Customer Reviews

A Highlander Christmas

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4 star:		(7)
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"Winter Heat" by Dawn Halliday

Maggie MacDonald's mother always told her that her clan brooch would lead a MacDonald woman to her soul mate. Maggie doesn't believe the legend, but she does find the brooch helpful in her last-ditch attempt to flee a brutish suitor. Her escape sends Maggie into a blizzard...and then into the arms of warrior Logan Douglas. Attraction flares, but in order for their holiday romance to last, Logan must find a way to free Maggie of the villain who wishes to possess her.

The protagonists in this enjoyable story by Dawn Halliday could melt snow with the kind of heat they generate. "Winter Heat" is a sexy story about finding love where you least expect it. Both Maggie and Logan are likeable characters, each with strengths and weaknesses that complement one another. The villain is suitably despicable, making the reader cheer all the more for Maggie and Logan. This is the first story I've ever read by Ms. Halliday and I look forward to reading more of her work.

"Yuletide Enchantment" by Sophie Renwick

All her life, Isobel MacDonald has felt a connection to the white hart in the woods. She doesn't put much stock in the ancient tales of Annwyn or the Sidhe said to inhabit the woods, but Isobel can't put her finger on why she is repeatedly drawn to the forest. At least not until she loses her clan pin. It's then that she meets Daegan, the Sidhe prince, and also the white hart Isobel has seen since she was a child. But love between a Sidhe and a mortal is forbidden, so when Daegan and Isobel fall for one another, what are they to do?

Something sensual lurks in the woods in the magic-filled "Yuletide Enchantment." Sophie Renwick creates two likeable protagonists and sets the stage for some interesting scenes as Isobel and Daegan fall in love. However, I was left with many questions at the end of the story which kept me from liking "Yuletide Enchantment" as much as I wanted to. However, I am excited to read Ms. Renwick's book for Daegan's nephew Bran.

"A Christmas Spirit" by Cindy Miles

Paige MacDonald doesn't know what possessed her to book a self-driving tour of the North West Highlands in December. When her car breaks down in the middle of a snowstorm, Paige takes refuge at the Gorloch B&B, a castle inhabited by the most unusual of Highlanders.

Gabriel Munro can't believe the innkeepers left him alone for the holidays. He was sure the weather would keep visitors away, but he can't very well turn out a woman in the middle of a blizzard. Especially not a woman as tempting as Paige. But what will Paige say when she learns that the man she is trapped in the castle with is a ghost?

Spirits have never been so sexy as in this enchanting story by Cindy Miles. "A Christmas Spirit" is my favorite story in this anthology; it's both charming and unique. I liked Paige immensely. She's intelligent, hardworking, and not used to a man practically falling all over himself for her. As for Gabriel, he's a Highland ghost worth sighing over (and I admit I did).

"A Christmas Spirit" is the first story I've read by Ms. Miles, but it won't be the last. Characters from Ms. Miles's Highland Knight appear in this tale and I liked them so much I want to go back and their story.

A Highlander Christmas features stories that span over nearly three hundred years. The only connection between each tale is the heroines' pin. I enjoyed the concept and the progression through time and each story featured its protagonists overcoming seemingly impossible odds to be together. A Highlander Christmas was a satisfying anthology, perfect for curling up with on a cold winter's night.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I enjoyed all three of these stories, even though it was necessary to suspend belief and consider that ghosts and shapeshifters and magical pins are quite possible. This was especially true in "A Christmas Spirit" as the outcome is pretty glossed over and you are never given any indication how it was possible or how it was even accomplished.

If you are looking for a read that is truly "magical" this Holiday...and one that doesnt' focus on the Christian take on the season...then this book is for you! A great story for those who are looking for more of a Yule story than a Christmas one.

I'm a fan of Cindy Miles and bought this anthology because of her. Ms. Miles once again proves her artistic worth with "A Christmas Spirit" delivering believable characters that I love to empathize with as well as a wonderful story that leaves me wishing it were longer or I had another to follow up with!
I was ecstatic however, to discover a new favorite author in Sophie Renwick. Her story, "Yuletide Enchantment" really shines! If you are into the beauty of Celtic myths and legend, and want a well crafted story with some of the best love scenes I've read in a long time, then you will not be disappointed.
If you love Highlander stories, and especially Highlander paranormals, you will not be disappointed!!

A Highlander Christmas

By Cindy Miles, Dawn Halliday and Sophie Renwick

Dawn Halliday's Winter Heat - - When Logan Douglas rescues Maggie MacDonald in the middle of a Highland blizzard, he had no idea his life is changed forever. But will he be able to keep her when her fiancé steps back into the picture?

