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A Highlander for Christmas
Originally published by Avon Books under the title THE PERFECT GIFT.
ONE STRONG WOMAN
When American jewelry expert Maggie Kincade arrives at Draycott Abbey, she's stunned to feel as if the abbey's weathered stone walls are somehow…familiar. To her surprise, the hauntingly beautiful English manor soothes her troubled soul. But her peace is shattered by the arrival of a tall, rugged Scotsman who claims he's been sent to protect her. From the start, Maggie bristles under his keen scrutiny--yet the slightest brush of his hand stirs odd dreams and strange memories, in her heart and soul...
A HIGHLAND HERO WITH AN UNWAVERING CODE OF HONOR
Rugged Scotsman Jared MacNeil arrives at the hauntingly beautiful abbey under protest, vowing this security assignment will be his very last. Only he knows of the unbreakable curse that haunts all MacNeil men. But Jared is enchanted by the stubborn American assigned to his care. Beneath Maggie's fragile bravado he senses a woman desperately in need of help. Despite all his honorable vows, Maggie intrigues him, and a brief kiss enflames dangerous feelings... that almost could be memories.
Then an old danger stalks Maggie to the high hills of Scotland, and Jared must call in old ghostly protectors. He will move heaven and earth to keep Maggie safe, even if the curse of his Highland visions warn that he will be too late.
Includes a bonus Shirley, Goodness and Mercy mini tale by Debbie Macomber.
ONE STRONG WOMAN
When American jewelry expert Maggie Kincade arrives at Draycott Abbey, she's stunned to feel as if the abbey's weathered stone walls are somehow…familiar. To her surprise, the hauntingly beautiful English manor soothes her troubled soul. But her peace is shattered by the arrival of a tall, rugged Scotsman who claims he's been sent to protect her. From the start, Maggie bristles under his keen scrutiny--yet the slightest brush of his hand stirs odd dreams and strange memories, in her heart and soul...
A HIGHLAND HERO WITH AN UNWAVERING CODE OF HONOR
Rugged Scotsman Jared MacNeil arrives at the hauntingly beautiful abbey under protest, vowing this security assignment will be his very last. Only he knows of the unbreakable curse that haunts all MacNeil men. But Jared is enchanted by the stubborn American assigned to his care. Beneath Maggie's fragile bravado he senses a woman desperately in need of help. Despite all his honorable vows, Maggie intrigues him, and a brief kiss enflames dangerous feelings... that almost could be memories.
Then an old danger stalks Maggie to the high hills of Scotland, and Jared must call in old ghostly protectors. He will move heaven and earth to keep Maggie safe, even if the curse of his Highland visions warn that he will be too late.
Includes a bonus Shirley, Goodness and Mercy mini tale by Debbie Macomber.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2015
183 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Christina Skye
61 books342 followersAKA Roberta Helmer
Roberta Helmer is an American writer of Chinese art and culture and as Christina Skye is a best-selling USA Today and Publishers Weekly writer of over 23 romance novels. Her romance book have been translated into 8 languages.
Roberta Helmer was born in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., an is a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Adam Helmer. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a doctorate in classical Chinese literature at Ohio State University, where she learned to speak fluent Chinese, French, and Japanese. Later, she worked as translator and as a consultant to the National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History. She lived in on the western slopes of McDowell Mountains in Arizona.
Roberta Helmer is an American writer of Chinese art and culture and as Christina Skye is a best-selling USA Today and Publishers Weekly writer of over 23 romance novels. Her romance book have been translated into 8 languages.
Roberta Helmer was born in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., an is a descendant of Revolutionary War hero Adam Helmer. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a doctorate in classical Chinese literature at Ohio State University, where she learned to speak fluent Chinese, French, and Japanese. Later, she worked as translator and as a consultant to the National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History. She lived in on the western slopes of McDowell Mountains in Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 16, 2016
Great
This is a new author for me. I loved the suspense, the paranormal and also the love story. I would have liked to have seen what Maggie thought about the old necklace that she was suppose to restore and I would also have liked to see her and Jared come to conclusion that they knew each other in a past life and for them tell one another about the dreams each one was having. Is Maggie a relative of Nicholas? It was understood that she was, but it was never brought up between her and Nicholas. I would like to have seen more things explained.
This is a new author for me. I loved the suspense, the paranormal and also the love story. I would have liked to have seen what Maggie thought about the old necklace that she was suppose to restore and I would also have liked to see her and Jared come to conclusion that they knew each other in a past life and for them tell one another about the dreams each one was having. Is Maggie a relative of Nicholas? It was understood that she was, but it was never brought up between her and Nicholas. I would like to have seen more things explained.
