In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . . Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return … no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .
Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.
Praise for The Highlander’s Princess Bride
“A thoroughly satisfying Regency romance.” —Publishers Weekly
more
Excellent ,excellent EXCELLENT!!!
Having had the pleasure of reading a few works by VENESSA KELLY, this , like those previous, was an enjoyable and entertaining read.
There’s Donella who is strong in her own right, but vulnerable to her own self questioning heart…
Then there’s Logan….may i say he’s just the perfect blend of Highland male , a true heart and just enough guilt to make him believable.
Let’s not forget Angus , Joseph, Eden, Alex and the myraid of previous book characters thrown in the mix to help tie the whole book family together…well done Vanessa!
My only question is when is Roddy Mungo’s story coming …he’s so sweet…i think theres more to him than implied by his father and what and how all the others see him. Would be interesting to read more of him……..
Thank you , Vanessa….totally rocked the book and i enjoyed it very much.Vanessa Kelly
Vanessa Kelly’s characters are wonderful. I absolutely love the Kendricks. It was so very nice to visit with them once again, along with many friends from previous series. Logan Kendrick, recently returned from Canada is doing a potential business associate a favor. He agreed to retrieve Lord Riddick’s great niece from the convent where she has been for the past three years. Donella Haddon is nothing even close to what Logan imagined a near nun would be. The fun starts right in the beginning with the attempted kidnapping of Donella on the way back to Blairgal Castle. They think they are rid of one another once their adventure is done and Donella is delivered to her uncle. Fate has other ideas and they are thrown together once again in Glasgow. More surprises are in store for Logan as his son and grandfather have also arrived. The interactions between Angus MacDonald and the other characters will bring at least a smile, if not a full laugh out loud from the reader. In between serious conversations the dialogue between Donella and Logan is often lighthearted. However, Donella has some secrets, ones she is not willing to share willingly. Will her secrets destroy the fragile bond they have? Or will love conquer all? I loved this book as much as previous ones featuring the Kendricks. Thank goodness Vanessa Kelly has more Kendricks who need stories.
The second book in the Clan Kendrick series is as delightful read as the first. It was obvious that this one would be about Logan, who has return from exile in Canada, reconciled with his brother Nicholas, now Earl of Arnprior. Trying to do business with Earl of Riddick, he is asked to escort, the Earl’s great niece, Donella Haddon, home after she has been dismissed from the convent that she has been hiding out in for the last 3 years, after her betrothed and cousin, Alasdair Gilbride married another. Logan is still mourning his late wife and missing his young son, who is in Canada, and has no interest in ever marrying again, but there is something about Donella, that pulls at him. An attempted kidnapping, leads them on a merry adventure. Donella doesn’t think that she fits in anywhere, but Logan has other ideas. However, secrets, rivals and interfering relatives could keep her from getting her HEA.
Written in a humorous, entertaining voice, with lots of repartee, endearing characters and an amusing plot, but also rich descriptions, I enjoyed reading this book.
Vanessa Kelly’s The Highlander’s Bride is the second book of the Clan Kendrick series that focus on the brothers of Kendrick clan. Logan Kendrick, a brawny, handsome wealthy widower who returns to Scotland to expand his trading business, agrees escorting grandniece of Earl of Riddick, Donella Haddon, to her family’s estate. The poor woman. Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliated enough. Now she has proven a failure as a nun. Logan is expecting a plain, pious spinster but finds a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass capable to hold her own when he foils the would-be kidnappers in an ambush.
Vanessa Kelly reunites me with many of my favorite characters: Angus, the family’s lovable but meddling grandfather, Logan’s older brother Nick and his wife, Victoria (The Highlander’s Princess Bride) and two younger brothers, Branden and Graeme along with Alasdair Gilbride and Eden (How To Marry A Royal Highlander). There is Logan’s young son, Joseph, who arrived with Angus from Halifax to join his father. Logan wonders if Donella might be the perfect woman to bring happiness into his lonely son’s life. I laughed at how the family’s meddling frustrates poor Logan whenever he’s alone with Donella. First, he has to protect Donella from ugly gossips and a mysterious threat and at the same time convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent. I can’t wait for the next brother have his story be told.
What an entertaining read!!! I enjoyed this one very much!
Donella Haddon fled to a convent after her engagement ended and now the convent doesn’t believe she belongs there and have asked her to leave amidst scandals and rumors. Logan Kendrick returns from Canada for business agrees to escort Donella back home and got in the middle of a kidnapping, and this was just the beginning.
