A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is a wonderful book that immerses back into the world of the Mackenzie's. I really enjoyed this taste as to how the characters are currently doing years down the road from their original novels.

There are two novellas within this collection: A Mackenzie Yuletide which is all about the family gathering for Christmas, and A Mackenzie Glan Gathering that focused more on Ian's family.
I loved this book a big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is a beautiful book with novellas of the Mackenzie family through different periods of their lives.

I love how Jennifer Ashley packs in the family, love, and drama into this book. This is my first time reading about the Mackenzie family and I already fell in love with them.

A Mackenzie Yuletide is all about the family gathering for Christmas. in Kilmorgan. It is set in 1896, and the family is facing a debate about ghosts. We see Ian Mackenzie who is on his journey to finding Beth, his wife, the perfect Hogmanay gift. The author ties these two mysteries together to make a suspenseful Christmasy read.

There is a novella in the book called A Mackenzie Glan Gathering that gave me all the feels. It focuses on the growth of characters Beth and Ian. Ian is looking to be 'cured' of his madness. It was beautiful to see how much Ian is willing to go through always putting his love for Beth and their family at the forefront.

As a whole, the stories were great and full of Christmas magic vibes. I would highly recommend this book to fans of the series and readers who enjoy character development!

A Mackenzie Yuletide
The Mackenzies are once again gathering for Christmas. The younger generation is growing up (and starting to be prepped for their own stories) but the original generation of Ashley's books are still there. Mac, in particular, is featured as he is the first to see the Mackenzie ghost. This mystery overlaps with the one of Ian's gift for his Beth. He is set on a particular necklace that used to be in a museum but it was stolen and he is trying to get ahold of it. His children are offering to help as well, especially his oldest son who is now 17 and wanting to prove himself to his father.

Four stars

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering
Ian Mackenzie wakes up one night when an errant sound causes him to realize there's an intruder in his brother's house. By the time he gets downstairs, his brother's art collection has been looted. From there, we get to revisit almost all of the Mackenzies and see them deal with an old enemy.
I had read this a couple of years ago and still feel the same. A nice story but doesn't really explore more characters or add anything except a brief update to the Mackenzie family.

Three stars

This book comes out October 29th
ARC kindly provided by Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

A MACKENZIE YULETIDE
5, warm
The entire extended Mackenzie family is gathering at Kilmorgan to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. The four brothers – Hart, Cam, Mac, and Ian, are now well into their middle years, but are still passionately in love with their wives. Their children are all growing up, and it won’t be long before they are finding their own loves.

This year, Ian has seen pictures of an antique necklace which he wants to purchase for his wife, Beth. He’s frustrated because the necklace has been stolen, and even with all the resources at his disposal, he’s been unable to track it down. Ian’s son Jamie, now fifteen, has learned of his father’s quest, and wants to find the necklace himself, then present it as a gift to his parents. Jamie wants to prove to his father that he’s capable and intelligent. The hunt for the necklace leads to some adventures for several members of the family.

For those unfamiliar with the Mackenzie family, Ian has Asperger’s Syndrome, which has caused many people to consider him mad. In reality, he’s brilliant, focused, determined, and has a photographic memory. Social interaction is another cup of tea, however, as Ian is uncomfortable around people he doesn’t know, and has trouble actually meeting anyone’s eyes. Over the years Ian has come to be much more comfortable with his family, and in particular, gazes at his wife and children directly, and with a fierce love shining from his eyes.

A MACKENZIE YULETIDE is full of warmth and family love. I’ve followed all of the Mackenzie stories, and I feel as if I know them, and this visit with my favorite characters felt like reconnecting with my own family. I have always loved and had a soft spot for Ian, in particular, as he endured such trauma as a child, and I encourage everyone to read his story in THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. As the years have passed, the brothers’ marriages and love have just grown stronger. It’s poignant to see the babies now becoming young adults. This latest installment of the Mackenzie family saga is a lovely and heartwarming read which left me with a satisfying feeling of contentment for this fictional family that feels like part of my own.

