Feisty lass won my heart!

Near to Christmas 1819, and Donella Haddon, the Flower of Clan Graham, who'd fled to a convent three years before when her engagement ended has just been given a shock. Now the convent is returning her. It seems that her vocation is in doubt, if not dead in the water.
Logan Kendrick, a wealthy widower has returned from Canada to more firmly establish his Shipping business. He been negotiating financial matters with Lord Ruddick and agrees to escort his grandniece home. What he doesn't agree to is defending her from a kidnapping attempt. Not that Donella wanted to be kidnapped either. So fleeing from the brigands is their main priority.
I very much enjoyed Logan and Donella's interactions that ranged from humorous to pointed. They "fashed" each other continually. And when clan business became involved things became even more obscure.
Of course they were drawn to each other but these two had enough secrets and regrets to sink the Titanic.
Logan's first impressions of Donella is that she's a snippy lass, "She was all business and as tart as a lemon ice. Logan was quite fond of lemon ice. “
I loved the way Donella struck out at the gossips and the prejudiced. But that often served to fuel the many rumors even more
Fortunately things worked out, just not in the normal way. Angus was still the old curmudgeon he'd always been in earlier stories, and just has the right knack for escalating things. Thanks to the Kendrick ladies, paths were smoothed and some gossip smothered. And "Hogmanay, when they rang in the New Year", was entered into with all guns blazing.
An enjoyable Highlander historical romance!

A Kensington ARC via NetGalley

Donella Haddon's world is upturned when she gets kicked out of the convent. She was set on becoming a nun and now she doesn't have a clue what she's going to do with herself. Just when Donella thinks she's escaped her past, it starts catching up to her. Thank goodness for Logan Kendrick, or else things might have been a lot worse when the Murrays try to kidnap her.

Logan is instantly attracted to Donella. She's beautiful, strong and courageous. Logan returns her safely home, expecting that's the last he's seen of her, but imagine his surprise when she shows up for a visit at his family's estate. When Donella develops a close relationship with his son, Logan knows that she is the one. But how can he convince an ex-nun to take a chance on a rogue like him?!

Let me start by saying that although THE HIGHLANDER'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE reads perfectly well as a standalone, I highly recommend reading THE HIGLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME first. It gives you more insight into the phenomenal CLAN KENDRICK series written by author Vanessa Kelly. Clan Kendrick consists of a close-knit group of brothers and their colorful grandfather.

THE HIGHLANDER'S CHRISTMAS BRIDE is Logan, the black sheep's, story. Logan is back in Scotland due to business dealings. He has no idea doing a favor for a potential partner is going to change his life. But, oh, what a change! I couldn't have asked for a better match for Logan than Donella. Readers are not going to want to miss their story. I give it a solid 4.5 star rating!

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.”

Fun book about two people who need to overcome guilty feelings about past events before they can accept that they can have a happy future together. From the moment they met, the sparks flew between Logan and Donella. Logan wants the Earl of Riddick to enter into a business relationship with him, so he agrees to escort the man's grandniece from a convent to her family's home. He's stunned to find a beautiful and feisty woman instead of a plain and pious spinster. Donella entered the convent three years earlier after a series of events that caused a scandal. A month from taking her vows, the Reverend Mother has told her she's unsuited to being a nun (cue "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Donella?).

I liked both Logan and Donella. Donella is feisty and independent. She also loves her family and wants to keep them from having to deal with the fallout from her scandal. She can be brash and blunt and has no problem expressing her opinions to Logan. Having lost her place at the convent, she's not sure what's in store for her future. I ached for her as bits of her story were revealed throughout the book, leaving her doubtful of her worth. Logan is a good man with a painful past. He desperately wants to be a good father to his son, but events from his past make it awkward for him as he tries to reconnect with Joseph and the rest of his family.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Logan and Donella. The banter between them was snappy and fun to follow. When their carriage was attacked by another clan who wanted to kidnap Donella, Logan refused to cooperate. I loved seeing them have to work together to escape. As the circumstances threw them together, the sparks between them flared hotter, but neither was willing to give in to them. Logan has no intention of marrying again, and Donella hopes to find another convent to go to. It was exciting to see their escape play out, especially with the lengths that Logan went to to disguise her identity. I laughed out loud when help finally arrived, and they had to do some fast talking to avoid a forced marriage. They parted, thinking they wouldn't see each other again.