Sophie Renwick's Yuletide Enchantment - - When Isobel MacDonald saves the life of a white stag in the forest near her home, she has no clue that she will soon be swept into a world like none she has ever encountered. When she falls in love with Prince Daegan, will their two worlds allow a love that was destined to be?

Cindy Miles's A Christmas Spirit - - Stranded in a raging snowstorm, Maggie MacDonald has no idea what to expect when she finds her way to an eerie castle. When she falls in love with its ghostly inhabitant, will the deeds done by her ancestors keep them apart?


Review for A Christmas Spirit

Page MacDonald is a modern day woman and a curator for a museum. Unable to stand another lonely holiday, she sets out to find a way to keep herself busy. Getting out of the city, she ventures into the Norwest Highlands on a self driving tour. Unfortunately, Mother Nature isn't cooperating and she finds herself hopelessly lost in the middle of a snowstorm. When her car breaks down on a snowy side road, she's lucky to make her way to a light off in the distance. When she catches site of the looming castle, she starts doubting how lucky she actually is. Then when she meets the haunting proprietor, she wonders if she should have taken a chance on surviving the freezing weather.

Gabriel Munro is a twelfth century ghost, cursed to haunt the place of his death. Life goes on around him as he is forced to accept his fate in the world. That is until Page MacDonald barges into the castle and disrupts everything he's ever known. Slowly, he begins to let the stubborn woman into his heart; until he finds out that she is one of `those' MacDonalds, a descendant of the man who killed him.

This is a fun, touching story! I was thoroughly enchanted by the ghostly kisses that are far more sensual that some of the loves scenes I've read over the years. Cindy Miles does an awesome job of creating love stories that span the centuries and brings couples together that never would have met otherwise.

This was an awesome trio of stories linked together by a unique family pin passed down from generation to generation of MacDonald women. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some light, easy stories. Although the book is a quick read, the stories are so touching that they will stick with you long after you finish.

Great job, ladies!

Usually, I don't rate anthologies very high-- average rating, about a 3.5 or so is common for me. But with Highlander Christmas, there was no doubt in my mind that it would receive a 5 Star rating when I finished the last page!

When you get three very talented, very popular authors together, and have their stories all published in one book, you're sure to get one spectacular novel out of the deal. And with Highlander Christmas, that's what happened!

I don't even know where to begin-- all three stories were great, and I so loved reading each and every one!

Dawn's story, the first in the novel, could quite possibly be my all-time favorite of the three, if I had to choose. I almost forgot that her story was supposed to be a novella, part of an anthology, and therefore shorter in pages than usual-- you can't even tell! Why? Because the characters came alive in the pages, flourished and developed, and the connection, the love, between hero and heroine was clearly there, and very well done. Something that, usually, can be a bit challenging to accomplish in a shortened novel.

But Dawn, well, I already knew from her previous work that she could do it, and once again she managed to grab me from page one, and wrap the magic of her story-telling around me until the very end. Touching, passionate, and witty, I loved her "Winter Heat", which will definitely help to keep a reader warm during the upcoming winter evenings, snuggled up by the fire with this book! *Wink*


Next up was Sophie's "Yuletide Enchantment". Now, I've not yet read any of Sophie's contemporary romances, but I've been anxiously awaiting her upcoming paranormal series-- and this short novel is a bit of a prequel, I guess you could call it, for said series.

After reading this one, my mind was still a bit numb-- wow! I thought the plot/theme alone was very unique, not the usual ones filling the shelves today, and the story flowed nicely-- again, I almost couldn't tell it was a novella instead of a full length! The only problem, if you could call it that, is that the story teased me, leaving off at the end, and torturing me until the first novel, Velvet Haven, comes out this next year! *Cries* Otherwise, the characters were well done (and the hero, by the way, is very yummy!), there was plenty of romance, action, and a good dash of magic to captivate the reader!


The last story was Cindy's "A Christmas Spirit". I've read one of her books before, and I did enjoy it, so I had a fairly good idea of what to expect in this one-- and again, I wasn't disappointed. Although, to be honest, out of the three I would have to say this one would receive my lowest rating on it's own (but no lower than 4 stars, if that!), it was only because I didn't quiet feel the pull between the hero and heroine in her story. It was there, but it felt like it was a bit, well, rushed, like most novellas, and it only came in stronger at the very end. But I do enjoy her writing still, I always find a few witty areas and more than a few "Aw!" ones as well.

5 STARS! Over all, these three well-known authors worked their magic over the reader, pulling them in, and holding them in thrall until the very end. Wonderful, enchanting, and passionately written, these three paranormal Christmas novellas will leave you wanting only one thing: the hero to have as your own! Move over, fated heroines, you're going to have competition soon!