A MACKENZIE CLAN GATHERING
4.5, warm
This short story has been previously published, and takes place about six years before A MACKENZIE YULETIDE. The extended family is gathering together, this time to celebrate Hart’s birthday. There is a mystery involved, as well as an unscrupulous stranger, who insists he can cure Ian’s “madness.” I originally reviewed this story for Fresh Fiction, and the review belongs to their site. It can be viewed here: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=57554

YES! Revisiting the MacKenzie Clan is so much fun. This is a book of Novellas and it took me back to the wonderful highlander world Jennifer Ashley created. I read the first few books in this series years ago and absolutely loved them, so this was so much fun. I just really love how she writes highlander romance. The kinship, friends, and family just warm the heart--which is perfect for a Christmas read! I'd definitely recommend this whole series!

Seasonal Mackenzies! Joy!

Two Christmas season stories with my favorite MacKenzie man taking a lead role, Ian with his wife Beth and their three children.

A Mackenzie Yuletide
At two in the morning Mac is painting in his room at the top of Kilmorgan Castle when he's disturbed by what appears to be the ghost of a woman. He pursues the trailing apparition without success. Later, the younger Mackenzies decide to help, after a humorous start.
Ian wants to purchase a special present for his Beth for Hogmanay. A heavy gold "antique necklace with intricately worked loops of gold and hung with emeralds and lapis lazuli." Unfortunately its disappeared. Ian brings his unwavering focus to bear on solving the problem, not realizing that his son Jamie is going toe to toe with him trying to find the piece.

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering
I had read this previously and a second reading in no way diminished my enjoyment. Thieves break into Kilmorgan Castle and steal Hart's art collection. Ian wakes sensing something amiss. His first thoughts are for Beth and his children. The artworks are discovered abandoned. This is only the first attack. It will be Ian who finally works out the mystery. Only after plenty of happenings though. The turning up of Beth's first husband's brother, John Ackerley adds another dimension.

All the family make appearances, after all they are gathering at Kilmorgan Castle for the season.
The redeemed illegitimate half brother to the Mackenzies, Lloyd Fellows, now a chief superintendent at Scotland Yard, is involved in both stories. Wouldn't have it any other way!

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley

“A Mackenzie Yuletide” (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 11.5)
A ghostly visitor, a missing artefact, and multiple generations of Mackenzies getting in on both hunts? Sign me up! “A Mackenzie Yuletide” is a delightful Christmastime romp featuring one of my favorite families.

It’s December 1898 and Mac Mackenzie is at Kilmorgan painting when he spies a ghost. His siblings and their various offspring are determined to settle their supernatural debate over the existence of ghosts by catching the specter. Meanwhile, Ian Mackenzie is equally determined to get the perfect Hogmanay gift for his wife, Beth. But the priceless antique necklace has been stolen and he’s not the only person – or even the only Mackenzie – searching for it. Both mysteries are delightful, mostly because various Mackenzies team up to solve the cases.

Ian has always been a scene-stealer for me, so I was delighted to catch up with both him and his beloved Beth. Their love for one another and their children is as strong as ever and spending time with them was pure joy. And speaking of their children, author Jennifer Ashley gives an exciting peek into the minds of some of the Mackenzie children. The only downside to this? I desperately hope the younger Mackenzies get books of their own one day because they are as fascinating as their parents. Cam’s daughter, Gavina, intrigued me most of all and her determination never to wed means she’s practically begging for a book of her own.

The Mackenzie clan is bright, boisterous, and unique. The romantic and familial bonds are on full display in “A Mackenzie Yuletide” and made me smile more than once. I’m so glad I got to go on another adventure with the Mackenzies and I desperately hope Ms. Ashley has more stories in store for them.