November 19, 2016
Good story
This storyline showed so much promise. The suspense could have been stronger and the love between our hero and heroine .could have been much more passionate with less emphasis on their sexual relationship. A little more build up to the finale would have been interesting. I loved Adrian and Gideon and the people of Glenbrae. Overall it was a good read.
This storyline showed so much promise. The suspense could have been stronger and the love between our hero and heroine .could have been much more passionate with less emphasis on their sexual relationship. A little more build up to the finale would have been interesting. I loved Adrian and Gideon and the people of Glenbrae. Overall it was a good read.
November 10, 2013
A Highlander for Christmas by Christina Skye is a Steel Magnolia Press publication. For those looking for this book on Goodreads, you might want to search for "The Perfect Gift" , which was the original title.
Maggie Kincaid's life has been a rollercoaster ride for the last seven months. Her father, Daniel, died in a plane crash amid rumors he was a jewel thief. Maggie got left with his debts and with the media hounding her every move.
Jared MacNeill was adjusting to life after having gone through an experience that not many people would have survived. He was also "gifted" as a psychic. The bad thing was he had foreseen his own death.
Now he is working for Nicholas Draycott, and his assignment is Maggie Kincaid. Is Maggie like her father, a jewel thief? Jared is to keep an eye on her and keep the media off her trail as well.
Maggie was so excited to be chosen to work on the Draycott jewel exhibit. London would be the perfect thing to keep her mind from her sorrow. She didn't count on the situation at the Abbey, the vivid dreams, and her intense attraction to Jared.
"Newsflash, MacNeill: there are no princes. There are only princesses with bad eyesight and frogs who are excellent at concealing the extent of their imperfections."
Maggie doesn't get to work on her jewelry designs as much as she would like. Rumors begin to circulate that her father may not be dead after all and someone is trying to scare Maggie, or worse, trying to kill her.
She and Jared both have a feeling they are being followed and watched.
"Fear was meant to grow, feeding on itself, until Jared and Maggie watched for shadows of their own invention."
As Jared, fearing his own death is approaching, finds it harder to resist the very persistent Maggie, they also find a haunting presence guiding them along.
Will the Abbey's magic and the spirit of Christmas help Maggie and Jared find their happy ever after?
This was a actually a fairy complex romance novel. There was action, intrigue, comedy, suspense, mystery, hot romance, and paranormal activities all rolled up into one novel, not to mention a slight Christmas atmosphere.
Draycott Abbey is still as mysterious and charming as always. This one is an A.
Maggie Kincaid's life has been a rollercoaster ride for the last seven months. Her father, Daniel, died in a plane crash amid rumors he was a jewel thief. Maggie got left with his debts and with the media hounding her every move.
Jared MacNeill was adjusting to life after having gone through an experience that not many people would have survived. He was also "gifted" as a psychic. The bad thing was he had foreseen his own death.
Now he is working for Nicholas Draycott, and his assignment is Maggie Kincaid. Is Maggie like her father, a jewel thief? Jared is to keep an eye on her and keep the media off her trail as well.
Maggie was so excited to be chosen to work on the Draycott jewel exhibit. London would be the perfect thing to keep her mind from her sorrow. She didn't count on the situation at the Abbey, the vivid dreams, and her intense attraction to Jared.
"Newsflash, MacNeill: there are no princes. There are only princesses with bad eyesight and frogs who are excellent at concealing the extent of their imperfections."
Maggie doesn't get to work on her jewelry designs as much as she would like. Rumors begin to circulate that her father may not be dead after all and someone is trying to scare Maggie, or worse, trying to kill her.
She and Jared both have a feeling they are being followed and watched.
"Fear was meant to grow, feeding on itself, until Jared and Maggie watched for shadows of their own invention."
As Jared, fearing his own death is approaching, finds it harder to resist the very persistent Maggie, they also find a haunting presence guiding them along.
Will the Abbey's magic and the spirit of Christmas help Maggie and Jared find their happy ever after?
This was a actually a fairy complex romance novel. There was action, intrigue, comedy, suspense, mystery, hot romance, and paranormal activities all rolled up into one novel, not to mention a slight Christmas atmosphere.
Draycott Abbey is still as mysterious and charming as always. This one is an A.
