I'm a big fan of Ashley's Mackenzie series and always look forward to a new installment! A Mackenzie Clan Christmas includes two novellas, A Mackenzie Clan Gathering (previously published in 2015) and the new Mackenzie Christmas. I had read A Mackenzie Clan Gathering before and really enjoyed the art heist mystery that heavily features Beth and Ian. I did find it odd it was placed second in this collection because chronologically it should be first. Mackenzie Christmas is a fun glimpse into the domestic life of the original Mackenzie brothers and their families during holidays at Kilmorgan Castle. Again, this novella heavily features Beth and Ian. Overall a great check-in with much beloved characters while at the same time getting us acquainted with the older children - perhaps setting up the new generation of Mackenzies for their own books!

I have always loved Jennifer Ashley’s books. The Mackenzie books are my favorite. I love the fact she delved into Ian’s mind. I was fascinated by his story. The extra details really helped to understand him. He is brilliant. He loves his family. He has solved many mysteries. I hope Jennifer Ashley writes more in depth about the other Mackenzies. This book whetted my appetite for more. She is a wonderful author, I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas gives us not one but tow gifts: the titled novella and a surprise reprint of a 2015 novella. But first we open a ghost story and whodunnit. An antique necklace has been stolen and all the Mackenzie’s get involved one way or another. Thus we are given the gift of a glimpse into the Mackenzie’s young and old. It is a sweet poignant novella.
What folllows is also a whodunnit wihth all the clan involved but focuses mainly on Ian.as he is the first Mackenzie we met years go it is a sweet treat to unpack this story. I will recommend this to my patrons and clued it on the holiday display.

A wonderful early Christmas present wrapped up in warm Mackenzie plaid.

A Mackenzie Clan Christmas consists of two novellas; A Mackenzie Yuletide, which is new and A Mackenzie Clan Gathering which was previously published.

I adore the Mackenzies and am always eager to revisit this large, loving family. Ian, Mac, Cameron, and Hart’s children are older in the Yuletide story and are just as charming and mischievous as their parents.

In A Mackenzie Yuletide, Ian and his son Jamie are both trying to obtain a priceless antique necklace to give to Beth as a Hogmanay gift. Also there may be a ghost roaming the Mackenzie mansion. For fans of this series, the story is secondary…to have all the Mackenzies together again to enjoy… that is the main event.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC

The first novella in this book is A Mackenzie Yuletide, which is also available on its own in ebook format (same publication date) for those who previously bought A Mackenzie Clan Gathering. The purpose of the Mackenzie Clan Christmas volume appears to be to give readers a chance to buy the two together in print.

A Mackenzie Yuletide takes place in 1898 and A Mackenzie Clan Gathering in 1892, so if you haven't read it already, I suggest reading the second novella first.

Both novellas have enjoyable mysteries with various family members involved. Some of the next generation are adults in Yuletide! I wonder if this is a preview for a next generation series. The mystery in Yuletide is one that Ian is tackling with his daughter Megan; he has found a necklace that he wants for Beth but it was sold by a museum to a collector and went missing before it was delivered. In the meantime, Jamie is working with Gavina on his own surprise gift, and all the Mackenzies are intrigued by a ghost that Mac saw late one night. Is it one of their ancestors or a real person? One of the best parts of the novella is how they work together to catch their ghost. Ian and Megan make for a sweet team of detectives as well, she's much quieter than her siblings but no less mighty.

In a Mackenzie Clan Gathering (original publication date: November 17, 2015), Hart's paintings have been stolen in the middle of the night and Ian and Fellows are on the case. There's some interesting twists in this one (who in their right mind would think Hart would commit insurance fraud?) In the meantime, Beth's brother-in-law from her first marriage has arrived and he's very curious about Ian. While it is mentioned that he doesn't seem to have malicious intent, his determination to try to fix Ian is uncomfortable, to say the least. Ian does not need to be fixed and this secondary plotline does show how Ian has changed since his marriage and the births of his children, but the story would've been fine without it. This one was a reread for me though, so perhaps readers new to the story would feel differently.

Both novellas are a delightful check in with the various Mackenzies. Ashley smoothly inserts little updates about them all and we get to see the children growing up, Ian's children in particular as the novellas do centre around him. I love that the Mackenzie brothers are happily settled into their interests (Daniel and Violet's latest motor-related venture is intriguing!) and their families are also close. Keep an eye out for mentions of previous generations as well. Perfect for readers of the series who want more of their happily-ever-afters!