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
DNF 13% (Chapter 6)
Sadly this book wasn’t for me. Sigh. I really thought I would enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I could not connect to the characters. I realized by the second chapter that I didn’t really care why Donella was being kicked out of the Convent or what she would do with herself after that. I waited to see if Logan Kendrick would improve the situation for me…he didn’t.
I think this would have been a really good story if I could have connected with the characters. Maybe I will give it a few months and try to read it again and see if my views change because sometimes that’s all it takes for me.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Vanessa Kelly delivers a romantic, touching, adventurous gift to her readers just in time for Christmas. From the moment they meet, you know Donella and Logan are meant for each other.
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly
Clan Kendrick #2
Donella Haddon has spent three years in a convent when she is told that she must leave because she is not a good fit for being a nun. Logan Kendrick shows up to take her to her home as requested by her grandfather but the trip is fraught with danger due to a kidnapping attempt. The two grow to know one another as they travel though neither is interested in marriage. There are ups and downs occur during the story with both of their families and Logan’s young son all hoping the two will end up together. Well, all but one or two old flames from their past who hope they might rekindle what was left behind years before. There is a HEA for the couple after balls, walks, talks and more. I have to say that I had trouble warming up to the couple and seeing them as truly “in love” with one another. I felt more that Logan was, at least at first, more interested in Donella as a potential mother for his child than wanting her as a wife for himself and Donellla, though she did feel attraction, was always down on herself, thinking about joining a convent and more interested in Logan as a way out than as the man she wanted forever. The story was a bit predictable and at times I wondered if I had missed significant stories about Logan in Canada and other couples that no doubt had starred in books off their own.
Did I enjoy this book? For the most part
Would I read more in this series? I believe I would
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Coporation – Zebra Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
Successful businessman Logan Kendrick is trying to spread his timber and fur trading enterprise from Canada into his native Scotland. he’s working on a deal with the Earl of Riddick that would help him do just that, so when that gentleman asks Logan to do him a wee favor and fetch his grandniece back home from a convent, he really can’t refuse.
Miss Donella Haddon is ashamed to have failed at both her expected marriage and her attempt to become a nun. Now she must return to her uncle’s castle and reevaluate her life. But the past scandal she thought she’d escaped in the convent is waiting as soon as she leaves and soon her handsome escort is the only thing keeping her from being kidnapped.
Logan finds Donella Haddon to be far from his expectation of a quiet, Godly almost nun. Rather, she is fiery, brash and rather sharp-tongued, not to mention beautiful. In fact, she stirs feelings Logan hasn’t felt since his beloved wife died. He begins to think Donella may be perfect to ease some of his loneliness and his young son’s, but first he must defend her against malicious gossip and would-be kidnappers whilst convincing her no to fear the attraction brewing between them.
From the start I could not stand Donella. (Though she’s slightly better than Ainsley, the heroine of the previous book, that’s really not saying much). I found Donella to be annoyingly rude, arrogant, short-sighted and argumentative. She had no qualms about putting others in danger as long as she got her say and at least made an attempt to take charge, despite the fact that she knew nothing about the situation or the outside world at that time. This is yet another case of strong heroine syndrome in which what is meant to come off as intelligence and independence really just winds up being shrewish and inciting many eye rolls from me. I kept hoping this would improve as the book progressed, but it did not. Donella’s secrets received a lot of hype but just made her more unlikable to me when she insisted on continuing to keep them from Logan on the basis of them being none of his business, even as their relationship progressed. I did like Logan, but I think he was rather unfairly villainized for much of the book, especially in the eyes of his young son, and by an increasingly hypocritical Donella. I felt she never really gave an apology for that and Logan never really got to be a hero; I didn’t doubt they loved each other, but the passion wasn’t really there.
I did like the range of characters and found the Kendrick family to be charming for the most part, perhaps with the exception of some of Allasdair’s more over-the-top actions. However, the pacing was a bit slow for me and failed to keep my interest engaged and the book seemed a bit choppy to me, as if it could be divided into three clear parts without much flow. I was very much looking forward to this one and it just didn’t quite work for me, but I will continue to look forward to more stories with the rest of the Kendricks.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Logan Kendrick and Donella Haddon had each been at the center of a family tragedy in the past. Their story is compelling, entertaining and often humorous as they attempt to move beyond the mistakes, and just maybe find a future together.