I enjoyed this story line very much and thought it was exciting, moved fast, had a lot of adventure/action sequence too that kept the pacing of the story moving well. Donella and Logan’s chemistry were great and love how their characters were written. Though I don’t have the backstory of the Kendrick family, it worked for me as a stand alone. I will definitely be going back to read the Highlander’s Princess Bride to learn more about the Kendrick clan. Some of the language threw me off, but I really loved it for its Scottish feel and authenticity.
Thank you to @kensingtonbooks and @netgalley for the ARC copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.
Donella Haddon retired to a convent 3 years ago when her cousin Alec, who is her betrothed, married another woman and her mother tried to kill him, but now the nuns have decided that Donella doesn’t have a true calling and have asked her to leave. Her uncle Earl Riddick is in business negotiations with Logan Kendrick and asks him to escort Donella home.
Logan Kendrick has only recently returned to Scotland after many years of self-imposed exile in Canada after the death of his brother Nick’s son. But his time is Canada wasn’t all self-crimination – Logan built a successful business, married his love, who also happened to be his partner’s daughter and fathered a son. He lost his wife shortly after his son Joseph’s birth and hasn’t stopped grieving. But when he meets Donella, there is no denying the attraction between them. However, things do not start out well and almost as soon as they start out for her uncle’s, they are set upon and the Murray’s attempt to kidnap Donella. Logan is forced to abandon the coach and take Donella into the wilderness. After a grueling journey, they finally arrive at a cottage and take shelter and wait for Alec to arrive to take Donella home. When Alec arrives and finds them in the bed, he demands that Logan marry her – she refuses and they part.
Logan returns home and finds out that his grandfather had returned from Canada with his son. Although he was scared that Nick would be upset, everyone immediately accepts him. But he is still a little quiet around everyone.
Back with her family, Donella tries to convince her family to let her join another convent, but they insist that she go to the family home and prepare a Christmas celebration – since Evie (Alec’s English wife) celebrates and so does Donella since she is a catholic. They send her to stay with the Kendrick’s until Alec and Evie can join her. At the Kendrick’s she immediately bonds with Joseph and grows closer to Logan. It appears that they are on track to their own HEA, but not everyone is happy with that plan. Former lovers and loves will interfere and secrets may tear them apart if they can’t find a way to move on from their pasts.
I thought this was a pretty good story, it did seem to drag a bit and I don’t know if I completely believe Logan is truly in love – the man seems to “fall in love” at the drop of a hat, so I don’t know if I trust his love is true. I did enjoy catching up with Nick, Victoria, Alec and Evie, as well as getting to know Donella. She was likeable, but a bit misguided. I loved her interactions with Joseph and was touched by the bond between them. This is the second book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Another fun adventure with the Kendrick clan. Donella doesn’t think she is ready to go back into the world after spending several years in a nunnery. Logan has come to escort her to her family. There are several attempts to kidnap Donella and Logan will keep her safe at all costs. Donella has some secrets and Logan needs to find out what they are so he can protect her. He wants to keep Donella in his life forever but she says she will find another convent who will accept her. Can Logan keep her safe and can he keep her forever?
This second book in the series can easily be read as a stand-alone as long as you realize that there are many characters that are crossovers from other series as well as those that are included in this series. There are characters from How to Marry a Royal Highlander (The Renegade Royals series) and The Highlander’s Princess Bride (The Improper Princesses series). The Kendrick family was introduced and featured in The Highlander’s Princess Bride. You’ll love the Kendrick’s although you’ll want to lock grandda in a closet and lose the key.
Donella Haddon has had a life of many upheavals, scandals, and turmoil. After the last scandal, all she wanted was a quiet life and she sincerely thought becoming a nun was the way for her to go. However, after three years, and just one month before she was to take her final vows, she was called to the Reverend Mother’s office and told that she just wasn’t going to be able to continue as a nun. Though Donella begged to stay, the Reverend Mother was adamant. Donella was to leave the convent just as soon as her uncle could make arrangements for her to travel home.
We met Logan Kendrick in the earlier books, but it was lovely to really get to know him in this book. He is a widower who is still guilt-ridden from the death of his older brother, Nick’s, son. Having a six-year-old son of his own now, he feels that guilt, again and again, every time he sees Nick. Logan exiled himself to the Canadian wilderness after the child’s death and became quite wealthy there. He met his wife, fell in love, married, had a child, and then lost his wife in just a few scant years. Now, he and Nick have resolved their differences, except for Logan’s guilt, and Logan is back in Scotland for a while growing his shipping and timber business.
