Fun to read about the same place in different time periods and circumstances. Some of the settings were not too realistic but still wanted to see the ending. Enjoyed it as a quick read.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

This collection of six Novellas are connected by an Inn and Tavern, The Balthazar in Calvin Village, Highlands, Scotland, the time, eight months after the Battle of Culloden and the Magic of Christmas. I loved it. It has wonderful magic and makes you . . . believe.

The Knight of Christmas Future by Kathryn Le Veque: 4-Stars - James de Lohr has traveled from England to the Scottish Highlands to find any trace he could of his brother, Jonathan, who died at the Battle of Culloden. His heart is heavy because he and his brother had been at odds before his death. At the Balthazar Inn and Tavern in Calvin Village he meets a special young lady and an angel who help him find the peace he seeks.

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne: 5-Stars - A paranormal tale about Vanessa Latimer, an independent woman, who is trapped at the Balthazar Inn during a blizzard on the Solstice. The Inn is packed and the innkeeper is forced to lend her the only room not occupied - the one haunted by the ghost of an English officer, Johnathan de Lohr, who perished at the Battle of Culloden 150 years ago. Some Solstice magic is afoot and it is long overdue.

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley: 4-Stars - Fiona McDonald has spent the months since the Battle of Culloden aiding the outlaw Highlanders. Just before Christmas she has one last delivery before heading to her home. Her brother, the McDonald Laird, sided with the English. The man she loved was captured, but a surprised Fiona finds him alive at the Balthazar Inn. Stuart Cameron is making his way to Fiona when chance puts them both at the Inn.

One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby: 5-Stars - Lady Elizabeth Easton is traveling to do her duty. Her wedding will save a distinguished Highland family. She finds the Balthazar Inn and presents herself as the finds herself as “MacKinnon's bride.” When Callum MacKinnon, who was wounded and hasn't been seen since Culloden, arrives at the Inn he is shocked and pleased to find Elizabeth waiting in his bed.

The Legend of a Rogue (Highland Hearts) by Darcy Burke: 4-Stars - Elspeth Marshall is a collector of ancient legends. As she is telling a story to a group of children, she attracts the attention of a handsome stranger who is listening rather intently. They share some stories and a few heated kisses and he disappears. Two years later, eight months after the Battle of Culloden, they meet again at the Balthazar Inn where each is pursuing a mystical flaming sword seen at Culloden. Tavish Crawford lost his heart to Elspeth two years ago and he will do anything to protect her from those who would kill to have the sword.

The Highlander Who Nearly Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight: 4-Stars - With Scotland routed after Culloden and many clans without leadership. Thane Shaw's sister died a victim of hatred and jealousy and he wants revenge. He figures the death of a Campbell sister is just revenge. What a surprise when he attempts the abduction of Lady Sarah only to find her dressed and with her bag packed!

Having read through all the stories in A Very Highland Holiday, I found I loved the idea of Balthazar’s Inn. Carrie and her Dad welcome any stranger or friend into their inn treating all with respect and friendship. The continuing theme of Carrie’s room honoring those lost in the Battle of Culloden is quite an amazing way to honor those who died on that day. I loved that she welcomed people to find or donate items to the collection.


The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque contains a beautiful, redeeming tale of brothers who could not communicate in person, but did so through undelivered letters. Expressing love and forgiveness does not come easily to most people, but especially to Johnathan and James.

Gaira was almost an angel in her own way, especially for the love she had for Johnathan and James. It’s easy to think that if evil can ‘walk’ this earth, so can good.


The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne brings the past forward. Quickly, I began to wonder how Ms. Bryne would connect the two Earls together to be with Vanessa. She did so beautifully. Vanessa has a forgiving heart of gold. Her sadness at being treated so cruelly by Woodhaven is palpable. Her family’s actions may have been appropriate for the time, but not acceptable at any time. (I am not crazy about the F-bomb on any occasion).


Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley; I loved this story within a story and what could be better than three wise men at Christmas. In this sweet romance two of the ‘wise’ men are making demands of a third. What follows is two lovers being able to rebuild their lost relationship and rebuild family friendships. Those wise men really were wise!


One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby is a delightful story of confusion. Elizabeth is trying to decide what to do about her family wanting her to marry a fourteen-year-old youth who has recently inherited the family seat, but it turns out the real heir who was thought dead is sent to her room by the innkeeper. The innkeeper believes them to be engaged, nothing about the little brother. Elizabeth’s family may have had a hand in placing her and Callum together. Either way, the marriage and blooming love work out well for all.


