Love is in the air for this burly Highlander and ex-nun!

Logan Kendrick has been sent to escort his potential business associates grandniece home from a convent. He is expecting an easy detour from his travels and then back to business as usual… He never envisioned the young beautiful and sharp-witted lass he was to escort would create so much chaos! Not only does he have to protect her from would-be kidnappers, he has to guard his heart from her!

Donella Haddon has failed at being a nun. Add that to her list on non-accomplishments. Will she ever find a place that she belongs? Donella must now race against kidnappers and scandal, all the while trying to find her purpose. Can her Highlander hero also save her from herself?

This was an action packed adventure through the highlands and the Christmas social season in Glasgow. It was a true delight watching these characters discover that what they had planned for their future is not what they need.

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly was release October 29th, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zebra, Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheHighlandersChristmasBride #VanessaKelly #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

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.

Donella has not made it as nun, and they have asked her to leave. Logan has been sent to escort her home. Surprised she is not a homely spinster he worries over her lack of chaperone.
Great banter between Logan and Donella. Kidnapping attempts, revisiting old characters, hea

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.

Miss Donella Haddock had been thrown out of the convent she had lived in for three years. Her uncle arranged everything for her two-day trip home. Logan Kendrick was stopping by the convent for her and they had made him wait till they said prayers for her safe return. one of the horses pulling the carriage lost a shoe, the Nuns had kept him waiting for her and it was late and dark for getting to the inn. At the Perth Bridge, they were met by a force of men, they wanted Donella.
This is a superbly written story of Highlanders, clans, intrigue, and mayhem. The characters are rich in history and add a lot to the total tale. There are all kinds of twists and turns and it keeps it so entertaining. It is most enjoyable, even the wit is great and they constantly tease each other a lot. The families are large and humorous and I believe a touch of madness runs rampant through them.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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.

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

Donella has failed in her desire to become a nun and her uncle has sent Logan to bring her back home. The two clash during the journey, but when a group of men try to kidnap Donella, Logan steps up to prevent it. Donella knows why they want her, but is not forthcoming to Logan about it.

Logan is not about to mess up this assignment he has been given. He is determined to get Donella to her uncle, even if it means that they have to spend time alone together.

Mission completed, they both think that they won't see each other again, but family members are acting like matchmakers. Will these two see what the others see and allow them selves to get their HEA?

I loved Donella and Logan's story. The bantering between the two had me laughing out loud. Between those two and the rest of their families, there were all kids of antics to enjoy. This was a great addition to the Clan Kendrick series.

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

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.

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.

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,

I loved the by play between Donella and Logan. Donella is such a spitfire and Logan is her match in every way.

This is an amazingly well written page turner by Vanessa Kelly that you will not want to put down. I know this is a Christmas tale but it doesn't come across that way and could actually be read anytime of year. The introduction of Logan's young son into the story line is a real treat and is the holiday tie in.
I gave this delightful and sometimes humorous tale 4.75 of 5.0 stars for plot, story line and characterization.
I loved this book a nd would gladly re-read it several times. It is one for my keeper shelves.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book and I have reviewed it voluntarily.

The Highlander's Christmas Bride is the second book in the Clan Kendrick series by Vanessa Kelly. Although part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone book.

Donella Haddon joined a convent after she was involved in a scandal. She thought the best place for her would be away from everything. Unfortunately, life as a nun wasn't to be for her, she was hurt when before she could become a full-fledged nun she was advised to go back out into the world and truly decide if a nun's life was for her.

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick offered to fetch Donella from the convent. He figured doing a favour for her great-uncle, the Earl of Riddick would stand him in good stead when it came to convincing Riddick to do business with him. He expected a plain Jane, a quiet, reserved young lady would be under his protection for the journey. He was very surprised to discover that Donella was the complete opposite of everything he expected.

The journey home didn't go as he expected either. Failed kidnap attempts for Donella by the family that still believes she owes them after the scandal 3 years ago caused drama and delay to their journey. Thankfully they make it to Riddick safely. In the time they spent together an attraction forms.

That attachment grows with leaps forward and backwards throughout the story with some amusing moments, and some that pulled on the old heartstrings. Donella would like to move forward with Logan but then she remembers the secret she is hiding and dreads him finding out about it. Surely he won't still want her when he discovers it, and it seems that he will do when gossip starts to circulate, not to mention the possibility that an attempt could be made to kidnap her again.

There was a lot going on in this story, and I don't want to give spoilers by telling you each subplot, suffice to say that each character's story fits nicely into forming what could make or break a future for Logan and Donella. I loved Logan's son Joseph, and his father Fergus, with the latter being quite fun. Donella's great uncle and the whole clan are wonderful with their protection of her. Even the kidnappers have a story that makes you not want to set Logan onto them!! Add the fact that some of the story is set over Christmas and the new year festivities with talk of the gorgeous clothes and the merrymaking and it makes this book even more fabulous.

I really enjoyed this book and its perfect ending.

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.

This book was a lot of fun and easy to read. I love a good highlander romance, and I loved that the heroine in this one was also a highlander! Beginning the story with a young woman being kicked out of a convent was funny and engaging. I liked the chemistry between the couple and how they both seem to get themselves into predicaments. I also liked that it wasn’t the “hate each other first” trope. There was always a bit of respect between them.

I do wish there had been more detail about Christmas and Hogmanay festivities. The title made me think Christmas/Hogmanay would play a bigger part (ie more detail about decorations, food, traditions, etc) but I still enjoyed it.

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. 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.

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.

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.

She'll never be a nun. But, she was oh, so close. Fairly well kicked out of the convent, Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, is about to return to her family home.

The highlander sent to collect Donella is Logan Kendrick. Accompanied by two grooms, after a day or two, Logan hopes to have deposited to woman at her family's estate. Nothing like that happens, however. Instead, more than a few days pass, and they face grave danger.

Logan wonders why Donella was sent to the convent in the first place, and why she has been sent away. He discovers that she is called the Flower of Clan Graham and that she has an unlikely past. For now, it is Christmas, and preparations are in order. Meanwhile, Logan has another surprise in front of him. That is in the form of his six-year-old son, who he hadn't seen in a year. Logan's wife died years before, and the child remained at his grandparents home in Canada.

Now, his son is there, and Donella is there, helping the family set up for Christmas. Logan now has two battles on his hands. For one thing, he doesn't know how to draw close to his son. What is more is that he is truly drawn to Donella. Although he seeks to court her, he must first stem the ugly gossip that always seems to be chasing her.

This is a story of second chances. It is a second chance for Donella to escape a troubled past. It is also a chance for Logan to let memories of his first wife go and to focus on being a good father. Instrumental in this development is the fact that his son falls head over heels in love with Donella. Their interactions were incredibly touching in this story.

If you long strong heroines in historical romance stories, look no further. Donella is the best of the sort. The troubles that she has dealt with in the past, as well as the things she must deal with now show amazing strength. I loved watching the two of them grow to love one another.

This truly enjoyable story is the second in the Clan Kendrick series. The first book is The Highlander Who Protected Me. This story was rich with characters from that book, and the next book in the series is The Highlander's English Bride, due for release in May, 2020.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

*This mass market paperback release also includes a bonus novel by Annie Raines, Christmas on Mistletoe Lane, and previously review link is: https://www.robinlovesreading.com/201...