Logan and Donella are strong, stubborn, independent, and occasionally confused. These seem to be common Highland traits. At times, their romance seems to take one step forward, and two steps back, but they are not without help. Our hero and heroine are surrounded and supported by a wonderful cast of characters – brothers, sisters, and cousins just as stubborn as they are. I absolutely love Grandda Angus and Logan’s son Joseph.
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride is part of the Clan Kendrick series, but works just fine as a standalone. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My Review is voluntary.
I haven’t read the first book in the series and although characters from it make an appearance in this story, I didn’t felt like missing anything so it could easily be read as a stand-alone.
The story was well written, with fast-paced moments but also slower ones for my liking, the characters are nice but unfortunately none of them grows on me as really I couldn’t feel the chemistry as maybe was expected or just couldn’t believe that he fell head over heels in love with her so soon especially after we get that he’s still mourning his wife.
Their banter was fun and entertaining
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, the second book in Vanessa Kelly’s Clan Kendrick series, is an entertaining, Christmas-themed romp through the Scottish highlands. It features Logan Kendrick, who is intent on negotiating financial arrangements with Lord Riddick to benefit Kendrick Shipping and Trade. When Riddick asks Logan for help dealing with a “wee family matter,” little does he know how his life is about to change.
The family matter is the return of his great-niece, Donella Haddon, who had joined a convent in what her family said was a “mad scheme” to run away from life. Convent life was not for her, and she is returning to face her family, deal with her past, and figure out her future.
When Logan meets Donella, he finds a true Scottish beauty when he was expecting a dreary little miss while she sees a big, bold handsome man. They strike sparks off each other but, their relationship is not without peril, as they must deal with kidnappers, feuding clans, and gossip about their respective pasts. You will love how Donella deals with the women who make disparaging remarks about Logan’s son, Joseph. He is a sweet character. who melds Logan and Donella together.
While Kelly features Logan’s brothers and their wives and other characters from her previous books (The Highlander Who Protected Me and The Highlander’s Princess Bride), the book is enjoyable as a stand alone.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Logan has been sent to escort Donella home from the convent from which she has been expelled. Sparks begin to fly, but that is just the beginning of this very good read. I received an ARC of this book.
The second installment from the Clan Kendrick series, The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, is the first book I have read by Vanesa Kelly. It will not be the last. I enjoyed this book. I loved this Donella and Logan’s chemistry. I found the story to be fun, adventurous and delightful.
I am giving The Highlander’s Christmas Bride four and a half stars. I would love to read more by Vanessa Kelly, including the first book from the Clan Kendrick series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
When her fiancé came home with another woman, Donella Haddon was actually relieved, but decided the best future for her was to enter a convent. Three years later, it’s obvious to everyone in the convent, but Donella, that she really shouldn’t be a nun, so she’s asked to leave. Logan Kendrick is more than a little surprised that the almost-nun he is asked to escort is not the older, meek, spinster he expected. It should have been a straight-forward task to get Donella from the convent to the family home, but when they are waylaid on the road, they are forced to change plans throwing them together for longer. As they travel, they get to know each other and the sparks fly…but both are carrying so much guilt about the past that neither has any intention of having a future that includes someone else.
The fun starts when they finally make it back to civilization and their families, who, of course are very meddlesome. Logan IS a Kendrick after all and meddlesome is their forte… and Donella’s family can give them a run for their money. With fun and loveable characters, including Joseph, Logan’s son who will melt your heart, and two main characters who spark together, this is another enjoyable read by Vanessa Kelly. While I love revisiting characters from previous novels, Kelly fills in enough information on them and keeps the focus on Longan and Donella, enabling this one to be read as a stand-alone novel. I can’t wait to read the next in the series…luckily there are more Kendricks waiting in the wings.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#TheHighlandersChristmasBride #VanessaKelly #ZebraBooks
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this boo. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Highlanders Christmas Bride, by Vanessa Kelly, is available at booksellers on 10-29-19. This story is book 2 in Ms Kelly’s Clan Kendrick series. We pick up after book 1 ends so it’s possible to read as a standalone. The characters from book 1 make an appearance and it’s nice to know they’re doing ok. I actually liked this couple more so it was a treat to read. Ms Kelly loves a handsome highlander character and it shows in the care she takes with his story.