The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke, Tavish and Elspeth have a second chance to fall in love while searching for Tavish’s magical sword. Tavish, since it is his sword lost at the Battle of Culloden, knows the evil that is part of the sword. He wants to find it to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands. Elspeth just wants to write about its magical powers as part of history. As Tavish, Elspeth, the inn’s community members battle to keep the sword out of the wrong hands, Tavish learns there is more to the sword than he knew existed. Sweet romance!



The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight has precious Sarah so disgusted by her brothers that she is running away. At the same time, Thane is planning to kidnap her as revenge for his sister’s death at the hands of Sarah’s brothers. These two were meant to be together! Thane truly did get more than he bargained for in Sarah, but she is the perfect mix of soul mate, kindness and justice.

I loved this Anthology of Holiday stories that take place eight months after The Battle of Culloden. I love Highlander stories and this is a lovely mix for winter. What ties the stories together is an Inn (Bathazar’s) and I loved the characters who work there. I wish the daughter Carrie had gotten her own story!

I’ve never read Kathryn Le Veque before but after reading her story I really want to read more of her books! I enjoyed her story about brothers and it ties into the next story.

Ohhh my my my Kerrigan Byrne’s story is the highlight of this collection for me. Only story that takes place in the future. Woman is snowed in at the Inn ... with a ghost!!!

Jennifer Ashley is a big favorite of mine and I loved her tale of Stuart Cameron as told by Ian Mackenzie.

I enjoyed Tanya Anne Crosby’s story of a betrothed couple meeting by accident. It’s quick and without much conflict but enjoyed her writing!

Darcy Burke’s story connects to another book of hers about myths and treasure hunting. It seemed a bit drawn out for this format but looking forward to the connecting novel.

Eliza Knight’s story finished the book and it feels like a classic Highland tale. Loved the story of Thane off to avenge his sister by abduction... but turns into a rescue!

Cute and fun. Some were more successful than others. A few felt rushed or incomplete with for me is always how it feels with novellas. Loved Byrne's the best!

I will be completely honest and say that I initially wanted to read this because of Kerrigan Byrne, she is one of my all time favourite authors! But I was so pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed all of the short stories. The writing was great, the characters were wonderful and the stories were captivating. A really great holiday anthology that I highly recommend.

Really enjoyable holiday novellas! My favorite was Kerrigan Byrne's but honestly I enjoyed them all! Highly recommend!

4/5 Stars
I am a huge highland romance fan and I was so excited to read this book! It lived up to my expectations, I really enjoyed the stories. The setting was beautiful and really transported you to the location. I loved the history in this especially with the Battle of Culloden and the impact of it on these towns and people. My favorite stories were Kerrigan Byrne's The Earl of Christmas Past and Jennifer Ashley's Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Wow what can I say about this title it was just an awesome read. These books were just something so wonderfully different I’ve never quite read anything like this. You should read to find out you won’t be disappointed. I’m definitely going to read more by these authors.

I absolutely loved the connection between all of the stories. Balthazar's Inn and the Chamber of Sorrows were such a great way to have this anthology of Christmas stories over lap but also allow each author their own voice and creativity. It was fun to read in small bites and that ghost story was FIRE!!

A Very Highland Holiday is a lovely collection of Highland holiday stories by some of the best authors in the business. My favorite was The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne. Vanessa is a photographer who meets a ghost. Lucky for her and the ghost, he is able to obtain a human form only during the winter solstice.

These stories are alternatively sexy and sweet. Wonderful collection that will get you in the mood for Christmas.

A Very Highland Holiday
A collection of six enchanting seasonal novellas
by Kathryn Le Veque, Jennifer Ashley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Kerrigan Byrne, Eliza Knight, Darcy Burke

This is a lovely collection of six novellas set in the Balthazar Inn at Christmas time around the period after the bloody battle of Culloden.

The stories are all well written and are all different. There is something for everyone who favours historical romance there is also a bit of drama and humour thrown in. A very enjoyable read all round 4.5/5

Overall, I really liked this collection of novellas. I find it really interesting that the authors piggybacked onto what others had written and in one case actually extended the story so that it came full circle. Just shows you the talent here of writers! Each book gave a good representation of that authors writing style so it made me want to go and see more of their work, and of course some of the authors I already knew and love so it made me love them more. As for the stories themselves, all strong, really well rounded for being short novellas. There were two I didnt care for but they were still great story lines. The other stories made up for any ones that lacked.
I do recommend this collection written by some strong authors, you wont be disappointed.
My thanks for an advanced copy from the publisher.

I was so excited to read this as it contains 2 of my favorite authors - Ashley and Byrne. The book has 6 novellas in total and the aforementioned authors were my favorites (no surprise), but the other stories too were fun! The stories revolve around a tavern and they range from a ghost story to one filled with action to a missing hero one. The first story was sweet but was more of a set up for the second one which was truly a great novella.