Logan had been trying to work a deal with the Earl of Riddick who was a powerhouse in Scotland’s timber industry. So, when the man asked Logan if he’d make a short side-trip on one of his journeys and escort his great-niece home from a convent, Logan agreed. We can only say that the young woman he picked up wasn’t at all what he was expecting!
The journey began to go downhill right from the beginning when they were waylaid by seven men bent on kidnapping Donella. Escape was a narrow thing and the attempts didn’t stop. As their journey continued, Logan learned what a strong, self-reliant, confident young woman she was – and he quickly came to admire her. Even after they reached their destination, the excitement didn’t end. If you add in former loves, vicious gossips, and insane mothers, you have a lively, and fun read.
Again, as with the previous books I’ve read by the author, there was a lot of anachronistic verbiage and that always throws me off. I liked Donella better than Ainsley (heroine from the last book), but she still got on my nerves. Why do authors always seem to equate being a strong, forthright, intelligent and independent woman with being rude and foolhardy? That scene in the first kidnapping attempt is a prime example – evidently, she didn’t care if she got captured or got Logan or one of the others killed or injured. She just had to have her say and be the one in charge. I also didn’t care for grandda. I know I’m supposed to think his antics are funny, but I don’t. He is hurtful, rude, and disrespectful.
The bottom line, it was a lovely, fun, fast-paced read and I enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an absolute delight to read and I’m still giggling at all the antics that Logan and Donella’s families get up to!! Loved all the humor and could just picture it all in my mind:)
This is Logan and Donella’s story and what a story it is! Logan is a widower and has a 6 year old son, Donella lived in a convent for 3 years and was just about ready to become a nun when she was told to go home because she’s just not “nun material”. They meet when Logan shows up to escort her home and on the way, a kidnapping attempt is made on Donella. She’s got secrets and something that happened in the past is all catching up to her. Both their families have opinions of their own and with all the shenanigans going on, it’s a surprise that Logan and Donella even get a chance to fall in love!! lol
There’s one scene where I laughed so much…when Logan is forced to stand up after being caught with Donella in a compromising situation…omigosh, I had tears running down my face from laughing!!
This is not a short read, in fact it’s a very long read but worth every minute of it. I definitely do recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the story! Donella is the perfect “take charge” heroine. Not afraid to step up when she needs to and tells it like it is. Logan is amazing, watching out and protecting Donella at all times against all comers! Their personalities are so different that they meld perfectly. I missed watching Angus in action and am glad he’s still around. We’re also given peeks into the lives of past couples. I can’t wait to see which Kendrick falls next! It was an amazing Christmas story! Thank you for the advanced copy, reading about the high-jinks the Kendrick’s get into is always a pleasure!
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
Clan Kendrick Series #2
Vanessa Kelly
https://www.facebook.com/vanessakellyauthor/
Release date 10/29/2019
Publisher Kensington/Zebra
Blurb :
Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .
Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.
My review :
Can two persons who are running away from their troubled past find a second chance together.
It is my first read by Mrs Vanessa Kelly, and even if it is second in a series, it can be read as a standalone. After for what I understand, the side characters are part of a grander story, going further than the first installment of this series.
It was such an entertaining and delightful read, with aplenty of witty banters, meddling characters, non-stop actions and a slow-burn romance.
After three years in a couvent, Donella finds herself thrown out just one month before taking her vows. This is one too many more failure for her. Between her failed betrothal, this new shortcoming and her past behavior, she is now unable to decide what she will do. Nothing appeals her really.
Still she is no meek lady nor damsel-in-distress. She gives as much as she takes. Although she voices loudly her discontent, she is not one to act stupidly. She knows when she is overtaken.
I loved her feisty personality, she is no charming miss, she fires quips and snarks as a bow darts. But she is a caring woman, who immediately take under her wing a lost little boy.
Logan Kendrick reshaped himself in a different man when the tragedy of his past forced him to leave everything behind. He loved and lost. Now he is a wealthy man, back to Scotland to conduct his business.
If not for the would-have-been a nun he must convey back to her family’s home.
This almost-nun awakens desires he buried long ago, but the more they banter the more he can’t shake her out of his mind. Worse, his own son is soon taken under her spell.
I loved Logan, he is a good man but he can’t stop from making a muddle of things, trying to do the right thing but almost every time it backfires to his face.