It's not often that I enjoy all three novellas in an anthology equally, however this was the case with "A Highlander Christmas". As it's title indicates each story takes place over the Yuletide season and has a larger than life `Highlander' hero. Also each of the heroines is of Scottish heritage and is of the `MacDonald' clan. What I really liked though was each tale had a fantasy element that was in it's own way unique. I had the impression these authors must have collaborated extensively and worked well together.

Winter Heat by Dawn Halliday

On a bitterly cold winter's night "Maggie MacDonald", is kidnapped at knifepoint by the brutal, drunken, and cruel "Innes Munroe". A blizzard is approaching and Maggie knows not where they are headed this feisty heroine is intent on escaping before Innes beats her and most certainly rapes here. With her bound hands Maggie manages to dislodge her special clan brooch, a gift from her mother and uses it to stab the drunkard in a particularly sensitive area and make her escape. However, now she is lost in the wood, the blizzard has moved in and she is wandering, and surely will freeze to death.

Meanwhile "Logan Douglas", a Highland soldier returning from the battle of Sheriffmuir is trudging across the Highlands making his way north to his brother's home. His brother died at Sheriffmuir and Logan is now the eldest and duty bound to care for his brother's widow and children. Logan himself suffered a bayonet wound to his leg in the battle. He finds a small cabin, which is well stocked with wood and food, and so with the storm raging he takes shelter in the little cabin for the night.

At dawn Logan leaves the cabin as he found it and begins to make his way downhill when a shimmering object catches his eye, as he approaches he sees a small bauble in the snow with a cascade of color glittering around it. Logan then hears a moan and finds Maggie nearly frozen to death curled up in the snow.

Logan takes Maggie back to the cabin and cares for her until she regains consciousness and her health. The signs of abuse on her face and body from Innes' ill treatment enrage him. Once Maggie is stronger and she discovers Logan's wound, which is now festering, she takes care of him. As another blizzard moves in shrouding the little cabin in swirling snow, Maggie and Logan at first share stories of their lives and what has happened to them. Maggie, a widow is inexorably drawn to the handsome Highlander and he desires her, their relationship quickly turns passionate. It is also the Yule so they spend this special time of year together.

Maggie is most distraught because she lost her broach, a family heirloom and unknown to her holds a touch of magic that you will have to learn about by reading the story. They search but are unable to find it, at least initialy. Logan too has a special possession and it was foretold it would guide him to his special someone.

They stay longer in the mountain cabin then necessary but do make their way down to Maggie's home and uncertainty. You see young Torean, Maggie's cousin is Laird of their clan and he has promised her to Innes as a means to bind the families together. While Logan is intent to continue home and assume his responsibilities to his brother's family and land, he isn't about to leave Maggie to be subjected to more of Innes' brutality.

Ms. Halliday penned a plot twist to this story involving Torean and Logan. Torean actually turns out to be quite a clever character. The question is can Maggie and Logan overcome family obstacles to be together? And, will Maggie be spared the horrors of a life with Innes?

I've read paranormal and contemporary stories penned by Dawn Halliday and always liked her voice. "Winter Heat", is no exception.

Yuletide Enchantment by Sophie Renwick

Isobel first saw the `White Hart' (a giant white stag) at the young age of 6 when he was drinking from the loch on a midsummer's day. He then appeared again when she was 13, on the day of her mother's funeral. The stag stood on a hilltop and watched them through the thick mist that shrouded the graveyard. When Isobel was 16 she raced on her new mount and had taken a fall. He was there then too and she had always felt a mystical connection to him.

It is December 20, 1869, and "Isobel MacDonald", has returned to MacDonald Hall with her family to celebrate the Christmas season. Her brother Ewan sees the Hart watching them from a distance and decides he is going to hunt the great stag down and kill him to be mounted on their father's wall. Despite advice from their retainer Alistair that the Sidhe (pronounced Shee) from the Otherworld (Annwyn) were in abundance in the woodlands, and the Hart was a warning, Ewan, Stuart and the Earl of St. Clair go off to hunt him down. Isobel chases after her brother and following a harrowing scene, the great Hart is wounded and thunders back into the woods. It is during a heated exchange with her brother that Isobel learns she is betrothed to the Earl of St. Clair, a man she has no interest in.

Daegan Prince of the Sidhe, makes the swift change from stag to man, he is writhing in agony, clutching the iron tipped arrow that is spreading poison into his blood. Cailleach, the supreme goddess, though frothing at the mouth angry, uses her magic to save him. Daegan is the next in line to be King of the Sidhe and he is Cailleach's consort. Daegan has loved Isobel for all her life, waiting for her to grow to a woman. She is now 21 and he is determined to have her as his own. Cailleach makes it clear there is no room in the Sidhe world of Annwyn for a mortal, and there will be dire consequences if he disregards her warning. The Sidhe of this story wield a great magical power and while Daegan is a force to be reckoned with, Cailleach has the ability to take a Sidhe's power away and punish them.

