Vanessa Kelly’s clan Kendrick series is a keeper and this addition is no exception. From the first page, Ms. Kelly draws her readers into danger, then carefully builds the romance between Lady Samantha and Braden through mystery, kidnappings and intrigue. Woven through it all is the delightful banter between the clan Kendrick, young and old. It’s a wonderful page turner and an enjoyable read. Very much looking forward to the next installment in the clan Kendrick series!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is Branden Kendrick's story....the quiet, reserved doctor of the Kendrick Clan. Branden loves being a doctor and helping people, even if most of his patients are from the slum areas. One night when Branden is walking through the slums late at night he is accosted by two thugs. Imagine his surprise when two people show up and stop the attack. The two angels quietly disappear into the night but Branden is left intrigued by who they were. Imagine Branden's surprise when his friend and mentor, fellow doctor John Blackmore asks for his help on the Penwith Charitable Foundation board and he realizes one of his angels is non other than Lady Samantha Penwith. It seems Lady Samantha is determined to find out who murdered her husband, Roger. Branden is quickly drawn to Samantha and is determined to help her in her quest. The more time these two spend together, feelings start to emerge.

As Branden and Samantha go about trying to solve the mystery, they find themselves in many situations which causes Samantha's grandfather-in-law to take notice. Lord Beath does not like Samantha and is always threatening to make her life worse. Branden and Samantha both have things from their past that has stopped them from moving forward, but it just might be possible that these two can help each other finally find happiness. Just when it looks like things are going to fall apart, a drastic move is taken and things start to look up. Of course to find their happiness, others from the Kendrick's Clan jump in to help and the fun really begins! My favorite Grandda Angus is of course right in the middle! In the end love wins and Branden and Samantha find their happy ending.

I really enjoyed this historical, holiday romance. Branden Kendrick was such a perfect guy and I just loved him to death! I loved how he had such patience with Samantha. Together these two are just wonderful! Overall this was another great addition to the Kendrick Clan series and is not to be missed.

I did enjoy this story, it moved along at a good pace. The main characters of Dr. Braden Kendrick and Lady Samantha. Braden was a hard working doctor who gave of his time to the poor of the city. Samantha, a widow , was determined to discover who had murdered her husband. She was also wanted to discover what had happened to the missing children from the orphanage. I enjoyed the banter between the Kendrick siblings. There was a connection between Braden and Samantha but with their other interests would they be able to commit to each other. This had dangerous moments, some romance and humour. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dark deeds and second chance love

Bliss! I love Dr. Braden Kendrick. Great opening with the likeable doctor in trouble, the get your throat cut sort of trouble. He’s rescued by an unlikely couple. A huge man and a woman carrying a sword hidden in a walking stick. Curiously his rescuers showed no inclination to talk with him, they had him follow them through alleyways to safety, communicating with each other using some sort of sign language. They disappeared when the watchman drew near.
Meanwhile, children and a couple of young girls have been disappearing from the charity run by the widowed Lady Samantha Penwith. She’s worried. It’s unusual. Her Board ignores her. She’s also convinced her husband Sir Roger was murdered as he tried to get to the bottom of things. Samatha is determined to track down his murderer. Coincidentally, Braden is asked by his colleague Dr. John Blackmore to join the Board of the Penwith Philanthropic Foundation to help Samantha extend the vision of her husband.
Samantha has another problem. Her niece is deaf and is living with Samatha in Edinburgh attending a specialist school. Roger’s father, Lord Beath doesn’t see the need. He wants to hide Felicity away in the country, and now that Roger is dead he’s threatening to do that. Any excuse and it will be done.
Dark deeds pepper the story as love unfolds.
I love the Kendricks’ support of each other. The whole clan are a joyful gift. This is a sparkling addition to the series. Romance and mystery in an historical setting, brought to life with their struggles and derringdo attitudes.

