A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is a great Christmas and love story. I found this book heart warming and recommend it.

My next Christmas read this year gave me all of the charm I wanted! These novellas actually came out last year but I was a bit of a grinch at the time and didn't get into the Christmas magic. This year I'm actually needing those yuletide family moments, as many of us are facing a year where time with our loved ones may happen a bit different than normal.

A Mackenzie Yuletide is full of family and warmth and cozy feelings, as the four Mackenzie brothers convene with their wives and kids at Kilmorgan at Christmas. Longtime fans of this series and new fans will find this heartwarming! It takes place quite awhile after the last book, so if you have been following the Mackenzie Clan you'll find babies are now teenagers and more! I suspect this new generation of Mackenzie's on the cusp of finding their own love stories may bring the series to the next gen!

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering is not recent. This short story takes place not quite a decade before A Mackenzie Yuletide and came out several years back. The family is back at Kilmorgan to celebrate Hart's birthday. There is a bit of a mystery as a burglar steals some art from the family home.

There is something magical about this group and I certainly got into the spirit! A great read for those needing a little escape into holiday family fun this year!

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is a duo of Christmas novellas from the Mackenzie series focusing on the original brothers from the beginning of the series. So, if like me you need an Ian Mackenzie fix – the hero of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie the first book in the series – this is the perfect set of novellas for you. If you haven’t read the series yet, this is a really bad place to start and I recommend checking out the reading order and starting at the beginning and the aforementioned, and fabulous, Lord Ian Mackenzie.

If you’re a fan of the series already, you will recognise the title of one of the novellas – A Mackenzie Clan Gathering – and that’s because this was originally released in 2015. However, A Mackenzie Yuletide is a brand new novella in the series.

A Mackenzie Yuletide

The Mackenzie brothers and their large families have all gathered for Christmas at Kilmorgan. However, they may not be the only ones…a ghost also seems to have taken up residence in the ducal halls. I am already madly in love with all the characters in this series and having these slices of life/novellas just makes me fall in love with them more.

In A Mackenzie Yuletide we see the Mackenzies almost decades after we left checked in, the children are now teenagers and our heroes and heroines are happily into middle age and enjoying their families. This was a really lovely story, laced with fun and family, an absolutely perfect Christmas read. I also really hope it is a way to introduce a new generation of Mackenzie heroes and heroines.

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering

I actually reviewed this way back in 2015…my feelings about this novella haven’t changed!
It’s Hart’s birthday and the MacKenzies are all gathering in Kilmorgan to celebrate. However, events quickly turn sinister when the place is robbed of some priceless art and Ian is offered a possible “cure” for his madness. But, who would dare rob from the very powerful Duke of Kilmorgan? The Mackenzies are about to face an enemy from the past determined to ruin them.

I find the MacKenzie family impossible to resist, especially Ian MacKenzie, even now in A MacKenzie Clan Gathering set 10 years after the events in The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie I still find him irresistible. So, having this book centre around Ian and Beth was a treat, seeing their love still burning just as bright as it did when they first met, was the highlight of this book for me. Of course, all the MacKenzies were present at some point during this, it wouldn’t be clan gathering if we didn’t get to check in with Hart, Cameron, Ian and Daniel.

Ashley also injects some intrigue into the story as Kilmorgan gets burglarised and some art is stolen. I did enjoy this part of the story I especially liked how it tied in with The Stolen MacKenzie Bride but, for me, I was more interested in seeing the MacKenzie family together. I also enjoyed the “cure” part of the story, which, basically allows us to delve into Ian’s childhood and, I though, just showcased how unique and wonderful Ian is, just as he is.

If you already read this series, this is a must-read, if you haven’t read this series…why not? (Although, please start at the beginning, this book isn’t worth reading until you know the background of all the characters)

I was so excited for another round of the Mackenzies...but I struggled with this one for some reason. I just really couldn't get into the story. I'm sure that's no fault of the author, whom I love! But, because I just wasn't as interested in it, it took me a really long time to finish this one. It may have also had to do with all the characters appearing at once. Even as someone who has read all the previous books in the series, it was a little overwhelming. I definitely recommend to reread the series before starting this one so that way you can keep all the characters straight!

As always, Ashley's Mackenzie family never fails to delight, intrigue, and entertain her fans. Especially fans of Ian and his delightful brood.