Isobel is able to escape her family's festivities and seeks out Daegan who is in form of the stag in the forest. They have an enchanted exchange and even though it is winter and cold outside, Isobel feels warm air wafting against her face and hears Daegan's gentle voice on the wind asking her to stay with him. He then visits her in a dream and gradually draws her into his world where they make love. Ms. Renwick has a very sensuous voice that swirls around a reader. The magic wielded by the handsome hero of this story made me think of a fairy tale.

Readers are also introduced to the enigmatic cynical Bran who shifts into a raven. Bran is of Unseelie blood a descendent of the mighty warriors of the race. Bran, like Daegan, is magnificent, however he is quite a different character in that he is quite dark and brooding. He also has heterchromia or two different colored irises making his stare appear even more intense. Daegan knows what Bran's Achilles heel is and strikes a bargain to help him if he will see Isobel home safely when she leaves the forest that first time.

Isobel and Daegan seem to have almost insurmountable obstacles keeping them from their HEA. However at the end of the day, Ms Renwick does pen quite an intresting climax to their story as both Daegan and Bran must make a significant sacrifice.

I am really looking forward to reading Bran's story "Velvet Haven", to be released March 2, 2010.

A Christmas Spirit by Cindy Miles

Paige MacDonald, a lonely American tourist misses the turnoff to Inverness, Scotland. It is December present day and she decided she didn't want to spend another Christmas alone. Paige is caught in a snowstorm and the rental car she is driving is about to sigh its last breath. Just as she is about to hit the panic button she sees a sign for the Gorloch B&B and turns up the lane where the car does die. At first no one answers her knock at what is an ancient stone fortress. Then a rather abrupt surely voice with a heavy Scottish brogue, at first tells her there is no vacancy, however he then concedes when it is obvious she is about to freeze to death.

"Gabriel Munro", is impossibly tall, broad, and muscular with long dark hair pulled back at the nape, and he is a ghost. Gabriel masks his actual appearance initially but when Paige sees him wearing a kilt, boots and a sword, and she falls through him, she runs in fear from the house. He chases her, but she trips and falls through him. It really is a comedy of errors and I have to say Gabriel, despite his `state' is quite humorous. Paige is dazed for a few minutes but Gabriel does manage to rouse her and get her back to the house so she can tend to her bleeding nose and come to grips with his ghostly form.

It turns out Gabriel Munro was murdered, he believes by a member of the Gorloch Clan MacDonald in the very house he haunts in the 12th century. Gabriel's hatred for that clan runs deep, however he doesn't think or believe the lovely Paige is one of "those MacDonald's", when in reality she is a descendent and wears the clan pin on a necklace.

Paige and Gabriel spend a wonderful, happy few days together and he conjures a beautiful Christmas setting for her. Both of them feel happier then ever before in their lives. Then Gabriel discovers the clan pin and in his anger sends poor Paige packing, she is desolate. However, when visiting the shops in Inverness Paige meets a remarkable man who is the image of Gabriel. It seems there is more than one Munro living in Inverness and this is when things really get interesting.

Cindy Miles is a new to me author; however this will not be the last story penned by her that I read. I would love to read more about the clan Munro, maybe she will write a sequel.

I purchased the book to read Cindy Mile's book as I missed it when it first came out. As usual, her book was great. The story was interesting and the characters believable, at least if you love these types of books as I do. I'm so glad that her books use characters from other books to continue the story line.

I admit I have only skimmed the other two stories. They appear to be interesting and I plan to read them over the Christmas holidays when I have time. Appropriate too.

received book in time stated. book is in almost perfect condition which am pleased about. stories were interesting and have given pleasure in reading about Scottish based adventures

I bought this book for the Cindy Miles story, and I liked it the best. "Winter Heat" by Dawn Halliday was interesting and I liked the characters, but not quite my cup of tea. "Yuletide Enchantment" by Sophie Renwick was a bit too fantasy for me, and kind of frustrating. To be honest, I just skimmed through it. "A Christmas Spirit" by Cindy Miles had her usual spirit/time travel element, which I enjoy. I also really liked how she tied in some characters from one of her previous books. I really liked it.

My book came in on Friday and I started reading it and I could not put it down. I read the whole book over the weekend. I liked every story equally. It was a great holiday book and anyone that likes the highlander type romance novels will love this book. I think it would make a great gift. All three authors are great and I have read books from all three.