This is a great collection of stories for the holidays and most of them are sprinkled with that little extra holiday cheer.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

This is a great box of wonderful authors, many of whom I regularly read. They are all tied together by the place where the stories take place, the tavern owned by Balthazar in the village of Calvine. This is the holiday season 8 months after the battle of Culloden and Balthazar's daughter Carrie has a Chamber of Sorrows, a collection of soldier's belongings left on the battlefield.

Kathryn Le Veque's The Earl in Winter is the younger surviving brother James de Lohr, now Earl of Worcester in search of the family's ring and hope of returning his older brother Jonathan back home to bury him with his people. He meets Gaira there to has his brother's letters from the Chamber of Sorrows. Through those letters and Gaira's love he finds healing and acceptance and realizing how much his older brother loved him.

Kerrigan Byrne's The Earl of Christmas Past is Jonathan de Lohr's story as a restless ghost in the future. Vanessa Latimer helps him find peace when reunited with his family ring becoming corporeal again as they fall in love. This brings the Le Veque's story full circle.

Jennifer Ashley's Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders is another Ian MacKenzie story told to his children based upon the research he's done of the family's origins during the time of Culloden. This is Fiona MacDonald and Stuart Cameron's story. Stuart was saved after the battle and he healed with the Mackenzies in France. He's a wanted man in Scotland but he's working his way home with the help of two mercenary scotsmen, Gair Murray and Padruig. They meet up with Fiona MacDonald at the inn and Padruig quickly realizes the attraction between Fiona and Stuart.

Tanya Ann Crosby's One Knight's Stand is about Callum MacKinnon returning home from the dead after Culloden and he stops at the inn to clean up and rest a bit before returning home. There he meets Lady Elizabeth Wolfe who is on her way to his keep to marry the Laird who she thinks is 15, fulfilling her family duty. Callum is surprised to discover he has a bride waiting for him in the only remaining room at the inn.

Darcy Burke's Legend of a Rogue is the long awaited prequel to her Legendary Rogues series. This is Tavish Crawford's story about trying to locate the family's magic infused sword Lann Dhearg, the red blade of Constantine. Elspeth Marshall is a recorder of legends, especially those of the 13 Treasures of Brittan. Tavish tells her of the legend of Lann Dhearg which she had never heard. While at the inn they are attacked by The Order of the Round Table, a secret society seeking the 13 treasures and control of them for their own purposes.

Lastly we have Eliza Knight's The Highlander Who Stole Christmas that is loosely based upon the story of the Grinch. Here we have Thane Shaw who is seeking revenge against the Campbells for the death of his beloved sister Thea while she was their Laird's wife. He plans to kidnap Lady Sarah Campbell the former Laird's sister from her brothers Edward & Ellyson who are sharing Lairdship. When he meets Sarah she's running off to escape from her two younger brothers who are planning to barter her off to the highest bidder for her hand in marriage. Stopping at the inn Thane discovers Sarah is grieving over Thea and she tells him the true story of Thea's death because of Edward & Ellyson.

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

This anthology is a collection of six absolutely wonderful Highland holiday romances by a group of very talented authors. The Balthazar Inn, near the Culloden Battleground, is where our stories begin, our characters are met, and the Chamber of Sorrows shares its treasures and magic.

The Earl in Winter by Katherine Leveque
A grieving brother and a young woman with a good heart and a stack of letters sent between the bothers and a kind mysterious stranger meet at the Balthazar Inn. Rafe gives advice and comfort to both James and Gaira, bids them farewell and travels on. Gaira feels that she knows James through his and Johnathan’s correspondence, and James learns a lot about his brother and himself through the letters. James’s quest for information about his brother turns out better than he hoped. He also finds love with Gaira.

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne
Caught in a blizzard on solstice, Victorian photographer Vanessa Latimer seeks shelter at the Balthazar Inn. The only room available is haunted by an English soldier killed at Culloden a hundred and fifty years ago. Johnathan de Lohr appears as Vanessa readies for bed. They get to know each other. He is fascinated when she tells him about photography and trains. They have quite a time together. When his time is up and he begins to fade, he asks her to return his ring (the symbol of the Earldom) to England. She agrees, and when she arrives at the estate, Vanessa is in for a huge surprise. I like the characters in this one, and the paranormal twist at the end.

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley
Stuart Cameron is being escorted home by two rogues. The three of them find Fiona MacDonald at the Balthazar Inn. They decide to travel together. On the way they have to talk their way through an English patrol, well part English, part Scots. Arrival isn’t any better. A neighbor, not the friendly kind, demands that he be named Laird and marry Fiona. Stuart, Fiona, and their companions have a better idea. I love that Ian MacKenzie told the story. He is one of my favorites.