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December 31, 20134 stars
AKA The Perfect Gift in the Draycott Abbey series. This is the book that started it for me, because I got it as a freebie Kindle book. However, I didn't finish it until after I'd read the other books in the series that I could get my hands on. I always like to try to read books in the proper order, because you never know who turns up as characters or what plot points are spoiled. And Ms. Skye has the habit of including such things (even as cameos) in her stories. So when I started to read this book and discovered Hope and Ronan and then the 3 weird sisters in the cottage, I decided to back up.
Delightful! I love jewelry, so the intricacies and detail about Maggie's jewelry making and her visions really thrilled me. And we get another side to the Asian drug lord (Trang) and Thailand story that involved Nicholas - or at least, we can understand why Nicholas did what he did to free Jared MacNeill. Once again, we have the rugged, ex-Commander - the Highland hero!
Being one of her later books in this series, I could see how Ms. Skye's characters in the series and her writing about them and suspenseful romantic paranormal plots got better and better.
Really superb modern Highlander romance with the suspenseful/paranormal twist and several of the most colorful characters from the series!
AKA The Perfect Gift in the Draycott Abbey series. This is the book that started it for me, because I got it as a freebie Kindle book. However, I didn't finish it until after I'd read the other books in the series that I could get my hands on. I always like to try to read books in the proper order, because you never know who turns up as characters or what plot points are spoiled. And Ms. Skye has the habit of including such things (even as cameos) in her stories. So when I started to read this book and discovered Hope and Ronan and then the 3 weird sisters in the cottage, I decided to back up.
Delightful! I love jewelry, so the intricacies and detail about Maggie's jewelry making and her visions really thrilled me. And we get another side to the Asian drug lord (Trang) and Thailand story that involved Nicholas - or at least, we can understand why Nicholas did what he did to free Jared MacNeill. Once again, we have the rugged, ex-Commander - the Highland hero!
Being one of her later books in this series, I could see how Ms. Skye's characters in the series and her writing about them and suspenseful romantic paranormal plots got better and better.
Really superb modern Highlander romance with the suspenseful/paranormal twist and several of the most colorful characters from the series!
April 22, 2017
This story had everything: paranormal, mystery, thriller, romance - and still, it was slow reading until about the second half. Somehow, all the "ingredients" did not seem to mix properly, it was as if the author kept them separated. In the second half, however, the pace picked up, and everything came together just right and more fluent.
It may be because this is not the first book in the series, I think, and I may have been missing parts from previous books. But then - shouldn't the author have hinted, or rather, summarised very shortly if previous events were necessary for understanding?
Nothing could save the punctuation and spelling in this book, though - it was awful, sorry to say. Commas and fullstops were missing, giving sentences a slightly different meaning than the author inteded, I'd reckon. "He" instad of "Her" did not help either. For me, issues like this are a big minus in reading a book, as they interrupt the fluency.
All in all, however, it was quite enjoyable, and I would not mind to get my hands on the previous books in this series.
It may be because this is not the first book in the series, I think, and I may have been missing parts from previous books. But then - shouldn't the author have hinted, or rather, summarised very shortly if previous events were necessary for understanding?
Nothing could save the punctuation and spelling in this book, though - it was awful, sorry to say. Commas and fullstops were missing, giving sentences a slightly different meaning than the author inteded, I'd reckon. "He" instad of "Her" did not help either. For me, issues like this are a big minus in reading a book, as they interrupt the fluency.
All in all, however, it was quite enjoyable, and I would not mind to get my hands on the previous books in this series.
November 19, 2016
This was better than I expected, if only for the lush descriptives like the opening passage. The romance stuff was predictable but the international intrigue fleshed it out.
One thing that really bothered me was an ignorant comment by the butler to the jeweler about whether she used flux or solder to make her pieces. That exchange showed a complete lack of knowledge and research. Even a plumber can tell you that flux is the substance you lay down first to help the solder flow. It's not one or the other, and flux by itself doesn't join shit. Just a weird paragraph that had me wondering if I should even continue but thankfully, the story took over and I was distracted enough not to notice if there were any others. I'd hope any wannabe bomb defusers wouldn't use this as a how-to manual, either, though.
One thing that really bothered me was an ignorant comment by the butler to the jeweler about whether she used flux or solder to make her pieces. That exchange showed a complete lack of knowledge and research. Even a plumber can tell you that flux is the substance you lay down first to help the solder flow. It's not one or the other, and flux by itself doesn't join shit. Just a weird paragraph that had me wondering if I should even continue but thankfully, the story took over and I was distracted enough not to notice if there were any others. I'd hope any wannabe bomb defusers wouldn't use this as a how-to manual, either, though.