“A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” (Mackenzies & McBrides, Book 8.5)
“A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” is a beautiful story brimming with emotion. Fans of the Mackenzies & McBrides series won’t want to miss this novella, for it’s sure to make you fall in love with the Mackenzies all over again.

Ian, Beth, and their children are the only Mackenzies in residence at Kilmorgan when thieves break in, stealing a good portion of the duke’s art collection. Ian is determined to track the culprits before the rest of his family shows up, but he’s sidetracked by the arrival of Beth’s late husband’s brother, a man who claims he can cure Ian of his “madness.” Ian and Beth are two of my all-time favorite characters, and in “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” we get to see how they’ve grown over the years they’ve been married. Their bond is stronger than ever, but when Ian is tempted with the possibility of being “cured,” it just about broke my heart, especially because he wants to do so for Beth’s sake. Of course, we know two things: (1) Beth loves him just the way he is and (2) Ian isn’t mad, nor does he need to be “cured” – he has Asperger’s, decades before anyone knows what that is. What follows I’ll leave readers to discover, but I will say that we get to see more interesting things about the Mackenzie family. Most importantly, Ms. Ashley touched my emotions showing the deep bonds of love – romantic and familial – among the Mackenzie clan.

The investigation into who is behind the art theft takes some interesting turns, tying into the series in an unexpected way. And though “A Mackenzie Clan Gathering” is primarily Ian and Beth’s story, other family members do get their moments to shine. I’ll never get tired of seeing Hart with Ian; the duke’s love for his youngest brother never fails to grab me and revisiting this novella made me want to re-read their books all over again. If you’re new to the series, don’t worry – you’ll still be able to follow along. But truly, this story is probably best enjoyed if you’re already invested in the Mackenzie & McBrides series. I absolutely loved revisiting Ian and Beth and I hope Ms. Ashley continues to gift readers with more glimpses into what happens after happily ever after for the entire Mackenzie clan.


A Mackenzie Clan Christmas is perfect for any fan of Ms. Ashley’s Mackenzie family. It’s lovely to catch up with such beloved characters after their happily ever after, to see the bonds of love and family strengthen as their number grows. Both novellas warmed my heart and made me smile; they’re the perfect holiday reads that you can enjoy all year long.

A MacKenzie Yuletide is an all new MacKenzie Family novella!

As usual, the MacKenzies descend on Kilmorgan Castle to celebrate the Yuletide season and Hogmanay. Mac is up in his studio painting when a noise disturbs his concentration, he goes to investigate and finds a ghost! But as he approaches her, she disappears, unconcerned, Mac goes to bed and mentions it to the family at breakfast. Some of the children, decide to build a ghost trap – no sure if the ghost is in fact a ghost or if it is another break in attempt.

Uninterested in ghosts, Ian is consumed with tracking down a necklace that he wants to give to Beth for Hogmanay, but the trail he followed has hit a wall and he calls in his half-brother Lloyd Fellows, a chief supervisor at Scotland Yard to help him.

Ian’s son Jamie is also trying to find the necklace in hopes of impressing his father. He gets his cousin Gavina and his father’s valet Curry to help him. Jamie and Gavina are pulled into the ghost hunt when Jamie sees the ghost after Gavina breaks in to Ian’s study.

With mysteries to solve and all the MacKenzies in attendance, this will turn out to be a very interesting and exciting Yuletide!!

I loved this novella, it was entertaining, well written, interesting and a lot of fun. Catching up with all the MacKenzies and seeing their children growing up was heartwarming and satisfying. And as always, I loved reading about Ian and Beth, they truly are one of my all-time favorite fictional couples and I never get tired of reading about them. This was a really wonderful read and while it is set at Christmastime, I didn’t really consider it a “holiday” read.

