Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5 Stars

I have loved the Kendrick brothers since the very first book in the series. You know I love them because I’m reading them despite all of the very modern language in them. Frankly, it is off-putting, but I like the brothers and I like their HEAs, so I ignore the anachronisms the books are filled with – bottle rockets, billfold, mad about, dodgy, money laundering, blood bank, loonies – to name just a few. Things like that are so very simple to research . . . sigh.

When we first met Braden Kendrick (in the first book), he was a boy who dreamt of becoming a physician so he could heal his younger brother, Kade. Now, we see him as a man and a gifted, seasoned, physician. Braden has always been quiet and serious, but for the last few years, he’s done nothing but work – day and night. There is a reason for that.

Lady Samantha Penwith’s husband, Roger, was murdered two years ago. His murder caused another tragedy, which then caused another tragedy. Samantha is just beginning to come back to life – if you can call it that. Her life has a single focus – find Roger’s murderers – and the children who have gone missing from the orphanage they run. At night, Samantha and her trusted servant, Donny, haunt the labyrinth of passages in Old Town Edinburgh looking for the children and the killers. One night, she and Donny save the life of the young, handsome physician who runs a clinic in the roughest streets of Old Town. Oh, My!

When Braden and Samantha’s paths cross again, Samantha is definitely NOT in favor of him having any entanglements with her orphanage, her charity, her school, or her foundation. However, something is amiss and she knows she needs help to solve it.

Braden and Samantha both have secrets and hurts in their pasts, and they have to get past those before they can find their HEA. Because I liked Braden so very much, I hated to see him marry under the circumstances he did. It was nice that it all worked out, but I’d have liked a much more toe-curling romance for him.

Figuring out who the villain(s) are isn’t a hard task at all. So, if you are a mystery buff, don’t read this for the mystery. It really isn’t much of a spine-tingling romance either, but it is a nice story and I’m glad I’ve read it. I think there is only one more book in this series – Kade’s book. I’m not sure about that, but I look forward to seeing him get his HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is another wonderful addition to the Clan Kendrick series! The story follows Samantha, a strong and resourceful woman determined to find her husband’s killer and the missing children she believes have been kidnapped. During one of her nightly escapades, Samantha saves Braden, a doctor who is attacked by local thugs, and they end up working together to figure out what has happened to the children and her husband. Their story is intriguing and suspenseful as they race against time to save those that can’t save themselves.

I love Samantha! She is so kind and caring yet strong, both emotionally and physically. And she’s a badass! I would definitely not want to take her in a fight. She is well trained and uses her skill to protect others. An independent woman who does not bow to the societal constraints inflicted upon her, she proves over and over again that she is as capable, intelligent, and able as any man.

Braden is another admirable character who has devoted his life to helping others. He and Samantha are alike in that way. They have such a lovely romance with equal amounts of passion and friendship, and I love that their marriage of convenience turns into something more. They’ve both suffered loss in love, and having a second chance at it is something neither ever expected.

The story also reveals many of the struggles people faced at this time, including gender biases, classism, and prejudice. It’s interesting – many of the people who are held in high regard in society are the most morally bankrupt and selfish, whereas those considered less than are actually the more admirable characters. It definitely says something about the superficiality of society and how misguided and ineffectual the rules of society are. Samantha and Braden, and the entire Kendrick clan prove that in spades.

I adore the Kendrick clan and was so happy to see many of the characters from previous books in this one. I always love finding out how their lives have progressed and changed since the conclusion of their stories, and we find out a bunch in this story. Angus, the beloved grandfather, has a great part in the story, and I adore him! He’s so 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.

Samantha has her own family, though they’re not all related. After suffering the loss of her husband and child, Samantha holds those she loves closely and fights to keep them together even though her hard and uncompromising father-in-law threatens to tear them apart. Samantha, her sister-in-law, and the other members of the household prove that family isn’t just blood relatives.

I love this series and always look forward to reading books by Vanessa Kelly. A story of love, healing, redemption, and more, The Highlander’s Holiday Wife will appeal to readers of historical romance and romantic suspense. Thanks so much to NetGalley, HF Virtual Book Tours, and Zebra for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

You just can't go wrong with Clan Kendrick, and this installment is no different. The main characters - Braden and Lady Samantha - are absolutely perfect for one another, and watching their relationship grow is a delight. The story is action-packed, with a great mystery thrown into the story.

I enjoyed it very much, and recommend it to anyone who loves a fun Highlander romance.

