The Highlander Who Stole Christmas

by Eliza Knight

For eight months, Thane Shaw has patiently waited to enact his revenge against the Campbells, and finally, he can't resist the opportunity that's presented itself: stealing their most precious treasure for his own—Lady Sarah.

Previously published in the A Very Highland Holiday anthology

Genres: Historical Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Novella

80 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2020

About the author

Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thane Shaw has bided his time for eight months waiting for a chance to have his revenge on Clan Campbell for the death of his twin sister. This Christmas season has finally presented the perfect opportunity: he can steal the old laird’s sister, Sarah.

When I realized this was a kidnap/revenge plot, I was unsure if I’d like it and thought it might be too much angst for what I feel like reading at the moment. Fortunately, that’s not how it turned out. Yes, Thane was out for revenge, but Sarah was in need of rescue and more than happy to go with him. I enjoyed these two working together and they fell in love quickly and with no fuss between them. Yes, it’s instalove, but it was perfect for this novella, and I loved that Sarah and Thane didn’t try to deny or avoid discussing their feelings. With this being set in such a turbulent, tragic time in Scottish history, it was difficult for it to truly feel festive, but it did leave me feeling hopeful and I appreciated that. This would be the perfect quick read if you’re an introvert like me and find yourself needing just a little break from holiday family time.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laird Thane Shaw is mad at the Campbell's because after the battle of Culloden, they let his twin sister be killed by dragoons. So he's after a little bit of revenge by kidnapping their lady, Sarah. What Thane doesn't realize is that Sarah has just learned about her brothers' duplicity and wanting to sell her off to the highest bidder, so she's actually looking to escape. And Thane's attempt to kidnap her is the perfect escape. They have a little bit of Thane's bitterness to work through if they're to make a decent team, but Sarah is so charming that Thane simply can't resist warming up to her.

This had a lot of potential I think, but suffered from being just too short. Things felt like they were on fast forward with hardly any angst or barrier between Thane and Sarah. She's a willing captive, he's enamored with his enemy and not fighting it much at all, they hop into bed really quickly (her partly motivated by the idea of being ruined and no longer worthy of auction to the highest bidder). Thane realizes what she's about, they talk it out and get back to the loving which felt, again, like it was on fast forward. I just wasn't feeling much of the passion between them. I was however, feeling a connection between them. It was clear they had a lot of common ground, a lot of common pain and that they were relying on each other to get through and heal each other. That was well done. The story between them ends kind of abruptly, without them even making a clear getaway, but they do get married and are presumably safe after that. Then the epilogue starts and we see what happens to her brothers and the rest of her clan. That was okay.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This curiously engaging and enjoyable enemies to lovers story grabbed my attention from the start. Although the story revolves around the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden with death, treachery, revenge and fear it becomes an endearing love story with two strong principal characters, Thane Shaw and Lady Sarah Campbell. My only quibble was with the “kidnapping” that was more an escape. This fit the storyline but was just a little easy for the plot movement considering the two clans animosity. All in all, this is a quick, fun and entertaining read on a cold winter night.

[Lisa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful enemies to lovers Christmas story. Thane Shaw is going to get revenge on the Campbells if its the last thing he does. What he doesn't realize is he is about to be thwarted by Lady Sarah Campbell. Sarah needs to escape her family and she decides Thane is the one to help. Loved these characters and the story is fresh and entertaining. Highly recommend.

[Deb Diem · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Highlander Who Stole Christmas is a quick historical romance by Eliza Knight. This is a very quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Knight has delivered a well-written book loaded with fantastic characters. Thane is off to get revenge over his sister's murder. Sarah overhears her brothers discussing her marriage and must run before that can happen. Thane and Sarah's story is packed with drama, humor and spice. I enjoyed this book and look forward to my next book by Eliza Knight.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally read as part of the A Very Highland Holiday anthology, which I received as an ARC from NetGalley

3 stars
The idea for this story and backstory for the characters were fantastic, but there just wasn’t enough conflict. Everything came so easily for our hero and heroine. It never felt like there was a question or possibility of things not working out for them. Obviously I want a happy ending, but at least a little conflict please.

(I wrote this review nearly a year ago, and wonder how my current “no plot just vibes” reading brain would react to this story)

[Carole Burant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. In the aftermath of the battle of Culloden when so many Scots were annihilated, one man seeks vengeance and revenge for the death of his beloved twin sister at the hands of another clan.

Thane plans on abducting the enemies’ sister but things don’t quite go according to plan. Not only does she willingly come with him, Sarah soon has his heart and love. Together they right the wrong that’s been done.

Eliza Knight writes so well and her stories never disappoint.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For eight months, Thane Shaw has patiently waited to enact his revenge against the Campbells, and finally, he can't resist the opportunity that's presented itself: stealing their most precious treasure for his own—Lady Sarah.
The gist of the story is that they are together for a good while.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting quick read. Thane wanted revenge. Sarah wanted safety. I enjoyed the closeness that grew between them quickly, and I truly enjoyed their honesty about things. Some horrible things had happened before the story that brought about the animosity between clans, and some of that description was within the story, but for the most part, this was a sweet tale of falling in love.

I received this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect way to end 2020. I have only read one of Eliza Knight's books before (The Rebel Wears Plaid) and loved the hell out of it, so I figured that I'd enjoy this one too. (Note to self: raid the author's backlist and read read read). Knight does historical fiction so well; the reader gets a great feel of post-Culloden Scotland, and yet there is hope too.