But Fate wasn't done with them. Donella's uncle refuses to let her run away to another convent just yet and sends her off to Glasgow to help with family Christmas preparations. Since she needs a chaperone, she's sent to stay with her cousin Victoria - who just happens to be Logan's sister-in-law. From the moment they meet again it's evident to everyone around them that there is something between them. When Logan's son and grandfather arrive unexpectedly from Canada, Logan is surprised by how quickly Joseph and Donella bond. As Logan discovers that Donella brings light and laughter back into his life, he decides that he'd like to keep her in his life.

Meanwhile, Donella is surprised by the effect that Logan has on her, but she has secrets that keep her from believing that she is suitable for him. I enjoyed seeing them grow closer, first building something of a friendship in their mutual care of Joseph. The attraction also continued to build. I enjoyed seeing Logan try to work past Donella's walls. The scene at the ball, where he and Donella were caught together was pretty funny. I loved Logan's support of Donella when she finally confessed all of her secrets.

Though Logan and Donella are ready to embrace their future, her past isn't quite done with her. When a man with a grudge succeeds in kidnapping her, it's up to Logan to find her before it's too late. The final confrontation was both intense and funny, as the kidnapper's plans are foiled by a surprise twist. The actions of several highly volatile Highland men left me laughing and shaking my head, especially when it took a woman to bring them under control. I loved the epilogue and seeing the happiness that both Logan and Donella found together.

I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series as soon as possible and look forward to further books about the Kendricks. They are sure to be just as fun. The only issue I had with this book was the occasional use of anachronistic words or phrases, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment by much.

Romance, angst, and large mouthy Scots made A Highlander’s Christmas Bride a fun addition to the Kendrick Clan series. I own the first book in the series but I haven’t managed to read it yet! Even without that background, this novel works well as a standalone. Kelly expertly weaves that background into the story without detracting from Logan and Donella’s romance. The beautiful descriptions of the countryside perfectly set the scene in the beginning.

I loved Logan and his big crazy family. Joseph, in particular, tugged at my heartstrings. I absolutely loved the sweet scenes with him and Donella. Logan was definitely a swoon-worthy hero. I would be perfectly happy to have him tossing my assailants over the bridge as he whisks me to safety.

I was completely engrossed in this story until about 55/60% of the way through. As soon as the adventure portion was resolved, the pacing flagged a bit for me as we adjusted to a more traditional courting. As we shifted, I found that I didn’t connect with Donella as much as I wish I had. While readers could see in Logan’s POV the love and respect he had for Donella, I didn’t feel the passion was reflected or comparable in Donella. Her inner turmoil really took front stage.

Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet romance even if it didn’t quite have the passion I was hoping for. I am looking forward to seeing the next Kendrick male meet his match and I’m only slightly hoping for a certain doctor to meet his love.

**shortened review posted to Amazon, B&N, Goodreads and Bookbub
**full review will be posted to Dream Come Review on 28 OCT

First book by this author and for whatever reason, wasn’t impressed by it. Good bones in the book and characters- but they just felt flat to me.

While part of a series that features crossover of a large number of characters, this story can be read as a standalone. 

For a book that starts with a lot of action, attempted kidnappings, being on the run etc. this book was incredibly boring. There were a large number of characters introduced and several unnecessary chapters that bogged down an already dull storyline. 

I felt like there was forced chemistry between the two main characters, and while there are some steamy sex scenes, it feels like a happy for now ending not happily ever after. The main heroine was not in the least likeable, she was secretive, idiotic and whiny. Not characteristics I want in my heroine. 

If you are a fan of the author then I'm sure you will enjoy this book, but it was a definite miss for me. 

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts 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, 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. 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 Joseph, his lonely little son's life, just in time for Christmas.
This is the second book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own characters from the authors’ previous books do feature & some of the relationships could be a little confusing. I love, love the Kendrick men, apart from Angus who grates on me & I would have left him in the wilds of Canada! Logan is still carrying the burden of guilt around with him even though he’s been forgiven & he feels he's got to prove himself. He's also desperate to be the best Dad to Joseph. He's a caring, loving Scot who falls hard for Donella. Donella is not my favourite heroine although I did like her more than I liked Ainsley. Yes she was feisty, strong & independent but she also came across as crass at times. Joseph was the star of the book for me. I did thoroughly enjoy the book, the pace of which was very good & it kept my interest all the way through.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A new author for me! This books is 2nd in the Clan Kendrick series.

Donella is being cast out of the convent, the nuns saying she just doesn't have what it takes. Our hero Logan is the one to escort her back to her family. This couple gets roped into all sorts of scenarios together. You might like it if you like action, lots of characters, and/or Scottish romance. If you've read this author prior and have enjoyed, I'm guessing you would enjoy this as well.