Lady Samantha's husband was murdered, she had a miscarriage, and someone is taking children from the orphanage. Luckily, for Braden,, she's out in the streets of Edinburgh looking for answers when he's assaulted - she rescues him and then disappears. Of course, however, the two of them are reunited and together they work to solve the mystery and rescue the kids. They're both good characters. This is part of a series I'd not read but it was fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No real surprises but it's a light fun read where you will fid yourself rooting for them.

Wonderful story of intrigue, murder and redemption.
Lady Samantha Penwith's secret mission takes no holiday: the Highlands-born lass vows to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys.

Samantha is hunting a killer is Edinburgh stews determine to find the missing orphans who keep disappearing from her charitable school and find the person who killed her husband.

While searching encounters Dr Braeden Kendrick who visiting his patients in the stews and gets tangled into the mystery.
Braeden becomes her hero making sure she is safe and seeking his family's help to find the children.

Logan Kendrick's business ties to the community help Braeden and Samantha help the missing links between the children and the school. How the members of the board are using school and children to profit from their current crimes.

Braeden and Samantha fight to bring justice and fall in love.

This book is part of the Clan Kendrick series. It can be read as a stand alone. But I would recommend that you read the others. This has been an excellent series.
Braden has been mentioned on and off through out the series, but always in the background.
He is the quiet brother, the smart brother, the only Kendrick to stay out of trouble. His whole life has centered around becoming a doctor and being a good doctor. But still waters do run deep.
Samantha is a widow. She lost her husband and then miscarried her baby, which left her devastated. She is now determined to find out who murdered her husband and who is kidnapping the children from the orphanage that she runs. She is a fearless, intelligent and compassionate.
This is a story of two people who need each to other to make their lives whole again.
I thought it was funny, emotional and just plain enjoyable.
I give it 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

An exciting read right from the start. They have both lost someone they loved but they found a second chance at love together. The story is full of wonderful family dynamics and eccentricities as well as a mystery and murder. It is funny and witty one chapter and then heartstopping at the next chapter. At the end, it pays to have family have your back.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

The Kendrick’s make for a fun and crazy cast of characters. Braden is a doctor and considered the most sober of the brothers. Samantha is a widow seeking to find the person who murdered her husband. There is plenty of ribbing to go around as the family gathers for Christmas and to help Braden with his problem. You will learn plenty of new Scottish swear words to add to your vocabulary that will make you laugh. Samantha and Braden team up with the family and friends to solve the mystery all while falling in love and getting a Christmas wish.

It’s Christmastime in Edinburgh, but Lady Samantha Penwith’s secret mission takes no holiday: the Highlands-born lass vows to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, 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 mystified—and lucky to be alive . . .
Braden Kendrick may be the sensible brother, yet the dedicated doctor routinely ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city’s slums. But when a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he’s determined to uncover the stranger’s identity. And once he does, he’ll 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 an outstanding couple. The mystery of what happened to her deceased husband and where the orphans were going to coincide in a dangerous situation.
Vanessa Kelly writes an exciting book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I loved that we got to know Braden’s character better in this book. I know he’s been around in the past books but more on the fringes of the stories. Samantha is a good strong heroine having gone through all that she has in the past. Of course I love Angus and I can’t wait to read Kade’s book and I hope a spin-off series withe the children is in the future.
I guessed who one of the villains was but totally surprised with the other that was a good twist.
I highly recommend this series and suggest that you read it in order.

Loved the story and the characters, it was witty and entertaining. It was also passionate and full of adventure. Braden and Samantha make an excellent pair, falling in love along the way unexpectedly of course that leads to a wonderful happily ever after. Another grand story in the Clan Kendrick series with an extra dose of holiday cheer.

The Highlander’s Holiday Wife is full of love and adventure! Samantha and Braden meet (unofficially) in rather auspicious circumstances, but it’s clear from the beginning that they are two very special characters! They are both extremely devoted to their families, as well as being courageous. They’ve both also grieved someone that they loved deeply, and so they are a bit tentative at first. I enjoyed the slow burn on their romance, as they not only let themselves trust and love, but they were also in the middle of some mysterious and dark goings-on. The Kendrick clan are rowdy and raucous, but they are brave and love each other madly—Samantha and Braden are an endearing couple and are a welcome addition to this wonderful family! I hope Kade’s story will be upcoming!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Samantha Penwith has a secret. Rather than being a retiring widow, she is out for vengeance, and justice, to discover who murdered her husband, and is abducting children from her charitable school. When she comes across an assault, she immediately rushes in to stop the attack, and leaves the victim mystified. Braden Kendrick is seen as the sensible one, but walking into the slums in the middle of the night, to tend to his patients, was not his best idea to date. Lucky to be alive, he wants to find his rescuer, and thank them, but soon discovers that he might be risking it all, the closer he gets to Samantha and her crusade.

I've loved each of the books in this series, and I couldn't wait for Braden's story, because I felt like there was a lot hidden about him in previous books, and he had quite the tale in him. I loved how Samantha and her sister-in-law, Felicity, were embraced by the Kendrick's, and that we saw the loud and proud family once again. Samantha was a strong character, who knew what she wanted, and she was extremely caring, and just. I felt for her as a woman who was constantly being mansplained too, and the way her late husband's family were going after her, and her guardianship of Felicity. I guessed at a lot of the twists and turns, but they were enjoyable nonetheless, and worked as a way for Samantha and Braden's relationship to develop more, and fuller. A great addition to the Clan Kendrick series.

A fast paced story full of twists and turns with a little self reflection thr0wn in . Braden and Samantha keep you on your toes while taking you on an adventure.

Widow Samantha is determined to find out who killed her husband and what is happening to children who have gone missing from her orphanage. Physician Braden is awed by Samantha when he first meets her. He, and his family, become embroiled in Samantha’s quest. I enjoyed this book and it was nice spending time with the eccentric Kendrick family again. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

There were so many delightful things to be discovered about Samantha and Braden and I loved the journey. Vanessa Kelly's latest Clan Kendrick addresses the devoted and constant brother Braden. I so appreciated that when he made up his mind to do something he would not be deterred. Through in the mystery, the romance, the family filled with humor and you have a great read. Even though I immediately figured out the villain I enjoyed the revelations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I’ve been waiting for Braden’s story and it did not disappoint. Level-headed Braden meets the Saucy and quick- witted Samantha. He gets pulled into danger when Samantha recruits him to help her discover who killed her husband. Angus and the Kendricks descends on Braden and helps them solve this delightful holiday mystery. Always a great read when Grandda Angus is involved.

This is a wonderful story that has romance, humor, mystery, intrigue and murder. Lady Samantha and Braden meet in the stews under unusual circumstances. She is determined to find out who murdered her husband and is kidnapping children from her orphanage. Each has a strong sense of obligation, guilt from their pasts and a desire for justice. Braden grudgingly agrees to help but once he does he has the full support and help of the Kendrick family. The secondary characters are intwined into the story and add wit and humor especially Braden's grandpa. The pressure to figure out all the secrets comes when Felicity is kidnapped. Then it is Kendrick's to the rescue so that Braden and Samantha can find a second chance at love.

A widow prowls the Old Town at night, searching for missing children and for her husband's murderer. Fate intervenes one night when she and her bodyguard save Braden Kendrick from two men with murderous intentions. This novel has it all: mystery, secrets, humor, romance, and passion. And the Kendricks family.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and publisher, Kensington Books, Zebra. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: September 27, 2022
Series: Clan Kendrick #5
Pages: 352

I’ve only read a Christmas novella by author, Vanessa Kelly, so this provides me an opportunity to review her writing style. “The Highlander’s Holiday Wife (Clan Kendrick #5)” is a lovable and quite entertaining read of Lady Samantha Penwith, a widow who is in pursuit of finding the person who murdered her husband and disappearing children from the Foundation, the orphanage that her husband operated. A chance meeting with Braden Kendrick, the local doctor and Samantha occurs when he is being robbed in one a not-so-pleasant part of town and she and an associate comes to his rescue. An unlikely alliance begins between the two…an alliance that leads to love and happiness for them both.

Drawbacks…it was a bit slow in parts and sporadic. Thought the romance was a little rushed and could have been developed more in the story. Although the title and cover of this book is a bit misleading…thus thinking it was more of a holiday type historical romance, it was well-written and really good read.

I love all things Scottish and the characters in this story were well-written and brought excitement. A historical romance that was fast paced, has a strong heroine, a hero with a loving family (especially the craziness of the grandfather) and friends. There is also wit and humor to go along with the mystery, intrigue, and action parts of the story. Starting at installment #5 puts me at a disadvantage of the other characters, thus I will have to read to catch up. Recommend the read.