It is their inability to handle their relationship rightly that makes them so lovable, each of their meetings is a challenge, when it goes well, something comes in to derail everything or their temper flares, and sparks fly.
It was not a rushed romance, they get time to know each other, to question their own purposes.
Mrs Kelly gave to her characters so much sparks it brought them to life. They act and react, not always the right way but they do not bend. Donella’s secret was easy to figure out, I do think it was a lot of fuss but I do understand too, because of the time period, it caused Donella many worries. Logan’s answering to its revelation was the perfect one of a man caring about her.
5 stars for this clever and enjoyable tale with two strongly stubborn and ill-adapted for society’s life characters.
I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher Kensington, I also prior to it preordered my own copy. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/photos/a.449451878977322/460925787829931?type=3&sfns=mo
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride is a wonderfully written story filled with adventure, family and romance. After a broken engagement and a youthful indiscretion, Donella joined a convent but now she has been asked to leave due to her lack of piety. Logan Kendrick is a wealthy widower who has returned to Scotland to build his business and secure his son’s future. He agrees to help a potential business associate by escorting his niece home and so begins the adventure that leads to a beautiful romance and a happily ever after. This story will have you laughing out loud and loving every minute. The secondary characters are just as much a part of the story as the main characters. This is the second in the series but is also a stand alone novel.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.
After three years in a convent and a few months shy of taking her final vows, Donella Haddon was dismissed and told to go home to Blairgal Castle. Logan Kendrick started a shipping and trading company while in Canada, and he hopes to do business with Donella’s great-uncle, the Earl of Riddick. So when the earl asked him to escort Donella as a favour, Logan could hardly refuse. It’s only a two-day journey, or it should have been, had they not met with villains along the way determined to kidnap Donella.
THE HIGHLANDER’S CHRISTMAS BRIDE is such a fun book, filled with adventures, romance, and fabulous characters! Donella is a splendid heroine: she’s so vital, energetic, and protective. Donella was definitely not a good fit for the convent, even though she tried so very hard. She’s proper and dignified, but certainly not meek; when the chips are down, she’s someone you want on your side, and she fit right in with the Kendricks. I loved that, however defiant she was, she was not reckless. She is made of stern stuff, she felt like a real person, and so does Logan. He is a giant of a man, playfully flirty without coming on too strong; he is charming and understanding, but not always the best at expressing himself. Both Logan and Donella are extremely engaging characters, she knows she can be difficult and acknowledges the fact, and Logan actually finds it amusing.
The romance progressed gradually, starting with Logan and Donella’s laborious trek home. This is so beautifully done, as Vanessa Kelly takes us on a little tour of the Scottish countryside, and her wonderful descriptions made me long to be there. It didn’t feel like a travelogue, but like a special treat to share with friends. Logan and Donella’s road to a happily ever after is not the easiest, with the boisterous Kendricks and old clan feuds, but it is a very pleasant and entertaining one. I think it’s a question of balance: the dangers are believable; the characters are not perfect and feel entirely genuine, and no one is perpetually blinded by raging lust; they act like rational people! I adored Logan’s grandfather Angus, and little Joseph, Logan’s six year-old son.
Ms. Kelly’s prose flows effortlessly, and the dialogues are positively brilliant; I caught myself giggling at some heated exchanges. I will never forget the passage with the pigeons; it’s priceless! And I’m so grateful that Vanessa Kelly remembers Scotland’s strong connection to Canada. THE HIGHLANDER’S CHRISTMAS BRIDE is a delightful holiday romance, but the Christmassy atmosphere is not so overwhelming that the story can be enjoyed any time of the year. Happy reading!
After her betrothed returned home to marry another woman and the resulting family scandal, Donella Haddon left home to join a convent. But just shy of become a nun she is given no choice but to leave the convent and find a new direction for her life. Logan Kendrick is tasked with escorting her home from the convent to her family estate. Their journey immediately finds trouble as their party is accosted by kidnappers, as the scandal from her past comes back to haunt her.
__________________________
This is the first book from this author that I have read and I am so glad that I did. I’m going look into some other books/series by this author to add to my to-read list. In reading The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, I already feel invested in this family and will be going back to read the first in the series to learn more about them as well as looking forward to more books being added. That being said, it is not necessary to have read the first in the series to before reading The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, as this book can serve as a stand-alone.