Me, however. I was not a fan. I am abandoning this book at 55%. I feel nothing but annoyance. I don't care about the people, I'm overwhelmed by the large cast of characters, there's no tension to me and too many other things that have yet to be addressed or resolved for me to hope I will come to care for them in the last 45%

I have included deeper feelings under a spoiler warning on goodreads

I've been reading Vanessa Kelly's books since her debut. Some make me laugh, some make me cry, some make me sigh with delight. Many do all three. Then there are those that introduce me to characters who draw me into their hearts and their lives; characters who make make me want to revisit them time and again. The Highlander's Christmas Bride is one of those books and Logan, Donella and Joseph (Logan's son- I adored that kid), three such characters.

This book is just so much fun. It made me laugh, made me cry, made me want to go back and re-read passages over and over. I loved Donella. Having read the book where she was first introduced, I was not prepared for the new "kicked to the curb by the convent" version of her. I loved her determination, her spirit, and how her non-pious side kept slipping through. I love how protective she is of Logan's son and how they both grow within that relationship. It was so enjoyable watching her evolve as she takes control of her life, starts speaking her mind, grows closer to Logan and his family, and begins to understand, and accept, her true life path. And I love how she finally takes charge of - and responsibility for - the events of the past that have guided her life to this point.

Logan is one of my all-time favorite Vanessa Kelly heroes. My heart ached for everything he'd been through and cheered his newly restored relationship with his family. I loved Logan and Donella together; how she stoked his interest and respect while they were on the run from kidnappers, how he introduced her to her sensual side and opened her eyes to possibilities of a different life than she had imagined. I loved the courting process that only one of them seemed to be aware of. Of course, their eventual love didn't come without a few bumps - and one nasty ex - along the way. I'll be honest. I wanted consequences for that woman!

There's a lively cast of family members from previous (and hopefully, future) books who are all up in Logan and Donella's business in this book. It's fun catching up with everyone but, at times, it can be a bit overwhelming and detract from the primary couple. Overall, though, I loved seeing everyone in both Logan's and Donella's families and how they interact as well as how previous couples' relationships are progressing. Kelly is very good with family dynamics.

While The Highlander's Christmas Bride can be enjoyed as a standalone, for a deeper understanding of the characters and the journeys that have brought them to this point, I suggest also reading The Highlander's Princess Bride (Victoria Knight & Nick Kendrick), The Highlander Who Protected Me (Royal Kendrick & Ainsley Matthews), and the book in which Donella first appears, How to Marry a Royal Highlander (Alec Gilbride & Eden Whitney).

*ARC received. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Way better than the first one, even if this also could have been al last 50 pages shorter. I am still not sure that I will read this series further but at last I will remember it fondly.

Molto meglio del primo, anche se pure questo sarebbe potuto essere almeno 50 pagine piú breve. Non sono sicura che continueró a leggere questa serie comunque, ma almeno ne avró un buon ricordo.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!

This book is rousing, romantic, and delightful! Donella and Logan are a fantastic couple, both harboring secrets and pain, and watching them come together was such fun!! The other characters in this book are all so endearing, and their sense of duty and loyalty mixed with their tempers was highly entertaining!

I really enjoyed this book by Vanessa Kelly. I loved the characters and the family dynamics. The historical elements added to the situations that the characters found themselves in.
Donella Haddon has to return home after being asked to leave the convent she thought she would spend her life in. She now has to figure out what her new life will be like. Her plan is to find another convent that might be more accepting, but her family has other ideas. Donella isn't sure what she is going to do. When her uncle sends a handsome stranger to collect her, Donella realizes that she might have more to look forward to than she thought.
Logan Kendrick agrees to pick up his potential business partner's niece in the hopes that it will build some good will and solidify their partnership. After all, how much trouble can a girl being kicked out of a convent be. Logan is a widower and is not looking to change that status. He soon learns that Donella is not what he expected and she appears to hold secrets.
I thought that some of the issues addressed in the book are timely given our current culture. Ms. Kelly discusses the antagonism between Catholics and Protestants as well as Scottish and English. She also touches on the slurs and ridicule children of mixed backgrounds must endure. I thought these issues were handled well and gave this historical book a contemporary feel.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.

I very much enjoyed this story. While this is book two of a spin off series I read it as a stand alone with no problem. I could tell there was a lot of backstory that, in one scene, is kind of touched upon and updated. Since I hadn't read the previous stories I did kind of glaze over at that point but didn't feel like I missed anything. I am sure that long time fans will appreciate that section more.

This story follows Donnella after she is kicked out of a covenant and makes her way back home. Donella has tried very hard to find a place at the Covenant but the sisters can easily tell it is not what Donella is meant to do with her life. Logan Kendrick is sent by Donella’s uncle to escort her home as a favor to help Logan’s chances in securing a business deal with the Earl. Logan however does not expect how fiery and bonnie the lass is. After an eventful trip home and finally reuniting with family members Donella is set in finding a new covenant to spend her days in so as to not burden her family. Her family however fiercely disagree. Once again Donella and Logan are forced into close contact except this time it has all the indications of matchmaking families.

I really love Donella. She tried so hard to be a good nun but her heart really wasn't in it. Her backstory that is revealed throughout the book was very interesting. Imagine being engaged except your fiance runs away only to have him return years later with the woman he intends to marry. Logan has a past filled with heartbreak but he is a great father and does everything he can to give his son a good life. I liked the sense of family I got throughout the book. WHile I wouldn't say this was the sexiest book I’ve read there were a few steamy scenes and the couples courting was quite adorable.

I definitely recommend this book for lovers of historicals, holidays, and romances. I plan to read more by this author.

The Highlander's Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly 5 stars

This is Book 2 of the Clan Kendrick series and a wonderful sequel to last year's The Highlander Who Protected Me. At the beginning of this book you felt that this would be a more humorous story than The Highlander Who Protected Me and throughout the entire book there were instances of me laughing out loud and clapping.

You have two past supporting characters, Logan Kendrick and Donella Haddon as the main characters in this book. Logan is doing a favor for the Earl of Riddick by escorting his grand niece Donella from a convent to Blairgal Castle. Donella is leaving the convent because the good sisters have determined that she was not suited for the vocation. On the way back, Logan has to avoid would be kidnappers determined to get Donella. There is a bit of banter between Logan and Donella that says to the reader that these two are meant for each other. There is also a bit of meddling and matchmaking on the part of both families and quite a bit of comic relief. The scene stealer was Joseph, Logan's son; every scene he was in was a joy to read.

I loved reading this book and want more of Clan Kendrick and Grandfather Angus. I especially enjoyed seeing the characters from "The Highlander Princess Bride" and "How to Marry a Royal Highlander" have good supporting roles.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

This was a delightful read. Logan & Donella are delightful together and make a wonderful couple (once they work through their worries & secrets). You can tell early on how well suited they are for each other. The story has plenty of action, humor and, of course, romance from start to finish. While a part of the book takes place over the holiday it's part of the background setting rather than a major plot point. There's also plenty of highlander fun with the crazy Kendrick clan and Gilbrides from [book:How to Marry a Royal Highlander|22891461] (not necessary to read that beforehand to enjoy this one, just a added plus if you have).

Donella Haddon can’t get anything right. Now she is being banished from the convent to which she retreated. They are sending her home to a family who, while they love her, might find her more than a little bit difficult. Logan Kendrick has been sent to bring her home with the obvious consequences!

Vanessa Kelly writes a charming story, even if I had to suspend quite a bit of doubt to believe the story. Logan and Donella are quite entertaining as they discover each others secrets.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Highlander's Christmas Bride (Clan Kendrick, #2) by Vanessa Kelly ...Congratulations to Vanessa Kelly for another wonderful Clan Kendrick book. Thanks to her, the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview this book. Donella Haddon ( Flower of Clan Graham, jilted bride and failed nun) Logan Kendrick ( Widower, father of Joseph and sometimes trouble maker) When he is sent to bring her home the action begins and lasts through the story... there are secrets, scandal, kidnappings, danger, clan feuds, angst, laughter, some tears ..happy and sad, great interactions with old friends and some steamy stuff ...all getting us to a very HEA. I can't wait to see what will be next.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Wonderful characters Easy-to-read Happily Ever After Great world building Page-turner Tear-jerker Entertaining Action-packed Steamy Funny Romantic

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.*

It didn't give me many goosbumps to be honest; and I think the reason behind it is that the romance is too slow paced for more than half of the story (<spoiler>even a kiss for most of the story! And a peck on the cheek doesn't count)</spoiler> and then, all of a sudden, too quick, <spoiler>kisses, sex, marriage proposal etc.</spoiler> It did not feel particularly real to me...which is a pity since I was very into the plot and the characters, especially in the first half. Loved the kid though and all the parts where he is involved!

I did enjoy the novel, don't get me wrong, but I think with a different pace the difference would have been noticeable. Also, I don't think it's a story that could be easily read as a stand alone, too many secondary characters and references to other stories, that are entailed with this one. It would give you an headache if you know nothing of the others. I have read some of the pevious novels in the series, so I wasn't lost, but I do recognise the potential difficulty when there are 10 different people in the same scene.