November 6, 2013
Jared MacNeil is a former Royal Marine who has seen too much of life and death, including his own. He has a "GIFT" that has been handed down through the ages, that he doesn't want and makes him wary of even getting close to anyone much less touching them. Maggie Kincade is a true artist who has been dealt too many blows, with the debts and scandal left by the death of her famous jeweler/artist father. Jared is sent to check out Maggie and see if he thinks she's innocent of the charges against her father to deliver an offer she can't refuse, or can she? There's an instant connection between Jared and Maggie, will it save either, both, or destroy them?
December 9, 2016
A multi layered paranormal romance that will keep you guessing!
Jared is one though guy. Special forces have shaped him into the man he has become. Additionally his gift adds a layer of complexity to both the man and his life. As a favor to his friend he has found himself the protector of Maggie an artist who works wonders with her mediums of metal and gems. Maggie's father and her mentor is presumed dead in a plane crash but no body is found, only his passport. Maggie's father is rumored to have disappeared with missing gems. There are many twists and turns to their story as it unfolds. I recommend this story, its a good read.
Jared is one though guy. Special forces have shaped him into the man he has become. Additionally his gift adds a layer of complexity to both the man and his life. As a favor to his friend he has found himself the protector of Maggie an artist who works wonders with her mediums of metal and gems. Maggie's father and her mentor is presumed dead in a plane crash but no body is found, only his passport. Maggie's father is rumored to have disappeared with missing gems. There are many twists and turns to their story as it unfolds. I recommend this story, its a good read.
December 25, 2016
Making up my mind about how many stars to give the story wasn't easy. There were many things I enjoyed. The plot was interesting although repetitive at times. It included intrigue, action, spiciness and romance. The aspect of the jewelry-making was fascinating. Castles are always alluring.
What I can't understand is why there should be so many omissions in a book by a best-selling author. There were missing words but mostly missing punctuation marks, especially periods. In the end, that influenced the rating I gave. I was also looking forward to the exhibition but that fell through only to be hastily mentioned near the end.
What I can't understand is why there should be so many omissions in a book by a best-selling author. There were missing words but mostly missing punctuation marks, especially periods. In the end, that influenced the rating I gave. I was also looking forward to the exhibition but that fell through only to be hastily mentioned near the end.
November 8, 2018
3.75 stars
I had a few issues with this book but I liked it enough to finish it.
First-the length. It was just too long. Why was it too long?
Leads me to my number two reason-it was way too wordy! Especially when they were kissing, or doing more-there was too much talking! I kept thinking "No way would he be saying that right now". It's excessive wordiness reminded me of someone that just won't stop talking and I desperately want to leave the room but can't.
Third issue is kind of like the second. The dialogue, many times, was too unbelievable to me. At times it even got...cheesy. And towards the end, well, the way it played out was hard for me to believe.
I had a few issues with this book but I liked it enough to finish it.
First-the length. It was just too long. Why was it too long?
Leads me to my number two reason-it was way too wordy! Especially when they were kissing, or doing more-there was too much talking! I kept thinking "No way would he be saying that right now". It's excessive wordiness reminded me of someone that just won't stop talking and I desperately want to leave the room but can't.
Third issue is kind of like the second. The dialogue, many times, was too unbelievable to me. At times it even got...cheesy. And towards the end, well, the way it played out was hard for me to believe.
November 15, 2016
Mesmerizing!
This one was a little different then the books I usually read. Sure there were ghosts, ancient stories, and magic in the air plus a whole strew of characters that demanded recognition, but having not read the Draycott series I was left to only read on. Still, the story of Maggie Kincaid & Jared MacNiell kept me enthralled through it all with a mystery, magnetism, a love to be discovered & near death experiences to follow. If you enjoy this sort of story then you'll definitely like this book!
This one was a little different then the books I usually read. Sure there were ghosts, ancient stories, and magic in the air plus a whole strew of characters that demanded recognition, but having not read the Draycott series I was left to only read on. Still, the story of Maggie Kincaid & Jared MacNiell kept me enthralled through it all with a mystery, magnetism, a love to be discovered & near death experiences to follow. If you enjoy this sort of story then you'll definitely like this book!
March 2, 2018
Jared was a great hero, although flawed. But this made more for us to love about him. Maggie is a talented jewelry expert. She knows how to mix colors and materials to make masterpieces. What does she make of Jared? Add a few ghosts and paranormal experiences to the mix, Maggie's presumed dead father, some missing gems, lots of English and Scottish scenery, international bad guys and a stray dog named Max. (There's also a ghost cat!!!!!) This book has all of that and some steamy love scenes.
