Cover Image: A Very Highland Holiday

A Very Highland Holiday

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A Very Highland Holiday is a compendium of novella or excerpts of books by Kathryn LeVeque, Jennifer Ashley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Kerrigan Byrne, Darcy Burke, and Eliza Knight. They are mostly unrelated but all include an inn run by a man called Balthazar. How this inn was several hundred years old and always run by a man called Balthazar not matter what his birth name was. Much of it revolved around a Chamber of Sorrows (some called it Chamber of Horrors), in which Carrie, daughter of one of the many Balthazars, had collected items from the Battle at Culloden. Some she had rescued herself, some others had brought to her. It was meant to keep scavengers from taking things, and was filled with items belong to the warriors, both English and Scottish. She hoped to answer questions from families missing a loved one.

A Very Highland Holiday is a mixture of great stories including ghosts, angels, storytelling, and so much more. May of the characters are well-known from other works: De Lohr and Ian MacKenzie, for example. Since these are some of my favorite authors, I was predisposed to love this book and live it I did. All the stories of full of history and of romance. All are well written with wonderful, heart warming characters and maybe just a little bit of magic. Fans will love it. People who are not yet fans will be soon. I recommend it.

I was invited to read A Very Highland Holiday by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #averyhighlandholiday

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Look at the authors and weep--for joy!

What a stunning array of authors in one beguilingly gift wrapped cover.
Some of my favs entertaining with Christmas surprises of the past, of the unknown.
All stories are set in the Calvine Village in the Scottish Highlands. Balthazar’s Tavern on the road to Inverness is the focal point for the stories. Culloden is nearby and the tavern owner's daughter Carrie has setup a secret room of artifacts from the battle, from both sides of the conflict. Some Carrie has collected, some have been brought to her. She calls the room 'the Chamber of Sorrows. That’s what it is, ye know… a place full of sorrow. But it’s also a shrine tae the brave dead.”'

The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque is set just months after the Culloden War. (1746) A Sassenach, the new Earl James de Lohr, has come looking for his older brother's body and family heirlooms. There are some moments that drew me to tears particularly around the letters between the brothers. James finds romance in an unexpected place.

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne
'Calvine Village, Highlands, Scotland –1891 Winter Solstice
Victorian photographer, Vanessa Latimer, to a crowded Highland Inn'
I loved this, a super sequel to James' story set over 100 years later. Ghosts of Christmas' past indeed!

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley
A look back into the Mackenzie's and MacBride's past. Culloden has left in its wake disasters and acts of bravery. Once again the Balthazer plays a part. Ian Mackenzie (one of my all time loves) retells his children a story of their ancestors, Stuart Cameron and Fiona MacDonald.

One Nights Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby
A young woman on her way to her betrothal finds herself stranded at an inn, and hand fasted to an entirely different person. There's a mystery about Lady Elizabeth Louise Wolfe. Exactly why she's been deserted by her father and commandeered into marriage to an unknown highland family, especially after Culloden is puzzling.

Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke
1744-46. A storyteller, an enchanted sword lost at Culloden, dark enemies, and a handsome stranger. All converge at Balthazar's Inn where truths are uncovered and love wins. A story related to Burke's wonderful Legendary Rogues series.

The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight
Thane Shaw is burning up with the need for revenge. His twin sister and her husband died during Culloden and he suspects this was deliberate. He is going to make the Campbell's pay. He will steal their jewel, the beautiful Sarah. He just didn't count on meeting Sarah as she flees her family lands.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

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Wow! Best anthology I’ve read in a long time!

I absolutely loved the way this set was organized around a central theme. With one exception, each story is set around the same inn during the December of 1746, eight months after the devastating Battle of Culloden. Separated by days, the couples don’t cross paths with each other, but the innkeeper and his daughter are characters throughout all the stories. The impact and aftermath of the ill-fated battle are themes that are woven through each character and together they make this an unforgettable collection.

The first story, “The Earl in Winter” by Kathryn Le Veque, gives us a heart-wrenching story of James, a younger brother who inherits the family title after his brother dies at Culloden. Gaira works at the inn, and in a compelling twist of fate, has gotten to know both brothers through their history of letters. Drawn together by a deep attraction and shared connection, they finish the journey to find closure for his family and start their new life together.