The Mackenzie Clan Gathering is the second novella in this collection and it was released in 2016, the blurb reads as follows:

Ian Mackenzie is awakened at Kilmorgan Castle one night to find robbers stealing the priceless art collection of his oldest brother, Hart. Since Ian and Beth are the only ones in resident at Kilmorgan at the moment, Ian decides he must find the art and the culprits before the family shows up for Hart's birthday gathering. With Inspector Fellows and Beth, he investigates, though Ian is somewhat worried by Beth's late husband's brother, a retired missionary, who decides to visit. Does John Ackerley hold the "cure" to Ian's madness? And can Ian discover what has happened to Hart's treasures, and who is targeting the Mackenzies before the enemy strikes again?

Return to Kilmorgan Castle to visit the Victorian branch of the Mackenzie family, and catch up on the brothers and friends, their children, and their lives.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Book: A Mackenzie Clan Christmas
by Jennifer Ashley

Series: (Mackenzie Christmas Anthology) Books 11.5 and 8.5


1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts


A Mackenzie Yuletide

December 1898

Mac Mackenzie, the families artistic family member, painting a landscape late one evening. He is surprised when he sees an apparition though most of the family don’t believe him. They ruin his fantasy of talking to one of their MacKenzie ancestors. As his sister-in-law the Duchess and younger family members go on a ghost hunt using trick photography to help catch a thief! As they want to make sure it isn’t a thief or someone threatening their lives. Especially with all the expensive art work of the Duke of Kilmorgan’s. Plus Ian’s priceless Ming pottery, as well as priceless jewels and other items the family owns.

Ian always wants to get his wife an extra special present for his Beth. Yet he hears someone may have stolen the priceless item he wants. So he goes on a different type of hunt to get a unique gift from a worthless collector. Will he be able to locate the piece? Read and find out.

This novella was absolutely magnificent from start to finish. It’s another beautiful story with the family I absolutely love. I love that the author give a quick detailed explanation of each relationship. I personally didn’t need it as I have read each book and remember each story. It is great for first time readers or people who may have forgotten each story.

I love The Mackenzies so much though Ian and Mac are my favorites! You can’t help but fall in love with this beautiful family. The perfect story to get you into the Christmas spirit and remembering that the holiday is about love and family. I have been reading this series since it began and hopes it never ends.

I highly recommend the book as A MacKenzie Yuletide is absolutely perfect!

A Mackenzie Clan Gathering

One of my favorite reads of 2016 and fun to read again!

Jennifer Ashley pens another riveting beautiful heart-melting story that you wish would never end! It will give you chills and melt your heart at the same time! Loved this quick paced, extraordinary, unique and extremely entertaining read I could not put down!


Scotland, 1892

All the Mackenzie's and MacBride's were getting ready to travel to Kilmorgan Castle which is Hart Mackenzie, the Duke of Kiomorgan's residence to celebrate Hart's Birthday the following week. So far his youngest brother Ian, his wife Beth and children and a skeleton staff were the only ones in residence. Ian, the one some cruel or ignorant people refer as mad or crazy, of course if it was present day it would be called Asperger's syndrome or ASD. Unfortunately, it is still only the 19th century and it will still be quite some time when physicians and the medical community can give people like Ian, the correct diagnosis. This always impresses me how Ms. Ashley brilliantly and also tenderly tackles the subject and of course Beth his wife is his biggest supporter, his salvation, his everything! I think also, this is why Ian is definitely the favorite Mackenzie among readers. Through Ian's special qualities and his senses he hears things and and is in-tune to sounds most are not. Why he wakes up alert and hears the intruders, he knew it wasn't the usual sounds in the house he grew up in and he naturally goes after them to protect his family and nearly gets himself killed in the process. Unfortunately Ian feels responsible as the intruders makes off with a good portion of Hart's priceless art collection! Ian decided to go after them, especially when someone tampers with Ian's distillery where they make the profitable Mackenzie malt whiskey.

As things were not already topsy turfy enough, Beth invites her missionary brother-in-law of her deceased first husband whom has a secret agenda! He tells Ian secretly that he can cure him of his madness or at least try. Ian has dreams of being what he calls normal for Beth he has yet to understand that she loves the man he is and always will and does not want a different man. What will it take for Ian to finally accept or understand this and let go of this unfounded guilt he has. I personally blame his cruel father for a lot of these feelings besides the ignorant finger pointers calling him insane throughout his life. Except we all know Ian is not mad or insane! Lots of action, adventure, drama and heart pulling scenes that gives readers chills. Beautiful of course, seeing how Beth and Ian still love each other as much as ever of not more with their three children who adore him, being together over a decade now. I had goose bumps and tears rolling down my cheeks during certain scenes as Ian and his family definitely does that to me and I love how Beth is ready to fight for her man no matter who it is. I also love how Beth has taught him so much about love, life and what really is important. Ian now understands a stolen art collection, even his Ming China collection, are just objects and objects can be replaced, people cannot. He understands the safety of Beth and their children Jamie 11, Belle 10 and Megan 7 is all that matters. Afterall it is what completes Ian and make him whole.

Lots of action, surprises, mystery, suspense, adventure, love and emotion as always and of course fans of the Mackenzies and MacBrides will truly delighted with this spectacular story centering on Ian and Beth. Being a long time fan of the series I was not disappointed or surprised and another superbly written story that touched my heart and captured my soul. I read this in one sitting and be prepared to fall in love with Ian Mackenzie all over again!

I absolutely loved this riveting, charming, amazingly brilliant page turner and highly recommend "A Mackenzie Clan Gathering" by Jennifer Ashley. I can't compliment it enough as I was completely dazzled and enchanted as I totally loved it! ❤️

** I was given an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.**

Chronology and Reading order:
The following is the order in which events in the series take place, which is more or less publication order.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (1881)
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (1881)
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (1882, September; Epilogue, June 1883)
The Duke's Perfect Wife (1884, Spring; Epilogue, June 1885)
The Seduction of Elliot McBride (1884, June)
A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift (1884, December)
The Untamed Mackenzie (1885, April)
Scandal and the Duchess (1885, November)
The Scandalous Mackenzies (Print edition of Untamed Mackenzie and Scandal and the Duchess)
Rules for a Proper Governess (1885, December)
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (1890)
A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (1892)

Eighteenth-Century Mackenzies
(Can be read before or after the Victorian Era Mackenzies)
The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (1745-46)


Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Mackenzie-Clan-Christmas-Mackenzies-ebook/dp/B07MQP76GB?_bbid=11525471&tag=individualbookpagesite-20

https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas-jennifer-ashley/1130202254?ean=9781984806543&_bbid=11392837&st=AFF&SID=Barnes+%26+Noble&2sid=Pubmark+Inc._5620418_NA&sourceId=AFFPubmark+Inc.&cjevent=8806b94ef5ef11e980e7003d0a240610&dpid=tekz25v83

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jennifer_Ashley_A_Mackenzie_Clan_Christmas?_bbid=11395386&_bbreg=us&_bbtype=blog&id=LnuDDwAAQBAJ&pubref=bookbubblogd

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas?utm_source=walmarthybrid&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=BookBub&utm_term=bookbubblogd&ranMID=37217&ranEAID=tWxX%2FRg9ax8&ranSiteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-78D8JHzDpYTjqh.1DJPbmg&siteID=tWxX_Rg9ax8-78D8JHzDpYTjqh.1DJPbmg

https://books.apple.com/us/book/a-mackenzie-clan-christmas/id1449415721

These two short stories feature the whole Mackenzie clan. I loved seeing all the characters again, and what they have been up to. The two stories are set about 5 years apart and I enjoyed noting the differences in what's been going on. There's a little mystery to solve in each but the main theme is how the Mackenzies are still very much in love and how important family is to them. Very enjoyable.

I tried, but there really can’t be any more said about these characters. It’s time to retire the series.