What doesn't this book have???? A dull moment!!!!
What doesn't this book have???? A dull moment!!!!
December 1, 2016
A Highlander for Christmas
It doesn't get any better than the Draycott Abbey series. Mystery, romance, thrills, and a few ghosts make up these books. The author incorporates a bit of history too. Add Scottish heroes and more. I enjoyed this book and the others I've read in this series and look forward to reading more of her books.
It doesn't get any better than the Draycott Abbey series. Mystery, romance, thrills, and a few ghosts make up these books. The author incorporates a bit of history too. Add Scottish heroes and more. I enjoyed this book and the others I've read in this series and look forward to reading more of her books.
December 27, 2016
This is a great mystery, love story and Christmas story. The two main characters are Maggie and Jared. How they meet, how they affect each others lives and how they fall in love. I did have to pay attention at the end when you find out all the mystery and intrigue involved but it was such a good book.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for a Highlander.
Maybe I'm just a sucker for a Highlander.
December 19, 2014
A very good read by an author that is new to me. This was first published under the title "The Perfect Gift". This edition also had a very short story by Debbie Macomber! I enjoyed this story enough that I'm now checking out the others in this series.
December 11, 2016
Another Great Book
All the Draycott series are fab reads. This was especially interesting. We had a current life between two star crossed lovers that was painful and empty.This same couple had a tragic past life and Draycott wants to right all wrongs.
All the Draycott series are fab reads. This was especially interesting. We had a current life between two star crossed lovers that was painful and empty.This same couple had a tragic past life and Draycott wants to right all wrongs.
December 30, 2016
A well crafted mystery
Four stars. At times the story moved slowly, and I was confounded that Maggie's hair changed colors, but overall the magic and passion carried me through. I will be reading another in the series.
Four stars. At times the story moved slowly, and I was confounded that Maggie's hair changed colors, but overall the magic and passion carried me through. I will be reading another in the series.
January 31, 2017
A new couple comes to Draycott
A warrior Scotsman and an jewelry designing American, a puppy, a dead father (or is he?), and the Draycotts. Including Gideon!
A very interesting, fast moving plot and an interesting couple.
Well worth reading.
A warrior Scotsman and an jewelry designing American, a puppy, a dead father (or is he?), and the Draycotts. Including Gideon!
A very interesting, fast moving plot and an interesting couple.
Well worth reading.
December 6, 2020
Jared is taking this last job for his friend Nicholas. Jared's life is over as he sees it after his stay in box 225. Maggie's father has been proclaimed dead and she has had to bear the brunt of investigations and reports of jewel crimes. Will these two lower their defenses for Christmas?
December 26, 2013
Slow start
Slow start to the book. Once you got into the book it was better. Not her best book. But I still enjoyed it.
Slow start to the book. Once you got into the book it was better. Not her best book. But I still enjoyed it.
September 12, 2016
LOVED IT!!!! :)
December 31, 2013
A fun read. Nothing special.
January 28, 2014
A fun read, typical of Christina Skye -- it had been a while since I'd read her other Draycott books, and it was a pleasant return.
December 17, 2014
By the time I got around to reading it, I forgot it was contemporary. The cover lead me to believe it was historical. Not a big fan of ghost elements. Not a terrible read but not for me.
January 5, 2015
Great Holiday Read
Enjoyed this wonderful holiday story. I can tell by the characters the books leading to this one are just as exciting. One of my new favorites.
Enjoyed this wonderful holiday story. I can tell by the characters the books leading to this one are just as exciting. One of my new favorites.
January 12, 2015
Almost done with my light, happy reading for the holidays, another mystery romance solved.
November 13, 2016
The characters and plot kept me going and I liked it.
November 14, 2016
Interesting premise but why when attacked more than once do these people think there is nothing to it? And I would rather have hot steamy sex than read about it.
November 18, 2016
Great mix of mystery and Scottish magic
Really enjoyed this one. The mystery kept me guessing and the magical part was very enjoyable. Didn't want to put it down.
Really enjoyed this one. The mystery kept me guessing and the magical part was very enjoyable. Didn't want to put it down.
November 18, 2016
Rather complicated
This book traveled back and forth between centuries, and ghosts. The storyline could have easily stayed in the present time.
This book traveled back and forth between centuries, and ghosts. The storyline could have easily stayed in the present time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews