5 stars

I really enjoyed this Anthology . All the stories have a link to Balthazar's Inn, a stopping place on the way to/from the battle field of Culloden. In "The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque" our hero goes to find the body of his elder brother who has been killed at Culloden.. A twin story is the ghostly "The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Bryne " and I think I enjoyed this story the most. It has pathos and hope. "Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley" has links to Jennifer's MacKenzie seres but you don't have to have read any of these to enjoy this one. In contrast I think knowing Darcy's series about the missing treasures may have helped put "The Legend of a Rogue" in context. "One Knight’s Stand by Tanya Anne Crosby" has our heroine going to get married to a school boy but luckily she meets the elder brother on the way. The final story, "The Highlander Who Stole Christmas by Eliza Knight" has touches of scrooge in that or hero is out for revenge but surprisingly the heroine falls in with his plans.

I choose to request this book as I enjoy Kathryn and Jennifer;s writing but I was really pleased with Kerrigan's story and in fact all the stories are good to great. I heartily recommend this book.

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

This was an enchanting collection of Christmas stories set on Christmas Eve of 1747 in a cosy tavern known as Balthazar's Inn where magic is about to happen in the Highlands.

Grab a hot beverage and enjoy the ride!

The commonality for all these stories Balthazar’s Inn, a tavern the characters come upon to stay, pass through, or have a surprise meeting.

The Earl of Christmas Past by Kerrigan Byrne—This story is about James’s brother John de Lohr-the ghost haunting the tavern, taking place about 150 ish years after his death at the Battle of Culloden. John and Vanessa’s story was an unexpected delight! We had histories, personalities, and wicked chemistry! And then the twist I didn’t see coming...well played.

Fiona and the Three Wise Highlanders by Jennifer Ashley—This is a Christmas story Ian Mackenzie tells his children, leading to an interesting debate at the end. Fiona and Stuart’s second chance romance was on the sweet side with authentic emotions.

The Earl in Winter by Kathryn Le Veque
One Knight’s Stand-Tanya Anne Crosby
The Legend of a Rogue-Darcy Burke
The Highlander Who Stole Christmas-Eliza Knight

I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/Dragonblade Publishing and this is my honest review.