Mr. Logan Kendrick is member of THAT Kendrick family. Rogues, troublemakers, and big brawny handsome devils. After a horrid accident Logan was banished and wound up in Canada. He stayed for a decade, married and had a son. His boy is of mixed heritage so there’s xenophobia to deal with, but it’s handled splendidly. Logan is a bit complicated, PTSD of a sort, and like any tough Scot, he doesn’t talk a lot. Makes it hard to know what he’s feeling so we’re told what’s running through his mind. Good thing too, burly Scotsman don’t get touchy-feely outside the bedroom.
Miss Donella Haddon is a rip-roaring hoot of a heroine. I love this lass. Her family thinks she’s quiet, biddable, all the things a young lady should be. Well they don’t know anything, she’s just been ejected from a convent! She’s had 3 years and cannot make herself into a good nun. She wears her sassy pants everyday. Upon first look Logan sees the most beautiful woman ever. Then she speaks and the fun begins. They snipe at each other and try to pry information out of each other for the longest time, almost till the end. I loved it. I can get invested in a female character that can handle herself.
If you haven’t read book 1, The Highlander Who Protected Me, I suggest that you give it a try too. The characters are engaging. Ok Ms Kelly, what’s next? Happy reading.
#Netgalley #VanessaKelly #TheHighlander’sChristmasBride #ClanKendrek #KensingtonPress #Zebra #Romance
Bring on the adventure. Step into the romance. Escape into the unknown. The Highlander’s Christmas Bride pushes the hot buttons of the heart with an imaginative blend of intrigue, romance and danger. Kelly delivers a tale of passion, a battle of hope and a leap of faith, that speaks to the romantic soul. Donella and Logan refused to be tamed. My heart wouldn’t have it any other way.
I knew I would have a soft spot for Logan. He is a man hurting for his son which you cannot help but sympathize with him. That and his son Joseph were the brightest spots of the book in my opinion. Joseph was such a sweet child who was living in a world of prejudice and hatred. To hold him and take away is worries is what everyone will want to do. While I liked Donella, I thought she was just okay. What I did like was her interactions with Joseph. Her secret was not really all that horrible and I figured it out right away. The one thing that bothered me a little with Logan was his ability to seem to look over his old flame’s selfishness. But maybe that is something that I should have liked about the story. He was fallible. I liked the story a lot and look forward to more Kendrick clan.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
After Donella Haddon was abandoned by the boy she was betrothed to she may have made a few poor decisions. Deciding to straighten her life out, Donella decides to become a nun. When that venture proves to be a poor decision ending with Donella being kicked out of the nunnery, she decides she needs to figure out what to do with her life. When Donella went to leave the nunnery, she didn’t expect her escort home to be Logan Kendrick, a brawny, brash, handsome and wealthy widower. While on their journey back to Donella’s home, a gang of men try to kidnap her. Thanks to Logan she is safe but they need to take drastic measures in order to get her home safely.
Throughout their journey, Donella and Logan both start to enjoy each other’s company. Logan is thinking that Donella might be just what him and his young son, Joseph need in their lives. It just so happens that Donella is starting to realize that she also wants to be in Logan and Joseph’s lives. When ghosts from her past start to pop up, Logan is more than convinced that he needs to protect Donella from further harm. Just when it looks like they will get their happy ending, a crazy twist happens to delay their happiness. Luckily, things will work out and everyone will get their happy ending.
I just adored Donella. Talk about a kick butt woman! She sure knows how to give it as good as she gets it! Thank goodness Donella found Logan because she really needed a strong, loyal man to be able to handle her and he sure does a wonderful job of it. Overall these two great characters took us on a wonderful journey in order for them to get their happy ending.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. Donella has a past, and now she’s failed at becoming a nun as well. The Highlander sent to escort her home, Logan, was expecting a plain, pious spinster and Donella is just as much of a surprise to him as he is to her. Gossip about her past, his status as a widower, a mysterious threat, and unexpected attraction – all combine together to create a delightful reading experience. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
The Highlander’s Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly is book Two in the Clan Kendrick Series. This is the story of Donella Haddon and Logan Kendrick. I have read the previous book but feel you can make this a standalone book. Donella was left by her intended then set to be a nun but that didn’t work out either. Now she is suppose to return home in shame. Logan is a widower who though he was helping to escort a plan spinster home. But what he finds is a beautiful women who seems to be able to take action in any situation along with provided some spunk that he enjoys. Thinking she might be just what he and his family needs but first he has to keep her safe.