The novella is short and therefore the characters fall into instalove, but at the same time, considering all of the traumatic things they had gone through in the past year (Culloden, Thane's twin sister Thea being murdered, Sarah losing both her sister-in-law [Thea] and her beloved older brother [at Culloden], Sarah discovering her younger brothers want to sell her to the highest bidder [including possibly to an Englishman, which she dreads above all else], etc, etc), I didn't feel like it was rushed. They were two hurt people who clung to one another and made it work.

I'm usually not a fan of novellas, but this one was really good!

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this as part of a multi-author bundle called A VERY HIGHLAND HOLIDAY

This one is so touching! The H is after revenge for what the h's family did/didn't do for his sister. The h has discovered some unsettling news her brother's have planned for her. She decides she is going to save herself and makes a plan. The H has a plan and who knew they would end up helping each other.

My only complainant I wanted to see the reaction of her brother's when they discovered their sister missing. Where they close in catching up to them? Did they even try? I did like how the epilogue satisfied the revenge of the H.

The Chamber of Sorrows (says so much doesn't it), is part of each story. I wanted them both to discover some item from their families.

Lovemaking, barely outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and only described briefly once.

No cheating, HEA, little on romance but still they felt like they belonged together, nice epilogue and

a little spice. (ljb)

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thane Shaw is a laird bent on revenge. His twin sister, Thea, was held for ransom and then murdered when Sarah Campbell's brothers refused to pay. Thea was married to Sarah's older brother, Jon, who was killed in battle and her fate was left to the greedy, younger brothers.

Sarah was shocked to see Thane at her castle in disguise and was even more surprised when she discovered why he was there. She'd met Thane only once before, but knew he was her only hope.

This is a short, enjoyable novella that didn't take long to read. I liked Thane. I liked Sarah. I loved them together. He was a dreamboat; everything a girl could hope for. Big, handsome, judicious, and even kind. I liked that he treated her well. Sarah was deserving of kindness yet never expected it under the circumstances. She had an agenda of her own and was prepared to see it through, but wasn't counting on falling in love with him.

This is a feel-good story with some angst, steam, and a great ending.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an Intriguing fun story. Laird Thane Shaw has thought of nothing but revenge since his twin sister was killed.
Now it's time to put his plan to work. Little did he know what he was in for.
Lady Sarah Campbell always thought she was loved and wanted by her family, till she over hears a plot by two of her brothers to rid them of her !! She is shocked and knows she must run away but how??
When she finds the brother of her lost sister-in-law, she seeks to have his help. Not knowing he planned to kidnap her any why.. So, is it a kidnapping if the person helps ?? Could Thane be a savior instead ?
This is a quick read but so much fun with both of them finding out secrets of the other.
There is laughter, sadness, joy and repayment for the evil ones too. Just not what you would expect.
A very good story with lots of love and Christmas too.

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Grinch is played by Laird Th and Shaw but with more finesse. Grieving over the loss at Filled in and his twin sister's death, he heads to Campbell land to take from them for his sister.

Lady Sarah Campbell, playing Windy Lou, heard what her two brothers are about to do and plans an escape. She packs little to help his what she is doing.

When Thane arrived Sarah is elated but not for the same reason as Thane.
As the story unfolds these two give the Grinch story new meaning. They bring the joy of the season and justice a new outlet. Find out as the journey through the highlands.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thane Shaw Laird to his clan wants revenge for the death of his twin sister. He decides a sister for a sister sneak in during clan Campbell's Christmas festival and take Lady Sarah. When running into the lass she knows who he is and go willing since she was planning on running away that eve anyways. Sharing the pain of the loss oh her brother whom was married to Thane's sister. Brings some the warmth to his soul that he lost . Good book fast paced good short read

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved This Story!

Thane and Sarah all I can say is More More More!!!! I wanted to read about the brothers and how Thane got his revenge. This was such a fast read being a short book and all I want is it’s continuation. It ended way to fast. Thank you Eliza for this wonderful story. I can’t wait to read the next series. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sweet novella with a peppering of enemies-to-lovers at the most magical time of the year. The love interests are perfect for each other, and the love and affection they nurture heals their wounded hearts. Even in the midst of danger, they manage to blend in and see the softer shades dwelling within.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thane has his plan in place to get revenge for the death of his sister when she was part of the Campbell clan. His plan is to steal Sarah, the sister of the new lairds. He makes his way to their keep to do the deed on Christmas eve in the middle of their big party. He manages to bump into Sarah in the stables and she is more than willing to be kidnapped! Cute story with a great ending.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet and somewhat steamy tale of revenge and conflict and romance. The two main characters were appealing and had good chemistry. The story is not that historically accurate (the Campbell Clan fought for the King, not the jacobites and other little problems), but it made for a good tale. A short, sweet, Christmas story.

[Jeniver Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best from Eliza knight. It brought romance and chemistry between two people in very short time and satisfying. The main characters were sweets and handsome and the epilogue solved all the problem about the bad guys

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the characters and the idea behind the story was on point, but with it being a novella it just sped along quite to fast. It was a good short story, but probably would have been an amazing full length book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely feel good Christmas story highly recommended

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the chemistry between these two MCs.

[Sharon Olesen-Macleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable short read