I loved all the characters in this book, but especially Logan, Donella, and Joseph. Logan and Donella were just such relatable characters. Plus banter! They were flawed and the mistakes thade with their dealings with each other stemmed from a place of insecurity, which made them all the more relatable. The relationship between the two of them wasn’t rushed and went so much deeper than simply two people thrown together on a life-threatening journey; this was simply a starting point for them.
5 stars, I recommend this book to fans of historical romance and a good adventure. This book will be getting its own spot on my favorites shelf.
_______
I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing an eARC of The Highlander’s Christmas Bride by Venessa Kelly with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
Super good read!
The 2nd book in the Clan Kendrick Series is Logan’s story. He is my favorite of all of Vanessa’s Highlanders so far. He is the perfect Highlander, tall, handsome, loyal, honorable, and has a great sense of humor. He is a widower with a young son who he protects with the fierceness of a warrior, and the gentle heart of a father who loves his son more than life itself.
Donella Haddon is our heroine. As the book opens she is being asked to leave the convent that she has been in for the past three years. Trouble and scandal seem to follow her wherever she goes. When her Uncle asks Logan Kendrick to bring her home she takes one look at him and knows this is going to test her like never before. He is arrogant, stubborn, and too damn beautiful. Logan expects a pious middle-aged spinster, what he gets is a beautiful spitfire who will try his patience and his honor.
Vanessa brings back some of our favorite characters from other stories that make this a beautiful and heartfelt story. I especially loved the way Logan’s son Joseph brought out the tenderness and humor. Lots of laughter and tears in this stunning love story. Vanessa and Logan are incredible characters that make this book a must-read.
I recommend this love story and can’t wait to read the next one in the series
This was a mad-cap adventure from start to finish–just proof that Donella Haddon was not destined to live the quiet life of a nun. Although she’d like to hide away in a convent, the mother superior sends her back home, and Logan Kendrick gets caught in the middle of intrigue and scandal as he escorts Donella to her uncle’s estate. He just wants to secure a business deal with the Earl of Riddick, but Donella is more than he bargained for.
I liked that we got to see Donella’s insecurities as she tried to avoid bringing scandal to her family, but also her bravery and resourcefulness in dealing with the challenges thrown her way. Logan was a kind and caring man who wanted to build a successful business in Scotland, as he had in Canada. He also wanted to be close to his son, even though they had been separated for a long time. Yet he was more than tough enough to stand up to those who wanted to hurt Donella. He and the rest of the rambunctious Kendrick family provided the perfect place for Donella to realize she really didn’t want such a quiet life at all.
A fun enemies-to-friends story. Also, the writer really puts us in the protagonist’s head, who is witty and fun. She’s kind of a brat, but it’s enjoyable.
Another great book in this series. I love these characters and it was fun to see the two families interacting. Very entertaining!
Clan Kendrick #2, This series is a spin-off of Vanessa Kelly’s Improper Princesses series which was a spin-off of her Renegade Royals series this can be read as a stand alone, all the pertinent information is given in a way that works as a nice reminder for those of us who have read it. Donella was first introduced in book 4 of the Renegade Royals book, again you don’t have to read it in fact if you haven’t read it it gives it a bit more mystery.
After the events of her broken engagement three years ago Donella converted to Catholic and joined a convent but now, days away from taking her vows Reverend Mother is kicking her out. Logan trying to gain favor with the Earl of Riddick agrees to escort his grandniece home. Donella was nothing that he expected he was delighted with her sense of humor and her courage especially when faced with an attempted kidnapping and roughing it in the wild to escape. Even after the parted and Donella was safely home with her family Logan couldn’t stop thinking about her, even with the surprise of his son showing up in Scotland with his Grandfather Angus when he should still be in Canada. Donella wants to go right back and join another convent but Riddick gets her to agree to wait six months and try to have fun before she makes any decisions. She even agrees to plan a Christmas party for Alec and Eden at their Glasgow townhouse. Eden and Alec send her down first until they can join her in the meantime she is to stay at the Kendrick home bringing her in close proximity to Logan. The threat to Donella hasn’t quite gone away they just change tactics and start horrible rumors despite how she is feeling for Logan and his son she feels it best to become a nun. It’s Logan’s job to convince her otherwise.
Overall, it was a great read. One thing I love about Vanessa Kelly’s writing, not just her great storyline and fantastic characters, she’s able to convey the feel of the time period and it’s not just all the typical brogue (I’d be disappointed if a book took place in Scotland and didn’t have any) but everything in general, celebrating both Christmas and Hogmanay. I enjoyed Logan and Donella story especially what they did at the end. I love all the Kendricks I look forward to the next one.