Such a fan of Ms. Kelly’s writing. A must read for me.
I was happy to see Logan and Donella’s story. Donella is trying to find her self worth and Logan is trying to get over his wife’s death and comfort his son. I really enjoyed it! I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.
I liked both of the main characters who each had gone through different kinds of suffering. They each had plenty of secrets but Donella probably had a few more than Logan. I liked how the author slowly unwrapped those secrets. With Donella even after one secret comes out, you are given the sense that it’s like an onion being peeled and that there are more layers.
It was also laughable how unsuited Donella was to be a nun and how she just didn’t see it. She did try hard though but it just wasn’t really in her nature. After awhile, she does begin to understand why she tried to be one.
Poor Logan. His son Joseph is just a six year old boy who needs his dad. But because of their long separation, things aren’t going all that well between them.
Both Donella and Logan have some VERY interesting relatives who do add to the story. Some of them funny and quite quirky but loyal to the bone.
There are several times that I smiled because of something that was going on. One of those times was how ever time something embarrassing happened to Donella, Logan would have an unusual way to comfort her. He reminded her that the Kendricks were known to kick things up and be in the middle of trouble. Yes, the story does go on to show that too.
Donella also had some unique (and usually funny) ways to deal with troublemakers. Like gossipers and prejudiced people)
I liked how the story ended. There is a H.E.A. and also some good outcomes for some unlikely people too.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
What’s not to love about this enchanting, humorous, romantic story about a sigh worthy highlander and an impetuous, high spirited lass? Not one thing, it was splendid! Vanessa Kelly never disappoints with the wonderful characters and storylines she creates.
Donella Haddon has been dismissed from the convent. She was just not “nun” material. The thought it would help prevent a scandal and give her a chance to redeem herself was not to be. I could only chuckle as she was given her orders to leave!
Widower Logan Kendrick had offered to escort her from the convent to her great uncle, the Earl of Riddick, hoping it might help in his business dealings with him. Little did he know that the woman would not be a reserved “nun like”, but the complete opposite.
The journey begins, filled with adventure, a kidnapping and secrets held that are bound to come out. Plus an attraction that grows quickly between these two. Throw in some amusing, fantastic family members and the Christmas holiday and you have a story that will make you sigh, laugh out loud and make your heart smile and you have one perfect ending!
This book NEEDS to be made into a movie! The family interactions are so funny and two of the scenes in the book just need to be on the screen! Oh why have I waited so long to read one of Vanessa Kelly’s stories? This was so rich and full of humor and heart that it goes into my favorites shelf!
Logan Kendrick one of the Kendrick brothers in this series. He went to Canada with part of his family to escape his older brother Nick’s wrath over a terrible accident that ended Nick’s son Cam’s life. Logan has been riddled with guilt since but he is ever the hero as we discover in this story. The family backstory of the Kendricks and Donella Haddon’s family has been in other Kelly books. I had to look up which book was Alisdair and Nick’s. They’ve all had eventful lives! Logan has returned from Canada a rich from his shipping and trade business in Canada and is in negotiations with Donella’s Great Uncle Riddick. When Donella is kicked out of the Carmelite Convent Uncle Riddick askes Logan to retrieve her when he leaves Blairgal Castle. He agrees and ends up protecting her from kidnappers.
Donella Haddon is making a terrible nun, she cannot follow the rules, sings off-key, falls asleep in chapel and break the great silence. Mother Superior is returning her home. Donella made a complete mess of things at home and the only place she thought she could find peace and do good was a convent. As we progress in the story we see she’s gone from one disaster to the next trying to do the right thing. She is the Flower of Clan Graham after all. She too is riddled with guilt over the past.
Some of the scenes in this book made me laugh out loud. I can picture them vividly. The family members are loud and interact with love and craziness as only highlanders can. I especially loved the one in the library during the Boxing Day Ball and the one at Dun Manor when the shot rang out.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.