Big Family Holiday Fun and Suspense

What's fun about this book is that you actually get two unique stories. I had read no other books about the Mackenzie Clan, but I enjoyed getting to know this extended family. I particularly appreciated the relationship between the different characters, especially the fathers and daughters in the first book. I loved how one was so accepting and encouraging of his bright daughter. The first novella was just Christmas fun. With so many characters, I would have loved to have seen even more to the story. The paranormal aspect was amusing, and I loved the younger generation’s pseudo-scientific investigations into it. I enjoyed learning more about Ian in the second book, as I really liked his character in the first one. If you enjoy our holiday stories about extensive families set in historical times, you may very well enjoy this book.

A Makenzie Yuletide

The Mackenzie clan is gathering for Christmas at Kilmorgan Castle. Not everyone has arrived but there is about half of the family in residence when Mac Mackenzie thinks he sees a ghost.  Some think he’s just tired but other, mostly the children, want to find the ghost and figure out who it is and where it goes.  Loving chaos ensues and the fun, funny and loving family joins together to figure out the mystery.

Then there’s Ian who has found the perfect gift for his wife, but discovers that the necklace has been stolen and is now missing.  He’s determined to find it – as are his children which makes things a bit crazy.

I liked this novella a lot but wanted it to be longer. This family always makes me smile, especially Ian, and I wanted more.  The original brothers feature in this story, but their kids put in an appearance as well and I loved seeing how they’ve all turned out.  Seeing their parent’s influence on their personalities was a thing of beauty as well.

Overall a great story. Even if you’ve read the second novella in this book I think it’s worth getting just to read this story.

4 out of 5




I read A Mackenzie Clan Gathering back in 2015 and really enjoyed it.  Unfortunately I didn’t think it really held up over time.  Still good, but apparently not the type of novella that can be read multiple times.  You can read my original review here.

This time I’d give it a 3.25 out of 5




This brings the overall book total to somewhere around a 3.5.

This was an amazing holiday, historical romance read and it did not disappoint.

Interesting, well written and allowed me to catch up with this beloved cast of characters forever in my heart.

How wonderful it was to read Ian’s story. It was filled with I wonderful family and it was a sexy passionate and wonderful abundance of love.

It was so nice to visit these past characters! It put me in the mood to do a series reread. I’m happy when authors take the time to gift us with these types of little extras. It keeps the love for them strong.

It was good. Not perfect. I liked the author idea of the story. Romance was good. I just wish there was more to be learned about Makenzies.

These were cute and fun novellas from Jennifer Ashley. I liked seeing a little bit more about the Mackenzie's.

I have loved the Mackenzies since reading Ian's story. This book has two stories that will show how the family can pull together to accomplish anything they need or want. Two wonderful Christmas stories from the ever popular family.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

This is 2 stories that crossover into two of Jennifer Ashley's series. The Mackenzies # 8.5 and The McBrides # 11.5. Both can be read as stand alones. I'm not a big historic romance reader but these were fun reads. Set in 1898 in Scotland there is a ghost to hunt and a kidnapping to solve. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is two novellas in which one is new and the other is a reprint. The new one is called A Mackenzie Yuletide and the other is A Mackenzie Clan Gathering which was published in 2015, and previously reviewed. I’ll be reviewing the new story, A Mackenzie Yuletide.
The family is gathering for the Christmas holiday and Hogmanay and they are dealing with not one but two mysteries. First, Mac Mackenzie thinks he saw a ghost. Is this a prank or something haunting the house? Ian Mackenzie is looking for the perfect gift for his wife. What he wants he gets. Unfortunately, what he wants has been stolen and disappeared.
I’m a huge fan of the Mackenzie’s and when there is a chance to read another story I am all in. I love that this story featured the next generation having a big part in this story now that they are all a little older and getting a voice in the family gatherings. Hearing their POV is heartening to hear how their parents and their aunts and uncles, have such a huge influence on what they are becoming. What’s even better is when Ian is featured. Ian is on the spectrum and very interesting to read his thoughts. Together they figure out both mysteries and find more family along the way. A new reader might be a bit lost with so many characters introduced in this story, so I would recommend going to the beginning and reading Ian’s story, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. You’ll fall in love with this highlander and his brothers. For old fans like me, you’ll eat it up and cross your fingers that there will be more to come with the next generation of Mackenzie’s. Spending time with the Mackenzie’s at Christmas time is always a treat.