One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby
On her way to marry the MacKinnon, who she believes to be fourteen, Elizabeth and her companion are stranded at the Balthazar Inn. While there, she meets Callum MacKinnon, the Mackinnon, and he is not fourteen. It appears someone has carefully orchestrated this meeting and the events that follow, or it could be a happy coincidence. Callum and Elizabeth think they know the answer. Now, it’s on to the castle to tell his fourteen-year-old brother, he’ll be taking over as groom.

The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke
Tavish Crawford, who goes by a number of other names, comes Elspeth Marshall, as she tells stories about treasures and legends to children at a festival. They talk and find they both have an interest in a pair of legendary swords, swords with magical powers. When they meet two years later at the Balthazar Inn, they discover that one of the swords may be in a secret room of treasures known as the Chamber of Sorrows. This one is an adventure drama, action, lots of danger, a secret organization up to no good, and, of course, a happily ever after. The big surprise is the secret Tavish and Elspeth learn about the flaming sword.

The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight
Thane Menzies seeks to avenge the death of his sister’s death. She was married to the Laird of the Campbell Clan. Both are dead, probably at the hands of Campbell Clan members. What better revenge than to kidnap their most valuable bargaining chip, Lady Sarah. Lady Sarah wants to know what happened to her brother and his wife. Both were loved and respected. The brothers who took over the clan are not. When they realize they are looking for the same answers, they begin to work together. When they discover the Chamber of Sorrows at the Balthazar Inn, they hope to find answers, if not peace. The story has drama, betrayal, and revenge. There’s terrific chemistry between Thane and Sarah. The ending was great! I love it when the bad guys get their comeuppance.

I received an ARC of this anthology from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Each book is set around a Scottish tavern at Christmas time and with ties to the horrible Battle of Culloden Moor.
The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque
This story was far more about the relationship between the James de Lohr hero and his brother, Jonathan de Lohr where one dies and the other has regrets and attempts to make amends. The heroine helps him come to terms with his brother’s death and they find love as they share memories. A true Kathryn le Veque I needed a Kleenex for the emotional roller coaster in this the story. It's in this story we learn of Carrie's room of treasures at the Balthazar's inn called the room The Chamber of Sorrow.
Winter Solstice by Kerrigan Byrne
This companion story to The Earl in Winter. A story is about the ghost of Jonathan de Lohr at the same inn in Scotland. A young woman stranded in a blizzard is giving the room at an inn one to be known to have a ghost. Little does she know who the ghost will be, she expects the past inn keepers daughter, but a manly ghost is revealed to her. She helps him find what’s keeping him at the inn and not somewhere else.
The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke
Elspeth Marshall loves telling stories and one day when she’s telling stories to a group of children Tavish Crawford is captivated while listening to her. He reveals another sword of legend, a red flaming sword that is dangerous in the wrong hands. He didn’t tell her he had it was a true story he owns the red sword. He seems quite captivated by the young woman and he promises to return to her village one day.
Now two years later he’s never returned and she unexpectedly runs into him at an inn. He pretend to ignore her as if he’s never met her, but she’s having none of. Tavish has been searching for his red sword after the battle of Culloden ended up wounded and unconscious and his sword was missing. Can he trust her, the fewer people who know about the sword the better? As they spend time together the attraction is still there and love blooms.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent stories.

I just want to say how much I enjoyed having six talented and amazing authors come together to write this Holiday Collection! What a treat! Your heart will be pulled many different directions so make sure you have a kleenex or two close by.
I loved the writing by each author and how they wrote their stories separately yet connected them all to Balthazar's Inn. There was a lot of detail in each story, especially when describing the items in the Chamber of Sorrows, and that the items were collected and take care of by Carrie and others.
While I enjoyed all the stories, Kathryn's story about Jame de Lohr; and then followed by Kerrigan's story of his brother, Johnathan, really brought out the kleenex for me. I encourage you to read this Holiday Collection!

A totally awesome set of historical holiday romances set in Scotland. Good writing and each story was quite entertaining.

Six beautiful stories that occur 8 months after the battle at Culloden. Now it is Christmas time and the Highlander’s are still coming to grip with the terrible loss of their way of life and loss of family and friends. Each story takes place in a tiny village tavern.. The characters are wonderful and a couple of stories are tear jerkers, have tissue on hand. Each story is different and each story is unique, I couldn’t tell you what my favorite was, but I did purchase some books from the authors to read more of the series. A must read if you love to read Christmas stories.