I like the Mackenzie family, and it was fun to read a new adventure with the Mackenzie children as active participating characters. It was very satisfying. Both novellas in this book are Ian stories.

I started reading this book with high hopes. After all I really love Christmas stories, But as the cast of characters increased, I became more confused. This was part of a series and I had not read the previous books. I hate feeling like I should know something that I don't and I felt that way about this book. It seemed like a joyful depiction of a family holiday celebration with the twist of a ghost. I liked the style of writing and the characters, but felt a little left behind because I didn't know their stories like I would have if I'd read the books in the series. I look forward to trying it again once I have read gotten to know the characters that are gathered for the holiday.

A Holiday-themed bonus! Two tales under one cover! A MACKENZIE YULETIDE, a new release and A MACKENZIE CLAN GATHERING, one many have read before, but will enjoy, once again.

Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenzie family is a group of wonderful characters who know how to keep families together with love, loyalty and a keen sense of humor. If you are looking for some quick reading that will gear you up for the holidays, family and you want to start out on a high note, these are two novellas that will do just that.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Berkley! This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoy the Mackenzie series so getting a chance to visit them at Christmas is always a treat! Seeing the various family members and watching them grow up and interact is fun. So this latest Christmas story was a joy to read. I hope there will be more!

This review will go live on The Blogger Girls on Oct 29, 2019

First of all, this book is a bundle of two Mackenzie holiday novellas. A never before published entitled A Mackenzie Yuletide and a previously released A Mackenzie Clan Gathering. Therefore, if you already purchased A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (it was released in 2015) – I advise you to only purchase A Mackenzie Yuletide, which actually is sold separately by the publisher.

** A Mackenzie Clan Gathering **

While I loved that Ian, sort of get a second book - yes, this is mostly about Ian, more than a decade after he married Beth, and how he dealt with a robbery at Hart's Kilmorgan Castle as well as the appearance of Beth's former brother-in-law, who wanted to cure Ian out of his madness -

.. but I felt that it was a bit lack of emotion. Maybe because it *IS* about Ian so there's a sense of detachment about it? It's not exactly a romance story (Ian already got his girl). We also get different point of views, mainly Beth and Fellows...

It's still a good book though, because it gives readers a chance to see Ian as a father.

** A Mackenzie Yuletide **

It was December 1898, and the whole Mackenzie clans – husbands, wives, children – gathered at Kilmorgan Castle, the Mackenzie manor house, for another Christmas and Hogmanay celebration. We have the kids trying to capture a ghost – first seen by Mac Mackenzie. We also have Ian trying to track down a necklace to be given to his wife Beth, and he lassoed in some other people including his half-brother, Lloyd Fellows and Hart’s best friend, David Fleming.

It was chaos *laugh*

There were so many of the Mackenzie brood, I wonder if I must start writing a note to keep track of all the sons and daughters of the ‘original’ Mackenzies. But it was quite fun returning into the clan – especially that Jennifer Ashley started to write from the kids’ perspectives too.

Such as Jamie, Ian and Beth’s son, the oldest of the “new” generation (discounting Daniel, whose Cameron’s oldest, and already a teenager when the series start), or Megan, another daughter of Ian and Beth, as well as Gavina (Cam and Ainsley’s daughter). They seemed to have developed their own strong traits, and I could imagine the series being expanded into this new generation as well.

There was an interesting revelation about the ghost too, and I couldn’t help thinking how would that be played into future books.

A delightful holiday story - that catches you up on some of the previous characters. Lovely story and I loved it!

Two Mackenzie novellas (one previously published) in time for the Christmas holidays are always welcome! Readers get to check in with the entire extended family, although favorites Ian and Beth are prominently featured.

An enjoyable addition to the MacKenzie family stories by Jennifer Ashley. These stories include all of the. Brothers and their families, but seem to focus on Ian and Beth especially.

The Mackenzie clan consists of close, loving people who welcome all for the Christmas holidays, excluding no one. A story that will have you wanting more tales of this family.