Sandy M’s review of A Mackenzie Clan Christmas (A Highland Pleasures Novella Anthology) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Romance published by Berkley 29 Oct 19

I’m trying to get back into historical romance, and thankfully Jennifer Ashley is leading the way. I’ve enjoyed this series so much over the years, so it’s nice to celebrate the Christmas holiday with them again, especially when the stories revolve mostly around Ian. He was the one to introduce us to the Mackenzie family, so it’s perfect when he’s front and center all these years later.


A Mackenzie Yuletide is the first story in this anthology. Ian is on the hunt for a spectacular necklace he’s discovered for Beth for a holiday gift. He just has to figure out where it is when it comes to light the item has been stolen. In the meantime, Mac has had a spooky encounter with a ghost in a certain part of the castle. Plenty don’t believe in specters and there are those who do of course. Even Elizabeth gets into the fun by setting up her camera to prove there is no such thing as ghosts.

It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, so it’s nice to see a lot of the Mackenzie children growing up. Ian’s love and pride for his kids is wonderful to see, as well as his ability to overcome his disability in a number of ways. His son and daughter get caught up in his investigation for the missing necklace, and his reasoning/deductive powers are thought out and decisive, and seeing Lord Ian in action is definitely a sight to see.

As for the ghost? You’ll need to read for yourself if it’s real or not. I enjoyed getting to see all the family together again, a loving and giving family no matter the situation. One of my favorites in all of romanceland.

Next up is A Mackenzie Clan Gathering and the family is once again together, this time for Hart’s birthday. Before everyone can arrive, though, the castle is robbed of some its most impressive and expensive art pieces, including a few of Cam’s. Again, it’s Ian who is front and center in this story. He’s the one who hears something amiss, who discovers the theft, and who will be the best at figuring it all out, with the help of Scotland Yard – his half-brother Lloyd Fellows – of course.

All I will tell you is an age-old grudge is at work, because what I love most about this novella is the love and fear Ian manifests when it comes to his son, as well as the same from Hart when it comes to Ian. When Ian disappears and isn’t found until the next day, Hart’s reaction to seeing his brother is okay is profoundly emotional, especially because Ian isn’t sure why everyone is so up in arms. Of course, he has the same reaction when it comes to his son when trouble comes his way and Ian must save the day. I so love this Mackenzie family.

Of course, as always happens in romance books, all’s well that ends well and the family has happy celebrations all around. Thus making me want to go back and pick up those few books I’ve yet to read in the series. Sounds like a mighty fine idea.

Grade: A

A MACKENZIE CLAN CHRISTMAS includes the newest holiday novella “A Mackenzie Yuletide” and the previously published novella “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering”. Both stories are a delightful mix of mystery, humor, and romance in a cozy setting with a great assortment of characters familiar to fans of Ashley’s “Mackenzie” series. I think this book will appeal to fans of historical romance and holiday-themed romances, even if they haven’t been following this series for years like I have. However, for more context, reading THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE first will give readers a better understanding of one of the main characters.

Having already read “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” when it originally came out, I was particularly eager to read the newest installment in the series. In “A Mackenzie Yuletide”, the story is told from alternating perspectives of a host of different characters, and the action revolves around a potential ghost haunting the halls of Kilmorgan Castle in Scotland and the theft of an antique necklace. Ian Mackenzie is a force to be reckoned with when he makes his mind up about something, and he wants the necklace as a gift for his wife. Unfortunately, the necklace has been stolen and Ian and his family members follow the necklace’s trail and interrogate more than one shady character in an attempt to retrieve it. I love these characters, and they are in their element in this story as they work as a team to achieve their goals and make the holidays special for each other. Jennifer Ashley balances the time allotted to each character, and each couple, well and the story feels very cohesive as well as entertaining.

A MACKENZIE CLAN CHRISTMAS is showcases great storytelling, strength in family, and Christmas romance. I would love to read stories about the younger generation of Mackenzies when they become adults and have their own adventures in romance. As always, I look forward to Jennifer Ashley’s next romance novel.

It’s always a pleasure to join the Mackenzie clan any time of the year but at Christmas it seems that much more perfect. A Mackenzie clan Christmas features two novellas. One new story and one previously released. Jennifer Ashley has a knack for writing about families and I’ll have to say the Mackenzies are quite fascinating. Both stories feature Ian Mackenzie, who happens to be my favorite Mackenzie man. Don’t miss this chance to catch up with the clan, see how the next generation is coming along and maybe catch a ghost or a robber or both. 😉

What I liked:

I always enjoy a novella. It’s a quick visit to a world and characters that you are either already familiar with from longer books or it’s an introduction to the writing and style of a new author. I’ve been a fan of this series for long time so this is like a visit with friends. Like getting to catch up on all the gossip and what’s happening with the family. I loved how Ashley was able to just draw the reader back in to Kilmorgan Castle and into the clan.