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. The Highlander's Holiday Wife is the latest title featuring the Kendrick Clan. This book features Braden, who is a doctor that devotes his time and skill to helping out the less fortunate inhabitants of Edinburgh including venturing into rough areas that make his family fear for his safety. Late one night, he is saved from two ruffians by a mysterious pair that includes a young woman who flee before he can figure out their identities. He does notice that they use hand signals that seem to be a type of language to communicate with one another throughout the encounter.

Meanwhile, Lady Samantha Penwith is driven to find out who and why her husband was killed; she is convinced there is more to it than a robbery or wrong place at the wrong time. With the assistance of her trusty servant, she ventures into rough parts of Edinburgh to chase leads as well as try and figure out who is responsible for the disappearance of young children from the orphanage that her late husband had established and that she serves on the board of currently. When Samantha and Braden meet, sparks fly even if she is determined to do whatever it takes to prevent him from discovering her identity as one of the people who helped save him.

This book has a nice balance of romance and mystery while bringing in member of the Kendrick family who appeared in previous books, most especially Braden's rascally grandfather, Angus. The interactions between family members are entertaining and demonstrate just how much the entire clan love each other. I am looking forward to Kade's book and seeing who he falls in love with after getting to see little bits of him growing up from a sickly child in the first book to a well-respected musician who travels across Europe.

This was a very good read by on of my favorite authors. Ms Kelley writes a fantastic tale of a Highland romance from start to finish. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. It was a delight to read this holiday romance with lots of secrets to be discovered.
Lady Samantha Penwith is living in Edinburgh running a charitable school for boys that her husband began. He was killed by unknown assailants and she is determined to find them herself. Even if it's Christmas time, nothing will stop her getting justice for her husband.
Braden Kendrick is the grounded brother who is a doctor that goes on late night calls in the slums of the city. Then one night, thugs try to rob the doctor, but when all seems lost, a savior interrupts the attack. Braden is grateful for the timely interruption and help by an unknown person.
When he finds out who it is, the past catches up to him and must face the truth. Braden must hold out for the love he's been waiting for and decides that Samantha is his soul mate. Christmas wishes do come true!
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is an effervescent, refreshing romance with plenty of intrigue, mystery, and action. I have read other books in this series, and I had to get accustomed to the writing style. These books are plot based; they are page-turners full of excitement. This does not take away from the vivacity and depth of the characters. This is a slow-burn romance but well worth the wait.

Dr. Braden Kendrick is the most sensible brother in the rowdy, wonderful Kendrick family. Braden has hidden regrets and tragedies. Lady Samantha Penwith has vowed to avenge her husband’s murder. I love how Braden and Samantha have such pain and sadness in their past, but together they can heal and love. Both have loved before but find that the heart can heal and still remember. The couple collides in a battle of wills and passion.

Both Braden and Samantha are fierce, independent, intelligent characters. I love how Braden doesn’t try to stop Samantha’s quest for justice; he listens and assists her. Braden is the voice of reason when Samantha wants to jump headfirst into trouble. He gives her breathing room and time to adjust to their burgeoning relationship. When the two realize their intimate connection, it is powerful just in a few kisses. I also adore grandfather Angus; he is a bright spot in this series.

The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is the fifth book in the Clan Kendrick series. Vanessa Kelly writes adventurous, mysterious, vivacious romances that capture your imagination and heart. The more I read this series, the more I enjoy each book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story starts with Braden being rescued with the aid of a mysterious lady, the question becomes – will he be able to return the favor? With the assistance of some slightly meddling and matchmaking minded friends and family he just might get the chance to do so and find what he didn’t know he was missing. It was nice to see and get know Braden a bit better. We already knew he was smart, stoic and compassionate but now get to see some of those depths under “still water”. Samantha matches Braden well in many regards – loyal, compassionate & strong willed. Even as she pulls him out from the invisible fortifications he’s built, he pulls her back from rushing forward with blind focus or stubborn recklessness. The couple are well suited and matched, complimenting each other strengths, goals and passions. However, at times there seemed to be missing some spark or chemistry between the two. We do get a nice touch of Kendrick madhouse fun but I also appreciated that it didn’t overwhelm Braden & Samantha’s story but rather provided a little relief from their seriousness. While this is part of a series, it does stand up well alone and provides a nice introduction to the Kendrick family. Now to look forward to Kade’s story.

A lovely story of second chances at love and full of intrigue mystery and suspense as well as romance. A difficult book to put down once starting highly recommended if you love something extra going on in your romance and lots of protective loud highlander's. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved reading Samantha and Braden’s amazing story in The Highlander's Holiday Wife by Vanessa Kelly, book five in her Clan Kendrick series. This amazing story deals has a mystery, along with murder, intrigue, kidnapping, betrayal, loss, retribution, and a second chance at love. Lady Samantha Penwith’s secret mission is to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys. On a recent undercover excursion, she closes in on a pair of armed attackers and interrupts another assault, then disappears into the darkness, leaving the lone victim bewildered, while fortunate to be alive. Braden Kendrick might be the sensible brother, but the dedicated doctor usually ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city’s slums. When a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he’s determined to uncover the stranger’s identity. Once he does, Braden will find himself facing his own past loss for the first time, and more than willing to risk his heart again, just in time to make the Clan Kendrick’s Christmas celebrations more festive than ever. Braden and Samantha are two halves of the same soul. They've carried their wounded hearts along for far too long.

It was fun to reconnect with the Kendrick clan, many being from previous books. Of course, Angus, the beloved grandfather, has a great part in the story. He’s fun and supportive, and his fierce love for his family is as evident as ever. The Kendrick’s are an amazing support for each other, and they are the epitome of what a strong and supportive family unit looks like.

Ms. Kelly wrote a charming, clever, entertaining and amusing story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, sizzling chemistry and endearing secondary characters giving Samantha and Braden a chance to obtain all each desires. I highly recommend The Highlander's Holiday Wife to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

My oh my what a suspense story. This book has it all, from the first page you are pulled into the story.
There is a lot going on in this one, Lady Samantha Penwith is a Lady of the ton by her late husband's name only.
She is a Highlander and doesn't like the balls and ton views. She is trying to save her late husband's school for Boys, while also trying to find his killer. No one believes her that he was murdered. So, she has been searching on her own with her manservant at night in the slums of London !!! While out on this mission they come across Dr. Braden Kendrick being attacked. They save him and leave without a word, speaking only in sign language. We learn how very bad the deaf people of the time were treated.
Braden Kendrick is a Dr helping the poorer people of London with his clinic. He has a very large, noisy
fun family. They are known for many things one being all the male are Hugh. He is the sensible brother
mostly quite till he meets Samantha. Many secrets come out and they work together.
This is such a great story of learning to forgave oneself and learning to trust again. There are so many great characters to help them out. All of Bradens brothers and their wife's, one very gruff, loud and grandfather. There are also some very nasty, unfeeling people who you want to slap too.
With the danger and all they must figure out they still find time to follow their hearts.
You don't want to miss this book. I have the earlier books and am going back to read about the rest of the family.
I received and ARC and want to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it..

Lady Samantha Penwith a Highland born lass is determined to find who murdered her beloved husband, Roger founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys. On her latest undercover excursion, she closes in on a pair of armed attackers and interrupts another assault, then disappears into the darkness, leaving the lone victim, Braden Kendrick mystified. Braden Kendrick may be the sensible Kendrick brother, yet the dedicated doctor routinely ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to Edinburgh’s slums. But when a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he’s determined to uncover the stranger’s identity.
The fifth book in the series & we now find Braden has achieved his dream to become a doctor & also Kade is now a renowned musician. I do love the Kendrick brothers & Angus their walking disaster of a grand father. I loved both Braden & Samantha but they both had secrets which they needed to share plus they’d both been hurt & needed to let go of the past, I enjoyed their journey to a HEA but would have liked more romance. There is also the mystery surrounding the murder of Roger, missing orphans & the ledgers not adding up. Whilst I enjoyed the mystery I worked out the villain early in the book. Overall an entertaining read, which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to Kade’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Vanessa Kelly returns with the fifth in her Clan Kendrick series. The book can be read as a standalone but members of the family who have previous romances make appearances. Lady Samantha Penwith is a young widow and is trying to figure out who killed her husband. She is also on the board of a school or orphaned boys founded by her husband and things are going a miss there. Braden Kendrick is a doctor who is willing to go into the city slums. One night while being robbed he is rescued by a man and a woman who use sign language. It doesn’t take long for him to figure out it is Samantha. And he and his family are willing to help her solve the mystery regarding her husband and the orphanage.

Samantha and Braden are genuinely nice characters. There is attraction and even a marriage before full feelings and past secrets are revealed. The book is closed door for intimacy. The main villain is easy to guess but the who all is involved and the whys can’t be figured out from until explained at the ending. This is a fun adventure with a romance that happens to take place during the Christmas season.

I am assuming brother Kade will get the romance and I will be on the lookout for it. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books, Zebra for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

Okay, so I really hate to have to review this book, but here goes. What I liked was that it had the signature Vanessa humor. I laughed out loud at parts. Vanessa does humor so well in her stories. But, like the last book, this one was not for me. I don’t know, maybe the Kendrick’s are getting old for me. Maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind because I usually love Vanessa’s stories. I really really want to read Kade’s story and I hope I like it a lot better than the last two books.

A read with a lot of action from different directions from murder to missing children to bars with shady characters. It kept you guessing on what might happen next. Loved the story. This is the first book from this author, but won't be the last.

The Kendricks are at it again. Braden is the boring Kendrick, or so his family says. When a woman saves his life in Old Town, he has no idea how his life is going to change. Braden has no problem going into Old Town at night. Usually everyone leaves him alone but the husband of one of his patients does not like the fact that Braden helped her leave him. When Braden is escaping the problem, in swoops a woman to help. Who is she? Samantha is in Old Town to find the man who killed her husband and kidnapped some orphan children. As Braden helps Samantha, he realizes that his solitary life isn't so great. Throw in his crazy family and you have quite an adventure.

I really love this historical romance!
Very lovely story, I love the highlands
And it’s a Christmas story!!!
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the book

The Highlander’s Holiday Wife by Venessa Kelly is a wonderful historical romantic Christmas Read. There is romance, suspense, murder, mystery and the Kendrick Clan.

Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow and is suspicious about her husband’s death. On top of that, she is left with the orphanage to help run where children have gone missing for no apparent reason. Into this mix strides Dr. Braden Kendrick. He is a well known physician and runs a clinic in the worst part of town. He is saved from thieves by two people who disappeared into the dark. As the story continues we discover that Samantha with the help of a trusted servant has been looking into her husband’s murder and what has happened to the missing children.

There are nasty people who are working against Samantha. Braden and his family come in and start to help her with the mystery and confusion. Braden and Samantha are put into uncomfortable situations. The situation escalates and that’s where plans need to change.

I enjoyed Samantha and her strength as a character. I enjoyed the Kendrick Clan again and their jumping in with brawn and brains to save everyone. The Highlander’s Wife by Vanessa Kelly is a good read.

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

I had read the previous books in the series prior to this one, but don't be put off if you haven't! Although there are appearances from characters from the previous novels you do not need to know their full backstories in order to enjoy this book. The first chapter definitely gets your attention and gets both the mystery and the romance started. I love a good mystery but was glad that part was not the main focus of this story. The bad guys don't come as a complete surprise because there is enough about them to draw your suspicions early. But whatever it took to get Braden and Samantha together is worth it as far as I am concerned. They are so perfect for one another and you know pretty early on that they are the type of couple that will always support one another. The big reveal/confrontation towards the end added just the right amount of excitement to the story and it was great to see everyone in action.

Kendrick Family to the Rescue.
Through his friends, overworked doctor Braden Kendrick becomes entangled in the complicated life of Lady Samantha Penwith. When he realises she was his mysterious rescuer, he knows that he cannot walk away from her problems, strangely he has no wish to do so. A lovely read with two people who have known tragedy falling in love against a backdrop of crime and kidnapping and a big-hearted family.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.