dazzled and enchanted as I totally loved it!

** I was given an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.**

Chronology and Reading order:
The following is the order in which events in the series take place, which is more or less publication order.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (1881)
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage (1881)
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (1882, September; Epilogue, June 1883)
The Duke’s Perfect Wife (1884, Spring; Epilogue, June 1885)
The Seduction of Elliot McBride (1884, June)
A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift (1884, December)
The Untamed Mackenzie (1885, April)
Scandal and the Duchess (1885, November)
The Scandalous Mackenzies (Print edition of Untamed Mackenzie and Scandal and the Duchess)
Rules for a Proper Governess (1885, December)
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (1890)
A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (1892)

Eighteenth-Century Mackenzies
(Can be read before or after the Victorian Era Mackenzies)
The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (1745-46)

Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Mackenzie-Clan-Christmas-Mackenzies-ebook/dp/B07MQP76GB?_bbid=11525471&tag=individualbookpagesite-20

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas-jennifer-ashley/1130202254?ean=9781984806543&_bbid=11392837&st=AFF&SID=Barnes+%26+Noble&2sid=Pubmark+Inc._5620418_NA&sourceId=AFFPubmark+Inc.&cjevent=8806b94ef5ef11e980e7003d0a240610&dpid=tekz25v83

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jennifer_Ashley_A_Mackenzie_Clan_Christmas?_bbid=11395386&_bbreg=us&_bbtype=blog&id=LnuDDwAAQBAJ&pubref=bookbubblogd

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas?utm_source=walmarthybrid&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BookBub&utm_term=bookbubblogd&ranMID=37217&ranEAID=tWxX%2FRg9ax8&ranSiteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-78D8JHzDpYTjqh.1DJPbmg&siteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-78D8JHzDpYTjqh.1DJPbmg

https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas/id1449415721