This was a hauntingly beautiful story that held me captive on every page. I loved the gentle manner between James and Gaira that gave substance to their instant fascination with each other.

“The Earl of Christmas Past” by Kerrigan Byrne is the outlier of this collection. Set 150 years later, it gives us a bit of the paranormal as Johnathan, James’ brother who died at Culloden, has been trapped at the inn at Calvine, unable to participate in this world or pass into the next. When Vanessa finds herself stranded at Balthazar’s Inn, she discovers not only the very attractive spirit but also what has kept him tethered to the inn for so long. This story requires quite a suspension of disbelief, but the payoff is a charming, sexy romance with a surprise twist that gives us a solid HEA.

In “Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders” by Jennifer Ashley, Fiona runs into Stuart, the man she loved and believed lost at Culloden, when they cross paths at Balthazar’s Inn. Through a delightful set of machinations, they’re sent on a mission that paves the way for their own HEA. This story really delivered the magic of the season and the power of redemption, and it gave us a very satisfying epilogue to their HEA. This story was also brilliantly bookended by characters from another of this author’s works, giving the story its proper place in history and in folklore.

“One Knight’s Stand” by Tanya Anne Crosby pairs Elizabeth with the dashing Callum, despite believing herself to be betrothed to his much younger brother. The secret of who arranged their marriage was a sweet and surprising twist, one with many layers of meaning that proves the humanity of combatants on both sides of the conflict. It’s a rather short story, but extremely well written and sensuously emotional with a charming epilogue.

The longest story of the bunch is “The Legend of a Rogue” by Darcy Burke. This enchanting story is filled with twists and secrets as it sets forth a story to rival the legends of King Arthur and his famous knights. Tavish is by necessity a man of mystery, but he can’t hide his attraction to the captivating Elspeth despite how much that complicates his ultimate quest.

I loved every bit of this breathtaking story as it took us from such beautifully romantic highs to nail-biting, painful lows until finally giving us a victorious HEA that makes a legend truly memorable. I especially loved the “moral of the story” that they discover about the artifact that is the centerpiece of the quest.

The final story, “The Highlander Who Stole Christmas” by Eliza Knight, is a delightful tale of revenge and honor with a huge helping of irresistible love. Thane is determined to avenge his sister’s death by kidnapping Sarah, but right from the start Sarah has her own agenda that he soon realizes will take precedence over his desire for vengeance.

The writing here was perfectly on-point, packing so much humor, pathos, love, and justice into such a short story. While “The Legend of a Rogue” is perhaps my favorite story of the bunch, Thane and Sarah’s is my favorite romance of them all.

The way these stories play off each other as well as the shared setting really sets this anthology apart from the usual holiday collections. I’m beyond impressed with how the assorted authors were able to write separate stories that work so beautifully together as one cohesive unit. As a history aficionado, I very much appreciated the attention to detail and I learned a great deal about the Jacobites and the Battle of Culloden. If you’re only going to read one holiday anthology this year, this is the one you don’t want to miss. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

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In this anthology, there are many continuous ideas that are the same from one story to the next. They all take place at an inn in Scotland, after the Battle of Culloden. The innkeeper's daughter went into the battlefield to pick up items left there or on the fallen soldiers, but not to sell them. She has them in a secret room, where family members can visit in order to find their loved ones belongings. And these stories take place in different times. I enjoyed all of the stories, because in spite of the slaughter at the battle, they are trying to celebrate the first Christmas after the battle. They are trying to find some joy in the celebration of the arrival of Jesus. It seems, that some of the celebration has been prohibited by the English king, along with the wearing of the tartans that distinguish the different clans. Since these are romance stories, there is a lot of love and happiness, but always with the awareness of the loss. The girl who saved all of the items doesn't always appear in the stories, but the room is called 'Carrie's Chamber of Sorrows'.
What I enjoyed about this book was the interesting historical items in each one. It is hard to give a synopsis, because there are 7 stories. But all of the stories are very well written with few errors and good character development. My favorite story was the Victorian story about a photographer who was stuck in the snow storm. I give this book 5 stars because it is hard to write stories that have some details that have to be included. I recommend reading this antholigy.

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I really enjoyed this collection of short stories from some of my favorite authors. The fact that they were all tied together with not just the same theme but some of the same characters and setting made it fun to read. 5 stars.

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Six Highland romances by accomplished authors, set shortly after the devastating battle at Culloden, these novels charm and tantalise the reader.

The Earl in Winter speaks of a broken man who was forced to step into his brother's shoes as the next in line to the De Lohr dynasty. Facing an almost impossible task James comes to the rescue of two women, one of whom holds the key to his quest. However, Gaira is not the only one with the answers he needs, and when another stranger arrives at Balthazar's Inn, James finds himself baring his soul. At the stranger's prompting, Gaira retrieves her hidden treasure and brings it to James, leading the way to healing and restoration of his soul. The story is well written and touching with a spiritual element.

The Earl of Christmas Past follows on from the first story, but almost one hundred and fifty years later. Miss Vanessa Latimer is in disgrace, and not having anything to lose, she travels Scotland on her own and stays overnight at Balthazar's Inn, where she meets the ghost of Johnathan de Lohr on the night of the Winter Solstice. Her encounter with the spectre leaves her with a broken heart as she endeavours to complete one last quest on his behalf. This touching romance is witty and entertaining but also brought a tear to my eye.

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders, where loyalties are divided and friends have become foes, Balthazar's Inn once more brings lovers together. Discovering that the love of her life is alive comes with mixed feelings, namely fear that he may be discovered and joy that he is indeed alive and looking as wonderful as ever. Stuart Cameron has survived a dreadful ordeal and now in the company of two rogues, he finds Fiona playing her own dangerous game with only one female companion. There are many hurdles to overcome, the main one being Fiona's brother who has vowed to kill Stuart on sight, but at Christmas, miracles do happen. Having read The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie some years ago, I enjoyed knowing that he is the narrator of this novella as he is one of my favourite characters of all time.

One Knight's Stand: Caught in a storm, Elizabeth and her companion find refuge at Balthazer's Inn, where she registers as the MacKinnon's bride, not anticipating an encounter with her groom. Only, it's not the boy she is expecting. Callum MacKinnon knows that he will find a place to sleep and a meal to eat at the inn, but is taken aback to find that the bride he did not know about, is waiting for him. As Elizabeth and Callum tentatively get to know one another, they realise that very little has been left to chance and their meeting has been carefully orchestrated, resulting in the completion of two souls.

In the Legend of a Rogue, Tavish Crawford has a legend to protect and a secret to keep safe. His biggest concern comes in the form Miss Elspeth Marshall whose inquisitive mind drives her to investigate hidden mysteries. They met two years previously, when the attraction between them was intense and immediate, leaving Elspeth with feelings of anger and betrayed when she once again comes across Tavish at Balthazer's inn under a different name. In a bid to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious sword, Elspeth and Tavish follow the same leads, bringing everyone they know into danger. They ultimately come to the realisation that there is no force strong enough to break the power of love.

The Highlander Who stole Christmas is a story of pain, loss and revenge as Thane Shaw plots to avenge the death of his sister. Setting out to abduct Lady Sarah from the Campbell's stronghold, he is taken aback when she comes willingly, baggage in hand. Whilst Thane has suffered as a result of the death of his twin sister, Sarah has also had to endure her brother's conniving and lack of respect. Running away is the only way to escape their mechanicians, and Thane's plot fits in perfectly with her purpose. Taking refuge at Balthazer's inn, Thane and Sarah find healing and renewed purpose as they visit the Chamber of Sorrows, putting their lives into perspective. Together they plot a course for the future, bringing relief to both their clans.

I received a copy of this anthology of Highland romances through NetGalley, each of which is a standalone and this is my honest and voluntary review.

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There is something for everyone in this collection. From heroes coming home, to foes becoming friends. There are mystical telling’s rooted in reality, revenge plots, lost treasures. Having everything travel through the same inn and related to the same battle past gives a slight connection, but the stories are all standalones on their own. Well worth a read if you like the Highlands at Christmas!

Fiona and The Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley
Any story that starts with Ian MacKenzie is going to be good, and this was no exception! We get more of the Jacobite, Stuart Cameron. Saved from prison with Will, Stuart was returned to his homeland and is heading to his home. Of course he runs into his love on the way, and what they once shared is still there between. Sweet and strong, Fiona was a perfect match for Stuart, and a force to be reckoned with to any man. A bit of intrigue, some danger, and meddlesome family members, and then we have our HEA. We also learn of Fiona’s connection to our current MacKenzie clan!

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne
I love a good ghost story, and this one hit all the right marks! Forbidden love, lost love, longing, and things that never could be. Of course, generations do continue, and sometimes, the heart and souls find a way

The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque
A bit of the wrong place at the right time and an almost mystical feeling in the story. I liked that you could feel the love between the brothers and you felt that connection throughout the story. The love story was weaved into the story, but I felt the brothers’ story was more the focus

The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke
Okay, there two were a lot of fun! This is a romp, a mystery, and a love story all rolled up and layered over each other. Non-stop action is what you get, whether on the streets, and some between the sheets. A great connection between the lead characters no matter the situation

The Highlander who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight
These two were a perfect match, and realized quite quickly that their interests aligned. While they didn’t set out to be together, it was inevitable because of the attraction between. Once they joined forces, their foes stood no chances!

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Two of my favourite things, highlanders and Christmas romance!

All six stories are connected thought the Balthazar Tavern and Inn during the first Christmas time after the devastation of Culloden in the highlands. They were all fun and unique on their own with plenty of love, romance and holiday magic!

The collection of authors have captured the holiday spirit and each story has a delight! My favourite stories included; The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne, which included a romance with a ghost; One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby, where an unhappy bride travels to meet her groom and finds he is not the boy she expected, but a man; and The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight, in which vengeance emboldens a rival Laird to steal the sister of his enemy and finds his captive to be more of a partner!

I loved this collection and I can heartily recommend this book to all in need of a cheerful holiday romance!

A Very Highland Holiday by Kathryn Le Veque, Jennifer Ashley, Tanya Anne Crosby, Kerrigan Byrne, Eliza Knight, Darcy Burke is scheduled to release October 27th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#AVeryHighlandHoliday #KathrynLeVeque #JenniferAshley #TanyaAnneCrosby #KerriganByrne #ElizaKnight #DarcyBurke #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

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A Very Highland Holiday is a fun historical romance anthology! I enjoyed that each story took place at the highland Inn. Nice short stories if your are looking for some holiday reads!

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My favorite stories out of this anthology were by Byrne and Ashley. Byrne's writing just makes you compete consumed by the story and makes you want a whole inter book. Ashley's was like going back home, especially at the beginning with Ian and his whole family.

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The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque
When James de Lohr heads into the wilds of Scotland to discover what happened to his brother at the Battle of Culloden, his stay at Bathazar’s Tavern has an unexpected twist. On a night when angels walk the earth, James comes face to face with his very own guardian angel.

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley
Fiona MacDonald is overjoyed to see Stuart Cameron alive and well after his imprisonment by the English, but her worries are not over. Stuart Cameron owes his safety to a pair of smugglers who have come to collect on their debt, and Stuart will need her help to win himself free.

One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby
Bound for a marriage she hopes will save her cousin from the gibbet, Lady Elizabeth Louise Wolfe finds herself en route to Scotland to marry the younger son of a known traitor to the Crown. Fate intervenes when, on the way, she checks into an inn and registers as the “MacKinnon's bride.” Presumed dead at Culloden, Callum MacKinnon, stops by the inn as well, intending to clean up before his return as the prodigal son. Imagine his surprise to discover his “bride to be” has already procured a room. And more—the feisty sassenach everything he never realized he desired.

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne
A solstice blizzard drives Victorian photographer, Vanessa Latimer, to a crowded Highland Inn where the only available room is haunted by the ghost of a fallen warrior unwilling to give up his side of the bed.

The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke 5 Stars
Elspeth Marshall a storyteller met Roy Williams two years ago. Caught in a snowstorm Elspeth & her aunt take shelter in an inn where she sees Roy but he says his name is John McLean but he then reveals he's Tavish Crawford. A well written lovely story with strong characters. The search is on for a misplaced magical sword but others are also searching & will stop at nothing to find it. An engrossing read which I read in a sitting

The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight
For eight months, Thane Shaw has patiently waited to enact his revenge against the Campbells, and finally he can’t resist the opportunity that’s presented itself: stealing their most precious treasure for his own—Lady Sarah.
Six well written novellas centring on Bathazar’s Inn
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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A beautiful selection of authors together for Christmas themed historical novellas. Each takes place after a war in Scotland during the 1700s. The first two can be read separately but actually compliment each other. The first is the youngest de Lohr brother and his adventure to retrieve his brother. The second follows up more than a century later with the eldest de Lohr, how is that possible? Just read about John and Vanessa and the magic they create. Byrne is a favorite author so I had to read hers, but I’m excited to read the others. Netgalley provided the early copy but my review was voluntarily written.

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Six great authors come together to write six novellas. The novellas all centered at an inn during the winter as well as having just fought in a deadly battle.
I loved all the characters and how they were involved.
The room of sadness just tugs at your heart
Check it out

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The novellas in this collection center on a Scottish inn, during the Christmas season following the Battle of Culloden. They're adventurous tales of healing after terrible loss, some with supernatural elements. The stories are well written, and some introduced me to new-to-me authors, whose work I will seek out again. To me, the overall tone is a bit somber for a Christmas collection. But that's a matter of personal taste. If you're a fan of Highlander stories, give this anthology a try.

I received an ARC from NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

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Each story in this anthology takes place in a pastoral Scottish tavern around Christmas. The heroes have been involved in the dreadful Battle of Culloden Moor. I enjoyed each author’s take on the tavern’s owner and his feisty daughter.
It has been some time since I read an anthology or a holiday-themed story. I generally stay away from the former because they are just too short for me. I prefer longer stories but these ones absorbed me from the start.
THE EARL OF CHRISTMAS PAST
by Kerrigan Byrne
Vanessa Latimer seeks shelter at a Scottish tavern during a bad winter storm. She accepts the only room available. Johnathan de Lohr is forced to haunt a particular room inside Balthazar’s Inn. He cannot help but be intrigued by his latest roommate. Can Vanessa help release Johnathan’s spirit from the tavern? What other miracle will the two experience?
Johnathan is such a sweetheart. I love how protective he is over Vanessa. He recognizes a wounded soul betrayed by others. Vanessa is the tortured type. I admire how she does not wallow in misery, instead, she finds a silver lining.
THE EARL OF CHRISTMAS PAST is loosely tied with Kerrigan Byrne’s upcoming series, THE GOODE GIRLS. I love how this story and Kathryn Le Veque’s are connected. I will admit, Kerrigan Bryne’s tale is the sole reason I picked up this anthology. I always enjoy her stories.
THE EARL IN WINTER
by Kathryn Le Veque
James de Lohr, Earl of Hereford, intends to collect his late brother’s effects. His journey brings him to a certain tavern during the holiday season. Gaira is the sole grandchild of a disgraced earl. She works as a serving maid to support herself and her mother. Will James find all that he is searching for? Can Gaira help James come to terms with his brother’s passing? Who else will help these two?
James, like his older brother Johnathan, is a sweetheart too. I like the fact that he suffers from a speech problem. It makes him approachable. Gaira is such a likeable heroine. She is perfect for James. I love how she helps the de Lohr brothers reconnect and heal.
Kathryn Le Veque is a new-to-me author. I really like her writing style. I will definitely have to look into her novels.
FIONA AND THE THREE WISE HIGHLANDERS
by Jennifer Ashley
Fiona MacDonald is a laird’s sister. She defies her brother by traveling around Scotland helping Jacobite rebels escape British troops. Stuart Cameron is returning home with the aid of two smugglers. However, his path crosses Fiona’s in a rustic tavern during the holidays. Will Stuart successfully elude the authorities? Will he learn about Fiona’s secret? And can the two find a way to be together?
I admire Fiona’s daring, especially in an age when women had little to no power. She understands the circumstances if she is caught, but that does not stop her. I like how Stuart tries to help his enemy. He could have abandoned Fiona’s brother; instead, he risks much to help.
FIONA AND THE THREE WISE HIGHLANDERS is a part of Jennifer Ashley’s Highlander series, THE MACKENZIES / MCBRIDES. Jennifer Ashley is the other author I am familiar with. I have read and enjoyed many of her paranormal works.
ONE KNIGHT’S STAND
By Tanya Anne Crosby
Lady Elizabeth Wolfe is the niece of an English lord. She agrees to marry the MacKinnon laird to save a Scottish family from complete ruin. However, the weather forces her to stay at a certain tavern. Callum MacKinnon is his clan’s true laird. He decides to stop at Balthazar’s Inn before returning home. Callum learns that his “bride” has rented a room.
Tanya Anne Crosby is another new-to-me author. I have heard of her name. I just never had the chance to read any of her stories.
THE LEGEND OF A ROGUE
By Darcy Burke
Elspeth Marshall is a gifted storyteller. She learns about a certain mythical sword from a mysterious man, who later disappears. Elspeth travels around Scotland collecting unique stories to publish. Tavish Crawford needs to find the sword entrusted to his family. However, he encounters Elspeth again at a Scottish tavern. Can Tavish keep the sword from falling into the wrong hands? Will Elspeth fall victim to an evil secret organization?
THE LEGEND OF A ROGUE is a part of Darcy Burke’s series, THE LEGENDARY ROGUES. This story is one of my favorites in this anthology. It has the right amount of action that kept me reading. Darcy Burke is another new-to-me author. I am keen to look into this particular series when I have the chance.
THE HIGHLANDER WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS
By Eliza Knight
Laird Thane Shaw wants revenge against the Campbells for his sister’s death. However, he never thought it would be so easy. Lady Sarah Campbell is the only sister to the Campbell’s lairds. She refuses to be sold off to the highest bidder to feed her brothers’ greed. Sarah latches onto the opportunity Thane provides. Can Sarah help Thane let go of his need for vengeances? Will he help her escape her brothers for good?
THE HIGHLANDER WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS is a Scottish version of the Christmas tale, HOW THE CRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. Eliza Knight did a splendid job in the recanting but with a notable twist.
A VERY HIGHLAND HOLIDAY is a wonderful set of tales about people overcoming chaotic times. Each story may take place during Christmas, however, the holiday does not dominate the storylines.

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A Very Highland Holiday is a delightful anthology of historical romance novellas set after the Battle of Culloden. Each of the heroes and heroines within the short stories find love during the holiday season within the same inn but each couple has very unique journeys to find love.

I've read a couple of the authors listed previously but several of the authors were new-to-me so it was a really great opportunity to get a sample of their writing style. I found myself a little confused by some of the central characters between the stories but the general tone of each author was fairly consistent and made diving into each new novella very enjoyable.

The Earl in Winter by Katherine Le Veque - 2 stars
The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne - 3.5 stars
Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders - Jennifer Ashley - 4 stars
One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby - 3 stars
The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke - 3 stars
The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight - 3 stars

Overall this was a really pleasant collection of historical romance short stories and would recommend it to anyone who's familiar with the above authors or simply loves historical romance novellas or sweet Christmas stories!

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The setting of this anthology takes place at an Inn called the Balthazor Inn. It is run of course by a man named Balthaxor.it is located near Culloden Field, where so much death and sorrow occurred. The innkeeper's daughter, Carrie, collects things from the field and keeps them I her secret chamber. The different stories also have much to do with this room.
I have to say I didnt read all 6 stories, since I really don't like paranormal books. I skimmed those.
But my 2 favorites were Jennifer Ashley's and Tanya Ann Crosby, who I had never read before.
I enjoyed all these stories. How could you go wrong with a list of authors like these.
4 stars. I took off 1 star because it should really mention that some stories are paranormal.
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

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Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

A couple of really entertaining and related stories ( congratulations Kathryn and Kerrigan) which I really enjoyed. The others were just so-so I'm afraid. Perfectly readable but instantly forgettable!

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I have been provided with a copy of A Very Highland Holiday: A Collection of Six Enchanting Seasonal Novellas via NetGalley for an impartial review. This box set has the following titles The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque, The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne, Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley, One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby, The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke, and The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight. I’ll be updating my review as I finish each title.

The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley

This novella is a part of the Mackenzies/McBrides series but can be read without reading the other titles in the series without too much confusion. There are some familiar characters and some that will crossover into other books. This was a great introduction into this world and some amazing characters that you get to meet. I just had so much fun getting to meet these characters and I was just so sad to turn the last page. I immediately wanted more. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby

The Legend of a Rogue by Darcy Burke

The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight

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Six stories make up this book. They are all centered around the same Inn and after the Culloden war during the holiday season. They each have wonderful characters and tell their story of how the war affected them. You get to see how they managed to find love and some peace when they thought they never would.

The legend of a rogue-Legends,swords and romance make up this story. Tavish is set on finding his sword that was lost to him. He encounters Elspeth on his travels and romance blooms while she helps him find his treasure. 5*

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