The first novella in this one is called, “A Mackenzie Yuletide.” It’s a new tale about the clan featuring my favorite leading man Ian and this time we get to see how the next generation compares. There’s a bit of a mystery and a ghost. Readers will love seeing how Ian’s love for Beth and his children has evolved. I really enjoyed this one. It showed how inquisitive and engaging the children of the brothers were and definitely makes the reader hope one day they will get their own books. Especially Ian’s son Jamie. And Mac painting in his studio in just his kilt... Oh my! Lol 😂

The second novella is a repeat release. “ A Mackenzie Clan Gathering,” was released a few years ago but was still a nice refresher from the past. It is set before the events in, “A Mackenzie Yuletide.”There has been a robbery at Kilmorgan Castle and some of Hart’s priceless art collection has been taken. Again this story primarily focuses on Ian, which I certainly won’t complain about. He is a wonderful hero. He is eccentric to just the right degree and always up for a challenge. I love reading about him.

As with all the books in this series, there is always an air of mystery to them. It’s something that really adds to the stories and gives the reader a secondary focus besides just the romance. The story arc of Ian’s “madness” also gives the reader a different angle. Ashley has done a wonderful job of adding the right ingredients to produce a world that is both endearing and very engaging.


What I didn’t:

I can’t find too much wrong with any of Jennifer Ashley’s work. With a novella there’s always a double edged sword. It’s a quick trip. And I am always left wanting more when I read them. But also, it’s a quick trip which is easy to read when you don’t have time for a whole novel. I love these characters so much I would probably enjoy even a paragraph about them.

Bottom Line:

What’s not to like about four Scottish brothers who live in a castle? Not much! “A Mackenzie Clan Christmas,” hit the spot for me in my holiday reading. Family, mystery, ghosts, robbers, a little bit of madness. Now that’s interesting!

Ian Mackenzie stole my heart years ago and is still to date one of my top favorite HR heroes. In this little anthology spanning two novellas we are reunited with the whole family. The first story - A MACKENZIE YULETIDE is - is completely new and has the family chasing a ghost in their ancestral home and Ian looking to surprise his Beth.

It's amazing how far Ian has come and it's no surprise that he always steels the show with his intensity. I loved seeing his and Beth's kids and Cam, Mac, Daniel and Hart with all their loved ones. You almost feel like you are included in their merriment and hospitality and you're invited to sit at their table and share a meal.

The second story A MACKENZIE CLAN GATHERING was released last year and is a bonus, so that you can enjoy twice the Mackenzie goodness if you haven't been able to read this novella yet. It's just as good and heart warming as the first story. For those who have read A MACKENZIE CLAN GATHERING, you can buy A MACKENZIE YULETIDE separately.

I always love catching up with this family, they really hold a special place in my heart. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who has never read the first books in this series, too many names are mentioned and the family dynamic only makes sense if you know how it came about. But this is the perfect time to catch up with these books - even after all these years they haven't lost their poignancy. There is also an introduction of a new character who I believe will be getting a story.

I loved this compilation and I hope I can soon read all the books in this series I haven't been able to yet. For longtime fans this is the perfect, sweet read for a cozy evening.
My lad and lass, Ian thought. There was another lass waiting at home, along with Beth, his light, his love.

Well this was a delight! Reader be warned, this is two novellas set in the Mackenzie series world, and only the first story is new. The second novella was published previously. That didn’t take away from my enjoyment in the least. Somehow, between books, I forget how much I love the crazy Mackenzie clan. They’re loud, Scottish, scandalous, brash, and I adore each and every one of them.

The first novella is a holiday reunion and, hopefully, an introduction to the new era of Mackenzie children. There are lots of them, but I can already see the lead in of a new generation, and I can’t wait. There are lots of Mackenzie cousins just about ready for their own books. I loved the real-life innovations Ms. Ashley is allowing her characters to explore, it adds real depth to the overall story.

The second novella was equally as delightful. It’s mostly all about Ian with a little bit of mystery on the side, but he’s one of my favorite heroes of all-time, so I liked the focus. I also think that Ms. Ashley does a seamless job of imparting a little bit of history. Overall, if you’re looking for two quick little pick me ups, this is the perfect collection for you!

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**